I am so out of touch

With how much things cost, sometimes. I mean, the things I buy (or want to buy), I've got that covered (did you know that Australian navel oranges were a dollar EACH at Wegmans this week? Damn, that's expensive! But my girlies do love them some oranges, so Mama shelled it out for them).

Its the things that I assume are out of my league that fall off my radar. Like, I have no idea how much a brand new E class Mercedes cost, do you? I just know that I can't afford it.

So, when I read in a gossipy news site the other day that Fred Goldman had to return O.J. Simpson's watch because it was a fake, I thought, "how much could a fancy watch really cost that Mr. Big Shot Kills His Wife And Gets Away With It And Then Hides All Of His Money From The Families Who Won A Civil Suit Against Him can't shell out the bucks for a real one?" Well, apparently, a fancy watch can cost a darn lot of money. My big splurge before I started a higher-paying job at ZEFER, was shelling out $300 on a watch (for the record, I love that thing and have worn it faithfully for seven years, so I consider it $300 well-spent). That's nothing compared to the $65,000 (no, that third zero is not a typo) you can shell out for a Girard Perregaux watch.

As I said, I'm pretty ignorant (maybe blissfully so) of the wads of money that can be spent on things.

Note to self: don't go price-shopping for fancy cars or watches any time soon.

Exciting!

I'm not sure if I've noted it 'publicly' (to all six of my readers that is ;) ), but since early August, Evan has been striking out on his own professionally. Basically, his boss at the millwork shop kind of lost his marbles (well, actually, there's more to it than that...addiction issues, but I'll leave it pg for here) and that was just the kick in the pants that Evan needed to do what he's really wanted to do all along, or at least since finishing up with school: work for himself.

So, anyway, he's running a home based business, so to speak...making furniture, cabinetry and decorative millwork out of his workshop in our basement. He's had a few customers lined up, and thanks to a number of connections he's forged in the two years we've been here, more just keep coming out of the woodwork (no pun intended). He seems to have a nice pipeline of work ahead of him, which is great. And, more or less, it is all interesting pieces that he's excited to make, which is the best news of all.

But...the most exciting news is that one of the designers where he used to work put him in contact with a local architect whose 'schtick' is to sell craftsman style furniture to go along with his renovations. You can check out his work at http://www.richardbubnowskidesign.com (the site seems to work best in IE). Anyway, he is very interested in having Evan make a few of the pieces. This is potentially a very big deal, as the custom, one-off pieces are fun and interesting for Evan to make, but to have a steady demand of something like this is definitely the kind of bread and butter projects that he'll need to keep the business afloat.

So, I'm really excited. He's still in talks with him, so keep your fingers crossed. I really do think that the somewhat stressful events of this summer with his boss was such a blessing in disguise, and it would be great if this worked out.

Uninspired

It's Monday morning. I'm totally dragging today. The weekend was a blast, but really tiring, and the girls were both a bit of a wreck this morning (honestly, I think they've both got a touch of something...they both seem just a bit off). And, somehow, I've got to write a sponsored post that has the phrase Phoenix real estate in it, and for the life of me, I'm coming up empty. Oh, wait...looks like I just hit it. ;) Weekend update to follow soon.

Still No Word

I still haven't heard back from the doctor's office with regard to whether or not Eden is going to qualify for coverage for Synagis shots. I'm not really sure what the timeframe for getting an answer was supposed to be (I guess I should have asked), but if she is going to get them, she needs to start in the next month, so hopefully, we'll hear something soon. The last time I spoke to the nurse, it didn't sound terribly promising--her risk factors (prior hospitalization for RSV, in daycare, older sibling in school) don't rate as high as others would (propensity for asthmatic episodes which require using a portable oxygen concentrator or nebulizer, prolonged hospitalization for RSV...). I would like her to get the shots if she qualifies, but won't be too upset if she doesn't, as I'm glad she doesn't have some of those more serious issues.

Need Motivation

I've kind of fallen into a slump lately, with regard to being motivated about too much. I'm not sure what it is, whether it is just a natural slowing down after the crazy summer, or something 'deeper.'

I have really slacked off with working out and/or bike riding. I'm not quite sure what happened - I had been doing so well, had great momentum, was working out or riding the bike five days a week. I was feeling great about how I looked and felt, and then all of a sudden, it has all gone to hell.

I missed a week, due to scheduling conflicts (I normally go at lunch) and that seems to have really thrown me off track. So, today is Monday, and I'm going to try to use the fresh start, new week thing as a motivator. I brought my workout clothes today and am going to try to leave the office right at 5 so I can get a good workout in immediately afterwards. I'm hoping that will be the kickstart to getting me to do it again regularly.

I've also been pretty unmotivated at work. That in itself is weird, considering it is September, generally the most invigorating time of the year here. Our department is in transition (old boss quit, now we have a mostly absent, interim boss) and it is hard to motivate myself to give it my all when it seems like no one cares/notices. It is a good thing I'm not due to fill out my employee self evaluation form any time soon, because I think I'd have a hard time coming up with many quality contributions to the University lately. So, I suppose I need to set some goals for myself in this area, too, but maybe I'll do that tomorrow ;-)

Halloween

Have you figured out your kids/and or your own costumes for Halloween yet? The only one I know of for sure at this point is Eden, since she'll be wearing one of Sadie's old costumes, and going as a frog. As for Sadie, she changes her mind daily, but I'm guessing she's going to end up as one of the Disney princesses.

As for me? Well, I was planning on just going as a mom ;) , but Sadie almost has me convinced that it would be fun to dress up along with her. A quick web search has shown me that there is no end to the fun for adults, from scary, to funny to sexy costumes. So...who knows? I might just get into the Halloween spirit myself this year.

Fire Glass

Have you heard of this stuff? As we're thinking about finally rebuilding our firebox and getting our fireplace functional, I'm looking into different options. I would really like a gas burning fireplace, as it just seems so much easier than a woodburning one. So, while I was looking into information about them, I stumbled across information about fire glass. I think it looks really cool (in the pictures, anyway), so I was curious if anyone has experience with it and can give me the down and dirty on it.

Now the the entry way is looking 'fab'....

I'm thinking about getting a new front door. The one we have is...interesting, to say the least. For starters, the doorknob is in the center of the door. Not sure what the previous owners were smoking when they chose that, but it certainly is...unique. It is almost comical to watch people try to leave/let themselves out of our house. They automatically reach for the spot where the doorknob should be, kind of half paw the deadbolt and then step back in confusion.

Secondly, the one we have is just, well, ugly. Really, truly ugly.

So, even though the one we have is functional, for the sake of aesthetics, we really do need a new one. The picture to the left is as close to the vision I have in my head of what I'd like. Evan really had it in his head that he's going to make us one, but given the long list of projects that poor man has on his plate, I don't know if that is a realistic plan. Plus, then I wouldn't get to shop around, which is something I'm really looking forward to.

Ah well, I just realized, as I stare at the front door from my perch here at the computer, that once the door goes, we'll need to shop around for mailboxes, since we have a mail slot in this one. So, one way or another, I'll get some home goods shopping in.

Falling into careers

I'm teaching a freshman seminar course, as an adjunct. This is a one-credit course designed to help new students settle in and succeed at the University. So, I'm putting together a 'lesson' on career-planning, as I'm required to by the master syllabus. It seems so funny to me to think about planning a career at the age of 18. I know when I was a freshman, I had no clue what I wanted to be when I grew up. For that matter, even though I had picked a major, and even applied to grad school, I didn't really have any more of a clue upon graduation. But, I suppose not everyone is like me, and some people actually have a calling and know what they want out of life from an early age. I suspect, though, that those people are in the minority. The rest of us? Eh, we sort of fall into thing, either by chance, or by life/work experience. I'm actually really happy with my career, and did eventually go to grad school in order to pursue it, but if you had told me 15 years ago that this is what I'd be doing with my life, I would have been very surprised. I'm guessing many a podiatrist, fragrance tester, New York car accident lawyer, tax accountant, high school administrator, and even college professor feels the same way.

Opinions Needed

Remember the fabulous canvas photo I had done of Eden? Well, of course, it looks so great that I want to get one done of Sadie, too. I'm debating whether I need to get her gussied up and take a new picture of her, or if I can use one I already have. I really love this photo of her, but I'm not sure if it is 'enlarge and display' material, since she's not dressed up and her hair is getting blown into a sort of big Jersey girl 'do. What do you think?



And, by the way, if I haven't raved enough about canvasondemand, let me just rave a little more. The fact that I am actually now willing to shell out money for this, as opposed to just being happy with my one freebie, speaks volumes about the product. In addition to being a great addition to our home, it would make a really special anniversary, birthday or Christmas gift idea.

Vacations, after kids....

just aren't the same, don't you think? I mentioned in my other post that we're taking a little mini-vacation in October...a weekend getaway to Lancaster, PA. While I am really looking forward to this trip, it is a big departure from what used to constitute 'getting away' before we had kids.

Before, the distance (read: time spent in a car, train, or plane) really didn't matter that much, provided we could afford the travel. We didn't think much of flying to Barcelona (8 hour red-eye) or Belize (five hours, which included a 2 hour layover).

Now, the maximum amount of time I'm willing to spend trapped in a vehicle of transport with the kids is three hours (and, that included a 20 minute stop). It is just too stressful for all involved to push it much more than that.

Before, we were really flexible with our accommodations. When we traveled to Spain, we only booked a room for the first night, and figured (correctly), that we'd sort the rest out once we got there and got a better feel for the place. We didn't want to be tied down in advance. When we traveled to Belize, we spent so little (read: none, aside from sleeping) time indoors that we opted for the cheapest possible place, and as a result, we stayed at some pretty...sparse...places. On other trips, we've totally splurged and stayed at some very deluxe places.

Now, I have very specific requirements for where we stay. A pool and kid activities (a playground, at a minimum) are a must. A crib must be available. A suite (or condo-style place) is preferable, so we can put the kids to bed and have some adult time.

Before, we read up on the things to do and see, and made a list of options, but didn't really map out a strict itinerary. Again, we didn't want to be tied down.

Now, I research every last possible family-friendly option and basically have our entire stay mapped out down to the minute.

Before, down time was a plus. Sitting by a pool, reading, or lounging about in bed for an extra hour or two was no big deal. When we traveled to Ireland (granted, after having Sadie, but more importantly, without her) I have great memories of an entire rainy afternoon spent indoors, not doing much.

Now, the thought of downtime, unstructured time, time trapped indoors without a plan is ... frightening. As such, on my carefully scheduled itinerary, I, of course, have mapped out a series of 'plan b' options. I am leaving nothing to chance!

So...tell me...if you travel with kids, what do you do? Do you opt for packaged vacations (a la WDW), adult places (a la the Rio Las Vegas) or, like us, have you become 'those people' who stay at the family friendly resorts and cart their kids about to various attractions, and then head back to the hotel for the 'all you can eat value buffet' meal for dinner?

Quiet Before the Storm

Classes start on Tuesday, so today is really the last somewhat quiet day we'll have at work for a while. Fridays are generally a quiet day, anyway, but summer Fridays are like a desert town around here. Everyone else in my department took today off, so it will just be me and the office furniture here! Oh well, lots of time to blog, I suppose ;)

Life is Different Now

I was thinking this morning about how different things are for me (professionally) in a way I couldn't have imagined back when I was in the thick of life in the corporate sector during the dot com era. You know... scores of young, attractive and hip coworkers (the men with their long sideburns, the women wearing stilletto heels and all black, and all members of both sexes wearing the requite black, plastic, clunky-framed eyeglasses that were everywhere in the late '90's). Everyone sitting at their ultra-modern desks, tapping away at their laptops, or answering their incessantly ringing cellphones (saying "oh, sorry, I need to take this..." with an air of self-importance). Or, playing foozeball or pingpong (because it seemed that every office in Boston had one in those days) and planning the 'team offsite' (that would be company-sanctioned meetings at the pub next door during happy hour). And that ubiquitous feeling that WHAT WE ARE DOING IS GOING TO REVOLUTIONIZE THE WAY PEOPLE (fill in the blank) that every company seemed to have back then.

Yeah, it's kind of different now. My coworkers wear a lot of khaki and pleated-front pants. The calls that they have to take in the middle of a meeting are more likely than not from a babysitter or a child. They drive minivans. They eat at the Olive Garden. As an organization, our mission seems to be more about 'getting the work done and getting the heck out of here by 5 on the nose', than about revolutionizing anything.

I don't know if this will be the place for me forever, but for now, it's a very 'mom-friendly' job, and I'm staying put. It's just funny to think about how you never know where you'll be in five or ten years. Certainly, back in 1999, as I sat and watched the view out of my office window from 54 Canal Street, I couldn't have imagined myself here. Yet somehow, it feels like the right place to be now.

Interesting.

Evan had a follow up appointment with his doctor today, to check on how his hands are healing from his last bout of EM. His doctor, who is very much a traditional medicine kind of guy, heard that a colleauge of his had a patient with a similar problem as Evan's, and for whatever reason, taking Omega 3/fish oil nutritional supplements has helped to suppress the outbreaks. So, at lunch today, it's off to the health food store to find some of these magic capsules.

Long Overdue Yard Update

Let's see...what to say about the yard? Well, first, the happy news. The front yard really came together this year. Sadie's garden, especially, came in beautifully. We ended up with a melange of hydrangea, lychnis, black-eyed susans, zinnia, alyssum, sunflowers and lillies. We get compliments from neighbors and random people passing by all the time, which feels great.

Now, about the back. You know, the back where I confidently predicted last spring that by the time summer came around, we'd be enjoying many a summer evening, sitting on our new deck, or eating out on our new patio...

Well, let's just say that things have progressed a bit more slowly than hoped or planned for. The good news is that we have a level backyard, and a newly seeded lawn. The frame for the new deck is about 60% complete, so there's an end in sight. Evan has been scouting out a source for free or cheap patio pavers as well. So, I'm cautiously optimistic that we may have a finished deck by October and a new patio just in time to enjoy next spring/summer's cookouts. It may not be ultra fancy with an outdoor kitchen and a stone firepit, but it will still be great, and it will be great to be able to enjoy our backyard, finally.

I did it. Finally.

If you just met me now, at this point in my life, you'd probably have no idea what an avid reader I used to be, and how much I love books. I just seem to have so little time for reading anymore, and when I do have the time (before bed), I tend to fall asleep while reading. I had kind of hoped that with all the time I had off this summer, that I was going to be able to really dig into a few good books and get back on the train again.

So, what better book to start off my recommittment to reading than Steinbeck's East of Eden? After all, it's a classic, and no one tells a story quite like John Steinbeck.

Yeah, ok. I probably should have started a little less ambitiously. Don't get me wrong, the story really pulled me right in, and his writing is beautiful. It's just that there were a lot of pages (632). And a lot of words. Lots and lots of words. Combine that with my limited ability to stay awake while reading in bed and I averaged only about a dozen or so pages a night for many weeks. It took me over a month to read it, whereas I used to polish off a couple of books a week. But, as I rounded the final stretch (last 200 pages), I kicked it into high gear, and I'm proud to say that I finished it last night.

Next on my queue, The Road (Cormac McCarthy). Evan read it in one night, so I'm hopeful that I can tackle it in a reasonable amount of time (caveat being that he is an insomniac, so many nights he stays up til 3 0r 4 in the morning). I'm really determined to be the avid reader that I once was, even if it kind of feels like work in the beginning.

I've pimped her ride

Eden has not been feeling well, and has been...how shall I say this...a right royal pain in the butt a little fussy lately. Whiney, clingy, and really only happy when in my arms. Given that she weighs 24 pounds, and is just generally a big kid, you can imagine how tired my arm has been getting, and how hard it is to try to do anything one-handed.

If I thought she could still fit in the Baby Bjorn, I'd probably be carrying her around in that all day (my lower back just spasmed at the thought). Since she can't, I decided to try something that I hadn't considered since Sadie was a baby...a baby sling. I've seen women--not just the Mayan women in Belize...women around here-- wearing their toddlers in them, so I knew it was entirely possible.

I wasn't sure if Eden was going to go for it, being contained/constrained and all, but she was happy as a bug in a rug in it. Just look at that smile!

There are a number of different brands of baby slings out there, and I don't really know how they compare as far as quality and price, but the one I'm wearing is a Slinglings. The material choices they have are really pretty, and the quality seems good (it even held up to 37 pound Sadie taking a ride in it after she saw how much Eden liked it). I certainly wouldn't trade my backpack carrier or stroller for it for taking a neighborhood walk, but for around the house, or a quick run into the store, it definitely comes in handy.

What to get the almost five year old in my life

Sadie's birthday is coming up in about a month. People have been asking me--and her--for ideas for presents. I am kind of at a loss. The kid has everything she needs, and a whole bunch more. In fact, I'm not even sure what we are going to get her. When asked directly, she has said she wants jewelry (sometimes I wonder whose child this is...?). What kind of jewelry do you get for a five year old? When pressed for more detail, she'll only say "surprise me." Cute, no? So, I don't know if she is expecting diamond rings and gold bangle bracelets, or crappy, made in China and therefore probably saturated with lead paint, Disney-branded schlock (to use one of my Dad's favorite Yiddish words). Why couldn't she just ask for a bike?

Do you know what this is?

An EMI shielding...? I don't either, but it is one of my pay to blog assignments this week. I even went to the site to try to figure out what it was, and I got as far as 'thermal gaskets' and realized that it was nothing that I was going to be likely to easily slip into anything I generally post about. I'm sure if Evan were around, he could tell me all about them, as he seems to just know about these types of things. But, he's not, and so, I'm more or less just using this entry as a venue for a link, without much fanfare. However, if you know what these are, and if, in fact, you have a burning desire to buy one, go ahead and check out the company's--NEDC Fabricating Solutions-- site...(nedc.com).

My First MOMento

For a while now, I've been wanting to get a piece of jewelry that somehow commemorates my being a mom. I'm not really into the whole wear your kids' birthstones thing (not that there's anything wrong with that!), and I had been considering ordering one of those 'mommy tags', but my issue with them has to do with how they treat more than one tag (one is much bigger than the other, and you can only engrave one date per tag, so it comes across as seeming like one child is more important than the other, kwim?). Anyway, enough about mommytags, because I got something even better.

I had a photo of the girls lasered onto a sterling silver locket. This is very cool, because a) I'm that stupid person who wears jewelry to the beach, and b) I'm that even stupider person who never remembers to take it off before going in the water. So anyway, I got it done, and I think it looks really good. You wouldn't know that the photo is laser engraved (in my opinion), and I think it is just a really intersting piece. Here's a picture...what do you think?



If you're interested, the company is called picturesongold.com. They can do all kinds of pieces (not just lockets). So, I know that the majority of the throngs of people who actually read this blog (yeah, that was a joke) happen to be mothers...if you are looking to buy some sort of special 'mom' piece of jewelry, this one is worth checking out.