What To-Do?

I began a to-do list the other day. I know, not very exciting or cutting edge, but I figured it might help us get some things done before the last minute (I won't hold my breath for that happening, but I can try, right?). This list includes everything from grocery shopping, to bill paying, to deck building, to painting the boy's room, to whatever random thing enters my mind that day that needs to be done. I'm not sure an ongoing to-do list is the way to go. So far the list has gotten longer and only two things have been accomplished (a bill pay and a phone call).

I thought having this to-do list would help me actually make some decisions for the child...no such luck. For whatever reason I can not decide on paint colours or cribbing and I have no motivation to have the inevitable fight over what name will be chosen.

It doesn't help when bedding sets for infants cost anywhere up to $2000 (what???), I have no inspiration this time around, no one fabric to base colours on and no help with painting and sewing. This kid won't mind sleeping in a laundry basket in our room, will he? If I could only make one of those decisions, like what colour to paint the room, at least I would be able to narrow the bedding search down, or vice versa, but I can't!! I did see one set I liked but it was almost $200 and I am not sure I can justify spending that much when I don't even spend that much on bedding for me! And let's not get started on prices of kids shoes...seriously??

So after all my hopes of being organized on and top of things over the next few months, this to-do list creating has only made me more overwhelmed. I might need some reinforcements.

Anyone who knows any stores or websites with cute, not so baby like, bedding options that won't send me into debt, please share!

Sugar Sugar

Why do you always get bad news right before good times?

When I think of Easter (non-religious thoughts), I think of Cadbury creme eggs, mini eggs, jelly beans, solid chocolate eggs...

When I think of a girls weekend in Las Vegas, I think of buffets, ice cream, over indulgent dinners, snacks right before bed...

When I think of gestational diabetes, I think of crackers, cheese, grapes, skim milk, water, peanut butter and toast...

Which one of these sounds most appealing? It doesn't matter if the third option is now reality. I knew it was coming, I guess I was just holding on to that little glimmer of hope that I would survive this pregnancy without becoming best friends with medication and proper diet. I'm pregnant, I should be able to eat ice cream, candy and pizza whenever I want, right? Guess not. Not the first time, not this time, and if there is ever another pregnancy, I doubt it will be that time either. Sometimes I try to look for the light at the end of the tunnel. With GD, I keep telling myself that last time I lost 8+ pounds in my last trimester and maybe it will happen again this time. I also found that if I was a good girl with my meals during the day I could have a snack here and there. Good thing there are some good snacking moments in my upcoming future, and good thing I'll have meds to help me manage those moments!

So for those of you who might be around me during these moments, try not to wave the key lime pie, chocolate chip cookies, chocolate milk, or Easter candy too close to my face...I would greatly appreciate it! I'll be the one sitting in the back eating my crackers and grapes.

Does This Hair Make Me Look...

How do you decide on a new hair do? I've decided the mullet has been growing untamed for far too long now and it needs to be domesticated. What to do with it is the question of the day.

You know when you find that perfect picture that encompasses everything you want in a hairstyle, take it to your stylist with such excitement and anticipation, and then when it's over and you get home you realize that, for whatever reason, you now look like an 8 year old boy? (No? Maybe it's just me).

I have come to the conclusion that I just can't pull off the long hair anymore. As easy as it is, and as much as I see it being flaunted all around me, I just can't do it without it looking like I am being drowned. My hair just isn't cut out for the long, luxurious life like it was in high school. I am resigned to knowing that a life of shorter hair styles lays ahead. And that's fine, there are some great 'do's out there, I just need to find one that works for me (that is the hard part). It seems I am in for the long haul of trial and error haircuts. If there was only a way to do this without having to live through the dreaded "growing out" period. That's when the mullet comes back and sadly it usually stays longer than it is welcome.

So here I sit, appointment made, webpages searched, hair magazine pages dog eared...but no decision made. The only thing I am sure of is that when I come home, the husband will tell me it's "cute"...in that 12 year old girl kind of way.

Maybe if I wasn't so lazy, I would take on a more adventurous style or something that requires more than 3 minutes with a flat iron. But with the impending arrival this summer, the only thing I hear calling my name is a ponytail, and that is just not going to happen. Maybe I should go the wind blowing on my scalp route and buzz it off to see how it all grows in again? Ok, no that will never happen and not only because I am afraid I have a huge flat spot on the back of my scalp.... although it would be super easy to manage.

Seven days...that's what I have left until decision time. More than likely I will walk in, sit in my stylist's chair, sigh and tell her I have no idea. Then I will walk out feeling one of three ways; 1) like an 8 year old boy, 2) a 12 year old girl who is so excited to be going to the mall without her parents for the first time, or 3) like a 50 year old mom (no offense to 50 year old moms out there!). I'm going to guess option #2 would be the best of the above choices...but still, not quite my goal. I guess we will see a week from now...fingers crossed.

Boy OH Boy

I realized a few things this weekend.

Maternity clothes suck. There are too many people at the Mall of America. Burger King does not satisfy. And boy clothes suck all the life out of me.

We ventured down to the MOA with the hopes of finding some clothes for me that I can squeeze myself into, a few little things for T, and some great starter pieces for the boy (yes, we are having a boy if you hadn't heard). The MOA has a few stores that are not in any other mall in the MN area, so my hopes were high for what I might find. We spent a good 4-5 hours at the mall (it's impossible to spend less when you are actually shopping and not just roaming around) and came home with 3 things boy, and all it is are onesies, a pair of pj's and a t-shirt. So disappointing. I kept drifting over to the girls clothes and Mark had to keep reeling me back over to the boy side. It's pretty safe to say that this boy will not have anything close to the amount of clothes his sister had, has and will have. Which Mark is probably excited about! Luckily we have a few months to search and scour before winding up with a small baby clad only in diapers due to a lack of clothing. Girl clothes on the other hand....oh my! It's probably best we're not having another girl or soon this house would be flooded with clothes. Why the discrepancy between boy and girl clothes, clothes-makers?? I know boys don't wear dresses, but there must be something other than trucks and animals that make boys clothes boyish, right?

Now, maternity clothes. It's either $20 for a t-shirt or $550 for leather leggings. Is there nothing in between? Of course there is, but I can't find it, and I can't justify $100 on a dress or a shirt I will wear only for a few months. Since I'm not working I don't have to worry about work wear, which is nice, but I would still like to have some somewhat stylish clothes, not just sweats and a tank top! If that was the case, I would just wear my pj pants and Mark's t-shirts outside instead of just around the house!

So if anyone has any tips on places to buy cool boy clothes and nice maternity clothes that don't cost an arm and a leg, would you mind sharing your finds with me? Otherwise this boy will be naked AND nameless!! (The name issue is a post all on it's own).

Toe Tapping

When does the reality of pregnancy really set in? After the positive test result? After an ultrasound? Morning sickness? Holding a baby in your arms?

For me...it's saying good bye to my toes. I'll miss all ten of you little guys. Take care, soon you'll be on your own for a little while. Hopefully it won't be too long until we are reunited, but until then, don't count on looking pretty or being well looked after. I'm sorry if you feel smothered come summer since you probably won't be playing peek-a-boo with the outside world. I promise to wear the cutest non peep toe shoes I can find. Maybe if we're lucky we can get a certain someone to pretty you up one day, but I'm not sure you'll let any one touch you long enough for a makeover. We don't want to chance giving someone a concussion for touching you, but it is highly likely that will happen, so please don't be mad at me for neglecting you. We'll glam it up in a few months, I promise.

Blah Blah Blah

How is it that a post from a day ago is already in my nerves? Yet nothing has happened in the last 24 hours to make me want to blog, but I need to because I hate the previous post. Some times you have something you want to say, but it ends up coming out nothing like it sounded in your head. How does that happen? I've always thought I should take a class on how to transition my brain thoughts into public thoughts. But then again, I think I talk too much already, so it's probably not a good idea.

I think February is the blah month. We should change the name to Feblahary. I am a person who doesn't mind winter...but I think this year I am feeling the pull of warmer places. Not that a warm, tropical vacation, or a move to a warmer climate is in store....I just find myself daydreaming on kayak a lot more than usual. As soon as June rolls around I will be hating summer (I know it doesn't get THAT hot in MN, but 80 is my limit folks) and wishing for fall. It's just an evil cycle. I could never pull off a move to Florida or Texas or anywhere much more south than Chicago (and I don't want to live in Chicago) which sort of limits us. Mark would much rather live in the heat but he would much rather not have me whine and complain about the heat every day! Although if you asked him today, he'd probably disagree. Not that we're moving in the near future or anything. The way I see it, winter is on it's way out and spring should be here...by June at the latest. And those 2-3 months of spring/summer are great! :o)

The blahs make me want to do less than I normally do...coming up with a dinner idea is hurting my brain tonight. I can't even ponder what we will do tomorrow, that's just too much pressure! What do you do when you have the blahs? Is there a quick cure that doesn't involve a trip to the south of France? Or is that what I am going to have to do...because if it is, I'll make that sacrifice.

Power of the People

Anyone watched Flash Forward? I have the first three episodes on my DVR and I want to know if they are worth an investment of my time, or if I should just delete them?

Are there any new shows out there that you are loving that I should know about (other than Glee since that has a series recording already set)?

The Beat Goes On

So I told Mark he needed to post something on here because it's been far too long since he has offended anyone, but I'm not sure he'll have the time to find a way to offend everyone (he doesn't like to leave anyone out)....so I guess we're all stuck with my ramblings.

Since it seems the only way to keep myself on track is to post my weekly doings and assume everyone is on the edge of their seat waiting to find out how the week went, here I go!!

I got to the gym twice, only ate 1 cookie all week, drank lots of water and skim milk (I know, it's pretty much water anyway), danced around the house with T (Mark wouldn't join in), walked around at the outdoor shops nearby....and tried to limit my intake at Denny's. I am happy to say that I think I have parted ways with a pound or two over the last two weeks.

This week I have made it my goal to get to the gym 3 times and I think Mark's schedule may allow for it, now just to make myself get there!! There are still no treats in the house, although that might change this weekend for the little one - everyone needs a birthday cupcake or two, right?? (Anyone have any awesome cupcake recipes they want to share?) I may still reach 10 pounds by the middle of July, although it would be nice to hit 10 by the end of next week but since I don't live at the Biggest Loser ranch I am pretty sure that won't happen without losing a limb.

Now everyone just needs to stay on my butt to make sure I get to the gym and don't make a cake or two while we are stuck inside on a rainy day!

On a different note, anyone seen any super cure sandals I should buy? I stopped by the mecca this past week and saw a couple pairs, but without a coupon to use I had to pass...perhaps one will come in the mail today? That would brighten the gloomy skies and give me a reason to procrastinate cleaning the house even longer. Visitors don't really care if your house is clean, do they?

Until then...

It's Been One Week

I never used to like the Bare Naked Ladies...but I sure do now.

Anyway that has nothing to do with anything other than the post title.

So, it has been one week of my challenge. Let's recap (for my sake).

• gym - twice (I know, I won't win a body building challenge or even an arm wrestling contest, but twice a week is my goal - an attainable goal with an 11 month old and a husband who seems to work more now than he did when we lived in NYC)
• dessert - just once, but it was one of those mini, personal ones from Famous Dave's, but I didn't eat the bun that came with my brisket sandwich and I sent most of my fries back
• one nice long fast paced walk with the kid
• no mid day cookie baking, did make some pudding, but it's the low fat low sugar jello pudding, so it doesn't count right? :o)

No huge accomplishments but it's put me in a more motivated mood for the week. So much in fact that I am contemplating getting dressed before 10 and taking the wee one for our walk this morning. AND I also told the husband to be home so I can go to the gym. We'll see if that happens though.
I did notice that it's not just the drive home from the gym....it's every where I go - to church, to the grocery store, to Target....McDonalds, DQ, Coldstone, Chipotle...it's like they're multiplying overnight when I am not looking. Trips to Target become more difficult as I walk by their food court and smell those fantastic Pizza hut bread sticks...oh how I love them, but I resist!
Anyway, there's my report...feel free to ignore it, it's not anything to gloat about but I am hoping telling the world (or the few folks who read this) will help me to stay the course and not give in when I go to Costco and buy that XXL bag of peanut M&M's and eat them for dinner. But what a fantastic dinner that would be.....
I've also been debating getting the new Wii Active - anyone tried it or know anyone who has...any thoughts on it? Worth the money? Waste of money??

Oh, and just as a side note, I've totally been kicking Mark's trash in Scrabble lately. I think we've played 10 or 12 games and I think he's won 2 or 3. So we're both thinking we're pretty good players, but maybe we're just good against each other. Anyone else play? If so, what's your typical score...we need something to gauge ourselves against.

Feed Me Seymour!

OK, my brain has officially quit.

My new hatred in life....dinner. Well, not eating it, not even making it...just trying to come up with something to have that we haven't already eaten a gazillion times.

So, anyone have any no-brainer, good dinner ideas to share with me? I am open to new things, I just don't want to have to buy 936750 ingredients to make it (Rachael Ray!). I know I saw some great ideas from a couple of my pals blogs, I just need to go and jot them down.

It's not even 1:30 yet and I am dreading having to think of what to make for dinner tonight. We had a meal plan a few months back, and it made dinners so much easier. No standing in front of the fridge, opening and closing the doors saying, "what do you want for dinner?" "I don't know, what do you want for dinner?"

Oh to eliminate that conversation altogether.

So if you don't mind sharing recipes/ideas with me I would love love love to hear them! Or if you have any new ideas on old standards (chicken, pasta, salad)....our menu could use a kick (or two) in the pants!

Day One

Got off to a good start today, only ate half of a brownie at the BBQ!! I even got in a trip to the gym when we got home.

Of course they have to put a McDonald's AND a Dairy Queen right across the street from the gym...but I succeeded and drove right on home. Oh but how good a soft serve cone, or a blizzard or a chocolate dipped cone would have tasted after a day outside in the sun.

One down...many more to go.

I'm a Loser Baby...

So, is it true that if you put something in writing for the whole world to see, you have to follow through with that thing?

Let's see if it is true.

Starting tomorrow it's good eating habits and regular exercise. None of this mainly good eating habits and sporadic (of late) exercise.

I'd love to drop 10 pounds by mid-July, and another 10 by September. Is 20 pounds in 4 months doable? I mean I'm not on the Biggest Loser campus or anything, but I think it can be done without depriving myself of an occasional ice cream or extra serving of pasta (it is whole wheat noodles!)...I guess time will tell.

I'm also trying to rope Mark into this, we will see if he fights or comes along for the ride.

Luckily I think all of the treats are out of the house (except for a handful of chocolate chips which may meet their demise tonight). Now if I can just stay away from the chips and goodies at the BBQ tomorrow....I think I can I think I can I think I can.

Getting to the gym will be the hardest with mark's work schedule and no child drop off at my gym, but we'll make it work.

Here's to letting the world in on my plans, perhaps wioth a few prods and inquiries every week or so, it will make me stick with it and actually get it done. You'd think just the hint of shopping for a new wardrobe would have given me all the motivation in the world, wouldn't you??

So here's to Me (and Mark)!!

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

Oh Mondays, I have such a love-hate relationship with you. This Monday the hate is definitely winning, with no chance of the love pulling off a win in the 9th. Sorry for the baseball lingo...trying to gear up for the road trip of a lifetime (insert sarcasm anywhere in the last part of that sentence, sorry Mark! I still love you).
So here's the rundown of the score so far:

• Bad - 11 month old not wanting to sleep very early this morning and later this morning
• Bad - 11 month old crying at every thing today
• Good - wanted to binge on every item of chocolate in sight at Target but resisted
• Bad? Good? - spending more time at Target now than when I was employed there (bad for the bank account good for my sanity)
• Good - had some french toast this morning
• Bad - ate it while a certain someone wailed because she wasn't getting her watermelon fast enough
• Ugly - ate Kraft Dinner for lunch...shudder
• Bad - have to take car in for oil change tomorrow...how will I entertain the kid for 30-40 minutes???
• Bad - realized that TAR is over for another season, how I will miss you Browsie
• Bad - I have to pack again tomorrow
• Good - T has yet to yank the clip out of her hair, I think that is a record!
• Bad - today reminded me that summer is coming and I hate the heat
• Ugly - apparently ants have decided to take over my kitchen sink and will not go away. I don't have a clue where they are coming from and they seem to just keep coming back
• Ugly - we have hard water (which we knew) but now our new dishwasher has decided to leave this white, crappy, powdery, residue all over our dishes (that it never left before) and it will not go away either!! So now I have to find citric acid to try to remedy this mineral deposit problem - or buy a water softener ($$!)
  
• Bad - I'm pretty sure I'll be able to add a few more bads to the list before 5PM

Midnight Writings

Last night, after almost an hour of trying to get someone to go back to sleep at 1:30AM, I laid in bed writing blogs in my head. They were good too. Well written, funny, witty, almost certain to bring about my impending blogosphere celebridom. I contemplated going out to the computer to post them, but my responsible side won out and told me to stop thinking so much and just go to bed. and of course, once I woke up this morning, did I remember any of these wickedly awesome blogs? No. Well, sort of, but not well enough to jot them down. Dang it! It was like literary magic flowing from my brain....blogary magic anyway. Perhaps sometime during the day I will remember them, but I doubt it. In the meantime I'll be working on my "ode" to Adam Lambert.

Readers Choice

I realize I've been in a blogging funk. I had high hopes for myself and my quest into blogosphere celebridom, but alas, I do not think this will be the year it happens.

Even as I sit here typing, I really don't have anything to blog about. Well, that's not true, it's more that I don't feel like blogging about:

• the current Miss California/Perez Hilton flap
• my utter disdain for drivers how refuse to use their turn signals, but ranting about it isn't going to change anything.
• my frustration with paypal and those who try to steal my money? Oh wait, I already did? Okay, we don't need to go there again.
• my thoughts as to why I can't seem to jump on the Adam Lambert train?
• the disappointment I had with the new John Grisham book
• why the Today show feels like it has to use 2.5 of it's 4 hour run to air commercials.
• why this child of mine doesn't seem to ever want to nap longer than 30 minutes even though she's been up for 7 hours
• the non excuses I have for not going to the gym last week

So, any one want to hear me spout off on any one of these pressing topics? Or do you have something you want me to ramble on, share my expertise on or just pretend to be an expert on?? Let me know, I'll whip you up a great blog that the blogosphere will be ever so envious with and will bring me that pseudo fame I am so craving!!

Calling All Exercisers

So the unthinkable has happened...I have gone back to the gym. I know, I know, it's only been two days, but it's been two days in a row! This news won't solve any economic crisis or create world peace, but small steps kids, small steps.

Now this is where I need your help. In making the decision to get back on the exercise track, I have discovered that when shuffle is chosen on the ipod most of the songs seem to belong to Mark and we all know Mark and I have nothing in common when it comes to music, except maybe Kelly Clarkson. So most of my work out time is spent fast forwarding through his tunes to try to find some of mine. While I love my tunes, not all of them lend themselves to keeping the motivation up, so I need your help to put together a good gym mix. What are your faves?

Just one thing to keep in mind... I have music ADD like no one else. Even on songs I love, if I can get through 2/3 of a song, it's either a fabulous song, or I haven't heard it in forever (like Young MC's Bust A Move) but usually I will fast forward to a new song or turn to a different channel on the radio.
So give me some rocking, beat blasting, mind focusing tunes!!