Look at Me, I'm Kind

Wednesday 9/8/10: Went to lunch with some co-workers. Tried to buy them beverages at a coffee shop we stopped at but they didn't want anything. Even my peer pressuring didn't work.

Thursday 9/9/10: Surprised some friends with wine when they joked that the only thing that would fix their bad week was alcohol.

Friday 9/10/10: On the drive home I noticed a car in the right lane with their turn signal on and it had been for awhile as they were following a slow moving truck but there were lots of cars passing in the left lane. I happened to be in the left lane as well so as I got to the car, I slowed down and let her move over in front of me because there were lots of cars behind me too.

Saturday 9/11/10: Tried to pick up B's prescription for him. Forgot we switched insurance and I didn't have the new card with me. Refused to pay $127 for his meds so I went home and sent him back out to get them because he needed a break from the little man.


I've noticed that I've tried to be kind but others do not cooperate, hahaha...I will keep trying though. I know I've at least inspired my mom - she dusted at my house while watching L. this past week! WHOO-HOO! I hope she decides her next act of kindness is paying my mortgage bill next month. (*HINT, HINT* Mom...I know you're reading!) :)

3 Things I Am Thankful for Today:
1.) Prunes (yes, I'm 80 years old and I love me some prunes!)
2.) getting my nails done
3.) good friends

Kindness...

Let's get down to business. I've been busy being kind.

Thursday 9/2/10: Sat and chatted with a second grader who accompanied her family to her sister's Back to School Night at my class. I debated on whether to leave her alone but she looked lonely and bored so we had a nice chat while her sister showed their parents around. I felt good about that.

Friday 9/3/10: Got up every time L. got up through the night and let B. sleep.

Saturday 9/4/10: We stayed in a hotel because we attended a wedding out of town. I offered to sleep on the side of the bed next to L.'s pack 'n play so B wouldn't have to get up to get him if he woke up. Good thing he slept through the night.

Sunday 9/5/10: B had a tough morning - L. grabbed B's cereal bowl and dumped it all over the hotel lobby floor and then grabbed his English muffin and chucked it across the room. So I took L. and we peaced out for awhile so B. could eat and regain some sanity while he chilled out in the room.

Monday 9/6/10: I know I did something but at the moment I can't remember???

Tuesday 9/7/10: I am consulting B on an opportunity I was offered before making a decision. I konw that's technically more like an obligation as he is my husband and we do make decisions together, but I am too tired to do anything else and I forgot to do something earlier so it's gonna have to count for today.


What I've decided is that I definitely feel more positive while doing kind acts for others but I think I need to expand it to people besides close family and friends. So I will attempt to step it up for the next couple weeks.

Other than that, things are incredibly busy but going well. Can't complain, life is good...:)

3 Things I Am Thankful For Today:
1.) an understanding husband
2.) coffee
3.) showers that last longer than 3 minutes

I am exhausted. L. is sick, like actually sick this time with a fever and everything and so he's not sleeping well. Me + minimal sleep + working full-time = EXHAUSTION.

BUT...there is good news even though I am exhausted and can barely focus. I have 7 followers listed now and a few more who have told me they follow on their own! WHOO-HOO! Who's that famous writer? Oh that's right...it's ME! :)

Anyways, so today I started being kind. Or I guess consciously doing kind things. Because I'm not really a jerk to start with....usually...

My bro called me and asked if I could watch his kids for a bit tonight. L. is sick (though at the time he didn't have a fever), I had work to do that I brought home, I'm exhausted anyway, and my bro lives about 40 minutes away. And it was already after 5pm. But I said yes! It turned out that my bro ended up calling back and didn't need me to watch his kids which I guess worked out for the best considering L. got a fever, but I'm counting my answer of yes as my random act of kindness for the day. (Gotta start somewhere!)

I felt pretty good about the fact that I said yes. Especially because my first thought was to say no since I'm tired. But I know if I needed a favor like that, I'd hope someone could help me. So I said yes. The world didn't stop spinning so I guess I can keep going with the kindness...:)

3 Things I am Thankful for Today:
1.) moments in the rocking chair with L.
2.) refund checks
3.) comfy beds and pillows

I'm a Quitter..Sort Of...

Sad but true, when it came to the letter writing, I gave up. Important lesson learned though - as much as I enjoy writing and people, I don't enjoy writing TO people. Especially letters that will never be sent. Pointless.

BUT, I'm determined not to quit the whole idea of attempting to make some sort of difference in my life, (and maybe even the world one day...), while figuring out some new interests and hobbies each month. So tomorrow, September 1, 2010...I start anew!

Since this is one of the busiest times of year at work, I've decided to do a random act of kindness each day. I promise to blog more than twice a month about it. I have a feeling that even though there are some who think I lack a heart, I may just take to this whole idea of being nice to others. ;)

Feel free to join in with me on this one and leave comments about the kind things you do or how it's changing your life. Wouldn't hurt to make the world a little kinder, eh?

Unsent Letters: Days 16, 17, 18, 19

I suck at this. But I think I know why...I am figuring out that I am not into emo letter writing. Ew.

But I'm not a quitter either.

Day 16 - Someone That's Not in Your State/Country

Dear J.
Hope you're enjoying Wisconsin! Thank you for making my best friend so happy! I wish we could have hung out more before you went back home, but I know we'll have many more chances in the future. By the way, if you want to impress S., you should send us some cheese...HAHAHAHA! :) Looking forward to seeing what the future holds!
Me
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Day 17 - Someone From Your Childhood

L.,
Thanks for being such a wonderful friend when we were so young! I'm really glad we reconnected and have been able to keep in touch after so many years. You have a beautiful family and I'm excited to see you guys in a couple weeks at the wedding! :)
K.
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Day 18 - The Person That You Wish You Could Be

Perfect Me,
You're a jerk and I wish you didn't exist because if you didn't exist then I wouldn't feel so bad for not being you. I don't think the dream of you will ever die so I'll keep trying and maybe one day I'll learn to let go.
Imperfect Me
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Day 19 - Someone That Pesters Your Mind - Good or Bad

"Pesters your mind" - Are you freaking kidding me? There wasn't a better way to say that? I can't use that just because it sounds so ridiculous. I'm making up my own.

Day 19 - Someone Who Highly Irritates You

I chose that because I am irritated. I won't release a name for this one though.

Dear Person That Irritates Me,
Seriously. Knock it off. Grow up and get a life. Ew.
Me
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So I'm already thinking of next month...torn between a month of random acts of kindness each day or cooking or baking? Sort of leaning towards the kindness stuff since I won't have much money to put towards igredients for food since I'll just be starting the new job and we need to use the first couple paychecks to get adjusted and maybe do some catching up from our "Summer of Debt" due to my unemployed status.

Speaking of my unemployed status...earlier this week I got interesting news about one of the reasons I left my last job. Turns out I'm a better judge of character than I give myself credit for at times.

Unsent Letters: Day 15

My stomach hurts. Ugh.

Day 15 - The Person You Miss the Most

I will write to a dear friend of mine who I think reads this and we stay in touch, but she lives in another state so we don't get to see each other much.

A.,
Life has certainly changed a lot since we first met 6 or so years ago! You have been a wonderful friend and role model through the years and I appreciate all the love and support you've shown me during the course of our friendship. I know neither one of us are into sappiness so I'll leave it at that and just say that I'm looking forward to many more years of friendship. Who else will I call and get advice from when it's time to be a grandma just like I did when I became a mommy? :) Thanks for everything!
K.
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3 Things I am Thankful for Today:
1.) not being a hoarder like the ones on TLC
2.) LCBC
3.) sleep

Unsent Letters: Days 12, 13, 14

And I'm a slacker. It's been a busy few days with work.

I would like to note though that I now have 5 followers, 1 follower with Google Reader and 2 other people contacted me about the blog who are also reading. SWEET. Can you taste that too? It's famosity!

Day 12 - The Person You Hate the Most/Caused You a Lot of Pain

I don't really hate people. There are a few I strongly dislike though. This will be short & sweet because I really don't want people guessing who this person is.

Jerk,
You think you know everything, don't you superstar? Well, you don't. You made me feel really stupid for a long time but now that I'm older & wiser, I know better. You're the one with the issues, not me.
Me
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Day 13 - Your Body

Dear Body,
I have not always been good to you, but you have held up well in my opinion. We didn't get along for a long time, but things are much better now. I have more appreciation for you and what you can do after L.'s birth. I will try not to constantly fill you with unhealthy foods and booze, but I'm sure I will slip occasionally. Please forgive me in advance and don't punish me too harshly with extra pounds or headaches.
Thanks for everything,
Me
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Day 14 - Someone You Have Drifted Away From

Well, this is easy...lol

Everyone,
My apologies for being MIA and flighty. Whether I like it or not, parenthood really changed everything in my life. I have a little person who needs me 24/7 right now and since he didn't get a choice about entering this world, I better do an outstanding job of taking care of him and right now, and let's face it, for the next 18+ years, that means he's gotta be a top priority in my life.
For those of you who have been understanding and supportive even though I've been a less than stellar friend, thank you. I truly appreciate your patience while I adjust to balancing motherhood with the rest of my life. For those of you who could care less, thank you too...it's probably for the best and it's one less thing I have to worry about to be completely honest.
"A real friend walks in when the rest of the world walks out."
Yours Truly
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3 Things I am Thankful for Today:
1.) understanding friends
2.) roasted, salted almonds
3.) my baby boy's smile

Unsent Letters: Day 10

I'm such a slacker...but isn't that why I'm doing this? To learn some self-discipline?



Day 10 - Someone You Don't Talk To As Much As You'd Like



Hmmm...I could think of a few people...especially considering I rarely talk to anyone now that I spend all my free time sneaking in naps since my kid doesn't sleep much at night. But let's go with...my bro...



K.,

RETURN MY TEXTS. Just kidding...ok, not really. But seriously, I wish we talked more. I wish we got to hang out more. When Mom & Dad are gone, you're the only family I'll have left. So maybe someday we'll get to hang out more or talk more but until then, it's good to see ya when I do. Love ya lil bro,
Me

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Day 11 - A Deceased Person You Wish You Could Talk To

*Actually this is to 4 people...both sets of grandparents who I never got to know.*

Grandparents,
I wish we had gotten the chance to meet and get to know each other. I don't know what it's like to have grandparents but from what people tell me, it probably would have been a wonderful experience. I would have liked to know what life was like for you when you were growing up. I would have asked about your parents, my great-grandparents. I would also have enjoyed hearing your perspective on my parents and what they were really like growing up, hahahaha!
You have 3 younger great-grandchildren now plus the 2 older ones. I know I didn't know you but I think you would be overjoyed with all of them. The 3 little ones who I know well are great kids and so much fun!
Just so you know, your kids, (my parents), did a great job raising me, (in my opinion at least). You should be proud! Maybe one day we will get to meet after all for a big family reunion!
Until then...
Your Granddaughter
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Not much else to write. Still working on getting L. to sleep through the night but there does seem to be improvement. He only wakes up once or twice at most and is down to 20 minutes or less of crying/screaming before he's asleep again. Last night it only took 7 minutes one time. Not bad. When we put him down for naps during the day and right at bedtime, it's definitely gotten much easier. Mostly he gives a few whimpers then is out. We can even put him in the crib still half awake and he'll just go to sleep on his own. PRAISE JESUS! LOL...let's hope it just continues to improve even more!

Unsent Letters: Days 8 & 9

Yesterday was a bit hectic and I just didn't get to write so days 8 & 9 are combined today...

Day 8 - Your Pet (it actually says your favorite internet friend, but uhhhh...no)

Dear G.

You are crazy. You irritate me everyday, usually because you shed uncontrollably and our house always looks awful because everything is covered in hair. I did not appreciate that you ate part of our couch and and our window blinds...but looking back, it was kind of funny. I also do not enjoy chasing you around my parents' backyard after you have gotten into something else yet again...but it certainly is hilarious watching my dad chase you. I am amazed that you ate an entire tree and cannot figure out why you enjoy eating rocks and dirt, but it is funny watching you do it and trying to stop you. I also am grateful for the entertainment you provide with your funny looks, the way you crawl into people's laps even though you are 85 pounds, and when you playfully bite B. and make him scream. Thanks for never actually biting me, B., or L. and I'll be forever grateful of the time you fought off that mean neighborhood dog that tried to attack me and L.

Love you crazy dog,

Me

P.S. If you could please stop eating my niece & nephew's toys and popping the pink ball they play with in my parents' yard that we keep replacing, that would be great.

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Day 9 - Someone You Wish You Could Meet

Dear Britney Spears,

I find you hilarious and like a trainwreck - I don't want to watch your life spiral out of control but I can't stop. You've been pretty tame (boring) lately but I enjoyed some of your past shenanigans. I have a few questions for you...

1.) Why exactly did you shave your head? Crazy really wasn't really a good look for you though it was pretty entertaining.

2.) What is it about cheetos that you love so much? I personally do not enjoy them.

3.) What is your favorite Starbucks beverage? (Now, Starbucks I do love!)

4.) K-Fed - wtf?

5.) What do you like most about motherhood?

6.) Would you do it all again?

By the way, I think we should set our kiddos up on a play date. Or you and I could just be best friends.

Your #1 Fan

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3 Things I am Thankful for Today:

1.) Giant (the grocery store)

2.) kind strangers

3.) vacuum cleaners

Unsent Letters: Day 7

Day 7 - Your Ex-Boyfriend/Ex-Girlfriend

Dear ______________,
"Others who broke my heart they were like Northern stars..." Thank you for being a northern star in my life. I wouldn't be who I am or where I am without having known and loved you. I wish nothing but the best for you and will aways have fond memories of our time together.
Best Wishes Always,
~Me
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Though I did have a specific ex in mind when writing that, I don't really have any hard feelings towards any of my ex's so that wasn't too painful.

Anyway, L. is still sick. Ew. Pediatrician has advised us to go ahead and try the whole "crying it out" method since he is still not sleeping through the night. It sucks. I don't know how parents do it. Though the ones I've talked to who say it's worth it and wasn't that horrible usually say their kids cried for 10 minutes and fell asleep and ta-da, a few days of that and they're sleeping through the night. Not my kid. He screams at the top of his lungs for 2 straight hours. Whether he's in the crib or in our arms, nothing but screaming til he's hoarse. The only thing that seems to calm him is the bottle, but we're not supposed to be feeding him through the night according to our pediatricians. I hate hearing him cry and scream. :( Having a fat, happy kid who doesn't sleep at night, (or ever really...), wouldn't be so bad, right?...

3 Things I am Thankful for Today:
1.) showers
2.) flip flops (ok, shoes of all kinds)
3.) L.'s smiles

Unsent Letters: Day 6

Let's get right to it.

Day 6 - A Stranger

Dear Stranger,
I hope you're having a good day. In fact, I pray that God is doing wonderful things in your life and you find each day a blessing. Perhaps one day we'll be friends instead of strangers, but until then, may you find kindness and love in the world around you.
Me

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L. is sick again. You can't tell except for his crusty nose and I thank God we have a kid who is fairly happy even when he's sick! In fact, right now he's trying to eat B.'s face...hahahaha! They weren't kidding in our childbirth class when they said kids can get sick 8-12 times in their first year. We're going on #3 in 6 months. I just pray this one doesn't last very long.

Heard some awesome speakers over the past 2 days. If you don't know what TOMS shoes is, you should check it out, (www.TOMS.com). That's where I'm headed now...

3 Things I am Thankful for Today:
1.) inspiration
2.) forgiveness
3.) those delicious wraps that were served today

Unsent Letters: Day 5

Well, hello again. I've posted 5 days in a row! Whoo-hoo! I chose to do the letter writing first because I knew I'd be unemployed and able to write most days this month, hahahaha!

Day 5: Your Dreams

Dear Dreams,
Please continue to be big and full of life. Feel free to change and adapt yourselves as my life continues to pass by quickly and change every day. It would be nice if a few more of you came true, but the others may simply stay dreams. Many have already come true and I am very blessed so I won't ask for much more. At the very least, just stick around for the rest of my days as you give me motivation and peace.
~Me

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On another note, my baby boy had his 6 month check up today and all is well. He's a big healthy boy, (just like his Daddy!), and a definite flirt, (when he's not peeing on people, hahaha!). I am so very blessed.

3 Things I am Thankful for Today:
1.) good conversations
2.) our wonderful pediatricians
3.) laptops (I don't have one but used one today and it made my life so much easier...must. get. one. NOW.)

Unsent Letters: Day 4

My left wrist/hand/arm is killing me. Other than that, it's a good day so far. I was totally worthless last night when L. woke up 567,262,109,193 times. Thank God B. is a responsible parent.

Turns out I have 5 followers...I don't know what google reader is but a good friend of mine is following me through that so I am one step closer to being super famous. SWEET!

These letters are getting boring because they are to the usual suspects...starts getting a bit more interesting (in my opinion at least) tomorrow. Here we go anyway...

Day 4 - Your Sibling (or Closest Relative)

*Sidenote* I have 4 siblings. I'll write to the one I need something from, hahahahaha.

Lil Bro,

CALL ME! RETURN MY TEXTS! I need to borrow a table from you for the yardsale I'm having before you leave for vacation. I also need you to build a sign for my room at work and I will pay you to do so. Thanks for taking all that trash from the basement to the dump. If you need anything, you know how to reach me!

Love,

Your Big Sis

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No one said the letters had to be heartfelt. I'm not that person anyway. And though this is an unsent letter to my brother, you better believe I'm still going to continue to harass him with texts with these requests until I get his help. ;)

3 Things I am Thankful for Today:

1.) Logan

2.) diapers

3.) video monitor

Unsent Letters: Day 3

Ok, first of all, why is it that when I remember to post what I'm thankful for that day I forget to include a photo but when I include the photo I forget about what I'm thankful for. I gotta get my shiz together!

Second of all, I have 4 followers. I can damn near taste the famosity. (*Copyright* Annah from the blog Red Means Go.) Keep it up kind readers! :)

Alright, on to the project...day 3...by the way, the picture is of me & the 'rents...yes I was pregnant in the photo -between 7 & 8 months. Don't worry though, I've lost all my baby weight plus some and am giving up my career in education to pursue modeling. (HAHAHAHAHAHA...I wish!)

Day 3 - Your parents

Madre y Padre, ( *Sidenote* Yes I do in fact refer to them in Spanish at times.)
Again, we all know I have no heart so I'll keep the mushiness in check. Basically, for the most part, you were right. Thanks to Logan I get it now. Thanks for all the times you sent me into an uncontrollable rage because now I finally understand that you didn't always give me what I wanted because it was best for me. Plus I have lots of reasons for therapy now...hahaha...just kidding! I didn't really understand how much you love me until I had my own kid so though I'm 27 years late, I hope you know how much I appreciate that love and all you've done for me.
Love you both,
Kiki

P.S. Mom I know you are reading this because you are one of my 4 followers and you and Dad Facebook stalk me every night which is cool, but pretend you didn't because this is supposed to be an unsent letter. Thanks. :)
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I'm having a productive week so far. So not like me but I won't complain. Actually there's really nothing to complain about at all. God is good. :)

3 Things I am Thankful for Today:
1.) our babysitter
2.) books about being organized and saving time
3.) office supplies

Unsent Letters: Day 2

Happy Monday! I've actually had a productive day so I figured I'd go ahead and continue on with my productivity and write my letter a little earlier today.

Day 2 - Your Crush/Significant Other

B.,

You know I'm not all about the heartfelt emotional outbursts so I'll keep it short and sweet. Nobody gets me like you do. That's probably because you're just as weird as me. :) 3 and a half years later and I'm still in awe that you chose me to spend your life with! You must be crazy too! ;) You're the best husband and father in the world, hands down. Thanks for everything...

Love you always,

"BB"

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Thank God there was no limit on how much to write for these letters. Give me a break, I gotta go easy on myself here since it's my first month, HA!

On another note, my kid is 6 months old as of yesterday. Whoa. He is seriously the cutest baby ever. Remind me of how adorable I thought he was when he's 15 and just told me he hates me.

Unsent Letters: Day 1

Today is the day! Of course I procrastinated til the evening to start this, but I am here to start my month of "Unsent Letters."

Day 1 - Your Oldest Friend

*Sidenote* I have to complicate everything so I'm guessing I could either a.) write to the friend I've had for the longest time or b.) write to the friend who is the eldest of them all. I'm going to shake things up and go with b. The only issue is, I don't really know who my friend with the most life experience is. I've decided not to include family for this so that narrows it down to a couple people but since I honestly don't know exact ages I've chosen the one who I know will not read this because, duh, it's supposed to be an unsent letter.

Also, I won't use her real name because I know she would want it that way.

Dear Friend,
You have taught me many things and are someone who (whom?) I deeply admire. I admire how carefully you think things through and the cautious way you make decisions. I often wish I weren't so impulsive and could be more thoughtful about my own choices. I appreciate your dedication to planning and organization and hope that someday I can at least be half as organized as you so that I'm not always a hot mess living in chaos!
Though we don't always agree on things, I appreciate your ability to listen and disagree without being judgmental. In my opinion, you are a wonderful example of a Christian woman who is not a hypocrite which has not been easy to find in my experience. I pray that I treat others with the same respect and compassion that you do.
I admire your level of committment to all that you do and the people you love. You always give 150%, if not more, to the things and people you care about.
I could certainly go on, but I know you're not comfortable with recognition or praise such as this. I'll end by saying that you are truly one of the classiest woman I know and I feel absolutely blessed to have you as a role model!
Thank you for everything,
Me
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1st letter was easy enough. Now that that is finished, I can move on to other important things like Jersey Shore. Attempted to watch the premiere - couldn't hold my attention so I didn't really watch it. That's all the info I need to know that I probably will never get into it. On that happy note, I am off to bed!

The Plan

So I think I decided on what I want to do for the month of August. I found this thing online that other people are doing called 30 unsent letters where you write letters according to people, (following the guidelines given), but don't actually send them. I guess it's more therapeutic than anything. So since I won't start at my new job until August 23, I figured I should have time to write these letters and though I won't send them, I'll post them. I might change up their guidelines a bit because some of the people you're supposed to write to I just don't find interesting or whatever but we'll see.

So that's the plan to start this out...simple enough. Next up might be cooking everyday. I had a couple more ideas but did my normal procrastination routine and didn't write them down so of course I've already forgotten them.

Random question: What's up with this Jersey Shore show? I've never seen it but everyone on facebook keeps posting about the premiere tonight. I may have to tune in to see what all the hype is about. Personally, I have a feeling I'm too old to appreciate it, but we'll see.

Oh and last night's plan of taking shifts to care for the bambino so B. and I could get some type of sleep worked fairly well. He had to get up twice with L. - the first time I barely noticed, the second I was up with him at 3:30 am as L. was screaming bloody murder while getting a diaper and outfit change since he peed through everything. So I slept from 11 - 3:30 and then 4-5:30 when L. woke up for the day (which was actually sleeping in for him!). The true miracle though was that L. napped from 6:50 am until 10 am!!! I GOT A SHOWER AND A 3 HOUR NAP while he slept! AMEN!

We're trying the plan again tonight and I pray it works well again. B. rarely works the same shift more than 2 days in a row though so we may be changing things up every night or two but something has to be done so we can function. Yay parenthood!

3 Things I Am Thankful for Today:
1.) Diet Pepsi
2.) naps
3.) sunshine

The Exhaustion

It's July 28, I think, and August will be here in a couple days and then I have to start my little monthly projects. Of course I've been procrastinating the whole project and second guessing myself now. So I came up with a few guidelines/goals for myself.

1.) I must do this for at least 6 months. That way I try 6 things at least.
2.) Though I will do them each day for a month at a time, I am only holding myself accountable for a minimum of 4 blog posts a week - I have a baby, work full-time, write on the side besides this blog, and am in grad school...4 times will be a miracle but I'm determined.

Those were the only things I could think of.

I did get some suggestions for other things to try - yoga, art, cake decorating...love! My favorite idea I came up with myself though - sleep for a month. Sleep at least 8 hours a night every night for a month. HAHAHAHAHAHA! Not going to happen but a girl can dream...

The exhaustion made me delirious and think of that. B. & I were chatting the other day and he commented that he couldn't remember the last time he slept through an entire night and I kindly reminded him it was 6 months ago right before L. was born. Then I also reminded him that I haven't slept a whole night through for 15 months now since the minute that kid burst forth into my uterus as an embryo I started peeing around the clock. Someone comment and remind me what slumber is like...I miss it so...

Anyways, so I'm exhausted...yet I'm up blogging while my bambino sleeps...why is this, you ask? Let me tell you...
1.) Bambino will be up in 2 hours anyways. Broken slumber doesn't cut it, I don't care who says some sleep is better than no sleep. It's. Not. The. Same.
2.) I am going to be a famous writer/blogger. Even if it's only in my head.
3.) B. & I are trying out a new nighttime plan...I take care of the kiddo if he wakes up anytime from when he goes to bed (which was about 9 tonight) until 1 am...then B. takes over til he leaves for work at 5:30 at which time I will wake and be refreshed from my 4.5 hours of sleep that isn't fully interrupted except when I am the one who wakes to the sound of L. crying and have to wake B. and send him over to soothe the child. Yay.

I love my kid, wouldn't trade him for the world, but hot damn this parenthood thing is exhausting. Do they ever sleep through the night?

3 Things I'm Thankful for Today:
1.) naps (not that I get them but I appreciate them more now that they are missing from my life!)
2.) my mama
3.) office supplies

The Ideas

I've been thinking a lot about how I'm going to tackle my monthly goals and what they will even be. I have 3-4 ideas so far so at least I can blog for 3 months and if I don't give up on it by then I'll hopefully have come up with more. If anyone has any ideas for things I can do for a month, (that are legal and moral...I'm a mama these days!), that are interesting and will hopefully hold my attention for around 30 days, let me know.

So far I've come up with cooking for a month, baking for a month, (both should be interesting considering I mess up making a bowl of cereal), doing random acts of kindness for a month, and the Fireproof marriage activity, (which should also be interesting considering I can be pretty selfish).

On a totally unrelated note, B. goes back to work tomorrow after 8 glorious days off. We didn't do much of anything besides trade my car in for a new one, (WHOO-HOO!), I finished up the assignments for a summer grad class, and we just hung out. Spent some quality family time together. The plan for next summer is to not be so poor so we can spend our quality time at the BEACH!

The Job

This will be short and sweet. Why? Because I'll say that I work full-time in the field of education, I'm currently working on my master's in an area in this field, and that's about as far as it goes. I personally don't think it's professional or appropriate for me to say anything else.

I work part-time as a writer...not just blogging but occasionally I do get paid to write articles. If you're interested, you can check them out here or here. And by my blog name, I obviously love writing and aspire to be famous for it one day. Amen!

Also, B. (the hubby), is a chef...so besides being a lucky and well-fed lady I also assist him in catering various events from time to time. Basically, he handles the cooking part and I handle the business/details end of it.

That's about it. Exciting entry, I know. ;)

3 Things I'm Thankful for Today:
1.) my husband
2.) cute photos of my baby boy
3.) beer

The Kids

1 human kid + 1 canine kid = 1 exhausted mama

How do you people do it with multiple human kids and multiple canine kids? Booze? Anyway, though they wear me out, I love them. I know you're not supposed to have favorites as a parent but I do. No shame here, I love my human kid a tad bit more than the canine one.

I am the mama to the world's most adorable 5 1/2 month old boy who I shall refer to as L. I feel bad for all the other mama's out there who were hoping to have the world's most adorable baby because somehow I lucked out, hehehehe. Besides being so stinkin' cute, he is a genius, (obviously), and hilarious. He's got quite the personality already and though he's only almost 6 months, he is certain he is at least 2 years old.

For awhile before I got knocked up I went through a phase where I didn't even want to ever have kids. (I wasn't even planning on ever marrying, remember?) But thankfully God had an entirely different plan for my life than I had. L. makes me laugh everyday and as cliche as it is, you really don't get the whole parenthood thing until you're there. In all seriousness though, I feel so blessed to have him and am thoroughly enjoying the whole motherhood experience as exhausting as it is.

G. is the canine kid. An 85 pound lab/retriever/pit bull mix we adopted from the Humane Society who thinks he's a cat. He always wants to cuddle in your lap and lay on top of the back of the couch. He sits at the windowsill and stares out for hours as well. He can be incredibly hyper but not the least bit aggressive. He sheds like he's getting paid for it which irritates me but he gives the funniest looks and is completely lovable.

Thankfully the kids get along very well. G. ignores L. for the most part unless there's leftover food or formula on his face or he thinks L.'s in harm's way. L. thinks G.'s the most hilarious being to walk the planet. Sometimes G. is the only one who can calm L. down just by walking past or sitting in front of him. B. and I joke that G. is the third parent...but I'm only half joking.

3 Things I'm Thankful For Today:

1.) the kids

2.) make-up

3.) my parents

The Husband

I am a wife. Not a very good one most of the time, but a wife. Thankfully, a very patient man tamed me. I'll refer to him as B in the blog. I truly thought I'd skip the whole marriage deal and be a kick-ass independent career woman for this lifetime, but he is HILARIOUS. He's the only person in the world who has the same sick, twisted sense of humor that I do, so I didn't really have a choice except to marry him. Plus, he has the biggest heart ever and I don't have one at all, so we complement each other nicely.

He is a hockey fanatic which can be irritating but I appreciate his love for the sport even though he probably thinks I don't. He is a history buff too which I find very attractive. He hates to read, loves to eat...did I mention he's a chef? He feeds me well and his spontaneous romantic dinners are always amazing.

His hugs are the best, he's my best friend and my biggest cheerleader, (besides my mom of course). He's cute too - take a peek at the pic and check him out if you can tear your eyes away from my pasty bat-wing arm, hahahaha.

In short, he's the best. Sorry to all the ladies out there who were hoping to snatch up the best husband out there because I already got him. I'm sure I'll mention him lots throughout the blog since he's the one that keeps me sane in the craziness of our lives so I figured he deserved a proper introduction.

Love you B.

Hello World

Here I am world. An official blogger. Let's cut to the chase. What is this blog all about? My life and my quest to live it to the fullest. My idea of "1 month makes a difference" goes like this - I'll choose something to take on or try for a month and blog about it along with my life. Why? Because I'm the world's biggest procrastinator and don't usually stick with anything so I don't really have any solid interests, at least not for longer than a few weeks in most cases. Not to mention I love writing and being a working mama and wife I need a place to destress since I gave up partying to be a domestic diva.

Until August I'll post more info about myself so my readers, (I will have readers, won't I?!?!), will know me a bit better. Then August 1 I will begin my month long adventures to make a difference in the world...or just my life. (I told you I was a procrastinator...you didn't think I'd start this today, did you?)

3 Thing I'm Thankful for Today
1. Nissley 2008 Niagra wine
2. the Kardashians
3. blogs