Friday Thoughts

Is everyone else feeling particularly overwhelmed?  Work always has me stressed, but throw in the holidays and I’m just feeling exhausted by all that needs to get done.  Wednesday, for example, I woke up at 5am and arrived home at 10:15pm.  Ugh.  Three weeks.  I need to survive three weeks and then I’m off for the remainder of the year.

Tuesday, I attended clinic with A.  I haven’t gone with him in awhile so I was happy I was able to make this one.  The good news is it was a boring clinic visit.  His lung function is stable.  YAY!!  We’re working on trying to get A a portable vest.  A’s really great about doing his therapy vest every day, but I think the portable vest would allow him to do it more often and for a longer time.  Fingers crossed that insurance agrees to it.

Wednesday, aka the longest day ever, I had a work team building event.  We tried curling.  Holy moly is it way harder than it looks.  I definitely fell, but I’d love to go again.  I told A we should join a curling club.  I don’t think he took me seriously.

Saturday, we are celebrating W’s 6^th birthday.  I can’t even believe he’ll be 6 in a few weeks.  It makes me sad.  Miss my little babies.

The work chaos (still need a new job) and cold weather have me dreaming of spring break.  I’d love to go west – California or Arizona.  I’m not sure a trip will happen, but a girl can dream.

Happy Friday!

Thanksgiving Week Recap

I should’ve completed a blog post last week because we did so much in a short period of time!

I ended up taking a half day on Monday and then took Tuesday and Wednesday off.  I really needed a break and I’m so thankful for extended time off with family.

Monday, A and I attended a conference with W’s teacher.  If you’ve read this blog, you know that conferences give me anxiety.  Ha.  But I really like W’s teacher and the conference went great.  W is doing wonderfully.  I expressed concern that W’s shyness may be hindering him socially.  His teacher told me that he was beginning to talk more and she thought that would continue to improve.  She joked that he'd never have to move his name down on the behavior chart.  We’ll continue to work on W's writing.  His teacher gave us some paper and a grip for W's pencil and as soon as W saw it, he began practicing.  Very proud of him.

Tuesday, A had to work and then had his own parent teacher conferences until late.  I knew the boys and I had to get out of the house.  We met my mom for juice and coffee at Starbucks and then headed to a local wildlife center.  We enjoyed seeing lots of reptiles there along with an owl and a bobcat.  From there, we headed out for a late lunch at one of our favorite pizza restaurants.  We ended the night with microwave popcorn and Frozen – which neither of the boys really liked.

Remember when I fell down the stairs?  Well, this is what my leg looked like by Wednesday.  Don't fall down the stairs.

Wednesday, our 4^th annual Kindness Day!  This year, we donated clothing to a family who were victims of a fire.  We went through the Starbucks drive thru and bought coffee for the car behind us and left a tip for the baristas.  We handed out gift cards at Target.  We left goodies out for our delivery people.  We left a sweet note and an extra tip for our waitress.  We sent a card to a family member.  And finally, we left treats and gift cards for our mail lady and sanitation workers.

Thursday, Thanksgiving at Nani and Papa’s house!  The boys helped me make mac and cheese and onion dip.  Forget the turkey, I love the apps and the sides.  So yummy.  The boys had so much fun running around with their cousins and holy moly were all those kids loud.  But honestly, it warmed my heart.  They love their cousins.  We finished off the night with bingo and popcorn.

Friday, shopping!!  I do most of my shopping online, but my mom doesn’t even own a computer.  It’s been our tradition to head to the mall and then meet up with the boys for lunch.  I need to back up here and mention that while we were handing out gift cards at Target on Wednesday, S spotted a giant stuffed tiger and fell in love with it.  He kept asking for it and I repeatedly told him no.  He was so upset he couldn’t bring home that tiger.  I just assumed he was hangry and once we got out of the store and had lunch, the tiger would be forgotten.  The next day, we asked the boys what they planned on asking Santa for for Christmas.  W’s response: miniature Violia, Waste Management, BFI, Groot, etc. garbage cans.  Awesome.  Those don’t even exist.  S’s response: the tiger I saw at the grocery store.  Great.  I’m pretty sure I told A there was no way I was getting a tiger because he would immediately lose interest.  And where does one put a giant tiger??  So when my mom arrived bright and early on Friday morning, I told her to ask S what he wanted for Christmas.  “A tiger!”  So I got the darn tiger.  Face palm.  Anyway, shopping was fun.  I was surprised that stores were actually crowded.  Friday night, we went back to Nani and Papa’s for pizza and the town tree lighting.  The boys had fun with their cousins once again and we watched Santa arrive on a fire truck!  I just love all the holiday activities!!

Saturday, we began decorating for Christmas.  My mom came over to help.  Does anyone else feel like decorating for Christmas is a major undertaking??  Gosh, so much stuff.  But the house looks so festive.  At one point, S asked how Santa would fit a tiger in his stocking.  Lol – he’s obsessed.  And I started crying as I unpacked Addie’s stocking.  I miss her so much.  The cats are fun, but they certainly aren’t Addie.  The house looks great, but as always, I felt like I’d get one area of the house clean and decorated and the boys were making a mess in another.  I will say, they did an excellent job cleaning up once they committed to it!  That night, the boys were crazy.  Running around the house, trying to play tag, knocking things over.  I had had enough and told them to get on their coats, they were going outside.  Never mind that it was 6pm and pitch black out.  The weather was actually mild.  We ended up having so much fun.  A invented 'find the pumpkin'.  W still had a mini pumpkin that he brought home from his field trip.  We’d take turns hiding it in the dark back yard and then the others would run to find it.  We took a walk around the block and looked at Christmas lights.  This turned out to be one of my favorite activities during my time off.

Sunday, we had a blizzard warning!!  The snow was expected to start some time around noon.  We had planned on getting our Christmas tree next weekend, but we also have W’s birthday party on Saturday.  So we decided to head out and choose a tree before the snow storm.  We eventually found a tree, and about 3 hours later, it was decorated.  Then, I noticed that it appeared to be leaning and a couple minutes later, it fell over!!  We switched out the tree stand and so far so good, but I don’t trust the cats not to knock it over again.  Time will tell!  The house looks beautiful.  Sunday night, we learned that all the guys have a snow day today and even my office is closed.  Nice to have a “bonus” day of vacation (though I'm still working from home)!!

Weekend Recap

We were so busy this weekend, but had lots of fun.  I woke up feeling so much better than I have.  You see, last week, my anxiety had returned with a vengeance.  A coworker and friend was let go.  I was shocked as were my fellow coworkers.  We were told her position was eliminated, it wasn’t personal.  She was part of the “old group”.  She had worked long hours, stayed until nighttime on several occasions to get work done.  She was very popular at the company.  It WAS personal.  And I felt awful for her.  It wasn’t fair.  The timing couldn’t have been worse.  Her sister had just had a double mastectomy and she had already lost a sister to cancer.  Not to mention, we’re heading into the holidays.  I was just crushed that a company – my company – would treat someone that way.  It was wrong on so many levels.  So my anxiety was in full force - wondering if I’d be saying goodbye to other friends and helping them pack their desks.  Would I be packing my desk?  Should I be applying for jobs?  I had deadlines at work.  And just preparing for the holidays, knowing I have so much to do and never enough time makes me feel panicked.  When I’m stressed, walking helps, but I also tend to feel exhausted and the last thing I want to do when I’m exhausted is walk – sort of a no win.  After the boys go to bed, all I want to do is sit on the couch and watch reruns of The Big Bang Theory and not have to think about anything.  I find myself going to bed early and still waking up exhausted.  I really needed a good weekend and I got it.  And then, as I was rushing to get the boys ready for school this morning, I slipped and fell down the stairs.  Holy moly, did that hurt.  I couldn’t help thinking that this was such a metaphor for my life lately – just when I think life is getting better, my hope comes crashing down… LITERALLY this time.  So I’m changing my mindset today.  I am ok.  I’m focusing on that.  I know friends who have suffered broken bones, who have significantly injured themselves in falls.  I may me bruised and sore, but I’m not completely broken.  I consider that a win.  But ouch.

Anyway.

Our weekend kicked off on Friday.  S brought home his class pet, Eli, the elephant.  That pair might just be the cutest thing I’ve ever seen.  S took caring for Eli incredibly seriously and everywhere that S went, Eli followed.  Eli even came with to W’s dentist appointment.  I love his dentist.  Too bad they don’t take adult patients.  The ladies there fawn over W, complimenting his behavior, his outfit, his shoes.  He got extra stickers and extra prizes.  And no cavities!!  Woohoo!  If I ever need an ego boost, I’m going there.  W also got his very first report card on Friday.  He’s doing great and A and I are so proud of him.  The only thing he needs to work on is writing, which we already knew.  We finished the day with sandwiches at Grandma’s house (Eli joined us).

Saturday, haircuts for the boys, a Target run where 4 items quickly turned into a cart full of items… oh Target!  And a lunch outing to our favorite charcoal chicken restaurant where I ordered a very healthy lunch consisting of squash soup and mac and cheese.  Hello, carbs!  We sat in front of the big front window and watched people walk by and snow flurries flutter through the air – it was really great.

That night, A and I worked at an auction to benefit W’s school.  Admittedly, it wasn’t quite as fun as I hoped.  Only one other set of kindergarten parents attended.  The groups of parents were very cliquey and we felt like outsiders.  We were working so I suppose we weren’t there to mingle anyway, but it was a bit disappointing.  The lady in charge of the auction was crazy.  Like she was way too excited and we couldn’t get a word in.  She’d ask a question and not let us answer before moving on to the next thing.  If only I could properly explain because she was something.  Think someone on Red Bull who then drank 3 espressos.  Whoa.  Also, I shouldn’t even mention this because I’m still mortified, but I mistook the principal’s husband for the priest!!  Only I could be that awkward.  Face palm.  Needless to say, A and I will need to find a new volunteer activity next year.  Here’s hoping that he’s old enough not to remember me.  Double face palm.

Sunday was our usual and then I took my niece out for a manicure and lunch.  I was really sick and didn’t make it to her birthday dinner so I thought this would be a fun little treat for both of us.  I had such a great time and I think she did too.  I love how my nails turned out.  She suggested the gold glitter and I’m obsessed.  We both agreed that we need a girls day more often.  It’s been really cold here  - in the 30s, but A, being the super dad that he is, took the boys to the park.  They’ve definitely had “cabin fever” lately, but I’m a wuss and don’t enjoy being out in the cold.  They had a blast at the biggest park in town.  We ended the day watching the Bears win while enjoying a fire in the fireplace.

Weekend Recap

Oh my goodness.  I feel like I’m just keeping my head above water.  So many meetings, so many commitments, I can’t keep track.  I had 6 work meetings today.  6.  And I got an email reminding me that it was pizza night to benefit W’s school – which I completely forgot about.  I just added a planner to my Christmas list because I can’t keep track of ALL THE THINGS.  I feel like my life has never been busier.  Anyway, let’s do the weekend recap…

Friday, our first snow.  Not ready!!  Luckily, it melted quickly.  We went to my moms and ordered pizza – something we’ve been doing for quite some time.  A and I played Heads Up and laughed hysterically and it just felt so good to relax.  I feel like I’m forgetting something about Friday, but that’s what I remember.

Saturday, my company sponsored a free day at the Museum of Science and Industry.  They’ve done this for the past 3? years and the boys always enjoy it.  This year was no exception and I think they had even more fun this year.  Their favorites included sitting in the big tractor, viewing the model city and trains, and the kids area.  I requested to go to PF Chang's afterwards and that was yummy.  All in all, a fun (exhausting) day.

Sunday, S woke before 6am.  Yay.  After church and Starbucks, we headed to the Family Fun Fair at W’s school.  The boys had a blast playing games and earning tickets.  W loved seeing his teachers.  Side note: his TA knew my dad.  I love that.  Anyway, the only downside was that when it came time to cash in tickets for prizes, S did NOT understand why he didn’t have enough tickets for certain prizes.  Finally, in the middle of a meltdown, we decided that the best option would be to play a couple more games so S could earn more tickets and get his prize.  Actually, the best option would have been to LEAVE.  And that’s what we should have done.  But I caved. #notwinning  So S got his toy car and we finally left.  I was so darn tired at this point.  The museum and fun fair wore me out.  But of course, the boys were still going strong.  A and I convinced them to watch a show downstairs for 25 minutes.  And then they were back to their crazy antics.  I got out the wine and we counted the minutes until bedtime.

Stitch Fix Friday

I just received a notification that my Stitch Fix was on its way.  My initial reaction was, “wait, what?!?”.  You see, when I complete one Stich Fix order, the next is automatically scheduled.  I usually receive an email letting me know that I should complete the note to my stylist and I often adjust the delivery date.  For some reason, I didn’t receive that email this time.  I likely wasn’t paying attention and deleted it.  So no note to my stylist, no stylist request, no Pinterest updates.  I have no idea what I’ll receive and it may all be returned.  But that reminded me that I should probably share my last Stitch Fix…

The first item I tried on was this striped sweater.  It’s definitely my style.  I love anything stripes and really liked the navy and burgundy colors in this sweater - perfect for fall.  I think this was A’s favorite item.  But I ultimately decided not to keep this because I have a few different striped sweaters already and I have a ton of long sleeve striped tees.  RETURN

Next up, this Market & Spruce Lacie Ribbed Zipper Detail Cardigan.  I loved the color, but usually stick to longer jackets that cover my behind.  At first sight, I assumed I wouldn’t keep this because it wasn’t long enough.  A wasn’t crazy about the asymmetrical style, however, I really liked it when I saw it on.  I loved the overall style and thought it was flattering.  KEEP

Next, this floral top.  This was my mom’s favorite.  I liked it, but didn’t love it.  The pattern was really bold.  This girl loves a floral pattern, but for some reason, I just didn’t love this one.  I’m also picky about tops that have that triangle cut out at the top.  I know that’s weird.  Ultimately, I decided I had enough floral tops and this would go back. RETURN

Finally, the jeans and Market & Spruce Hans Crochet Front black top.  These jeans didn’t fit me well.  I’m not sure if they were too small or if it was the style.  In the photo, they appear flattering (at least I think so), but I wouldn’t be comfortable wearing them.  I really liked the top.  It’s difficult to see the design in the photo, but it had a crochet pattern throughout, which gave it a unique twist.  I thought it would be great under blazers, cardigans or the cardigan above.  RETURN/KEEP

My beloved stylist, Kate, left the company so I had a new stylist this time around.  I was so impressed by the items she chose and would have requested her again if I’d actually filled out my stylist note. :)  I'll update with the names of the items I didn't keep (assuming I can find my style card).

Weekend Recap

We had a relatively low key weekend in these parts.  On Saturday, our old church had a memorial mass for my brother and other parishioners who have passed away this year.  I’m missing my brother a lot lately – maybe it’s the impending holidays.  I really miss what could have been – I had high hopes for him, for his future.

I got a haircut Saturday afternoon and while I was there, A took the boys to the park.  He had me laughing – apparently they left the park because it was too cold, but asked if they could stop for ice cream on the way home.  A obliged and even brought home ice cream for me.

Sunday was our usual.  We definitely did not get an extra hour of sleep because kids.  It was a really gloomy, cold, rainy day so we had a fire going in the fireplace and I made a tortellini and Italian sausage soup for dinner, which everyone ate AND liked!!!  Say what?!?  And we even got out the Christmas jammies!!

Hope everyone is voting today!!

Friday Thoughts

I still haven’t posted my last Stitch Fix.  Truth be told, I often look back at these posts when I’m in a rut and need outfit inspiration.  Yes, all of these clothes pictured are in my closet, but it’s much easier for me to decide when I can see them on.  Maybe next week I’ll post.  Maybe.

I am still sick.  At what point do I see a doctor?  Never mind, I’m sure I’m passed the appropriate time.

I’ve started Christmas shopping and I’m super excited about it!  W has found my hiding spot (sneaky kid) so I need a new plan for storing Christmas gifts (or I need to find the key for my closet).  Also, I’m one of those obnoxious people who loves seeing all the Christmas décor emerge immediately after Halloween.  Sorry not sorry – it brings me joy.

The cats are crazy.  Just before leaving for Boston, I had a major meltdown.  I had already had a really bad week thanks to a not-so-great meeting with my boss.  Packing gives me major anxiety.  So Saturday, I had my clothes and things all laid out – I just needed to put them in my suitcase.  Fast forward to 11 pm when I decided it was finally time to pack up seeing as I was leaving for Boston in the morning.  I grabbed my nice suitcase with the swivel wheels that A had gotten for me for my birthday a couple years ago.  I opened it up only to realize one of the cats had peed in it.  I immediately burst into tears.  We’ve been having trouble with Theo peeing in the house – I had (a few) cats growing up and have never ever had issues with this.  I thought we had solved the problem with an extra litter box and then this happened.  My boys came to the rescue.  A told me he would hit up Target first thing in the morning and find a new suitcase for me.  Off went A, W, and S and they returned with the same suitcase in a different color.  I’m still sad I’m out $100+ thanks to Theo, but happy that I had a place to put my clothes!

S had school conferences this week.  If you’ve read this blog you know that conferences give me anxiety (apparently a lot of things give me anxiety – cats, packing a suitcase, conferences…).  They always make me feel like a failure.  And I know that’s stupid because in reality, the boys are fine.  Better than fine.  But when I hear, “they’re doing great, but they should work on xyz…”, I interpret as, “you haven’t taught them xyz; you are failing them.”  So I had planned to go to the conferences because I really like S’s teacher and we usually end up talking about clothes or shoes.  But I’ve been so sick, A had to go.  S did amazingly well.  Assessments are overrated in my opinion, but because that’s the tool they use, S should be at a score of 49 or higher.  His score was 89.  Go S!!