We're Alive!

Most of you knew that already but I just thought it a fair announcement. There's been a lot going on in our house lately and it turns out with three jobs (plus regular household stuff) that I just haven't had a ton of time to do updating here. To be fair, I also haven't done a lot of updating over at Facebook either. So don't feel left out!

I am hopeful that maybe tomorrow I will be able to do a little more updating and put up some new pictures. Here's hoping!

Busy Times

When the year stated I totally had the ambition to post 3 times a week or more. That quickly spiraled down and now, I think, I've got a completely acceptable (to me) idea. My new goal is to blog at least once a month. I think I can do this. I've discovered part of my problem is that while I think of interesting things to write about, for some reason since I've thought about them then I think I've blogged about them too which often isn't the case. So there may be more one line posts, things to help jog the memory.

For those of you who don't know, I've gotten another job. Not a different job, just another one. This brings the grand total up to 3. They are all part-time but if I work all of them (like I did last week) then I'm working about 57 or so hours. It's been working out great so far and I really hope that continues (well, I really hope that the one turns into a full-time job but that's something else entirely). Erik is enjoying being able to pick Timmy up from school more often and being involved that way (before I was doing both drop off and pick up). Timmy seems to be enjoying going to school more often. We only had 2 days of tears and that was a few weeks ago and they were fairly short lived as well. It's just hard to see your kid upset, even if you know it's not harming them in any way and that they'll have a good time about a minute after you leave. I'm sure all the working moms out there (and non-working moms too!) know what I'm talking about.

So that's it in a nutshell. Our lives are crazy busy, but we can always find time to hang out with friends and family. Let us know if you are free or in town and we'll make it work (or at least give it the honest effort)!

Happy April!

Hello Everyone! Happy April! I can't believe that it's already April. Can three months of the year already be gone? I guess so.

I've given some thought to my blog the last few weeks and I'm actually content with the current state. I originally wanted to post 3 times a week but that's simply not feasible with my schedule. To give you an example of the craziness, I will submit our schedule from last week.

Monday: Erik works during the day. I work at night. I come home, it's already 9:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Erik and I both work during the day and Timmy is at daycare. I go up to West Bend after work to have dinner and hang out with my friend Jenny. Erik picks Timmy up from daycare.

Wednesday: Erik works during the day. I work during the morning and Timmy is at daycare. I pick him up, we go to lunch. We come home, play in the backyard for a little bit (if it's not too cold) and then take a nap. I work again at night.

Thursday: Erik is in Chicago all day for a conference and needs to leave the house by 5:30 a.m.

Friday: Erik and I both work during the day and Timmy is at daycare.

Saturday: I work until the early afternoon.

Sunday: I work from the early afternoon until the evening. After work I stop by a friend's house and pick up Timmy so Erik can stay and hang out with our friends and finish watching the PPV.

Needless to say, we don't get a lot of chances to see each other during the week and I should be spending that time with my family and not blogging. Anyway, it's just a short explanation for why I'm not blogging as much as I would like. But, that being said, I'm going to keep at it and keep trying! Thanks for checking in!

Getting Behind

As I'm sure you've noticed, I've been getting behind in my blogging. But that's okay! I have been working hard at not getting so far behind other things, that I think it balances out.

Here we are in February already. I can't believe that! I am hoping that there is at least one more snowfall this season that produces packing snow. Timmy really wants to build a snowman and with the light fluffy stuff that's just not possible. Erik and I would also like to take him sledding (he's been pulled on a sled but never actually been sledding). Just a few goals to hopefully accomplish before spring!

The Golden Globes

Last night, Erik and I (well, mostly me) watched the Golden Globes. It was being hosted by Ricky Gervais, who I think is pretty funny. Umm...yeah, turns out funny in front of lots of celebrities is a little bit harder. Not that people didn't laugh, they did. It just seemed to be more forced/awkward jokes, I don't know, I still enjoyed it. Probably didn't help that he was drinking at the show either (which is the one thing I don't get, why there's a dinner and drinking at an awards show that's being shown live on TV).

I think there were some very capable winners this year and I really enjoyed a lot of the speeches. First off there Mo'Nique who thanked her husband that she's known since she was 14, it was really sweet and touching. Robert Downey Jr. won for Sherlock Holmes (which Erik and I saw on Christmas) and his speech was pretty funny. I guess earlier that morning his wife had told him not to write a speech because Matt Damon was going to win...pretty funny stuff. The final speech that I really enjoyed was Jeff Bridges winning Best Actor. He thanked his dad, who I liked as an actor, and thanked his mom, who died just last year. He also thanked his wife and asked the camera guys to make sure to get a shot of her. It was really sweet.

Avatar won best director and best picture. That upset me a little bit because, although I have not seen it, Erik has, and thought it was just an okay movie. Special effects I would get (but that's not awarded at this show) but best picture and best director? Really?

Goals for 2010

I know in a previous post I talked about how I wanted to be less cluttered, which is really a main goal of mine. I do have some others for 2010 that I've been thinking about (honestly, some of them have been goals for years!).

I would like to read at least 3 books per month. I think I've got a pretty good start/handle on this one. No doubt that my book club helps me read at least 1 per month which is a great motivator.

I would like to spend more quality time together as a family. This really just means more time doing stuff together and less time sitting alone in other rooms doing separate things.

I'd like to be less judgmental about a lot of things. This is going to take some work, I know that!

I would like to be a better wife to Erik. Not that I'm some horrible nagging person, but I should always strive to be better in this department.

In the same vein, I would like to be a better mom to Timmy. I know that we both do the best we can with everything involving Timmy and sometimes he gets the best of us. So for being a mom, I need more patience, that's for sure! Don't get me wrong, I love the little guy, even when he's making me frustrated, I love him. But he still deserves more than that. Again, this is something where I can always strive to be better.

I know there are many more things I am hoping to do better at this year, I just can't think of what they are right now.

Computer/Photo Fix

So, Erik managed to fix whatever the issue was with the computer not wanting to upload my pictures. Thanks honey!

I have a lot to go through, but I promise to start uploading some of them soon. I am hopeful that I will also be able to upload some of the videos (which was the real problem).

In the meantime, I need to get bundled up to go to the zoo. We're going for the 100th anniversary of the Zoological Society of Milwaukee. Should be a good time, even if it's only 18 degrees out. :)

Happy Epiphany!

Happy Epiphany! It's the last day of Christmas! Yesterday we talked to Timmy about Epiphany and what it meant. Although I'm not quite sure he understood everything, he did have a good time trying to say it. This means the Christmas decorations are coming down tomorrow though (I just don't have the time today).

Tomorrow we are supposed to get some more snow. I am hoping that we get enough that Timmy can finally build the snowman he's been wanting to build for a while now.

Welcome to the New Year

First of all, we are back from our trip! Traveling went really well, which is all I can really hope for with Timmy. There will be more stories and hopefully pictures (still haven't taken the time to get that all figured out...but I probably should because I don't have too much room on my memory card in the camera) to come.

I originally thought that my goal for the year should be to blog each day. Clearly, that's just not gonna happen. I'm not too broken up about it though. My new goal is at least 3 times a week. I think I can do that.

My true, main goal for the year is to be less cluttered. If you know me well, or have been to my house, you know that I hang on to stuff that I should have gotten rid of long ago. This year, I'm going to actually suck it up and do it. I'm sure it will be a fairly long process, but it will be worth it in the end.

Of course, seeming less cluttered will probably be easier after I take down and put away the Christmas decorations but that's not happening until Thursday. When I was growing up, if the tree could make it, we kept everything up until Epiphany. I've kept that tradition alive and strong in my house, and hope to continue to do so.

Another thing we are going to try this year is the South Beach Diet. Erik's known for a long time that he needs to lose weight and at his physical this year our doctor suggested the South Beach Diet. I checked out some cookbooks, kept the recipes I liked, and we're going to give it a shot. Even if we aren't exactly true to the diet, eating healthier is a great goal to have. Erik's goal (I think by his 30th birthday, but I'm not for sure) is to lose 50 pounds. I'm going to do all that I can to help him with his goal. Like I said before, eating healthier is a great goal anyway so why not jump on the band wagon? I'll keep you posted on how everything is going for him.

A final note, if you could keep our friends Nate and Melissa in your prayers it would be much appreciated. I wrote about them before (I think), Nate has Marfan's and just after Christmas they discovered a hole (or two, they don't know for sure yet) in his aorta. They are waiting to find out about surgery. I know this is stressful for them, and I hope that everything continues to go as well as it has already. I know that they have great friends that are really helping to pull them through this, but a little extra dose of prayers never hurt anyone. Thanks so much everyone!

Christmas Prep

With Christmas Eve only a few days away (and Christmas too), you would think that I've got all of my Christmas shopping done, or at least started. That would be a false assumption. We are going out of town so you might think that I've started on packing and getting everything all squared away. This would also be a false assumption.

This attitude comes for several reasons: 1) we have not decided with siblings how/when we are going to do Christmas. It's clearly not before Christmas, so why should I stress myself out? 2) we are boarding Bud for our trip and I don't want to stress him out anymore than is necessary.

Now this isn't to say that I haven't done some planning for everything, just that I haven't actually, physically DONE it yet. Eh, I'm not worried.

So, are all of your Christmas gifts bought and all the preparations made?

Partners

Right now I'm supposed to be working on stuff for my work party tomorrow and some other things that need to get done around the house. But first, I wanted to take a minute to talk about how important I think it is to find a good partner in life, a true complement to oneself.

Last night, just before I got home from work and the store, Timmy got sick. Nothing too major, just a little touch of the flu or food poisoning. Erik had Timmy in the bathroom to take a bath (and get some of the puke out of his hair) when I got home. I started cleaning up our bedroom (which was where Timmy was when he first got sick) and then helping get stuff taken care of around the house for when the bath was over.

Afterwards, we lay on the couch and watched a little TV with a bucket close by for Timmy (who really needed it, turns out). I slept with Timmy on the couch until about 2/2:30 when I just couldn't do it anymore and put him in his bed. He got sick a few more times but luckily, there really wasn't anything in his stomach and he didn't really wake up either.

Throughout most of it (until I told Erik to go get some sleep because one of us should) Erik was right there helping. Ahh life with a kid! Timmy is fine now and has been all day. Hopefully whatever he had he's over. He's already eaten some real food, kept that down, and had some juice and milk. Pretty good luck for us!

Back in October (already 2 months ago!) our friend, Dennis, got married. Erik had every intention of giving a speech (because he was the number 2 guy) but ultimately decided against it for a variety of reasons. On the way home we talked about what he would have said and I've thought about it off and on ever since. I'll try to give a brief synopsis here or at least my interpretation.

When someone gets married, it's tradition for those who are already married to offer advice on how to resolve conflict, get through the day to day, that sort of thing. While we've been married for 5 years now, we've discovered that it's hard to make plans and stick to them because life (and God) have a way of showing us what our true path really is. Learning to roll with the punches is really the best advice that can be given. Erik and I have gone through a lot in the past 5 years and will go through even more in the future, but I know that because he's by my side, things will be easier than if I had to do them myself. Life is difficult and there may be days when I don't want to get out of bed, but it's the knowledge that I have a partner in this, that I am not doing it by myself, that makes it bearable. While I know that Jesus is always with me, it's nice to see the person that God has placed to be with me, helping me through. At the end of the day, there's nobody that I would rather be with or have walk down this path with me.

I hope that all made sense. I hope that you also have someone that makes you stronger and that you realize together, nothing is impossible.

Well, I'm off to do what I should have been doing all along. Thanks for reading.

Comment Changes

A while back some of you commented that it was a little difficult to leave comments on my blog. I don't know if this was true or not or just your way of not leaving comments...however, I have changed how comments are done on my blog. Comments no longer are password encrypted so it should be easier. Please let me know if this is not the case (either on Facebook or by email). I hope that this means I'll have more comments from my lurkers...

TMZ and Other Things Celebrity

I don't know about you, but personally, I'm rather tired of hearing about celebrities and their latest troubles with the law or with their spouse or whatever. Erik and I have long felt that there is too much attention paid to celebrities and it's really just a shame. I think the worst thing I saw was in a magazine and it's a section entitled "They're Just Like Us!" Of course they are, they are human! Goodness sakes!

Anyway, all of this comes about from hearing every day about the Tiger Woods situation. First of all, we don't really know that much information, so why is it a top story all the time? I just don't get it. Whatever problems he and his family are having are their problems. Maybe report on the story after we know all the facts. Just a thought.

The more we think and talk about celebrities the more of a pedestal we put them on. I heard a story a few months back on The Story about this woman who worked at Graceland. One of the stories the tour guides were supposed to tell was about how Elvis really enjoyed going to get his own burgers but as he grew more famous he couldn't do even that because he would get mobbed. Elvis pretty much became a prisoner in his own house, due to our obsession with celebrity. Isn't that so sad? Now, think of all the times you've seen a bad photo of a celebrity or doing something that seems out of character or like they aren't being a good parent. These moments happen to all of us and it's just wrong to sit and focus on the mistakes and faults of others while completely ignoring our own.

A few years back, I used to watch the Today show almost every morning. I enjoyed being in the know and having some time to feel like a grown-up. I noticed that it became increasingly less about news and more and more about celebrity and fashion. While these things have their place, it seems like having a 4 hour show devoted to it, is a little much. When Timmy became old enough to watch PBS and be engaged by the shows (with me watching too and helping him along), I stopped watching the Today show. You know, I don't really miss it at all.

Remember, celebrities are people too and would enjoy doing the same things we do without constant scrutiny. Would you want people camped outside your grocery store taking pictures of what you buy all the time? I didn't think so.

Funny

So, I've realized that it takes me about a week to fully update when I put pictures on my blog. So, either I need less pictures (where's the fun in that?) or I just need to be better about actually updating when I want to.

I'm trying though! For those of you who have read and followed me since I had my LiveJournal, you know I've done a lot better over here! Yea for progress!

Speaking of LiveJournal, it's been just about a year since I started my blog over here. Crazy how time flies!

I've got one more blog post from last week to finish and then some from the weekend. Here's hoping I actually finish this week! I am really going to try to update some on my book and movie blog too.

Things to Blog About

I know it's been a little while since I blogged (about a week or so). We've been busy! I did upload some pictures from a few trips to the zoo (go figure, right?), my mom's visit, and then the wedding last weekend. I will blog about all of these things, I promise! Just not right now. =)

A Little Catch Up

I realize that while I've blogged about a few small issues going on, I forgot to mention some important things that have happened over the past month.

On Wednesday (the 16th) Erik calls me at work to say that we have neighbors moving in. I laughed and said yeah right but he was serious. I came home to there being other people in the house. I think it took everyone by surprise and there wasn't a lot of communication on the issue all round (mostly from the rental company). Things seem to be going okay which is good. I don't see them too much but Erik talks to him every so often. No major issues have come up which is good, so all in all, not too bad.

Erik's dad came the following day and I don't think he really knew how to act or what to say if he saw the new renters. We decided that it would be best to not say anything, and I don't know that he even saw them at all. His dad was in town for a short time (really overnight) and we went to dinner with him on Thursday and Friday night before meeting up with Amy so she could take him to Indiana for the Notre Dame game with Jake. After the dad handoff, the three of us went to the Martin Luther game. We didn't stay too terribly long but they were winning when we left. It was nice to go to a game when it wasn't freezing out.

Other than that...not too much has happened. But neighbors was the big news that I somehow glossed over. Oh well. Tomorrow we are meeting up with Dennis and Christine to finalize their wedding program so we can get it printed and the ribbon done. They get married on October 11, so not far away at all!

Speaking of October...my mom is coming to town! She is coming for my cousin's baby shower (and she'll actually be the only family representative because I have to work and Paul and Katie will be moving into their house) and we'll be able to spend a little time with her. She is going to watch Timmy for us during the service (hopefully he'll nap) and then she's free Sunday night to do her own thing. We really appreciate her watching Timmy for us (because she doesn't have to at all) and will compensate by either helping her with some genealogy research or dropping her off to do some research. Either way, it sounds like a good time and I am really looking forward to her staying with us. It's nice that my parents now live within driving distance. =)

Because my mom is making this big trip (well, I'm sure there are other reasons as well) she invested in an iPod Touch. My mom! She's just getting used to it (which will take a while, there are still some functions that I don't completely utilize) but she seems pretty excited about it. She won't need a paper calendar anymore and she'll be able to have all the apps and music that she wants. Yeah! Welcome to the world of the iPod, Mom!

I think that's it for now. We are trying to get Timmy to sleep (he had to learn a not fun lesson today that when Mommy and Daddy say you need to pick up your toys or go to bed...they aren't bluffing) and he keeps trying to worm his way out of it. He says he needs to use the potty. He says he needs a snack. He says he's thirsty. Kid, give it a rest! Go to bed!

And on that note...I think I might do the same. Best wishes!

Looking On The Bright Side

If you knew me in high school, you know that I was a fairly negative person, to the point where I almost lost some friends over it. When I found out that my negative attitude was what was keeping people away, I made an effort to change that, and have for the most part.

When I began dating Erik I was a little on the too sarcastic side (yeah, you can be sarcastic and I am but it was over the top). I know that some of his friends had concerns about this and me being "mean" to him, and so I attempted to change that as well and again I have (for the most part).

I guess what I'm getting at is the importance of looking at things from a positive angle. I feel that since I've changed I look at things much more positively, and that's so much the better! While I can still have down days (because everyone has them) I'm not as mean and cutting in my comments as I used to be. Things are good. I have a husband who loves me. I have a son who loves me. I have a dog that mostly listens to what I say. I work, we can afford some non-essential things. This is a lot more than some people have right now. I know that we could be doing things better. I know that we could there is room for improvement, but there's always going to be room for improvement.

It just bothers me that some people seem to go through life with the glass half-empty or always looking at the negative of things. Why do people do that? Are they looking for pity or sympathy? I just don't understand. What did my behavior say about me? Was my life so horrible in high school that I needed to act/be so negative? Of course not. Did I need to be so cutting to Erik? Again, no.

I guess my question is: why do some people look at the work through roes colored glasses and some through gray? It seems to take a lot more effort to be miserable than to be content and happy.

As Time Goes By

Well, it seems like a few have gone by again without an update!  I really need to update right when I'm thinking of it (or at least that night).  I've got some pictures to share (although haven't taken any of the downstairs yet) but those will have to wait for another time because I'm on the wrong computer for that.

I guess what strikes me most is that it is September already tomorrow.  September!  That's crazy!  Part of me wonders where summer ran off to but then I think back and can account for most of it, just not the weather part.  It will be interesting to see what happens in the months ahead.

So, just in case I don't remember to post on these topics, which I might not, here's a quick rundown of our September and October (at least as far as we know now, and not including work because that's boring).  On two separate weekends in September we've got a bridal shower and then a bachelor party.  Luckily I think I don't work the weekend of the bachelor party because there's some grilling at our place before the Brewers game (which, really, what's the point any more except to hang out with friends?).  Then in October we've got a wedding where Erik is standing up and I'm a reader (but not the reader because that would just be inappropriate...and a lame attempt at a joke which probably doesn't make sense if you didn't see The Reader which I told you not to here).  After that Erik and I will be celebrating 5 years of marriage and 9 years of being together.  Man, we've been together almost as long as I've been graduated from high school.  It doesn't seem like that long though.

I will try to post more tomorrow after we get Uverse and our phone and internet moved downstairs.  

Updates

A lot has been going on late lately and while I'm too tired to write much about it right now, I am hoping that tomorrow will be better.  I should hopefully have some pictures to update as well.

On a side note: I'm watching "The Princess Bride" and loving it.  This movie is awesome (although somewhat dated with the Fridge poster and very pixilated baseball video game) and I can never get enough of it.  What a fun movie!

Postings

Why is it that I always think I that I just posted and then I look and see that it's been almost 2 weeks.    I mean to post more often, I swear!  I am hoping to find some time tomorrow to post about our last week and share some pictures of our trip to Indiana.  Stay tuned!