Slacking

I've been meaning to post gain, just haven't. Super slacker here.

Enjoy this picture for now. I officially have a daredevil.

"Apple Cider"

Today I found out that Sydney loves apples. We came home from daycare, I sat her down on the island and she grabbed an apple out of the fruit basket - and ate nearly the whole thing!! I named this post Apple Cider because she apparently loves apples, just like her grandpa. And his nickname growing up was Apple Cider. :)

Dental Hygiene

I know Sydney only has 8 teeth... But I want her to take care of the teeth she has. She knows after bath time that it's time to brush her teeth. This is what she looked like yesterday... Not one, but two toothbrushes! ;)

Little Feet...

...in a little box! It must be more fun to scoot around on a box rather than the floor. ;)

Bubbles!!

I learned last week that Sydney loves bubbles. Here, she blows her first bubble (kind of hard to see). She wasn't able to do it after that, but at least I caught it on camera!!

The other kiddos are Logan (the blonde) and to the right is RJ.

The Beggar

This is Phoenix. She's a bronze Egyptian Mau and is roughly 9 years old now. Every time I am on the couch with something interesting... no matter what it is... she wants it.

In this instance, I had some yummy cookies and cream ice cream. I probably would have given her some if it didn't have chocolate. She is super spoiled, but, what can I say? She's my furry daughter.

Happy Father's Day!

Today is my husband's very first Father's Day. My parents are in town and it was hard to break away to go shopping. I did end up getting him a card that Sydney doodled in.

We've discovered Sydney really likes "pa-pa" (grandpa). They are enjoying their time together. She has been clingy with me all weekend. I think she's becoming more independent and separation anxiety and terrible two's are now in full swing. Yippy...

These past two weekends have been super fast, busy, and exhausting. I am looking forward to a slow, boring weekend.

Picture: Sydney eating Macaroni and Cheese last night. :)

Thinking About Pictures

Its 3:30AM and I just finished walking S around so she would fall back asleep. The downside to this is that it perks me up so now I am awake.

For a few months now, I've wanted to do a picture challenge. So I think I might start with a 30 day one I tomorrow.

I also struggled in my decision as to which blog to post this too. But ultimately, I decided to post here. This site doesn't get the traffic the other one does and it will be more "intimate" of a place for me to try to jump start blogging once again.

Well, goodnight all.

And........ Challenge starts now!!

I Never Post Here!

So, I never post over here anymore! I've been busy updating my baby blog - that is *not* connected to my internet alias.

After reading some of my old ass entries, this almost reminds me of my LiveJournal that I had back in my college days. ;) All I need to do is complete a meme and then we'd be set.

I might try to update this some, too. With random stuff, perhaps. In fact, I've thought about doing a 365 day photo challenge. If I commit to it, I'll do it here. :) My Sometimes Baby, Sometimes Life blog is connected to my FB, and I totally doubt people want to see one of my random photos per day.

Crazy Dream

So I had a crazy dream... I dreamt rats were everywhere!! I dreamt my chairs were basically infested with rats. Every time I lifted up a chair, like 15 rats came running out. I kept screaming and feeling super icky!

From dreammoods.com:

Rats
To see rats in your dream, signifies feelings of doubts, guilt and envy. You are feeling unworthy Something that you are keeping to yourself is eating you up inside. Alternatively, it denotes repulsion, decay, dirtiness, and even death. The dream may also be a pun on someone who is a rat. Are you feeling betrayed?

To see a black rat, represents deceit and covert activities.
To see a white rat in your dream, denotes that in your time of distress, you will receive assistance from an unexpected source.
To dream that a rat is biting your feet, symbolizes the rat race that you are experiencing in your waking life.

I guess it makes sense - some girls were really, really mean to me on thenest message boards on Friday - and I'm sick of it. Always on their high horse about something and I know it's easy to be rude to someone who you don't know or isn't standing straight in your face. But, this isn't the first time they were mean to me... In fact, the girls were so rude that it made me cry my eyes out (didn't help I am PMSing and home ill) but it didn't stop me from deactivating my account. TheNest is full of bitches... yeah, I said it. BITCHES! So, I ended up joining iVillage. They are nicer and more supportive over there!

What I Did on MLK Day

Since one of my clients is a bank, I figured I’d take the day off, too. And no, I didn’t “march” even though my boss asked me if that was the reason I was taking the day off. Instead, I used it to be semi-productive around the house.

So what did I do?

1. Hung candle holders we got for our wedding over 2 years ago..!

I guess “life” got in the way. And every time I had intentions of hanging up the candles, I didn’t do it. Ok, so I’ve been lazy. But I finally just did it. Whoopee!

New ones (left)

Another View

Wedding photos & candle holders.

Candles on the fireplace

Candles in the foyer

2. Put out the Homedics “brethe™ Air Revitalizer”.

This was a Christmas gift to us from my father-in-law. I like the pretty color, but the “citrus” scent almost smells like a gas station bathroom. :P We have a lime and a vanilla scent left to try. I hope they smell better.

3. Broke out the “Mr. Beer” and began my first microbrew.

We received it as a Christmas gift from my husband’s sister’s family. The beer that came in the kit was a “Pale Ale”. We have to let it sit for at least 1 - 2 weeks. Then we bottle and it has to sit another 1 - 2 weeks. So hopefully in a month, we’ll have some tasty microbrew! :)

I also did laundry and dishes, but... that’s not photo-worthy! But it does go along with my 2010 “get organized” goal.

So, that’s about it. I had a doctor’s appointment this morning, but that is a whole different post! Needless to say, it was hard to come back to work this afternoon. And tomorrow it’s back to the norm. Boo!

2010 Resolutions

I had a pretty low key New Years. My hubsie was cranky from all the Cedar in the air, so we stayed in, despite the fact we were invited to go to a New Years Eve party. We watched the ball drop and Skyped my mom and dad and faux *toasted* our glasses online. Kinda cheesy, but, its how we roll. I fell asleep quickly after that.

I'm not even sure if I had much of a "Resolution" list last year. But this year I'd like to post one and keep revisiting it to chart my progress.

WIthout further ado:

1. The obligatory, "I want to lose some weight." Who doesn't? But, I think I want to put it into the "consistent workout" goal and "lose 10 pound" milestone perspectives. Anyone can say, "I want to lose 35 pounds" but it seems too cumbersome. Saying, "10 pounds" sounds easier and more obtainable, and God knows I'm lazy. And I just need to make sure I workout for 21 days straight. It takes 21 days to form a habit!!

2. I want to blog more. I have 2 blogs (personal and HR related) and usually by the time I get home, I'm wiped out. Plus, my BPO job doesn't exactly *inspire* me to write about HR. But I just have to think of topics and find the discipline to write on them.

3. Find a new job. I've been working in BPO (business process outsourcing) for over 3 years and I'm beginning to hate it. I haven't learned anything new in months. I obtained my MBA w/HR Management concentration in July of '09. I spent more money on my MBA than I earn in a year, so no ROI there. I only hope the economy cooperates.

4. Run a 5K. I'm getting better at running solid miles without stopping. I'd like to run a 5K and run it under 40 mins.

5. Become better at saving money. Currently, I'll build up a stash and then blow it on something, like paying a bill. I want to consistently save. My ultimate goal (whether or not I accomplish it in a year or not) is to pay off all our debt and then live off my husband's paycheck and save my entire paycheck.

6. Get more organized. I feel like when my house is clean, other parts of my life are a mess (errands like groceries haven't been shopped for or laundry is all over the place) and when we're fully stocked and clothes are clean, the rest of the house is a complete disaster.

7. Take another *real* vacation. All our "vacations" lately have consisted of long weekends to Lubbock. While its nice to get away and visit family, it's not a true "vacation." We want to take another cruise. I hope to book one soon to either Alaska or the Eastern Caribbean.

8. Read more. I have all these books by my bed and its like, I read for 5 minutes and pass out. I need to make time to read them all!

Well, that's about it. I should chart my progress monthly. And perhaps keeping up with the list will force me to keep up with goal #2.

I hope 2010 is the best yet. I need a really great year!

Test test!

So I figure since I'm on my iPhone so much, I'd download an app to post to my blog. I hope it will help stimulate my writing again. I haven't been posting... Not due to lack of interest, but mostly I feel like I have consistent writer's block.

So we'll see how this goes. I hope I can start to blog regularly again. I just have to remember that all my posts don't have to be novels. Short and to the point is probably better anyway. :)

Bye!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

I Need New Clothes!

I forced myself to take a break, so here I am.

Last Wednesday morning solidified my want/need to get a new wardrobe. I wore the SAME polo as my ex-boss. To be fair, this was a shirt given to me by the company, but still… I can't believe I wore it on the same day, nor can I believe we ordered the same color. Grr! (Keep in mind this is a woman I dislike.)

To be honest, I get VERY embarrassed if I wear the same colors/types of clothing as someone else and I'm called out on it. It just means my wardrobe is by no means "unique," "cute," or "trendy." I need to change that.

One thing I'd like to start doing is buying one new shirt, pant, or pair of shoes with every paycheck. My fall wardrobe is pathetic. Honestly, I have no "fall" or "winter" wardrobe. Since I'm in South Texas, I tend to wear things year round and I'm getting to the point where my clothes are beginning to wear out. Terrible! I'm 30 and dress like I'm a poor college student!

Time for change.

As for the weight thing and change – I've been doing the training and working out 3x's a week. I need to increase it to every weekday. Someone told me today that I look like I've lost weight, so that is a good sign… though, the scales indicate I've stayed the same weight. So who knows. Maybe I've lost some fat and replaced it with muscle. Not sure. Better update my measurements soon.

Well, back to work for me.

Testing Posting Access

I want to try to blog more because at the most random times are when I think "I should put that up." So during my breaks at work (or any time I feel like it at work, actually) I am going to attempt to blog. I'm testing my email access....... :)

Decision.

So my weight is something I'm pretty sensitive to and I hate talking about it. But, I've made a decision. I think I'm going to try to lose 10 pounds by Thanksgiving (and I guess put it all back on during the holiday??) hehe :) We'll see if I can do this.

I do have over a month to complete my personal challenge, so I better step up. Ultimately, I'd like to lose more, but I think starting out with a goal of "10" makes it less overwhelming, than say, "I want to lose 50 pounds." Having small victories is probably easier for me to obtain than that one giant victory - though, I would be ecstatic if I reached my goal weight because it's *less* than what my weight in high school was... haha! I've always had weight issues... it REALLY sucks. So all you skinny bitches out there who eat 2 whoppers and fries everyday for lunch and you're still 110 pounds - F you.

My coworkers eat out every day. I'm not sure my wallet or waist can take it as much as theirs does. Next to my ex-boss who is female and probably a good 280 - 290 pounds, I am one of the heftiest in my dept. I hate being one of the fattest people. I know it takes effort to pack a lunch, but its just better for me... otherwise, I'd be totally attempted to overeat.

My mission includes two tracking websites that I want to be a bit more consistent about updating verses updating my practically dead blog:

1. I've started logging my workouts via DailyMile - http://www.dailymile.com/people/HRBabe
2. Additionally, I've started logging my food intake at myfitnesspal.com - http://www.myfitnesspal.com/HRBabe

Well, wish me luck. I'm so tired of being fat. I'm ready to fit into single digit pants!!

Whatcha Think??

My employer has this "point" bank where we receive points if someone (boss, coworker, other management) thinks we've done a good job, he or she can award us points. Each point is the equivalent to 1 US Dollar. Last year, I used 500 points to buy XMas gifts and it really came in handy.

I currently have 562 points and I want to buy something for myself because I've been feeling semi "empty" lately. Treating myself on my company's dime seems like it might make me feel better. I listed a few things below that I kind of had my eye on:

• Flip or Aiptek mini camcorder (179 - 198 points)
• Propane Grill (384 - 417 points)
• Roomba Vacuum (385 - 418 points)
• Elliptical Trainer (425 points)
• Color laser printer (407 - 449 points)
• 26" Samsung LCD TV (467 points)
• GPS Unit - Garmin or Sonocaddie (220 - 468 points)
• $500 Destination Giftcard - Travelocity, Carnival Cruises, etc...
• $550 AmEx Gift Card

I'm leaning towards a color laser printer or a GPS. What do you think I should get? Keep in mind my points also have to pay for shipping and handling. It's kind of dumb, but hey... if I get $450 worth of electronics and all I have to pay for is shipping + taxes, then, I think it's worth it!

My wardrobe comes in waves, you see...

Yesterday I put on a white polo shirt and everything was pretty "B.A.U." as work seems to describe it. (Business As Usual for the acronym-challenged.)

As I walked up to my reclining husband to interrupt his usual Twittering and FBing to steal a kiss, he said, "Hey, your shirt has a tear in it."

"WHAT???" I blurted out. When I looked down, there it was. A huge rip across the area that would expose my areola had it not been covered by a bra.

My first immediate thought was, "Dammit. Now I have to go shopping for more shirts." Not that I don't enjoy shopping; it's fun! I just don't enjoy shopping when I'm fat. And lately, I've been fat.

But this leads me to my title and my wardrobe waves. I end up getting new clothes for one of three reasons:

• Mom gets me stuff she sees on sale. Usually she is spot on with stuff that is professional. However, this last time was a flop. I can't bring myself to even think about wearing it. It's a red 3/4th sleeved sweater with Scottie terriers on it. It either screams "old lady" or "elementary school teacher" to which I am neither.
• I gain or lose weight.
• Wardrobe malfunctions (as described above).

This means I need to be more proactive about my shopping. Ultimately, whether I am big or small is inconsequential if I only have 3 pairs of pants to wear for work. So I need to make it a goal to visit DSW at least every month and DIllard's or some other similar store every 2 weeks. I have to start replacing some of my old threads.

Which makes me wonder; I wore that shirt to work last week. Did it have the rip then? Only my coworkers know the answer to that one.

Earbuds

Most people can wear their headphones at work, but I cannot. It's a bullshit rule why we can't, but it's related to data privacy. Anyway, I would really love to listen to something rather than listen to my coworkers blab, loudly, about anything and everything.

So I've been searching online to see if someone makes wireless earbuds for the iPod. The good news is that Sennheiser does make one.



The bad news is that it's $400! :(

If you're interested in them, here ya go --> http://bit.ly/tmmXh

Now, on top of everything else, I'll have to start a "Earbud" fund. Not good, when I'm dying for a break from my coworker's noise.

Holy Sh**, I need to update!

So lately, I've had like a whirlwind of thoughts in my head, and I haven't blogged a thing. Not that anyone is really all that interested in my life, but I can pretend people are. :)

A few things going on:

• Taking the Capstone for my Masters. Final presentation next Monday night and then I'll officially be done! I'm looking forward to going on a celebratory vacay. I wanted to go to Puerto Rico, but needed to pick something stateside for cost reasons.


• Layoffs happening at work; I won't be affected, but I'm sad one of my coworkers is leaving. :( I've reworked my resume for a more targeted HR role, but I don't know how much it will help. I read SHRMs "LINE" report for Q1 of 2009 - not looking too great. And of the people who *are* getting jobs, they are settling for lower compensation. Guess I should be happy to be employed!


• Trying to keep my weight in check. Have lost 14 pounds in the last 2 months, with hopes of another 8 pounds by graduation day. :) I'm thinking of buying training sessions again.


• I will turn 30 next month! Looking forward to it, but I'm not sure hubs will plan anything big.


• Finished my garden bed finally. Hoping for some great veggies and fruit! This year I planted cucumbers, squash, cantaloupe, basil, parsley, dill, lettuce, arugula, jalapenos, cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, green onions, and banana peppers. Nothing beats organic veggies, eh? And the satisfaction of knowing *I* grew it is worth it.


• Bought a coffee table, finally. It's not completely what I wanted, but hey, it's not a bad starter one. Someday, I will have matching furniture. :P It makes more sense to me now why my parents stuff never matched. But I also bought an entry way table and some HUGE (ie, fully mature) indoor plants on-the-cheap!!!! this weekend. LOVE Plant Interscapes. They sell all the plants that were used in rentals/displays, but the plants are still in good condition. I bought a Tarzan plant/tree for $10! And a fully grown peace lilly for $5!! :D

Well, there are other things going on, but those are the ones that pop out in my head the most.

I better get to bed. My schedule was changed (at the request of my managers) so I better get some sleep! I'm going to try to update this thing as much as I updated my LJ back in the day. After next week, I should have the time!

I'll leave you with some pictures I took this weekend of the flowers/plants around my house.

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