Baby, it is cold outside

Like really cold. I apparently should have been training for this sort of weather because my body is not conditioned for the cold. Nope.

We got our first snow in December; an early winter in DC terms.

Some of us were more excited about it than others.

By the end of January we'd had more than 7 seven inches of snow and maxed out the allotted number of snow days for our school district. Internet,snow days are only fun one day at a time. Four consecutive days of school closures equals too many hours of a stir crazy child. I hit my limit about three days before she did.

Sure, it looks all beautiful and romantic, but really it is cold and wet. And more cold. With a side of ice. It looks like Narnia up in here!

And now The Washington Post is projecting another 5 to 14 (14!!!!!) inches before the end of this week. Good thing Emily thinks shoveling snow is a type of fun.

Also, she acquired this really awesome hat.

Smiles make everything awesome. Even snow days.

And suddenly...it was done

2013 arrived with a visit to the hospital. Whoops.

Then I decided to give up sugar. Why?

We welcomed spring by starting our house hunt. Stressful.

via Evelyn Henson

In April we took a time out. Whew!

Along with the May flowers came a baby shower. Yea!

Then we hit the road. Exhausting.

Designed by Sarah Reed

We began to make ourselves comfortable. Sort of.

August brought our first house guest. Good times!

Suddenly, we had a fourth grader! Say What?

Then, I ate dirt. Hard.

In November I was thankful to find this guy still wants me around after five years. Insane.

December 24 Em lost a tooth and waited up to see the meeting between Santa and the Tooth Fairy. Fail.

The next week we welcomed the new year along with my parents in New Mexico. Actually, we greeted the new year when we woke up New Year's day because we are all either too old or too young to make it to midnight. Whoops.

I hate being a downer, but I'm approaching 2014 with a bit of apprehension. First, I'm only starting year two of my I-broke-a-mirror-and-now-have-seven-years-bad-luck. We've also got a major change in the works later this year, but things haven't developed enough for me to talk about it yet.

I'm sure the year will come with a fair share of exciting and wonderful things too, and those I intend to milk completely!

Dear Emily

It has been a long time since I last wrote an entry for you. It seems we are all so busy; you as much as anyone else. I think, though, that it is all the activities you get up to that have made you more Emily than ever before. This school year you've tried cheerleading, chorus, and flute lessons. You figured out how to climb a tree, and finally conquered the art of riding a bike. We have had to work to reign you in - to keep you from bouncing to something new before you've seen the last thing through. Problematic, sometimes, but also indicative of the possibility you see in every opportunity.

 
And you read. Oh, how you read! Just this past Wednesday Ben commented on your literary growth. When we moved to Florida almost three years ago you groaned whenever we tried to make a game of reading billboards because it was hard for you read them. Now, you read o a sixth grade level. In fact, I've sneaked some of your books out from under your arm once you fell asleep at night and devoured them.

 On Thursday I attended an award ceremony at your school where I watched you receive three awards - Principal's Honor Roll, Progress, and Citizenship. Not only do you care about your performance in school, but you care for the people around you. What an amazing package.

I told a friend you had asked me why we used money to buy things and no longer traded stuff. Her husband rushed over to us just to proclaim you a genius. I couldn't agree more. It isn't just that you're smart; it is your desire to grow smarter, to wrap your head around ideas and squeeze the possibilities out of them. It is the way you often express yourself so articulately we have to remind ourselves that you are not 10 or 12 or 15 years old. You are eight. A wonderful, beautiful, delicious eight-year-old. But to us, your parents, you score a perfect 10.

Love, Mommy

The best kind of "bad"

First, a quick finger report. My Thursday follow up came with some unsettling news: instead of simply cleaving the tendon in two I also managed to separate tendon from bone. As a result, I may need a tendon graft. That's right, internet, when I do damage I go all the way. I should know more by next week. In the interim I'm developing some mad ambidextrous skills.

But enough about all that. I did something way more exciting (and far less excruciating) than injure myself last week.

I. Saw. Wicked.

via Broadway Artists Alliance

Ben got me tickets for my birthday (in August) and I thought the January showing would not get here fast enough. Totally worth the wait.

One caveat - this musical is not based on the book by Gregory Maguire.

Inspired by it, perhaps, but not based upon. It is more like the other other story of the Witches of Oz; the one acceptable for young audiences.

This is actually my first experience with a Broadway production. And oh! Oh, that set!

And the effects!

Jeanna de Waal as Glinda in the national tour of Wicked.

But above all, the pipes on this woman!

Christine Dwyer as Elphaba in the national tour of Wicked.

Christine Dwyer is indescribable. Her singing...the way she delivers lines...the way she moves on stage. Just, wow.

She'd be my number one idol if it wasn't for Susan Hilferty - the genius behind the costumes.

Elphaba

Seems I have a lot of work to do if I want to be like Susan. Better get to it!

Wondering where I've been?

Oh, kids, it has been crazy 'round here. I have been crazy. I'll ask you to forgive me once again my inconsistent posting. If you were looking for me Friday I wasn't here.

Digitally, I here tooling around again:

People are some saying really complimentary things about this one. I'm pretty proud of it, myself, so, yeah, I'm boasting a bit.  Go see it!

Physically, I was living the good life with my family in Tallahassee.

Breakfast at Up in Smoke

Cypress trees at the Tallahassee Museum.  Isn't it gorgeous here?

Amazeballs corn hoe cakes with blueberry jalapeno delightfulness at Kool Beanz.

I had to proceed with caution at that last place. Ben told me I might scare the hipsters. I think they could've handled it. Maybe.

Oh! We also:

Trail riding at Conner Carriages and Occasions.

It might not be quite the offbeat vacation you'd expect from yours truly, but it was absolutely awesome!

I missed checking in with you guys, though.  What did you get up to this weekend?

Recovery and Naval Gazing

Whew! I am worn out after my brief whirl through Philadelphia for The Art of Earning Live. It was a crazy, mixed up, amazing, ridiculous time, and I'm still trying to sort it all out.  In fact, I'm busy reflecting upon and sorting out all kinds of things related to the why and what of my business so what better time for a little personal reflection as well.  Leave it to my favorite Amy girl to give me the perfect platform.

I've been tagged by my dear friend, Amy over at Botanical Brouhaha! Now, I never have been very good at Tag, but I think this is a game I can handle.

Here are the rules:

1) You must post the rules.

2) Answer eleven questions.

3) Tag eleven other bloggers.

4) Ask them 11 new questions.

Here's what Amy wanted to know:

1. Who would you say has had the most influence on your life?

My husband, Ben.  That guy is so cool butter wouldn't melt in his mouth! He has many amazing qualities I hope to someday possess, so I look to him as a role model. Of course, that's all well and good, but even more importantly, Ben thinks I'm smart,sexy, funny, kind, and talented. He often pushes me to do something because I think I want to do it not because he thinks I should do it. In a weird way, Ben influences me to be the most me I can.

Cocktail Hour

My second night in Philly will be spent "working" on some of the last minute details for the Art of Earning LIVE. From what I understand I'll be meeting some of the super heroes involved in this wondrous affair for dinner at Square 1682.

Matchbook Magazine via Belle of the Ball

I was told to wear wear "something you'd wear out with your girlfriends to a swanky bar but don't get all Academy Awards fancy."

Internet, I was born to dress as though I were meeting girlfriends at a swanky bar. It took me about four seconds to pinpoint my perfect outfit.

Dress: Old Navy, Thrifted
Sweater: TJ Maxx
Bracelets: Gift (thanks, Grandma!)

I cannot stress the importance of accessories here.Those bracelets are adding just the right amount of color. They're pretty awesome, but my new boots are going to kill!

I have been coveting these Betsey Johnson boots for over a year. They were a bit pricey so I'd told myself I couldn't have them until I reached a certain number of sales. Well the time came in January, but before I could buy them I found the perfect gift for Ben, an antique valet. It cost the same as the boots (give or take $10), but I couldn't pass it up. It would be just lovely waiting for him when he got back from deployment. The very same day Ben sent me an e-mail saying he'd got me a little gift to celebrate a promotion he'd received. Care to guess what it was?  Crazy, right!?

So now I have the perfect boots for my perfect cocktail dinner outfit. It all goes very nicely with my perfect husband.

What would wear for a "working" dinner with small business geniuses?

Every day I'm shuffling

I titled my post and then had to stop and dance to the Party Rock Anthem 'cuz that's how I roll. Apparently.

So many things going on in my life right now I hardly know where to start! First, and most importantly, I got my husband back last week!  Em and I did just fine while he was away, but I swear everything is so much better now that's he's home with us again. I love that guy.

Upon his return, Ben helped me jump start my training program for the 10 + mile obstacle course I am running in December. Yeah, you just read that on my blog.

Late last year my friend, Angela, asked if I'd run the Tough Mudder with her in 2012. I agreed thinking it was just a goofy little relay-type thing. Word to the wise: ALWAYS SAY MAYBE UNTIL YOU KNOW WHAT'S BE PROPOSED! For instance, I'm not sure I would have ever agreed to this:

Tough Mudder events are hardcore 10-12 mile obstacle courses designed by British Special Forces to test your all around strength, stamina, mental grit, and camaraderie...To get through mud, fire, ice-water, and 10,000 volts of electricity you’ll need teammates to pick you up when your spirits dip. To get over 12 foot walls and through underground mud tunnels, you’ll need teammates to give you a boost and a push...(from http://toughmudder.com/about/, emphasis added).

Yeah.

I am a little scared - hold the little- but I'm actually really happy I decided to do this.  I think everyone wants to get into better shape, but that's a pretty vague goal.  On the other hand, I plan to get into shape for this:

 

 Thank you Tough Mudder Facebook Page

Now, that's a pretty concrete goal.

This past week Ben has helped me concentrate on strength training with some Crossfit-inspired workouts. This week he returned to his usual work schedule taking his motivating influence with him. Bummer.  Since I'm sort of on my own, I've decided to commit to the Couch to 5K plan.
In theory my neighbor, Christine, and the Angela that got me into all this mess will both train with me. I'm hoping I can recruit you guys too. I'm not asking much - just some encouraging words every now and then.

However, I'm pretty sure all this training is going to give me some rocking thighs so if you're looking to tone up for general garter-wearing purposes you might try to play along.  Just a thought.

Now wish me luck!

How to charm me

Send me this message:

i miss our kid

with this photo (from 2008):

So this is love

Ben and I have been married for almost 10 months now. Like never before I feel utmost confidence in his love for me. Often when people have been together for awhile the compliments start to fall on deaf ears. I'm not sure if there is a name for this unfortunate syndrome but I know I've fallen prey to it in the past. I suppose it is similar to the way a teenage girl decides her mother has to think she's beautiful because that's what mother's do.

Last night Ben and I were watching what Not to Wear together. Now I don't want to mislead anyone here. I don't have to force Ben to watch this show, but neither is it his favorite form of televised entertainment. During the make-up segment when Carmindy was explaining how to emphasize one's favorite features, I teasingly asked Ben which of my facial features were his favorites. He answered, quite genuinely, that he liked my nose and that "from the side, it is especially cute."

Now people, I have never given a lot of thought to my nose. It is a nice enough organ but nothing I've ever spent a lot of time loving or hating. When he said that, though, my heart fluttered in my chest and down to my toes. It has been echoing in my head all day. My husband thinks I have a cute nose! Isn't that just lovely?

I have no idea why this particular compliment means so much to me. I think it must be love.

Well it seemed like a good idea

Ben has finally come down with the coldish flu illness I had at the beginning of his visit. He's really tired and incredibly stopped up. Yesterday I put together a "feel better" package which included some tablets from Sudefed. You put them in the shower and they evaporate into a menthol eucalyptus steam that is supposed to clear one's sinuses. I love this sort of thing. However:
J: Oh! I'm glad you are taking a shower because look! I got you these tablets that are supposed to help your nose drain.
B: So you want me to go into the "shower" and inhale gassy fumes?
J: Ah. I see your point.

I miss my boy already

Are you sitting. You should sit. Well maybe not, but I had to sit when it hit me. I would like to live with Ben. He just left and now I want him back. Now! It was so good having him for two plus weeks. We had a quasi-fight about my space and his space versus our space some time around week two. We also ran into some issues with Emily. She was relatively hot and cold towards Ben, which was surprising. I had a chat with her and she told me the she just does not like him. It is okay with her that I like him and okay that he likes me, but she doesn't like him and can we go play with a toy now? There were these moments, though, where things just clicked so well. When we would all have tickle fights or Ben and I would marvel over Emily's progress with puzzles and problem solving. There was a lot of good cooking and some family time on both ends. I expected to be glad to be rid of him after such a long span (the longest for us yet), but am surprised to find otherwise. Shall I be cliche and say I'm ready for the next level? The rub is that there really isn't a next level for us. He'll finish in DC come December and pack off to Virginia Beach. There will only be six months to a year there before a big question mark. Honestly, he wants to go to Europe. Honestly, I want to go to Europe. Feasibly? A big fat negative. So this leaves me with trying to be happy with what I have now and worry about tomorrow when it gets here. Currently, I am not too frustrated with the idea of a wait. After all, I am still in a position from which I need saving so I need a little time to figure out how to save myself. Maybe then, more with will feasible. Thoughts? Questions? Advice? Anybody?

B: I need a tan
J: Um, hi, have you seen me? I currently have a tan and I am paler than you.
B: Yeah, but which one of us used to be bronze?
J: I hate you.

Odds n weekends

Friday night was dinner with my folks pouring over their yearbooks. How I wish people still put themselves together the way they did in the sixties. So much fun! Saturday Mom and I took Emily shopping, which was not so fun. Poor Em was a terror. I'm not sure if she was tired or hungry or feeling bad or what. She was just so whiny and occasionally mean. She had to get spanked. I hate spanking her. Getting her down for a nap was no easy task either. Fortunately, it was also not an impossible task and her mood much improved after some fitful ZZZs. We took a little field-trip to the grocery store before picking up Charley for dinner. Yay Charley. I was shocked when he called but oh so happy. He always makes me laugh. Some things never change. We had a rather loooong dinner at Hullabaloos where Emily was quite entertaining. Hopefully we'll get together again soon. After putting my kiddo to bed was a nice three hour conversation with Ben. This is a little odd because we have definitely talked for more than an hour a day every day the past two weeks. It feels relationshipish and that is worrisome. I worry it'll hold him back from really finding someone. Not that I'm all that great, but he makes me feel like I am. It's a little troubling, but the conversations are so comfortable and it is nice to have a best friend again...So then Sunday rolled around (a little too early for my tastes, but eh) and Em and I lounged a bit before breakfast with Sarah. I love that girl. Breakfast was fun (and yummy) and the shopping afterward was just more good times. Now Sarah is gone and my mom is at home with Emily and I am chatting online with Ben hoping Katie calls me soon. So I feel better after all that activity. I suppose this will happen sometimes. I just have to keep trying to find that happy medium.