Brag Alert!

Brag Alert! Brag Alert! Brag Alert! Brag Alert! Brag Alert. Brag Alert!
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My life isn't usually that exciting. Not in a bad way. In a good way. Friday was like any other day. I babysat for my someone in my babysitting co-op. I took the kids to WALL-E. We then came home and then I checked my Google account to read my comments on my blog.

I love any and all comments. I get excited whenever I receive one. But on Friday, one completely shocked me. I was surprised to read that Tory Johnson stopped by and left a comment. I mentioned her in my post about a part-time job. Do you know Tory Johnson? She is the founder and CEO of Women For Hire and is on Good Morning America often. I am a huge fan of Good Morning America (love Diane and Robin). Anyway, as I checked my Google I was shocked to see a comment from Tory Johnson. I could barely read it I was so excited.

This is what she wrote:

Indy...what a fun blog you're writing. Think of small steps to reach a big goal. It's easy to come up with all the reasons why you can't or shouldn't do anything -- and they're valid reasons. But where there's a will there's a way. If you really want to make money at home, you can find the time to reach that goal. Is it easy? Of course not. But it's definitely doable. Maybe you set aside 30 minutes a day to select, photograph and post things on eBay. (All the money won't go to taxes, nor will it go to a sitter!) Or think of a skill you'd love to use again while working from home. You don't have to earn thousands of dollars overnight to make it worthwhile. Start where it's comfortable and build from there. I'm rooting for your success.

A huge thank you to Tory for stopping by my blog. And just a side note to Tory, I am doing just as you suggested. I am selling items on EBay and have my used books up on Amazon.com. I am taking small steps to make financial changes for our family. One example is my use of a babysitting co-op instead of a paid babysitter. We trade hours instead of money. Thank you for all of your words of encouragement. I will continue to watch you on GMA and read your magazine. Wow! Thank you so much for stopping by. You made my day and week.

Wow!

Needs Versus Wants

I had a crazy thought yesterday. I somehow thought I was going to apply for a part-time job. I would work from home to help with our budget and pay for the extra things. I spent most of lasst night, searching for a reputable company. I have seen Women For Hire's Tori Johnson on Good Morning America. It all sounds so good. She has great suggestions. But for those of you who know me, I know what you are thinking. Where would I find the time? Really. I have to sleep sometime and my house can't clean itself.

I have worked in Student Affairs after graduate school. But, I can't work away from my home right now. It just wouldn't work for us. When visiting my dad today, he helped me figure out that I would make nearly nothing after taxes if I worked part-time. Man. Bummer. Then there is the problem with childcare. If I ever pay a penny for someone to watch my children, it would be a wash. I wouldn't make a penny.

I need to remember that I have a job. My hours are intense. My boss isn't so good about letting me eat my lunch. My boss barges in on me in the bathroom. I can barely get a shower without my boss asking me a question. I don't get many vacation time at this position. I am not allowed to call in sick. The days are long.

But, I am paid in smiles, giggles, hugs and wet willies. There will be no extra part-time work for me right now. Instead of thinking about my wants, I need to be more grateful. We can afford what we need. We have everything we really need and more. Life is good.

Cheapie Carpet

Our house was built 10 years ago. This means our carpet is 10 years old. It is really showing its age. When it was new, it was still cheapie carpet. It was chosen by the builder and every house around here has the same carpet. I often wonder why would they put such a light carpet in this house? Who can live like this? Maybe someone without children. Or pets. Or grownups.

I am not ready to buy new carpet at this time. But, my carpet is getting gross in some areas. I have a great carpet cleaner. But, some of it needs professional help. When I have had it professionally cleaned in the past, I was amazed at how good my carpet could look.

Here's the problem. Do you have to go with a name brand carpet cleaning company or will any local guy do? Local companies are so much cheaper. I have tried to research this online. Consumer Reports recommends Stanley Steamer. That's all I could find online. I have had no luck. So, I thought I would ask my readers. I have used Stanley Steamer in the past. Have you tried the no name companies? What was your experience? Does it really matter? I know Stanley Steemer would say it matters. But does it really?

Why Do We Wear Bathing Suits?

I am always a little shy about my body the first day of spring when I wear shorts or the first trip to the pool. I get over it but I go through a little shock slipping on the bathing suit and taking a look in the mirror. Today we visited the pool. It was extremely crowded when we got there. I looked around. I recognized some people. There were a lot of people I didn't know. I saw a lot of skinny moms in bikinis. Of course I thought evil thoughts.

So, as I attempt to not be noticed in my post-pregnancy body in my fat sucking one piece suit, I sit down and help the kids with their shirts. We arrived at the pool break so it was pretty quiet and people were just waiting to go in. I kept saying to myself "Just blend in. Just blend in, Just blend...." and over the intercom I heard "Will Indy Notmyrealname please report to the guard tower?" Oh man. No. I can't do this. I now have the whole pool looking at me and I have to walk over to the life guard station in my bathing suit to claim my drivers license from the front desk. I wanted to die. DIE!

The kids want to go to the pool again tomorrow. I can handle the second day at the pool in my swimsuit. Just not the first. And thank goodness, they do not need my drivers license tomorrow.

(A little afterthought-no I didn't even think to wear a cover-up or grab a towel. Too mortified to process any thoughts.)

What a Way to Spend the Day

Ryan, we're going on a boat today. We're meeting Papa and Grandma there.

We are? For how many days?

Just today.

Just today? How many pools does this boat have on it?

No pools Ry. It is a pontoon boat. Not a cruise ship.

(Last year, we met my parents in Miami for a Carnival cruise. We had a wonderful time and it was a great experience for the kids.)

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This past Sunday, we celebrated Father's Day a week late. For years, my dad has wanted to rent a pontoon boat and spend a day on a quiet lake with his family. We talked about it and tried to figure out how to rent a boat. We had never been to Atwood Lake and had no idea that pontoons were everywhere and it would be simple to rent them. My poor sister tried to do it via phone and online. The day started as a disaster. We were lost. Mapquest directions were awful. We were in the middle of nowhere and no one's cell phones worked. My husband's GPS on his Blackberry didn't even have a connection. We barely made it. Once we got there, we realized that this lake was HUGE and difficult to get around. Meeting up was going to be a challenge.

But once we made it, we realized that it would be a day we'd always remember. Even though the boat didn't have a pool.

So Underrated

Caviar. Lobster. Steak. Doritos?

I love food. All kinds. I even eat airline food when they offer (thank you Continental). I have high standards for some food. Sometimes I like cheap, crummy food. My husband and I were tearing into Doritos last week and one of us said "Doritos are underrated." They really are. You will not find them at a fancy cocktail party. You won't find them at a dinner party. But if you did, people would eat every last one of them. They don't get respect but most everyone loves Doritos.

Every now and then, we like to come up with foods that no one really gives any props to but really deserve some attention for being yummy. Please no comments about unhealthy food choices or allergies. I hear you. I am not talking about. I am just saying. Relax.

Our list in no particular order:

1. The peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Cheap, easy to pack, no refrigeration necessary. So easy. Love it. I eat one every morning for breakfast. Really.

2. Grilled cheese or toasted cheese. Yummmmmy. Perfection.

3. Pizza rolls. If you ever make a batch for visiting friends (like my husband's old law school buddies) they will disappear as fast as you can make them. Well, you have to wait for them to cool a little first or you will seriously burn your mouth. "Lava hot" as we call it here. But once they cool, they are gone in a flash.

4. Any sort of macaroni and cheese. Homemade or Kraft. Love it all. Could there be a more perfect use of cheese?

5. And finally...drum roll please...chicken nuggets. If you have ever swiped one off of your child's plate at a restaurant, you realize that there is a reason kids order this everywhere they go. It is good stuff. A lot of times, I secretly think my child's meal is better at the restaurant than mine. I would never have the courage to order "chicken strips" at a restaurant. But, I'd probably be a little more satisfied at some restaurants if I did.

So there you have it. Our list of underrate foods. I am off to make some PB & J's for the pool. Maybe we'll have mac and cheese for dinner. Please feel free to add some suggestions to our list of underrated foods. Cheeze whiz? Spam? Ritz crackers?

Happy Day!

I just read that today is considered the happiest day of the year. I believe it. I love summer. My last post was so depressing that I had to replace it with at least this link. Get away from the computer. I dare you. Walk away. Get outside and enjoy the happiest day of the year!

Now go!

Not Prepared

People miscarry all of the time. Most people are pregnant, miscarry and don't know it. No big deal.

Oh so I thought.

I went to the OB-Gyn today. Man, I was sad. I am supposed to be pregnant. I should be listening to the heartbeat of my baby. I should be naming my baby. But instead, we had to talk about an ultrasound for tissue that is not a baby. I am bleeding and it should have stopped. This just isn't right. I could barely keep it together as I walked to my car. I am supposed to be pregnant. I am not.

As I sat in my car and cried I realized that I am so glad that this happened to me. Well, glad is the wrong word. I don't know what the right word it. Anyway, I thought I understood a miscarriage. I really thought I knew what people were going through. You lose a baby and then you try again. I have two kids. No biggie. I am expected to try again. All I know is that I will be a better friend to people that have lost their baby. I will be a better mom. I will be a better grandmother. What I understand cannot be put into words. It is something I feel.

I went to the grocery story right after my D & C. No biggie. But really, it was awful. I am not emotional. My husband has not seen my cry since I have lost this baby. I cried the first day, the entire day and did not stop. He was gone all day for business and I needed to be alone. I thought I was fine and over the miscarriage but I could barely make myself walk past the diapers for the toddler wipes I needed down the aisle. I then needed a price check on an item. I could barely make myself walk down the aisle twice. This happens to emotional women, not strong women like me. I can't believe I am breaking down at Giant Eagle.

I had to go to a bridal shower right after I lost the baby. "Congratulations" shouted an aunt over the loud roar of the women. She had just heard that I was pregnant. "I lost the baby." I tried to explain as best as I could. She was confused and so was I. "I lost the baby." I tried to make her feel better. She felt awkward about her congratulations. I felt funny and tried to make her feel better. There is no right way to end this conversation. We all felt awkward.

It is life and people lose babies all of the time. I know that. But, I am also trying to make sure I experience all of the feelings that are natural for a miscarriage. It is just hard when you feel like you are all good and then BAM! you are smacked with feelings that you are not ready for. You didn't plan to be smacked with sadness mid-day. You were done mourning. And then your little guy asks if there will be another Ted. We'll see. We'll see. I'm just trying to figure it all out.

Not Very Smart

I had a babysitting co-op meeting last night. It was a little long but not too bad. As I was getting ready to leave, I noticed a Ford car parked behind mine. Who's car was it? Well, I will go back into the meeting and just wait it out.

The chair of the co-op and the president of our mom's club were ironing out some details about the group. I'll wait. No hurry.

Then, the host of the house sat down and started talking to the other women. It went on and on. We talked about the U.S. education system. We talked about other countries. We talked about our preschool PTA. On and on we talked. I was so sleepy. At this point, I hated to say "Would you move your car?" But I should have.

When the other ladies finally decided to leave, they went to their vans on the street! It was the husband of the host that parked behind me. I could have left at any time if I would have asked. I then had to go in and ask the host to move the car. I got home from a babysitting co-op meeting at 11:30 p.m. What? Not very smart.

Sweet Caroline. Over and Over Again.

When I was a kid, we drove to Cincinnati in a tiny little car and and we only had one tape. Maybe we had more that one but my dad played the same Neil Diamond tape over and over again. There were five of us in a tiny compact car including our luggage. We were packed in there like sardines. We were on our way to King's Island for our family vacation and we couldn't have been happier."Sweet Caroline" played every hour or so the whole way down and back.

I loved family vacations. In fact, my sisters and I got so excited that my dad usually didn't tell us when or where we were going on vacation. We must have driven him nearly crazy for him to keep such a secret.

Now that I have two little boys that can only talk about their upcoming vacation, I completely understand. We have a countdown on the calendar. We talk about swimming, the beach, what to bring and most importantly which putt putts we'll go to.

We will be heading to my husband's childhood vacation place, Myrtle Beach. We've done it before and we'll do it again with my in-laws. Mike's brother and his family are also going with us. At first I wasn't sure about going to the same place every couple of years. What if I wasn't exposing my children to enough places? Different cuisine? Different customs?

But, reality set in. Time is precious. There is nothing more important than my children spending time with their grandparents and family. There are stories to tell and retell about their daddy when he was little. There are memories to create. Pictures to take. Traditions to carry on. They will have years and years to travel. Hopefully someday I can travel to exotic places with them. But for now, we will pack our minivan and head on down to Myrtle Beach with the whole family. And for fun, I might just torture my children with a few "Sweet Carolines" just to help pass on that tradition.

Homemade is Hard

My husband told me not to buy him anything for Father's Day. Ugh! I had to really sort it out. Did he mean it? Really? He really meant it. When women say "Oh, don't buy me anything," they don't really mean it. My husband meant it. He didn't even want a card. Not even from the kids. We are keeping a strict budget right now. Every dollar is documented. He didn't want a card to take not even $3 or $4 from our "gifts" line on our budget.


This was a tough challenge. I didn't know where to go with it. No money. Where to start? Well, my first attempt was to clean out the garage for him as a gift. We have a garage that is so dirty I close it before anyone comes over. I am so embarrassed by it. I spent all Friday afternoon trying to clean it out the best I could. It isn't perfect. It was such a hot day that I ended up running out of steam so I skipped this idea.



So, I scrambled to come up with something meaningful but free. I framed a picture that my son drew at school of my hubby and my son playing basketball. It is my husband's favorite picture that my son has drawn. I knew he'd love that. The frame has a bunch of scratches on it. But, I had to use what I had around the house. It was hard to give him a gift with scratches. It is for his office. Oh well. I had to use what I had.


I then went and found two photos that I had taken last winter but never framed. You know how that goes. You spend tons of money on photos and you never get around to framing. The frames were brand new but never used. I had forgotten that I had them.



I then decided that if I made a little money instead of spending it, he would be surprised and happy. So, I listed something on EBay that I know will make a little chunk of change. That will help the bottom line instead of adding more costs. I made this one of his "gifts."


I then attempted to make a card for my husband. It was pretty sad. I used the kids' markers and white card stock. The kids kept bothering me the whole time I was trying to write something sweet and loving. It wasn't the most beautiful card. But, it was free and it said how I felt.



My point? It was not a perfect Father's Day gift. But, I followed his wishes. It would have been so much easier to buy him a video game, a shirt or some gadget. I am not one of those sweet people that can make beautiful cards and write something so meaningful it will bring a tear to his eyes. Father's Day was put together as fast as I could with what I had at my house in between a million questions and requests from my children. And the result was a happy daddy and a budget without any costs added to the line "gifts." Happy Father's Day Sweetie!

Someday I Will Win Big

I love to enter contests. When I clip out the coupons on Sunday, I also cut out the contests. I then enter them and pray that I will win. I will someday. I just know it. The latest contest I have been entering daily is at Olive Garden. It is for a trip to Italy. I get to dream just by entering it daily.

When I first entered this world of blogging, I was shocked by all of the contests. This is my kind of world. I love to read. I love to enter contests. I love to write. This is great. I won the first contest I ever entered on a blog. I won a beautiful blanket on petit elefant. She gives away items almost daily. Check it out.

Today, I entered a contest on Texas World Tangle. She is giving away some cool jewelry, a cowboy hat and my favorite, a Target gift card. Check out her site for more info. Doesn't take more than a few minutes to enter. It is also one of my favorite blogs. I visit daily.

I have one more for you. If you have never been to Classy Chaos, you must go. It is the one place I visit daily as I drink my morning tea. OHmommy is giving away a chance to have your blog redesigned by Krystyn. Krystyn redesigned my site and I love it. Just leave OHmommy a comment on her site and you are entered to win.

Contests are fun because for the moment that you are entering, you are dreaming about what it would be like to win. For me, it is all about the dream. Positive thinking doesn't hurt either. I honestly think I will win a trip somewhere. Someday. Have you ever won anything before? Are you a contest person? Where would you go on your dream vacation? I better go pack my bags. I know that Olive Garden will be contacting me soon to let me know that I am on my way to Italy. I just know.

Slowing Down

Summer. I keep reminding myself that it is summer. Slow down. Breathe. Kick off the shoes. Exhale. Pick up the book. Make some lemonade. Relax. Let some things go. Don't schedule anything. Go for ice cream.


I am just like any other mom. I have to do lists and a million things to do. I am used to trying to do it all. But, summer isn't about doing it all. It is a mindset that I find hard to shift into.


I especially love to read in the summer. I am reading the best book, Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. I never thought I would like it. But, Oprah has talked about it so much that I couldn't resist any longer. It is a great book to read while watching the kids ride the bikes up and down the street or play in the backyard. It's a long one but I can tell that it is one that I don't want to end.

So again, I tell myself. Relax. Watch the kids play in the backyard. Play with the kids. Sip the lemonade. Pick up the book and read. It is OK. Do whatever you feel like doing. Enjoy the sunshine. Inhale. Soak it all in. Exhale.

P*** Envy

For weeks, my son has been obsessed. It is all he talks about. With this heat, it has gotten worse. He wants a big one. He cannot think about anything else when he in on our back deck. He has pool envy. He really wants a pool. He really, really wants a pool. We aren't talking about a wading pool. We can't buy it at Target. He wants a beautiful pool that we cannot afford. Our neighbors have one and my son just looks over at it and dreams.

There is another reason that my son cannot let go of this impossible dream. My husband works for a swimming pool company. He is an attorney for the company. We talk about pools and the pool industry a lot in our house. When my kids visit the office, there are gorgeous pools on every wall. They are the most beautiful pools I have ever seen. It will be a long time before we can even think about a swimming pool.

We visited some old friends this weekend. They own a beautiful pool. This did nothing to help my argument that we cannot afford a pool. In the car as we buckled up, Ryan asked again why we can't have a pool. He then wanted to know what the mom and dad did for a living to earn enough money for a pool. That didn't help. The friend was an attorney friend of my husband. Yes, nearly the same type of job. The next question was of course why can they afford one and we cannot. My favorite question "Dad, do you have any other friends with pools?"

I remember as I kid, I wanted new clothes for my only Barbie. I begged for them. I don't think I ever got them. Was there anything you wanted or begged for as a child that you never received?

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Don't you love the new look? A huge thank you to Krystyn of Krizzy Designs. I absolutely love her design for my site. If you need a new look for your blog, email her and she will help you out. Visit krizzydesigns.blogspot.com for more information. She also can help with birth announcements or other invites that you may need. Thank you so much Krystyn. Also, a big thank you to OHmommy for introducing me to Krystyn.

Feelin' Safe At Safety Town

My son is 5. He is super shy. So shy that I had to volunteer to teach Sunday School so that he wouldn't cry for a whole hour every Sunday. He is so shy that I don't waste my money on too many extra activities. He cries through them. He can barely tell you his name if you ask.

But today, today was different. I dropped, yes dropped him off at Safety Town. There were no tears. No holding on to me as I walked away. Nothing. I almost didn't know what to do. They didn't even have my cell phone number to call me if he had a fit. I was pretty uneasy for the whole two hours today that he was away.

When I went to pick him up, he was smiling. I really couldn't believe it. At lunch he asked how often he has Safety Town. I told him every day for a week. He yelled out "Yes!" I say "Amen."

Shut Me Up!

Tonight I was invited to meet friends for dinner tomorrow. Instead of politely thanking them for the invite and just saying I couldn't go, I went on and on about how we are on a budget. "I can't go to dinner because we went to dinner last night and we only allocate a certain amount of funds for the month......blah, blah, blah." Do they really care? No. They needed a polite "Sorry I can't go. Thanks for inviting me."


Last night a friend asked my mom was feeling. Once again, I offered her too much information and on and on I went. I got into her past history of the auto-immune disease. I continued with a detailed play by play of the past few months and ended with a not so quick description of the last few weeks. Once again, a simple "She's doing better" would have answered the question.


I know better. As children, we were encouraged to keep certain things private about our family. My dad is very private about money. He would say "There are certain things that you keep private." Sorry Dad. I am really struggling with it. I know my friends don't need to hear every detail about my life. There should be some things about me that I don't share. The weird thing is that when I write, I can keep a lot private. There are so many things that I'd love to write about but cannot. I don't struggle with the line. But, just get me talking and I will tell you everything you never wanted to know.

Here Comes the Humidity

I am one of three girls. My poor dad. I really had no idea what it would be like to be living with all men. I lived in college with all women. Even in grad school, there were no men around. I never lived with my husband until we were married. I was in for a rude awakening.


My house is pretty clean considering I have two little boys. It gets messy but it isn't dirty. At least I like to think that it is clean. But this week as the humidity rolls in, I am starting to wonder. The smells that are coming from my bathroom would stop any mom in her tracks.


How can my boys miss the toilet every time they pee?


Seriously, I could mop daily and it would still be dirty. Even once I do mop, I know that I will still smell the urine oozing from the bathroom. It hides. It lurks. It won't quit.


If you live with only women or girls, you have no idea. You will think that you do. You will tell me that little girls don't always get it right. I remember. I lived with my two little sisters. I hear you. But boys are so messy in the bathroom.

My oldest son is pretty good at hitting the mark except in the middle of the night. It is my littlest boy. He can't pee straight to save his life. I have lectured. I have made him clean it up. I have nearly cried. But, he is just a messy little guy.


I have looked online for tricks. I have tried to find the magic formula to make my bathrooms smell cleaner. My friends and my sister talk about it. There has to be someone out there with a solution. I haven't had much luck. The only one I can come up with to share is my own. I pour floor cleaner (not watered down) around the toilet. I let it ooze into the spaces around the toilet for a minute or so. I then soak it up with a paper towel. You will be surprised with all of the urine that comes out. Be sure to go back a little later. Some oozes out and it looks pretty gross.

Do you know any tricks so that your bathroom doesn't smell like a barn? Any tips that I am missing? Help!

Makin' Us All Scream!

The music starts softly. It can barely be heard. Slowly, the music grows louder and louder. My children and I can no longer ignore the song that keeps coming closer and closer to our house. Finally, I see it. The local ice cream truck making its daily trip past my house. On a walk a few weeks ago, I finally figured out why I always hear the ice cream truck. The ice cream truck owner is a neighbor. They live right around the corner from us.

So daily, in addition to the music being played by the ice cream truck, you can also hear this conversation (with tears).

Mom, you never let us buy ice cream.

Sorry, Ry. Ice cream trucks charge a lot for their ice cream.

It's not fair. The neighbor kids always get to buy some. Why don't we?

Their mommy works. They have more money.

You've never let us buy any (Here come the tears).

You are right. If I do it once. You will want it every day. They drive by every night. You will beg every night. You will cry every night.

So I was worn down tonight by a smart five year old. Tonight, we found a compromise that includes a sticker chart and piano practicing. We'll soon be hanging out with the neighbors at the ice cream truck in front of my house if my son starts practicing his piano. Great, this new plan will cost me money and probably make me gain ice cream weight. But, at least there will be more piano practicing and less tears. Hopefully.

We've All Been There

Warning! Extremely honest post. Do not read if are easily offended and sell something from home!

My mom sold Mary Kay Cosmetics my whole life. My dad, yes my dad, sold Pampered Chef. Both did really well. The women LOVED my dad. A good looking man that cooks can sell women anything. My mom won a car from Mary Kay. She loves the products and still sells it when she is well. She has sold Mary Kay Cosmetics for over 25 years. I have been around home based businesses my whole life.

So many of my friends and relatives are selling through home based businesses. I could probably shop only from my friends and be able to handle of the gifts I need to buy throughout the year. I love to shop. I love to spend money. But, there is a budget and my husband and I keep track of where our money goes.

Here's the hard part. I don't like hosting the shows. I don't really like attending them. I feel pressured and usually spend too much money. Most of the times, the companies charge shipping and handling. The products are items that I would find cheaper somewhere else. Most of the time, I could do without or I make myself do without.

Sometimes I have had to be the host when a relative really needs to start their business. I find it extremely uncomfortable. I hate to ask my friends to come. I am nervous before and throughout the show. I don't want anyone to feel they have to buy. I especially don't want people to feel that they have to come. I usually serve wine. That helps!

So, as the title of this blog says, "I'm not talking about it, I am just saying..." I am just talking about it. I know it is all me. I am a big girl, I can choose to skip the parties. I can choose not to host the few that I have. I can say no. I have. Sometimes I do. Sometimes I can't.

So, tell me. Do you host? Do you attend? Do you say no? Do you love them? Are you a consultant? Please be kind in your responses. I have had a tough week. Seriously. I beg you.