January Sucks

January is the stupidest month. Ever. Seriously. Nobody likes January.

1. You just had a break from work and life with Christmas and New Year's. And when that is done, January is here to spit in your face and say, get back to real life, beotch! FU January.
2. Everything the past month has been beautiful and magical. Christmas lights all over, lit up trees, and decorations; so pretty! Then January comes and everything has to come down and look boring again. FU January.
3. Back to work after the New Year and your inbox is full of shit you didn't have to deal with. Meetings blocking up your entire day to get roped back in and days upon days of being in the weeds. FU January.
4. You've been writing and thinking of 2015 all year and then the first time you do something with a date you put 2015 again instead of 2016. Stupid new year. FU January.
5. Just when you thought winter was half done, January goes on what seems like forever. Then you blink and it's October. FU January.
6. Gyms are over crowded and everywhere you look are commercials and ads for the next big diet fad. Resolutions are so over-rated and never work. FU January.

Shit I'm Not Doing on Weekends

As a working mom, weekends are sacred to me. And thanks to this guy, we know we only have 940 Saturdays with our kids until they turn 18. 260 of those are gone by their fifth birthday. Great! Thanks for that…! Now every Saturday morning, I’ll wake up and think, 689 left! 688 to go…

Time flies. Life goes fast. Kids grow up. 940 Saturdays will be just a faint memory before you know it.

With that in mind, not to even mention I don’t have to work, you can guarantee there will be crap I’m NOT doing when the weekends hit. Especially on Saturdays!

1. I’m not making my bed! I don’t care. Unless I have company coming over, I’m just throwing the duvet up and taking a break. In the back of my mind I really do it in the .003% chance I can crawl back into my bed with an afternoon nap. Not that that ever happens but one could hope and wish!
2. I’m not cleaning my house! I will stay up all hours of the night on Friday if I have to so come Saturday my house is clean and I don’t have to lift a finger. You can all go on and on about how you don’t care what your house looks like and how you’ve got kids, etc. But my house will be clean, sanitized, and not cluttered. And I won’t be doing any of that on my weekends. You can sometimes find my mopping my kitchen floor or vacuuming at 11pm on weeknights. I will do what it takes!
3. I’m not running errands! There is nothing worse than going to Target, the grocery store, or wherever with five million other people on the weekends. I will try my best to not have to do any of this on the weekends. And if I have to, it will be at 8am or 7pm.
4. I am not having a jam packed schedule! If I want to putz around for an hour doing absolutely nothing, I will. Maybe I don’t want to play with my kids all hours of the day, organize something, or do anything. Maybe I want to just sit here and do nothing. I will do that!
5. I am not talking about work! You want to know how things are going? Talk to me on Monday. I may have to check in on email all weekend which I’m used to, but I’m not discussing it with the husband, the parents, or some guy at a kids birthday party. I need to destress on weekends, not worry about being over budget until Monday comes back around!
6. I’m not eating healthy! During the week I’ll eat beautiful, colorful food full of vitamins and minerals. I’ll pull a Pinkalicious and burp up brussel sprouts, gag on grapes, and choke on artichokes.

Weekends are something we all cherish. Kids aren’t in school, your day isn’t jam packed with conference calls, and you can stay in your jammies as long as you want. Just don’t expect my weekends to be bogged down with crap I’m just not doing!

I'm Not Putting My Kid on the Bus!

My daughter will not ride the bus to school. Stop judging me.

I'm not putting my five year old, soon to be kindergartener on the bus.

No flippin way.

I'm just not.

I don't feel comfortable with my just barely 3 feet tall, under 40 lbs little girl in a vehicle with no seat belts, no car seat, and tons of other kids. She's too little. There are too many what-ifs I don't dare to imagine right now.

I don't care if you are sending your kindergartener on the bus. I don't care if you think it's safe. I don't care. I don't care. I don't care!

I care about my daughter. I'm perfectly happy and available to drive her to school and pick her up. Every day.

I also don't think you're a bad parent for using the bus. You do what is best for your family. Just like I'll do what's best for my family. No judgement here. But don't go judging me.

If I tell you my child is not taking the bus when you ask, don't give me that judgmental look when I say no. Because I don't care what you think! She's NOT taking the bus!

Okay. I'm done now.

When Judgement Crosses the Line

I am rarely shocked these days when it comes to human decency. People suck. Simple as that. But sometimes something happens and I just can't imagine that a person could do or say something so asinine. Sometimes people just cross the line and leave me speechless. Last week I had such a moment.

Jared does side work often for folks in the area. Video editing, photography, DVD copies, etc. It's actually picked up quite a bit and he does this all from home.

In another life, Jared and I lived in a snobby little town and were slaves to the rich. Literally. Need a bartender? Call Jessie and Jared. Need your house cleaned? Call Jared. Need a babysitter? Call Jessie. Need you car detailed? Call Jared. You name it, we did it for money. We had to get by and all those side jobs helped us. On top of our full time jobs, we did side work all the time. We paid off debt and we saved up to buy a house. We've worked hard to get where we are today and that's for sure.

Since we've moved from said snobby town and into a more family friendly town close by. But regardless of how much time has passed and how we don't do the slavery anymore for those well to do folks, they still see us as beneath them, secondary citizens. I see it time after time as we are looked down upon. So what we used to bartend at your social gatherings! We are still people and we deserve to be treated with decency.

In any event, one of these folks from our old life contacted Jared to do some video editing. We probably haven't talked to him in ages nor does he really know what became of us. Last time we lived in town near him, we rented a small cottage behind a big house. It was a shack but I liked to think of it as a cute cottage!

Jared gave him our address and the date was set. The same day/time he was to arrive, we had the lawn care guy here helping Jared fertilize. So the guy arrives drives up our driveway. Jared patiently waited for him to come to the door but he didn't. What happened next, I could not make up if I tried.

Jared's cell phone rang. It was the guy, in our driveway. He goes, do I have the right place? Jared says yes I see you, come on in.

He walks in the door and this was the exchange:

Guy: Wow, nice place you got here!

Jared: Thanks! We love it.

Guy: Definitely wasn't expecting you to live here. Thought you were going to be the guy from the landscaping truck out there mowing the lawn of this nice place.

Jared: (awkward laugh)

Guy: Didn't think you'd live in a place like this!

Jared: Ha! What did you expect? A shack?!

Guy: Yeah, or maybe a tent. Definitely not this!

Jared: (more awkward laughing)

Seriously dude! Really?! Thought we weren't good enough for a house, only a shack or a tent! Or should only be the ones working on a house like this?

I was beyond floored listening to this conversation. I was sitting there holding my tongue, trying hard not to say something rude back. Of course after he left, I let my anger take over me and reeled at Jared. How dare he come into our home and offend us like that!

Even if he was half joking, it was not funny. I'm so sick of people judging us. You're too poor to do that or you have so much money if you have that. Really, people get a life.

Count your blessings Wednesday and some ranting...

Yesterday, oh man what a day!  It all went so well until after dinner.  My mom had Lyla for the day and after work she dropped her off at my office.  Jared was going to play tennis after work so it was just us girls.  I figured we could grab a quick bite and then go home.  We did two potty breaks in an hour and then made the 45 minute journey home and it began...

1. Five minutes before getting home, Lyla said, peepee potty?  I said hold it, we're almost home.  She says no peepee in the car.  Yikes!  I pulled over and it was too late.  I can't really be mad at the kid.  She's 2!  She has about one accident a week if that.  This was the second time she peed in the carseat - a nightmare but not the end of the world right?  She felt terrible though and I didn't yell at her, just reminded her the rules and how she's such a big girl for how well she does, etc.  Not traumatizing my child because I have more work to do now.  Not an ideal start to the night but it goes on...
2. Drive into my driveway where I see my neighbor doing archery almost on my property.  Seriously, of all the neighbors you can get, mine has to be weapons lover.  I have seen him shooting shotguns, rifles, hunting guns, beebee guns, and now arrows?!  WTF!  This is not a DAMN military hub or reservation, this is a residential neighborhood crawling with kids.  Put the F'ing weapons way!  I've been seeing him do this more and more recently and I can't stand it.  I want my child to be safe and away from that crap.  Take it to the range!
3. I'm already irritated so when I get home I unloaded the car, stripped Lyla and told her not to move but she does, OMG losing my mind.She's naked trying to run out of the house with no shoes on.  I told her to stand on the carpet outside the door so I can clean the car seat.  She's not listening and taking her pee-soaked bottom and sitting in her car, on her bike, etc.  I am trying so hard to keep it together.  
4. We went back inside for a minute and right away she's picking up our new kitty who I've told her a million times now not to pick up. I finally closed the cat in the basement for the time being so he doesn't escape outside and Lyla doesn't pick him up again.  At this point my ears are red and steam is about to start flowing.
5. Back outside again Lyla won't sit still. I finally threatened her with her blankie, her toys, and getting rid of the kitty if she doesn't stand still.  By the grace of God it works so I can clean the car seat. Upon further inspection it appears she has pissed the motherload, of course.  Just taking the seat out it's dripping.  OMMFG!  I stripped off the cover to throw in the wash, wiped down the inside, and realized the foam is soaked too.  WTF do I do with pee soaked foam?  I started LOSING it. Literally losing it.  I was SO angry.  I did the best I could with the seat and prayed silently we could get it all back together for her to go to school today.
6. We are finally getting back in the house and I yelled to Lyla not to open the door for the cat - about 5 times for that matter.  What does she do?  First thing she ran to the door and opened it.  I flipped my lid.  I probably shouldn't have yelled at her but I did.  I was irate and stressed out.  I put her in the tub and she stood there, smiled, and peed.  I sat there trying to pull myself together.  Instead I walked away for a minute to go grab a towel.  As I closed the closet door, the cat cried because he was trying to sneak in the closet and I caught his head. F'ing wonderful.
7. Lyla finally was bathed and dressed for bed and I stood in my room pacing.  I looked out my window and there is my F'ing neighbor shooting arrows still.  I called up Jared and told him I was in a VERY foul mood and under no circumstance should he and his friend show up here after tennis as I did NOT want to have to be friendly.  He went to get a drink, I didn't blame him.
8. I called my mom to rant and probably dropped the F bomb more than I ever had in my life to my mother in one setting. 
9. Lyla easily went to bed, thankfully, and I sat down to calm down.  And that was my night...

Just typing that recount makes me tense.

Today I am grateful for making it through that without permanently damaging my child, for not blaming her peeing for all the stress, and for not letting my entire night be ruined since we snuggled at bed time.

I'm also grateful I took a run during lunch, the hottest time of the day and uphill! Then jumped in my pool commando style.  I'm grateful I got up really early and got a lot of work done.  I'm grateful tonight has to be better than last night!

And my neighbor should be grateful I haven't called the police again on them...

10 Top Worst Things About Air Traveling

10.  I want free wifi!  Stop making me pay $10 for sitting in an airport for 30 minutes for internet.  Some of us work...

9.  The fact that you have no control - over flight times, delays, lines, security, etc.

8.  When you have to wait at baggage claim for your bag and it is the last one off the belt.  Or when you pack light and there is no room left on the plane for your carry-on which you have to gate check and then wait for and it's of course the last one off the plane which most definitely only happens when you're running late for your connecting flight which is inevitably...(see #7)

7.  When you arrive at gate B and have 25 minutes to run to gate F to catch a connecting flight.

6.  Moving walkways that don't move.  Such a tease...

5.  Waiting.  And waiting.  And waiting and waiting and waiting.  Everywhere, every thing, any where, waiting.

4.  When you arrive or depart at an unGodly hour in the morning only to see most of the coffee and breakfast places closed at the airport.

3.  When stores, food places, and most importantly bars close when the airport is packed with delays.  I just want a beer people!

2.  Tiny bathrooms.  Seriously people.  Airports are busy and full of people - most of whom are carrying what?  Ding, ding, ding! Luggage!  So why on earth are the bathrooms SO tiny?

My experience when traveling trying to pee:
Open stall door.
Push in rolling suitcase so close to the toilet it's almost but luckily not touching (which sometimes is not possible).
Squeeze in with my laptop bag.
Try to close the door without A. bumping into my bag on the floor and B. not getting my laptop bag caught.
Close door and lock.
Move suitcase up against the stall door.
Hang up, hold or balance laptop bag on suitcase.
Squat and pee.
Move suitcase back towards toilet.
Squeeze door open as much as possible.
Get as much of myself and all bags out of stall.
Then flush.
Then while washing hands, furiously curse the morons who decided to put tiny-ass bathrooms in airports while simultaneously wiping the sweat off my face for the hard work it took to pee.

1.  Finally the number 1 worst thing about traveling - THE PEOPLE!  People everywhere, in a hurry, being rude and inconsiderate, and running you over.  People being impatient and complaining.  People who get up when a plane gets to the gate and run up the aisle cutting everyone off.  People who stop dead in the middle of a walkway and cause almost a collision.  People who take way too much advantage of the 1 carry one and 1 personal bag per person.  People who wear pajamas to fly - is it too much to get dressed?  People who bring smellly food to eat on the plane.  People who will run you over just to get on the plane - when aren't we all getting on the plane?  People running to get to their gate - 1st off, this isn't Home Alone and 2nd off, get here on time and that won't be a problem and 3rdly, if it was not your fault they should wait for you!  People who go through security still with water in their bag, change in their pockets, or shoes on their feet.  People who despite being told 100 times still don't turn off their electronic devices before take off.  People who hog all the outlets everywhere to charge their phones, laptops, iPads, etc.  People who spread out on 2-3 seats when the terminal is packed.  People who let their kids run around like it's a park.  People who put a leash on their kids!  People are just obnoxious when flying!  Overheard this today:

Lady:  Do you know what zone they are currently boarding?
Man:  6
(Lady starts to walk to board)
Me:  They are on 3.
Lady:  Oh he said 6.
Man:  I'm zone 6.
Lady:  I don't really care what zone you are...no offense.
Me:  Trying hard not to laugh my ass off and be offended at the same time!

About to Lose It

Okay well I actually did just lose it.  What you may ask?  Well my sanity for one thing (or all that is left of it), I lost it emotionally and just sobbed all over my laptop to Jared, and although I let it all out, I'm still not feeling great.

What happens if you are living someone else's dream?  What do you do?  I am living someone else's dream.  I am doing what someone else wants to do; not me.  My dream, well it's unreachable currently so in the mean time I have to keep doing what I'm doing.  Living, working, breathing, getting by.  I should be over the moon, grateful, thrilled to the max - like any other person would be.  But me, no I'm not.  I'm nervous, I'm anxious, and I'm worried.  I don't think I can do it. I think I may fail.  I think this is not what I want.

You only have one life, so live it the way you want?  But it's not that easy. 

My throat has been throbbing for 3 weeks now. I swear I have strep throat.  I've been eating Halls like candy.  The wrapper says:  A pep talk in every drop.  With the words:  Be unstoppable, Power through, Push on, Inspire envy.  I want to take this wrapper, shred it into a million pieces, then burn it, and spit on it, then throw it in the toilet and flush.  Power through?  Easier said than done.  

When will it be my time?  When can I look in the mirror and be happy with what I'm doing?  Life sucks sometimes.  But beggars can't be choosers, right?  I am lucky, grateful for what I'm doing with myself but I don't have to be in love with it.

Ugh, just thinking these thoughts out load makes me feel a bit better but it will be a while before my dreams can come true.  

This is Just Ridiculous

In fact, it's too ridiculous for words... so bear with me while I complain for a few minutes...

I'm leaving next week for a big work trip, a very big trip in which I'm not exactly ready for yet.  This week and next are my busiest weeks ever.  But I'm currently dealing with the following:

1. I'm SICK!  Again.  I have had a sore throat for a week.
2. I am coughing up a lung every five seconds.
3. My voice is barely there.
4. My nose is stuffed to the brim.
5. I feel like ass and I just woke up this morning with...
6. Pinkeye!  WTF!

Lyla started daycare last week for one day and I get bombed with every disgusting thing?  She's got a runny nose and started coughing last night.  Might I add she's coming with me to my work event.  

I'm pretty contagious right now and hope my kid does not get this. OMG could this be any worse right now?  I'm supposed to be in the office all week; yikes!

Okay, complaining complete.

So I've been meaning to get this off my chest...

...who are the F*(*&*&^%%ing Kardashians and WHO gives an effing shit?

If I see one more news splash, magazine cover, news highlights, etc, I'm going to puke.

The saddest part of this is that there are people out that that care so much about this random family (of which I have no idea) that they buy the shit, watch the news/tv and encourage for more.  WHO CARES!  Get off the internet or away from the TV and live YOUR life and stop caring about supposed celebrities.  I promise you'll be a lot happy and lot less chubby.

There, I feel better now.

Earthquakes, Flooding, and Hurricanes, Oh My!

On Wednesday we had an earthquake.  No lie!

I've never felt an earthquake in my life and honestly I almost pissed my pants during the 20 second shake.  I had no idea what was going on but followed my coworkers out the door...

I was pissed mostly because I live in CT so I don't have to worry about earthquakes, hurricanes, etc.

Imagine my surprise when Hurricane Irene has decided to visit the CT shoreline.  I mean an earthquake, sheesh, but then a hurricane in the same week?!  WTF mother nature?  Again, I live in CT so this is not normal.

Last year a "hurricane" was expected and the hubby freaked out, bought a generator, and packed up the entire yard.   That one turned out to be a minor tropical storm.  So I have my doubts about this one as well. But I don't have to worry because the hubs is ready to go!

He spent the entire day packing up everything in our yard nicely into the garage.  He bought the necessary items and got the generator ready.  I was tasked with getting cash (you know, in case of no power or ATMs for weeks) and helping Jared with his list of things to do:  fill up on water (since we have a well and no power means no water), help move grill, have all laundry and dirty dishes done, etc.

But in the mean time, I have checked off all the things on my list for hurricane readiness:

1. Took a shower and shaved.  If Jared gets his way and is right, we'll have no power for weeks and I don't want to be dirty or hairy for so long.  So clean and smooth, check! (for the time being at least)
2. Best underwear on, check!  In case of an emergency, don't want to have on old, tattered or tye-dyed ones.
3. Wearing a nice jammy set, check!  If I'm stuck on my roof waiting for a helicopter to rescue me from my flooded house, I will look nice for the nightly news broadcast.  Granted my nice jammies also are tye-dyed...
4. My camera, cell phone, and laptop are fully charged in case it's my only escape to the outside world, check!
5. Got my important documents ready to grab in a rush, check!  Birth certificate, marriage license, will, 20% off Babies R Us coupon, my BNL set list from that amazing concert way back when, and of course my official "you're excused from jury duty until 2014" letter.  Phew, thankfully those all will be saved!  Check!
6. I have a bag packed with:  books for Lyla, Lyla's baby doll, diapers, wipes, some clothes for Lyla, her blanky, deodorant, clean underwear, and a few sets of earrings.  Not sure which will go with my "damsel in distress look best", so...  Check!
7. Full tank of gas, check!  So if need power for my phone to send a few emails, and vote for my kid on the Parents.com cute kid contest daily!
8. Champagne chilled and ready to guzzle, check!  Cause if I have a hurricane heading my way, may as well have some fun as well!

Anyways, I hope you're all doing well with your hurricane checklists and let's hope I'm right and it's nothing serious at all!

Time to open the cham-pag-ney.

All tubs filled up with water and all water bottles set!

Our garage is stuffed with our outdoor stuff...

So neat might I add...

Top 10 Things that have been Annoying me Lately

I am very easily annoyed.  So in order to complain all at once, here are the top ten annoyances in my life currently:

1. People who call me, leave a message and then email me to tell me they just left me a message (or vice versa).  Like I am incapable to hear a voice mail?  Drives me BONKERS!
2. If I call someone but don't leave a message, it makes me crazy when they call me back just cause they saw a missed call.  I hear, "Hi, I saw you called me?".  Well, if I really wanted to talk to you I'd have left a message so stop being a STALKER!
3. If I don't respond to your email in .02 seconds I get a follow up.  "Just wanted to confirm you got my email."  Um do you people NOT trust technology?  It works, 99% of the time...
4. Suction cups that have appeared to be on my daughter's hands and legs.  She is suctioned on to me at all times lately.  I heard about this clingy stage but it's driving me crazy lately since I'm so busy at work. But I will admit the first few times she cried when I tried to leave I liked it. Made me feel so wanted.
5. The fact that I don't ever get snail mail! I only get bills and magazines.  I want some real, good stuff people!
6. Rising costs of EVERYTHING!  Man, I can't even go to Dunkin Donuts anymore.  They want more than $6 for a coffee and a donut and milk for Lyla.  Ridiculous!
7. My husband tells me to lighten up and stop acting so old.  So on a Monday night I got trashed, ate about 15 s'mores and then tried to jump in our pool with all my clothes on.  Did I mention it was a Monday night?  And then he tells me I'm acting ridiculous. WTF! (by the way it was a lot of fun that night, not so much Tuesday morning...)
8. My life is 178% consumed by my job right now and I'm getting the evil eye every time I ask the hubby for just one hour to myself to do nothing ("well I'm busy doing this, you're the mom, I did all cleaning, etc).  He's a great guy but such a PUNK sometimes!
9. I'm still doing this stupid dieting cause I don't want to be a lardass while I wait to have another baby.  But honestly I feel like I should just be pregnant cause dieting sucks ass.  And anyways, if I'm going to have another baby eventually, some day, why should I bother to lose weight now?  UGH!
10. It's 3:30 and I'm dying for a cocktail...

Okay enough complaining and back to work...

Thanks for listening!

O.M.G. Scandalous!

Alert the press!  Lays has finally come to their senses and is now selling Dill Pickle Chips again in the USA!!!!!!!!!!

A day late and a dollar short of course because A. I'm not pregnant anymore and B. I'm not craving them like a dog in heat.

And just to remind those of you not in the know, when I was pregnant, I talked about these God forsaken chips a lot.  

Here.

Here.

Here.

Here.

Okay maybe I was obsessed a tad bit.  

For the record I am very pissed off at Lays.  How DARE they deny me the right to have those amazingly goodness of crisps when I was gigantic and pregnant.  Jeesh people, they made me go all the way to Canada for some!  So in case anyone at Lays is listening, I am boycotting all Lays products (with the exception of the Dill Pickle Chips of course) to prove my point.  Which the point is:  If a pregnant women wants something, give it to her then and don't make her wait over a year for it!!!!

Scandalous (serious eye rolling going on here...)

I Don't Get It

Why do men have to readjust in public?  Why do they have to get all up in their junk while talking to me in a business setting?  It totally grosses me out.  Can't they just wait until they are A. hidden from view, B. in their office, or C. (GASP!) in the bathroom?!

I just don't get it...

Youth of Today

Jared forwarded me this email he got today from his new intern at work.  I have not edited this email at all.  This kid has no chance whatsoever in the real world.  I cannot believe he would actually write this?!

I didn't know if it was crucial, but would it be possible for me to start regularly at 10am instead of 9am?

If that's a major issue or too inconvenient, fine, I can work around it...it's just I have to drive 45 minutes to get to you guys and I'm not the biggest morning person so I want to make sure I'm awake. 

But if it's really easier and more helpful for you guys, I'll find a way to tough it out and get up at 7:30a [maybe drink a 5-Hour Energy or something]

On a related note, my company has been trying to hire someone since October.  We have made three offers all of which were accepted and then all the individuals decided after the fact to turn it down.  We spent over $1000 in job ads, countless hours interviewing, posting jobs, and looking at resumes.  Are people just seriously down right rude or do they just not know proper business etiquette?  I thought so many people were looking for work?

In conclusion the youths of today scare me.  They are unprofessional, lazy, and just plain rude.  I worry...

My most embarrassing, awful yet comical day

This is a true story that happened to me, today.  I wish I was making this up but I don't think one can.

I had a meeting in Queens, NY today at the New York Hall of Science.  Yesterday I was going back and forth about driving versus taking the train.  I was too nervous with all the train switchovers so I thought I would just drive, no big deal.  Even though late last night I almost booked a train ticket. I was so undecided!

But alas I got up this morning and left super early to leave myself time for traffic. I pumped my iPod up with some great tunes and got moving.  I stopped at D&D for a iced latte and then to our favorite bakery for some treats for my meeting.  Before I got to the bakery though, I rolled through a stop sign and got busted.  The cop was nice and only gave me a warning.  Phew!

I got half way through my trip and hit a major traffic jam in Connecticut.  It wasn't too bad and I was still going to make my meeting.  I got into Queens just after 11am and my meeting was at noon.  I pulled into the parking lot and was at a loss as to which way to go.  I didn't see any signs.  So I guessed left and turned however it wasn't until I turned that I saw the "one way" sign.  I panicked!  I stopped the car and began a quick K turn before traffic came.  Only problem is that when I went to go in reverse, my car didn't seem to want to go.  My shifter seemed not to be working at all.  I started to panic.  Turned the car on and off but still nothing.  I was stuck in the middle of the a parking lot road facing the wrong way. Awesome!

I called Jared freaking out and he tried to help but no avail.  Tears started welling and a big SUV came by and I had to get out of my car to tell him I was stuck and hope he could get around.  He said no problem and that he couldn't help me.  The next car stopped and came out to help me push the car out of the way.  But the car was locked in park so the wheels would not move.  Ugh!  More tears...

Another car stopped and he tried to push to. Nada.  I was parked right in front of the door to the museum and one of the employees came out to investigate. Upon finding I was stuck he also tried to help and diagnose the problem.  Meanwhile I got on the phone to our car help hotline - we have All-state.  Kind of like AAA but not...don't know why we switched, but whatever.

After 10 minutes of talking to a computer I got a dude who asked me a bunch of questions and then said the tow truck would be out in over an hour.  My survivor mode kicked in and I yelled back at him that I was blocking a major route at the museum and they had to come asap!  He told me to call the towing company and I yelled at him to do it since that is what I was paying for!  It was unbelievable.  Then my coworker showed up, thankfully so I wasn't alone.  He talked to the guys, tried to help, and then went to our meeting as I waited for the tow truck.  

But that's not all.  My car was blocking a road where all the buses lined up to pick up the kids.  All the buses and I'm talking like 60-70 of them were coming by and all having to hop the curb to get by. My poor SUV was just stuck in the middle of all of them and I just cringed thinking it was going to get hit.

I sat out in the sun watching the car and pretending it wasn't mine while I waited. I was so embarrassed by all the kids walking around my car and the buses maneuvering around it.  It was awful!

Finally 2 hours later, the tow truck arrived.  I was so pissed but grateful at the same time.  However because my car was locked in park, the wheels couldn't turn.  So when he pulled it to get on the flatbed, the metal hook snapped in half!  I couldn't believe it!  I don't know what that guy did, but he somehow, eventually got it up there dragging my tires along which I'm sure are a tad ruined at this point.

Now what?  The guy will tow it anywhere but where do I go?  He can bring me back to CT but for a cost.  So we decided to bring it to the closest Lexus dealer since we figured they would definitely know how to fix it rather than risk a small garage.

What seemed like an eternity in traffic we got to Lexus and they were able to take it in.  I owed the tow guy $10 of which I did not have on me. I never have cash!  He couldn't take a card and at this point I was almost hysterical and asking for him to help a pathetic woman out.  He obliged and didn't charge me.  I was grateful and will send them a check now that I'm home.

So anyways, I'm at the dealership, again in tears because at this point I just want to go home.  The service guy said he thinks a cable broke and a part would need to be ordered.  They brought me upstairs to the waiting room where I was able to pee (first time since 6am and it's 2) and get as snack since I hadn't eaten a thing all day.  They call me into a little office to take down my info and this guy was so serious.  He asked me what was wrong and then I told him I really wanted it fixed asap so I could go home to CT.  He said no way they go home at 5!  I couldn't help myself and the tears came flowing again!  I asked for a tissue and basically begged him to get it checked immediately.

But it was a problem anyways.  The cable for the shifter had snapped and they had to order a part.  But the guy seeing my dismay said I could take a loaner home.  I was saved!  I was so happy until he told me what the whole thing would cost (gulp!).  This really nice man brought me down to my car to help me get my car seat, stroller, and other things out of my car.  Then he brought me to my loaner - a Lexus IS250 (sweet ride!).  I was shaking nervous because I had never driven this car, it wasn't mine, and I was in a big city.  But he kindly showed me how to work the GPS and do basic stuff and I was on my way home.

I left Queens at 4:30 and walked through the door at home just before 8pm.  Yup, you guessed it, huge traffic jam caused by an accident.  I was in the car for so long!  The only thing that kept me going was the thought of Lyla being awake still when I came home (which she was, thanks Jared!) and Sirious radio 90s on 9.  I jammed to Snoop Dogg, Nirvana, Paula Abdul, and Green Day the whole way home reminiscing of my school days.  It was not a bad ride because of that.

But I'm so glad to be home despite the fact that I have to drive back to Queens to get my car...

What an awful yet comical day!  And to top it all off, my whole face, chest, and feet are sunburned wicked bad (wahhh!).

Thank you to the guy at New York Hall of Science for almost acting like my 'dad' during this situation, the two gentlemen who stopped to try and help, the maintenence man who almost fixed it, the tow truck guy for being kind, my coworker, and all the people at Lexus who helped this little doe out.  What a day!

I'm exhausted and I can't wait to shower and go to bed.  

Hope I made your bad day (if you had one) seem like a cake walk.  My day sucked!

Here is my car, literally at the front door.

Perspective - I'm blocking the entire road!

Infidelity

For me personally, it's the one strike you're out rule.  If my husband ever, ever cheated on me (which odds are in my favor he wouldn't and I trust him completely on this), we're done, through, finito.

It is not something I could ever forgive or would be willing to forgive at any point in time.  For me it's the ultimate deal breaker in a relationship.  Lately all over the news is Arnold and his love child, Sandra betrayed again, and is Brad cheating on Angelina (I won't even mention the fact that that all this celeb gossip is so obnoxious and I don't ever give a rats ass about them or what they do/don't do.  There are more important things going on in this world.  And furthermore, give celebs a break! It's none of your damn business!!).

Why is infidelity all over the place lately?  Why are so many people not taking their marriage vows seriously?  Is it that hard to stay true to someone, the one person you claim to love?  Is getting your fill of sex or whatever more important than the one person you're married to and love?

I know there are some couples out there that have been married for a long time.  We never hear about them, though.  Why?

My grandparents were married for 70 years until my grandfather passed away a few weeks ago.  70 years.  I'm sorry, just to bring home that point, 70 years.  That is longer than some people live.  Could you imagine spending 70 years of your life with one person?  Not only are you with them 24/7 every year, but they are witnessing life with you.  They are a part of everything you do, experience, and share.  One person who chose you to build a life with; feel honored as we all only get one life.

It makes me so sad to hear about infidelity on a daily basis. Whether it's a celeb or someone I know.  No one deserves for this to happen to them.

I love my husband.  Granted our marriage is not perfect and nor will it ever be.  We have our good days and bad days.  I see other men all the time and I have no desire to be with any man but mine.  Even if my husband, God forbid, ever cheated on me, I couldn't even move on until our marriage was officially over.  I don't know, call me loyal but I made a vow and I take it seriously.

It seems marriage has become a joke lately and it's not right.  Don't take a vow and be with someone if you have no desire to follow through with what you promise.  Marriage is hard but it's worth all the work.  Ride it out, put in the effort your spouse deserves, and keep your pants on around other people.

Marriage is an amazing thing if you let it be.

Birthday Party Eve...

...and I'm exhausted and depressed!  The weather looks shite tomorrow and of course our party is at the park.  We do have a pavilion over us but it's not the same as a nice sunny day. Why am I so cursed by the weather Gods? Ugh!

I have spent countless hours planning and executing every detail of this party.  I have had so much fun doing all of it and now it will be semi ruined with a crap day.

Anyways, I had the day off today so I could make these amazing rainbow cupcakes for the party.  They were not hard to make but time consuming for sure.  They are super cool and worth the effort.

All my colors are ready!

This was the time consuming part...

Voila!  Gorgeous layers.

I'll be sure to post a final photo with their gorgeous home made frosting!

For now, I'm going to go to bed saying many a prayer in hopes that this rain just changes its mind!

People are Lazy

Today I'm in the office - yay!  Not that I want a break from my child but today I really needed it.  Last night Jared got home from work around 9pm and by that point I was a walking zombie and not very attractive person.    I did something to my back so I've been in a lot of pain, I'm in all up in birthday party plans, and I'm just exhausted.  So today when I got to hop in my car and have a day of interrupted work, part of me leaped with join inside.  Of course I was so sad to say goodbye to Lyla but she really needed some daddy time for sure.

I got to the parking lot this morning and I park at the back and walk. It's not a huge, long walk but it's to get in some walking and get some fresh air.  Upon getting to the front row of the lot, I see a mini van doing the most ridiculous maneuvers to park in a slot way too small for it.  The first thought in my mind...people are lazy.  It was sad really.

So in any event I'm looking forward to a quiet and productive day and yes I will call and check in on Lyla about every hour...what can I say?!

We Killed Osama Bin Laden

Image by Anxo Resúa via Flickr

Disclaimer:  I am a small town stay at home/working mom.  My personal views in no way are necessarily valid.  I am not a terrorist nor do I hold any information on terrorists.  There, now the government won't get mad at me! (hopefully)...

Osama Bin Laden is dead.  So what.

It took the world 10 years to finally end the life of one of the most treacherous terrorists in the world.  We can finally get justice for 9/11.  But what does it get for us?

Does it end terrorism?  No.  Does it make all the terrorists in the world sulk and stop killing?  No.

In fact, I'm sure during the past 10 years, Bin Laden has been grooming someone somewhere to take his place. This person will rise up now.  Terrorism is only going to grow.

We may have killed the leader but have we killed terrorism?  I don't think so.  And I'm scared.

On a side note, I know so many Americans have been fighting for our freedoms in the war on terrorism for years and many have lost their lives. I am also eternally grateful to all of them and their families.  My world would not be safe without them so thank you.

The One and Only Environment

Earth day is right around the corner and reading this article really saddens me.  A year ago, I was devastated at the gulf coast oil spill.  I don't work with animals, the environment, anything, so I had nothing to really offer other than prayers that they would fix it as soon as possible.  Seeing the images and stories about the animals who were dying, the people who's businesses were lost, etc really broke my heart.  Man has indeed ruined the environment - especially down there.

But what really gets me is why is no one helping these people?  So many were affected, and I'm not even talking about the environment any more; just Americans trying to live.  Why is the government not helping them?  Granted I don't read the news daily because it's just depressing - always.  But I wish I could do something.  Does anyone feel the same?  Can we get together and help?

I try to do my part on a daily basis to help the environment.  I use reusable bags, I recycle, I don't drive to work every day, we have solar panels on our roof, energy saving appliances, and we have a garden where we grow our own produce.  But I'd like to do more.  If only there were more hours in the day.  

What are you doing for the environment on a daily basis?