They Don't Call Me "Freaking Out" for Nothing

I had a little freak out the other night, but it's ok... because I did it silently in my head.

I was giving the Chitlin her bath when I found all these little clumps of something floating amongst her bubbles.  My inner monologue went a little something like this:

WHAT THE F IS THAT?! and that and that AND THAT!  ....did she poop... no... doesn't look like poop... looks like intestines... OMG - IT'S HER INTESTINES!!!  Wait... if it were her intestines she wouldn't be able to play splish splash in the water...  looks kind of slimy... IS IT PART OF HER SKIN?!!!  Wait... no, she looks fine... (I hear the Mr. coughing in the other room)  EWWW!!! ARE THESE LOOGIES?!!  DID HE REALLY DO THAT IN THE BATH AND NOW I'M BATHING OUR CHILD IN IT??!!!

Me - BABEEEE!!!!

(1 second later I could hear the Mr. get up from his chair)

Me - (looking in the bathtub)  NEVERMIND!

...It was just the pre chewed grapes and raviolis she had been hoarding in her mouth from dinner.

PHEW! My little chipmunk...

They Don't Say "Merry Christmas" for Nothing

Here are some things I've learned this Holiday Season:

• Next year do ALL shopping online (for the sake of my sanity and wallet)
• If shopping at the mall with the Chitlin, bring the SMALL stroller if I need to quickly maneuver through crowds. (the BIG one if I want to run them over)
• 30 Christmas cards is NOT enough to send out to ALL 60 of our friends and family
• Make sure to hide the Mr.'s presents so he doesn't open them BEFORE Christmas
• More wine.

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays from our Family to yours

They Don't Say "Add it to the List" for Nothing

We all have our Holiday shopping lists this season and I had to add something for us on mine...

Me - I need to add a comforter for us on the shopping list.

the Mr. - Why?  What's wrong with ours?

Me - ... I somehow managed to burn it.

the Mr. - .... What?

Me - I burned it.

the Mr. - WHY? HOW?

Me - I threw it in the washer.

the Mr. - You mean the dryer?

Me - No, the washer. I went into the garage to put it in the dryer and the whole place smelled like something burned and died in there...  It was the comforter.  I think it might have been the friction or something in the washer.

the Mr. - .....AREN'T YOU SUPPOSED TO TAKE THOSE THINGS TO THE DRY CLEANERS??!!!

Me - Yea. 

Conclusion: I am on my way to becoming the BEST housewife EVER! ;)

They Don't Call it "Christmas Time" for Nothing

It's Christmas time and I love my Christmas tree pants.  They're cozy, comfy, and perfect for snuggling up in front of the tv.

As I was walking into the tv room one evening...

the Mr. - Oh no... not the Christmas tree pants!

Me - What? You don't like them?  They're so cozy...

the Mr. - You're wearing them too much.

Me - Do you have something against Christmas?

the Mr. - (pause) ...It's June. Christmas isn't all year round.

Me - .... Well, it should be.

I Don't Call Her "Mama's Little Helper" for Nothing

Me - Isn't she cute trying to help out Mama?

the Mr. - Well... someones gotta do it.

They Don't Call it a "Road Trip" for Nothing

So we drove up to the Bay Area for Thanksgiving.  It's about a 6 to 7 hour drive.  I tried to convince the Mr. to let me drive part of the way, but he wasn't going for it.

Me - Can I drive?

the Mr. - No.

Me - Why not?  I like driving...

the Mr. - Your driving makes me nauseous.

...hmmm, well played sir.  If he had asked me why I like driving so much I would have explained:

I like driving... because I want to listen to Britney Spears and Kelly Clarkson while driving like no one's business.

I guess nausea wins over Brit Brit.

Here are some pics of our trip that I took with my new fancy phone. 

     

They Don't Call Me "Fancy" for Nothing

I finally did it.  I got fancy and bought a smart phone.  I've officially joined the rest of the world.  It was never that important to me to have one because:

1.  Who really needs a phone that does fancy things?  All I need is something I can call and text people with. (aka: I'm cheap)

2. I struggle with keeping up with technology. (Why do I need a cell phone?  I have a pager and can read pager code.  Helllloooo)

3. I would rather spend my money on more important things. (Like supporting my shopping habit)

Which all leads me to my breaking point.  This was the exact moment I cracked and decided it was time.

I was in line on Black Friday at one of my fave stores.  It was about 7am and I was clutching my treasures that I felt like I was basically getting for free.  (50% off!!!)  I waited for about 1/2 hr and realized the line had not moved.  I began to estimate the time I had left to wait by counting the number of people ahead of me and multiplying that by 8 mins... maybe 5 if there were more cashiers open!!!  It dawned on me that if I had a smart phone I could be searching my treasures online and buying them as I waited!  This meant: saving time + saving money + gaining sanity = I NEED A NEW PHONE!!!

So I walked out of line and spent the money I would have spent on my treasures to finally get a smart phone.  I couldn't be happier... I have a new fancy phone that does fancy things AND takes fancy pictures.

They Don't Call it a "Problem" for Nothing

I think I have a problem.  I'm not officially ready to admit it, but I can acknowledge it. They say that's the first step to recovery.  OK...Deep Breath... I think I might have a problem... shopping!!!  I'm beginning to think this because:

1. I found myself hiding shopping bags under the bed and in the trunk of my car.
2. I'm getting confused between the words "want" and "need".
3. The Mr. is finding my shopping bag stashes and is pointing out that I have a "problem".

As I was stepping out to run "errands"

The Mr.: Where are you going?

Me: Just running some errands.

The Mr.: I saw a shopping bag in your trunk from your favorite store.

Me: Whywereyouinmytrunk!!!

The Mr.: Give me your credit cards.

Me.: Igottagonow-bye!

The Mr.'s Mom giving me some shopping advice

Grandma V.: You just need to ask yourself before you buy, "Do I really "need" this?"

Me: I think the Chitlin really "needed" those pink cowboy boots.


I've come to two conclusions:

1. I either really do have a problem... or will live the rest of my life in denial.
2. I'm becoming more and more like my Mother.

They Don't Call it "Sick Day" for Nothing

Someone wasn't feeling well and threw up all over the bed.  No... it wasn't the Mr.  The Chitlin isn't feeling well, and even after cleaning up barf-mageddon... she still makes me smile.



They Don't Call it "Good News/Bad News" for Nothing

A weekend wrap up a la "Good News/Bad News" style!

Good News:  Halloween candy is 50% off
Bad News:  I bought 3 bags and Halloween was last month

Good News:  The Mr. taught the Chitlin to use the potty while I was out
Bad News:  He left what she did in the potty

Good News:  I discovered cool nail polish strips for quick, easy manicures
Bad News:  I don't know how to use them properly (why is the color not sticking?!)

Good News:  I started dinner in the slow cooker
Bad News:  I forgot to turn the slow cooker on (good thing the Mr. noticed)

Good News:  I lost more baby weight!
Bad News:  My jeans don't fit right anymore and I have a slight case of mom butt

I Don't Call Her "Co-Worker Bestie" for Nothing

Co-Worker Bestie moved departments and is now MIA.  (Something about running around working 12 hour days.)  I'm feeling sad inside.  Who am I supposed to talk to about the news and future? Aka TMZ and what I'm wearing tomorrow.  I talk to the Mr. to try and fill the void, but somehow it's just not the same.

The News

Me:  Have you heard KimK is getting a divorce?

The Mr.:  Who?

Me:  Kim. Kardashian.

The Mr.:  Oh... really?

Me:  Ya. Isn'tThatCrazy??!!

The Mr.:  Yea...

??????!!!!!!

The Future

Me:  I think I'm going to wear this skirt tomorrow. What do you think?

The Mr.:  With pants?

Me:  Umm... no.  Maybe tights?

The Mr.:  You should pull it down more so it's knee length.

Hmmmm.....

Not the same at all.  Co-Worker Bestie where are you!!!!



They Don't Call her "Little Wise One" for Nothing

I got this fortune while I was prego with the Chitlin.  It must have been during one of my Chinese food binges, but I can't remember which one.  I've kept it with me ever since. 

The Chitlin has yet to form a group of words that us grown ups can understand, but that doesn't mean I haven't learned anything from this little one. 

#1 - Be careful of what you leave out in the open. 

For the Chitlin's reach has grown like her wisdom... "Where did you get those scissors?!"

#2 - It's what's on the inside that counts.

Although, she cannot open the candy wrapper - it does not mean she won't be able to get the chocolate.

#3. When one door closes another one opens.

"How did you get outside?!!!!" 

No "words of advice" yet... but plenty of lessons learned.  





They Don't Call it "Cubicle Decor" for Nothing

What I stare at while in my cube...

I have a lava lamp in my cubicle.  I turn it on when I need some extra "umph" in my day.  It brightens up my cube and gives it a sexy ambiance. I would bring in a blacklight... But I don't have one. 

Those are jars of peanut butter and hazelnut spread.  I like to spread them on toast. Sometimes I get crazy and use both at the same time.  It's like Reece's pieces for breakfast.

Those cough drops have been on my desk since my cold last year.  I keep them around in case I'm out of gum.  It's better to smell like cherry cough drops in a meeting... rather than the onion sandwich I had at lunch.  At least that's what I think.

They Don't Call it "Wordless Wednesday" for Nothing

They Don't Call her "Tutu-licious" for Nothing

If I could write a letter to a certain piece of clothing... it would be the tutu.

Dear Tutu,

Why do you taunt me?  You are my weakness... my addiction and "need".  I have no self control when I see you... no restraint or discipline. You have turned the Chitlin's closet into a rainbow of tulle.  You have turned me into one of those crazy hoarders that are in constant denial...

"It's ok... we don't have this color." ....I whisper to myself softly. 

"At least it's not a closet full of breeding cats." ....I say a little louder.

"It's a closet full of magic and imagination." ...I state with a smile.

Please leave me alone dear tutu... you are making me crazy with all the ridiculous cuteness.

They Don't Call it "Work" for Nothing

Sometimes I get a little upset at work.  I mean... it wouldn't be called "work" if I was happy all the time, right?  That's why I feel really lucky to have the Mr. to vent to.  He always knows what to say... er, text.

Our Text Convo Yesterday

Me - Can I quit now?

The Mr. -  =) Maybe

Me - I would like to leave this place with my cubicle on fire and both middle fingers high up in the air.

The Mr. - =) One day

Me - Ok.  Well let me know so I can make sure to wear an offensive t-shirt that day.

The Mr. - =)

They Don't Call it "Hat Lovin" for Nothing

Bestie Jenn, the Chitlin, and Me

The Mr. considers himself to be quite fashionable.  Because of this, he never hesitates in giving me his opinion (and because of this I tend to like doing the opposite)  Lately, I've been really lovin hats.  For some reason, the Mr. doesn't quite understand...

The Mr. - "You've been wearing hats a lot lately."

Me - "Yea..."

The Mr. - "I stopped wearing hats... now you're wearing them?"

Me - "...."

The Mr. - "I don't think I like them."

Me - "Well, I like them."

The Mr. - "... you look like Blossom."

Nice try, sir...

They Don't Call it "Fashion Friday" for Nothing

Pretty Girl has left the office building.  Thanks to Co-Worker Bestie's super detective/stalker skills, we now know that what we knew would always happen, happened.  Pretty Girl moved on to bigger, better, prettier things.  I just hope her new office friends/stalkers will appreciate her as much as Co-Worker Bestie and me.

So who will we now turn to for fashion inspiration?!  Good thing there are plenty of good Fashion Blogs out there.

Fashiontoast.com

Co-Worker Bestie - "I think you will like this one... she's Asian."

Me - "....and she has ombre hair like me!" (except mine is a result of wanting to save moola and NOT because I'm ultra hip)

Co-Worker Bestie - "I'm going to try and re-create her outfit on page 4."

Me - "I will do the same... and then take pics of myself with my head tilted to the side and feet pointing inward."

             

Same, same? Happy Fashion Friday!

I Don't Call it "Third Times a Charm" for Nothing

Pam from Reviews She ROTE has awarded me The Versatile Blogger Award!  This is my 3rd time receiving this award which makes it extra special because 3 happens to be my FAVORITE number!  So, to keep up with the theme... I'm changing up the rules and mentioning 3 things about me and 3 of my favorite blogs.  Thanks again Pam!

3 Things About Moi

- After High School, I did Theatre and Dance for a few years before going to a Fashion College.
- I work in the Retail/Fashion Industry and sit/stare in a cubicle all day long.
- My cubicle is where I like to catch up on my favorite blogs.

3 of My Favorite Blogs (happen to be about 3 of my favorite things)

Mommy Blog
- Caffeinated OC Mommy

Photography Blog
- Love is Everywhere

Fashion Blog
- My Style Diaries

Well there you have it... All good things come in 3's.

They Don't Call it "Girls Weekend" for Nothing.

We are besties. We grow up. We move away. But we never change.

The girlies flew in for the weekend and we had a blast.  We reminisced, acted silly, laughed, and got to do something we rarely get to do... all spend time together. We've been besties for years and have shared many, many memories.

Then:

Now:



It's nice to know that friendships never change and that we are STILL... the drunk chicks at the bar. (Except for Bestie Jess... because it's frowned upon to be the drunk chick at the bar when you're pregnant)

I Don't Call it "My Nemesis" for Nothing

There are many things that have given me trouble as a new Mommy.  My biggest nemesis? The stroller.  Those things are NOT easy.  They're big, heavy, have tricky switches/levers/thingies ... and I ALWAYS have trouble figuring them out.  I can pop them open, but I can never collapse them, no matter how big or small. 

Our Big Stroller.
It was our first stroller and perfect for newborn Chitlin.  We went on our first walk together in it...  and I struggled to get it to collapse in our front yard when we got home.  I stood there pulling and stepping on things until the neighborhood ladies came over to help give it a try.  It took 3 grown women, pulling and tugging, to NOT get that thing to collapse, and finally give up. The Mr. came home half an hour later and did it in two seconds.

Our Little Stroller.
The simple umbrella stroller.  The Chitlin and I went to the mall and I just couldn't figure it out.  It took me only 5 minutes to give up and throw that thing (in all it's popped up open glory) in the spacious trunk of my car.  I got home and the Mr. figured it out in a second.

I like to credit his mechanical skills on this and not him having superior maternal skills.

We Dont' Call her "Daddy's Little Girl" for Nothing

The Chitlin is Daddy's little girl. I feel bad for the first boy who comes to our door and even worse for the last man to walk through it....

6 months old.
When the Chitlin was 6 months old we went to visit our Couple Besties who have a little boy about 7 months older than the Chitlin. 

Girl Couple Bestie - "Wouldn't it be adorable if they grow up to be best friends and then boyfriend and girlfriend?"

We both sat there smiling and imagining how cute it would be .... Later on...

The Mr. - "That's never happening...no boyfriends!"

10 months old.
Sitter Bestie was telling us how her neighbor has a little boy around the same age as the Chitlin and they were over playing.

Sitter Bestie - "It was so cute...they were hugging and playing... She has a little boyfriend."

Me - "How adorable!"

Later on....

The Mr. - "Is this a girl thing to think it's so cute. .....No boyfriends!"

(Present day) 16 months old.
It was hot over the weekend and we were getting ready to go to the beach.  My sister had gotten the Chitlin a little bikini and grass skirt when she went to Hawaii.  I thought it would be fun for her to try it on.

the Mr. - (took one look, got angry and said....) "No bikinis!"

Me - "....and no boyfriends."

The Chitlin is going to have to explain her Daddy to those boys when she gets older....

They Don't Call Me "Scary" for Nothing

Apparently, I can be a little scary.  The other day I came from work, looked in the refrigerator, and saw the Mr. had gotten sushi from the grocery store.

Me - "Did you go to the grocery store just to get sushi?"

the Mr. - "Why?"

Me - "Why can't I ask you a question without you BEING SO F*BOMBING WEIRD!!!"

the Mr. - ................ (I don't think he knew how to respond to this.)

The next morning.....

the Mr. - "Will you be honest with me for a minute?" .... "Are you getting your period?"

Me -  (very calmly) "No."

the Mr. - "Really?"

Me - "Yes, really ... because I got it this morning."

the Mr. - (With relief) "Oh, ok. You'll love me again in a few days."

Me - ................... (I didn't know how to respond to this)



They Don't Call it "Grandma Time" for Nothing

The Mr.'s Mama was in town visiting for a few days.  You can say what you want about your Mother-in-law, but there are two words that come to my mind when I think about Grandma: THANK GOD. 

Don't get me wrong... I LOVE rushing home every day after work to feed the Chitlin dinner, give her a bath, and put her to bed... but sometimes it's nice to have those things crossed off your "To Do as Soon as I get Home so I can get Started on Dinner Before Cleaning it up and Squeezing in a Load of Laundry Before I Pass Out"  list.  Then again...how could anyone resist feeding this little face?

Also, you just can't put a price on a little alone time.  Since Grandma was staying the night, the Mr. and I got to celebrate a friend's wedding out of town with no guilt or worry.  We trust Grandma's got it and the Chitlin will be happy. PRICELESS

Plus! Grandma not only spoils the Chitlin with treats... she also left a little something for the adults.

THANK GOD... and Grandmas

They Don't Call Me "Mall Walker" for Nothing

The Chitlin and I LOVE walking through the mall. (Ok. Maybe she just LOVES trying to climb in the fountains they have there.)  Anyway, during our little walks through the mall, I always like to acknowledge other Mommies and their strollers and ooh and ahh at their own little ones.  I can't help it. It's like Mommy protocol.  I smile at Mommy, peek in the stroller, and make a "How cute!" face.  So the other day I was taken aback when I smiled at Mommy, peeked in the stroller, and saw this:

...I still made a "How cute!" face.