I've been saying TR thinks she is a princess.
Today we were in the bank and an Indian woman's year and a half old baby wanted to play with TR. When we told her TR's name, she was wowed. She said the name was her daughter's nickname and had been her own nickname.
In her language TR's name means 'queen'. Pretty cool.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Friday, November 28, 2008
Thanksgiving Thankful
Our holiday was great. TR was a hit and we managed the passing around of her well. She didn't get passed from cousin to cousin until the part of the evening when folks said what they were grateful for. By then Mr A and I were able to make sure that crazy kid wasn't around to commit any acts of violence.
My family holidays are a gathering of my maternal great-grandfather Har.dy's offspring, other family and friends. Har.dy had 8 children. 3 of those children are still living. When all 8 were alive they would get together for the holidays, and once they had kids they still got together and once they had grandkids they still got together.
My paternal family is the same way, only most go to church together and see each other more often.
Our goddaughter seemed to have a goodtime. We kept warning her to watchout for the bad child. I was very worried about what they might do to the sweet little godchild until Mr A reminded me that she lived in the hood in L.A. That girl can handle herself.
It's always a risk when your family breaks out into the "what I am thankful for segment", you hope people aren't too long-winded, you hope no one gets overly mushy or cries (we have one drama queen and as expected she did cry in soap opera fashion) and you hope no one says anything nutty.
Well as we got towards the end of the cousins and I was feeling good about what a lovely family I have, my two nutty twin cousins reminded me that abberations do occur. The twins are my mothers first cousins and she has no idea where they came from. They look like their siblings but their behavior is quite different.
So the first twin stands and tells about how he has been celibate and drug free for 8 years and has X million dollars and can afford sex and drugs. He launches into a wild story that I've heard numerous times. We were in Aspen one year and he started telling Mr A the story and some sort of way Mr A managed to escape and I had to sit there and listen to this same story for probably the 3rd time. This is a story you really don't want to hear once on your life. At Thanksgiving, perhaps because he had an audience, he seemed to get a little raunchy with the story and said he'd been a 'sex freak', 'sexual freak'.
It was quite hillarious. As much as I run from conversations with these cousins, I'm still grateful for them. The sexual freak ccame to L.A. to visit TR when she was in the hospital, he's come to visit me the first time I lived in L.A and even though he is fearful of heights he walked up to my apartment that was perched on a steep hillside and had nearly one hundred steps. I had lovely views but a couple of people were afraid to make the hike and stayed in their car. The other twin has covered costs for family that might be financially prevented from attending family reunion dinners and events.
There is reason to be grateful for even your annoying and nutty cousins. Can't nobody love you and look out for you like a relative.
My family holidays are a gathering of my maternal great-grandfather Har.dy's offspring, other family and friends. Har.dy had 8 children. 3 of those children are still living. When all 8 were alive they would get together for the holidays, and once they had kids they still got together and once they had grandkids they still got together.
My paternal family is the same way, only most go to church together and see each other more often.
Our goddaughter seemed to have a goodtime. We kept warning her to watchout for the bad child. I was very worried about what they might do to the sweet little godchild until Mr A reminded me that she lived in the hood in L.A. That girl can handle herself.
It's always a risk when your family breaks out into the "what I am thankful for segment", you hope people aren't too long-winded, you hope no one gets overly mushy or cries (we have one drama queen and as expected she did cry in soap opera fashion) and you hope no one says anything nutty.
Well as we got towards the end of the cousins and I was feeling good about what a lovely family I have, my two nutty twin cousins reminded me that abberations do occur. The twins are my mothers first cousins and she has no idea where they came from. They look like their siblings but their behavior is quite different.
So the first twin stands and tells about how he has been celibate and drug free for 8 years and has X million dollars and can afford sex and drugs. He launches into a wild story that I've heard numerous times. We were in Aspen one year and he started telling Mr A the story and some sort of way Mr A managed to escape and I had to sit there and listen to this same story for probably the 3rd time. This is a story you really don't want to hear once on your life. At Thanksgiving, perhaps because he had an audience, he seemed to get a little raunchy with the story and said he'd been a 'sex freak', 'sexual freak'.
It was quite hillarious. As much as I run from conversations with these cousins, I'm still grateful for them. The sexual freak ccame to L.A. to visit TR when she was in the hospital, he's come to visit me the first time I lived in L.A and even though he is fearful of heights he walked up to my apartment that was perched on a steep hillside and had nearly one hundred steps. I had lovely views but a couple of people were afraid to make the hike and stayed in their car. The other twin has covered costs for family that might be financially prevented from attending family reunion dinners and events.
There is reason to be grateful for even your annoying and nutty cousins. Can't nobody love you and look out for you like a relative.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Thanksgiving Menu......
.....for TR
In between these meals she'll snack on milk
Breakfast
Oatmeal with applesauce and banannas, some other fruit and milk
Lunch
Squash and milk
Dinner
Peas, sweet potoatoes, squash, bannans, peaches, and milk.
I hope she enjoys her first Thanksgiving. Let us pray for me because I don't think I'm mentally ready for her to be passed around a house full of extended relatives and kids. Our goddaughter is joining us, she's 10. I think I might instruct her to give folks handsanitizer and to hold TR. I don't mind her being held by various people in small settings but I just ain't ready for this.
One of my cousins has terribly untrained children. They are amazing terrors. The 2 of them seem like 20 kids. These children were the only ones banned from our wedding. I told her mother (who was my road dawg growing up) kids weren't allowed but I told everyone else kids were invited. My brother has already asked me what I plan to do if the oldest child does what we expect her to do. I need to pray hard right now, because I so can envision myself putting my foot in that kids chest.
It's a sad thing when people fail to raise their children. It's bad for the future life of the kids who have to live with the consequences of being troubled. I once heard a message about failure to chastise your children creates people who have to live a life of consequence, not choice.
Heck I'm feeling bold. If my cousin is there I might ask her what she plans to do to help her kids. She likes to say they won't listen, she even medicates them. Those kids were infants and that is when you start training them to listen and behave. I will say they probably have some tough genes to train. My cousins father was a criminal and her kids father(s) are criminals. Someone has to stop the cycle of madness.
I can't predict what and who my kids will turn into but I do know that I will be putting in the work to develop wonderful individuals who bless lives.
I have no problem with kids who are active, annoying and who get into things. I do have a problem with children who look for hammers and screwdrivers and try to destroy things. Kids who come to your home and beat up the toy dog and run around and the parent(s) act as if they didn't bring kids.
It is one thing to fail, its a totally different thing to not try.
In between these meals she'll snack on milk
Breakfast
Oatmeal with applesauce and banannas, some other fruit and milk
Lunch
Squash and milk
Dinner
Peas, sweet potoatoes, squash, bannans, peaches, and milk.
I hope she enjoys her first Thanksgiving. Let us pray for me because I don't think I'm mentally ready for her to be passed around a house full of extended relatives and kids. Our goddaughter is joining us, she's 10. I think I might instruct her to give folks handsanitizer and to hold TR. I don't mind her being held by various people in small settings but I just ain't ready for this.
One of my cousins has terribly untrained children. They are amazing terrors. The 2 of them seem like 20 kids. These children were the only ones banned from our wedding. I told her mother (who was my road dawg growing up) kids weren't allowed but I told everyone else kids were invited. My brother has already asked me what I plan to do if the oldest child does what we expect her to do. I need to pray hard right now, because I so can envision myself putting my foot in that kids chest.
It's a sad thing when people fail to raise their children. It's bad for the future life of the kids who have to live with the consequences of being troubled. I once heard a message about failure to chastise your children creates people who have to live a life of consequence, not choice.
Heck I'm feeling bold. If my cousin is there I might ask her what she plans to do to help her kids. She likes to say they won't listen, she even medicates them. Those kids were infants and that is when you start training them to listen and behave. I will say they probably have some tough genes to train. My cousins father was a criminal and her kids father(s) are criminals. Someone has to stop the cycle of madness.
I can't predict what and who my kids will turn into but I do know that I will be putting in the work to develop wonderful individuals who bless lives.
I have no problem with kids who are active, annoying and who get into things. I do have a problem with children who look for hammers and screwdrivers and try to destroy things. Kids who come to your home and beat up the toy dog and run around and the parent(s) act as if they didn't bring kids.
It is one thing to fail, its a totally different thing to not try.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
You Are Beauty-ful
I've been going back and forth debating the purchase of a couple of finger nail polish bottles. One of the colors I've had my eye on is Black Sequins by Dior and a Sephora shade. I can't recall the name but the last time I was there the color was gone.
The dilemna began because a review on the Sephora site said the Opi by Sephora Black is a good as the Dior black sequins. The Dior is $19, the OPI by Sephora is $9. I don't really wear nail polish so I don't know the wisdom of the more expensive purchase. I also really liked the way the dior looked but the review said the glitter faded.
Mr A thinks black nails are goth but he has no general objections.
I opened my email and discovered a $15 coupon for purchases of $35 or more. I've been plotting my next purchases so of course the coupon has made me really ponder what I want to get. I could get a few OPI colors and a lip gloss or something or I could get the Dior and something else. Maybe I'll get a flavored body duster.
So I guess I'll be looking on line and plotting my purchase. I'm still trying to figure out why I'm trying to buy nail polish, knowing I'll probably only wear it once or twice. Well the holidays are upon us, so perhaps I'll get good use.
I'm excited.
In other things TR just got a gift card for Babies R Us. I don't know that she needs anything. She has more clothes than I do. She has clothes that are dry clean only. I had no idea baby clothes needed to be professionally handled. I'd hold on to the card, but who knows where Babies R Us is financially, they could be bankrupt by January.
The dilemna began because a review on the Sephora site said the Opi by Sephora Black is a good as the Dior black sequins. The Dior is $19, the OPI by Sephora is $9. I don't really wear nail polish so I don't know the wisdom of the more expensive purchase. I also really liked the way the dior looked but the review said the glitter faded.
Mr A thinks black nails are goth but he has no general objections.
I opened my email and discovered a $15 coupon for purchases of $35 or more. I've been plotting my next purchases so of course the coupon has made me really ponder what I want to get. I could get a few OPI colors and a lip gloss or something or I could get the Dior and something else. Maybe I'll get a flavored body duster.
So I guess I'll be looking on line and plotting my purchase. I'm still trying to figure out why I'm trying to buy nail polish, knowing I'll probably only wear it once or twice. Well the holidays are upon us, so perhaps I'll get good use.
I'm excited.
In other things TR just got a gift card for Babies R Us. I don't know that she needs anything. She has more clothes than I do. She has clothes that are dry clean only. I had no idea baby clothes needed to be professionally handled. I'd hold on to the card, but who knows where Babies R Us is financially, they could be bankrupt by January.
Censorship
I'm a bit of a snob and slightly vain. I work fairly hard not to offend with my posts. It's becoming work. I'm not snobbish in an "I must die in Dior" way, or any type of consumerism. I'll start a post and stop because I think someone might read and feel attacked. Its challenging because for whatever reason people forget that if they don't visit my blog, I basically don't exist. Instead of being upset they can click away or not click at all. Preferably people would read and move on with their life. Usually I've moved on from what I've written before its finished. I don't take my own or anyone else posts so seriously.
I think I'll stop censoring myself and write what I want. I'll let Mr A read before I post and tell me if I've gone too far. My friends and family are like me, so I can relax and say what I want.
It feels good to get with my family and friends and talk about things and know at the end of the discussion no one feels put down. Its good to have people in real life who are like me and who are open to discussing the things I'm interested in talking about.
If I keep blogging, be ready for this spot to get gully. BE-WARY.
EDIT: I'm also fairly carefree, very lighthearted and random so be ready for that too.
I think I'll stop censoring myself and write what I want. I'll let Mr A read before I post and tell me if I've gone too far. My friends and family are like me, so I can relax and say what I want.
It feels good to get with my family and friends and talk about things and know at the end of the discussion no one feels put down. Its good to have people in real life who are like me and who are open to discussing the things I'm interested in talking about.
If I keep blogging, be ready for this spot to get gully. BE-WARY.
EDIT: I'm also fairly carefree, very lighthearted and random so be ready for that too.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Been A Long Time
At home in L.A. I leave our heat on to 70. It rarely comes on because the weather tends to stay warm. When indoors I tend to wear shorts, light skirt, a tank or t-shirt and slipper sandals (not houseshoes) or barefeet. I usually wear my wooden slippers because I like the click on the hardwood floors.
We sleep in less than that. TR usually sleeps in just her diaper or a short sleeve onesie. She'll ocassiopnally wear some type of sleep suit. She's a warm blooded baby. Mr A got me out of the practice of wearing p.j.s and its very hard to go back to them. Mr A is also warm blooded, so he'd likely burn if he wore p.j.s
Here in Oakland life is different. My mom's house is ranchstyle and 80% bay windows, 20% walls. The house is built in a U-shape to take advantage of the view from all rooms. So many Windows makes it hard to hold heat and the location means colder weather than other parts of the city.
TR and I went to bed early last night because I was cold and wanted to enjoy the electric blanket. I told this to my mother, she told me the reason I was so cold was because I was naked. I was not naked but I was wearing very little. I asked her how she can sleep in so many clothes. Not only does my mother wear heavier clothing, she is constantly on the move. She is in her garden, in the kitchen, in the garage so she stays warm.
I was telling this to Mr A and he told me that I used to live like that. That I used to wear pajamas and exist in the cold weather. I cannot recall that part of my past. We've been 'living together' nearly 3 years and those 3 years of being warm and sleeping unfettered is what I know.
I love homes that have views, floor to ceiling windows to enjoy those views and I love the hills. I don't need a super large home, just big enough for 3-5 kids and us. I'm now realizing that when we do buy, we need to factor in heating bills. Maybe we can install some time of screen over the windows to help hold heat in but can be removed when we want to enjoy our views.
It's amazing how quickly we can forget our past. I know I'm not the only one. My Soror moved from San Francisco to L.A. this summer. She told me she was in the Bay on a low 70 day and was cold. I totally relate to that. It's been around high 60's and I'm sure that had I never moved I would not be freezing.
I do realize that if I got some exercise during the day, I'd also be warmer throughout the day. I'll get on that.
In other things, I've decided on the name for our second daughter. I'm really excited about it. Prayerfully both Mr A and I will be blessed to have, name and raise more kids.
We sleep in less than that. TR usually sleeps in just her diaper or a short sleeve onesie. She'll ocassiopnally wear some type of sleep suit. She's a warm blooded baby. Mr A got me out of the practice of wearing p.j.s and its very hard to go back to them. Mr A is also warm blooded, so he'd likely burn if he wore p.j.s
Here in Oakland life is different. My mom's house is ranchstyle and 80% bay windows, 20% walls. The house is built in a U-shape to take advantage of the view from all rooms. So many Windows makes it hard to hold heat and the location means colder weather than other parts of the city.
TR and I went to bed early last night because I was cold and wanted to enjoy the electric blanket. I told this to my mother, she told me the reason I was so cold was because I was naked. I was not naked but I was wearing very little. I asked her how she can sleep in so many clothes. Not only does my mother wear heavier clothing, she is constantly on the move. She is in her garden, in the kitchen, in the garage so she stays warm.
I was telling this to Mr A and he told me that I used to live like that. That I used to wear pajamas and exist in the cold weather. I cannot recall that part of my past. We've been 'living together' nearly 3 years and those 3 years of being warm and sleeping unfettered is what I know.
I love homes that have views, floor to ceiling windows to enjoy those views and I love the hills. I don't need a super large home, just big enough for 3-5 kids and us. I'm now realizing that when we do buy, we need to factor in heating bills. Maybe we can install some time of screen over the windows to help hold heat in but can be removed when we want to enjoy our views.
It's amazing how quickly we can forget our past. I know I'm not the only one. My Soror moved from San Francisco to L.A. this summer. She told me she was in the Bay on a low 70 day and was cold. I totally relate to that. It's been around high 60's and I'm sure that had I never moved I would not be freezing.
I do realize that if I got some exercise during the day, I'd also be warmer throughout the day. I'll get on that.
In other things, I've decided on the name for our second daughter. I'm really excited about it. Prayerfully both Mr A and I will be blessed to have, name and raise more kids.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Mind games
I'm usually up before 8 a.m on most mornings. Many mornings I'm up and moving by 7 a.m. Its never a problem.
I have an 8:30 a.m/ meeting tomorrow and I'm tired at the idea of having to get up, be ready and be out so early. It's even more bizarre because I prefer my stuff to start at 8 a.m. because 10 a.m. is too late. I like to get work out of the way so I can enjoy my day.
I don't know why being required to start my work day early takes the pleasure out of starting my day early.
Other Mind Games
Why do women who have no desire to be mothers get with men who desire children? Everyone does not want kids and that is fine- but why do people ignore the reality that denying children to a person who wants them/or feeling forced to be a parent is a huge deal?
Why would a person want to have a relationship with a person when they hold positions that different? There are many things in a relationship that can remain seperate such as- finances, chores, family events- but kids are a joint venture.
Mr A and I had the children discussion handled early. He wanted to be a father and told me he would not marry a woman who was unsure about her desire for kids or did not want kids.
This applies to woman as well. Women who want kids should run from men who are clear about not wanting them. Why play those games or hope to change hearts. Kids should have parents who feel blessed to have them.
I'm often confused by things people do that they know will cause hurt to the person they claim to want to be with.
I have an 8:30 a.m/ meeting tomorrow and I'm tired at the idea of having to get up, be ready and be out so early. It's even more bizarre because I prefer my stuff to start at 8 a.m. because 10 a.m. is too late. I like to get work out of the way so I can enjoy my day.
I don't know why being required to start my work day early takes the pleasure out of starting my day early.
Other Mind Games
Why do women who have no desire to be mothers get with men who desire children? Everyone does not want kids and that is fine- but why do people ignore the reality that denying children to a person who wants them/or feeling forced to be a parent is a huge deal?
Why would a person want to have a relationship with a person when they hold positions that different? There are many things in a relationship that can remain seperate such as- finances, chores, family events- but kids are a joint venture.
Mr A and I had the children discussion handled early. He wanted to be a father and told me he would not marry a woman who was unsure about her desire for kids or did not want kids.
This applies to woman as well. Women who want kids should run from men who are clear about not wanting them. Why play those games or hope to change hearts. Kids should have parents who feel blessed to have them.
I'm often confused by things people do that they know will cause hurt to the person they claim to want to be with.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Toot Toot!!
Picture me air pulling the chain to blow the whistle of my own horn.
Mr A and I are such a good team, business and otherwise.
I think it was in late 2007 that we did work with a start-up company. As many start-ups do, the business started up prior to spending the funds on professional planning. Problems began after leases were signed and facilities were furnished. Mr A and I came along and helped resolve things and create the operating agreement. Part of the reason we are a fab team is because our backgrounds complement each other. I was able to tell him the legal aspects, he told me the business needs and we created various scenarios to benefit the business and give the client choice. It wasn't just a pretty document, it is a real and useful document.
That operating agreement took forever because the business relationship of the partners was on the decline. It had to include prior issues that existed and how to handle them. There were also 4 partners, I told them 4 people would be sure to present future tie-vote problems. We tried to develop a method to deal with that but of course they couldn't agree. We managed to create a cute model to break the ties.
Recently one of the partners called us to come back. HMMMMM...... they hadn't put us on monthly retainer. Mr A was kind enough to give them our retainer pricing.
I reviewed the operating agreements and realized just how fabulous we are. We covered potential issues very thoroughly and once we were apprised of the problems we were able to pinpoint exactly how the agreement would control.
Mr A wrote a super long letter, identifying all 4 partners failures. He also told them what they needed to do to make their business work. That letter was tough and true. They partners were upset with that letter. Mr A then went to a board meeting. I did not go, a lawyer would only make things deterioate because that's what lawyers even in their silence tend to bring. Folks start feeling attacked and other folks start feeling like they've got back-up. Mr A is sorta the forensic business person. He can go in, evaluate and develop methods to make the business work. Folks can get upset but he's mathematical about it, they can say why its true or not but his delivery helps remove the emotion and focus on the needs of the business.
Mr A went to the meeting, told them what they needed to do and the next thing I hear the partners have followed his instructions. They are now doing what they need to do and business is doing what it needs to do to be successful.
I'm so proud of us. We are quite fab. Mr A is especially fab because he does the real work and still says `our' business. I haven't done much work for over a year. I do handle contracts and such when necessary.
Going into business with other people can be challenging, which is why folks need to set out agreements whilst on friendly terms.
Mr A and I are such a good team, business and otherwise.
I think it was in late 2007 that we did work with a start-up company. As many start-ups do, the business started up prior to spending the funds on professional planning. Problems began after leases were signed and facilities were furnished. Mr A and I came along and helped resolve things and create the operating agreement. Part of the reason we are a fab team is because our backgrounds complement each other. I was able to tell him the legal aspects, he told me the business needs and we created various scenarios to benefit the business and give the client choice. It wasn't just a pretty document, it is a real and useful document.
That operating agreement took forever because the business relationship of the partners was on the decline. It had to include prior issues that existed and how to handle them. There were also 4 partners, I told them 4 people would be sure to present future tie-vote problems. We tried to develop a method to deal with that but of course they couldn't agree. We managed to create a cute model to break the ties.
Recently one of the partners called us to come back. HMMMMM...... they hadn't put us on monthly retainer. Mr A was kind enough to give them our retainer pricing.
I reviewed the operating agreements and realized just how fabulous we are. We covered potential issues very thoroughly and once we were apprised of the problems we were able to pinpoint exactly how the agreement would control.
Mr A wrote a super long letter, identifying all 4 partners failures. He also told them what they needed to do to make their business work. That letter was tough and true. They partners were upset with that letter. Mr A then went to a board meeting. I did not go, a lawyer would only make things deterioate because that's what lawyers even in their silence tend to bring. Folks start feeling attacked and other folks start feeling like they've got back-up. Mr A is sorta the forensic business person. He can go in, evaluate and develop methods to make the business work. Folks can get upset but he's mathematical about it, they can say why its true or not but his delivery helps remove the emotion and focus on the needs of the business.
Mr A went to the meeting, told them what they needed to do and the next thing I hear the partners have followed his instructions. They are now doing what they need to do and business is doing what it needs to do to be successful.
I'm so proud of us. We are quite fab. Mr A is especially fab because he does the real work and still says `our' business. I haven't done much work for over a year. I do handle contracts and such when necessary.
Going into business with other people can be challenging, which is why folks need to set out agreements whilst on friendly terms.
Saturday, November 08, 2008
My Baby Love
written Saturday
Mr A grilled today and the idea of mascara popped into my mind.
I've heard wonderful things about Dior Blackout, I had an online coupon for Sephora and went online to make the purchase. The discount equaled the shipping cost so I decided to go to Sephora and get my goods. I also lack the patience to wait for things to arrive by mail if I have a choice.
I went online to locate a coupon for Sephora and came across a 30% coupon for Gymboree. TR went to a class at Gymboree a few weeks ago, so I knew I wanted to buy a few holiday outfits for her. Mr A gave me a couple of Macy Gift Cards so I made some purchases there as well.
The clerk at Macy asked me when I was going to shop for myself and I told her shopping for the baby is much more fun. TR is now getting clothes for babies 6-12 months and as I shopped I noticed the newborn clothes and realized just how big my baby has gotten. Time goes so fast.
Here are pics of what I got. Times like this makes me wish we lived closer to Oakland. If we did, I could show my loot to my mom. Mr A can't really appreciate baby clothes the way a woman could. He likes the clothes and I know he tries to oo and aww with me, but a man just doesn't have the same cooing over clothes ability of a woman. I emailed these pics to my mom, when she gets up later tonight she can call me and we'll discuss what I got. I admit that I went slightly overboard with the shopping at Gymboree.
My shopping trip was at the Beverly Center and the clerk at Sephora told me their lines are longer than ever. Some of the other stores have seen a decline in customers. I guess folks are serious about their beauty.
slideshow gone
I was trying to limit my slideshow to pics of TR's outfits but I can't. Her outfits are at the start and the others pics are from years past.
Mr A grilled today and the idea of mascara popped into my mind.
I've heard wonderful things about Dior Blackout, I had an online coupon for Sephora and went online to make the purchase. The discount equaled the shipping cost so I decided to go to Sephora and get my goods. I also lack the patience to wait for things to arrive by mail if I have a choice.
I went online to locate a coupon for Sephora and came across a 30% coupon for Gymboree. TR went to a class at Gymboree a few weeks ago, so I knew I wanted to buy a few holiday outfits for her. Mr A gave me a couple of Macy Gift Cards so I made some purchases there as well.
The clerk at Macy asked me when I was going to shop for myself and I told her shopping for the baby is much more fun. TR is now getting clothes for babies 6-12 months and as I shopped I noticed the newborn clothes and realized just how big my baby has gotten. Time goes so fast.
Here are pics of what I got. Times like this makes me wish we lived closer to Oakland. If we did, I could show my loot to my mom. Mr A can't really appreciate baby clothes the way a woman could. He likes the clothes and I know he tries to oo and aww with me, but a man just doesn't have the same cooing over clothes ability of a woman. I emailed these pics to my mom, when she gets up later tonight she can call me and we'll discuss what I got. I admit that I went slightly overboard with the shopping at Gymboree.
My shopping trip was at the Beverly Center and the clerk at Sephora told me their lines are longer than ever. Some of the other stores have seen a decline in customers. I guess folks are serious about their beauty.
slideshow gone
I was trying to limit my slideshow to pics of TR's outfits but I can't. Her outfits are at the start and the others pics are from years past.
Friday, November 07, 2008
Government Lunch
Years ago, during my masters program, I would sit and have lunch at a mini-park in the midst of San Francisco's financial district. I'd imagine my future life, work on my book (I've been writing a book forever) think of goals, and dream of working in one of those tall buildings that surrounded the park. I envisioned myself leaving my office and having lunch in the park.
I had noticed that not many people utilized that park. It was the only open space smack in the middle of the financial district, but I didn't pay much attention to its emptiness. Not long after my planning, I was offered a job right there. As I exited Bart or got off the bus each day, it would occur to me that I was right where I had envisioned myself.
I was telling Mr A this story and telling him that although I was working in a building by the park, I never had time to actually sit and eat lunch there. He pointed out that the park was likely empty because the people in the surrounding buildings were busy working and didn't have time to hang out in the park for lunch.
Another example of longing for the grass that is greener on the other side but failing to consider how costly the water bill might be.
Note: This post is titled government lunch because I'm convinced the government is the only sector where working people have time to lunch and where folks will take lunch no matter their workload. I worked for the gov't one summer and the non management workload isn't even comparable to private industry.
I had noticed that not many people utilized that park. It was the only open space smack in the middle of the financial district, but I didn't pay much attention to its emptiness. Not long after my planning, I was offered a job right there. As I exited Bart or got off the bus each day, it would occur to me that I was right where I had envisioned myself.
I was telling Mr A this story and telling him that although I was working in a building by the park, I never had time to actually sit and eat lunch there. He pointed out that the park was likely empty because the people in the surrounding buildings were busy working and didn't have time to hang out in the park for lunch.
Another example of longing for the grass that is greener on the other side but failing to consider how costly the water bill might be.
Note: This post is titled government lunch because I'm convinced the government is the only sector where working people have time to lunch and where folks will take lunch no matter their workload. I worked for the gov't one summer and the non management workload isn't even comparable to private industry.
Sunday, November 02, 2008
Back Then
I was checking out my early blog posts. The posts when Mr A and I were newly boyfriend and girlfriend and attempting to build relationships with our respective immediate families.
We've come a long way.
My early audience and commenters were my formerly blogging cousins and Mr A. I started blogging because my cousins had blogs but they have long since left blogland.
These posts were written were the end of October 2004 http://call2arms.blogspot.com/2004/10/meet-my-family_27.html and the first of November 2004 http://call2arms.blogspot.com/2004/11/family.html.
I'll probably need to pull this out when TR starts dating. Mr A is already planning the hazing he intends to inflict upon any boy/man who wants to date TR.
We've come a long way.
My early audience and commenters were my formerly blogging cousins and Mr A. I started blogging because my cousins had blogs but they have long since left blogland.
These posts were written were the end of October 2004 http://call2arms.blogspot.com/2004/10/meet-my-family_27.html and the first of November 2004 http://call2arms.blogspot.com/2004/11/family.html.
I'll probably need to pull this out when TR starts dating. Mr A is already planning the hazing he intends to inflict upon any boy/man who wants to date TR.
Saturday, November 01, 2008
Commuter Appreciation
November is certainly high on my list of favorite months. We are firmly into holiday season. This NYE will be the fourth Mr. A and I have spent together. Our third Christmas and Thanksgiving. January will be 5 years since we first met. Time flies.
I had court in S.F. last week and took BART. I enjoyed being in the mix of commuters again. Between school and work I spent about 5 years riding BART from Oakland to San Francisco. Its always amazing to reflect on life's progression.
Oddly, I dislike The City until I'm there. Once there I want to enjoy the place. Even the rain adds to the charm of The City. I might stowaway on my mom and TR's Christmas journey. I love Christmas season is lovely in S.F. and N.Y.C. I enjoy the hustle and bustle of a city.
L.A. has a different vibe. I think the warm weather tampers the festive spirit found in busy cold weather climates.
Mr A and I have been discussing the difference in ski locales. He prefers snow of the rockies. I prefer the rockies because of the cute villages. I appreciate Tahoe because its close and good for a quick trip. When I'm thirsting for real skiing I want Aspen or Vail.
I want TR's first of snow to be Colorado. Mr A says he wants her to do snowboard lessons on a local mountain so she won't be a ski snob and unwilling to do California mountains.
Hmmmmm....... what's wrong with snow snobbery.
I had court in S.F. last week and took BART. I enjoyed being in the mix of commuters again. Between school and work I spent about 5 years riding BART from Oakland to San Francisco. Its always amazing to reflect on life's progression.
Oddly, I dislike The City until I'm there. Once there I want to enjoy the place. Even the rain adds to the charm of The City. I might stowaway on my mom and TR's Christmas journey. I love Christmas season is lovely in S.F. and N.Y.C. I enjoy the hustle and bustle of a city.
L.A. has a different vibe. I think the warm weather tampers the festive spirit found in busy cold weather climates.
Mr A and I have been discussing the difference in ski locales. He prefers snow of the rockies. I prefer the rockies because of the cute villages. I appreciate Tahoe because its close and good for a quick trip. When I'm thirsting for real skiing I want Aspen or Vail.
I want TR's first of snow to be Colorado. Mr A says he wants her to do snowboard lessons on a local mountain so she won't be a ski snob and unwilling to do California mountains.
Hmmmmm....... what's wrong with snow snobbery.
