Tuesday, November 30, 2010

11/30/10

Today is my brother Adam's birthday. Today is the day Hayley goes off on her own. My lips are a mess but the pain isn't nearly as bad as yesterday. It finally subsided a little without the use of a painkiller around 10 last night. I took advantage of that and fell asleep quickly. Right now, the pain is tolerable. I could take some Tylenol and it'd probably disappear but I've been on it every 4-5 hours all day yesterday. Some of the blisters have healed up and been reabsorbed by my body. I still have some of the late appearing ones causing some trouble, but the worst seems to be over.

So yeah, pretty much yesterday was one of the least enjoyable of my entire life, and that is saying something!

Today is just going to be blah. After dropping Hayley off, I intend on only recuperating.

Monday, November 29, 2010

Life is Great!

Despite the angry rash on my lips and my itchy eyes, I'm feeling immensely better! Why you ask? My work schedule has changed!!! No early mornings and NO day program shifts! I can go back to working with David on Fridays. Janice on Thursdays. Staff meetings and/or committee meetings on Wednesdays. When no meetings, I have the day off. It starts this week! However, I'm covering Renie's shift on Wednesday, so my hours will be the same this week.

I've been doing a lot of searching regarding my allergic reaction. Literally hundreds of people with my exact same symptoms and complaints. They've all been to doctors, dermatologists and allergists to no avail, so I guess I will save myself the trip. Prednisone is prescribed and is only a temporary fix. Symptoms come back after you come off the drug. The best course of action is to do nothing. Use cold compresses. Drink lots and lots of water. Pain killers for the pain. Stress is a major factor. Already feeling better about that. I've read a few reports that my nail polish/acrylic nails could be causing some of this? Not sure. I've had them for about 4 years with no problems.

In the future, if my lips feel dry from wind or sun exposure, I will use Vaseline or a little olive oil. Definitely staying away from sunscreen lip balm of any sort. Which also means not kissing my husband if he's wearing it! So he better figure something out! I would rather have sunburned lips than go through this again!

Also going to get back on track with a good sleep schedule. We've been doing better with that but I'd like it to really continue for the long haul.

11/29/10

I hope everyone had a great Thamksgiving. Ours was good. Lots of food and family.

So apparently I'm allergic to chapstick. Started out with four little blisters on my lips and severe itchiness around my lips two days ago. Today is morning three and my lips had ballooned up to Lisa Rinna proportions. In case I ever want injections or an implant, I'm going to remember this morning, especially when I silently complain about my very thin upper lip. If they didn't burn and itch, I might enjoy this trout pout while it lasts. Everything seems to be making it worse so as of right now, ice for swelling, drinking lots of water to get my hydration back to par and Tylenol for pain. Not going to go the benedryl route unless absolutely necessary, as the dye in benedryl gives me a rash on my face and yeah, I have enough going on there right now. I do have dye free benedryl but still not comfortable with the risk. I have two days before anybody HAS to see me, and I will probably cancel with David Wednesday, but I still have to pick up Tonya in Middletown and do the bowling run for Renie because she's taking this week off and she had nobody to cover for her. That'll be like 2-7. Hopefully this gets under control by then.

I have pictures. I took one yesterday. Mild damage. This morning...lots of swelling. After ice and Tylenol, a little improvement. After saying a prayer, lips are back to lip-like proportions. Pretty much they just ache right now. Itchiness is gone for now.

Zach is home from school today. Fever, severe headache and vomiting yesterday. Fever's gone. Headache is better, vomiting stopped but he's very congested and his tonsils are swollen again.

In other news, Bella is so frikken cute lately. She waves hi. She loves to be sung to. She loves having secrets whispered in her ears. Loves commercials. Pulls her ownself up to a standing position. Cruises along the furniture. She lets go and stands for a few seconds before grabbing back on. She turned 7 months old a week ago.

Sierra is so frikken cute as usual. What a good dog she is!!! You can tell her to kiss the baby and she will go to the baby and stand patiently while the baby roughly gropes her, and then licks her a few times before laying back down.

Right now, I'm watching Toy Story 2. Trying to keep my mind off my painful prediciment.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Vitamins

For the most part, the foods that make up my daily diet are very healthy choices. However, there are lots of days in a row where I'm lucky if I get more than one meal into me. Healthy? Probably not, but it is what it is. If I have the day off, I'm definitely more of a grazer. Couple of wheat thins here, slice of cheese there. I'm not overweight. Not underweight. I tend to lose and gain the same ten pounds several times a year. Anyway, this isn't about weight. It is more about deficiencies. I can't imagine I'm getting all of my nutritional needs met by that one meal, so I take a Woman's One a Day multivitamin. I picked up some Vitamin C and Vitamin D supplements.
Vitamin D helps maximize calcium absorption. So if you think you're taking enough calcium, which you may be, you won't be getting the maximum benefits of it if you're low in Vitamin D. Doctors are seeing alarming trends of low D because of the increase of awareness of sun exposure. Sunblock limits vitamin D production, as does obviously avoiding the sun. Vitamin D prevents breast cancer and colon cancers. So basically, my understanding of this research implies one is going to have to choose your own cancer. Do you want skin cancer or breast cancer? Hmmm, I will take skin cancer, thanks. Obviously, I'm not a doctor. Do your own research. I'm interested because I tan artificially and have paid attention to real health reports, versus what the media and government peddle. For instance, yes, tanning beds can cause skin cancer. No, sun exposure does not cause the deadly form of melanoma. Melanoma can happen at any age, any skin color, and whether or not you use sunblock or not. But melanoma is skin cancer. And tanning beds cause skin cancer. See how confused you are now? I'm not saying tanning can't be problematic in some people, causing premature aging, sun spots and carcinomas which need to be removed and can lead to scarring. What I'm saying is that they could actually be saving lives, too, at a far greater rate!

I've artificially and officially tanned regularly since around the age 26. Do I look 38? So pish posh on the premature aging shpeel in my opinion. I've contended for awhile that I'm healthier mentally and physically when I don't limit my sun exposure. Now, I'm beginning to understand that that is because of the vitamin D production. Like 20 minutes of sun can cause like 10,000 iu of D production naturally. A person with a healthy diet only produces like 400 iu (with no sun). Studies suggest in order to get protection from beast and colon cancer, one needs at least 10,000 iu a day, and most physicians, when adked, said they take approximately 10,000 iu daily Mind you, these are estimations. I'm running off memory. I read the report Saturday. I trust you're smart enough to look into this on your own.

My conclusion? Everything in moderation. Vitamins are good, but nature is better. The sun is our friend!!! I am more opposed to rubbing dangerous chemical compounds into my flesh than using the gifts God has provided!

11/24/10

Gonna be a super busy day. Had fun at The Rockettes. Ate at El Tapatio before we went. My husband and I really need to have more dates.

Going to enjoy some coffee, tan, take David to Swan Point, drop him off and then turn around and head back towards Providence and beyond. Beyond being Portland. Excited for tomorrow. All the food is bought. Just need to pick up drinks and snacks. I've had to hold off on that in this house. We'd have nothing left for tomorrow!

Bella's a bit cranky right now. Poor baby has blisters on her top gum where her top teeth are pushing through. Dosed her up with some Tylenol. She wanted me to hold her. Then she wanted to get down and stand. She cried because she wanted me to hold her. I picked her back up. She cried because she wanted to stand. I put her back down and she insisted I stay hunched over with my arms wrapped around her, hugging her, while she stood. Pathetic and super cute at the same time!

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Auto-correct Can Go To He'll

And kiss my asterisk!

11/23/10

This is going to be a long day, but I suspect, lots of fun!

I've done something to my finger that has rendered it useless. You don't realize how much you need a pointer finger till you can't use it!

I need coffee. As in, I'm going to have to get up and make some.

I need to make a list of the last minute items that I need for this grand holiday. Mostly for hors d'oeuvres. I think we're all set for the main meal.

Monday, November 22, 2010

High Heels and Lucky Brand Jeans

Proud of myself! I wore heels today!!! And my sweet fitting Lucky jeans. What a difference heels make for an attiude change! Got my strut back for at least a little while.

11/22/10

Caught up on lots of sleep this weekend. Had a weirdish kind of nightmare. Weird because if this happened in real time I wouldn't have been scared!

Today=errands (pick up baby pics, groceries, etc)
Tomorrow=shopping with Janice, dinner out with Janice and Sophie, seeing the Rockettes with Janice and Sophie)
Wednesday=pick up Lex and Cody in Portland
Thursday=spend my most favorite day with my husband!

My life at work may just have gotten infinitely better!!!

Zach wants a new jacket for Christmas. Seriously?? Thats it? He doesn't want a new computer. Was really unsure about what new Wii games. Wants the new Call of Duty game for his ps3, but thinks his dad is getting it for him. He is interested in a mini fridge for his room. While he'll need one for college anyway, his bedroom is currently 3 steps from the kitchen.

My ever-loving Italian wants gold jewelry for Christmas.

Everything I really really am dying to get my hands on from Apple gets released after Christmas.

Zach uses my snuggie often. OFTEN!!! I suggested I'd get him his own for Christmas and he said no way. So I guess I will get a new one! Oh yeah, and I want the Wonder File. Love As Seen on TV gifts!

Friday, November 19, 2010

11/19/10

Well for a Friday, it was an ok day! Glad to be home relaxing! Hubby is bringing home some kind of fast food. KFC probably. I'm ready for bed. The last two or three nights have been hellacious for sleep. As in, I'm not sleeping.

Going to see Harry Potter this weekend. Pick up the baby's pics. Get Christmas cards addressed. Monday relax. Tuesday shop with Janice, then the Rockettes with Janice and Sophie. Wednesday, run to Portland to meet sister-in-law and pick up Lexi and Cody for Thanksgiving. Spend some much needed time with my husband!!! Enjoy some Black weekend madness at Providence Place mall.

This husband and wife need a hot tub. Maybe Santa will read my blog!

Thursday, November 18, 2010

11/18/10

What a long night! My husband and I need to get back on our regular sleep schedules that is for sure! And we wonder why we have days we sleep for 12 straight hours!

Hmmm, what am I thankful for today...this mild November weather we're having in SoCo for one. It hit 70 yesterday in Providence. A little snow around Christmas and an early Spring will equal a perfect weather situation in my opinion.

I really haven't stocked up on Thanksgiving groceries like I wanted. Grrrrr. I'm going to try today. Like stuffing, turkey, potatoes, rolls, squash, parsnips, cranberry sauce, green beans, cranberries and almonds. We'll see what I accomplish. I have no idea what to do about Christmas shopping. It seems so unnecessary. We get new stuff every week, so to "stock up" for one day just feels like extra work. If Zach wants a new video game, he rarely waits long, and certainly not for Christmas. Bella gets what she needs when she needs it and then some. Her birthday will be a bit different and Christmases when she actually knows what's going on will be different, but really, what do we need?

We all want new snuggies. I'm set on candles and clothes. I have requested one particular pair of shoes. No idea for my husband. He's going to have to help with his shopping this year. Zach wants the rest of the seasons of Family Guy. We'll get some new Wii games I guess and another controller. Some new board games. I'd say new books, but we have access to several local libraries with stellar collections. The one thing this former Maine girl was spoiled with was two fantastic libraries. Tabitha King was from my hometown, Old Town and spent lots of money on the OT library and both Kings spent lots of money improving the Bangor library, so my expectations are high.

Tanning, shopping with Janice, and Salve Regina University are on the agenda for tonight. And then hopefully some sleep!!!

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

11/17/10

It is a new day. Drinking my coffee. Have to get ready in a few for my eye doctor visit. Just a routine visit.

Thanks to my love for the beautiful diamond and gold key pendant and chain. I really love it. And thanks for being perfect, even when you make me mad.

I really don't know what I was thinking when I scheduled the appt. today at 10. I think I was thinking I just want my contacts ordered as quickly as possible, when choosing the 10 o'clock over the 11. Glad my husband likes me in my glasses.

I was feeling downright yucky yesterday afternoon. I've had a headache for a few days and yesterday it was making me feel nauseous for a time. Feeling much better today. Headache is gone.

I have so much to be thankful for, but most importantly, I have a husband that gets things done. If something is broke, and I say get it fixed, he does it. He is definitely not useless. He is a problem solver. Some women end up with husbands that are essentially just another kid to take care of. I'm a problem solver as well, so it is very nice to feel confident in letting him take the lead. I don't have to worry about him mis-managing our money. Most of his "unauthorized" purchases are gifts for me. We always have food on the table, gas in our cars, money in the bank, and a roof over our head. He even takes care of most bills online, so our mailbox isn't filled with depressing bills. He is a wonderful person and I love how he takes care of me. I love that I actually let him take care of me. I know of no one that I would trust enough to do this and yet somehow he's managed to weave his way in. I have THE highest expectations of a life mate and he exceeds those expectations. Plus, he's super romantic. He writes me poems, songs, gives me flowers and cards and stuffed animals just because. I love this man.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

And...

To the many many commenters on many technology sites. How can you NOT see the importance of a front facing camera? Who the heck wants to walk around carrying a laptop or ugly netbook around for video conferencing. As it is, even the iPad is kind of gaudy for that. The point is this...the opportunity to change communication completely has presented itself. One expects Apple to blaze the trail. Technology evolves folks, like it or lump it. Otherwise, I'd be walking my dog listening to a portable 8 track player.

New iPads

As of last night, we're still waiting on the 2nd generation iPad. I'm curious to see if it will have the camera. Flash would be awesome but I guess that is a pipe dream from the rumors I've been listening to. Personally I would be happy keeping my 1st gen, buying the camera connection kit for $30 and some kind of software/hardware/firmware update to use that kit to use an external webcam. Rumors have it that this has already come to fruition with jailbreak...HOWEVER, the Verizon iPhone is not a rumor. Just waiting on the release. There seems to be a hold up with the new iPad release. Apple isn't talking. 1st quarter 2011 is the expected release of Verizon iPhone. I won't need a new iPad because the new phones will have Face Time and I suspect are also compatible with Skype and other video IMing. It is only a matter of time before these devices do it all. Waiting is just hard. It is like knowing the technology exists for say water powered cars and yet everyone is sitting on it because there's more money to be had to just sit on it. The problem with that is that the consumer is only a little stupid and will remain loyal to the company that first releases the tablet that has everything everyone wishes the iPad had. Flash, built in apps, two cameras, USB ports.

List

I'm still mad, so there will be no lovey dovey birthday post for my husband today. But I will make a list of the many reasons I like and/or love about him and this is not in any kind of order so if for example, I put his large man parts on the list first, that does not mean I love that the most. Ok?


Things I like/love about my husband:

-he's tall
-he's dark
-he's handsome
-he smells incredible
-he thinks I'm witty
-he's my biggest fan
-he is super generous when he's buying me gifts
-he's a meiser otherwise
-he thinks 55 inch televisions are too small
-he can't wait to buy me a BMW x5
-he has a good sense of humor and doesn't take me too seriously
-Bella thinks he's the bee's knees
-loving me is his business, and business is gooooooood!
-he makes good pizza
-he works very hard to take care of me
-he gives great hugs
-he gives "magic" massages
-his dream job is to be my personal assistant
-Zach thinks he's the coolest guy on the planet.
-all his little imperfections make one giant perfect person
-he appreciates that I'm often willing to have sex even if I'm angry, but knows when to stay on his side of the pillow barrier.
-our favorite thing is to be together
-sexting with him on long boring days at work
-all the flowers he brings home
-the last second chocolate trips to the store
-he makes great lattes
-he loves taking me on trips
-his enormous man parts

Yes, he's perfect and he's mine. I love him more than anything.

Optimists Need Not Apply

A for instance for ya...a friend posts a Confucious quote...wherever you go, there you are.

Ummm, duh. (This optimism brings out my pessimism.) What I'm secretly commenting in my head? "I seriously have no idea how I'd get through my day without all these useless sayings. Thank you for stealing some wise wisdom. Thank you."

11/16/10

Happy Birthday to my husband.

Rarely do I censor my writing. Ever. Especially my facebook statuses. Seriously. If you're offended by what comes out of my head then there are many options available to you. The top of which are delete, delete, delete. Honestly, I will get over it.

I find the older I'm getting, the less I care what some people think. So tired of the "oh, I'm so poor" updates or the "only positive thoughts today" posts. I'm not poor and I'm rarely positive. Deal. Or don't. Why're you creeping my page anyway. FYI, I have a lot of friends and family that aren't poor or sickly, or positive and sometimes my updates are for them. We like to read about the good, the bad and the ugly in each other's lives and we love comparing our new toys, kind of like the first day back to school after Christmas break and everyone tells everyone what they got. Only now we have grown up expensive toys. And I hit the jackpot when it comes to husbands who like to buy their wives lots and lots of toys. And I like to brag about them.

What is most important to me isn't necessarily what, but whom, and that would be my husband, my family and my dog. If you're not on that list, then you only have access to the superficial me. The end.

Monday, November 15, 2010

Yummmmm

Chocolate filled chocolate chip cookies. So flipping great!

I've had a headache all day.

I love my dog. More than most people.

I have the sweetest Bella ever!

I tore a contact this morning.

My eye appointment isn't till Wednesday at 10 am.

I can't order new contacts till after my exam. Booooooooo!

Wonders how I became friends with some people in the first place, but glad to have renewed some friendships I'd written off.

Super excited to see the Rockettes with Sophie and Janice.

I have a super family.

I love how loud I can yell.

I'm in love with the hot pink nail polish on my nails right now.

I love manis and pedis for that matter. Love that I can indulge twice a month.

I hate my period.

I hate my husband's crappy schedule and wish he'd get a different job.

I love onions. I'm going to cook every meal from now until forever with lots and lots of onions.

I'm taking a vacation. Alone.

I'm in the mood to watch The Wizard of Oz and I don't own it.

I really like my mint green tea that I'm drinking.

I love Jesus.

Standing Bella


Standing Bella
Originally uploaded by jennluvsgable
Yes this baby is still 6 months old. Standing and letting go, thinking she can just take off running! Very much ahead of the game with her physical milestones! She will most definitely be walking by nine months, if not sooner.

Peek a boo


Peek a boo
Originally uploaded by jennluvsgable
Playing her favorite game

Pillow Pet


Pillow Pet
Originally uploaded by jennluvsgable
It's a pillow, it's a pet! It's a pillow pet! She LOVES hers!

*SCREAMS*

I once again made the mistake of reading comments on a BDN story. Grrrrrr! What gets my fur up? Dog bite stories. The story clearly, very clearly, states the dog being an American bull dog. Attention dumb asses! This is not a pit bull aka an American Staffordshire terrier. American BULL dogs are their own breed. They are bigger than American Staffordshire terriers (pit bulls) by about 40 pounds in some cases. Not every dog bite is inflicted by pit bulls. Not every bully breed is even a pit bull. Golden retrievers inflict more bites than the vicious pit bull according to statistics. Google it. Kudos to BDN for trying to state the facts.

My pit bull Sierra currently is taking this story in stride, unlike her owner, as she is laying on the floor with an almost 7 month old baby crawling all over her, pulling her ears, poking her eyes and now they're licking each others' faces.

The issue is irresponsible dog owners. If my dog was known to be vicious, I would be the first to have her put down. Like people, animals can have personality flaws. Unfortunately, we can't put people down to protect the good name of many. Let me tell you, you piss me off, and you're going to wish it was my dog that bit you.

11/15/10

I think my husband and I were drugged last night! We ate dinner and had been feeling kind of headachy anyway so we laid down together and were just cuddling. Next thing I know, it is 11 pm. We turned off the lights, put a movie in, and both were out like a light again until this morning.

I have a lot to do today. Pick up groceries, cake and ice cream for Mitch's birthday tomorrow, tan, mail, some last minute shopping. Pick up the few items I can for Thanksgiving that aren't perishable. I'm going to try to get some cute pics of Bella and her pillow pet today. She loves her dog. If it were bigger, Sierra would love it too, as a dog bed!

I have no ideas for dinner tonight. I'm in the mood for salad, so I will probably buy the fixings for that. Thursday is the release of the Beaujolais. Excited, except for the fact I have to be at work Friday morning at 7.

Sunday, November 14, 2010

11/14/10

Bella's been extra cute the last few days. Playing like crazy. She loves to be sung to and read to. She loves peek a boo still. She is a crawling machine right now. She pulls herself up to a standing position. She loves loves loves Sierra! Mitch brought home the dog Pillow Pet today for her. Oh my goodness, she keeps hugging it, laughing at it, pulling its ears and then looking at Sierra to see if she's watching. So funny. Little Miss Sassy Pants will be 7 months in a week. She's growing up so fast. Her first year will be over before we know it.

Mitch is making lasagna for dinner tonight. I can't wait. Garlic bread too! I wish I was feeling better this weekend. Period you know.

Saturday, November 13, 2010

11/13/10

Ahhhhhhh, Saturday! I slept in with my husband this morning. Yes, 7 is sleeping in. Then I kicked him out of bed to get me a latte. Right now, he is at Zach's football game with Bella. I'm not there, even though the weather is beautiful for it. I'm having my period and that's all I'm going to say on the subject.

I'm looking forward to shopping with my husband tomorrow.

Bella is getting her Christmas pics done on Monday.

Alrighty, I'm really not in the mood to blog so bye for now.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

11/11/10

This is my last week of "normal" I guess. Next week is Mitch's bday. The week after I'm going with Sophie and Janice to see the Rockettes on Tuesday, and Thursday is Thanksgiving. And then of course, it is a very fast downhill slide after Thanksgiving till New Years.

Ah well.

I have new oil in my car. Yay!

Going shopping with Janice today and Salve Regina University tonight.

I'm starting to get excited about the clothes in my closet. My little project is working! Now that I have great looking actual outfits, I'm willing to further purge the stuff that up till this point I haven't wanted to get rid of. I have a ton of clothes. Jeans, tees, hoodies, yoga pants. All these separates but nothing tying them together, so I usually end up throwing on jeans and a tee or jeans and a sweatshirt, while the really cute stuff just sits in my closet. In the fall, I love the old-is-new-again layered look but layering is tricky business if you have any kind of body. I like showing off curves but that is hard to do with a lot of layers. Plus lots of bulk is rarely flattering on anyone. Anyway, I've worked hard at taking an article of clothing that I particularly like and building an outfit around it. It has been fun because it is kind of like shopping in your own closet. Most importantly, I don't open my closet and stare at its boringness or say I have nothing to wear anymore. Of course, this will only work for fall, winter and spring. This summer, I will be bored. Tees, tanks, shorts and flip flops. My wardrobe May through October. I'm going to incorporate more skirts and sun dresses this summer on the days I don't have to work.

Also, I love heels and I have a lot, but I never wear them. I'm going to commit to wearing an outfit that requires heels at least once a week. Maybe once every two weeks to start. I used to wear heels all the time. I could even run in them. Now, not so much.

Next step will be accessories. I'm so not an accessory person anymore. I don't wear earrings. I like a simple necklace. I DO wear rings and my belly button ring everyday. The 80s were fun for accessories. Colored pearls to match every outfit. Big colored bangles, again to match. Big chunky belts in coordinating colors to wear over tunics paired with stirrup pants. Or maybe it was just that I only had to worry about me in eigth grade so hunting for the right accessories was fun. We'll see.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

11/10/10

Unfortunately today, I don't have all morning to blog. Staff meeting at 11. Blech! My days off go by so fast. We'll be back to Friday before I know it. Friday is the most dreaded day of the week for me, but at least it usually goes by fast! I'm not going to complain because I have a job and a pretty sweet schedule, but I can still dread Friday mornings in particular!

I'm literally drinking the best cup of coffee ever. It tastes perfect and it is homemade. It is a good thing when you can outdo any coffee shop. Cheaper too!

Goals for the rest of this week are:
+ turn in mileage sheets
- attend staff meeting
+/- get my files organized including my calendar
+ take my husband shopping on Sunday


Dinner last night was a toss up. The girls gave it a 9 and a 10. Zach gave it a 2. Mitch didn't give it a number, but said he's not a fan, even though he ate it. I gave it a seven. Not my fave but would consider making it again for the girls. We had turkey moussaka last night, which is a traditional Greek meal. We're not Greek. I liked the feta on top after I broiled it for a few minutes. Zach said that was his favorite part.

I attacked the bathroom yesterday. I feel good about that. For such a small room, things sure can get behind quickly in there. I finally got the Thanksgiving decorations out. I will be glad to trade them in for Christmas decorations! I picked up two wine glass ornaments yesterday at the Christmas Tree Shop as well as tiny velvet stocking ornaments with everyones initials except Zach. Couldn't find a z. I bought two felted snowmen ornaments and two cute knitted stocking ornaments.

I guess I have to get moving. I want to head out around 10. I really dislike staff meeting days!

Tuesday, November 09, 2010

Ralph Lauren


Ralph Lauren
Originally uploaded by jennluvsgable
I want a do-over of my senior pics!

New Cardigan #1


New Cardigan #1
Originally uploaded by jennluvsgable
Sweater weather on a pretty fall day!

Bella and me


Bella and me
Originally uploaded by jennluvsgable
It was chilly here yesterday. Bella wasn't too happy about being bundled up!!!

A Good Day for Errands


image
Originally uploaded by jennluvsgable

11/9/10

I got quite a lot accomplished yesterday. Today I'm feeling less ambititious but I really do want to make it to the Christmas Tree Shop in Newport today. That is my main goal with the exception of finishing cleaning the house. I also want to tan, drop off paperwork at work, and finish the last few pages of the book I'm reading. Oh yeah, I also need to go to the Hallmark store.

I bought an absolutely adorable ornament yesterday. It is a glass(?) ornament in the shape of a white I Love NY tee-shirt, like the one I own, that I got on our first anniversary spent in NYC. I want to find a horse and carriage to represent our carriage ride through Central Park, and other ornaments that reflect our life together. I also want to get some ornaments for Bella.

I scored about $400 worth of cardigans yesterday for just a fraction of the cost. It's looking like it'll be a cozy winter for me! They'll be perfect with my leggings and my Uggs.

Right now I'm enjoying a cup of coffee and watching Beauty and the Beast. I have to jump in the shower in a few. Tonight we're having turkey moussaka for dinner with some fancy rolls from the bakery to go with. We're patiently waiting on the release of the 2010 Beaujolais Nouveau. Statistically, it'll be an epic fail, but it is fun waiting for it nonetheless. Just in time for Thanksgiving. We'll surely have some back-up just in case.

Monday, November 08, 2010

11/8/10

Just waiting on some coffee. I am wide awake! Love this time change! It should be 8 and instead it is 7! Doesn't necessarily mean I'm motivated to do much. It is a cold rainy day and wouldn't you know, I put off getting gas yesterday, when it was dry and warmer, so whatever I have planned for today, will require a trip to the gas station first!

Cold enough for my Uggs, but too wet. I don't want to stain them. Completely throws off the whole outfit I was going to wear today. I actually need a rain jacket. I don't know if I still have the LL Bean catalog kicking around or not. A rain coat with a hood, so I can wear my fleece or a sweatshirt under it. I don't know. I just hate feeling damp all day. Maybe I will go to the marine store and get a nice cozy fisherman raincoat in yellow. I will be sure to stay dry under that!

Don't even get me started on the uselessness of the umbrella! Ok I'm started. They're not appropriate for any kind of wind driven rain, as the wind tends to shift and you find yourself walking blindly in circles trying to not let the wind catch the underneath to flip the whole thing inside out. But that always happens despite how careful you are on your one minute walk through the parking lot, into the grocery store. Now, you've wasted three minutes of a one minute walk, standing in the wind driven rain trying to right side out our umbrella, shaking all the collected water on you, only to discover your device is now broken, as in the material now doesn't attach to one of the sharp wires currently protruding out of the rubberized safety end that normally protects a person from getting stabbed in the eye. And you know exactly what I'm talking about because it has all happened to you. This is assuming you even get the umbrella opened without pinching your finger on the locking mechanism. But it is bad luck to open an umbrella INSIDE?

Sunday, November 07, 2010

A Most Boring Day

Boring and it is only 3:30! Came up with some ideas for some tree decorations. The kids and I like to make new ones to add to our collection. We'll make these new ones in the upcoming weeks. Watched a couple of movies. Browsed online for some new clothing ideas. I know what I want and what I like, but I'm kind of picky about style, cut, MATERIAL, and finally I guess price. If it is a classic/timeless piece, I will go neutral color and spend more on quality. If it is just a trend, and not a trend I HAVE to have, I will either end up riding it out because of my indecision, or find a cheaper version of it. If it is a trend I HAVE to have, then I get it, with all the bells and whistles.

Right now I'm in the market for cardigans. Lighter weight cotton/cashmere blends. Blacks, charcoals, possibly some brighter colors in royal blue and a peachy orange. A pearl button crew, or maybe v-neck. No zippers. Some are cute, but too expensive because they're super trendy. Besides I'm not really into zippers. Or ornamental items on my sweaters. Again, super trendy right now and bordering cute, but the trend will fade and I will get stuck with an expensive sweater with an ugly flower that I have to end up removing without destroying the sweater. Wool need not apply. It is itchy and uncomfortable. And too hot for this area. I had an LL Bean rag wool crew that I had forever, because I used to wear it skiing. I only wore it skiing. Then one day, someone did my laundry and shrunk it and my little girl ended up with a very nice wool sweater. Acrylic need not apply either. Not interested in Walmart or Target sweaters.

It was nice getting up this morning and seeing sun and not darkness. FYI, I've always hated going to school or work when it is still dark. Unfortunately, now I come home from work and it is dark.

Anyway, tomorrow I'm going to Marshall's, Christmas tree shop and Savers. I also have to complete this week's grocery shopping, and maybe stop at AC Moore.

11/7/10

Grrrrr. My period is due to start in a week. Realized where my bad mood is coming from. Just a short fuse today. The time change was relatively painless. I was just up at 6 instead of 7. Didn't sleep great anyway. Not tired though. I'm taking advantage of my energy. Kids are doing their laundry. Grocery shopping done. I just bought stuff for tonight's dinner and snack stuff for today and breakfast stuff for tomorrow. I will do the real shopping Monday morning when the majority of the people that drive me crazy in this town will be at work or in class.

Tanning at noon. Cleaning up the house a bit. Burning some candles. I need to finish off two of my Autumn candles that are almost out. I have four more coming. Plus, my Scentsy catalogues should be coming from Courtney. Most of the people I have to buy for will be getting that. Mom, sister, boss, etc. I also need to pick up Sunday's paper for all the flyers, even though I'm pretty certain what we're getting Bella this year. It doesn't hurt to look. I think I'm asking for another pair of Uggs. To replace my shoe ones. I want the exact same pair I have, just in a more appropriate size. Uggs tend to be a size bigger than one normally wears. They were the last pair to be had last year and they were a size 7. I wear a 6, so technically they're two sizes too big for me. Literally, they were back ordered for like 2 months last year, so it was wait 2 months or get the last pair on the planet. I opted for the last pair. This year, hubby learned his lesson and got my Bailey triplet Uggs for our anniversary back in September. The shoe ones I want should be available for Christmas this year, as they are last years model. Get it? Good!!! Ugg school is over for the day.

Little Miss Big Eyes!


Little Miss Big Eyes!
Originally uploaded by jennluvsgable

Pretty in Pink


Pretty in Pink
Originally uploaded by jennluvsgable

Pretty Princess


Pretty Princess
Originally uploaded by jennluvsgable
Love this Ralph Lauren dress! She'll be able to wear it as a shirt over leggings as she grows.

Cute


Cute
Originally uploaded by jennluvsgable

Sweet Profile


Sweet Profile
Originally uploaded by jennluvsgable

Happy November!!!


photo
Originally uploaded by jennluvsgable

Saturday, November 06, 2010

11/6/10

I slept last night at least. Not great but it'll suffice.

Grocery shopping tomorrow. Need to get stuff for the week and pick up what stuff I can for Thanksgiving.

The baby was so cute before I had to go to work yesterday morning that I couldn't wait to get home to play with her. Wouldn't you know she slept from around 4pm to 4am so this is the first I'm seeing her.

Watching Home Alone right now. Last night I watched Toy Story 3. Sad movie. Zach thought it was sad too. His favorite movie when he was 4 was Toy Story. Tonight I'm going to watch The Final Destination.

I have to go through my magazines for some fresh recipes for this week. Also make a list of the various appetizers for Thanksgiving. Pretty sure the creamed spinach is making an appearance with some toasted baguettes. Might as well make some bruschetta since we're already going to have the baguettes prepped. Some olive cream cheese spread for crackers and veggies. Maybe a cheese and pepperoni plate. My family is more about the appetizers than the turkey, so we are either going with just a turkey breast or skip the turkey and put a chicken in the rotisserie. Garlic and chive smashed red potatoes, squash, stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce and parsnips will round out the meal. I should throw in something green. Maybe some sauteed pea pods with some cranberries and almond slivers.

Okay menu and grocery list time.

Friday, November 05, 2010

11/5/10

What a freaking long day! I was awake every hour last night, looking at the clock. Finally just got up around 5:30 to get ready for work. The longest day ever there! So glad another Friday has come and gone. I can get back to my delightful life.

Plans for tonight? Feeding the kiddos. Watching some movies and going to bed! The girls made cookies when I got home. That was a nice surprise.

My brain is a super fuzzy mess. It is only 4 and I'm done for the day. Done with traffic. Done with work.

Thursday, November 04, 2010

Can't Wait!

I can't wait to blog about Mitch's birthday presents. I can't on this site because he's a contributor and he will find out. He's knows about the blog slip regarding clothes. That's sure to throw him off the trail. Unfortunately this leaves little to buy for Christmas. I will come up with something by then!

Buy Two, Get Two Free

My favorite holiday sale at Yankee candle has begun. I will be visiting in the next few days!!! And my friend Courtney sells Scentsy products...check out Harbor Scents and place your orders. I'm committed to buy a warmer and some bars from her this holiday season. She gives her time, money and enegy to various causes throughout the year and is just a truly good person!

Okay, so my sleeping schedule is all wonky. I fell asleep around 8 and slept till 4:30. I was up for about an hour then slept fitfully till around 8. Rarely do I sleep or need to sleep 11 or 12 hours. I just can't seem to shake this feeling of exhaustion.

I have to get to the bank today to deposit some checks. I never do this. I have direct deposit and a husband, but alas, I have a stack of incidentals that will do more for me sitting in the checking account than the counter top.

I got gas yesterday at Stop n Shop for the first time ever. Our SS doesn't have a gas station, but yesterday I was in an area that did. I had like 9 billion gas points on my SS card because I never have an opportunity to use them. Long story short, you get like .10 off per gallon for every hundred points. Suffice it to say, I paid just under $2/gallon for my fill up! The cheapest fill up that minivan has ever seen!

Ahhhhhhh, the rain! Maybe that is why I fell back to sleep at 5:30. I'm feeling better now that I'm up and drinking some coffee. The cobwebs are clearing up a little. The committee meeting is cancelled for next month. Yay! We get a month break for the holidays. I do have to set up the behavioral data base on the office computer at work. Elaine thinks that'll take me like 15 minutes. I'm going to spend this weekend getting reorganized for work. Calendars updated, client notes updated, behavioral data updated, and mileage sheets turned in. *Eeeeeeek*!!!! There are only three more pay periods for me till Christmas! How exciting! I have to say that I'm really enjoying not having any huge pressure on the holidays. The kids are already talking about the annual gingerbread house competition. Not looking forward to cleaning up THAT mess! I need a good recipe for hardening icing. I think I'm using Graham crackers this year. The only rule is no kits.

What the heck, it is already 10! I know I haven't been blogging that long!

Wednesday, November 03, 2010

November 3, 2010

I was so tired yesterday afternoon, yet when it came time for bed, I was up till around 11. I did doze on the couch for a bit till then and didn't have any trouble falling asleep once I went to bed, but really not what I was expecting as of yesterday afternoon.

I really do not want to do a darn thing today. That includes the committee meeting. I'm completely unmotivated this week. Oh well, I'm up and dressed and make-up is on. I might not feel motivated on the inside but I look halfway motivated on the outside. I'm not dealing with my hair today. Throwing it back in a ponytail.

I'm ready for this week to be over. I'm looking forward to Sunday and the start of a new week. I am looking forward to tonight's dinner. Chicken parm and sweet potato fries. Time change is Sunday. My anxiety is elevated. It is all connected, I know, but I will be glad when things settle into a routine till Spring. Knowing helps me manage it, but not iliminate it.

Tuesday, November 02, 2010

Yucky

I'm not feeling so great. Not really sick. No cold. No fever. No stomachache. Just not myself. I feel really really tired. I was asleep by 9 last night and slept in till about 8 this morning. I could lay down and take a nap right now. I'm not going to because I feel like that is just asking for sleep trouble.

I just took a hot bath. Didn't help so much but at least I'm very clean! Dinner is started. Hayley is out walking Bella around in her stroller. Bella has simply refused an afternoon nap. Poor kid is exhausted. Kayla is printing off pictures for her portfolio. She got a call back for a job interview at a portrait studio. Even if it amounts to nothing, interview experience is important.

Maybe my husband will want to rub me when he gets home.

I need to catch up on some reading and now is not the time if I want to write 50,000 words. I have a committee meeting tomorrow. I really need to get into a writing/reading routine that I will stick to. Grrrrrr! Such a procrastinator am I.

Dinner is starting to smell super yummy.

NaNoWriMo

In case some readers don't know, or are unable to google it themselves, NaNoWriMo is National Novel Writing Month. 50,000 words in 30 days. Because I missed yesterday, blogging not included, I need to write 3332 words today. Easy peasy. For me, I'm going to use this challenge to create a 50,000 word skeleton of my novel. I will then edit and beef it up as appropriate throughout the year.

The NaNoWriMo site is currently not working. I guess there were major problems with it yesterday as well. Ah well. I'm still "doing" the challenge whether I post to the site or not.

November 2, 2010

Happy Election Day, Happy NaNoWriMo, Happy day off (for me and Zach), missing anything?

I've completely let the ball drop regarding NaNoWriMo, so I have to catch up today. This will be an interesting month. Yesterday was kind of a bust. I did a lot, but didn't feel very accomplished. Dinner was great though. My first try at creamed spinach was a complete success! We all like spinach dip in this house anyway, and it tasted just like that. We used triscuits but I think when I make it in the future, I will toast sliced baguettes to use with it for a fancier touch. Today we're having chicken Alfredo and Texas cheese toast, with a side of frozen peas.

Today I am going to start my green smoothie adventure. One a day for the month. I felt really good when I was drinking them more regularly (I was at two per day), but I kind of got burned out really quickly. This time, I'm going to stick with one a day unless I need a pick me up, and try to be more varied in my fruit selections.

I'm also going to try and squeeze my work out in. I feel very sluggish when I forgo my workout for relaxation instead.

Zach has no practice today. No school today. He had no practice yesterday. Thank goodness! I needed the break from having to pick him up. Seems like I'd just get home and I'd have to turn right around and go back out to get him. AND he has NO game this weekend either!!! Yay!

Gotta get writing.

Monday, November 01, 2010

Where to Start

Dishes are done. Baby toys picked up. I need to sweep and steam mop the floors and finally dust. Got the candles burning. Febreezed the couches. Smells yummy good in here. Posted Halloween pics.

I had a yummy bowl of Kashi this morning. Trying to increase protien and fiber intake while eating the least amount of preservatives possible. Going to try to get back on my green smoothie kick. I will be looking up some new recipes today to try. I also need to get back on track with my water intake and my green tea intake. There've been days lately when I just get my couple of cups of coffee in me. The green smoothies are a low calorie way to get all of your vitamins, fiber and minerals in you. Knock on wood, we've been fairly healthy at this beginning stage of flu season. I hope to keep it that way!

Happy Halloween Everyone!


Cute
Originally uploaded by jennluvsgable

Damn Paws


Damn paws
Originally uploaded by jennluvsgable
Give me opposable thumbs!!!

Gimme My Candy!!!


Gimme
Originally uploaded by jennluvsgable

Halloween 2010


Halloween 2010
Originally uploaded by jennluvsgable
This Halloween stuff is hard work! Phew!

Beautiful Fall Day for Halloween


Beautiful Fall
Originally uploaded by jennluvsgable
The day actually hit 60 degrees, but chilled down quickly, once the sun set.

Happy November!!!

In 16 days, we will be celebrating my husband's birthday! I'm super excited! Cake, ice cream, presents!!! A little pre-Christmas celebration. Lots to do today. Pick up a few items at the grocery store. Take Hayley to an interview at 3.

Clean, clean, clean. I also have to plan the Thanksgiving menu. I think we're just going to do turkey breast this year and not a whole turkey. I will put the turkey breast in the roaster and do all the veggies with it. Actually, now that I'm thinking about it, I will probably do the turkey breast in the rotisserie and just prepare the sides as usual. After Thanksgiving, it'll be tree time!!! Yay!!! Anyway, I'm planning the menu now because I'm not fighting the crowd or the prices of Thanksgiving menu items.

Tonight we're having garlic mashed potatoes, some kind of meat, and some creamed spinach.

Today is a loud music, whip this house into shape kind of day.