Everything, plus a little bit more...

Again, so funny!

2009-05-16T22:43:00.002-05:00

Since I am still bored (that's code for unemployed), I have discovered a few new favorite websites....my current favorite is SexyPeople. It is so funny (totally clean) and it is a great way to kill time! Enjoy!

Broken Arm

2009-05-16T22:28:00.005-05:00

Yep, that's right. Sully broke his arm. Last week he fell at preschool. Well, not even a fall, a stumble really, but enough to warrant a cast for a few weeks. It took one trip to the doctor, two sets of x-rays, one trip to St. Paul (in rush hour traffic!), and one pediatric orthopedist to discover it! It is a teeny, tiny break--a non-displaced fracture of the lower humeras (right above the elbow).
The cast will be off next Tuesday, just under 3 weeks total. He isn't in pain, which is good, and, except for getting dressed and bathtime, he hardly notices it! As you can see, he is taking it really well!

What really happened

2009-04-11T11:01:00.002-05:00

I am officially unemployed. Yes, that's right. I don't have a job. Yikes! And, no, I don't know what I am going to do!
So, here is what happened....
On Wednesday I was called into my boss's office for my performance review. It quickly turned into an intense meeting, not the first of which I have had with her. After listening for a few minutes about everything I do wrong and what I need to work on, but I haven't improved on, a gauntlet was laid down. I wasn't fitting in with my position and I needed to realize that. I was told, very bluntly, that I needed to leave on my own or my career with Wells Fargo would be very short lived and not very pleasant. In other words, I didn't to put in my notice or I would be watched very closely until they could find a reason to fire me. I was also told if my boss had her way I would have been gone 2-3 weeks earlier.
Yep, not a very uplifting experience! So, after too many run-ins like this with my boss, I quit.
In my defense, I had a lot of things going for me with this job. I had 100% on my guest service surveys, I had the highest percentage of sales on 2 different reports. But I guess it wasn't enough.
So, now the search begins. I don't know what is going to happen and I don't know what I am going to do, but, as my dad said, I am strong and I will land on my feet.
Wish me luck! Oh, and prayers are appreciated, too!

So funny!

2009-04-01T23:11:00.002-05:00

I have recently discovered an awesome blog......Cake Wrecks.
And this might be the funniest thing I have ever seen! I actually laughed out loud!

Last week

2009-03-26T22:36:00.002-05:00

Here is what happened last week, about 6:30 am....
Sullivan: Mommy, I wet my bed.
Me: Oh, no. Well, it's almost time to get up anyway. Let's get you clean undies and you can climb into my bed while I take a shower.
Sullivan: Ok, but I want my blanket.
Me: You can't have your blanket. It's wet, but I will wash it tonight and you can have it tomorrow.
Sullivan: But I want my blanket.
Me: (see above--this continued 2 more times)
Sullivan: Ok. I want juice. Can I have some juice?
Me: Yes. Here is your juice.
Sullivan: And can I have my blanket? (yes, the same argument starts over)
**I go to get ready for work. Sullivan comes into the bathroom**
Sullivan: I need more juice. I spilled.
Me: What?! **I go running into my bedroom to see my bed very wet!**
Sullivan, what happened?? Was it an accident?
Sullivan: No. I am mad at you. I want my blanket.

Yes....Sullivan is, to quote Adam, developing his feelings and learning to express himself. Well, I guess that's good, but not in my bed!!!
Ahh, the joys of being a mother!

Babies, babies, babies....

2009-03-25T20:43:00.002-05:00

Congratulations to two of my friends, Noelle and Jen!
Noelle is now the proud mother of Elijah, born on Friday. Mom and son are doing well. I am going to visit tomorrow and meet the new little guy!
Jen had twins either last night or early this morning--I haven't been able to talk with her yet. Twin girls....but for someone else! Yes, she was a surrogate (there is link to her blog on my list of favorites if you want to read her story). Jen is doing well and everything went great with the delivery. I got to meet Melissa and Brian, the parents, at church on Sunday and I am so happy for them. They are really great people.
Congratulations, ladies! You both did amazing things!

A trying time

2009-03-24T21:56:00.002-05:00

I am at a crossroad. After loving my job in the beginning, I am having a very difficult time with it.
My boss is a very difficult person to work for and I spend most of my day feeling like I am constantly being watched and judged--it doesn't make for an easy day! Every time I voice my opinion or ask a question I feel like I get shot down and, to a point, mocked. It is a terrible environment to work in.
I just don't know what to do! I wish there was a simple answer, but, of course, there never is! These are not great times to be job hunting and to find this job it took me several months!
Please pray that I figure out what to do, or not to do! I need peace, patience, and strength through this headache!
I am trying to also be grateful that at least I have a job! Many people can't say that.
Any advice/encouragement would be grately appreciated!

Pampered Chef

2009-03-15T20:54:00.002-05:00

I am doing it....I am going to be a Pampered Chef demonstrator, or consultant, or whatever they call it. I have been thinking about it for a long time and, now that I am settled into my job at Wells Fargo, I feel like I can finally do it!
I'm not signing up until the end of the month, but then I will be off and running! Anyone who wants to have a show, please let me know! Or if you know someone else who wants to have one....
Wish me luck!

My new place....

2009-02-24T20:24:00.000-06:00

My new chair with orange pillow to match the wall! And my bedroom.

There is the orange wall; it looks much better IRL. Original artwork by Gigi! She gave me a housewarming gift!

Fun facts learned at the doctor's office

2009-02-24T15:25:00.002-06:00

i went to see a podiatrist today for my foot and I got a really annoying shot of Cortisone in my heel. Hopefully it will keep the pain away like it is supposed to!
Anyway, I learned two fun facts while I was there.....human feet produce about a cup of moisture everyday, most of it evaporated sweat! Yes, that is gross! That one was from the nurse.
Also, if everyone in the world moved to Texas the population density would still be less than that of NYC. That one is from an old issue of National Geographic.
Kinda cool!

Lazy Day

2009-02-15T17:21:00.002-06:00

Normally, it is my friend, Katie, that gets to have lazy days where she stays at home all day and the kids don't get out of jammies.
But, today, it was me! Sully had a fever last night and this morning so we stayed home from church. He feels ok he says, but he is still a little warm.
The TV has been on all day--I think my brain is starting to atrophy! Besides a quick trip to the grocery store and Target, we have been laying on the couch or in bed all day!
Even though I want to throw something through the screen of the TV because I am so annoyed, these is something to be said for having a lazy day!

It's been awhile.....

2009-02-07T20:59:00.002-06:00

Sorry about the length of time between posts. I have been updating my Facebook and not so much here!
The moving process is, well, moving along! The furniture was delivered. I have been picking up random things at IKEA and Target--end table, mirror, towels, dining table, baskets...etc! I have found some good deals and some really cute things! I can't wait to have everything set up and ready for living! And, of course, ready for having a house warming party!
Work is good. I made my 4-week sales challenge. It was hard and a little dicey at the end, but I made it and I get $325 for my efforts! That will go a long way towards adding more cute things to my new place!
I guess that about does it for now. I will try to not be such a slacker and update more often!
Happy Saturday!

I gave in.

2009-01-25T19:20:00.001-06:00

Yes, I finally did it. I joined Facebook. I have long avoided it with the excuse that, "I am an adult!" But I gave in and did it.
And now you can be my virtual friend!

Scary Day!

2009-01-16T19:30:00.003-06:00

Today started out perfectly normal--cold but normal. Things are work are going alright. I wish my sales were higher, but I am trying hard and learning more every day.
At around 3pm I was making calls when all hell broke loose at work. I heard someone yell, "Get down, on the ground! Get down! Get down! Get down!" Suddenly there was a lot of commotion up on the teller line and I saw a man vault over the counter from behind the teller line. We were being robbed!
A man came into the branch and gave the teller a note demanding money. She was miraculously cool-headed and she told him she was going to go in the back and get him more money. She told her manager, who called the police, and then went up front to tell the robber that the teller would be right up with his money. And so the man waited. And he stood there for quite some time (I guess it was more than 5 minutes, possibly as many as ten), and, while he waited for money, the police surrounded the building and were able to arrest him (the man I saw vaulting over the counter was a police officer).
It was very scary! I don't know if the robber had a weapon, but the police cuffed him, patted him down, and took him out of the building. He was a totally "normal" looking guy--no sunglasses, mask, hat, or anything to disguise himself.
At this point, adrenaline was coursing through my body and my stomach was in knots. Physically, I was feeling very similar to how I felt when Cullen died--that tragic feeling which I hope none of you ever have to experience.
As I was calling Adam to tell him that I was ok (in case he saw something on the news and was worried), I saw the Hennepin County Sheriff Crime Lab pull up. It was just like when Cullen died and they came to my house. There were police and sheriff deputies everywhere, talking to people, asking questions, and carrying clipboards--just like when Cullen died. I lost it. I started crying and I was taken back to that earth-shattering day in April.
Luckily, no one was hurt today and the robber was caught without getting any money. The teller and the service manager did a great job of handling the situation and staying calm through the whole thing.
Now that I am home I have calmed down and I don't feel as emotionally drained as I did before. Who would have thought someone would try to rob a bank in Minnetonka?!?! We obviously didn't expect it!

Changes!

2009-01-11T16:14:00.002-06:00

Some changes are taking place in my life. As if 2008 didn't have enough upheaval, I am not extending the changes into 2009!
Sullivan and I are moving out. Yes, you read that right! We are going to be moving across the street into the other townhouse that my parents own. It will be a big change for us because we will be on our own, but my mom will still be across the street so that should help soften the blow!
In preparation of such a big change I went furniture shopping today! I wasn't planning on getting anything--I was really just looking, but I found some things I liked and the offer was good, so I got it! A little scary, but really cool! This is the first "grown-up" furniture I have ever purchased!
Here is the couch and chair. I also got some pillows and 2 tables.
I am really excited about this new adventure. As soon as I have everything put together I will have a housewarming party and, yes, you are all invited!

Nothing exciting.....

2009-01-09T19:42:00.002-06:00

Nothing that great--or that terrible--has been going on this week. I just feel like it's been a really long time since I have posted anything!
I had a good New Years. I went to my friend, Staci's, house with some other people that we know from work. We went out to dinner and then went back to her house for drinks and generally just hanging out. New Year's Day was pretty low-key since Sullivan was at Adam's house.
Work has been hit or miss! Some days are great, sales wise, and some days are terrible. Today for instance! Today was frustrating and hard because I didn't hit my sales goal for the day, and therefore I didn't hit my goal for the week. Not good!
Sullivan has been especially challenging lately. Whenever people find out I have a 3 1/2 year old they almost always say, "oh, what a fun age!". Yeah, not always! Unfortunately we are having more challenging days than easy days! At least he is cute--that makes things a little bit better. And it's great that I have Adam to help carry the load and someone to listen when I need to vent about Sullivan!
Speaking of Adam, today was his last day at Boston Scientific. He is starting at Medtronic on Monday as a Senior Engineer. He will be working on a device that oxygenates blood during surgery. He is very excited to be back in R&D after about a year in Quality Control. He worked at BS for more than 5 years, so this is going to be a big change.
And, lastly, Happy Birthday to my dad! He is 59 today! He said he has had a great day with his friends up north. Drop him and email and wish him a happy birthday: talohstreter@aol.com

My First Day!

2008-12-30T20:00:00.002-06:00

Good thing there is only one first day for any new job! And, now that today is over, I made it through!
Today was my first day at the Ridgedale branch as a Personal Banker for Wells Fargo. It started out ok--I got there early, I recognized a few people from a meeting I had been at a few weeks ago, I had my Caribou in hand. And then the doors opened! Ok, just kidding, it wasn't that bad that quickly, but I did quickly find out how much I don't know! Nothing like real people coming in and asking real questions (versus the role playing we did during training) to show me how much I don't know and how freaked out I should be!
By the end of the day, I had 5 solutions (sales), which I was excited about.
Hopefully, tomorrow will go even better, and things will continue from there!
Cross your fingers!
Oh, and if you need any help with your finances, want to open any Wells Fargo products, or have any questions about your existing Wells Fargo accounts, let me know--you can email me at ashley.lohstreter@wellsfargo.com.
(or you can email me just to say hi and check in on me!)

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T21:37:00.002-06:00

Merry Christmas to everyone! I hope everyone enjoyed their holiday and was able to spend time with family and friends!
We had everyone over on Christmas Eve for dinner and, surprise, Santa showed up! It was so nice of him to take the time to stop at our house and help us open gifts! Sullivan was showered with gifts (shocker!) and everyone had a really good time!

Sullivan is home!

2008-12-23T20:43:00.002-06:00

After five days in Montana, Adam and Sullivan came back today. They left on Thursday to spend an early Christmas with Adam's family. From what Sullivan has told me they had fun. And he was really excited to tell me that he got a Lightning McQueen cup from Nana Montana (Adam's mom).
Because of the snow this morning their flight was over an hour delayed in landing and then even more delayed in getting to the gate and disembarking. But, now they are home, safe and sound!

Christmas Dinner

2008-12-23T20:39:00.002-06:00

Tomorrow is Christmas dinner at our house. I have been cooking since yesterday trying to get as many things done as possible so I won't be stressed tomorrow.
Here is the menu:
artichoke dip, tangy pepper-pecan brie (a recipe from Pampered Chef), shrimp cocktail, my grandma's cucumbers, cheesy potatoes, ham, creme brulee pie, and gingerbread with lemon cream cheese frosting.
I can't imagine that we will eat everything. In fact, I know it will be a puzzle to fit everything into the fridge after dinner!
Merry Christmas to all! Enjoy your families!

A very funny joke about a very dumb man*.....

2008-12-10T21:26:00.003-06:00

I got this joke sent to me from KS95:
The Governor of Illinois was arrested for conspiring to sell Barack Obama's senate seat. Al Franken made an offer, but the cash is being recounted.

*I will leave it up to your discretion as to who the "very dumb man" is!

Dear Santa....

2008-12-09T21:22:00.003-06:00

Adam and I are planning on taking Sullivan to see Santa this weekend. I don't know if he will sit on his lap, but it's worth a shot! I asked Sullivan what he was going to ask Santa for this Christmas, but he said he doesn't know. There are so many things he wants in the toy catalog that *conveniently* showed up in the mail last month!
However, I know what I am going to ask Santa for! I want an 8Gipod nano (the red, dark silver, or orange one), Flower Bomb perfume, a teal scarf from Target, a 25# kettelbell, and (of course!) just about anything from Archivers!
I've been a good girl this year (no comments from the peanut gallery!); I hope he brings me what I want!

My First Week

2008-12-06T15:34:00.003-06:00

My first week at Wells Fargo is done. Wow. What a long week!
On Monday, I started my first day of training to become a personal banker. I am training downtown for the next 4 weeks. I have to be up at 5:30 am in order to get downtown on time and I don't get off the bus at the end of the day until almost 6pm. It makes for a very long day.
Overall, I am liking everything. I am making some new friends, I am getting used to being downtown, and I am getting used to sitting all day long!
That has been the hardest thing--getting used to sitting all day long. The first few days I was getting antsy and my legs were actually sore from sitting! It is better now and I am starting to get in the groove of everything!

Champions Wear Gold!

2008-11-28T22:53:00.002-06:00

Carly the Cheerleader

Coach Ty Baker and Nicole

Wayzata Trojans
State Champions!

Go Trojans! Wayzata beat Blaine in the Minnesota State Class 5A Championship Game, 27-7. It was an awesome game! I went with my mom, Nicole (whose husband is one of the coaches), Scott, and the whole Bjork family--including Carly the Cheerleader!
It was a great night, there was a lot of emotion, a lot of chearing, and a lot of high fives.
Trojan Power!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T23:03:00.002-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!
I sent out a text message to some of my tech-savvy friends asking what everyone was grateful for. I was so blessed to find out that I have so many friends that are as grateful for me as I am for them! I thank God for all of my friends!
Today I went over to Adam's house and made dinner for Sully, him, and me. It was nice to have just the 3 of us. And Sullivan even ate turkey and one bite of stuffing--I was really impressed since he hardly ever eats meat.
And, on TV, there was a Dirty Jobs marathon and a Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern marathon. Great Turkey Day TV watching!
And tomorrow is my last day at Leeann Chin. There is a lot of potential for it to be a bittersweet day.
But I get to celebrate by going to the Dome to watch the Wayzata Trojans play for the state football title. Go Trojans!

My new motto....

2008-11-17T20:26:00.002-06:00

"Being truly successful means having the time and freedom to be able to enjoy the company of the people you care about"
-Rochelle Ballard

I have a new motto. Although I have never had a motto before, so, more accurately, this is my first motto.
I put in my two-week notice at work today. And a huge part of my reason is because I hate not being able to spend time with Sullivan. So, I am going to work for Wells Fargo. The schedule will be much better for maintaining a lifestyle. Pray for me that the transition goes smoothly!

Ugh, I was tagged!

2008-11-14T20:48:00.003-06:00

Just kidding, Sarah!

Sarah tagged me and this time it's really easy--pick the 6th picture from the 6th folder of photos on my computer.

Here it is:

This photo is of Sullivan (duh!) playing the drums while sitting on the ugliest couch ever--thank goodness that thing is gone! I don't know why he decided to play the ice cream drums, and I don't know where the ice cream drum came from, but he was really excited about it.

Confession: This isn't from the 6th folder because the 6th folder was dumb. This is from the 7th folder. Boy, am I glad I got that off my chest!

Pretty Pretty Princess Update

2008-11-06T18:53:00.001-06:00

In response to many questions, yes, Adam has seen his son as Pretty Pretty Princess. And, amazingly!, he was ok with it! He asked why he was wearing the dress, I told him Sullivan borrowed it from Amelie, he said ok, and took Sullivan home with him while he was wearing the dress.
Crisis averted!

My Pretty, Pretty, Princess

2008-11-03T20:50:00.004-06:00

I don't think there is anything I can say about this........

Happy Halloween!

2008-11-01T23:43:00.003-05:00

Friday night was great! Sullivan was a pirate, Adam was Darth Vadar (in case that wasn't obvious!), and I was a cowgirl. I don't know how I ended up having to dress up, but that is besides the point!

Sullivan was shy, no surprise there, and we carried him up to every house where he refused to talk, except for a really quiet "thank you".

Overall, a great night. Sullivan got way too much candy and wanted to eat all of it. I told him only 2 pieces, Adam told him he could have one more. Great....Sullivan already knows how to play us against each other....this should be fun in years to come!!!

Gardening with Sullivan

2008-11-01T23:39:00.002-05:00

Sullivan loves to garden with Grammy. He was helping her plant bulbs on Thursday--it was so nice outside he didn't have to wear a jacket--he loved it!

Sullivan is crazy (no comments on him taking after his mother, please!)

2008-10-26T22:20:00.002-05:00

Sullivan has gone off the deep end--my poor mother got stuck watching him this evening while I was at work and he was completely bonkers!
I called to check in on things (like I usually do because I hate not knowing what is going on!) and I could hear Sullivan screaming in the background, "I have an idea! I have an idea!". He wanted to talk to me on the phone--this is a first, by the way, he never wants to talk on the phone. He told me that his great idea is for me to be a monster. "Mommy you should be a monster, an awesome monster!" Umm, ok....thank you?
He also told my mom that he was going to do a trick, but, "Grammy, only I can do this trick all by myself because it's dangerous. But you can watch me do it." How wonderful that my precious three-year-old angel is practicing dangerous tricks! (The trick was to slide off the back of the couch onto the seat of the couch; not very dangerous!)
Are all 3 year olds like this? Or is Sullivan just "special"?!?!
At this rate, this is going to be a long year....

The photos are ready!

2008-10-22T21:45:00.001-05:00

Bri posted some of the photos from yesterday already--I can't believe she is so talented!
Check them out here!

Say Cheese!

2008-10-21T20:20:00.002-05:00

Sullivan and I took pictures today with my friend, Bri. She came over to take pictures in our backyard with the fall leaves and beautiful sunshine. Sullivan started out a little tired so I didn't think we would get any pictures taken beyond some grumpy ones. After some coaxing and mommy tricks we got him to look at the camera and almost smile.
Then, Bri pulled out a sucker! Sullivan is very effected by sugar and he was running around, playing, and smiling. I am sure we got some great pics. Bri will post some on her blog. I will let you know when they are ready.

My kind of town....

2008-10-21T20:09:00.003-05:00

So, the song goes, "My kind of town, Chicago is", but I can't say that--I am glad to be home! My trip was nice and it was awesome to be able to see Melody, Taylor, and Dawn, but I am not a city girl!
I stayed with Taylor on Friday night and we went to Flat Top Grill (so good!) for dinner. We went all over the city on Saturday--pedicures in Wrigleyville, shopping on Michigan Avenue, and a stop at the Millennium Park to see "The Bean".
I did take some pictures--unlike Katie I am not lazy!--but there is something wrong with the disk and I can't get them off the camera. (just kidding, love you Katie!)
On Saturday, Taylor and I met up with Melody at our favorite Mexican place for dinner and I went back to the suburbs with Melody.
Sunday was a nice, slightly lazy, day. I went to church with Melody and her family, had lunch with them--all 8 adults and 6 kids!--then Mel and I went shopping, which is something we do very well!
Lunch on Monday with Dawn and Melody rounded out the trip and then a quick flight home.
So nice to be home, sleep in my own bed, and see Sullivan (who stayed home with Adam).
If I can get the camera to work I will post pictures!

Bye-bye, Gallbladder!

2008-10-16T18:36:00.002-05:00

Well, it's gone. I am now gallbladder-free! I started to have second thoughts when I was laying on the OR table, but I went through with it! A little too late to change my mind at that point!
The anesthesia feels really weird when they first put it in. I could feel it going through the IV at the back of my hand and spreading through my arm. It is a very icky feeling and I wanted to tell the doctor to stop!
I woke up in a recovery room and the nurse brought me warm blankets--there is a big blanket warmer filled with cozy sheets and blankets. I want one of those for my house!
I can't believe how sore my stomach muscles are! It feels like I did 5 million sit-ups and then someone socked me in the stomach--not a great feeling! But I am (slowly) starting to move around better.
I had the surgery at Fairview Southdale where my dad used to work so all of my nurses remembered him--that was kind of cool. They should have given me better pain pills as a favor to him! But I did get Vicodan--and it works wonders!
Time to go back to sleep and rest--I love having an excuse to take a nap!

Six Months

2008-10-14T21:43:00.002-05:00

Sunday was six months since Cullen died. Sometimes, it seems like forever, sometimes it seems like it was yesterday.

There is no way to prepare for something like this--to try to know how I am going to feel after this much time.

I guess I am doing ok. Most days I don't think about him and start to cry. Most days I can think about him and smile or roll my eyes

or shake my head. That is most days. There are still days when I
feel like I can't think about Cullen or I will fall apart. There are days when I look at Sullivan and I want to cry because there will come a time when he doesn't remember how amazing his uncle was with him. Cullen was Sullivan's best friend and constant playmate. They were so funny together--no one could make Sullivan laugh as hard as Cullen!

These are two of my favorite pictures of Cullen. The top one is him showing his prized bass guitar to Sullivan and they were both laughing so hard--I have that one up in my office. The bottom one is Cullen giving me a piggy-back ride at a casino in Wisconsin (my family and I met in the Dells for a weekend when I was living in Chicago).

I miss my baby brother. More than I ever thought I would and more than I admit to most people, including myself.

Six months since I lost Cullen. Six months since my world turned upside down. Six months since I learned how much I truly love my family.

The Dentist

2008-10-13T18:53:00.000-05:00

Today was Sullivan's first trip to the dentist. Adam took him (I had a meeting--this is the first big milestone I have missed, sad!) and he was great! Adam said he sat still really well and opened his mouth wide--he didn't even bite Dr. Kenard!!
But, Sullivan has five cavities! Yes, FIVE! Conveniently Sullivan's favorite number! He has to go back two more times to get them filled. The dentist told Adam that we have to be more diligent about brushing Sullivan's teeth and flossing them. How are we supposed to floss a 3-year-old's teeth?!
And, we have to limit his sugar consumption. No sour or chewy candy--including fruit snacks! This will be hard for Adam since he considers fruit snacks a serving of real fruit--umm, no! No pop, very little juice--yikes, this is not going to be fun!
And, speaking of Adam thinking fruit snacks are really fruit, he also think mashed potatoes and corn on the cob are vegetables. I had to explain to him that, yes, they are botanically considered a vegetable, but nutritionally considered a starch. Sigh, men!
Adam has a photo of Sullivan at the dentist's office--I will post it once I get my scrapbooking hands on it!

Patience is a virtue.

2008-10-08T20:08:00.000-05:00

But it turns out it is not one that I have!
Most people that are close to me know that I am not a patient person. I have never been one to be able to sit still or to wait. And, it turns out, I am still that way!
I am in the process of interviewing with Wells Fargo for a new job (yeah!) and my (potientially, hopefully!) final interview has been postponed for 3 weeks! There isn't enough time to have a final interview, do a background check, and give my current job 2 weeks notice (which is really important to me) so we have had to postpone things.
Ugh!!
I just hope that waiting pays off! I really want to start something new and fresh!
Pray that I am patient for the next 3 weeks! And then beyond--I assume being patient will help in other areas, too!

Nothing Much.....

2008-10-05T15:47:00.000-05:00

....I know I haven't posted anything for awhile. Things just haven't been that exciting lately!
Sullivan is behaving alright--well, as good as a three-year-old can!
Work is non-exciting; not terrible, not great.
I haven't scrapped in awhile--too many non-important, unnecessary things to do!
I spent most of the day on Saturday cleaning and doing laundry.
I know, you are all jealous of my cosmopolitan lifestyle!

I am getting my gallbladder taken out. I guess that is "news". It will be done lathroscopically(sp?) on October 16. It is a fairly minor procedure--same day surgery. I am going to re-coup with some friends in Chicago. I am pretty sure that a vacation is well overdue!

Maybe something exciting will happen this week--fingers crossed!

Another wedding....

2008-09-28T18:53:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Herzig!
I went to my friend, Pat's, wedding last night. It was really beautiful. He and Kristen were married at the Basilica in Minneapolis and the reception was at the Blaisdall Manor in south Minneapolis.
I took my friend, Leif, with me and we had a really great time! The food was awesome, there was an open bar (actually, three open bars!), and great music! It was a perfect night for a wedding--we were able to walk around outside a lot.
I am a little tired today and I can't wait to go to bed early--even though I did take a huge nap today!
Back to the daily grind tomorrow!

When I grow up I want to be like.....

2008-09-22T20:53:00.000-05:00

......Katie! Sullivan got a thank you card from her son, Caleb, today for the present we gave him for his birthday. Ok, the party was only a few weeks ago!! And the card was from Snapfish--so it was a really cute picture of Caleb with a cute message on the front and a personal message on the back. And Katie included some photos that she took of Sullivan at the party.
And did I mention that she did this while having a 9-month-old at home, keeping her house running, keeping her husband happy, and being involved in a thousand clubs?!?!? Yeah, she is amazing!
Thanks for the cute card, Katie!

Girls' Night Out!!

2008-09-19T22:27:00.000-05:00

Finally, tonight was Girls' Night Out! After a month of planning and anticipation, we had a night free from kids, boyfriends, husbands, work, and laundry!
I went out with Katie, Ana, Anne, Brittney, Erin, Ami, and Fran. (Feel free to check Katie and Brittney's blogs--the night was so much fun they are SURE to blog about it, too!) We went to PF Chang's for dinner and The Cheesecake Factory for dessert (hello, cheesecake is in the name of the restaurant--how could we NOT go there!).
If you need to know any dirt on these ladies, I now know it! And I am willing to part with it for a monetary fee. Or, ladies, I am willing to hold on to it for a larger monetary fee. Just kidding!
It was so much fun to be out and not worry about getting home to put Sullivan to bed or get home in time to work in the morning (even though I was home by 10 pm). Overall, very fun and definitely something we need to do again!
Thanks for a great evening, Ladies!!!!

Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Downey!

2008-09-14T20:28:00.000-05:00

I went to my friend's wedding in Alexandria this weekend. I drove up on Saturday morning with Sharon (left) and we stayed at her son's "cabin" (really a 3 bedroom house. Very nice!) for the night.
The wedding was really great--the bridemaid's dresses were really pretty, but, just like all wedding dresses, they will never be able to wear them again!
Jessica was absolutely gorgeous! Adam, her new husband!, couldn't stop smiling when she was walking down the aisle.
The reception was at Arrowwood and we partied with Tyler and Gigi (the other photo). We danced, drank wine and martinis, and had a great time. It rained all day except for a brief time--just enough to run into the church without getting wet! But don't they say getting rain on your wedding day is good luck?!

When I got home this afternoon I went out to pick up Sullivan and he asked me if it was time to go to the wedding. I guess Adam told him I was at a wedding this weekend and he wanted to know when he was going to get to go to the wedding. Ummmm, sorry, buddy! It was an "adult" party! Maybe next time, I tried to tell him. All he could say was, "I want to go to the wedding. When are we going to the wedding?"
Maybe next time......

Prayers, prayers, prayers...

2008-09-10T19:56:00.000-05:00

Please keep my mom's best friend, Mary, in your prayers. She was in a terrible motorcycle accident (she was riding the bike and was hit by a car) and has extensive injuries. She has a Caring Bridge site if you want to keep up with her story.
She is a really strong woman with a really strong family. Please keep her--and them!--in your prayers!!

Tag, I'm it!

2008-09-10T17:11:00.000-05:00

I never do these things when I get emailed them, but I thought it might be different if I do it on a blog! Enjoy at your leisure.....

I have been tagged by Sarah
1. Link to the person who tagged you
2. Post the rules on your blog
3. List 6 random facts about yourself
4. Tag 6 people at the end of your post
5. Let each person know they've been tagged by commenting on their blog
6. Let the tagger know the entry is posted on your blog

My 6....

1. I speak conversationally fluent Spanish. I spend about 80% of my day at work speaking in Spanish.
2. I went to Japan in college for 2 weeks.....with a gospel choir.
3. Even though I am closer to 30 than 20 I love to watch Road Rules/Real World Challenges on MTV.
4. I have always had a girl crush on Britney Spears--even through the wacky times.
5. I hardly ever clean the kitchen after I cook. My theory is if I cook then someone else cleans!
6. I miss Cullen a lot more than I let other people know.

I "tag" Brianna, Brittney, Kay, and Jen (yes, I do know how to count and I know it's only 4 but I don't care!).

The Terrible 3s

2008-09-08T22:38:00.001-05:00

Who is it that said 2s are terrible? It's really the 3s!!
On Sunday Sullivan had a breakdown because (prepare yourself for this, this is really bad!) I told him he couldn't go to the park until he ate dinner. He threw himself down, flopped about, kicked for floor for at least 10 minutes. I actually carried him (still screaming!) upstairs into his room because I couldn't deal with him underfoot while I was cooking dinner. Eventually he calmed down enough for me to get him to eat dinner (which he said was yummy...go figure!) and we went to the park.
This morning, my mom was taking him to school because I had to work early. She started to take off his jammies to put clothes on (something we do, obviously, every day!) and, again, he threw himself on the floor and threw a tantrum.
Umm, yeah. This sucks! Could I fast-forward to next year? Maybe things will be better then? Of course, then I would miss how cute Sullivan is when I put him to bed. After I sing him a song (lately it's been the Barney song, gross!) he reaches up to grab my neck because he wants me to snuggle, "just for one minute, Mommy". Sigh!! That makes it totally worth it!

My Best Shopping Trick!

2008-09-04T15:30:00.000-05:00

I just discovered a new trick for taking a 3-year-old shopping (which I don't recommend unless there aren't any other options!)...play "I Spy"! I took Sullivan to MOA yesterday after we visited a friend's new baby (so cute, by the way!). I wanted to stop at Old Navy because Sullivan doesn't have any pants that are long enough since he is growing so fast! Anyway, after stopping on the upper level and getting Sullivan some things I wanted to go downstairs to look at adult clothes. Luckily there is an escalator there because Sullivan is now obsessed with them! Back to the story.....Sullivan wanted to hide in the clothing racks, which caused him to bonk his face on something and start crying. So, in an effort to be able to look at clothes and get him to stop crying we started to play "I Spy". It was great! I got to look at shirts (since when did acid yellow become the "in" color this fall?) and jeans and all the other things Old Navy has. I love my new trick!
Feel free to use as needed!

And the obsession continues.....

2008-08-27T19:34:00.001-05:00

Well, here it is! My very own shrine to Michael Phelps. Well, it's not really a shrine so much as it's a 2 page spread :)
Two covers from SI, one front page for the StarTrib sports section, a few extra pics from random articles....I love it!
And, for those of you who are also "obsessed", did you know that you can order a plethora of Phelps' shirts here?
Yeah, it's pretty cool! I am comtemplating getting the "I heart Phelps" one.
And I have Phelps as the wallpaper on this laptop and I have taught Sullivan to recognize his picture. Yes, even my 3-year-old knows the best swimmer of all time:)

Things I never thought I would say/hear.....

2008-08-27T19:22:00.000-05:00

We went to the fair yesterday. When we were getting ready to leave home I asked him if he wanted to bring his smoothie in the car with us. He told me no because, "I don't want the cows to eat my smoothie. But I can bring my cars because cows don't eat cars."

Sullivan was a little wild last night after too much sugar at the fair. "Sullivan", I said, "please don't use your head as a weapon!"

In the middle of the night Sullivan work up and asked for cereal. At 3:45 am???? I got him a little bit and then he asked me to find his tractor. "Where is it?", I asked. "I put it under the covers in your bed to keep it warm.", he responded. Huh? Since when does a tractor need to stay warm?

I never thought being a mom would be this weird!!!!

Sullivan and Amelie

2008-08-25T21:38:00.000-05:00

Amelie and Bettina came over today to go swimming--good thing, too, since the summer is almost over and we have only used the pool a handful of times. Sullivan and Ame and so cute together! They don't get together very much, but, when they do, they are two peas in a pod. Or, in this case, two kids in a pool chair! And Ame is always more than willing to give Sully a kiss. Arranged marriage....hmmmm.....just kidding!
Those two are so close in size it is just hilarious to watch them running together and making up their own games. Yet another perfect summer day to enjoy friends and babies!!

Sullivan is Crazy!!

2008-08-25T21:32:00.000-05:00

So, it turns out that Sullivan is crazy (please hold all remarks about him being like his mother)!
He decided last night that he needed to wear his tie after his bath. And, no thank you, he did not want to wear jammies. So that left him in a Chippendale's outfit. Not really appropriate for a 3 year old, but really funny!
Then he added my sunglasses and started dancing to music (playing in his head!) and I had my very own Risky Business: the Preschool Years.
It was very funny!

All Done!

2008-08-24T20:01:00.000-05:00

I finished! My second scrapbook is done. This is the final page--a collection of photos of Sullivan and I together and a college of "love". I took the idea (like a lot of my ideas!) for a scrapbooking magazine, but I really like how it turned out. Now I need to buy another album and make more pages! Yeah!

What a weekend!!

2008-08-24T19:27:00.000-05:00

This weekend is why we live in Minnesota! It was perfect outside! Just about 80 degrees, a nice breeze, beautiful puffy clouds. Absolute perfection!
On Saturday we went to a wedding at the Peace Garden at Lake Harriet. Very nice and low key.
Today we went to our church picnic. I was in charge of fun and games (I know, shocking!). We had a sack race, a bubble gum blowing contest, a three-legged race, and a water balloon toss. Again, a perfect day!
And, this is a huge deal for me, I made grilled shrimp for dinner and Sullivan actually ate some! He is notorious for not eating dinner and home and especially not eating meat. To my surprise, he ate several shrimp and even passed up corn on the cob in order to eat more shrimp!

New layouts

2008-08-19T20:21:00.001-05:00

My Special Place....

2008-08-19T20:15:00.000-05:00

Have I mentioned how much I love my scrapbooking/stamping space? Obviously, I would much rather have Cullen back, but, in the midst of tragedy, I have received an amazing place. And I think about Cullen a lot there, and in really good ways. And it is such a restful place (although tonight Sullivan is watching Beethoven there, too, so that isn't so restful).

I have gotten 3 layouts done in the past few days. I will post them on a second post.

Mmmm....Michael Phelps!

2008-08-18T18:15:00.000-05:00

He did it! For those you you living under a rock, Michael Phelps went 8 for 8 in the Olympics last week--8 races (17 swims), 8 gold medals, 7 world records.
It can be said that I have been a little bit obsessed with Phelps for the past few days! Did you see the 4 x 100 freestyle relay? Jason Lezak passed Alain Bernard from France in the last few strokes to win for the Americans--it was really awesome!
This photo is from that win--and my favorite of the Olympics, thus far!

The Very First One!

2008-08-17T22:47:00.000-05:00

Ok, I never thought that I would do this, but, everyone else does, so why not me?!? Now, don't get me wrong, I really don't think that my life is that interesting, but I figure there must be someone out there that might want to know what I am up to!
And,so, without further ado, here is my first post......
I worked today (again), so that brings my total hours for the weekend to 20...ugh! Reason #235 why I hate my job right now! After leaving work (a little bit early!), I got home to an empty house :( and decided I should use it to my best advantage--time to scrapbook! I did two layouts, very simple. I will try to post pics tomorrow. Right now it is too late to try to do that!
Ok, off to Dreamland! And the start of another week!