I am sorry I haven't been blogging too much this past week. I have been running around like a crazy person trying to make sure everything is done for Christmas. And by running around I mean I didn't even leave the house on Monday because it was too cold out so I found myself once again at the mall late last night and spending entirely too much money in Target this morning.
At least I almost have everything wrapped!
Just wanted to let you know that I probably won't be posting anything until next week so for those of you who just need your fix--I apologize. We are super busy this weekend so hopefully I will have much to report.
I just wanted to thank you all for reading and for commenting. I appreciate your support.
Have a Very Merry Christmas a Happy New Year and a Happy Holiday Season.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Holiday Shopping Deals
How is it that the holiday's sneak up on me every year? I always think that I am going to have enough time to shop and that on Christmas Eve I will be sitting home making hot chocolate and simmering mulling spices on the stove. But usually I am vying for a parking space and sweating my way through the final push of people. This year I vow to be done by the 2oth.
With the state of the economy we know that people are definitely cutting back, however there are some great deals out there to take advantage of. Online stores are still offering free shipping and guaranteed delivery by Christmas and the stores in the malls seem to be giving things away at drastically reduced prices.
Whatever is still on your list from the Little Tykes Play kitchen to Eddie Bauer trousers (for your husband who doesn't read this blog and has the worst list ever) there are deals out there to be found.
Happy Holiday Hunting.
With the state of the economy we know that people are definitely cutting back, however there are some great deals out there to take advantage of. Online stores are still offering free shipping and guaranteed delivery by Christmas and the stores in the malls seem to be giving things away at drastically reduced prices.
Whatever is still on your list from the Little Tykes Play kitchen to Eddie Bauer trousers (for your husband who doesn't read this blog and has the worst list ever) there are deals out there to be found.
Happy Holiday Hunting.
The Biggest Loser Finale!
Finally! After all the time I have spent watching and writing about the Biggest Loser we have a winner.
Congratulations Michelle! Not only am I super excited it was you and not one of the axis of evil players, but you look fantastic and your transformation was both physical and emotional. Also, your mom looks super hot!
I mean my jaw was just dropping every time another group of players came out. Hello--Phil and Amy! I think Shellay might have been sewn into that dress and her daughter Amy looked amazing. It was so crazy to see how they looked when they got onto the ranch and to see them today. This is why I love the Biggest Loser--the change that happens to people is just insane and you can see them feeling and acting more confident. Check out this link for all the pics of the contestants now.
Congratulations Michelle! Not only am I super excited it was you and not one of the axis of evil players, but you look fantastic and your transformation was both physical and emotional. Also, your mom looks super hot!
I mean my jaw was just dropping every time another group of players came out. Hello--Phil and Amy! I think Shellay might have been sewn into that dress and her daughter Amy looked amazing. It was so crazy to see how they looked when they got onto the ranch and to see them today. This is why I love the Biggest Loser--the change that happens to people is just insane and you can see them feeling and acting more confident. Check out this link for all the pics of the contestants now.
I will admit to feeling really anxious about the final. When Heba and Ed walked out at the beginning of the show I was shocked. We all know I am not a Heba fan, but she looked great. However, what would have looked more amazing is if she actually wore a bra that supported her rather than just let the ladies hang. She did the same thing in the dress she wore home at the end of the last episode. Heba--when you lose that much weight there is a lot of extra skin and your boobs lose elasticity, please stop by Victoria's Secret, I promise she can help you out.
I loved the fact that Ed got voted into the final by an overwhelming landslide. I think people figured out that he is probably a pretty good guy and deserved to have something for himself. I was kind of annoyed that Heba won the hundred grand I was so hoping it would have been Amy and she could have just proudly rubbed the blue teams face in it. Oh well.
So my two favorite moments on the show were when Jerry came out and when Vicky almost busted her ass walking across the stage. What karma that would have been. I was also glad to see her miss out on beating Ed by one pound. One teeny little pound. Oh Vicky maybe if you hadn't ignored your kids for the three months you were home maybe a higher power could have graced you with that extra pound. Even though she does look good (and I still weigh less then her!) I feel like her obsession with the game play kind of came back and bit her in the ass and I am totally fine with that.
I think that the person who deserved it most won and I am happy for Michelle. Thanks for reading these updates. Only a few short weeks until the new season starts. Did you see that ginormous 19 year old guy? This is going to be good!
Monday, December 15, 2008
Keeping It Together
You may be wondering what the Lady and I have been up to this week.
Here is a small recap.
Wednesday: The Lady took a bath in the cat's water bowl at my parents house.
Thursday: The Lady went to bed at 7:40 because I had a condo meeting at the house and she insisted on coloring all over the papers with a pen. The condo meeting lasted 2.5 hours, twenty minutes of which was spent discussing The Biggest Loser
Friday: We visited the Wild Man for dinner. The two of them played great together, although the Lady was constantly trying to make her way upstairs to look under the bed for the cat. The amount of meowing that happens in this house is incredible.
Saturday: The Lady pooped in the tub and the hot water went out before I could rinse her and the shampoo out of her hair. We had to wait 15 minutes for the water to get hot again and I ended up rinsing her hair with a wet face cloth while she screamed. We also had six kids in our house (which is super small) all under age three. The Lady found a peanut M&M on the floor and I had to fish it out of her mouth with my fingers. Then we went to a Christmas party, where she and her cousin were very, very good and the Lady was super excited to find him the next morning in her room.
Sunday: The Lady and I went to Brooklyn. We had a great time with our "boyfriend" and were very glad we finally got to meet up.
Monday: The Lady and I have no plans. She is finally down for a nap, although I can still hear her talking. I am hoping to finish the afternoon off by running errands and showering.
Three more nights until the backup returns home. If he complains of "exhaustion" I might suffocate him during his nap.
Here is a small recap.
Wednesday: The Lady took a bath in the cat's water bowl at my parents house.
Thursday: The Lady went to bed at 7:40 because I had a condo meeting at the house and she insisted on coloring all over the papers with a pen. The condo meeting lasted 2.5 hours, twenty minutes of which was spent discussing The Biggest Loser
Friday: We visited the Wild Man for dinner. The two of them played great together, although the Lady was constantly trying to make her way upstairs to look under the bed for the cat. The amount of meowing that happens in this house is incredible.
Saturday: The Lady pooped in the tub and the hot water went out before I could rinse her and the shampoo out of her hair. We had to wait 15 minutes for the water to get hot again and I ended up rinsing her hair with a wet face cloth while she screamed. We also had six kids in our house (which is super small) all under age three. The Lady found a peanut M&M on the floor and I had to fish it out of her mouth with my fingers. Then we went to a Christmas party, where she and her cousin were very, very good and the Lady was super excited to find him the next morning in her room.
Sunday: The Lady and I went to Brooklyn. We had a great time with our "boyfriend" and were very glad we finally got to meet up.
Monday: The Lady and I have no plans. She is finally down for a nap, although I can still hear her talking. I am hoping to finish the afternoon off by running errands and showering.
Three more nights until the backup returns home. If he complains of "exhaustion" I might suffocate him during his nap.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
The Biggest Loser
Sorry for the delay. . . let's get right to it.
Ed, you blew it. Why would you possibly try to throw the weigh in? I get that you are some sort of cuckolded husband, but had you put up a big number and pushed Vicky below the yellow line then America would be voting between her and Heba. And Heba as we all know is the lesser of two evils. So now, the two biggest people left are below the yellow line and we have to listen to you act all selfless and tell everyone to vote for Heba, while we listen to Heba basically use you as a doormat and tout herself. Why Ed? Why?
Having said that I hope Michele wipes the floor with all of them. I hope Vicky takes her smug ass back to Louisiana and gorges on andouille sausage and po' boys and I hope that Ed gets voted into the final and Heba cries in the corner. I also hope that Coleen comes back with the biggest weight loss of those voted off and wins the money.
I will be tuned into the final on Tuesday and until then I will pray that Vicky pulls a hammy.
Ed, you blew it. Why would you possibly try to throw the weigh in? I get that you are some sort of cuckolded husband, but had you put up a big number and pushed Vicky below the yellow line then America would be voting between her and Heba. And Heba as we all know is the lesser of two evils. So now, the two biggest people left are below the yellow line and we have to listen to you act all selfless and tell everyone to vote for Heba, while we listen to Heba basically use you as a doormat and tout herself. Why Ed? Why?
Having said that I hope Michele wipes the floor with all of them. I hope Vicky takes her smug ass back to Louisiana and gorges on andouille sausage and po' boys and I hope that Ed gets voted into the final and Heba cries in the corner. I also hope that Coleen comes back with the biggest weight loss of those voted off and wins the money.
I will be tuned into the final on Tuesday and until then I will pray that Vicky pulls a hammy.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Waxing Philosophically
I am always looking at other people's eyebrows. I want to see how they maintain them and what shape they take. The difference it makes is real and that is why I implore you all to practice good eyebrow maintenance.
The thing is, I don't actually pay enough attention to my own. I am well aware of the benefits of a well maintained eyebrow and when I do actually get them done, I walk out of that salon feeling like I literally lost 10 pounds, but the reason my brows get so wild; so wild it seems like some mornings Bert isn't just singing on Sesame Street, but staring back at me from my mirror, is because I hate the tweezers.
I have absolutely no problem with the wax. I was on some seriously intimate terms with a Russian woman named Anna and an Ecuadorian woman named Alba for over a year when I was shelling out 60+ bucks a month for the Brazilian. However, things change and as much as I miss their practiced ease at talking to a half naked stranger while pulling hair from every nook and cranny of the area south of the border, I can get similar results at home for less money.
The eyebrows are a different story. I don't want to mess them up and when I get them done professionally I do try to maintain them as well as I can, but every so often you have to go back in to some random salon, lay down on a plastic covered table in some back room and face the tweezers.
I have a little panic attack. The wax is fine, it doesn't feel great but it is bearable, but when that small hand comes at me with its metal tweezers of doom, my stomach starts to hurt. My adrenaline starts to pump and there is no fight only flight. I have to remind myself that I had a baby, that I ran a five mile race, that there are things in life infinitely more painful then a tweezers on your brows, but I panic. I will kick my leg, squirm and yesterday I was crying a little bit and almost puked. I apologized to the girl and believe me I understand that in order for them to finish the look they need to tweeze, but it totally freaks me out and it never seems to go quickly.
I can tweeze my own brows with little difficulty but that takes time and patience and forethought, all of which I seem to lack these days. The $7 salon job is quick but it isn't painless and although I walk out of there relieved and well maintained I am not sure it is worth the absolute panic I endure. Panic that I have never felt about anything else in my life. Tweezers Torture? Who knew?
The thing is, I don't actually pay enough attention to my own. I am well aware of the benefits of a well maintained eyebrow and when I do actually get them done, I walk out of that salon feeling like I literally lost 10 pounds, but the reason my brows get so wild; so wild it seems like some mornings Bert isn't just singing on Sesame Street, but staring back at me from my mirror, is because I hate the tweezers.
I have absolutely no problem with the wax. I was on some seriously intimate terms with a Russian woman named Anna and an Ecuadorian woman named Alba for over a year when I was shelling out 60+ bucks a month for the Brazilian. However, things change and as much as I miss their practiced ease at talking to a half naked stranger while pulling hair from every nook and cranny of the area south of the border, I can get similar results at home for less money.
The eyebrows are a different story. I don't want to mess them up and when I get them done professionally I do try to maintain them as well as I can, but every so often you have to go back in to some random salon, lay down on a plastic covered table in some back room and face the tweezers.
I have a little panic attack. The wax is fine, it doesn't feel great but it is bearable, but when that small hand comes at me with its metal tweezers of doom, my stomach starts to hurt. My adrenaline starts to pump and there is no fight only flight. I have to remind myself that I had a baby, that I ran a five mile race, that there are things in life infinitely more painful then a tweezers on your brows, but I panic. I will kick my leg, squirm and yesterday I was crying a little bit and almost puked. I apologized to the girl and believe me I understand that in order for them to finish the look they need to tweeze, but it totally freaks me out and it never seems to go quickly.
I can tweeze my own brows with little difficulty but that takes time and patience and forethought, all of which I seem to lack these days. The $7 salon job is quick but it isn't painless and although I walk out of there relieved and well maintained I am not sure it is worth the absolute panic I endure. Panic that I have never felt about anything else in my life. Tweezers Torture? Who knew?
Day Four and Counting
The Lady and I have been trying to keep busy for the past few days. We were bummed when we missed out on a Brooklyn visit to see our favorite little "boyfriend" but we are hoping he is feeling better.
Made it over to see my parents yesterday and ended up spending most of the day there because the Lady has decided not to nap. I feel partially responsible because I am not keeping her on her regular schedule, but she is always falls asleep in the car for the 25 minute ride and then immediately wakes up and starts meowing once we hit my parents driveway. Apparently that 25 minute nap was enough to keep her going for the rest of the day and she didn't fall asleep again until 4:50 p.m.. Ugh.
We have been trying to keep positive. This morning we went to our first mom's group playdate and it went surprisingly well. Still felt a little unwelcome and kind of ignored but maybe that is just me. The Lady did pretty well for herself and she was the youngest one there.
Our morning didn't start out that great. I made a quick attempt at a shower, which I am proud to say I accomplished. However, when I went to run the water for the Lady's bath there was no hot water. We have had an issue with our hot water heater since we moved in here. We have had the mother board replaced and still it acts up. We usually just reset it when it shuts down. (One time a few weeks into my pregnancy, it shut down. I smelled a little gas but had to drive my sister to the orthodontist. On the way home I called the gas company when I got home the fire department was here, apparently they come when the gas company is super busy!)
This morning was a different story. After 20 minutes of trying to reset the heater, run up and down the stairs to check the water temp and still try to be on time for the playdate, I finally had to give the Lady one step up from the whore's bath and boil water in the kettle to fill the tub. She had no problems with this but I feel like maybe things could go a little easier for me especially when I am shorthanded.
I guess we survived and we both were clean. I would have taken her into the shower with me but she is afraid of it and quite honestly I wanted a couple minutes to myself.
We are hitting another playgroup tomorrow, we will see how it goes.
Made it over to see my parents yesterday and ended up spending most of the day there because the Lady has decided not to nap. I feel partially responsible because I am not keeping her on her regular schedule, but she is always falls asleep in the car for the 25 minute ride and then immediately wakes up and starts meowing once we hit my parents driveway. Apparently that 25 minute nap was enough to keep her going for the rest of the day and she didn't fall asleep again until 4:50 p.m.. Ugh.
We have been trying to keep positive. This morning we went to our first mom's group playdate and it went surprisingly well. Still felt a little unwelcome and kind of ignored but maybe that is just me. The Lady did pretty well for herself and she was the youngest one there.
Our morning didn't start out that great. I made a quick attempt at a shower, which I am proud to say I accomplished. However, when I went to run the water for the Lady's bath there was no hot water. We have had an issue with our hot water heater since we moved in here. We have had the mother board replaced and still it acts up. We usually just reset it when it shuts down. (One time a few weeks into my pregnancy, it shut down. I smelled a little gas but had to drive my sister to the orthodontist. On the way home I called the gas company when I got home the fire department was here, apparently they come when the gas company is super busy!)
This morning was a different story. After 20 minutes of trying to reset the heater, run up and down the stairs to check the water temp and still try to be on time for the playdate, I finally had to give the Lady one step up from the whore's bath and boil water in the kettle to fill the tub. She had no problems with this but I feel like maybe things could go a little easier for me especially when I am shorthanded.
I guess we survived and we both were clean. I would have taken her into the shower with me but she is afraid of it and quite honestly I wanted a couple minutes to myself.
We are hitting another playgroup tomorrow, we will see how it goes.
Friday, December 5, 2008
New Blog
I added a link to a new blog written by my friend Brendan. It is called Gray Matter. Brendan is a stand-up comedian/elementary school gym teacher and I have known him his entire life. He doesn't have much up yet, but keep checking.
Note: There is a warning for adult content on this site so if you are some sort of super prude you might want to skip it.
Note: There is a warning for adult content on this site so if you are some sort of super prude you might want to skip it.
Stuck in the House and You're to Blame. . .
Darlin' the Lady and I are going insane. . . I always like to start the morning off right with a little Bon Jovi.
So the hubby is gone for the next two weeks. The walls are starting to close in on me already. In all honesty our days will be pretty much the same. I am, however, dreading the 3:30-6 o'clock hours. This is when the Lady turns into some sort of whine machine that is forever clinging to my legs and opening the snack drawer and demanding cookies. I have decided to make as many plans during the day as I can. I will probably get some Christmas shopping done and might spend a night or two at Grandma's, but nothing will really replace the addition of another body in the house, someone who can supervise while I pee.
I am hoping to get a shower in everyday but am not very optimistic. I will use a lot of deodorant and take advantage of nap time. I will also take advantage of every friend, family member and Department Store Santa to fill our time up and keep us occupied. Wish me luck.
Gotta go, the Lady is pantsless and blowing her nose on a dish towel.
So the hubby is gone for the next two weeks. The walls are starting to close in on me already. In all honesty our days will be pretty much the same. I am, however, dreading the 3:30-6 o'clock hours. This is when the Lady turns into some sort of whine machine that is forever clinging to my legs and opening the snack drawer and demanding cookies. I have decided to make as many plans during the day as I can. I will probably get some Christmas shopping done and might spend a night or two at Grandma's, but nothing will really replace the addition of another body in the house, someone who can supervise while I pee.
I am hoping to get a shower in everyday but am not very optimistic. I will use a lot of deodorant and take advantage of nap time. I will also take advantage of every friend, family member and Department Store Santa to fill our time up and keep us occupied. Wish me luck.
Gotta go, the Lady is pantsless and blowing her nose on a dish towel.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Too Tired!
I am tired everyday. I am waiting for the point in my life that I wake up actually refreshed. I am very lucky that the Lady is a good sleeper but it still isn't enough. I caffeinate early to stay refreshed and will admit to sometimes taking a tiny little nap in the afternoon when the Lady is sleeping.
I came across an article in the NY Times about the benefits of coffee vs. napping, and as it turns out napping is the way to go. How I long for the day when the US adopts the practice of siesta, where afternoon (or morning, or evening) napping isn't considered lazy or unproductive but is embraced by all, not just pre-schoolers and college kids.
Just last Saturday I was chatting up a first-time preggo momma-to-be and she said her biggest complaint was fatigue. In between copious swigs of Bud Light I sadly told her that feeling never goes away. The next day I tried to recover from those same giant swills of alcohol and much to my dismay the Lady and I both went sans nap, although I did get in my daily Dunkies fix, and even though some late afternoon time with my napping blanket would have been amazing, the coffee helped enough to get me through the day.
I came across an article in the NY Times about the benefits of coffee vs. napping, and as it turns out napping is the way to go. How I long for the day when the US adopts the practice of siesta, where afternoon (or morning, or evening) napping isn't considered lazy or unproductive but is embraced by all, not just pre-schoolers and college kids.
Just last Saturday I was chatting up a first-time preggo momma-to-be and she said her biggest complaint was fatigue. In between copious swigs of Bud Light I sadly told her that feeling never goes away. The next day I tried to recover from those same giant swills of alcohol and much to my dismay the Lady and I both went sans nap, although I did get in my daily Dunkies fix, and even though some late afternoon time with my napping blanket would have been amazing, the coffee helped enough to get me through the day.
The Biggest Loser and Other Updates
So now it is down to four. Vicky actually had a chance to redeem herself in my eyes by actually being as bitchy as she really is. Had she voted for Ed she would have given herself a greater chance of actually winning the whole thing. I guess her commitment to her team says something about her but I am not buying one bit of the softer side of Vicky we saw last night on the program. I think she realizes that it might come down to America voting and if she is below the yellow line--we are not voting for her. I came across an article on Yahoo yesterday about Vicky, which pretty much said the same thing I have been saying since the beginning--that she is a lying, petty, selfish human being. I also think she looked really weird with all that makeup on last night. Talk about too much foundation!
Last night's episode wasn't that exciting. How many times could we watch Tyra "surprise" each contestant with their family member? Although, the visual of Christian Soriano being lifted up by Heba was priceless. That guy weighs like 87.5 pounds soaking wet so it was kind of funny to see him enveloped by a whole lot a woman.
I was sad to see Renee go. I am glad she and Michelle were able to reconnect. I am looking forward to next week. Hopefully, Michelle will stick around she is my pick to win it all.
Run. Run. Run.
So I met my goal. I am hoping that the running will continue and I will be able to run farther and faster.
Novel Writing
I didn't meet the November 30th goal of 50,000 words, but apparently December is National Finish Your Novel Month so I am going to try and take the opportunity to finish the first draft by the end of the month. It seems to be a more attainable goal. I will let you know.
Last night's episode wasn't that exciting. How many times could we watch Tyra "surprise" each contestant with their family member? Although, the visual of Christian Soriano being lifted up by Heba was priceless. That guy weighs like 87.5 pounds soaking wet so it was kind of funny to see him enveloped by a whole lot a woman.
I was sad to see Renee go. I am glad she and Michelle were able to reconnect. I am looking forward to next week. Hopefully, Michelle will stick around she is my pick to win it all.
Run. Run. Run.
So I met my goal. I am hoping that the running will continue and I will be able to run farther and faster.
Novel Writing
I didn't meet the November 30th goal of 50,000 words, but apparently December is National Finish Your Novel Month so I am going to try and take the opportunity to finish the first draft by the end of the month. It seems to be a more attainable goal. I will let you know.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Welcome!!!
I just wanted to officially welcome little ERC to the Loyola family. I am always happy to welcome a new little Lady to the bunch.
I hope mom, dad and big sister KJC are all doing well and adjusting to being a family of four. The pictures are adorable and we can't wait to see you all.
I hope mom, dad and big sister KJC are all doing well and adjusting to being a family of four. The pictures are adorable and we can't wait to see you all.
The Holiday Season
I hope that everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving. So here we are in the full Holiday Swing. Not only is it December 1st, but Black Friday has passed us by and Cyber Monday is here today.
I was just wondering if anybody out there actually shopped on Friday, or does anybody do exclusive online ordering only? I am hoping to gather up some coupon codes and links to sales and post them in upcoming weeks.
Please post or e-mail me any shopping tips, coupons or great deals you come upon. The money saving mom is always looking for a deal!
I was just wondering if anybody out there actually shopped on Friday, or does anybody do exclusive online ordering only? I am hoping to gather up some coupon codes and links to sales and post them in upcoming weeks.
Please post or e-mail me any shopping tips, coupons or great deals you come upon. The money saving mom is always looking for a deal!
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