I am sick as a dog. Interestingly, apparently my sister is sick too, and I didn't even know it until I read her post. No wonder we haven't talked to each other the past few days. We've both been throwing up.
I woke up for work on Thursday at 4:00am, and felt like crap. However, I thought that it was just because I'd been getting up at 4am all week, in order to make it in by 5am and working until 5 or 6pm, only to come home - take care of the kids - and then get back on the computer to work some more. You see, I work for a major financial firm (that is still around and not in trouble - thank God), and I've been the project manager on a risk mitigation project involving exactly what is happening in the market right now. 'Nuff said.
By the time I was sitting in my third meeting of the day around 8:30am, it was all I could do to keep from barfing into the garbage. The best part was that the CEO of my firm was in the meeting. I couldn't decide whether it would be a good or bad career move to toss my cookies in front of my CEO. Would he think "Wow, she's really upset about the market, and cares deeply about our firm.", or "What the hell is she doing in the office getting the rest of us sick too.". I decided I needed to get the heck out of there.
Clearly I caught the flu or something. No surprise my immune system was compromised by lack of sleep and stress. What I can't figure out, is how all these Managing Directors that I've been working with all week seem just fine. I mean seriously, their minds are sharp, they're energetic and they seem rested - and there is no way they are getting much more sleep than I am. I don't get it. I guess that's why they are Managing Directors charged with determining the future of our firm...and I'm not.
And thank God I'm not, because I decidedly can not do it all. I feel like I'm constantly struggling to be the best I can be in Motherhood, my career and my marriage. One or two of those always seem to suffer for the sake of the other. In general, my career has definitely taken the "mommy track", and I'm just fine with that. I chose the job and assignments I have now because of the flexibility it allows me. Usually, that is. This particular project was supposed to be a two week temporary assignment... I've been around my firm long enough to know that it would probably be longer than that, but I never thought it would turn this high profile and this intense. Who knew the market would get this crazy? Oh yeah, my brother-in-law. He's been predicting dooms day for about a year now. I guess that's why he is a Managing Director at another major financial firm (that is also still around, and also not in trouble - thank God). I was always thinking he was just being a pessimist, and it wouldn't get that bad. Huh. Guess he was right.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
and the correct anwser is... animal crackers
Phone conversation with my friend, M.
M: Do you have a sec?
Me: Sure, what's up?
M: I'm at Trader Joe's, and I need to pick up something to send to G's new Preschool for her birthday, a little snack. What do you think about animal crackers?
Me: Sometimes teachers don't like you to bring anything sweet, like a cookie. Did they give you any guidelines?
M: They said to bring a healthy snack. What would you bring?
Me: Maybe pita bread and hummus dip, or cheese and crackers, or sliced apples?
M: You think so?
Me: Trader Joe's has a really great Banana Bread mix that is super easy - you only have to add water, oil and an egg, and then bake it. Slice it up, and you've got a yummy "homemade treat". I've sent it to Seesa's Preschool a couple of times, and they love it.
M: I don't have time to bake.
Me: Then I guess just do one of the easier things.
M: Like the animal crackers?
Me: Sure
M: Should I get animal shaped, or letter shaped? Letter shaped are more educational, right?
Me: Sure, kids like those letter ones.
M: Ok, I'll head over to Safeway for the letter ones.
Me: If you have to go to a whole different store, just get the animal shaped ones. It really doesn't make that much difference.
M: Ok, should I wrap them all in individual bags for each kid, or just give the teacher the box to pass out at snack time.
Me: If you don't have time to bake, how do you have time to wrap the cookies in individual bags?
M: You think it would take a lot of time?
Me: Seems like it, but maybe not. I don't think it's necessary, but if you want to, go for it.
M: Ok, I guess I'll just decide later.
Result of conversation (a lot of which I've actually left out): I should have just said "yeah, great idea" from the very beginning.
More about Me: Some of my friends and family might consider me a hypocrite for even writing this about my friend M, as I myself, am a recovering havetogetanopiniononeverythingandendupdoingwhatIoriginallyplannedoholic. When I told my husband about this conversation, he said "Now you know what it's like from MY end!". I am happy to say that through a successful 12-step program involving in part my husband traveling all the time - forcing me to deal with everything on my own... I am recovering. We all get mired in indecision sometimes, which is why this conversation with my friend M was so humorous to me. I've been there so many times. But for me, my indecision was sometimes debilitating. Am I occasionally lured by the sweet smell of friends with opinions calling to me too? Definitely. Maybe I should offer to be M's indecision anonymous sponsor?
M: Do you have a sec?
Me: Sure, what's up?
M: I'm at Trader Joe's, and I need to pick up something to send to G's new Preschool for her birthday, a little snack. What do you think about animal crackers?
Me: Sometimes teachers don't like you to bring anything sweet, like a cookie. Did they give you any guidelines?
M: They said to bring a healthy snack. What would you bring?
Me: Maybe pita bread and hummus dip, or cheese and crackers, or sliced apples?
M: You think so?
Me: Trader Joe's has a really great Banana Bread mix that is super easy - you only have to add water, oil and an egg, and then bake it. Slice it up, and you've got a yummy "homemade treat". I've sent it to Seesa's Preschool a couple of times, and they love it.
M: I don't have time to bake.
Me: Then I guess just do one of the easier things.
M: Like the animal crackers?
Me: Sure
M: Should I get animal shaped, or letter shaped? Letter shaped are more educational, right?
Me: Sure, kids like those letter ones.
M: Ok, I'll head over to Safeway for the letter ones.
Me: If you have to go to a whole different store, just get the animal shaped ones. It really doesn't make that much difference.
M: Ok, should I wrap them all in individual bags for each kid, or just give the teacher the box to pass out at snack time.
Me: If you don't have time to bake, how do you have time to wrap the cookies in individual bags?
M: You think it would take a lot of time?
Me: Seems like it, but maybe not. I don't think it's necessary, but if you want to, go for it.
M: Ok, I guess I'll just decide later.
Result of conversation (a lot of which I've actually left out): I should have just said "yeah, great idea" from the very beginning.
More about Me: Some of my friends and family might consider me a hypocrite for even writing this about my friend M, as I myself, am a recovering havetogetanopiniononeverythingandendupdoingwhatIoriginallyplannedoholic. When I told my husband about this conversation, he said "Now you know what it's like from MY end!". I am happy to say that through a successful 12-step program involving in part my husband traveling all the time - forcing me to deal with everything on my own... I am recovering. We all get mired in indecision sometimes, which is why this conversation with my friend M was so humorous to me. I've been there so many times. But for me, my indecision was sometimes debilitating. Am I occasionally lured by the sweet smell of friends with opinions calling to me too? Definitely. Maybe I should offer to be M's indecision anonymous sponsor?
Friday, September 12, 2008
On the bright side
After dragging my kids grocery shopping after a full day of Preschool, I took them to dinner and then some ice cream at Rite Aid (and more shopping for Mommy, I love multi-tasking). They chose bright blue and pink cotton candy ice cream. They loved it.
It was getting late, and there was a small enough amount of ice cream left, that I decided to let them eat the rest in the car on the way home. I really don't even need to go on with this little story, because I'm sure you've already figured out... that they spilled some of it on the backseat.
On the bright side, my car - which you know if you read this post and this one, had some odor issues lately; now smells like sweet cotton candy. Yummm, reminds me of the Fair - which you know if you read this post, is one of my favorite times of the year.
It was getting late, and there was a small enough amount of ice cream left, that I decided to let them eat the rest in the car on the way home. I really don't even need to go on with this little story, because I'm sure you've already figured out... that they spilled some of it on the backseat.
On the bright side, my car - which you know if you read this post and this one, had some odor issues lately; now smells like sweet cotton candy. Yummm, reminds me of the Fair - which you know if you read this post, is one of my favorite times of the year.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
My fifteen seconds of fame
I was listening to my favorite morning radio show on my way to work today, when they started discussing an interesting topic. It was about a survey conducted by a Mom's website about sex. They had surveyed 25,000 married woman with kids, and determined that they have sex a lot less than they did before kids.
Surprise, surprise.
They went on to talk about the reasons why, which included exhaustion and negative body image, among a few other things. One of the stats was that something like 60% of Moms said that they'd rather read a book, than have sex with their husbands. Hello! Who wouldn't? Just kidding. Sort of. I totally understood the results of the survey - I mean preferring to read a book doesn't really have anything to do with not wanting to have sex with your husband, it's just about needing some relaxing "me time" instead.
After hearing numerous women call in to say that they wanted to have sex ALL THE TIME, it was their husbands who didn't ever want to have sex - I was getting a little fired up. First of all, I think that a lot of these women were missing the point and didn't hear the first part of the show, where they explained that it was a survey of Moms. Secondly, I think that there are a lot of exhausted Dads too. Thirdly, I don't think that sex is non-existent after you have kids, I just think it changes. A lot.
So, I called in.
They put me on the show, and here's what I said: I've been married for 10 years, I have 2 kids and I'm exhausted. The biggest turn on for me these days, is if my husband DOES THE DISHES! The female DJ on the show said "Ding, ding, ding! Exactly! How about telling me how much you appreciate all the hard work I do taking care of the family, and doing the dishes while I go to bed and read a book. Then maybe you'd get some when you come to bed with me, instead of when you sneak up on me naked while I'm making the kid's lunches."
Later on, a few of my friends called me to say that they'd heard me on the radio, and were cracking up about it. Guess I'll have to tell my husband when he gets back from his latest business trip, before he hears about it from all our friends.
Surprise, surprise.
They went on to talk about the reasons why, which included exhaustion and negative body image, among a few other things. One of the stats was that something like 60% of Moms said that they'd rather read a book, than have sex with their husbands. Hello! Who wouldn't? Just kidding. Sort of. I totally understood the results of the survey - I mean preferring to read a book doesn't really have anything to do with not wanting to have sex with your husband, it's just about needing some relaxing "me time" instead.
After hearing numerous women call in to say that they wanted to have sex ALL THE TIME, it was their husbands who didn't ever want to have sex - I was getting a little fired up. First of all, I think that a lot of these women were missing the point and didn't hear the first part of the show, where they explained that it was a survey of Moms. Secondly, I think that there are a lot of exhausted Dads too. Thirdly, I don't think that sex is non-existent after you have kids, I just think it changes. A lot.
So, I called in.
They put me on the show, and here's what I said: I've been married for 10 years, I have 2 kids and I'm exhausted. The biggest turn on for me these days, is if my husband DOES THE DISHES! The female DJ on the show said "Ding, ding, ding! Exactly! How about telling me how much you appreciate all the hard work I do taking care of the family, and doing the dishes while I go to bed and read a book. Then maybe you'd get some when you come to bed with me, instead of when you sneak up on me naked while I'm making the kid's lunches."
Later on, a few of my friends called me to say that they'd heard me on the radio, and were cracking up about it. Guess I'll have to tell my husband when he gets back from his latest business trip, before he hears about it from all our friends.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Girl after my own heart
Seesa is my animal lover. I couldn't be more thrilled, as I share her passion. I've always loved animals of any kind, I was very active in 4-H growing up and I wanted to be a veterinarian at one point (if I'd actually followed my passion, that might have been my profession, but that's a story for another post...).
Right now, we only have one pet - a lop-eared bunny named "Tinker Belle". As the kids get older though, we'll add some more animals to our menagerie. I like to have at least four or five around at any given time, so I've felt a little under dressed with only one.
Here are some pictures of Seesa with our bunny, riding a pony and holding a chicken at a petting zoo. She's always got a big smile on her face when she's around animals. My husband would say that I'm projecting my own feelings on to hers, but I really think they touch her heart in a special way.
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On the way to the meeting tonight, Seesa asked "Is it 4-H because I'm 4?". Then, on the way home, she asked if we could go to a "2-H" meeting, for her sister Milly. Get it? Because Milly is 2. So cute! The kid's got such a loving heart.
By the way...here's a picture of me as a 4-Her. Yes, those are rabbit trophies in the background. Yes, Iwas am a geek! 
Right now, we only have one pet - a lop-eared bunny named "Tinker Belle". As the kids get older though, we'll add some more animals to our menagerie. I like to have at least four or five around at any given time, so I've felt a little under dressed with only one.
Here are some pictures of Seesa with our bunny, riding a pony and holding a chicken at a petting zoo. She's always got a big smile on her face when she's around animals. My husband would say that I'm projecting my own feelings on to hers, but I really think they touch her heart in a special way.
On the way to the meeting tonight, Seesa asked "Is it 4-H because I'm 4?". Then, on the way home, she asked if we could go to a "2-H" meeting, for her sister Milly. Get it? Because Milly is 2. So cute! The kid's got such a loving heart.
By the way...here's a picture of me as a 4-Her. Yes, those are rabbit trophies in the background. Yes, I
Friday, September 5, 2008
Recipe for disaster
Ingredients
One 2 year old girl
One bag of goldfish crackers
Two cups of curly mac & cheese
Fifteen edamame beans
One cup of milk
One vanilla sucker
Start by filling up your 2 year old girl with a bag of goldfish crackers, so that you can finish packing the car for the weekend at the beach. Then, take your 2 year old to dinner on your way to the vacation rental, and fill her up with curly mac & cheese, edamame and milk. Top off with vanilla sucker from See's Candy, strategically located right next door to the restaurant. Stir well by strapping 2 year old girl into car seat and driving 30 minutes on very windy road.
Finished product: A lovely barf fest in the back seat of your car.
Afterwards, enjoy cleaning your 2 year old, her clothes, her sleeping blanket, her baby doll, her car seat and your car with the little box of tide and kitchen sponge you find at the vacation rental.
One 2 year old girl
One bag of goldfish crackers
Two cups of curly mac & cheese
Fifteen edamame beans
One cup of milk
One vanilla sucker
Start by filling up your 2 year old girl with a bag of goldfish crackers, so that you can finish packing the car for the weekend at the beach. Then, take your 2 year old to dinner on your way to the vacation rental, and fill her up with curly mac & cheese, edamame and milk. Top off with vanilla sucker from See's Candy, strategically located right next door to the restaurant. Stir well by strapping 2 year old girl into car seat and driving 30 minutes on very windy road.
Finished product: A lovely barf fest in the back seat of your car.
Afterwards, enjoy cleaning your 2 year old, her clothes, her sleeping blanket, her baby doll, her car seat and your car with the little box of tide and kitchen sponge you find at the vacation rental.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
My car smells like B.O.
Wasn't that an episode of Seinfeld?Every time I turn on the air conditioning, I swear it smells like my car has body odor. YUCK!
What the hell is that all about? I need to get it checked out.
I'm afraid that people are going to start passing out when I emerge from my car after driving around with the air conditioning on.
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