My Interview Questions

I decided to play along with Jessica's interview questions. See my responses below and follow the directions if you want to play along.

1. What is the best part about motherhood so far?
Knowing that Ryan and I have created the best little guy on the planet. No matter how bad my day is or how much I don't feel like "being a parent," Miller is, and going to be, a fabulous little guy. He makes me smile no matter what.

2. If you could ensure that your child has one experience that you have had yourself, what would you want it to be and why?
The sense of responsibility. My parent's encouraged me to be an individual and take responsibility in life. That meant chores, choices, jobs, and education. I learned what it was like to earn a dollar and how much more satisfaction you could draw when you worked hard to earn a reward. They also let me make choices, good or bad, and supported me. I hope to provide Miller with these same opportunities and lessons in life.

3. If income weren't a factor, what would be your "dream job"?
This is easy compared to the last two. I would be a choreographer for a major ice show.

4. What is your best memory of ice skating?
I have many great memories but my best would be after helping my students achieve their goals (whether that be pass a test, place well in a competition, or master a new skill). Seeing them enjoy the sport allowed me to experience those great times over and over again.

5. If you had to spend one weekend in a single store, but could remove nothing, which store would you pick and why?
Hmm...this one is tough. Maybe Tiffany's would be the store. The reason would be that although I would love to wear the jewelry, I know leaving it behind would not be a big deal. I don't need the materialistic goods but it would be fun to be draped in millions of dollars. Plus, then I could realize that a 14 carat ring is just too darn big to wear to work!

To play along:
1. Leave me a comment saying, "Interview me."
2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. (I get to pick the questions).
3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview others in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

Graduation

Our university holds two commencements, one in the winter and one in the summer. The winter one is in Miami and the summer one is in Chicago. They combine it with our faculty retreat. I was unable to attend the retreat this year do to some big stuff going on at the office but made it down to Miami for graduation.

Although I dreaded the drive and didn't want to sit through another ceremony, it is still fun and inspirational once it's underway. This year John Legend was the keynote speaker. I know...seems weird until you hear what he had to say. He tied overcoming obstacles, life, hard work, determination, and support from family, friends, and faculty all into one.

We also had a keynote student speaker. She had a very touching story and it brought tears to my eyes. All students overcome obstacles to achieve their education and the morning was filled with examples. It made me proud to support the families and students who traveled to Miami to attend their graduation. Plus, who can't listen to the graduation music and get a little teary eyed?

This must be why I do what I do on a daily basis. It makes the extra hours worth it to see the students and their family so proud.

Two Sides of the Coin

This morning, Miller had a blowout. I was wearing a white shirt and thought to myself, "How typical. Miller's poopy morning is going to forecast my day." Then I thought, "Today should be a good day. I cleaned him up without getting any poo on myself."

Fast forward to work being almost over. The positive outlook didn't carry over throughout the day. I seemed to have stumbled into a poo filled day. I am in a foul mood and am shutting down tonight. Exercise and good tv. That's the plan for this evening.

Stupid Stars

The stars are not aligned in my favor. I worked hard last night, worked hard all day, left at 5:15 so I could make it home to go to dinner at a friend's house and then this is my night:

• Teething kid who didn't want to eat his normal food.
• Husband who seemed cranky at me.
• Good dinner but interupted with my desire to get home and finish some more work and put the kid to bed.
• Blackberry ringing off the hook-typical. Seminar issues and system slowness. Hop on a call bridge, not accomplish anything I needed to do for work tonight.
• Too overwhelmed to actually do any work now. Decided to blog.

Now I am throwing in the towel and going to bed. I can't do this any longer. Good night!

Stress Level

I haven't posted about my stress level or work in a long time so this is way over due. I don't know where to begin but I am severly stressed and borderline panic attack seasoned with a touch of apathy. I feel so overwhelmed that I am paralyzed and can't get anything done.

I am looking forward to the next couple months as my new position and reorganization of our department should improve things. It's the current work load topped with all the new things I need to do to better our department that has me in a tizzy. Not to mention, I can't seem to get ANYTHING done. I hop from meeting to meeting, project to project, email to email without really finishing what I start.

The cardinal rule would be to block time to work (doesn't work-it gets booked over with other "emergencies"), limit my meetings (hard to do with no one else to represent our team), and delegate (which usually means more time fixing or triple explaining things). I started off the new year with a positive attitude and game plan. I haven't followed through on hardly any of it. So, rather than wallow in my pity, I am getting ready to work a few more hours tonight to knock some stuff off to ease the pain.

I am in Chicago next week to train in a new employee (yay! I hope she rocks) and will be there when we have two major projects go live. Wednesday night will probably be an all nighter as we have to take a system down and switch our email provider. I do not have a good feeling about it and know that even if I don't have to be up, I will not be able to sleep and listening for updates on the progress throughout the night.

After that, it's a week and a half and then we are off on a cruise. Ryan and I haven't been away from the baby since he was born (together) for an extended period of time (or even over night). Also, we haven't had a vacation in almost 2 years. Maybe it's been less than that but it feels like forever. No phone, no blackberry, no email, no baby...I can't wait. Granted, I think I will worry about Miller and wish I could check in but I know he will be ok with Grandma and Grandpa. It's probably them I am more worried about.

Enough wasting time...time to get back to work.

Mom and Miller Weekend

Miller and I have had a pretty good weekend together. He has another cold (or the snottiness is related to teething again) so it makes him a little more cranky than usual. In Miller terms, that totals 5-10 minutes of crying so I can't complain. He's like his mother though, zero to full out tears in .2 seconds without a warning.

He has become more mobile and discovered the magazines under the coffee table at our house and on Jess and Jerry's end table. Time to start babyproofing the house!

He enjoyed being the only boy at the girl's wine and cheese party last night. The little show off was too funny trying to charm the ladies with his drool. Plus, he and Scooter got to play and share toys. Now what little boy wouldn't love playing with a dog and getting attention from the ladies? He definitely had more fun staying home with me than he would have if he went with the boys.

Typical

Last night I worked until 10:30 and then decided I need to "wind down" and watch some tv. I figured Miller was wiped out from a week at DC and would sleep in past 6am. WRONG. He was up before Annie today. 5:25am the cry "Hey, I'm awake in here" burst out and then it was the "Mom, Dad, can you hear me? I am thrashing, talking, and making lots of noise so you come and get me." Even Annie didn't want to get up quite that early.

We have had one round of breakfast. Usually Miller drinks his bottle and then fights eating his cereal. We let him sit and 10-15 minutes later he decides it's the best thing since sliced bread (which he doesn't know about quite yet).

Is it wishful thinking he will take a nap earlier today or for a longer period of time? Probably. At least I will get some chores done and possibly some more work.

Oddities

Do you consider either of these scenarios odd?

1) At the gas station today, a guy asked me if I wanted to buy a fruit cup. He was driving one of those lunch trucks that is refrigerated that they sell food out of. I had to look around to determine he was actually addressing me. When I realized he was talking to me, I politely declined. Before you know it, he's showing me a fruit cup and telling me how the gas station attendant buys one every day. I don't know about you but I can't remember the last time I struck up or participated in a conversation with someone at the gas pump. Is this odd to anyone else?

2) My grown ass husband was working like a busy beaver last night to make what I deemed a "mixed tape" for his "boyfriends." You see, he was put in charge of creating the "soundtrack" for the bachelor party weekend he was attending. I just thought it was strange that he would spend that much time figuring out what songs to load and the order they were put in. Hopefully the boys enjoy it because he spent way too much time doing this. Does anyone else see this is an odd thing?

My Little Hustler

We woke up to a cold front in Florida. It was in the 40's this morning. Miller needed a hat to go to DC (school) so Ryan had to dig out a stocking hat of his own. Tell me my little hustler isn't the cutest 7 month old you have ever scene!?!

Yeah, he knows he's cool. Dad better watch out. Soon Miller will be the king of this house. Is it me or does he look like he's 5 years old in this picture?

Before and After

When we first bought our house, we decided to tackle the bathroom because it was the smallest room and had peeling blue and white wallpaper. Well, as first time home owners, we were stupid and didn't realize that the bathroom is the second most expensive and difficult room to fix. We cut corners by only painting and not replacing the vanity, mirror, or lovely gold fixtures.

I really like how we decorated it but that was 6 years ago and after 3 months of watching HGTV while on maternity leave, I had an itch to cover the purple and upgrade. I sweet talked my mother and sister into buying new accessories for my birthday and Christmas presents and then persuaded Ryan to do the manual labor. Normally, a project like this would take us a week or two because after work because we would both work together to knock it out. With Miller going to bed at 7pm and his room being next to the bathroom, we only had time on the weekend (or should I say only Ryan had time on the weekend?). Here are the before and after shots. I didn't get very good new ones because I am too short. Check Ryan's blog for more as I am sure he will update it with his new masterpiece.

Before: note the mirror with frosted glass and flowers along with the gold fixtures.

And the pretty lights...

After: new oil bronze fixtures, shower curtain, paint (you can't tell but it's cream on top and a sand texture bottom in browns).

New marble counter top...

New lights!

I will try to get some better ones up soon but let me just say this; "I love it! Thank you Ryan!"

Day Off Plans

This has been a fairly relaxing weekend. Today I need to wash clothes, put my bathroom back together (Ryan is adding the chair rails and base boards today, then we are complete until the tub people come), and write another review for work. Other than that, it's going to be a lazy day. I am caught up on magazine reading, watching taped tv shows, and general cleaning. Ah...maybe I can get some book reading in today.

Happy MLK Day!

Addicted

I have to fess up, I am addicted to facebook. I have avoided creating an account like the plague for this main reason. I didn't want to be one of those people that check it every day. I thought reading blogs was enough of a time drain. Here's a couple observations that I thought I might share and see if anyone agrees.

1) The layout for FB is annoying and drab.
2) It's hard to navigate and easy to get lost (I need bread crumbs people).
3) Where are my info pods or tool tips? Give me a rollover that tells me what the hell I am doing.

Now, many of you tech savvy people might think I am nuts and plain ol' stupid but I have been working with our user interface group at work and I have really beefed up my "best practice" skills for website design. I think this site has a ways to go in some features but in others, they are setting the standard. Oh well...time to go see who is my newest friend and who wrote on my wall.

It's Official

A while ago I posted about my work dilema. Should I take a new job at a sister company or stay with my current company? I was torn and on the fence for several reasons. Then the offer came for the job with the sister company and I had to laugh. Granted, it carried a substantial raise from my current position but not substantial enough to make me leap at the offer. The drama then followed with my company giving me a better offer (no mention of pay increase) but the career path was better, the reporting structure was better, and I have to tell you, they made me feel wanted again. So, after meeting with way too many executives, VPs, and HR, I made my decision to stay where I am. One of the main reasons is because I knew deep down I would be bored with the other job within 6 months to a year.

Today I met with my boss and he told me it was official and my pay was bumped up about 5K more than the other job's offer (can't complain about that). The only bummer in the whole situation is I know that if I took this position as an outsider, they would pay me more. I also know several of my peers make more money, have less responsibility, and honestly suck at their job. So, when told the salary, I told my boss this. Well, I told him I knew I would make more if I came from the outside and that my peers made more money, is this negotiable? He said "No." I said "Ok, thank you." I didn't mean to be ungrateful but they do walk all over me.

Hopefully with my new boss, we will put some measurements and goals in place. If I meet or exceed, I would hope to see a promotion or substantial raise next year. I am NOT holding my breath. My current boss claims I am would be ready for a promotion. I think he's smoking crack and saying that to keep me interested but a girl can hope.

I am official now. The announcement should be made in the next week or so. I don't care, my pay is retroactive for....wait for it...the last 4 days! Again, what a whopping difference. Thank you upper management. Forget that I have been doing this job for 5+ months. I love corporate America.

BTW, I am not ungrateful. I am pretty darn happy and lucky that this is working out so well when others are happy to keep a job. I just have to vent about the fact I know I am still getting screwed. Oh well. Money talks and that extra money will help Miller's future school fund.

Millerific Day

Miller had quite the day today. He got up early and went to Target with Dad (tried out his shopping cart cover). Then he played in his room by himself. Yep, toys all over the place and a happy baby in the middle. He rode on his rocking elephant, played with all the toys he owns, and took a few naps. One was in the big bed with me. He even played Dad's guitar this afternoon.

The only bummer was he had an explosive poop today. With the new veggies and more sitting time, he now has diaper rash. We have been watching it and trying to prevent it but tonight it looked pretty sore. He hasn't complained about it but it's red and bumpy :(

He also bounced to his hearts content. In fact, he bounced so much he wore the skin off his big toe. His daycare lady is going to wonder what we do to him on the weekend! He definitely had a good weekend and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is beginning to seem like less work and more fun. I can't wait until we can "do" more things together.

Crawling?

I am at a debate as to whether you could define Miller's mode of transportation as crawling. The kid can move all over the place but it's not the traditional army crawl. He's got the motion but he can't get his legs under him to propel him forward (that and wood floors are a bitch for traction). He uses a combo of rolling, scooting, flopping, reaching, and something I can't quite describe. I need to attach a swiffer sheet to him or some double sided tape so he can mop up the dog hair on the floor. Then he would officially help clean on the weekends.

As for today's chore list; I picked up the house, dusted, swept, washed the kitchen floor and ran some errands. All of the babies in the house (Annie, Jazzy, and Miller) have food. It's poor Ryan and I that need some groceries. Ryan worked on my vanity/sink. He put the back splash on and hooked the faucets to it (they are so beautiful!). He is finished spackling and sanding from what I have observed and some primer went up today. Tomorrow will be the official priming and possibly first coat of paint on the upper half of the walls. I can't wait to get it done. It is going to look so nice.

That's about it. Later gator!

Northern Wear

I am back from a couple days in snowy Chicago. The weather wasn't too bad. I actually enjoyed it a little. It was in the 20-30's with some flurries. I couldn't resist posting these pictures because Miller is such a little lumberjack. I theme these his "northern wear" clothes. Thanks Grandma Joann and Auntie Bridget.

Random Download

This post is going to be a random download of updates.

Snotasaurus: Miller is still snotty but slept through the night Saturday. I think it's a combo of a cold and teething. He has fluids running from his nose and his mouth. He's like a faucet. At least they are clear fluids...

Unofficial Stats = Upgrade: Miller doesn't have a 7 month check up so we took our own unofficial measurements today. He weighed in at 22.5 lbs and was 30 inches. With these stats (and the fact that he doesn't fit in his car seat) we ventured to Babies R Us for a new car seat. Ryan did the research (thank you!) so we just had to pick between two when we got to the store. Of course, the one we picked doesn't fit in his truck. I have given my car up and will now be driving the truck on a daily basis. This isn't working with my master plan to get a new car. Argh!

Bathroom Redo: Ryan worked hard over the past couple days. The walls have been stripped, spackled, and sanded. There are a few trouble spots he needs to work on but it is looking better. He had to rewire where the main light will go and he had to fix the hole where the medicine cabinet will sit. We picked out and purchased the medicine cabinet, vanity, sink, new lights (above the cabinet and ceiling fan/light), the accessories, and one of the paint colors. The other paint will get picked up later this week. We also ordered our faucets and had the bath "re-fitter" come and take measurements. That's ordered up and will be here sooner than later (we hope!). So far, *please be the only glitch* was that when he took out the old sink, the water wasn't turned off (he thought it was because the spout wouldn't turn) and we had a hot water explosion. We thought we got it all up in time but some of it seeped through the wall and ruined about 7-8 floor boards in the hall. Luckily we have some left over so after the plumbing is complete, Ryan has a few boards to replace :(

Work Appraisals: I got my self appraisal completed this weekend and 2 out my 3 employees. The third one would have been done if the employee had filled it out right.

Work in General: Last week I got most of my 2009 prep work done and caught up on a lot of outstanding items. I am not fully where I wanted to be but I am in better standings than before Christmas. This week is going to be hectic. I am booked solid, fly to Chicago Tuesday morning (6 am flight-yuck!) and back Wednesday night (I think I get in between 9 or 10pm pending weather). I need to meet with HR about the job situation. I got the offer for the new company but there have been a lot of changes at work over the past week. I need to know what's going on to make an informed decision. Not looking forward to that dilema but I know what I want to do. Unless they tell me something earth shattering, I know my next steps.

Exercise and Lifestyle Change: So far, I have done pretty well. I have been walking almost every night. I mapped my routes out tonight. My one loop is just barely over a mile. The other is about a mile and a quarter. The third route is slightly over a mile and 3/4. I can make a combo to be just over 2 also. I have increased my H2O intake and decreased my Dt. Coke intake. I went several days without one. I cut back on drinking too. The other good thing is Ryan bought some veggies for with meals. We have been eating better balanced meals again. I would hope with these changes I will see some fat take a hike. I know I will need to step up the exercise a bit more but I didn't want to go all out the first week. Whenever I do that, I quit a week or two later.

I think that's about it for updates. Time to go sit down and relax for a bit before the work week starts.

Attack of the Snotasaurus

We have been really lucky with Miller. He's had a few colds and that's about it. Well, last night the snotasaurus came with a vengence. It woke him up at 12:30 or so and we had to perform some tender loving care on his nose. I say this in jest as it usually sounds like we are killing him when we suction out his nose. It was the miracle combo of saline, suction, and vicks with some rocking that got him back to sleep. The poor little guy produced more snot in the last 8 hours than Ryan or I in a week with a cold. I can't wait until he learns how to blow his own nose. Despite the snots, he's in a pretty darn good mood.

Time to help Ryan with the bathroom. It's moving along. I think having me share a bathroom with him is helping speed up the process. ;)