Completely off the exercise wagon

I have fallen off the exercise wagon and fallen HARD.

I was doing so good when I was at my last job, mainly because of the convenience of having a workout facility at work. I was running at least 3 times a week. In fact, it was about this time last year that I started getting serious about running.

Now, it's been 2.5 weeks since I've been to the gym. I keep trying to get my butt out of bed in the morning to go, but it's been so damn cold I just can't do it. Getting up at 0-dark-hundred to freeze on the way to the gym, sweat, then freeze on the way home just doesn't do it for me.

But I made such progress with running that I feel guilty about not doing it. And I hate to admit it, but I miss running. I am determined to get out of this rut. I want to run a few more 5ks this year. And that's not going to happen if I don't get off my duff.

So in the meantime, until I'm able to get off my duff, I will eat salads for lunch. Baby steps to the gym, baby steps to the treadmill, baby steps to the salad bar...

Dinner Time Drama

Alex is full on in the terrible threes. I guess we had it good when he was two... he was such a sweetheart. And for the most part he still is, but dinner time has me ready to tear my hair out.
I've created a monster in some respects, because he's picky and I didn't force him to try new things as he moved to table food. Slowly we've added some new things onto his menu. But I'm still making his dinner separate from ours. I know it's got to stop, but I need to psyche myself up for it. I know it's not going to be easy, but my goal is in the next couple of months to make him start eating what we eat. That's the first part of the drama.

The second part is that it takes Alex a minimum of 45 minutes to eat dinner... not included at least one trip to the bathroom mid-meal. He just pokes around and pokes around. I swear we have to remind him to chew his food and swallow it. I don't know if he's feeding off our frustration or what. We've tried setting a time limit, even setting the buzzer, and if he's not done he has to go to bed, but I hate the idea of that. Mainly because I'm selfish. I'm away from him for 9+ hours everyday. If I send him to bed at 7:15 p.m., then we're both getting punished. I treasure every second I get with him... and to take that away from both of us just to prove a point doesn't seem fair.

So the new method is setting the kitchen timer... and if the timer goes off and dinner isn't eaten, then no snacks, no tv, no movies. I'm hoping this will work. Wish me luck!

My New After Work Uniform

My work wardrobe has shifted a bit in the last year and a half. At the TV station, I was just a little past dressy casual. You know, sassy boots or heels with sassy jeans. I would occassionally bust out the dress pants, skirt or dress, especially if there was going to be a guest on my show or if there was someone important who was going to be at the station (like the governor, the archbishop, the mayor, a hot baseball player, etc.).

When I switched to P.R. my wardrobe shifted to more professional dress. The dress code said business casual, but my department had style. Not always suits, but definitely dress pants, heels, skirts and dresses.

My switch to corporate P.R. has been interesting. People are fashionable, yet practical. I've never seen people make sweaters and wraps looks professional. Our office is cold, so most people have sweaters, wraps, scarves, and even blankets in their cubicles to help keep warm. I still wear heels nearly everyday, but I carry them in while trudging in from the parking lot in my nice warm snow boots.

I love dressing up. It makes me feels professional. But I love my after work uniform even more. I can't get into my comfy clothes fast enough after work. I rotate between a pair of guys sweatpants I bought from Old Navy for $7, some fleece yoga pants (also Old Navy) and a pair of flannel pants emblazoned with Chicago bears logos. I have a vast collection of sweatshirts and long-sleeved t's to wear with these. The minute I've taken Shadow out the door to go potty and given Alex a snack I tear off for my bedroom, get out of the work clothes, and into my nice comfy comfies.

I never switched into my comfies this fast after a day in the TV newsroom, and God knows that was a lot more stressful than what I'm doing now. But there's just something that makes me feel... I don't know... comforted when I slip into these soft clothes. Almost like my clothes are giving me a big hug at the end of a stressful day.

What a character!

"Mom, I have good news and bad news."
"Really?"
"The good news? Snow. The bad news? Snow's cold."
-- Actual conversation held while shoveling

"Mom, an elephant never forgets."
-- Said while doing a puzzle

"Mom, I love you. But I'm not going to eat those peaches."
-- Said lovingly while eating lunch this past Sunday

Uh Oh...

It just hit me... a month from today, I have to put on a swimsuit.

YIKES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We've booked a midweek get-away at one of the waterpark hotels in Wisconsin Dells. It's the first time we've done this and I'm excited about that, but not about the prospect of putting on my swimsuit. Eek. Must get back on the exercising bandwagon! And quick!

I haven't run in nearly two weeks. I don't want to give up on it either. So I'm hoping to get back into the swing of it this week. I know I can do it!

Fashion Faux Pas I Have Recently Witnessed

It's winter and inevitably, that presents some fashion challenges. The need to stay warm competes with the want to stay fashionable. Boots need to keep your feet warm and provide traction... not just look cute. But some of what I have witnessed in the past few weeks breaks most laws of fashion and practicality.

1. Sweater vs. Sweater Dress. If it doesn't cover your butt, chances are it's a SWEATER and not a sweater dress. I don't care if you're built like a toothpick, if it doesn't cover your butt when you bend over you probably shouldn't wear it to work without pants. And while we're on the subject of sweater dresses, they can be very cute! Just make sure they cover your business end!

2. Bare legs... when it's below zero. Seriously. This just makes you look stupid. Throw on a pair of tights. Keep a spare pair of tights or pantyhose in your purse or your desk in case you get a snag. Again, your legs may look fantastic, but you just look ill prepared if you're walking around in windchills of -40 degrees with bare legs.

3. Heels and sloppy cargo pants. Extra points for pushing the fashion envelope... but not a good look.

4. Clashing bright colors. Teal sweater with lime green velvet pants in the middle of winter. I'm still seeing that every time I close my eyes.

5. Grown men carrying back packs. I can't remember if I've already blogged about this or not. But grow up! You work in an office, you're not in college anymore. If you don't want a briefcase at least get a messenger bag. Grown men should not carry backpacks!

I've finally caved to the long walk to the parking lot and carry my super sassy heels in my purse or bag while hiking in my snow boots. Keeps me from falling on my butt! I've also taken a blanket to work because it's so cold in my office. But I'm trying not to fall victim to any of the aforemention fashion faux pas.

And the winner is...

Ashley is the winner of my Blog-i-versary Giveaway! Congratulations!

And thanks to everyone who entered!

I'm hoping to get back on a regular schedule of posting, it's just been crazy busy here the last week or so!

We're still in the deep freeze, but not nearly as cold as it was. It got up to 20 degrees yesterday.
While that certainly felt warmer, my head was not so appreciative of the sudden 30 degree shift in temperature. Whenever there is a drastic change in temperature like that, I get a wicked headache and yesterday was no exception.

I'm ready for spring already!

Okay... It's been freaking cold.

I can't get over how cold it's been the past couple of days. Today, it actually went above 0 degrees. I've had to go in to work early the past two days, and at 6:30 AM it's been -10 degrees. Overnight windchills have been as low as -40!!! Unreal!

The school district cancelled classes both Thursday and Friday. Same deal in my hometown, so my mom was out of school for two days, too. Hopefully she caught up on some much needed rest.
Fortunately Alex's daycare stays open on days like this. Many daycares close, which is something I don't understand. Isn't that a time when parents really need you?

We have bundled up, snuggled under the down throws and the down comforter, layered up with turtlenecks and sweatshirts. I'm going to make some hot cocoa tonight and hopefully the three of us will watch a movie. This cold weather is for the birds... oh WAIT! Even the birds had enough sense to fly south for the winter. I think they're on to something...

My Little Monster

I finally finished my latest crochet project tonight. It's a Pink Monster. It was a pain to begin with, but I love the finished result. I made it for my former boss, who is having a baby next month. We were all instructed to make "Ugly Dolls." Google it and you will find a website that has kits you can purchase. Problem is, I don't sew. My meager sewing skills barely helped me attach the limbs to this little monster. So I found this pattern and gave it a shot. I'm already plotting making another one for Alex. I've had to hide this one, because I'm afraid he'll fall in love. Up next in yarn world... another scarf! FINALLY!

What is wrong with me??

I completely missed the Golden Globes this year! I know awards shows tend to be trite, and the same actors and actresses seem to get nominated whether they are playing superheroes or space aliens, but I normally LIVE for award shows. I love the fashion, the glamour, the jewelry, the men in tuxes. -sigh-

To be completely honest, we don't get to the movies much anymore. The last movie I saw in the theater was "Forgetting Sarah Marshall." It was really funny. Before that, it was "The Queen." Seriously. We just don't go to movies much. By the time you pay a babysitter, then pay for the movie, it's just too expensive. But I still love seeing the stars and hearing their speeches. I also appreciate the awards for writing, directing, and other behind the scenes categories... I guess because I was a behind the scenes person myself.

I can't believe I missed it. I blame my latest project. The project in which I am using pink fur. I'm not quite ready to reveal the finished project. Some pieces still need to be attached. I feel a bit like Dr. Frankenstein piecing this thing together, but the final product is going to look great.
I hope to post the finished picture tomorrow. (Hope that piqued your interest!)

My Blog-i-versery Giveaway- Closed

Updated Jan 14 5:00PM CST... The contest is officially closed. Some sweepstakes site got ahold of my link and I am being inundated with entries. This is not a sweepstakes. No more entries are being accepted. Sorry to change the rules, but I did not intend for this to be a coast-to-coast contest. I will draw a name from the entries I have recieved so far and will announce the winner Jan. 17 as planned.

Okay... here's the big giveaway announcement! I'm giving away some of my favorite things.

Here's what's included:

• A green bag (that's red) from target. It zips up and fits in your purse, so you can always carry one with you.


• A pink "Cool" makeup bag. (It came with my Ralph Lauren "Ralph" perfume 3 years ago. It's never been used. I love it, but it needs to go to a good home.


• Pink and navy blue argyle note cards. Love these too, and so will you.


• Purple pen and purple fine point Sharpie. Sharpies are so cool.


• A beading kit with silver tigertail, clasps, and finishing, plus two full tubes of glass seed beads in hot pink and green/navy/iridescent. I went through a phase where I thought I would make jewelry. I'm not good at it. Maybe someone else will have better luck!


• (not pictured) "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen (updated... couldn't find a hardcover, so it's a lovely soft-cover version.


• A bookmark crocheted by moi.

Here's the deal...
Leave a comment = 1 entry.
Write about it on your blog and link back here = 1 additional entry.
Follow my blog = 1 additional entry.
(If you already follow my blog, you will automatically get an entry for that.)

My Blog-i-versery

January 9th is the anniversary of my blog. It's been so much fun and I love having this creative outlet. I'm still not sure where I want to go with the blog. I struggle between wanting to increase the number of people reading/commenting or just being happy with whoever stumbles upon me. I also struggle with narrowing the focus of my blog, changing the name, etc. But I'm really happy with it as-is. I've made some great bloggy friends all over the country, which is cool for the girl who always wanted to have lots of pen pals growing up... but only had two that ever wrote back!



I am planning a give-away... but don't have time to post it right now. Please tune in this weekend for the give-away announcement!



Thanks to those of you who take the time to read my random thoughts. I hope you enjoy them!

Back to the Grind

After a day spent trying to convince my 3 year old that you need to rest when you are sick, I'm back to work. He seemed to bounce back pretty well... after resting on the couch for most of the afternoon, he nibbled on some lunch (though not the chicken soup, much to my dismay), took at 2 hour nap, then rested some more while watching some of his favorite Disney Channel shows.

By evening he was ready to play, though I encouraged him to take it easy. We did a couple of puzzles and read a few books before bed. (Sidenote - the kid is becoming a whiz at puzzles! He put together two different 24 piece puzzles in less than 10 minutes. I guess we just need to keep looking for more challenging puzzles!)

It was great getting to spend the day with him and just be a mom. It's the job I love the most!

Home With a Sick Boy

Alex threw up at school today, so I had to go pick him up, giving me a random day off in the middle of the week. So in between slinging saltines, 7-Up and Chicken Noodle soup, I figured I'd peruse the blogs I rarely get to catch up on. (Less you think I'm neglecting the patient, he's resting comfortably watching some Disney movies, snacking on Saltines. No fever and no more throwing up, so far.)

I came across this AMAZING giveaway and feel like I have to blog about it.
It's the Cold Feet Giveaway at Simple Finds. They are giving away a great pair of Keen boots. I finally broke down after two blizzards last year and a total of 110 inches of snow last winter, I figured this would be a great chance to get a really good pair of boots. Go check it out!

A Very Crafty Post

I've been feeling crafty lately. I got some great new toys for Christmas... two sets of Knifty Knitter Knitting looms! I made my first scarf in about 3 days time and I'm absolutely obsessed!

Here's the project in progess, along with the end result. I'm very proud of it.

Before Christmas, I crocheted this hat for my sister. It was not easy, as the instructions mistakenly said it would be. I had to rip it out and start over about 4 different times (though one of those times it was because I attempted to work on it after going out to dinner with my book club in Chicago, drinking more than a little sangria, all the night before we went to "Wicked." Didn't follow my own advice about drinking and yarning.) It matches her winter coat perfectly. So she'll get a scarf to match it before long, too.

Chances are, if you're related to me or a friend of mine, you'll be getting a scarf, a hat, or possibly both at some point in the future! I've got a list of projects and a big plastic tub full of yarn ready to go. (Darn it if Michaels and JoAnns didn't have massive yarn sales last week! WOO HOO!)

My latest project involves pink fur. Gotta love it! This is a present for a baby shower. Can you guess what it will be??? I'll post a picture of this one, once it's finished!

Hilarious Quotes - Holiday Edition

It's been awhile since I've posted about the hilarious things Alex says... so here's a cavalcade of comedy from the Christmas season.

"Santa lives at the Northwest with his snow deer."

"I want to go to one of my place."
"Where are your places?"
"McDonalds and Sesame Street."

"When I grow up I want to be like Daddy. And I'll eat candy with him too."

"I want to get Daddy a dinosaur for Christmas. And it has to make noise."

"You have to watch out for the mutant penguins."

"Is this my right hand?"
"Yes."
"But I don't want it to be the right hand! I want it to be the left hand!" (tears ensue)

"I want to go the long way home."
"No, we're going the short way home."
"I don't want to go the short way. The short way hurts my feelings. I'm not short, I'm big."

"Look at me. I'm Batman!" Said while wearing Batman slippers and Batman underpants.

My Little Panhandler

Alex has discovered a love of coins. He loves to jingle coins in his pocket... dimes, nickles, or even better... quarters. He's also developed a habit that will be cute while he's small, but has the potential to be problematic as he gets bigger.

He has no fear of going up to people and asking them for coins. He started this at my grandma's funeral... working his way from about 11 cents to $1.85 in two days' time. Now, that's a better return rate than most investments in this dicey economy, but still I'm not sure I want to encourage this. Especially at funerals!

He upped the ante at Craig's grandma's funeral... getting several dollars in change over the course of two days. There's a fine line between charity and begging... and my little panhandler is walking the tightrope right now. At 3, it's cute. But someday when he's a teenager looking to bum quarters off his friends and relatives... it won't be so cute! But I want to encourage him to respect money and know that it has value, so we're making him put it all in his piggy bank!

Hoping for a better 2009

Let's face it, 2009 has to be better than 2008.

Hopefully the economy will get back on track. But on a more personal level, I'm hoping for happier things in 2009.

For starters, I'm hoping death won't play such a prominent role this year.
Last year we lost my cousin and grandmother, Craig's grandma and a great-uncle, two of our current neighbors died, two formers neighbors died, my high-school French teacher died, close friends lost siblings and parents. And not to equate pets with people (though in my family, they are generally in the same category), but my sister's beloved dog (and my first puppy niece) Bailey died. TOO MUCH!

So I'm proposing lots of love, babies, weddings, and happy things for 2009!

There were some high points of 2008.

- Alex got potty trained.
- Alex moved into a big boy bed.
- Alex gave up his pacifier.
- I got a new job, much to my own surprise.
- I started a blog.
- I discovered a love of knitting and crocheting, something one of my grandma's tried to teach me years ago.
- I rekindled my love of reading (I read 39 books last year).
- I took a trip to D.C. to visit one of my best friends.
- I enjoyed a girl's only trip to Chicago to see "Wicked"
- I ran 3 5Ks, improving my time each time (and overcoming my hatred for running)
- Craig remodeled the bathroom.

I'm not really one for resolutions, so I plan to post a few goals instead.

1. Continue blogging.
2. Continue running.
3. Continue learning new stitches and creating new projects with yarn.
4. Read 50 books this year.
5. Be a better friend (this means picking up the phone and actually calling people, instead of just emailing)
6. Be a good wife and mom.
7. Be more patient with everyone - known or unknown.