tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86357134516706296392024-03-05T06:11:47.565-05:00Mommy vs. Me - One year to find balance or bust!Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06231947253418204394noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8635713451670629639.post-55869933851989419282011-06-30T17:11:00.000-04:002011-06-30T17:11:02.849-04:00Hahaha...balanceWell, it's been well over a year! I'm married, still only have three kids and have just purchased and moved into a new home. Not to mention the business I mentioned about a year ago is booming, I'm taking college courses and becoming more active in my church and with friends...<br />
<br />
BALANCE?<br />
<br />
What was I thinking?<br />
<br />
Balance is like the illusive jack-o-lope. You think it may be real, but you've never seen it, you just hope that it actually exists.<br />
<br />
But I'm hopeful that I'll at least remain sane enough to move forward.Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06231947253418204394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8635713451670629639.post-46055464317970288792010-06-17T21:09:00.000-04:002010-06-17T21:09:20.495-04:00Weighs and Measures<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=mommyvsmeoney-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0440412552&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>You know, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">balance has been an illusive critter.</span> Let's think of the Great White Stag for a moment. If you've never read this book, <i>I recommend it</i>. I sat down at the book store the other day reading it and it was beautiful. <div><br />
</div><div>Anyway, balance - like the White Stag - seems to be always near, but just out of reach. And it seems that whoever finds the White Stag becomes wise beyond their years or becomes ruler of a kingdom. I imagine that balance is the same way. </div><div><br />
</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b>Once you find balance, you become wise and can essentially rule the world.</b></span></div><div><div><br />
</div><div>I have yet to find it. But I'm hot on the trail. Things in my life are lining up. Each step I take has been leading me to a new place <i>with more uncertainty</i> but also with more promise of a dream come true.</div><div><br />
</div><div>So while I still strive for the goal of balance or bust, I'm quite positive that the adversities I'm encountering now will empower me for later...so that when balance does come my way, I can appreciate it even more and be wiser for having been through all this <i>CRAP</i>!</div></div>Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06231947253418204394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8635713451670629639.post-16393707560795829462010-06-10T07:45:00.000-04:002010-06-10T07:45:19.817-04:00You Know You're Okay When...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A good friend of mine, Tommey, from my first church home, always spoke of her "weird God stories." </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, since I've become a Christian...I've had my fair share of weird God stories. But now that I've had so many - they're not that weird anymore, more like commonplace occurrences in my life.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Here's an example:</span></i></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">During the course of performing my new "job" I bumped into a <i>very savvy, very accomplished</i> business owner. He liked my style and <b>offered me an opportunity within the first 5 minutes</b> of me walking through his door. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I returned home that day and told the hubby about the offer - which sounded incredible - then continued on my merry way doing my door-to-door sales gig.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Now, for nearly a month I had been trying to get a hold of him </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">but always seemed to miss him somehow.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, the weirdest thing happened the other day (weird to you, but typical for me). I had just walked out of closing a $2,000 deal and <b><i>I dialed the phone number to the savvy business owner</i></b> I was just telling you about. I questioned myself afterward on why I would be motivated to do such a thing when I had just made so much money with my current position - well, all I came up with is, it's a God thing.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anyway on this day, "savvy business owner" was the one who answered the phone. He immediately asked if I could meet up with him and another of his business partners who just-so-happened to be in town. I dropped my appointments for the day and rushed over.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Moral of the Story:</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is to <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">God's glory</span></b> that I met up with Papa Llama and </span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jeff just a few days ago and am now the</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Head of Sales</span> </span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">for the corporation.</span> </span></span></i></span></div>Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06231947253418204394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8635713451670629639.post-72301659964354640862010-06-06T14:21:00.001-04:002010-06-06T14:22:40.209-04:00Wanted to Share This...<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">June 6, 2010</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I don't like that I can't write separate posts on these "pages" of mine. But, until I write to Blogger to help me out with that, I'll just have to deal, right?</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Kind of like marriage, until we open our mouth and express our feelings, we just have to deal with "it."</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><a href="http://www.gracefellowshipchurch.com/resources/topSermons.html">Buddy</a>, the Pastor at my church, spoke again about marriage. But he put a crazy spin on it that I hadn't yet come to know about. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Being freshly married, I could totally relate to the sermon today and it touched my heart deeply. Actually, the correlation between our marriage to our spouse and our relationship with Jesus was shocking. I just never knew...</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Women, generally, spend thousands of dollars on looking perfect for one day - their wedding day. Here's a list of things that I went overboard on (cost-wise) for my wedding:</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">*dress</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">*shoes</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">*nylons (two pair, since I lost one and had to have my mom buy some the day of the wedding)</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">*necklace (custom made)</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">*earrings (also custom made)</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">*make-up (bought it myself & did it myself)</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">*hair (did NOT do it myself)</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">*hair piece</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">*"girdle"</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">*bra</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">My "look" for the day ended up costing me well into four-digit figures.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">So, why do we do this? Vanity? I don't think so. Peer-pressure? Not at my age. Cultural stigmas? Probably.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">But for me, it was so that I looked beautiful for my soon-to-be husband. I wanted to take his breath away and etch that moment of me, being stunningly beautiful, into his head for the rest of his life. I wanted him to be proud of me and I wanted his heart to swell with happiness that he had picked me.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Now lets Take it from the guys side...a wedding is not such a big deal for them. They rent a tux which, by the way, comes with everything except underwear & a tee-shirt. They sit and drink soda and watch t.v. before the ceremony and all they have to do is stand there and wait. But Buddy informed me today, that even the most macho of men get choked up when they see their bride for the first time. (Yes! Just what I was hoping to hear!)</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">When the doors part and the bride comes into sight, grown men weep. They really do feel pride. Their hearts really do swell and the love they feel seems to grow exponentially with each step their bride takes.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>now: </i>Imagine Jesus as the groom. He's standing, waiting for us to walk down the aisle and when He <i>finally</i> sees us, He sobs and with each step we take closer to Him, He loves us more and more. He's proud of us and He wants nothing more than to have a happy, close, fulfilling relationship with us - but here's the catch: </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>This relationship has no stipulation "till death us do part." </b></span></span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Nope. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>He DIED for us so that we COULD have this relationship with Him, so that we COULD have God on our side. It is not at death that we will part, it is because of His death that we are brought together.</b></span></span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">It just amazes me, breaks my heart, overwhelms me with joy and baffles my mind that God is so graceful and generous and loving. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">A special thanks to God and Buddy for opening my heart and my mind today that not only did I marry my one true Earthly love, but I have also married my Lord and Saviour and must nurture that relationship just as I would nurture my marriage here on Earth.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Glory to God! All praise and worship, all honor and love to You, Jesus. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">AMEN!</span></div>Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06231947253418204394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8635713451670629639.post-17441834334031428012010-06-03T21:51:00.001-04:002010-06-03T21:55:10.549-04:00Coming Soon - A New Me and Maybe a Book For You!Usually I'm the type of girl to buy a box of hair color and have a girlfriend over to chat, drink wine and apply the potion to my head. (Maybe we should drink wine AFTER the potion is applied?) But I've opted to have a professional color my hair tomorrow. Why? Because she gave me a coupon for a free cut & style with any chemical service.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">FREE???? Yes please!</span></span></span></div><br />
But I've realized that <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">it has been nearly a month since I've seen my two best friends.</span></span></b> We used to get together once a week to exercise. But then one of them went out of town, then the other one went out of town as soon as she got back and then when they were both home I went and got a full-time job! So....needless to say, we've sort of lost touch.<br />
<br />
So <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">how am I supposed to gain balance in my life</span></i></span> if I don't have any girlfriends to vent to? How am I supposed to keep my body in shape and keep my sanity if I don't exercise?<br />
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<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=mommyvsmeoney-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B000YJ54OE&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br />
Well, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><b>I started reading.</b></span> My dear friend from California sent me a gift card so I purchased several books with it. The latest I've read is by James Patterson, Sundays at Tiffany's. It was absolutely brilliant. I laughed. I cried. I was shocked at the end. It was wonderful and I would LOVE to star in the movie version!<br />
<br />
So, what I would like to do is give away a few of these "escape from reality" gems to the ladies who read this blog! Here's how it will work:<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">1. Tell me what you do to find a little bit of balance in your life.</span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">2. Tell me who you admire and wish to be more like...and why. (It can be </span></span></b><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">anyone</span></span></b></i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">.)</span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">3. Share my blog with one person - have them leave me a comment.</span></span></b><br />
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That's it! I'll give a book away to the first five people who respond!<br />
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In the end...it's balance or bust!<br />
<br />
<table cellspacing="0" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-top: 5px;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="sqtdq" colspan="2" style="background-color: #edf1f7; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px;"><span class="sqq" style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-decoration: none;">“<a class="sqq" href="http://thinkexist.com/quotation/what_i_dream_of_is_an_art_of_balance-of_purity/208909.html" style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-decoration: none;">What I dream of is an art of balance, of purity and serenity devoid of troubling or depressing subject matter - a soothing, calming influence on the mind, rather like a good armchair which provides relaxation from physical fatigue.</a>”</span></td></tr>
<tr><td colspan="2"><div style="padding-top: 3px;"><img align="middle" alt="" height="9" src="http://thinkexist.com/i/sq/as4.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" title="Author Popularity 9/10" width="11" /> <a class="sqa" href="http://thinkexist.com/quotes/henri_matisse/" style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Henri Matisse</a></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06231947253418204394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8635713451670629639.post-8912328409359461882010-05-31T17:31:00.002-04:002010-05-31T17:45:55.578-04:00So much money, so little timeI guess I should tell you that my whole reason behind getting a job was <b>not</b> to get away from the kids, <i>although</i> it has turned out to be a blessing in that department (I'll explain better in a moment.)<br />
<br />
My ultimate goal in getting a sales job, was to put all my money aside to put a sizable down-payment on a home.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My lack of self-control when it comes to spending is quite remarkable.</span></i></b></div><br />
While working, I venture into some truly spectacular <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">boutiques, jewelry stores and high-end, big-ticket stores</span></i>. Today, I took my twins to the puppy store: mostly so they could play & so Leo could get over his fear of puppies and partly to see what was available as a playmate for our current dog, Blue. Well, wouldn't you know it, a beautiful red, freckled Cocker Spaniel was there. We played for 30 minutes with her. My heart broke as I walked out the door, knowing full-well that there was NO WAY my husband would let me spend $799 for a dog. Duh, we prefer pound-puppies anyway - don't we?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://static.gotpetsonline.com/pictures-gallery/dog-pictures-breeders-puppies-rescue/welsh-springer-spaniel-pictures-breeders-puppies-rescue/pictures/welsh-springer-spaniel-0006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="http://static.gotpetsonline.com/pictures-gallery/dog-pictures-breeders-puppies-rescue/welsh-springer-spaniel-pictures-breeders-puppies-rescue/pictures/welsh-springer-spaniel-0006.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">AAAAWWWWWWWEEEE!</span></div><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.deepershopping.com/imagelib/productimages/000/000/064/64031_large2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="184" src="http://www.deepershopping.com/imagelib/productimages/000/000/064/64031_large2.jpg" width="200" /></a>I also had to walk away from a stunning piece of hand-made jewelry. (As seen here.) The story behind this piece is remarkable..."<i>truly an investment,</i>" I tell myself as I walk away, <b>promising</b> the shop owner I would be in tomorrow. Ergh.<br />
<br />
Now, if any of you keep up with the weather, you'll know that way back in September, the metro & surrounding areas of Atlanta, Georgia were subjected to heavy, disastrous flooding. Our entire world floated away with the river...yup, and all my clothes too. So, needless to say, I'm without adequate summer clothes! So, I walk into several trendy clothing stores and nearly pass out when I walk out! <iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=mommyvsmeoney-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B003CIPMC8&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The strain and pressure I put on myself to not spend all my money gives me a headache - LITERALLY!</b></span></div><br />
Now, among all those stresses I must say that I come home much more eager to greet my children. I feel more in love with them after having been gone all day and I enjoy each moment a little bit more than I used to.<br />
<br />
Balance is proving to be quite an illusive goal. For one day I'll feel like I've reached it and the next day it's as if the world flipped on it's axis and all is wrong again. But yet I move forward in search of it!Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06231947253418204394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8635713451670629639.post-33047636642975534012010-05-30T09:24:00.000-04:002010-05-30T09:24:20.582-04:00My New Hobby...Crocheting.<br />
<br />
I had to take up something, what with my dear husband and I arguing all the time lately.<br />
<br />
'Nuff said.Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06231947253418204394noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8635713451670629639.post-66229838875646072462010-05-27T18:33:00.000-04:002010-05-27T18:33:54.330-04:00As Far as I'm Concerned...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://mailynshari.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/god-is-good-logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://mailynshari.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/god-is-good-logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06231947253418204394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8635713451670629639.post-52594655863720390302010-05-26T20:36:00.000-04:002010-05-26T20:36:30.237-04:00So here's the way I see it...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://bolstablog.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/large-rose-colored-glasses-on-beach.jpg?w=300&h=200" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://bolstablog.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/large-rose-colored-glasses-on-beach.jpg?w=300&h=200" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06231947253418204394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8635713451670629639.post-4278190771191258622010-05-25T22:21:00.000-04:002010-05-25T22:21:53.730-04:00How I Feel.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://api.ning.com/files/u4BhnI*InGWXujZCYPsBBpdfP2YZNES56uz2C89qgjk_/overwhelmed.jpg?width=297&height=320" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://api.ning.com/files/u4BhnI*InGWXujZCYPsBBpdfP2YZNES56uz2C89qgjk_/overwhelmed.jpg?width=297&height=320" /></a></div>Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06231947253418204394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8635713451670629639.post-81610674375635766022010-05-18T21:05:00.000-04:002010-05-18T21:05:39.575-04:00A Not-So-Up Kind of Day.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I'm PMSing. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So OF COURSE I had a bad day at sales. I was moody, partially annoyed by my prospects and down on myself so I took a lot of "no's" in the face today.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In my neighborhood some of the kiddos had an argument yesterday, one of the neighbors scolded the kids and the parents of the kids got angry. One mom tried to vent to me and I simply ignored her: Basically bobbed my head and said, "mmm hmmm" every once in a while.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Then my kids started throwing food across the kitchen at dinner time and...I lost it. I sent them immediately to the bath, washed them, dressed them and sent them to bed without dinner.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I mean, sheesh! As if it isn't enough that my body feels like crap, but I have to have all these nutso mood swings and try to deal with drama from all sides!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I think "plug n' chug" may come in handy here. Maybe I should look for solutions to my PMS! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I also had a great training call tonight for my job. Stupid stuff that I should know and apply as a salesperson, but that I tend to miss because of a comfort zone I've slipped into. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Today's lesson: GET OVER IT! Each moment is temporary and it's worth it to make it good or get over it and make the next moment better!</span>Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06231947253418204394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8635713451670629639.post-49773129959118469982010-05-17T20:58:00.000-04:002010-05-17T20:58:29.171-04:00As My Algebra Teacher Used to Say - "Plug n' Chug."I hated algebra class. I was utterly lost nearly 85% of the time, therefore consulting with the smarter people around me 75% of the time and getting into trouble 70% of the time for talking. It sucked.<br />
<br />
But her clever little verbology for entering numbers and working through the problem has stuck with me nearly 20 years. It basically means, enter a solution and work through it. If that solution doesn't work, input another. It's a fantastic recipe that takes failure, wraps it up in a devious disguise and pushes you on toward victory.<br />
<br />
Discipline has been my algebraic equation for about, oh, the last five months. I don't know what to do with my kids! I'm a spanking Mama. Not afraid to admit that. But I'm also a time-out Mama, take-away-the-nice-stuff Mama, I'm even a try-to-talk-some-sense-into-an-irrational-4-year-old Mama. Some of these methods work some of the time. None of them work all of the time.<br />
<br />
I find myself in the position of the "little engine that could." I keep plugging and chugging, repeating to myself, "I think I can (get this kid to behave), I think I can (calm this fit before it gets ugly), I think I can (get out of the store before my head explodes)."<br />
<br />
So, thank you Miss Galbraith for leaving me with at least one bit of knowledge from algebra.<br />
<br />
In the spirit of parenthood and in the pursuit of balance - I will continue plugging and chugging.Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06231947253418204394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8635713451670629639.post-11998483611561417542010-05-13T14:14:00.000-04:002010-05-13T14:14:18.784-04:00Sorry about the delay...I'm just posting quickly to let everyone know that I will be officially back by tomorrow. I had a family emergency that took me up to Michigan this past weekend and have started working my sales position full-time. So, I'll relax tonight to catch up a bit then resume my regularly scheduled blogs tomorrow.<br />
<br />
Thanks for your patience! Anyone have any epiphanies while I was away?Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06231947253418204394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8635713451670629639.post-63242995044985528912010-05-02T21:04:00.001-04:002010-05-02T21:05:11.635-04:00Herding the cattle! Wait, that came out wrong...FREE BOOK GIVEAWAY!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">Okay, so I'm doing a "follower's drive." Kinda like a PBS telethon, but way different. Okay, nothing like a telethon (because I'm not asking for donations - although if you feel so inclined...)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">I'm looking for followers. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">I want lots and lots of followers.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">For one thing: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I would like to feel important.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">For another thing: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I want to meet more incredible women like me.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">For a third: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I'm in desperate need of help and can use all the advice anyone can throw at me!</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">So here's the deal...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">I'm reading this great book right now:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"> </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sleeping-Arrangements/dp/B0015DYKBG?ie=UTF8&tag=mommyvsmeoney-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><img alt="Sleeping Arrangements" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B0015DYKBG&tag=mommyvsmeoney-20" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=mommyvsmeoney-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B0015DYKBG" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">YOU</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">can win a <b>free copy</b> of this book </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">if</span></b></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> you suggest my page to more friends than anyone else...and they follow me (kinda the point of this whole thing).</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">Here's how it will work. (AKA Rules and guidelines for winning:) By <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">any means necessary</span> spread the word about my blog - be creative and take pictures (maybe <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">most creative might win a prize as well</span>!)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">When your friends sign on to follow me they need to <b>comment on this post</b>: be sure that they leave me </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">your</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"> name in their comment. (It won't count if they don't because I'm not that tech savvy and I don't read minds.)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><b><i>That's it.</i></b> The person with the most mentions wins this book FREE. If nothing else, it'll make a great re-gift, but I think you'll enjoy it!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">Thanks for spreading the word!</span>Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06231947253418204394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8635713451670629639.post-15511346336480996042010-04-30T08:51:00.000-04:002010-04-30T08:51:27.841-04:00I cut my waffles along the lines. :-}I can't help it. I have <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">ALWAYS</span> cut my waffles along the lines. And my pancakes - I don't just start hacking away, I use <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">straight lines</span> to cut those too. I eat M&Ms <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">two at a time</span>, one for each side of my mouth and if I end up with one at the end, I bite it in half. It may sound a little bit OCD, but I've come to realize that I am very detailed when it comes to things that I can <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">control</span></b>.<br />
<br />
I think I've mentioned this book before: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Be-Joyful-Philippians-Things-Commentary/dp/1434768465?ie=UTF8&tag=mommyvsmeoney-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Be Joyful (Philippians): Even When Things Go Wrong, You Can Have Joy (The BE Series Commentary)</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=mommyvsmeoney-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1434768465" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />. It's a great book for helping people, like me, who are looking for <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><b>balance, happiness, </b></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><b>joy</b></span></i>. One of the things I remember (mostly because I taught the lesson) is that people worry about things they have <b><i>no control over</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">. So I guess it stands to reason, that if you're looking for balance or control, <i>a sensible person</i> would be attentive to the things they can control rather than worry over the things they cannot control. </span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Stop me if I'm rationalizing...</span></span><br />
<br />
I've had a <b><i>REALLY</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> rough last few days. Between being upset with my <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">husband</span>, trying to control my <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">three little boys</span> and being frustrated that I wasn't able to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">work</span> - I was absolutely <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">out of control</span></i>. I'm even slightly annoyed today at the prospect of having to wait for my Mom to get here so I can go close some deals...three deals to be exact.</span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></b>This may sound cheesy, but I promise that it's worked for me and even better than that, it has worked for me <b>every time</b> I've done it: I say a prayer to God, asking for guidance, a lesson, some message that He would have me learn to come closer to Him. Then I open my <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Life-Application-Study-Bible-NKJV/dp/0842340351?ie=UTF8&tag=mommyvsmeoney-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Bible</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=mommyvsmeoney-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0842340351" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> and read. I always find my answers in there.<br />
<br />
I guess I know what I have to do today: take full accountability for the things I can control, let my kids have fun rather than try to keep my thumb on them, be patient and happy when I see my Mom and say a prayer.<br />
<br />
*whew* balance or bust!Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06231947253418204394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8635713451670629639.post-38445680577756262882010-04-27T20:34:00.000-04:002010-04-27T20:34:36.246-04:00I saw a shrink last night...I saw a shrink last night, or at least my <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">alter-ego</span>'s, Booth and Brennan, did. It's a very curious thing how I feel so <i>connected</i> to two characters who obviously have <i><b>no commonalities</b></i>. This episode was just after Brennan let her boyfriend leave on a sailboat to the Caribbean. Booth and Brennan were fighting like cats and dogs and so Booth suggested they see his (FBI appointed) shrink. The shrink deduced that both of them felt guilty about it because they thought she stayed behind <i>because of</i> Booth. The shrink said...she didn't. <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">HA!</span></b><br />
<br />
I don't know if that makes sense...maybe you should <a href="http://bones.otavo.tv/season-two/the-priest-in-the-churchyard">watch this episode</a>. And check out <a href="http://bones.otavo.tv/season-two/the-boneless-bride-in-the-river">the one before it</a> too, so you can have a general picture.<br />
<br />
Anywho...I can definitely feel the <b>sexual tension</b> between them. It seems to me that they are attracted to each other because of their polar-opposite views of, well, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><i>EVERYTHING.</i></span><br />
<br />
Isn't it always the case that the <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">grass seems so much more green on the other side?</span></b> When we're looking from the outside-in, we don't see the weeds or the fire ants or the countless hours of maintenance that goes into that impeccable, golf-course-esque yard. NOPE! All we see are shade trees for napping under and sunny places for frolicking in!<br />
<br />
I guess I'm at the point where having a career seems very provocative. But the big "<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><b><i>mommy-heart</i></b></span>" within me is feeling dreadfully guilty at the thought of hiring a Nanny for the summer. I feel <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">greedy, selfish, materialistic and cold</span></i>.<br />
<br />
But then if I look at it from another point-of-view, I feel like the sacrifices I make now will benefit us in the long run because we will be able to provide more <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">opportunities</span> for the boys. We'll be able to show them what a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">stable home-life</span> is like and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">nurture them</span> without the worry of financial <i><b>crap</b></i> crashing in around us. I mean, no one wants to be buried in debt! We all <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><b>WANT</b></span></i> to do well for our children and show them how easy it is to be successful.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>But at what cost?</i></span></span><br />
<br />
There is always a cost. Brennan perhaps lost the only man that was going to accept her as her robotic, socially awkward self. And Booth, well I don't know what the cost is going to be for him. Perhaps his sanity.<br />
<br />
I could get much deeper into this, I'm sure. But I need to prepare for Wubulous-Wednesday and, of course, watch some <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bones-Complete-Second-Emily-Deschanel/dp/B000RO6JYK?ie=UTF8&tag=mommyvsmeoney-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Bones</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=mommyvsmeoney-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B000RO6JYK" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> before I go to bed.<br />
<br />
Balance (illusive bastard!) or Bust!Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06231947253418204394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8635713451670629639.post-7373374838027615982010-04-26T23:55:00.000-04:002010-04-26T23:55:27.162-04:00Enough with the pleasantries...let's get ugly.I felt a deep sense of annoyance at my three children today. Did I mention that they WHINE constantly? I didn't tell you that? WELL!<br />
<br />
I know that I'm <b><i>not-so-hot</i></b> with the multi-task thing; I get that. But at the same time...there are a few things that I need to do on the computer that need to get done. Things like emailing clients information when I say I'm going to, I can't put that off until the kids go to sleep.<br />
<br />
Anyway, <i>the whining</i>: when we all first wake up in the morning, I prepare drinks for them. Now lets just say that I am not as sprite-ly in the morning as June Cleaver would be...which I'm usually not. So as soon as the boys start asking for their drinks, they start screaming and crying and <i>WHINING</i> for their juice - or chocolate milk - or whatever it is I'm making for them. Irritating!<br />
<br />
I don't know lately. I think I'm PMSing. I know it may seem like I'm using that as an excuse, but I truly do get some sort of surge of hormones during this time that just makes me crazy! Anyway, I'm totally NOT balanced right now. That's all.Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06231947253418204394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8635713451670629639.post-68543479673112706842010-04-26T23:31:00.000-04:002010-04-26T23:31:25.957-04:00Card-carrying Member of the 30-something Club!Well, I've been derelict in my duties of blog-writer. But with good reason: I had a smashingly-fabulous birthday weekend! Now, my <a href="http://www.kudzu.com/m/Joseph's-on-the-Square-1105459/reviews/">hairdresser</a> has a friend who celebrates her birthday for an entire month...I like to think I'm slightly less selfish than that. All-the-same, it was perfect and lasted <i>three whole days</i>.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b>FRIDAY: 8:36PM</b></span><br />
Arrive at <a href="http://eclipsedilunaparkplace.com/">Eclipse di Luna</a> looking <i>highly stylish</i> with a new hair cut, a short dress and my hot Momma beside me. Ande & Rob arrive. Dusty and Chris arrive. Pitcher of coconut Mojitos arrives. Mmmmm. Tapas arrive, we all scarf and enjoy boisterous, witty conversation until about 11:00.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b>11:45PM</b></span><br />
Arrive at Dusty & Chris' humble abode. We drink more Mojitos (after Ande gives Dusty a crash course on creating the devilish concoction.) We add to the repertoire, Jeff. He contributes greatly to the witty banter. Suddenly they all bust out singing "happy birthday" and put a cookie cake in my lap! Mmmmm. We hang out until about 1:00.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime;"><b>SATURDAY: 8:00PM</b></span><br />
Arrive at Ande & Rob's house for some card-playing. The kiddos are with us and play whilst we mingle and get to know Cesar and Blandine. Jason arrives and we have a full table and are ready to play. (Well, I took the kids downstairs to go to sleep and ended up missing 50% of the games.) Anyway, Barbara arrives just after I join the table and begin to learn the art and strategy behind Texas Hold 'Em. Who knew that game was so fun?!?!? Anyway, at midnight Ande presented me with a decadent ice cream sundae with a candle and everyone sang "happy birthday" to me. Sweet friends I have, aye?<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><b>SUNDAY: 8:00PM</b></span><br />
Ande pops in to watch the boys so I can have my FREE birthday dinner at <a href="http://www.provinos.com/index.htm">Provino's</a>. I dressed up again and must say that I looked pretty good...for a 25-year-old! I ate until I couldn't walk and we brought home cheesecake with strawberries for the volunteer baby-sitter. My sister also called and sang "happy birthday" on my voice mail.<br />
<br />
It was a great weekend. I am so blessed. God really has done some amazing things for me this past year. And the love He has brought to me shined brightly this weekend.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">I love you</span></i></span>: Tony, Mom, Diego, Leo, Christian, Ande, Dusty, and all my long-distance friends who wished me well on my <a href="http://www.facebook.com/christina.mosher">Facebook page</a>. You are all, always on my heart!Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06231947253418204394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8635713451670629639.post-88043366370094184882010-04-22T20:48:00.000-04:002010-04-22T20:48:03.271-04:00I must be channeling Dr. Temperance Brennan...Okay, my analytical mind has either become <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime;">absurdly more acute</span> - OR - my mind is <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">turning to sludge</span> from watching too much <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bones-Complete-Second-Emily-Deschanel/dp/B000RO6JYK?ie=UTF8&tag=mommyvsmeoney-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Bones</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=mommyvsmeoney-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B000RO6JYK" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> and I just <i><b>think</b></i> I'm getting smarter.<br />
<br />
Who's to tell for sure? But here's one thing I do know. Today compared to yesterday was WAY better.<br />
<br />
I mean, I didn't get a single sale (not yet), I must have visited 12 businesses and called two others, my sales contracts didn't get delivered and I missed my first appointment and didn't call to get another one. (<i>"So exactly HOW could today possibly be better than yesterday,"</i> you ask.)<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Because I had a great day with the kids! </span></span></span><br />
<br />
It's <i>simply amazing</i> how at one moment I'm pissed off because I can only spend a few short hours of the day making <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime;">money</span></b></span> and have to spend the rest of the day watching three annoying little kids, and the next moment I'm blissful and feeling all <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">warm and fuzzy</span> because we all had such a great afternoon playing outside with the neighbors.<br />
<br />
It makes me question my priorities. I mean, it seems like a funny thing to wonder <b>where family and career stand. </b>Because in my point of view, I need a job to support my family, but I wouldn't need a job if I didn't have a family.<br />
<br />
Now don't get me wrong, Tony has been an <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow;">EXCELLENT</span></b> provider these last two and a half years. But if we're really going to fulfill our dreams, I need to contribute too.<br />
So here's how I think I made today better: although work was slightly disappointing, I got to do some window shopping and network with some great people. I remembered yesterday's blog post and tried to <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">focus on my kids rather than multi-task. </span></b><br />
<br />
And that was <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: cyan;">HUGE.</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
So I guess I've found <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Habits-Highly-Effective-People/dp/0743501535?ie=UTF8&tag=mommyvsmeoney-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">one new habit</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=mommyvsmeoney-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0743501535" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />, one that will be difficult to form, but worth while. Instead of multi-tasking I am going to <b><i>devote 100% of my attention</i></b> to the things that I am doing, when I am doing them.<br />
<br />
Work = 100% Work<br />
Kids = 100% Kids<br />
Tony = 100% Tony<br />
Friends = 100% Friends<br />
Housework = 100% Housework (did I just say that?)<br />
<br />
That's it. And since I know <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">it takes a full 28 days</span></span></span> to implement and cement a habit, I'm going to make a conscious effort to focus intently on what I am doing, when I am doing it.<br />
<br />
I think I'm getting closer to Balance! (or teetering so close to Bust I can't see the edge!)Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06231947253418204394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8635713451670629639.post-38541202190925572482010-04-21T20:48:00.000-04:002010-04-21T20:48:33.474-04:00Let's be fair...Mommy vs. Saleswoman<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I'm going to attempt to break down the pros & cons of each "character" or "player" that I experienced today. This is going to be tough...but we'll see how it goes.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">Mommy</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"> </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">Cute moment with Diego today...he said he loves me and is proud of me.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">Got furious with the boys when they interrupted me on the phone...kinda blew a gasket.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">Spent some quality time outside in the cool, Spring air. We played racecars!</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">Snuggled with my twins...so soft and squishy!</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">Missed the boys after being gone three hours.</span></span></li>
</ul><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">Saleswoman</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">Saved some wonderful women mucho money and gave them options to draw more customers.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">Had to compete with HORRIBLE schedule conflicts with hubby and babysitter. Very stressful.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">Got to do some pre-shopping for the big Saturday event at Peter's Path!</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">Worked way harder and longer on one sale than I anticipated...let the babysitter down by being late.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">Truly enjoyed being in the field, helping small businesses save money.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">Liked interacting with other adults.</span></span></li>
</ul><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I don't exactly know where that leaves the score...I was also a wife today...not a very good one with my pouting and fussing about stuff. Ergh. It was a good day and a bad day for both characters. I thought breaking it down might help me to determine where the lack of balance is. I'll have to try harder, sleep on it and recap tomorrow night and see if there are any recurring themes. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>That should work, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><i>right?</i></span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Balance baby! (or Bust.)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span>Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06231947253418204394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8635713451670629639.post-46075573918458959272010-04-20T21:13:00.001-04:002010-04-20T21:27:54.603-04:00Addiction - The Ugly Monster Has Me in It's Grips!I'd have to say that I'm generally NOT an easily addicted person...but I've found that <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">shopping</span></span> is an addiction. So is the television show <u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bones-Complete-Season-David-Boreanaz/dp/B000HT3P60?ie=UTF8&tag=mommyvsmeoney-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Bones</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=mommyvsmeoney-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B000HT3P60" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></u>. And, to be grossly honest, during the Christmas season, I was quite addicted to <a href="http://latinfood.about.com/od/beverages/r/coquito.htm">Coquito</a>. (If you have never tried it, be <i>very</i>,<i><b> VERY</b></i> careful...it is decadent, loaded with rum and goes down smooth!)<br />
<br />
In my past (pre-Mommy) life, I was not addicted to anything. I <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">greatly enjoyed</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"> </span>a lot of things like surfing, running, weight-lifting...kicking the guys' asses that couldn't keep up with me on company runs!!! OORAH!<br />
<br />
<i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">*ahem*</span></b></i><br />
<br />
I enjoyed motorcycle riding, road trips...you know, lots of stuff that I will not do again <b><i>until</i></b> my three sons are teenagers or moved out! (At least there is <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">hope</span></span></b></span></i>!)<br />
<br />
Which got me to thinking: <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">why am I so addicted</span></span></span></i> to shopping and <u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bones-Complete-Season-David-Boreanaz/dp/B000HT3P60?ie=UTF8&tag=mommyvsmeoney-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Bones</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=mommyvsmeoney-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B000HT3P60" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></u>? Well, the obvious reason for any shopping addiction is the <b>instant gratification</b> one gets from snagging an on-trend pair of pumps or a <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/44991034/mint-green-spring-patchwork-folk-top">stunning new blouse</a> that <i>SCREAMS</i> <b>LOVE ME, TAKE ME HOME!</b> Bagging a beautiful, <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">one-of-a-kind</span></i> piece of jewelry is an absolutely orgasmic experience and getting a great deal on a wardrobe staple...like the AWESOME black trench I got ($350 price tag - snagged it for $30.) Heaven? Well, for me, that's as close as it comes!<br />
<br />
<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=mommyvsmeoney-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B000HT3P60&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>As for my addiction to <u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bones-Complete-Season-David-Boreanaz/dp/B000HT3P60?ie=UTF8&tag=mommyvsmeoney-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Bones</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=mommyvsmeoney-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B000HT3P60" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></u>, I guess it's because the main characters are sort of versions of me...I'm like Dr. Brennan (but shy a few IQ points) in that I am pretty fairly independent, value intelligent conversation and can sometimes be a bit cold. (True confession, don't judge.) I'm like <a href="http://static.blogo.it/gossipblog/david-boreanaz-le-foto-sexy/DavidBoreanaz01.jpg">Booth</a> (without the penis and mucho HOT, rippling muscles) in that <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">I'm a people person and totally enjoy connecting and having an emotional response to every moment I experience. </span><br />
<br />
The polarity between the characters is dramatic...yet you can see through watching the series that they compliment each other perfectly. Maybe this whole mommy vs me thing is <b>just another dramatic polarity thing</b>. Opposites attract or whatever...<br />
<br />
Anyway, here's to finding Balance...or Bust!Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06231947253418204394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8635713451670629639.post-40318523068669376672010-04-19T19:18:00.000-04:002010-04-19T19:18:29.699-04:00Ad Lib: Why do I do this to myself?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Okay, received a little bit of static today from the hubby. It isn't really his fault, but his reaction could have been a little more positive.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ad_libitum"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ad libitum is Latin for at one's pleasure.</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Wikipedia also states: "</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It is a common misconception<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px; white-space: nowrap;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">that "ad lib" stands for "adding liberally". </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In my apparent mis-education, I thought that ad lib meant adding liberally. Glad I looked it up. I suppose both definitions, correct or not, pretty much describe my situation. Anyway, the reason I titled the post the way I did was because I took a big step this past week:</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">I got a j-o-b.</span></i></b></span> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Besides my work-from-home gig, which I currently only do between 9-12 at night anyway, I got a B2B sales job. I'm working with small- to medium-sized businesses which is right up my alley, I hate large corporate department stores (<a href="http://walmartsucksorg.blogspot.com/">Walmart sucks!</a>) Anyway, the hubby and I discussed and figured, one sale per week would cover the baby-sitter and add a bit of play money into our budget. So, if I sell more, we'll just be even more comfortable than we currently are.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Today was my <b>first day on the job.</b> Without getting into details, I didn't make a sale and had to rush to pick Diego up from school because Tony didn't have a car seat. <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232;">Oops, minor detail.</span></i></b> Well, he cancelled the babysitter so I had to cancel my two appointments this afternoon. And so this is my break-down of the situation at hand:</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">1. He's frustrated because I didn't make any <i>money</i> today. I'm frustrated because of his obvious lack of <i>faith</i>. 2. He was upset that he had to <i>watch</i> the twins. I was upset because he cancelled the babysitter so I <i>lost </i>several more chances at making a sale.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">3. He obviously has <i>reservations</i> about me being anything other than Mommy. I obviously have <i>ambitions</i> beyond raising fine young boys.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Ergh.</span></i></b></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Anyway, I don't know why I did this to myself. I knew he would be, well, disagreeable: But to be so pessimistic right out of the gate!?!?!?!?!? Well, that was just uncalled for. But to see it from his point of view, I'm probably being selfish and inconsiderate. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">So, on top of every other <i>character</i> I'm playing during this act in my life...I've <i>added another</i> character. Does this make me a more well-rounded actress or just add a TON of confusion? We'll see in the coming weeks.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Here's to Balance...or Bust!</span></span><br />
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</span></span>Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06231947253418204394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8635713451670629639.post-38037002980987838982010-04-18T11:18:00.000-04:002010-04-18T11:18:59.271-04:00I skipped Sunday school....uh oh!<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=mommyvsmeoney-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1434768465&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>Today would have been the day that we completed our study of the book, Be Joyful by Warren Wiersbe. I got to teach two lessons and had the pleasure of sitting in on six others; falling quite short of all 13 lessons. What a great book though. The last lesson I taught was about worry...and what a perfect topic for a mother of three young boys. I could probably list about a hundred things to worry about, even with my sons at the young ages of only four and two.<br />
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Did you know that 92% of the things we worry about are either imaginary, out of our control or never really happened. <i>Seriously?</i> Wow. Well, I guess I can confirm that with my own experiences. I used to worry about getting into an accident on the way to work each morning. I used to worry about getting into confrontations with disgruntled customers. I used to worry about a lot of stuff that was both imaginary and completely out of my control.<br />
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I've tried not to worry much lately. Of course there are always those weak moments; like when a <b>cop</b> pulls up behind you and you do a 150 point evaluation of your vehicle (tail lights, fog lights, windows, mirrors, stickers, etc.), do you have your seat belt on, are you going over or under the speed limit, are your tags current? do you have a warrant for your arrest, did you pay that last parking ticket, did you take your husbands undercover weapon out of the glove-box? Yeah, I get carried away and let my instinctual fear of authority cause me panic and indigestion for a moment...don't we all?<br />
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So, the other day, I called my husband and said, "honey, I taught the boys how to climb trees!" "You did <i>WHAT?</i>" was the reaction from the other end of the phone. Now, I suppose there could be a few different trains of thought on this topic, so allow me to explain my logic:<br />
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1. Teach the boys how to climb up, so they are confident in their abilities and know how to do it safely.<br />
2. Teach the boys how to climb down, so they don't get stuck at the top of the tree, panic and fall.<br />
3. Let them fall (maybe a few inches) so that they know how it feels and will be more cautious.<br />
4. Offering instruction on the art of climbing trees will prevent accidents and instill confidence.<br />
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You tracking? I know, it's a little far-fetched...but climbing trees is fun and I think my main motivation behind the training was to eliminate worry from the equation. Boys - <b>kids</b> - will find a tree and climb it at some point in their adolescence; I feel like I'm ahead of the curve in showing them the proper and safe way to do so!<br />
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Twisted maybe...welcome to my mind!Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06231947253418204394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8635713451670629639.post-61363921936893346462010-04-13T21:00:00.001-04:002010-04-13T21:00:56.981-04:00Not OK.This whole weekend has been one of those whirl-wind weekends where everything is super busy and nothing and no one seems to cooperate with my schedule.<br />
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After writing the previous post about NOT PMSing, the very next day I switched gears into Mucho PMS gear. Then to top it all off my twins both have acid diarrhea that has practically eaten away at the soft little epidermis on their cute little tooshies. My four-year-old is acting like a teenager and the only thing that seems to be going right is my sex life & the house-keeping.<br />
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Balance? Huh! Seems like when one thing is good the other things fall to shit. Then they flip-flop and reverse and play a confusing game of musical chairs: where there is only one chair and one winner...everyone else loses.<br />
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But, I am persisting, reading my book, searching - nay, scouring the internet for articles and books about parenting, being a good wife, 30-minute meals, time-management...<br />
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If you have ANY book suggestions, let me know! I'd love to hear what has helped you in the past!<br />
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Balance (a myth?) or Bust!Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06231947253418204394noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8635713451670629639.post-4045102960085022622010-04-13T20:54:00.001-04:002010-04-13T21:01:27.731-04:00I must NOT be PMS-ing...Everything right now seems a little too magical, fun, inspiring and easy. It's like the universe is spinning right around me...I'm obviously NOT PMS-ing.<br />
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So I told you in my last post that I have read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Best-Year-Your-Life-Dream/dp/0060832940?ie=UTF8&tag=mommyvsmeoney-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">The Best Year of Your Life: Dream It, Plan It, Live It</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=mommyvsmeoney-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0060832940" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> once before. I pretty much read it upon the recommendation of my friend. I found it interesting, inspiring and informational, but it didn't give me enough to really start acting...you know, doing the things that were prescribed for me to do in order to have the best year of my life. But I did gain a lot from the first read.<br />
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Last night as I started reading the preface, it all started flooding back to me and It was like every word was an epiphany. Then today I went to church with my husband (long story short: we don't get to go together often) and every word the Pastor said and every song we sang spoke right to my heart and chimed right in with the book.<br />
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Without getting long-winded and spoiling the book...I'm just going to say that it was totally "right on" and I can't wait to keep reading.<br />
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P.S. This post was actually written like three days ago, but my internet has been down. What the hell is a DNS server anyway and why doesn't it communicate???Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06231947253418204394noreply@blogger.com0