Nearing the end...

Ok so I will be the first to admit that life has definitely gotten in the way of my daily journal for the month of August. I started of strong and tried to keep up with it...not for lack of thoughts or material but time. Not really a good excuse but it's the best I got. lol

This morning was rather smooth for school following the 1st weekend. Just a little threatening with no afternoon cartoons if there was arguing or whining in the morning. Basically, the rule is "If you don't do what you are suppose to do in the morning, then you don't get to do what you want to do in the afternoon!" Marcus finally brought home some worksheets from last week - actual hard paper proof that the first week was not all fun and games and snow cones...lol

Today I started back on my health kick routine and it felt great. I must say that after a few months lag time it was easier than I thought to get back on track... right down to my food journaling. I have also added the walking to and from school - hey every step counts, right? My company is really striving to improve the overall Wellness of it's employees and I must say it is a positive thing. They offer a variety of live and online wellness informational sessions, medical benefit incentives, cash reimbursements for gym memberships/weight loss programs, flu shot expenses, and raffles/prizes for participation. Of course the financial impact of ill employees is a major driving factor, however, they could raise our benefit premiums and throw their hands up. They don't have to go these extra miles. I am proud to work for a company that takes so much pride in their employees overall well being. After all health happy people are more productive.

Good luck everyone!

BTW- sleep should be a big part of your wellness goals...I should probably get to bed myself!

Stay tuned tomorrow for my next self challenge...

Big day for my car

I have finally got my garage cleaned out enough to put my car in it on a daily basis. So exciting since my car has never had a garage to call its own. It wouldn't be the big shabang without a complete car wash too. So Marcus and I washed the car then in the garage it will be! It will be so nice to not get drenched just walking to the car in the rain and it will help during the winter months too with the cold and ice. It only felt appropriate since 1/3 of my car is brand new -- I kinda have that new car attitude on keeping it nice...lol

Tomorrow also starts my weight loss and exercise routine again. I am starting Alli again as I have had great success with this program already in the past. I need a jump start to get out of my current rut. As a final sign off tonight for bedtime snack we had Oreos and milk!!! My fridge is stalked with fresh fruit and veggies and healthy snacks. Ready set go :)

One more week of work then a long weekend in Austin my mommy! Marcus is super excited since it has been a couple months now. He is missing his granny :)

Here's to a fast week and more positive reactions to school!

My fears of the school year already.

1. Will he make friends?
2. Will he be nice and respectful?
3. Will he get bullied?
4. Will he stand up for himself?
5. Will he be bored?
6. Will he excel?
7. Will he have fun?
8. Will he make memories?
9. Will he enjoy himself?
10. Will he get lost in the building?
11. Will he go poop at school?????
12. Will he get in trouble?]
13. Will he cry?
14. Will he throw a tantrum? [I am hoping those are saved for me only lol]
15. Will he be a teacher's pet?
16. Will he help others?
17. Will he ask questions if he needs help?
18. Will he be assertive in class?
19. Will he try his hardest every day?
20. Will he know how proud I am of him???

And finally, I hope he doesn't become a natural in the principal's office.

Funny incident from this morning...

Walking up to the school the principal says 'Good morning, have a great day Marcus."

Now I ask, why does the principal know your name the first week of school?

Well mommy, I have been to her office.

What?? Why were you in her office already?

Well the whole class got to go.

At least I felt better it was not a bad thing then.

After talking to the principal, she said that all the Kindergarten classes take a tour of the school and visit her office so she can tell them what she does and meet them.

Wheeewwww...close call!

Whewwwwwww

Whewww - we made it. The first week of school and a new routine!

All in all it went very well and Marcus had a great first week of Kindergarten. It feels good to get up and out of the house every morning...I may actually miss the cool morning walk tomorrow but I am going to be selfish and choose sleep! We walked to and from school every day except Wed morning due to the downpouring rain and even snuck(is that a real word?) in an extra walk to the school for PTA ice cream Thursday evening. Just after this one week I am feeling better and more energized from the extra activity.

I have also gone back to the gym - 4 times a week starting Monday. It was amazing how I missed it once I was there and on the eliptical. The new location is so much better with your own tv/radio on each and every cardio machine. I just have to remember my ear phones!

The weather has been great these past couple of days - fall is creeping in and I will welcome it with open arms!!!! I love this time of the year :)

I also got my car back a few days ago and officially taken it on it's first drive to Mesquite tonight. Felt a little wierd but we made it safely and it drives so much better...kinda of surprising how an accident can be a somewhat good thing...sure a NEW car would have been even better but I can't complain.

Well I should get some sleep or at least finish up a couple of things to start aiming for sleep!

Sleep tight and don't let the bed bugs bite :) Good night.

Check out our other blogs!

If you follow this blog then please feel free to follow these other blogs as well.

http://journeythrukindergarten.blogspot.com

http://imreadywatchout/blogspot.com

Time well spent.....

Nothing like a weekend full of rest, lounging and relaxation to rejuvenate for you for the week to come. This is going to be a crazy week - getting into the school thing and new routine. Chillin' all weekend with my 2 favorite guys...it couldn't have been better! The weekdays are so crazy busy and nonstop it feels so good to not do a darn thing for a day or so.

I am a well rested woman of little words tonight! Good night!!!

Meet The Teacher

Well we did it...first steps into Kindergarten. Walking up to the school Marcus was asking all kinds of questions and finally said "well, I am a little nervous." I was waiting for it sometime over the next couple days. He quickly got over it and walked right thru the front doors asking how to get to Kindergarten...lol

We found his room and met Ms. Kennedy. She is super sweet and had several past students coming in to say Hi. That's a good sign right? I mean if no one liked her they sure wouldn't come back to visit. Marcus went up to her and introduced himself then started taking it all in. The classroom had so much new stuff in it. He had to do a couple things for room decor then we went into the cafeteria for the PTA stuff! Wrote my 1st check to the NorthRich PTA then off to some fun outside with the bounce houses. Marcus had a blast and is even more excited now that it all seems real.

No tears yet, just happiness and joy! Check back Monday - I am sure this will change...lol

I hope everyone else has had some great back to school moments already!!! This year will be over before we know it :)

Tissues Anyone?

I lay in bed thinking about my bitter sweet tomorrow. Friday Aug 20, the last full day [outside of public school holidays] that Marcus will be home with me during the day. I know he is ready for Monday but am I? Am I ready to let him go full time - 5 days a week all day? Who will hear me talking to myself and come in running asking "What is wrong Mommy?". No more..."Mommy, I need a snack or drink." No more 9 or 930am sleepy voice "Mommy, come get me awake!" I feel the tears already.

I know I have to release him in the world but it's scary....the world is a scary place :(

I can only have faith in myself and him that I have done all I can do to this point for him to be able to enter the world and begin to make his own decisions, make his own friends, further develop his personality, ask the big and important questions, and last but not least break a few hearts.

Come Monday, all will be quiet and lonely...except for my tears and sniffles!

Welcome to RISD

It's official....Marcus got his first letter from RISD today, welcoming him to Kindergarten.

His teacher will be Ms. Kennedy in room 5 -- he loves number 5 so even better :)

Friday is "Meet the Teacher" and he is all ready to go with his school supplies and check out his new classroom. He is excited to meet new friends. He has been diligently practicing over the summer and should have no problem easing into the work. I have complete faith in him and know that he does not give up easily.

With the letter I got the daily drop off and pick up routine outlined...complete with a hug zone before letting the kids go into the building. For the first week, we can walk him into class then it's the hug zone and he has to walk in like a big boy. He was already used to this in Pre-K...dumping off at the door and he would go into his class. He already wants me to come and have lunch with him...we'll see how long that lasts! LOL

We are ready for Kindergarten!!!!

Surreal

My life is so surreal right now....it feels like I am watching a movie play edited scenes of my reality. Every day I am realizing more and more how fast my baby is growing up right before my eyes. One minute he was this helpless little boy and now he is losing his first tooth, picking out school clothes, making his own lunch, and going to Kindergarten.

This is his last week as a preschooler...his last Sunday night to stay up late and sleep in on Monday...even though he probably shouldn't. I can't help but want to give him all the free time he will have for the rest of his life. He has no idea how his life is about to change, how he is going to be growing up on his own, developing his own preferences out in the big world.

Marcus lost his first tooth this morning and for a split second I said "We have to call nana and granny." Not even realizing as I said it, but once I heard the words out loud...surreal.

Another major milestone without our Nana but we know she was watching down on us and was so happy and proud of Marcus. Can angels chip in on the tooth fairy's contribution too? lol

Life is a funny thing...you may not realize how perfect your life is while you are living it but when you get the chance to sit back and look in as an outsider...it's AWESOME! I have been having some dreams lately, as myself looking back on my life and some of the bigger moments. Of course we all have things we probably would have done differently but all it would have taken is one alteration and life as you know it would not exist. I truely am happy at this point in my life...not necessarily where I thought I would have been a year ago, but in a much better place in my opinion. Just goes to prove that we always don't know what is best for us. We need to sit back, buckle in, and hold on for the ride of our life. No maps or navigation just faith, hope and dreams.

Friday the 13th!!!

Yesterday definitely held up to it's name! Friday the 13th.....complete twilight zone!!!

Thankfully nothing to dangerous happened but still was a not so good day.

On a good note, we noticed that Marcus has his first loose tooth! At 5 years old only...I thought there was still another year before this milestone...Guess not. The tooth fairy better get on it and be on the look out! He is headed to the dentist this week for a scheduled cleaning and to get the briefing on loosing your teeth.

Looks like our car is being repaired at $6500...most likely will be about 10 days to complete, assuming nothing else is found during the repairs. Thanks to my knight in shining armor this past week. I am such a lucky girl to have him in my life.

Still shaky on the whole driving thing...only done in a handful times this past week and I am just fine with that. I have no desire to drive anywhere especially today at 7pm...my one week freak-out. I am entitled right?

Got lots of needed stuff done today and now its time to relax with my 2 favorite boys!

Have a great Saturday :)

What a week!!!!

So I know I have slacked the past few days on my blog but I am sticking to my reason for the difference of the time zones in Pittsburgh.

It was a productive few days in the office...not a phrase I get to say but yes "in the office." It was good to see everyone again. I loved the cooler heat waved up that way. Only 90 degrees and woke up to the low 70s....awwww it was great! Got so cold in my hotel room I had to turn off the AC - how I do miss it already. The entire plane moaned when the pilot mentioned triple digit heat at DFW during take off.

But at last it was time to head back home and see my little man. 3 days is too long sometimes...then others not enough...lol He was ready to come home but apparently worried how he was going to get back since Mommy didn't have car anymore. He asked Gabby if she knew how to get to our house so he could get back home. Never fear...he got home!!!

Car situation sucks but it is getting worked out and all will be fine! Thanks to my knight in shining armor, we are not completely without a vehicle for the next week. It's amazing what truely generous people do for others and ask nothing in return. I am so lucky and grateful to have someone like this in my life. The tough times are made so much better by that special someone.

Well it has been a crazy week and still got one more day to go...I should get a few things done for work then hit the pillow for some shut eye! Sweet dreams to all.

Waking up in 70 degrees!!!

Ah...how I have missed these cool temps. I am loving it here in Pittsburgh....I don't wanna go back t to the 100+ heat in Texas.

I was wondering how long it would be before I missed my first daily blog - I made it 8 days :) But in my own defense I did loose an hour yesterday in flight to PGH so that would have been my hour to blog!! Does that work for you?

Yesterday, the day after my car accident and I sat in the passenger seat cringing watching a couple near misses on the freeway. I am not used to feeling this vulnerable. It was my first nervous trip here...things were just feeling all wrong with the flight...first our gate was changed due to mechanical failures then once at the new gate our plane was changed...what was going to happen next? But when it was all said and done we landed safely and I even managed to make a safe drive to the hotel.

Considering everything that has happened this weekend I woke up quite refreshed this morning. I got some sleep last night amongst the all too real vivid replays in my mind. Hopefully they should diminish but it does reaffirm our limited time here. Why was the choice made to save our lives? Why were there at that exact moment in time???

I'm off for some breakfast and headed to the office...I just like saying that since it it all too rare for me!!!!

Have a great day and be safe :)

Gone from great to sucks in 8 hours....

Today started out great...waking up in the best set of arms ever!

I took Marcus swimming at a local pool for a few hours - no additional sun burn for me thank goodness. Then we came home to get cleaned up and were going to eat dinner, some shopping and had to do laundry and get packed for this week. Left the house to eat dinner - left there to head to the store....and whaaaaaa baaaaaammmmm! Suddenly my car is at a dead stop and I am in a T-Bone position with an Acura. My green baby got badly hurt but Thank God life was chosen over cars. No one was hurt besides just shaken up. Considering it was an accident there was no confrontation or yelling...everyone involved was very polite and concerned with Marcus's safety. Witnesses came over from across the street, brought out water and stayed with us the whole time. I had my car towed to my house for now and the other car was driven off. It could have been so much worse. A car is a car and somehow I will manage to get the money to get it fixed but if one of us had been seriously hurt...or Marcus...I can't even imagine.

Marcus has finally gone to sleep and I will be soon enough I am sure -- after we watch Jersey Shore and I get my addiction fix for the week :)

What a Friday!

Today started out quite productive for a Friday! This evening I took Marcus to see Shrek The Final Chapter since we had yet to see it. Better late than never I guess. We liked it but it seemed to have quite a bit adult humor and references that Marcus didn't understand. He still enjoyed it but he said his favorite part was eating the hotdog in the bun with ketchup...and popcorn. What a dinner!! lol

I got the last missing items for school...baggies, underwear and socks. He is finally all set and found some approved underwear to meet Sir Marcus's superhero standards...lol

Marcus asked to keep taking soccer so I signed him this evening for Fall thru Richardson. Now we just got to get his gear. At least it will be cooler come end of September. I hope he enjoys it.

I was suppose to come home and make fish and rice for dinner but that has been postponed due to a delayed flight and a long drive home from OK. Sorry dear....wishing you were here instead...my feet miss u...lol

I am gonna chill now and catch up some tv!!

Not sure what tomorrow will bring but then come Sunday I am on my way to Pittsburgh for a few days...I am seriously hoping that the 100+ heat doesn't follow me!

Fun in the Sun

After a busy morning of work we went to Surf-n-Swim this afternoon with some friends and had a BLAST. I will even have the pain tomorrow to prove it...lol

Marcus just took off in the waves even out in the 6+ feet water with his vest on floating out in the waves. This was really the 1st time we both just laid there relaxing in the waves. I felt confident enough to relax some and he actually truely enjoyed the waves for the first time! All our friends left and we hung out in the waves for another 45 minutes...just floating and talking. It amazes me of his conversations sometimes. I have come to adore the young boy growing before my eyes with his expanding mind, personality, and curiousity.

Straight from the water to the last night of VBS. Marcus was so tired but quickly got his second wind and had another great night with his buddies. I am so tired and worn out, my legs are sore from fighting the waves, and my back is sunburned. After all this I wouldn't have changed any of it! I swear I am going to find a way to drain the excess energy from him and pump into my veins...this day and time in technology there has to be a way!!!! Wish me luck.

Whewwww...

OK - not sure if it is because of VBS this week and the late nights out or what but this week is dragging by. It has kind of sucked not being home every night this week but Marcus has enjoyed his much overdue time with old friends. It makes me so happy to see him genuinely happy and having a good time.

I swear just these few days of driving in rush hour evening traffic has nearly driven me crazy! Apparently it has been way too long since I have had to encounter this on a regular basis. Needless to say it has not been missed at all.

Of course I pick a day during the week of the hottest heat waves this summer to hang out at a local water park. But we are looking forward to an afternoon of fun in the sun again tomorrow (my sunburn is all clear and ready to be renewed tomorrow lol) It will be good to be with old friends too. Marcus wants to try his underwater skills in deep water with the waves.

I hope everyone is staying cool and enjoying these last few weeks of summer!!

Reality TV

So here's my pish posh on my self-admitted addiction....Reality TV

What in the world did we watch 10 years ago before reality tv? I remember the first episode of Real World on MTV and I was amazed how people would put themselves on national tv like that. Now a days another reality tv star is the norm. What makes them so addicting? We know they are not 100% real tv but still tune in every week. Is that we see a piece of ourselves thru the tv or enjoy the many self-induced stunts and laughs from them? The daily dramas keep pulling us in. Whatever the reason may be it seems that our entertainment standards have surpassed the talented stars and can suffice on mediocre scripts and contests. I feel for those in the industry who can truely transform a character into something magical on the screen.

There are so many different reality tv shows on today...it's a wonder of what they will come out with next.

Even with all this, I can't seem to turn away. I have to turn in each week to see who will do something stupid and create the drama!!! Stay tuned...

3 weeks

Wow 3 weeks from today and we will be discussing our 1st day of Kindergarten. I am so excited...new people and the best of all - refresher courses from elementary school. Considering it has been 25+ years since I walked thru a set of those doors I have alot of refreshing to do!

[dang that makes me feel so darn old.....more than a quarter of a century ago I was in my son's place starting kindergarten...well if I wasn't depressed already that has done it]

Well on a positive note, Marcus is so frickin excited to start Kindergarten. I just hope this excitements keeps going past the 3rd day of getting up at 630am! We are actually starting to work on the new timing routine and get adjusted to earlier bedtimes this week. Hopefully he will be a pleasant boy come the first day of school that early in the morning. I have high hopes!!!

We have pretty much everything for school - just a few last minute things to do.

Hopefully you are starting to prepare yourself!

That's all for tonight.

Good night...more tomorrow :)

Ready...set...go

Day 1 of August 2010

Day 1 of my monthly blogging...

So not a productive first day of this month but so wonderful at the same time.

I have come to the realization that my body has been in shut down mode for the past few Sundays. I have no momentum nor desire to do anything on Sundays. The one day of the week I have been able to sleep and relax so apparently I took advantage of that! Can't say I blame myself...lol

Marcus has finished instructional soccer and loved it so now he wants to play for the fall season. He also wants to play basketball come winter season...should be lots of fun and busy!

Swim lessons are over and he learned so much so now we are going to squeeze in as much swimming as we can and hopefully he will keep up his skills over the winter.

Hopefully I can squeeze in a few more Sundays to shut down!!!