People are Fickle

Its really crazy how quickly your feelings can change about things- or at least mine. If something that I feel is important, goes wrong, I'm in the depths of despair. And then a few hours later, something new happens and we're back on track, and I'm feeling great about things. People (or maybe just me) are really fickle. Our first renters fell through and yesterday I was so bummed. I met them last week and I felt they were great and I was just full speed ahead. Then last night they fell through and I was so bummed, and then today we have three more people looking...two are submitting applications.

And I realized that this is silly. That small things like that should not change my feelings, my security level, my demeanor. God has a plan. Get over it, sister. That's what I said to myself. And then I thought "No one has ever looked back on something and said 'geez, I really wish I would have worried about that more.'"

So anyway- just a few random thoughts this Friday. I'm off to get my dress tailored, find wedding shoes for Holden, a bow tie for Davis, and wrap up a few thing before the bachelorette today.

PARTY TIME. Hope I don't drunk blog. ;-)

Have a good one!

It's Not Work, It's Network

In Bennett's first out of college job he had to give a presentation on the topic of networking...he used the title "It's not work, it's network" and he's never been able to live it down. It really cracks me up- so I try to bring it up as much as possible. It's basically my raison d'être.

And I thought of it as a title for this post because basically over the past two days I've just been a networking machine. I don't even know who I am anymore! As a rule, I hate small talk and having meaningless or insincere conversations, so I hate networking. And I know what you're thinking- not all networking is insincere, but for the most part it is. I mean the definition of networking is:

the exchange of information or services among individuals, groups, or institutions; specifically : the cultivation of productive relationships for employment or business.

 

Networking always has an agenda- whether immediate or long-term. So I typically avoid networking situations at all costs, or I am the quiet (read: mute) one in the group when I am stuck in them. Can you imagine that? Me? Quiet? It's true. I really have to get to know people and feel comfortable before you get the full nelson version of Sam.  

But not this week, my friends. I just decided NOT to feel that way about networking. And since making that decision, I've reached out to, talked or connected with about 8 different people in or related to Minneapolis. I might become the mayor.

A while back I decided that June 1st would be my trigger date for starting my search to find a new gig- so I am all over the interwebs, looking for jobs and stalking people I want to meet. I'm trying to make it a game. I have two calls with people tomorrow- not interviews (they never post positions like mine- it's sort of unique) but just conversations- which I'm excited about.

Separately, I'm just trying to get through work today. I have tons of meetings...but all I can think about is Nikki's bachelorette this weekend. It's going to be so fun. We are staying at the Four Seasons, my mom, Nikki, Jodie and I. I'm dying to hang out with them and catch up with Jodie. Then on Saturday we'll hang out by the pool and then the group festivities start at 7 at Olive & June. It's going to be so fun. Also my mom's birthday is on Monday and then the wedding festivities begin next Thursday with Stand Up Paddleboarding. I don't know about all that- but I am being a good sport and I bet it will be fun. I just don't want to get burned or injured before the big day.

I need to have my dress tailored for goodness sake!!! EEK.

Okay, well hope you are having a good week. Let me know if you know anyone from Minneapolis- or if you are aware of anyone that has six or less degrees of separation from someone or something in Minneapolis. I'll call them. ;-)

Just Don't Feel That Way?

Sometimes a thought will ruminate in my mind for a while, show itself in a few different ways, just glimpses, before I realize it's a real thought that I am pondering. As I'm thinking about moving, and all the changes and challenges I will face, I think about exciting things and I also think about my fears. And sometimes, as I am thinking about my fears, I have this clear. short. thought: "just choose not to feel that way."

Scenario 1, part A: I find myself thinking: What if I can't find a great job and I feel like a total failure and I don't meet anyone and then I get depressed and I start to become really reclusive (like Hannah in GIRLS, season 2) and all I can think to do is cry and cut my hair until I look like her...or a cracked out version of one of the monkees?

Scenario 1, part B: Then I very abruptly think to myself "Just don't feel that way. Just DECIDE not to." And then I think "Yes. That's exactly right, Sam. Brilliant idea. Just don't feel that way. This is going to be a piece of cake."

Riddle me this- is that possible? And if it's possible, is it healthy? Part of me feels like "Well yes, certainly it is. Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you respond to it. Take control." And then I start to think about faith and God and how sometimes you find yourself in situations that you don't like because you need to have those experiences and feel those (sometimes horrible) feelings so you become the person that you need to be.

So I guess the summary of the thought in my head is- is it better to sort of flit through life deciding to stop being so damn precious about things? Or is it better to really FEEL things? All the time. Or is there some middle ground?

Listen, I'm sort of annoying myself with my editorial on my blog lately. Lots of whining and feelings about moving and I'm sure it's getting old to my readers. I get that I'm not being stuck on a work/slave ship for 10 years like Jean Valjean, or losing my child and facing a life of prostitution like Fantine...

I'm simply moving to another nice city (which was recently named the "fittest city" by USA Today) in the United States of America. I know. But, some of the most serious learning situations I have been in have been incredibly first world. And they have had impact, so I'm also trying not to belittle this move and the fact that I feel like I have a learning/growing period of time ahead of me.

It's weird when that happens- when you know you're about to deal with some stuff. It's sort of a creepy feeling, like you know you're about to walk around the corner and get freaked out by whatever is there...but that you will come out on the other side a better, more interesting person for it. And I want to be a more interesting person for goodness sakes. I want to squeeze this life like a lemon.

Anyway. That's what I've been thinking about.
Peace out.

First Last

I had my first last on Thursday when I went to get my haircut by Robert for the last time. I've been "seeing" Robert for over 9 years, so that was sort of a bummer. However, I cut about 3 inches and it feels great.

I took this selfie because I know it will never look the same again!

Holden still had a fever Friday so I stayed home with her and we just played and hung around until we took her back to the doctor that afternoon because she was just moaning and bracing in pain. It took us about an hour in the pouring rain to get to the doctor's office and then of course they said it was "just viral..."

Her face on Friday morning.
I mean, it's the saddest face you ever did see, right?

Saturday was really fun- we all went to the little gym in the morning and then Davis and Bennett went to see "Epic"- Davis' first movie theater experience. Bennett said he loved it- especially the fact that he was allowed to help himself to popcorn and candy.

After the movie, Davis kept trying to carry his sword on his back like the character in the movie. Bennett, whipped out some Home Depot refuse bags, some duct tape and some orange string and fashioned him the best little sword carrier to sling over his shoulder. Davis was beside himself. I was so impressed with Bennett's handy-ness.

FIERCELY excited.

That afternoon we met Honey in Johnson City and Davis went to sleep over at her house. He fell asleep on the way there and was really just knocked out tired. When I got back to Austin, Bennett, Holden and I went to Vivo for some margaritas. It was SO fun. Holden could not get enough of the beans and avocado. As you can see...

And then Bennett and I had a "GIRLS" marathon...and laughed until we cried. That show is un.real. We stayed up until 1:00 a.m. and then Holden treated us by sleeping in until 9:45. YES!

Sunday, we went to my mom's for the day and swam and grilled out- it was really nice! Davis didn't want to go home- he kept saying "Why can't I stay at Honey's?"

Headed to Honey's house!

Yesterday we went to the grocery store, we went swimming at the Y, and then we went over to Corky and B's for dinner. Such a fun memorial day weekend!

Holden wasn't much of a swimmer this weekend- she really preferred sitting on the side of the pool or walking around to find and try other people's shoes on.

It looks like he is screaming in pain- but don't worry- he's just screaming "CHEESE" at the top of his lungs.

So like I mentioned, with my "first last" I'm starting to think of all the lasts and I'm starting to feel a bit sad. But I'm also sort of laughing because I've thought of some pretty ridiculous lasts...like "oh, this is the last time I'll go to work on a Tuesday in May." Ha.

But really, it's getting real that we are moving in a month. One month left- and I know it's going to go quickly. The next three weekends are booked- and I know they will be fun- but it feels sad that they will go by so quickly...and then only two more weekends here.

And/but as sad as I am feeling- I am excited too. I just need to find a great job now. That's what I'm most anxious about. I know it will work out- I really do- I just need to be patient and have faith.

What it really comes down to though, is that I just don't want to feel sad there. Or lonely. And so I'm praying for God to prepare my heart and I'm also just trying to tell myself that it's a choice- that I can choose to make the best of it, be happy, be adventurous...but I almost fear being sad and lonely...because those are the WORST feelings in the world.

Anyway- just thinking aloud. Happy Tuesday.

Night Swimming

Holden still has a fever, and Davis still has a cough that is keeping him up throughout the night...but we had fun last night nonetheless. Honey was in town so after Holden went to bed, I asked Davis if he wanted to go night swimming. He was so excited. We got in the car and on the way to the pool he said "Mommy, I am so happy..."

We snuck into an apartment pool near our house and I told him we had to be so quiet and sneaky, which he thought was the best, even though no one was there. We swam and played around for about an hour and then, just like after each bath, he asked that I "wrap me up real tight mommy..." and then suggested we dry off on the lounge chairs.

While we were there a little boy who was 7 came and jumped in the pool. He was a pretty good swimmer and Davis noticed right away. He said "I want to swim like him..." and I said "Well then we have to practi-" but before I could finish, Davis had launched himself off the stairs to swim like his new friend. He is fearless.

Bennett got home at 2:00 a.m. this morning- poor guy- his flight was delayed twice. And then he had to sleep in Davis' bed because Davis was in our bed and Bennett kept snoring so loudly. 7:00 felt incredibly early, I'm sure, when little tiny Holden woke up, crying crying and feeling so badly. Welcome home, Bennett.

I say that in jest, I do feel bad that he isn't going to get any time to re-charge. I had to go to work early this morning and left him with one sick baby, a list of things that need to be done asap, and a reminder that the house has to be perfect because people keep showing up to see it.

But speaking of- I think we have our first application on the house! Hopefully it's a good, and qualified family. We'll get to take a look today. It would be nice to have that all wrapped up. We'll see, I guess.

So today I am getting my hair done after work, tomorrow we have a meeting with a new financial planner to get our stuff in order before the move, and then this weekend Davis is going to spend the night with Honey on Saturday and then Sunday we'll go to Fred to help my mom out with some things around the house and hopefully have time to swim and grill out. I'm hopeful that Holden will feel better- I'm hopeful that everyone will feel better. :) Hopeful, hopeful.

Okay so that is all for now...but first, do you like this new background design? Very Marimekko, I think.

May Pins

Because my last post was all text, here are some of my favorite pins as of late. How cute are these shoes? I know I would be so much faster in these.

And if I were to hypothetically get new shoes, Holden probably should too. Flats for babies?

I cannot get over this picture. I love it. I want to blow it up and frame it and hang it on my wall. 

I have a hair appointment tomorrow- I think I'm going to ask him to cut it like this. It's called a "long bob" if you are curious.

This necklace is amazing. Would be great with a dress or a white t-shirt and jeans. I LOVE it. 

I think I am going to try to replicate this in our house in Minneapolis. Love the wooden wall thingies and the use of the crates for boots and things. 

And I think this chartreuse piece is amazing. It's from Red and I sort of feel like I need it. Wish I knew someone there. (WINK)

And I love these flowers. I realized the other day that I am a person that always has fresh flowers. I love that. I love picking them, I love arranging them, I love admiring them. They don't usually look like this picture- BUT- I enjoy the pop of color and the freshness nonetheless.

 

Have a good evening. 

TTYL.

Under the Weather

On Monday I left work early to go to Davis' parent/teacher conference. When finished, I decided just to pick the kids up and have an extra hour with them vs. going back to work for 45 minutes then leaving to go get them again. Holden's class was outside and when I picked her up, her teacher was like "I just picked her up and she is very warm- so we were about to go inside..." I didn't think much of it, and then we met Carrie, Porter and Mary Mae at My Gym. Everyone had so much fun, and/but Holden remained red and hot most of the time we were there.

That night when I laid her down for bed, I realized she was still warm, and that it was in fact, a fever. So yesterday, I stayed home with Holden and I took Davis to school. Until they called me at 2:00 saying he didn't feel good and wanted to come home. Davis has been earning and saving his stars for a Woody or a Buzz Lightyear toy, so since he was feeling down yesterday, I took him to redeem his stars and he picked out this awesome Buzz Lightyear toy. We got home, and he was just dying to open it.

I opened it, Davis set him on the counter, and then he just sort of patiently waited. I wasn't sure what he was doing so I just said "Isn't he so cool? Do you like him, Davis?" He looked at me and said "Why doesn't he fly?" It was the cutest thing. He was just standing there waiting for him to take off into the sky like a true space ranger.

Yesterday was a LONG day. Two whiny/needy, sick kids, and very little patience on my part. I have very little patience right now. Especially with Davis. I need to work on it. He challenges EVERYTHING. And frankly, it just gets old. But I need to have big picture vision, not small.

Last night Nikki came over for a sleepover and that was an awesome break. Just to have someone to talk to that is above 3 feet tall. It's been too many consecutive weeks of Bennett traveling. Glad that will be slowing down now. Anyway- I went and worked out while she and Davis played, and then she did a fashion show for me- she ordered some new clothes for upcoming wedding festivities. We talked all about wedding stuff and it was just really fun. I will miss her so much in Minneapolis...but the best thing about a sister is that you always stay close. Things always stay the same.

And Honey came over today to watch the kids, instead of tomorrow, since they are both sick and I needed to get to work. What will I do without these people?

Anyway, need to catch up on work. Have a good day.

The Weekend in Review

1) I am on day 4 of 100 days of health and things are going really well. I can already feel a slight difference- so that is encouraging. I plan to give an update on my progress every 10 days.

2) We had a lot to do on Friday so I took both kids to school so we could prep the house for the real estate lady's photo shoot. We picked them up early and went to the Y to swim. It was so fun. I cannot tell you how much I love going to the Y. Feels like summer.

Aren't little tinies in swimsuits just the cutest thing? She is so brave in the water- saw the slide and wanted to go prontito. Her hair is sort of in a funny stage and I don't really know what you do- just leave it or trim it or what?? I put a little clip in this weekend but she and Davis were NOT having it. He would help her get it right out when she started to fuss.

Really he's quite strong...if you can't tell.

3) We got a lot done in the garage this weekend- though you wouldn't be able to tell by looking at it. Bennett took EVERYTHING down from the attic and we went through and made "keep, give, trash" piles.

4) Our house started showing yesterday and we've had three visits so far. I hope it leases quickly- it's really tough keeping a house spotless when you have two small people running around undoing everything you've just done.

5) I didn't make the Tune-Ups. And they didn't even inform me- which I think is bad form. I'm less disappointed than I thought I would be- more disappointed in myself really because I didn't even do a 2nd cut of the video. I just went with the first version, and I knew it wasn't that great. I mean, I had just been partying in an RV all weekend- I wasn't really up for it.

6) I think I'm going to try to get back into Yoga in Minne. My knee is giving me such trouble- it's been hurting on and off since I had surgery in 2004. It's gotten a lot worse lately. The other day Holden plopped her little 20+ lb. body right on it and I almost barfed it hurt so badly. I think it hyper-extended. Picture taken before the injury.

7) Saturday was fun- Courtney and I went to the pool and hung out for a couple hours- talked business, life, and drank rum punch (crystal light and rum). I decided to give myself a little relaxation since Bennett was leaving Sunday morning for Vegas.

8) Saturday night was fun too- we had dinner with Courtney and B at this fairly new sushi restaurant- Kome- and then we met up with more friends at a new bar on the East side called Whisler's. There was this creepy guitarist that kept sitting down at tables while he played- just staring at people while he strummed his chords. A real creeper if you ask me. Courtney and I were like "Please don't come to our table, please don't come to our table..."

9) Davis is having trouble staying in his bed again. OH MY LORD it's getting old. He has a really bad cough- so he wakes up a lot- and then feels the need to come wake me up. I took them both to the doctor yesterday- Davis' cough was so bad- and Holden was congested. I almost didn't include her in the visit, but good thing I did. The doctor said he thought Davis just has a cold, but Holden has an ear infection, so she is on antibiotics. That sweet thing smiled all day nonetheless.

Sticking our tongues out at each other while waiting in the Walgreens drive through.

10) My mom came over yesterday to help me out and hang out with me and we decided to brave the mall with Davis and Holden to help Nikki pick out wedding jewelry. We found some GREAT stuff. And it was a total shoe extravaganza for the beans. Holden got these cute little Keens, Davis got some new "Big Boy" crocs that he is quite proud of, and he also got some cute black converse for Nikki's wedding. He was quite disappointed when he couldn't purchase the flip flops he chose for himself and Nikki. That boy's style never ceases to amaze me. His brand (when it comes to fashion) is questionable.

Hope you had a great weekend. The weeks/weekends are flying by now. We have memorial day weekend coming up, then the following weekend is Nikki's bachelorette- Four Seasons here we come- then her wedding- then the beach- then it's two weeks till we move. CRAZY!

100 Days of Health

Yesterday, my facebook post was "TOMORROW is the first day of the rest of my life..." Why? Because I've started fresh today. I'm not going to wallow in my mixed feelings about moving, I'm not going to put off getting in the health and shape I want to be in, I'm not going to go back and forth between telling myself "hey girl, don't stress out. life is short." or "self, you've really let yourself go."

Today I began what I have coined: 100 Days of Health. Since I made this program up- I also made all of the accompanying guidelines and opportunities.

The primary focus of this program, for me, is weight loss and fitness. Feeling good about myself, being able to stop thinking about getting back to my "normal weight", etc. However, this is not the only goal or objective of "100 Days of Health". There are other things that I have decided I want to pay more attention to, when it comes to healthy, beauty and wellness. Now, you might be thinking "Sam, there are more important things than the physical, and I wholeheartedly agree...but I have other initiatives for that. THIS is about the physical. So anyway, back to the point.

I'm 32. I have gone through the first 32 years of life barely washing the makeup off my face- gross, I know, but it's the truth. So, in an effort to take better care of my skin, I have recently started a new face wash regimen- simple 3 steps- and I am already noticing improvement. In addition to this, I am purchasing a Clarisonic MIA (on ebay- a really great deal, new in box) to help keep my skin looking youthful. Lets face it, we're not getting any younger.

I tried my friend's recently- and it was amazing. Also I pinned one on pinterest and I got so many comments raving about this tool. Anyway- I'm a grown up and it's time I started treating my face this way.

The second, and the most involved part of this commitment is about food. I am doing Weight Watchers all the way. Nothing will go in my mouth without being tracked. And in the way of Weight Watchers, I will remember that one mistake is one mistake, but making one mistake a reason to just fall of the wagon is quite another. Also, I've upped my weight loss goal. This is a psychological thing. So much of it is psychological, right? I've been trying to lose 10, maybe 15 pounds, and so in the back of my mind I've been like "That ain't no thang. When I get around to doing it for real, this will take like a hot minute." So instead- my new goal is 25 pounds. So I have to be consistent. Slow and steady wins the race.

The third is about fitness. I am hopeful that due to the better weather (in the summer) in Minne, we'll be outside more, and be more active. This will help. But I also plan to frequent the YMCA 3 times a week and try out a yoga studio when I get there.

For 100 days, I will do these things. And yes, I'm sure I will waiver...but I will focus not on mistakes, but on RESOLVE. WHO IS WITH ME???

In other, unrelated notes. I have yet to hear back from The Tune Ups. As my magic 8 ball would say: Outlook not so good. ZOINKS.

Buds

I could spend a paragraph telling you about the personalities of Davis and Porter, or you could just look at this picture. They are like ying and yang. Brain and brawn. (Mom, yes, Davis is incredibly smart, but when they get together, its Porter that has the sneaky ideas and Davis that executes them).

They are buds and I love how much Davis talks about Porter. I think if it's warm enough this weekend we'll try to see if the Ryans want to go to the YMC to go swimming. We went so many times last year, and ONE time when we were there, we had to leave after about 15 minutes because a little boy pooped in the pool. Davis remembers this like it was yesterday and talks about it any time we discuss going swimming-whether it's at the YMC or otherwise. Poop memories die hard.

Last night, a few of us went out for Carrie's birthday to this adorable little restaurant called Lenoir. It is for sure the cutest little restaurant in Austin. And I say little because it's TINY. Like one small room, with incredibly limited seating. Here are some pictures...

It's like the ultimate girl restaurant. And I think I will definitely go back there for drinks out on that back patio- it's amazing. They spray painted these giant tree trunks white and laid them on the ground for seating...and they took basic steel tubs and spray painted them white and filled them with flowers. SO cute. The menu was about a 5 for me out of 10. The salad course was TO DIE FOR- an heirloom tomato salad, but then I could have done with something different for the 2nd and 3rd course. But we had the best time celebrating Carrie's birthday. We laughed so hard throughout the dinner. I will miss that a lot over the next year or so.

Oh also, RV update. So our friends who borrowed the RV last weekend are so hooked on RV living that they have spent most of their evenings eating and hanging out in the RV this week. Isn't that so funny? Also, last night I was like "So guys- what should we do this Saturday night? I have a sitter...and everyone was like "Lets hang in the RV!!!" We are hooked.

Speaking of this weekend- it's going to be a busy one. We have so much to do on the house before being able to put it on MLS to lease (the lady is coming tomorrow to take pictures and you can't believe how much we have to do tonight to make it ready for that) and then I'm thinking that if people are already calling on Sunday to come see it- maybe I'll just take the kiddos and get out of the house for the day. Not sure yet. So much to do.

Bennett leaves for his annual conference in Vegas on Sunday and then he doesn't really travel again until late June. That will be nice- April and May are always the busiest months- so I'm glad they are almost over...but then we move. Which feels crazy. But I'm also excited to set up a new house and things like that. And I'm excited to have a non-Texas summer...and a non-Texas fall. It's just the winter (and by winter I mean January through May) that I am dreading. Maybe it won't be so bad.

Anyway, happy Thursday!

Snapshots

Not much to say today- enjoy these snapshots of the beans!

On the way to school today- he was NOT going to look at the camera. This was the best one I could get. He looks so big to me these days.

Also on the way to school today- and it's not hard to get her to smile. This is actually a small smile.

This is more like her typical smile. And she is so happy because she is eating a hot dog. Girlfriend can eat anyone her size under the table. It's unreal.

The Coachmen

I always say we have the best friends ever- and we really do. This weekend, 12 of us went to Fredericksburg for a final hurrah before we move to Minneapolis. Knowing us the way that they do, our friends knew we would think it was absolutely amazing to travel via a 40 foot RV, known as The Coachmen. If I had a dime for every time someone said "I never want to travel any other way..." I would be rich.

We drove out of town Friday night, rain was pouring, music was blaring, and we began playing games and mixing cocktails. We got to Fred and parked the RV at my mom's house and walked down Main street to get some pizza. After that, we had a couple bottles of wine at Lincoln Street, and then, what party would be complete (with my friends, anyway) without a strobe-lit dance party. In the RV. We pumped the jams and danced until 4:00 a.m. Imagine driving down a side street in small town Texas, seeing a 40 foot RV lit with a strobe light, just bouncing due to the 12 ADULTS in it partying down.

We were all moving so slowly due to headaches and random dance party injuries- I'm amazed that the boys made it to the golf course and that the girls made it to the nail salon. But we did, and while Allure Nails is not the Barton Creek Spa, it was very relaxing.

Later that day, a few of us went out to Becker Vineyard. It was so beautiful out there- I'm so glad we went. And then that night we ate at Crossroads Steakhouse and they had the best band playing- it was like a wedding band that played everything from oldies to Kanye West. We danced and danced again- made friends with some of the locals- and one of my girlfriends had a dance off with another girl there- of course she (my friend, Brooke) won.

Its really rare in life to find such like minded people. I think its especially rare when you really value your faith, and/but you don't take life SOOOOOO seriously. We are lucky to have found a community of people here that are fun, silly, kind, intelligent, driven and hugely creative. I'm so thankful and I'll be so looking forward to their visits while we're gone and then hanging out with them all the time when we move back!

Will post pics later.

Self Critical

I am, as a whole, usually not that critical of myself. I mean, I push myself hard at work, and I focus on being the best person I can be in my relationships, so for the most part, I know I'm doing my best.  I am not that person that has ever been like "Gosh, I wish I was prettier. I wish I was skinnier. My hair isn't very shiny. I wish I was smarter. My skin could be smoother..." I've really sort of liked myself...if that makes sense.

I think maybe that is something unique about me. Right or wrong- I'm pretty kind and forgiving of my shortcomings. Except lately. I don't know why but all of the sudden I am feeling so self critical. Just about everything about me physically could be/should be different. And sometimes even beyond the physical/image-driven. It's really not a very fun phase.

Or maybe it's what I need to really push myself to get back to what I think of as my "normal weight". In the past, when I've thought of things that I don't exactly love, I've been like "Yes, but..." and reminded myself of the great things that I am or do have. I'm having a harder time doing that lately.

Maybe it's my age. I noticed some gray hair a few weeks ago and it floored me. What the heck?
I don't even think Nikki has gray hair and she is 4 years older than me.

Anyway. I'm not looking for compliments. This blog is about chronicling my life -the great and the lame phases. And this is the phase I'm in.

BLECH. NO FUN.

On my mind

No rhyme, no reason to this post, just sharing what's on my mind.

It feels good to tell people we're moving. It's been weird living with such a big secret for 2-3 months. Everyone at work has been so encouraging- telling me what a great and creative city it is- telling me they will put me in contact with people they know in the business. And many people have said this "Well, you have the chops and the credibility...why don't you consult?" I take that as a huge compliment and it's certainly making me consider it. I'm not sure exactly how to do that since I don't have any sort of network there- but I think I will look into it with all the other ideas.

I think there are many directions I could go, work-wise, and while I'm thankful for that...and while it's cool...it's also overwhelming. I am going to finish my portfolio this month and then start contacting people. I will say this- people are helpful in Minneapolis. I reached out to this girl that I saw had viewed my profile on LinkedIn, just to ask her about her job and her company, and she was so incredibly helpful and just took the time to chat with me about whatever- even though there aren't any positions right now. That's really kind.

I am SO sore from our workout last night. SO sore. Feels sort of good.

Poor Davis had a really rough night last night. We were playing outside and I was encouraging him to jump off the deck into the grass. It's about two feet off the ground- so I figured it was harmless- but then I had this weird feeling, or almost visualization of him breaking his ankle or something, and sure enough, on the next jump, he hit the ground and immediately started crying. He didn't break his ankle, but he did hurt his foot, and is limping a bit. About an hour later, he tripped over a chair and fell face first into the window ledge and now has a purple bruise on his cheek. It looked like it hurt. Poor guy.

Today over lunch I am meeting with a realtor who will lease our house. I'm sort of dreading it and I can't figure out why. I don't feel like I am especially sad about that- but sometimes these things are hidden down deep. I don't pretend to understand the inner workings of the mind and soul.

I am SO excited about this weekend. My mom is coming to keep the kids at our house- and a few of our closest friends in Austin (and Kirsten, in San Antonio) are going to Fred for a last hurrah weekend. I'm going to ignore the purpose of the trip and party balls. I just got an email from Carrie and they are planning all sorts of fun things. It makes me feel like one million bucks.

Bennett visited a daycare in Minne yesterday and thought it was really great- that is hugely helpful. One of his friends there- who has kids the same age as ours is going to start their kids there- so they went together. I bet they looked like two gay men. Ha.

Tonight we have community group- I'm excited for that. My mom is coming since Bennett is out of town. I will SO miss seeing her every week. But I will still see her a lot and this is SHORT TERM. It's an adventure.

I need to record and send in my Tune Ups audition tape this weekend. OMG.

Here is a picture of little miss. Sleeping HARD last night. She is getting so big and I want her to stay small forever. :-/

Have a happy Wednesday.

Big Day

Today, we are telling people at work that I'm moving. Crazy. Starting to feel really real. Also, this morning, Holden's teacher said "I heard Holden isn't coming back next year..." so then I told her too and I'll email Davis' teachers as well.

Here is what is funny...every time I tell someone...they say "Oh wow- it's SO. COLD. THERE." Next time someone says that I'm going to act surprised and be like "Really? I heard it's like the Phoenix of the Midwest. Hmm. That's weird."

I KNOW IT'S COLD.

Separately, here are some pictures from the day we went to the Camp Mabry open house with the Ryans. Davis and Porter were in heaven. And Holden was a great sport, considering we cut right through her naptime.