The Search for the Perfect dress, Book Review

“The Magic Room”

by Jeffrey Zaslow

                        Every little girl has a dream about their future wedding. Some daydreams are more different and unique than others. In this book, Jeffrey Zaslow, describes the paths of various different real life women and what steps they took to get to the “Magic Room”.

                        This book touched me at my very core. Though little girls have daydreams of fairytale weddings, not everybody has them. Though the search for the ultimate wedding dress, it solidifies the next step in life. “The Magic Room” transports every woman to a beautiful princess by helping her see her undeniable beauty.

                        I never got to wear my wedding dress. My husband and I decided to elope one holiday weekend. Ten years later, I still remember as if it was yesterday,  the day I stepped into my “Magic Room”. Growing up a tomboy I was never much for the frilly things. Yet, on that day, standing on the pedestal, wearing a form fitting ivory strapless dress, I felt like a woman. In the “Magic Room”, I shared my moment with my best friend. I lived far from home and my mother was not able to come to town.

                        When Jeffrey described how the Becker Family ran the business, I began to admire them. They worked hard to realize dreams into reality the princess dress that every woman yearns for.

                        I have two little girls. I’m not looking forward seeing them grow up and leave the nest. This book, through each personal story of Becker customers, has me excited with the image of my little girls grow up and to take part in this important event in their lives. The one of many more to come.

            Thank you for a great read Mr. Zaslow. This book transported me into the Becker’s “Magic Room” and became a part of each woman’s journey.

            This book was provided by Blogher.com, courtesy of Penguin Books. 

 

Back on Scene

  Hey everyone! I'm back, Fall Semester is officially over. Yes!!! Now I get to go back to my hobbies  and writing. It's been a busy last few months. My classes were ok, exhausted from late nights. My family and I picked up camping on the weekends.
  We purchased our first RV Trailer. The kids and us have been enjoying it so much. Mostly we have been going to state parks. They have been very relaxing since its in some sort of forest.
  For Christmas we are going to Panama City Beach, FL to an RV park. It's different than our usual state park visits, but they are still nice. Depending which ones you go to. We are going to Emerald Beach Coast RV Resort, I definitely recommend that location.
  I've been chosen for another book review, Yay!!! I've read the summary and it seems like it is going to be another good read. Stay tuned for my review and information about the book. The book was provided by Blogher.com, courtesy of Penguin Books. Thank you. I've always been a fan of Penguin Books.
  This semester break I am looking forward to learning a new hobby. I love to learn new things and be versatile. I purchased a new sewing/embroidery machine. I'm looking forward to creating crafts for my family. Pictures will soon follow of the finished products.
  It is going to be a busy Christmas break. I'll keep you in the loop with our activities.
Talk to you soon.  Happy Holidays Everyone!!

My latest project

I'm so proud of myself on this. It used to be a coffee table. I bought it in 2005 and used it as a make shift changing table. Today it is an ottoman sitting at the end of my bed. Found a new app called stumble upon for iPhone. Set your likes and it will find websites according to your input. In my case one of my likes are crafts. I love admiring my work very time I walk by. Now I'm think about the next project. Hhmm, what will it be? Maybe something for the back yard.

Living in Today's Economy

   Times are tough. They seem to be getting tougher. The new craze that seems to be helping families with growing grocery bills is coupons. Now that I have moved down south, I found another way to help cut corners and families also can join in on it. Yard Sales. Yes, I know you are trying to cut back on shopping. This is saving. 
  Need summer clothes for the kids, this is the perfect way. Go out buy clothes for your growing kids for as little as $.10 a piece up to $1.00. Prices vary with each yard sale. Believe it or not there are ones that actually have items in great condition. When you find a good ones its like hitting a gold mine. Need a new dresser, toys for the kids, chairs, anything: a yard sale is the most economic way to find the items.
  Yard sales usually occur on Saturday mornings from 7:00am-12:00pm. There are those that start on fridays and end on sundays. These are the moving sales. People trying to clean out their homes before making the big move. Going to yard sales have saved me tons of money with play clothes for the kids. Today I even picked up some winter items for the youngest. Clothes by Charlotte Russe, Banana Republic, and New York & Comp for me as well.
  How is this different from thrift stores? Thrift Stores are trying to make a profit. Yard Sales is just another way to clean house. Trying to move items out, fast. Give it a try and see what you can find. Remember, if you take the time to look thru a pile, you might find something that is equivalent to the jewel of the nile. (Sorry, trying to rhyme.)

Well, remember to go out and give it a try. It's worth it. Happy Hunting!


"One mans junk is another man's treasure"

Pictures in Honor of my Book Review

In honor of "The Beach Trees", attached are some pictures of the landmarks that are in the book. The book takes place in between Biloxi, MS and New Orleans. 

The Beach Trees

Recently I had the opportunity to review a newly published book from Penguin Books. It's about a woman that's gets put an unexpected journey in life. Come by and check out the review on the Blogher Book Club. It's a book I know you would love, too.

Click on the Title of the Book on the Post, it will take you directly to the review.

New Beginings

Well, I am officially a first time home owner, Yay!!!!! It is a great feeling. We just put in hardwood floors. Wow, that was a lot of work. Well, for my husband anyway. Slowly but surely it is coming together and we are putting our personal touches. I started painting in the master bathroom, I'll finish eventually. There is no rush. I'm not going anywhere:-) Fourth of July weekend was laid back. It was mainly a relaxing weekend considering all of the work that was just done on the house. That night we went to the beach to watch the fireworks. That was great. The whole town was there. Not only were they watching the fireworks but also firing up their own. I got a new opportunity in the writing community. I am so excited. I'll keep it a secret for now. But soon I'll let you know. hehehe. It is so hard to hold back, but I'll keep you posted. My girls love this new location. It is more relaxed and the new house has so much more room for them to play. It is so obvious in there behavior. I do not miss DC or it's traffic. I think that the southern lifestyle is for me. Talk to y'all (LOL) soon. I'm starving and ready for dinner. Pizza night.

Summer Vacation

Kids are home. What to do? How to keep them entertained? To fit in their entertainment along with a busy schedule is not an easy task. But then again all mom's are known are superwoman. :-) Obtaining summer passes to the water park has been the greatest investment this summer. Obviously the playground in the backyard is not enough. My daughters spend most of their time bickering. I guess that is the "joy" of sibling rivalry. Secretly I was hoping to avoid that obstacle. Well, there is no vacation for me. School has not stopped and I have picked up some hobbies that can be seen kind of like a job. Mainly working from home. I have picked up Ebaying, which is not bad. It brings in some money, which is always welcome. My husband and I are officially first time homeowners. Yay!!!!!!! I love the new house. It's wonderful, there is so much to do and that I want to do to it. The kids love having so much ample room to run around compared our old place in DC. Everyone is happy with our new location. A project for the kids this weekend will be finger painting outside. That will be a load of fun to watch them get so messy. My 19 month old officially went potty by herself the other day. I was so excited. The fact that she is not even two yet blew my mind. Wow!! 

What sort of activities do you like to do with your kids during summer vacation? Share your ideas. I would love to hear them.

I'll be reviewing a book soon from Penguin Publishers. Stay to tuned to that next month. I won't spoil it. 

Settling In

It's been a while since my last post. My family and I finally made the move from DC to Mississippi. My girls are loving the new environment and new house. There is more room for them to play and grow. Life has been less stressful, this I mean by no traffic. Most of the boxes are unpacked and yet we still are not completely settled in. Why not? It's been a few weeks already and I just do not feel like there is a sense of urgency. We will not be moving again any time soon, so there is no rush.
   The summer school semester has begun and I'm already having a hard time focusing. I want to enjoy the summer vacation just like any other kid. But it will be worth it in the end, there will be no slowing down for me. My husband has been pretty busy with work since we arrived. But that is ok, in the end he knows we will be here waiting for him. We all try to stay positive.
   There is a local water park nearby. Yay!!! I picked up season passes and the girls are loving every moment. My husband set up a new play set in our back yard and they love it. Every morning after breakfast they go outside to play. I love it. I rather have them play outside than stay glued to the TV or some video game.
   I've been going to garage sales and antique flea markets. The house is slowly coming along. This new home is so much more bigger than our last home that we did not have enough items to decorate the house with. It's been fun looking around for decor.
   Thanks for stopping by again. Once I get really settled in, I'll be posting more. Thank you for your patience. Love you all.

On the road

Tonight we officially get on the road. We have a 17hr drive from DC to Mississippi. The kids should sleep most of the drive. Finals are over and I passed my classes. Yay!!! Now we are looking forward to a new home, old friends, and extreme couponing at new stores. The kids are sad they have to leave their friends, but they will make new ones. I guess that's part of the military lifestyle. I'll keep you posted. Wish us luck! :-)

Busy

    Ok, so it's been about a month since my last post. Sorry... It's been a pretty hectic time. In the past 30 days I have moved out of my house and into a hotel in preparation for the move. These last two weeks has been taken up with Finals. Yay!!!! One more final due on thursday, then I get to enjoy a 3 week break.
    My husband left to go to the new location. Our belongings will be getting delivered tomorrow. Imagine being a hotel room for a month, with two kids, and trying to get homework done. It's not easy.
    I've discovered couponing to an extreme. Don't get me wrong I have already been using them, but not to their full potential. I've been watching TLC's Extreme Couponing, I admired those women. I've been collecting the "good"coupons in preparation for my arrival to the new house. You know that every time you move to a new place you almost have to start from scratch to build up your pantry again.
    I'll list some of the resources that I have found on the blog. Mainly what I like is the website that I found in which you can order coupons in bulk for a low handling fee that ranges from $.05- $.12 each. Not bad, huh.
    I am so exhausted, I let my eldest daughter sleep with me last night. Between fighting for the blanket and getting kicked, there was no sleep for me. I finally got the baby down for a nap, she has been teething. Her whole bottom jaw is swollen. It almost looks like skittles are stuff under her gums. Wow, I can only imagine her pain.
   well, time to sneak in a cat nap. Talk to you all again soon. I'll keep you all posted.

My Adventures

It's been a long time

I didn't realize how long it's been since my last entry. I've had a lot going on. Preparing for the next move, finals are coming up, and my daily life never seems to calm down. Though I am excited about a new show that I caught a rerun off this past weekend. Extreme Couponing on TLC. I loved it. I can't believe that it is possible to save that much on one shopping trip. One lady only paid $5.97 for a purchase of over $500 in groceries. You have to be really dedicated to that lifestyle and discipline of course. It would be neat to reach that level of management of groceries. I attached a new button to my site. The website is a good resource for those that look for coupons to print from home. The sunday newspaper is also a good resource. Guess I'll have to start subscribing to it at my next location. 2 more weeks until my house gets packed up. My husband will be making the trip before the kids and I. My daughter has to finish the school year. We are all looking forward to a new city and what it has to offer. Well, gotta go. Have a great week everyone. Oh, and Happy shopping with your new printable coupons. :-)

DC Traffic

  I am not too fond of traffic. In reality, who really is. DC is full of traffic and cameras. Or as the police call them, safety cameras. I've had the "pleasure" of having my picture taking a few times. (I'm embarrassed to say how many times). I know those cameras pay themselves off really fast to offset the cost of their purchase.
  One day I was watching Fox News and they had a segment about apps that let you know where cameras are located in the city. There are apps for smart phones and for portable GPS. Personally, I have a Garmin (it's the only way I can learn my way around the city), so curiosity got the best of me. I went online to the Garmin website and downloaded a free trial of a safety camera software.
  That very afternoon, on the way to pick up my daughter from school, I tested this software to see how accurate it really was. Well, it was very accurate. My GPS beeped just about at every corner that I stopped. It caught the cameras that I knew were there and the ones that are hidden from sight. I was amazed of how much it beeped. On the way home, my daughter couldn't help but to ask what the beeping was because the GPS was going off so often. I guess that my solution for driving in DC is to go below the speed limit. I wonder how long I can get away with that until others drivers start honking their horns at me angrily?
   Can't wait to move out of the city. I'm going from one extreme to another. DC to Mississippi. Going from too much traffic to barely any. No more fighting to merge into lane. No more driving 45 min for a distance less than 10 miles in rush hour to take my child to school and bring home (no school bus). Yay!!!

I'll keep you posted on my adventures. Enjoy the rest of your week:-)

Natural Disaster

As everyone knows by know, Japan was hit by the biggest earthquake in its history. The search for survivors continue while the death toll rises. This tragedy saddens me and it was just last month that New Zealand experienced an earthquake as well. Have people forgotten about Haiti? They are still trying to recover. Just because it is not in the news it does not mean things are better. But as far as broadcasting goes, right now Japan is the current interest.
It's funny how that works. Seeing these events occur I can't help but wonder, what is going on with Mother Nature? Should the rest of the world be afraid. I'm not one to panic, but I would like to plan as much as you can. Not that you can really plan for these sort of events. They just make me scared for my family. With these disasters, I can't help but remember movies that I have watched in the past such as "2012" and "The Day after Tomorrow".
Is the planet trying to warn us? What can we do? Gas prices and the stock market was affected by Japan's devastation. Our country is already broke. There is an unknown future. These things make me question if the scenes in the movies will soon be a reality. It would be a survival of the fittest. The nitty gritty.
My prayers go out to the country of Japan. They are still living in the fear of aftershocks and a leaking nuclear plant. The fear of radiation is being felt in the nearby villages.

I have personally seen the good the red cross can bring to isolated places that are under unfortunate circumstances. I encourage everyone, if you can, donate to the red cross.

Out sick

As a parent one tries their hardest to keep their children in the best health. These tries come in the form of fruits, vegetables, exercise, and vitamins. But the one thing you can't fight is the never ending bugs that circulate their schools and/or daycares. Every day that I pick up my daughter from school, I give her hand sanitizer as soon she is buckled in the car. Though that only stops the bug from coming home. What about in school? Some parents still send their kids to schools knowing that they are sick. There starts the circulation cycle. My daughter is out sick for the second time this year. She has always been a healthy child, up until the daycares and schools. Maybe the schools need to better sanitize their classrooms. How often do they really clean the rooms? The first time my daughter got sick, it got so bad that she had pneumonia. Now I live in the fear that she might get it again. I can't follow her around at school to make sure that she doesn't put her dirty fingers in her mouth. She is a thumb sucker. All I can do now is load her up on vitamin c and try to improve her immune system to help fight the invading germs. I'm off to the doctors office and pray it's only a cold.

My First Step to Becoming a Better Writer

I admit that I am not the worlds most perfect writer. Though I do try. I realize this with the various rejection letters from agents and publishers. Also, I ignore them and blame it all on the economy. On my down time, between semesters, it is very relaxing to me to write a story. Getting lost into the characters and the plot. So, my first step to improve my "craft" is enrolling in a class. This semester I enrolled in a Intro to Creative Writing class, it made sense since I am an English minor. I'm looking forward to what I can get out of this class; to perfect or improve my writing. It is important to me to learn how to put my ideas in writing accurately and to improve my vocabulary in order to provide great descriptions. I am, very much, looking forward to this class. Wish me Luck!  :-)

Follow Up

Just to follow up to my post last year. In the Life of a Military Wife. Moving. It is time. We got word that this summer we will be moving, again. I'm excited, at least I will get away from DC traffic. Now the work begins. House Hunting, School searching, price comparisons on DirectTV or Cable, what to throw away that might hinder the move. But the best part, how to decorate the new house. I even found a college that I can transfer my current credits to with no problem. Now that the baby is getting bigger, it is time to put my two girls together in the same room. It will help them bond more and teach my eldest that sharing is caring. We are moving from the NE to the South. I'm looking forward to warm weather, sunny days, and picnics on the beach. I'm getting my eldest excited about making new friends. Now time to look for a job. Joy. My "maternity" time at home is up. But it breaks my heart to put the baby in daycare. I did it with my eldest, she was in daycare at 6 weeks old. Yes, I cried, but I did it. Now, it's harder because she is 15 months old and has been at home with me this whole time. The idea that she will be crying bloody murder at the daycare is breaking my heart. She cannot bear to part from my side. I'll keep you posted in my process. Wish me luck for a smooth move. I have to think positive, that is the key. :-)

Barbie Doll

This poem that I want to share with you really touched me. It reminded me of the pressures of society today on women to be perfect. I have two little girls, that I am raising to love who they are despite how different they may be. They are of mixed cultures. Be proud of who you are. You're parents love you and gave you life because they saw the possiblities. So why shouldn't you love yourself?


Barbie Doll

This girlchild was born as usual
and presented dolls that did pee-pee
and miniature GE stoves and irons
and wee lipsticks the color of cherry candy.
Then in the magic of puberty, a classmate said:
You have a great big nose and fat legs.

She was healthy, tested intelligent,
possessed strong arms and back,
abundant sexual drive and manual dexterity.
She went to and fro apologizing.
Everyone saw a fat nose on thick legs.

She was advised to play coy,
exhorted to come on hearty,
exercise, diet, smile and wheedle.
Her good nature wore out
like a fan belt.
So she cut off her nose and her legs
and offered them up.

In the casket displayed on satin she lay
with the undertaker's cosmetics painted on,
a turned-up putty nose,
dressed in a pink and white nightie.
Doesn't she look pretty? everyone said.
Consummation at last.
To every woman a happy ending.
 
-Marge Piercy

To live

To eat, is to live.
To live, is to breathe.
Take a deep breath,
And enjoy life's greatest moments.

Dreams

Letting go of Inhibitions.
Releasing me from Traditions.
No longer feeling bound to the traditional roles of a woman.
But now with goals in mind of being a successful woman.
No longer forgetting my dreams,
No longer just content flowing down the main stream.
Ready to lead the life of my dreams.

Exhaustion

Exhaustion envelopes me. The heaviness in my eyes will soon be unbearable. The dark circles under them, making me look older than what I really am. A nap beckons for me, yet I ignore it. Why? Too many things to do, for there is no else that will do them. My duties as a mom,wife, and a student. To take care of the household. To do my homework as everyone falls into slumber. Another late night. Though the end outcome motivates me. To show my kids that it is important to finish what you start, continue your education. So close to the end yet so tired. Must keep pushing. I refuse to give up. Soon to bed, sleep beckons, with the promise of having harmonious dreams in the fields of tranquility.

Valentine's Day, Special Day or a Farce

  Is it a real special day or is it a farce so stores can profit? Stores have been staging for this holiday since January. Red and white everywhere as well as heart shaped chocolate boxes. For some, it may be special if you have a significant other to spend it with. Others that do not, just hate spending the day alone. No admirers, no flowers, left with the emotion that no one really cares. Well, not everyone. I used to hate spending the holiday on my own in my single days. No flowers to show off and no chocolates to enjoy. Now, it just seems like another to buy a present for my significant other. Another gift giving day on top of birthdays, Christmas, anniversaries, etc..
  I don't need Valentine's as a motivator to go show my husband that I love him. I can do that any day of the week. Those are the "just because" gifts. Don't get me wrong. I am a romantic at heart. Though at times you have to be realistic. I would love to come home to be showered in rose petals, drawn a hot bath, a scented oil massage, and a romantic dinner. But I know I'm not getting it.
  The romance in the air dying just as chivalry is. Men want to be pampered too just as us women do. We are now seen as equals. The husband goes out of town, they do not call because they know we can handle everything. We go out of town, they call every 3 hrs because they can't get the baby to eat dinner or go to sleep for the night.
  How do you perceive Valentine's day? I know that it is named after a Priest, a saint. But does the average person really know the history behind it?

Wishing on a Star

I wrote this story about a little girl that wished on a star. It was inspired by my 5 yr old daughter. She helped me remember what it was like to be that age and to wish on a star. What I would wish for. As a child I wanted to do so much, I still am the same way, kind off. I wanted to travel all over the world. Become an actress, singer, dancer. In high school, I wanted to be an archeologist. I love history. ( I also wished I could travel in time to the past. To see what it was like to live in earlier times, 1800's) In my story the little girl got her wish. After enjoying her wish she realized that she could not return to her family unless she gave up her wish. She had to choose between her biggest wish and her family. When you were little, what did you wish for? Or what did you want to be when you grew up?

What Luck...

So my husband had to go out of town and left on Sunday. Why is it that as soon as he leaves my car breaks down? As I was driving home from dropping my 5yr old in school, the accelerator stopped working. Getting closer to the house, I pressed on the gas pedal, and it would barely give gas. As I was around the corner from the house, the car coasted into the driveway. Normally, I have no problems being an independent woman. Though in this case, I did not know where to start. With my husband's advice, after I called him, the car had to get towed from my driveway. My neighbor, thank goodness that she was home, drove to me to the car rental place to get another vehicle.Though I hope she is available again when it comes time to return it. I looked into getting a small SUV because of the 4WD capability. It's winter and the possibility of snow is still there. In return I receive a free upgrade to a Chevy Tahoe. I love it; very roomy. 
 
This is the fourth time in one year the car has been in the shop. Mostly it has been because of recalls. The last time was just in December. It was because of the fuel gauge/fuel tank. The mechanic called my husband today with the diagnose. It's the sensor and something else in that area. These problems are really motivating me to get rid of my vehicle. I hate to do so, but I have to. There is reason to believe that out of all the other vehicles in the car lot, I left with a lemon.

   With the spring semester starting, I have my first weekend class session on Saturday. The class is College Algebra and I won't be able to make it. No babysitter and the neighbor has plans. I have no problem with that. Curiousity drove me to look at the syllabus, just to make sure that I won't be missing anything important. Well, according to the professor there will be a quiz every week after the first day of class. Somehow I have to review the information at home and be prepared for the quiz next week. Oh, I forgot to tell you one little detail. I suck at math. That is the main reason I am taking a classroom lecture instead of taking it online.

   It's only Tuesday and boy what an eventful week. We are expecting snow tomorrow. Yayy!! I love it when it snows. Good thing my daughter is off from school tomorrow due to a teacher day. That's enough venting for today. Thanks for listening. Talk to you next time. Happy Snow Day!!  :-)

Update on my Progress

Since I started my personal weight loss journey, I weighed myself this morning. I am down to 149lbs. I love food and that has also been my downfall. On this journey I'm learning that it is ok to eat but to just control portions. There is a tendency of me eating until I can't eat anymore instead of stopping when I'm actually full. The working out has been a very disciplined area for me. No matter what I make time and make sure I at least exercise 3x a week. If I can't make it to the gym, the living room is transformed in my own personal gym. I've been attending Zumba classes when I am able to, and I love them. The Zumba DVD's are used at home when making the trip to the gym is impossible. At the gym, if zumba is not availble, 30 min on the elliptical and 30 min on the treadmill. Even after class, I like to hit the treadmill. I've been logging my progress on the machines thru my iphone since I connect to the machines and syncs the results to Nike+ online to track. There is an app called myfitnesspal, it tracks all of my calorie intakes. Helps me keep tabs on what foods I decide to put in my mouth. One thing that has been helping me to push it hard is when my husband pinches my love handles. I hate how all of these years he has been able to eat anything he wants and all it takes is an order of fries to gain a pound on my end. aarrgghhh. Good Luck to everyone else on their personal journeys. Continuing on my fight to get rid of my love handles.

Finding the Perfect Puppy, Part 2

With a big smile on his face, Alex slowly, taking his time, started to walk by the cages. He walked by a Chihuahua first, and petted her head. The puppy was cute, but too small. “What do you think of this one?” asked dad. “She’s too small, daddy. She won’t keep up with my bike.” Replied Alex, so he kept walking.

            He stopped by the beagles, but they were all sleeping. Alex tried to get their attention by whistling, but that didn’t work. “What about this one?” asked dad. “No, daddy. They sleep too much.” And he kept walking down the aisle. Alex put his hand to his chin and rubbed. “Where could he be?” asked Alex himself, wondering where his perfect puppy was.

            Just as he started to think that his perfect puppy was not there, he found him. He was white with black spots. The little puppy was rolling around with his brother, playing. Slowly, Alex walked over to his cage and was about to try to pet his head. But instead the puppy stopped playing with his brother, gave a quick little bark, and rolled over so Alex could rub his belly. Alex giggled as he rubbed his belly. The puppy couldn’t stop shaking his leg from the belly rub. As Alex stopped, the puppy got up quickly and started giving doggy kisses to Alex’s hand. The sign said he was a Jack Russell Terrier. Not too big, and Not Too Small. He gave great doggy kisses.

            “What about this one?’ asked dad. Alex looked up at his dad, still giggling from the doggy kisses. “Yes, daddy. Yes, he is the one.” Alex picked up him from his cage to give him a big hug. He laughed as the puppy started to lick his face. “Can I have him?” Alex asked his dad, with hope in his eyes. “Yes, son. If he is the one, we can take him home.” Together they started to walk to the front of the store to pick out a collar. Alex looked up at his dad, still holding the puppy. “Daddy, he is the one. I’m going to call him…….. Spots. He has so many of them.” They both laughed as they played with the new puppy that’s coming home with them today.

*Please feel free to let me know what you think of my story, and if you would like to see more.*

Finding the Perfect Puppy, Part 1

 Alex and is dad where on their way to the store. Not just any store, the pet store. Today is Alex’s birthday. His dad is letting him get a puppy. His very first puppy, he was so excited.

            “Are we there, yet?” asked Alex impatiently. He was having a hard time sitting still in his booster seat. He was turning 5 years old that day, a big boy now. Alex was very proud to be a “big boy” now.

            As dad was pulling into the parking lot of the pet he looked in the mirror and replied, “Yes, we are finally here. Do you know what kind of puppy you are looking for?” Though, secretly he was hoping for a small dog.

            “Well, he’ll have to like running with me when I ride my bike. He has to like playing catch and digging holes to find buried treasure. Oh, and sleep with me in my bed to protect me from the monsters in my closet. The most important thing… gives the best wet kisses. I love doggy kisses.” While giggling, Alex explained to his daddy.

            “Now don’t forget Alex, you also have to take the puppy for walks and give baths,” dad reminded Alex of his responsibilities with the puppy. “I know, dad. I’ll be the best doggy walker ever.” Alex was anxious to go into the store to find his puppy.

            As dad parked the car and was walking to the other side to help Alex out, he already had his door open. He was so excited he wanted to scream at the top of lungs “Yippee”. But he didn’t. He knew that big boys didn’t do that.

            Dad and Alex held hands as they walked into the store. It was the coolest pet store he has ever seen. Outside the sign, Doggy Heaven, had a picture of a white poodle, but inside there were all kinds of other doggies. There were Poodles, Chihuahua’s, Beagles, Huskies (they look like wolves, too.) and a whole lot of other wonderful looking dogs.

(Dedicated to my other daughter on four paws, Fiona)

Snow day

It's snowing heavily in DC. But not heavy enough. Expecting 2 to 4 inches. I can't help but want a snow day. To relax at home, not having to drive in traffic. Watching the snow fall is so beautiful to me as well as being surrounded by it. Then there are others, like my mom, that panic when it snows. All in the hopes of not getting stuck on the side of the rode. She lives in NY so they will be getting over a foot of snow. I enjoy the tranquility the snow brings and it's purity as it falls. The streets suddenly become quiet and empty. As a child, I remember my fifth grade teacher telling us that if we wanted a snow day we should sleep with our pajamas inside out. Maybe tonight, it just might be one of those nights. Just to be goofy. For now, though I'll sit back with my mug of hot cocoa, watch the weather channel, and watch my daughter sleep. (can't help it, she is in my bed.) Cheers!

Day 1

Today I began Day 1 of my resolution. First thing this morning after feeding the baby and passing her to my husband, I went to the gym. There at 8:00am was a Zumba class about to take place. Nervous about it but I still went in. For an hour I danced my butt off. It was so much fun. Next weekend I will definitely attend again. At least until school starts again then I will do the routines at home for at least an hour a day. During nap time of course. My starting weight is 155lbs. My goal, to be realistic is 140lbs. Now, if I just so happen to reach 130 lbs, I will be ecstatic. In order to push myself and to keep on the right path I will keep you updated on my progress. Curious to know how I will progress. When I met my husband I weighed at 115 lbs. 9 yrs and 40 lbs later, with 2 kids. Good Luck to everyone with their resolutions. (And to me.)

Baby Weight

It is true what they say. For every kid you gain 10-15lbs. Well that was the case for me. My goal this new year is to try and lose it. Trust me I'm not trying to fit in skinny jeans, just want to be fit. To be healthy. Out with the Mcdonalds, in with chicken salad. Being a busy mom I'm always looking for the quick meals. This year I will plan meals accordingly. I have 2 beautiful daughters. With my first pregnancy I gained 30lbs after birth. It took me 3 yrs to finally lose it. My youngest was born a year ago. After giving birth to her, I am 20lbs from my goal. Given it's better than the last, due to a better diet. When the weather warms I vow to walk everyday. Currently I will cut back on sweets. They are my downfall, but I will stay away. No more Ice cream, cake, and pie. Mmmm. Bye love handles, hello to a healthier me. This is my resolution. What's yours?

Perseverance is a key to success.

This New year

For 2011, nothing but positive energy. I think this as I submit queries to various literary agents. During my winter break from school, there was more time to work on manuscripts. Mostly my children's books. I'm looking forward to sharing them with an agent. Just hope they enjoy them as much as my daughter. I will not let rejection letters phase me, as the are a normal part of the process. If I believe in myself, people will believe in me. Primarily I want to show my daughter not to give up on what you enjoy doing.

Mother and Daughter- Poem

Mother and Daughter

Flowers that grow,

Looking taller every hour.

Waiting for them to bloom,

But hopefully not too soon.

My two beautiful flowers,

That grow with every hour.

Such beauty they hold as they blossom,

But to watch them grow is truly awesome.

I cannot keep them always near,

For I’ll suffocate them I fear.

For every bloom differs,

As the current of every river.

I will always be their loving caregiver.

For we are Mother and Daughter,

We will always share the same water.

Poem

Life is full of surprises and disappointments.
Stay strong.
Stay positive.
Live life.
Love your children and family.
If you fall, get back up and fight.
Always give your all.
Never let them in your head, or share your thoughts.
Don't get hurt.
Not worth the heartache.
It might seem right, will not always be.
They smell weakness, and use it against you.
Wear the shield tight, no one will get thru.
There are positive things waiting for me in the future. Though it is all unknown.