This past few weeks have been super hectic. I'm almost glad we got another 20" of snow simply because I was able to have some real, forced downtime!
Last weekend I actually got to go on a REAL vacation ALL. BY. MYSELF! I headed to Miami for a weekend of sun, booze, and rest (I got one out of the three!) and to visit with my bestie Mandy, who currently lives there. My flight landed at noon on Friday. Mandy picked me up from the airport, with a cooler of beer, and we headed straight to the beach! Unfortunately, the sun didn't seem to want to cooperate so it was cloudy and it made absolutely no difference to me. It was still about 70 degrees warmer than it had been in MN. I really wish I could spend every afternoon laying at the beach, with a Corona. I need to make that happen. Friday night we were too tired to party so we cracked a bottle of wine and spent the evening with pizza on the 44th floor lanai overlooking Miami Bay.
Saturday we hit the outdoor mall for shopping and mojitos. Drunk shopping! I found a super cute summer purse and some hot pink chucks for Eva. The weather was cool, cloudy and windy so it wasn't a good day for the beach. Bummer. But that evening we made reservations for Mr. Chows so it was time to get dressed up (I even wore heels!) and hit the town. The only catch was, we couldn't get seated until 11:30 which made perfect sense when we were in "party mode" at 7 pm and just enjoying the buzz from the 2nd glass of wine, but became a very bad idea once 10 pm hit. By the time we got to the restaurant we were famished and three sheets to the wind. Which actually saved us some money since a house glass of Sauvignon was $25. And here were my lessons for the evening.
1) Fancy chinese restaurants do not serve breadsticks. You will be pointed and laughed at by the pretentious wait staff for being too common to understand this.
2) You do not have to pay $400 for a good chinese meal. I have had better food at P.F. Changs. Pretentious people are not privy to this. Let's keep it between us commoners.
3) At the ripe, old age of 36 I can no longer begin my Saturday morning with mimosas and expect to end my day drinking wine. Especially in 3" heels. It's one or the other.
So, by Sunday morning I was beginning to "shake". Literally, my body was shaking. I can only take so much alcohol and I was determined to fight this tooth and nail. So, it was either start the morning with a beer to stave off the hangover, or have some water and just deal with it. We chose the former and cracked open a Corona. It turned out to be a beautfiul day so we headed to South Beach where the best people watching in the America's is. Even better than the MOA or MN State Fair. We spent the afternoon sunning and then headed over to Wet Willies on the strip for Pina Coladas, beer, daiquiris and chicken wings (because nothing says bikini like 1200 calorie drinks and fried chicken). We then headed out for more shopping before returning back to Mandy's fabulous pad. By this time we were both too tired to do much of anything, but we pulled up our bootstraps for one last hurrah, since Monday was departure day, and headed out for some margaritas and mexican food.
Sadly, it was time to go by Monday. The weekend went by in a flash and next time I get away, it will be for more than a short weekend. Even though I'm sure my liver would disagree. A few days to spend with Mandy having great times and great conversation was exactly what my soul needed and it was so nice to be able to take off my "wife" and "mom" hats for a few days and just be "Andrea". Can't wait till next time!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Thirteen Questions
Name one thing you'd like to change about yourself.
I wish I had more ambition. I’m pretty content staying home with the kids and don’t care if I never work another day in my life. I wish I was the kind of person that had the goal of achieving a great career and financial success but I’m not. I just wish that for Thomas ;)
2. If you could wave a magic wand and be done with all the small petty nuisances in your life, what you would have "be gone" first.
7. Who would you like to change into a toad?
13. When is the last time you changed the oil in your car?
I wish I had more ambition. I’m pretty content staying home with the kids and don’t care if I never work another day in my life. I wish I was the kind of person that had the goal of achieving a great career and financial success but I’m not. I just wish that for Thomas ;)
2. If you could wave a magic wand and be done with all the small petty nuisances in your life, what you would have "be gone" first.
The laundry. No question there.
3. Do you collect and save your spare change in a jar?
3. Do you collect and save your spare change in a jar?
Yes! This is how I plan to pay for my European holiday. At the rate I’m saving I should be able to go in about 65 years.
4. Change your world. What is our biggest concern as a global citizen?
4. Change your world. What is our biggest concern as a global citizen?
In no particular order......
Global poverty, the environment and Sarah Palin ;)
Global poverty, the environment and Sarah Palin ;)
5. What would you have changed about your last relationship or the one you're in now?
My last relationship sucked and I was more than happy to kick him to the curb. The only thing I would have changed about it is dumping him 3 years before I actually got around to it.
6. If you could reverse the course of history in a time machine, what would you do and how do you think the world would be different today?
This is a tough one. I’ve been pondering it for 24 hours now. I wouldn’t mind meeting Jesus, because I have a few questions for him but I don’t know that that would change history in anyway. I’ll just go ahead and say that I’d go back to college and get a nursing degree instead so that I’d actually have something that could earn me a decent salary.
6. If you could reverse the course of history in a time machine, what would you do and how do you think the world would be different today?
This is a tough one. I’ve been pondering it for 24 hours now. I wouldn’t mind meeting Jesus, because I have a few questions for him but I don’t know that that would change history in anyway. I’ll just go ahead and say that I’d go back to college and get a nursing degree instead so that I’d actually have something that could earn me a decent salary.
7. Who would you like to change into a toad?
Sometimes my husband but mostly Sarah Palin. Or maybe Snooki?
8. What is the first thing you change into when you get home from work?
8. What is the first thing you change into when you get home from work?
Work? Ha ha ha. I am always in fat pants unless I leave the house.
9. If you could change places with anyone in the world for one day, who would that be?
9. If you could change places with anyone in the world for one day, who would that be?
Probably one of the “Real Housewives”. I know that sounds shallow, but wouldn’t it be fun to spend one whole day being disgustingly wealthy and selfish? Yes please.
10. Have you ever heard the expression "turn over a new leaf?" What is under your old one?
10. Have you ever heard the expression "turn over a new leaf?" What is under your old one?
Probably a girl who spends too much time on the interwebs and not enough time on the floor playing with her kids. Though I am working on that, the leaf hasn’t officially flipped yet.
11. Name one thing that can cause you to immediately change your mood.
11. Name one thing that can cause you to immediately change your mood.
The check engine light blinking at me. And that feeling you get when you finally realize that both your children are, indeed, fast asleep and it’s time to crack open that bottle of wine.
12. What have you recently (or ever) had a change of heart about? And why?
12. What have you recently (or ever) had a change of heart about? And why?
I recently decided that I no longer give a shit if I don’t lose 8 lbs by the time I leave for Florida. This is why God gave us the gift of sundresses and loose, flowy tank tops. Amen.
13. When is the last time you changed the oil in your car?
I did not get married so that I would have to change the oil in the car.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
To Do
This post is 11 days in the making. What? Me a procrastinator? Never. However, I really wanted to take some time and think about what I wanted to blog about and since it's the new year I knew I had to talk about my resolutions, or lack thereof. I don't "do" resolutions. I mean, why set myself up for failure right? But before I look forward, I want to look backward at 2010. A retrospective if you will ;)
Here are the highlights from 2010.
1) The GREAT move. Really...what else is there? This has been documented thoroughly and I don't want to rehash it. It was THE HIGHLIGHT of the year (although I miss Colorado so, so so much).
2) Buying our new home. The whole thing needs to be updated, I hate the flooring and am not sure how we're going to pay for it all but dammit, we have a basement and a laundry room. It is perfect.
There were lots of good times throughout the whole year, sprinkled with some not so good times and some very tough goodbyes. It was definitely a year of highs and lows.
And now let's look forward. I've decided that this year I would put together a "To-Do" list in lieu of the resolutions I never do anymore. I think I read about that on a blog somewhere and thought it was a good idea. So, without further interruption.....
1) Use my time more valuably.
Someone once said, (maybe it was oprah...who knows) that you should divide up your free time between the things that you find valuable so your life is a reflection of your values. Do I find Facebook valuable? No. Do I find celebrity gossip valuable? Not really (but sometimes). How about checking my email a gazillion times a day? Only when I get something good which is almost never. I value family, friends, fitness, reading, traveling, my dogs and food. So, I plan on spending less time online and more time doing the things that I truly love. This is gonna be a tough one, because old habits die hard, but it's important to me that I work towards this.
2) Spend my money more wisely.
Again, the way I spend my money should be more reflective of what I value. Do I truly value the 13 pairs of jeans I have hanging in my closet? Ok, Ok...I value my skinny jeans and the long n' leans but the rest could have paid for a plane ticket somewhere so is that reflective of my values? No. I am going to try harder to follow our family budget so we can meet the financial goals we have set for our family. Again, this is gonna be tough. Especially with Target only 3 minutes away but it has to be done. We still have a fence to pay off. Ugh.
3) Get treatment for my ADD.
I have been struggling HARD with this lately. It affects the way I parent and what kind of wife I am to my husband. I regularly miss appointments and forget to pay bills on time. I procrastinate to the point that I get absolutely nothing done most days. I compulsively spend money (13 pairs of jeans anyone?) and lose my temper over minor things. It's not healthy and no way to live. The good news is, I have an appointment January 24th with a psychologist for an official evaluation. The hard part will be following through since I know they are going to make me go to therapy and I hate talking about my problems with strangers. But if I am ever going to get around to "Doing" #1 and #2 then this has to happen. My doctor currently has me on a mild anti-depressant to help with my mood swings, which is helping, but I still forget shit. Daily.
4) Continue rehabbing my back.
I have been pain free now for 2 months. Sciatica is absolutely debilitating and I wish it on no one. I don't EVER want it to return. I have been working super hard at the gym on strengthening my core and lower back. I have stronger abs than I ever have in my whole life. I want to continue to work on that and begin doing even more advanced exercises so that I can eventually return to harder workouts and get off that damn elliptical trainer.
5) Rehab the house.
I still need to strip wallpaper in the bathroom, back entry and laundry room. Once that is done, every one of those rooms need to be repainted as does the main entry, upstairs hallway and bathroom and the master bedroom. Then we are going to replace the flooring in the kitchen, mud room, laundry, main floor bath, foyer, living room and dining room (Oy!). Then a deck needs to be built. There's also cabinet hardware, lighting and window coverings to be replaced. Donations currently being accepted.
6) Speak up.
I am non-confrontational to a fault. Instead of just kicking my husband and telling him it's his turn to get up with Eva, I lay there and stew. All it does is allow my husband to get a good night of rest and for me to become increasingly resentful towards him. So not healthy. I need to learn to speak up for myself instead of hoping he'll just read my mind. This goes for all my relationships. Not sure how I am going to work through this. Therapy perhaps?
I could go on and on with things I'd like to improve on this year but these are the biggies. And I don't expect myself to have it all figured out by 12/31/11.
I still need to blog about Declan's 4th birthday. I can't believe my baby boy is 4. But, I need to catch up on my DVR shows like "The Bachelor" (yes, I VALUE the Bachelor dammit). Have a good night.
Here are the highlights from 2010.
1) The GREAT move. Really...what else is there? This has been documented thoroughly and I don't want to rehash it. It was THE HIGHLIGHT of the year (although I miss Colorado so, so so much).
2) Buying our new home. The whole thing needs to be updated, I hate the flooring and am not sure how we're going to pay for it all but dammit, we have a basement and a laundry room. It is perfect.
There were lots of good times throughout the whole year, sprinkled with some not so good times and some very tough goodbyes. It was definitely a year of highs and lows.
And now let's look forward. I've decided that this year I would put together a "To-Do" list in lieu of the resolutions I never do anymore. I think I read about that on a blog somewhere and thought it was a good idea. So, without further interruption.....
1) Use my time more valuably.
Someone once said, (maybe it was oprah...who knows) that you should divide up your free time between the things that you find valuable so your life is a reflection of your values. Do I find Facebook valuable? No. Do I find celebrity gossip valuable? Not really (but sometimes). How about checking my email a gazillion times a day? Only when I get something good which is almost never. I value family, friends, fitness, reading, traveling, my dogs and food. So, I plan on spending less time online and more time doing the things that I truly love. This is gonna be a tough one, because old habits die hard, but it's important to me that I work towards this.
2) Spend my money more wisely.
Again, the way I spend my money should be more reflective of what I value. Do I truly value the 13 pairs of jeans I have hanging in my closet? Ok, Ok...I value my skinny jeans and the long n' leans but the rest could have paid for a plane ticket somewhere so is that reflective of my values? No. I am going to try harder to follow our family budget so we can meet the financial goals we have set for our family. Again, this is gonna be tough. Especially with Target only 3 minutes away but it has to be done. We still have a fence to pay off. Ugh.
3) Get treatment for my ADD.
I have been struggling HARD with this lately. It affects the way I parent and what kind of wife I am to my husband. I regularly miss appointments and forget to pay bills on time. I procrastinate to the point that I get absolutely nothing done most days. I compulsively spend money (13 pairs of jeans anyone?) and lose my temper over minor things. It's not healthy and no way to live. The good news is, I have an appointment January 24th with a psychologist for an official evaluation. The hard part will be following through since I know they are going to make me go to therapy and I hate talking about my problems with strangers. But if I am ever going to get around to "Doing" #1 and #2 then this has to happen. My doctor currently has me on a mild anti-depressant to help with my mood swings, which is helping, but I still forget shit. Daily.
4) Continue rehabbing my back.
I have been pain free now for 2 months. Sciatica is absolutely debilitating and I wish it on no one. I don't EVER want it to return. I have been working super hard at the gym on strengthening my core and lower back. I have stronger abs than I ever have in my whole life. I want to continue to work on that and begin doing even more advanced exercises so that I can eventually return to harder workouts and get off that damn elliptical trainer.
5) Rehab the house.
I still need to strip wallpaper in the bathroom, back entry and laundry room. Once that is done, every one of those rooms need to be repainted as does the main entry, upstairs hallway and bathroom and the master bedroom. Then we are going to replace the flooring in the kitchen, mud room, laundry, main floor bath, foyer, living room and dining room (Oy!). Then a deck needs to be built. There's also cabinet hardware, lighting and window coverings to be replaced. Donations currently being accepted.
6) Speak up.
I am non-confrontational to a fault. Instead of just kicking my husband and telling him it's his turn to get up with Eva, I lay there and stew. All it does is allow my husband to get a good night of rest and for me to become increasingly resentful towards him. So not healthy. I need to learn to speak up for myself instead of hoping he'll just read my mind. This goes for all my relationships. Not sure how I am going to work through this. Therapy perhaps?
I could go on and on with things I'd like to improve on this year but these are the biggies. And I don't expect myself to have it all figured out by 12/31/11.
I still need to blog about Declan's 4th birthday. I can't believe my baby boy is 4. But, I need to catch up on my DVR shows like "The Bachelor" (yes, I VALUE the Bachelor dammit). Have a good night.
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