I am sorry

The tone of self-pity around here is a bit embarrassing. I guess what's worse than "sharing" this (to me) is not really having anyone around here to talk to about it. Most people fear being judged. I know I do. I'm already getting a lot of it because I can't seem to handle two kids (my dad! People! He's SO unsympathetic with his "I warned her how difficult two kids would be. And, she should be working!!")

But really... Last week's experience gave me more than heart palpitations. I really left the hospital with a lot of feelings of gratitude. Not just for my family's overall health, but for those of you who were kind enough to reach out to me during that time. A time that was a bit scary for me.

So, I'm sorry for being whiny, sad, scared, an idiot... whatever. But, I'm thankful for you.

Tiny Blessings

One of my favorite bloggers, Nilsa of SoMi Speaks, just had a baby. He was born yesterday (my mom's birthday!) at 31 weeks. Her little man seems to be doing well and he looks just perfect.

Nilsa's writing exudes this classy joy. This spirit really came forth in her last two posts about her baby. It's a good read. Go ahead and peek. I think you may get hooked too.

Suggestions?

So, hi. I was slapped today with the reality that I don't read many blogs any more. I go to a handful every day, but many of the ones I love, I think about, and then never visit them.

Do you guys use readers? Can you help a sister out with the best way to keep up with your blogs?

Danke!

Enjoying the Small Things

I love this blog. In a rainbows, kittens, and chocolate hearts kind of way. LOVE.

Kelle's Enjoying the Small Things blog is one of the most beautiful places on the Internet. Kelle is the mom of two little girls, including a newborn named Nella. I found Kelle's blog because another blogger posted the birth story of Kelle's new baby. Poetic doesn't begin to describe the writing. I felt like I knew Kelle and that I was with her on the day Nella was born. Vivid, heart-wrenching, amazing.

I'm just now going back and reading some of Kelle's previous entries, but I'm loving every one of them. Her writing is transparent, real, yet so filled with joy and passion for her family. So lovely!

Also, Kelle is a professional photographer. While I find her work artistic, what I love most about her photos is their unstaged feel. I know all good photographers take portraits like this, but I think the backdrop of the blog makes Kelle's pictures sweeter.

If you have a few minutes, and plenty of tissue, please go visit Kelle and her family at Enjoying the Small Things. It's a lovely, peaceful, joyful corner of the web. It may change you.

Looking Forward

Hi! Well, I must admit that I'm fairly glad to say goodbye to 2009. It was mostly a stressful and challenging year for us. So much so that I'm thinking of deleting the vast majority of posts from this past year. They didn't say much more than "Omigah! S T R E S S! But, I have a cute kid!"

I need to realize that there have been good things this year too:

• I kept my job
• Nathan has grown from a baby to a toddler to a little boy
• I've gotten to spend more time with my family than previous years, mostly due to Nathan
• We found our new apartment, which I love love love
• A bunch of my friends are either pregnant or just had babies
• I was baptized

So really ... a lot of good in this year full of negativity. I think that's a good lesson to take going into 2010.

Happy New Year!

Things That Are Preventing Me From Blogging

1. Me --- I am so lazy. I sit on a computer all day and find it nearly impossible to get on in the evening. Aside from the occasional sports-related update on Facebook.
2. My Cats --- Seriously. They're pushing me over the edge. It's been almost exactly 3 years since we got Magic, and I kid you not, he and Mystic fought EVERY DAY of those three years. And also, with our much larger place, they keep finding nooks and crannies to get stuck in. Last night, they each got stuck in this attic storage space. At separate points in the evening. Once they were rescued, they both tried to get back in.
3. My husband --- he's fabulous.
4. TV --- I've recently got hooked on Phineas and Ferb on the Disney Channel. It cracks me up... And yes, I'm over 30.
5. My child --- he's too fun. Those precious two hours after work are spent enjoying him.

That's really all I've got. How are you doin'?

Wherein I Tried to Go to BlogHer

Okay, I didn't really. I just have cool people envy and want to meet some of the fabulous women whose blogs I read. But it doesn't matter, because BlogHer is sold out. I don't really feel like being put on the waiting list, because honestly, I should be packing.

When I was in undergrad and grad school (you know, before I began this VERY VERY LONG hiatus), I was a conference junkie. I would save up to go to conferences! This was back in the day when I didn't save up for anything. I loved meeting all the new people with similar interests, and in the case of school, those who had completely different points of view from me. I loved it.

The last conference I went to, I was photographed at pretty much every event. No, they weren't the scholar paparazzi or anything, that's just how I rolled. I was in it all. Today, my drippy eye and myself barely have the energy to be at work.

So, it doesn't look like I'll be crashing BlogHer. Unfortunately, real life and the knowledge that I'm no longer that interesting have intervened. Eh... what can ya do?

Facebook Faux Pas

I'm kinda amazed that stuff like this still happens. This article on MSN Careers details people getting fired as a result of a Twitter or Facebook post. Really? I mean, who here (over the age of sixteen) doesn't know that the internet is not private? Fortunately, you have the smart folks at MSN to tell us what not to do.

Social networking don'ts

If you want to use your profile to get hired -- or at least not get fired -- here are three basic rules to keep in mind:

1. Don't announce interviews, raises or new jobs! As exemplified by "theconnor," how you talk about any of these sensitive topics on your social networking site is key. If you're unemployed, writing "Interview today -- wish me luck!" would be OK, or if you got a job, something along the lines of "So excited about my new job!" is totally acceptable. If you're currently employed, however, I don't think your
boss would be too happy to see something like, "Trying to con my boss into
giving me a $5K raise. SUCKA!"
2. Don't badmouth your current or previous employer! Just like in an interview, keep your rants about your boss or company to yourself. If hiring managers see that you're willing to trash a colleague online they assume you'll do it to them, too. Plus, there's always the possibility of getting fired if someone sees your negative comments.
3. Don't mention your job search if you're still employed! If your boss knows you're on the lookout for a new job, feel free to advertise it in your status. If you're keeping your search below the radar, however, don't publish anything, anywhere. Even if you aren't connected to your boss online, somebody can get the information back to him or her.

I think this is a good reminder to those of us who Facebook every detail of our lives. Ahem, I'm working on it.

500th Post

Really? I don't understand how I've written 500 posts about wedding planning, cats, a wedding, work, pregnancy, motherhood, infanthood, marriage, and toddlerhood. In other words, how have I written (I use that word loosely too!) about nothing.

I was trying to think of something clever or funny to write about, but why start now? Really, I felt so much pressure that I went to a post prompt generator. I surfed through twenty or so of the suggestions, but nothing felt quite right.

Instead, I'll just tell you a little bit about what's going on with our lives. We're currently looking for a new apartment. Our place is fine; in fact, for some people it would be considered downright luxurious. But, it's just too small. I think I've mentioned that we're unable to shut our bedroom door because our queen-sized bed takes up too much room. That's how it is in 100-plus year old buildings. Also, Nathan's crib is in our room, so that The Targo still has an office to work on his dissertation. This is a situation that needs to be alleviated.

We've also been beseiged with problems in our apartment. The heat twice went out for days at a time, the air conditioning went out during the hottest two weeks of the year, the stove constantly smells like it's leaking gas (despite what our carbon monoxide detector says), we have a hole to the center of the earth in our yard, I think we've got a water leak somewhere because I think I smell mold, we had stairs that were certainly not up to code (it took them 9 months, but our landlords fixed them), and the worst thing ... we have ants. ANTS. The exterminator has been by twice and still the little devils wander around my shower like it's totally okay. I know that each of these things on its own is no big deal, but the cumulative effect has officially sent me over the edge.

Many people have said to both The Targo and me that "there's never been a better time to buy! Buy now!!" Hmm... we're just not 100% sure about that. Also, it's only a good time to buy, when you've got the money. (Americans are learning this the hard way.) In fact, The Targo and I are preparing for the worst. In this economy, anyone could lose his/her job at any time. We want to know that we're not going to be up a creak if it happens to one or both of us.

So, it's back to the drawing board. I can't believe it's been two years since we were last apartment hunting --- and what a nightmare that was! Wish us luck as we seek the impossible: hardwood floors, 2-3 real bedrooms, updated kitchen, dishwasher!!, air conditioning, parking (either easy street parking or a spot), washer/dryer in unit (I've heard tales of this being possible), and an outdoor space. Oh the craziness!!

Anyway, hopefully by the end of the weekend, we'll have some sort of clue where we'll live. Have a great weekend.

Possibly the Funniest Website EVER!

People. Omigosh. I don't think I've laughed this hard in like, ever.

I mean, I laughed out loud --- OUT LOUD --- at Lovely Listings. Man. That stuff is funny. Especially anything about the Chair. And this one, is by far, the best.

I also laughed out loud at the "which LOLcat are you?" quiz on Facebook. I mean, for anyone who knows me, it should be no surprise that I'm the "I eated teh cookie" LOLcat.

But, my friends, this website, THIS WEBSITE, is the funniest thing I've ever come across. The Targo sent me this link last night and I cried. So, we all have those pictures, the ones that probably shouldn't be displayed on the wall that are. But, how many of us have traitorous family members who send them into websites like Awkward Family Photos? Omilord, people.

Awkward Family Photos features hilarity such as awkward poses. And as if the pictures aren't funny enough, the captions will most definitely push you over the edge. Example:


THE LEAN

"Warning: this fan favorite isn’t for the conservative family. This is a pose for the clan with sass, one that wants to convey, “Heads up!” “Coming at ya!, “In your face!” “Take a closer look,” and of course, “You rang?” Combine with two arm-fold-book-ends and you’ve got yourselves an album scorcher."

If that's not enough, you've got the family pictures with weird pets. Example:

THE PIG


"That’ll do, pig."











You have the just plain BIZARRE! Example:

COSTUMES






"This father was so relieved when he found out he was gonna be Eeyore."











You have the oh-so-creepy. Example:

GAH! WHO'S THAT IN THE WINDOW??



"Never before has a birthday cake photograph been so chilling."











And then you have the people that The Targo and I nearly became.

CRAZY CAT PEOPLE!



















All of these photos remind me of this one photo my dad, my brother Chris and I had taken. My mom was working nights at the time, so my dad looked like a widower. And then, he had a hairbrush in his pocket. Chris and I are looking in totally opposite directions. Yet, I'm thinking that this stellar photo is still hanging on my parents' wall. We are so classy!





***I'm sorry if you - or your family members - are featured in any of these photos. Remind me to tell you about my kindergarten picture sometime.

Dollar Stores

Did you see this poll on MSN?

Who are these people who'd "never set foot" into a dollar store? I mean, I can understand not purchasing anything there because, honestly, a lot of it is just junk. But some of it? Wow! GOOD. DEAL!

The Targo puppy-dogs-and-rainbows loves Dollar Tree. We buy most of our greeting cards, gift bags, and hand soap there. I mean, are these things that you have to pay up to five times as much for? I'm guessing not.

What do you think?

Prayers for a Special Family

I just came across the Spohr Family website last week. I was scrolling through the archives, marveling at the family's optimistic outlook and their strength. Because I don't use a feed reader, I just discovered that their amazing little 17-month-old daughter, Madeline, passed away on Tuesday. If you get a chance to head over there and wish them well, or send up a prayer, I'm sure it will make a difference.

As a newish mom, I cannot begin to understand their pain ... but I hope that enough people will send love and support their way that they'll feel a little comfort in this terrible time.

Maddie's March of Dimes Page

Ahh... Facebook

Does anyone really care that I love Starbucks, am super stressed at work, or that I'm a freak about my baby? Well, really? No. I didn't think so. But for some reason, I'm compelled to relay this information on a regular basis on Facebook. Yikes.

I do love that I've reconnected with some people I literally haven't heard from in TEN YEARS. That's awesome. It's also awesome to remember high school --- I couldn't get out of Dodge fast enough, and it seemed like I forgot everything that happened prior to my flight.

On the flip side, I find myself checking my page several times a day. SEVERAL. It's starting to irritate me too. I mean, it would be one thing if I was checking in on other folks, but um... I'm not. And really, it's not as if I need another time suck.

What say you, Internets? Is Facebook a time suck or is it really really awesome? (Psst... there's a poll over to the side.)

New Year's Resolutions

Amy and I are talking about New Year's fitness resolutions. Let us know what yours are.

Internet News

I don't know if any of you read Emily's blog, but she's very funny and has a super cute child. Well, she's about to give birth to her second. According to her Twitter (I still haven't succumbed), she's having a C-section as we speak. Send her some interwebby love.

Working It Out

My BFF Amy and I are working on a new website. Essentially, we're trying to help each other lose weight. Amy is one of the most wonderful people I know and I'm pretty sure she'd support me in whatever I would like to do. In this case, she's helping me get healthy and lose weight.

Our goal is to encourage each other, and other busy women with small children, to get active and eat healthy. We're going to tweak recipes so that they're low-fat, but still tasty. So, if you don't have an Amy, or you'd just like to join us, please stay tuned. We're going to try to get our website up and running later this week.

Hiatus ... ish

I'm just trying to catch up with everything. Life has a case of the crazies. I hope things are going well with you all.

New Look

I know you all miss Mystic and her backward ears at the top, but I needed a change.

Hopefully the facelift will inspire me to post more often.

NEWS!

The very lovely Becca, of Academomia, had her little baby boy yesterday. Stop by and tell her how cute he is!

TMI - But It's for a Good Cause

I used to be a music junkie. I blame my mom. She was young, hip, and had an awesome vinyl collection. She loved everything from Gospel, to Blues, to Rock, to ... I don't know, a pretty broad spectrum, okay? Naturally, as soon as I got my first CD player, I had to join a CD club. I remember getting Simon and Garfunkel's Greatest Hits and some Bon Jovi CD. Yeah, I'm old ... but not Simon and Garfunkel old.

I used to buy CDs regularly. I was lucky enough to find a used CD place close to my digs when I first moved to Chicago. Also, I had a good friend who was a DJ in his other life. He burned lots of tunes for me.

Then came The Targo. My husband, I adore him, is very very frugal. He thinks buying CDs is a total waste of money. I've made several lists of tunes for him to download for me, then our iPod got virused or something. So, I'm sans mp3/digital music. *woe*

Now that I'm back at work, I'm spending more time than I imagined a lot of time pumping. I need something to occupy myself and thought about getting the iPod up and running again. The problem is that I haven't listened to the radio (besides talk radio, sports, news) in a long time. I feel that I am all sorts of un-hip.

Helps me! Pleeeeeeeeeease! Give me some recommendations: What's hip where you live? Any local sounds? What's playing on your iPod? I really listen to just about everything. (Okay, I'm not so into songs where the swear words outnumber the drumbeats ... but other than that, about anything.)