Mommy (David) and Goodyear (Goliath)

Normally Travis is in charge of all things car related, but this time was different, we have been so busy I could not give up my truck for a whole day. I needed new tires, so Travis ordered them from tirerack.com and put them in my truck. He instructed me to call Goodyear (I normally don't name names, but Goodyear sucks so bad I want the world to know it!) in the morning and schedule an appointment to have them mounted and balanced. Travis also told me to make sure that I got the Tire Rack discount. I figured this assignment would be easy enough...

On the phone:
Me: Good morning, I need to schedule an appointment to have tires mounted and balanced on my LR3
Jeremy (store manager at Goodyear): No problem, when do you want to come in?
Me: This morning would be best.
Jeremy: Our first available appointment is 3 o'clock
Me: How long will it take? (I need to pick Jack up at 3:45)
Jeremy: Well, it is hard for me to say because we might not be able to get you in right away if our bays are full.
Me: (slightly befuddled) Okay, I will try the 3.

Why do they schedule appointments if they don't save a place for you? When he said I might have to wait, I was thinking 20 minutes or so. I arrived for my appointment 10 minutes early hoping that would help my cause, I was wrong.

Arriving at the shop, with Ben and Lauren in tow:
Me: Hello, I am here for my 3 o'clock mounting and balancing appointment.
Jeremy: Are you going to be able to leave us your truck?
Me: No, that is why I made an appointment.
Jeremy: Well, like I said on the phone you are going to have to wait. We won't be able to get your truck in for an hour to an hour and a half.
Me: (sighing heavily) Okay...

Then, Jeremy presented me with a preliminary bill to sign off on.

Me: Does this include the Tire Rack discount?
Jeremy: No, we have to have a copy of the invoice to give you the discount.
Me: It is all on the tire.
Jeremy: I need the invoice, not the tire sticker.
Me: I haven't removed anything from the tires; it has all of Tire Rack's numbers on it.
Jeremy: I can't give you the discount without the invoice.

Frustrated, I called Travis.

Me: They won't give me the discount without the invoice.
Travis: It's on the tire.
Me: I told him that, he still won't give it to me without an invoice.
Travis: Let me talk to him.

I handed my cell phone over to Jeremy. I could tell Travis was explaining how things were going to go because Jeremy was doing a lot of "yes, sir". Then I heard Jeremy say "Well, your wife didn't tell me that". This is when I lost it!

Me: This is bullshit! I did so tell you, you are a liar!
Jeremy: It's okay I am going to give you the discount.
Me: NO! IT IS NOT OKAY! You were trying to take advantage of me because I am a woman! He didn't tell you anything that I hadn't already explained to you! You are a jerk!!
Jeremy: I am not trying to take advantage of you because you are a woman.
Me: Do you try to take advantage of everyone?!?!?
Jeremy: I am not trying to take advantage of you.
Me: I guess we are going to have to agree to disagree.

When I returned to Ben and Lauren's side Lauren had a few questions for me.

Lauren: Why were you yelling at that man?
Me: (loud enough for Jeremy to hear) because he is a pig!
Lauren: Like the kind that rolls in the mud?
Me: Yes, just like that!

This is when the best moment of my day occurred! Ben and Lauren stared snorting like pigs at Jeremy. Did I stop them? Oh no, I did not stop them, I actually considered joining in, but I decided to be the adult!

We continued to wait and wait and wait. Finally after we had been at the shop for over an hour I see them pull my car into the shop. 15 minutes later Jeremy comes to the waiting area holding my owner’s manual.

Jeremy: Do you know how to turn off the air suspension?
Me: No, shouldn't you?
Jeremy: Well, I have gone through the manual and I can't find anything about it.
Me: Let me call my husband...again!

This time Travis was in a meeting when I called so he didn't answer. I had to pull the emergency second call. Travis knows if I call twice back to back he needs to pick up. I quickly told Travis what was going on and again I had to hand Jeremy my cell phone. Travis explained to the grease monkey that the air suspension does not turn off so he would have to do each tire separately. I could hear Jeremy hemming and hawing about how that would take longer, blah, blah, blah. When Jeremy got off the phone he told me that it was going to take longer. I had already called Trisha and asked her to pick Jack up from school so I figured I had already been there an hour and a half, what's a little longer!

It wasn't long before my phone rang. It was Travis telling me that these people didn't know what they are doing and to get my truck away from them stat! I balked at first, because I already had nearly 2 hours invested into the tire mounting and balancing. But, Travis explained that they could cause $3000 worth of damage if/when they do it wrong. So, after 2 hours of hanging out at Goodyear I left with my same old tires!

Training To Train

A few of my high school swimming friends have had posts on Facebook about getting back into swimming. It seemed like a good idea so I decided to look into a Masters program in my area. I found one that posted their workouts online. I took this as the perfect opportunity to do a few workouts on my own before embarrassing myself in front of people. I decided to start today, I put my favorite old Speedo on and it was about 6 inches too long. I decided that suit was shot and tossed it in the trash. Luckily, I found another; I pulled and pulled and pulled it on. For the swimmers out there, if felt like putting on a paper suit, but it wasn't. It is obviously important that I get back in the water since things aren't fitting properly! I packed my swim bag before I took the kids to school. Swimsuit, check! Goggles, check! Towel, check! Kickboard, where the hell did that go? Fins, I know I had some once... Cap, stuck together in a clump. Paddles, MIA. Pull-buoy, with the paddles. So, I obviously needed to make a stop at the sporting goods store before I went to the gym. I dropped the kids at school and headed to Sports Authority. I got all the necessary equipment and headed to the pool.

I got in the water and couldn't believe how slow I was. I haven't swam this poorly since I was an 8 and under! If someone wanted to time me they would have needed a calendar! When I was swimming in highschool I found a lot of motivation from my fellow teammates working out with me. Unfortunately, the only one swimming with me was a woman twice my age and twice my weight! This woman did have a talent, it just wasn't swimming fast. She was able to swim breaststroke without getting her hair wet! I continued to swim my workout and the longer I went the better I felt, I was getting back in the groove. Then I felt someone staring at me. I looked up and there was a creepy man sitting in the hot tub watching my every move. Hmmmm, maybe I am not doing as well as I thought I was. Why is he staring at me? Am I doing something wrong? Does my stroke look that bad? It has been nearly 20 years. Wait a minute, I have not water tested this suit in years. Can he see through my suit? Dear God!! I spent the rest of my workout low in the water for fear that I was giving a free show! It took me an hour and 15 minutes to swim a 2500 yard workout. That is less than half what I did in an hour when I was in highschool I was thankful that it took me so long because the pool area was clear before I headed to the locker room. I took a good look in the mirrow when I got to the locker room and I am happy to report that he wasn't staring at me because my suit was see-through! I am still not sure what he was looking at, but at least I know what it wasn't! My shoulders are sore, my ankles are sore, my legs feel like Jell-o and I feel great! I can't wait to swim on Monday!

You Can't Fix Stupid!

As a realtor I am associated with a broker. Basically, I pay my broker to 'sponsor' me, which is required by law. My broker charges relatively low fees, but I have officially decided you get what you pay for! We have exchanged words in the past; we are trying to repair our rocky relationship. He is beginning to understand that I need to be 'stroked' when I make a sale. I like to be rewarded financially when I make a sale, but I also expect to be told how fabulous I am. So, my mentor has explained this to my broker and I think he is trying, but at this point I think he would be better off not to talk. Today in a meeting of our small office, consisting of 10 men and me, we were talking about simple things you need to do everyday to be successful in real estate. My broker went on to say, "You don't need to be Einstein or Brad Pitt to be successful. Look at Kelli, she is JUST A HOUSEWIFE and she has been wildly successful." Just a housewife? I am so much more than a housewife! But, being a housewife is not something I am ashamed of. I am proud of the HARDWORK I have put in as a 'housewife' over the last five years. My children are well-behaved, smart, funny and an all around joy to be around. This is much more than I can say for his son, Damien. I am not changing his name to protect the innocent because 1) he isn't innocent and 2) I think it important to know his devilish name is relevant! I am mad at myself. I didn't say anything. I still don't know what I wish I would have said, but saying anything would have been better than sitting there in shock like I did.

Who Needs A Dog?

The pest guy came on Thursday, I scrubbed the kitchen floor and it seemed like the ant population thinned down for about a minute. Then, just when I started to relax it got worse again. Those darn pest people are going to have to come back out tomorrow! It seems like the second the kids drop a crumb on the floor the ants come running to gobble it up, just like a dog! The kids are even playing with them. They try to count them and get them to crawl onto their hands. I guess I should just accept them as part of the family. They are like gray hairs, every time I suck one of the little bastards up 10 come in its place. One of the symptoms of my MS is little tingling sensations that feel just like an ant crawling on you. I am pretty sure this is worse torture than water boarding!

Busy But Boring

I have been adjusting to my life as a partial working mother. I think it would actually be easier to work full-time, at least that way I would have some sort of full-time childcare. However, I want it all. I don't want someone else taking care of my kids full-time; I want to remain the primary caregiver!

Our schedule today:
8:25 Drop Jack and James off at school.
8:25-8:40 Drive to the gym.
8:40-9:40 Workout
9:40-10:10 get ready at the gym.
10:10-10:30 Drive to the office.
10:30-1:00 Meeting at the office (Ben and Lauren came with, Benny slept in my lap a good portion of the time)
1:10-1:40 Go to the association of realtors to pay dues.
1:40-2:00 Drive home.
2:00-2:30 Vacuum the lower level.
2:30-3:45 Prepared our tax documents for personal and the business.
3:45-4:15 Welcome Jack home, go through his backpack.
4:15-4:45 Work on the books for the business.
4:45-5:15 Start dinner.
5:15-6:00 Go to our personal bank, the business bank then back to our personal bank.
6:00-6:30 Finish dinner.
6:30-7:00 Take car to the shop.
7:00-7:30 Eat dinner.
7:30-8:30 Learn about how to evict my deadbeat tenant.
8:30 kiss the kids good night.
8:30-9:30 Research REMAX website.
9:30-10:00 Blog
10:00 Bedtime

Tomorrow, more of the same. I like working; it makes me feel more like myself. I love being a mom; it helps me discover new things about myself everyday. I think this can be the best of both worlds; I just need to figure out how to make them coexist peacefully!

A Day Of Firsts

Today was an emotional, exciting, exhilarating, electrifying, eerie and many other 'E' adjectives day. As you know I got my real estate license. It started as a way to learn more and save money when we buy investment properties. Then as I got further and further into it I became more and more interested in pursuing real estate as a career. My hope is to work part-time for the next two years, then have a thriving full time career when Ben and Lauren start Kindergarten. I already have a listing and two more listing leads! Today I took buyers from CA around so they could get a better idea of what they wanted and what they could get for their money in TX. I had to take Ben and Lauren to Adventure Kids Playcare while I was working. I didn't mentally prepare myself for this day. After all, what's the big deal? I have left them with babysitters in my home countless times, Jack went to daycare the first year of his life, this is only a few hours at a time and this place came highly recommended from several reliable sources. As a matter of fact, the owner is from Nebraska and personally knows one of my best friends. I built this place up like no other. Ben and Lauren were so excited. They couldn't wait to take their lunches in their Dora and Diego lunch bags and play with the other kids. When we arrived the director took the kids and I on a tour of the facility. Before we were through the whole place Ben and Lauren were climbing through the giant indoor jungle gym. I finished the tour without them, and then stopped by to let them know that I was leaving. They each gave me quick kisses and hugs then ran back to the jungle gym. Lauren must have sensed that I was upset (after all she will be a woman someday) and came running after me for one last hug, kiss and a "see ya soon mommy, I love you!” When I got to my car I really thought I could throw up and I had to fight back tears. I don't know why this hit me so hard! I called Travis and got his voicemail. In retrospect it was better that I got his voicemail he wouldn't have gotten it. I called my girlfriend Trisha who was able to talk me off the ledge. Thank God for girlfriends!

Gym Etiquette

To the elderly overweight gentleman in the orange tank top, red running shorts and knee high tube socks at the gym this morning. I appreciate your efforts to make a New Years resolution, really I do. I don't know what diet plan you are following that recommends you eat 12 pounds of garlic for dinner. But, you have to understand that the smell of your sweat and breath is unbearable the morning after. Now that I have made you aware of your odor I hope that you won't be offended when I ask you to never come within 2 machines of me again. I nearly passed out from your odor. I had to lean away from you just to catch a breath of fresh air. I know you are new so you are unaware of gym etiquette. Rule number one; if there are other machines available, leave at least one machine between you and someone you don't know. Rule number two; the gym is not a fashion show, but tank tops are reserved for the men and women who are in good shape, all others should stick to a T-shirt. Rule number three; after you have sweat all over a machine please wipe it down, that is just plain nasty! If you implement these three basic rules the next time you come to the gym you will be less likely to be chased out by the meatheads that were staring at you with distain.

Black Friday Bait and Switch

I think I can finally write about my disappointing Black Friday experience. I have the stockings hung by the mantle with care.

I have meticulously decorated all three Christmas trees and placed the coordinating gifts beneath them.



I am now in a better frame of mind, so I can tell you the sad, sad story.

I asked Travis early the morning of Thanksgiving Day to go buy me a newspaper. He didn't leave right away as I had hoped; as a matter of fact he didn't go until about 11. By 11, Walmart was sold out of papers. He called me from the store to ask me how important a paper was to me. I explained how much money was potentially on the line so he headed for the gas station. There weren't any papers there either! He resorted to "stealing" one of our neighbors that we knew were out of town for Thanksgiving. By the time he got home with the paper I didn't have anytime to go through the ads before we left for my aunt and uncle's house.

We didn't get home from Thanksgiving dinner until 9 or 10. Yes, I was full and tired, but I still went through the ads page by page. I even went through the stores that I don't normally go to. Nothing. There wasn't anything that was worth getting up at the crack of dawn for. There were a few good buys at Walmart, but there wasn't anything I couldn't live without. I decided that I wouldn't set an alarm; I would just go to Walmart when I got up and if they didn't have the things I wanted it wasn't meant to be.

Come to find out, there was no need to set an alarm as my cell phone rang at 5:30am. You see I have to have a very loud ring so I can hear my phone when I am out and about with 3 screaming kids. It was my mother and sister who assumed that I had already been out shopping for two hours like they were. I didn't get up to answer but I was awake. I laid in bed for 10 or 15 minutes then decided I should get up and check Walmart out. I drove to Walmart as I talked to my mom and sister on the phone. I found everything I wanted at Walmart. I had to settle for the blue $9 vacuum rather than the pink that I really wanted. But, all in all a successful trip. My mom and sister quilted me into making the trek to Sears for a watch for my dad. It was a Timex watch for $19.95, marked down from $40. It was a deal I couldn't refuse. I drove across town in a downpour. I had to park 3 miles away and run inside. I don't know why I ran; I really don't know how I would have gotten any more wet. I went immediately to the watch counter. The Timex watches were locked in a glass case. Are you kidding me, locked? There was only one clerk working the counter. I waited patiently while an Indian (dot not tomahawk) blew their wad on $1200 in Sears jewelry. They discussed the extended warranty on every cheap piece of jewelry they were purchasing. Then to top it off they wanted everything individually gift-wrapped. Why did the only clerk at the watch counter have to wrap it all? Finally it was my turn. I had staked out the watch and was ready to go.
Me: I need the $20 Timex.
The clerk went on a search of her case.
Me: It is right here.
Clerk: Oh, thanks. That will be $30.
Me: No that is on sale for $19.95.
I quickly flipped through my ad and pointed to the sale.
Clerk: This watch has gray buttons and the one in the ad has orange buttons.
Me: They are the same watch, they are both Ironman watches and they are both regularly $40.
Clerk: Oh, but they have different numbers. This one is one digit off.
Me: I understand that the numbers are different because the buttons are different colored, but they are the same watch.
Clerk: I am sorry; we sold that one a little while ago.
Me: That one? You only had one?
Clerk: Yes.
Me: I feel like I have waited very patiently while you helped other customers and I think you should give me this watch for the sale price.
Clerk: Let me call my manager...

Clerk: I can give you 10% off, but I can't give you the sale price.
Me: Fine.

I was hacked! But, I bought the watch anyway. My dad needed a birthday gift. I was at Sears. I just needed to get the job done. But it really makes me mad! How dare you advertise a watch that you only have one of in order to get me into your store to spend more? I learned about this trick in marketing class...that is bait and switch!!

Birth Defect

So I heard on the radio that you are born with (or in my case without) rhythm. That's right, it is in your genes. So, my lack of dancing skill is not due to lack of trying, but due in fact to a birth defect.

Mid-Life?

Several months back a good friend of mine lost her mother to cancer then a month or so later lost her father too. Just last week another friend of mine lost his dad and our attorney passed away. Our attorney was just a couple of years older than us; he had boy/girl twins that were around Jack's age. Another good friend is turning forty next weekend! Is it time for me to be having my mid-life crisis? I don't feel old. But this stuff doesn't happen to young people! I just described another kindergarten mom as really young because she is in her late twenties. I am becoming that old lady! My friend Jeff and I went to pick up Jack from school a couple weeks back and I told random kids that were messing around to be careful. What am I 90? Jeff even made the comment that I USED to be fun! I used to be young and hip, then all the sudden my friends parents started dying, people "my age" were dropping dead, and twenty something’s are "real young"...not to mention all of the sagging...what is happening to me?

Doggone It, People Like Me!

After we got home from Cape Cod Jack's teacher sent me a very nice email gushing over my friend Trisha. She did a fabulous job; she would rather leave her kids with her than her husband, blah, blah, blah. I really want her to like me. If she likes Trisha, she should like me. I had already volunteered to be her room mother, was she still holding the initial phone call against me? The teacher sent out an email while we were on vacation asking for a computer lab volunteer and lunchroom volunteers. In hopes of making her like me I sent an email asking if she had gotten the volunteers she needed and telling her if she still needed someone I would see if I could get a babysitter for Ben and Lauren so I could help her out. She emailed back saying she didn't have any volunteers for either. I got on the ball and found a permanent sitter on Tuesdays so I could help in the computer lab. I thought for sure this would be just the thing to make her like me. When I picked up Jack I stopped and told her that I could be the computer mom. I expected her to gush. After all she was in a bind, right? All she said was "okay". Okay? Really, I just went out of my way to get a sitter and all you say is "okay"? Is she taking me for granted already? What did I get for volunteering? An email asking me to coordinate the lunchroom volunteers since I am the room mom. And, oh by the way, there are only 2 volunteers, including me. When did I volunteer? I don't know what it is going to take to make her like me! I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and doggone it, people like me!

Where Does The Time Go?

Yes, I realize I haven't posted since September 3rd. We have finally finished our third rental property and we are DONE renovating houses for several months! But, even more importantly Travis and I took our first vacation without the kids in two years!

No, we aren't wearing matching sunglasses. We both forgot our shades and had to purchase some "El Cheapos" (which is actually what the shop called them). We didn't realize how similar they were until we looked at the pictures!

Our friend Amy invited us to spend four days at her uncle's house in Cape Cod. It was a fabulous trip; we went on a whale watching tour. I hoped to catch a glimpse of a whale in the distance.

We actually saw several whales right off the bow of our boat. It was great!


Travis and Amy spent an afternoon golfing while I enjoyed some time reading ALONE at the beach! We even got to do some shopping and Travis tagged along like a real trooper. We had our meals without crying, carrying on or cutting food. But, as much as I enjoyed our time as a couple rather than a party of five I was happy to see my smiling children in their consolation sweatshirts!

Make New Friends, But Keep The Old

I have been looking forward to Jack starting Kindergarten in hopes of meeting some new friends myself. We have been walking to and from school with one of our neighbors and playing outside with them after school. I really like the mom and she also has a three-year-old little girl that Lauren has really hit it off with. I can't believe it has taken us this long to get together with them. We have even secured an invitation for dinner and swimming at their pool this weekend.

Yesterday we were standing outside my front door chatting. We had a UPS package on our porch. Lauren picked it up and started tearing into it. She got used to all of the packages being she and Ben's for their birthday. I looked at the package and told her that it was addressed to me so she didn't need to open it. I turned and continued to chat with my new friend. When I looked back she was still trying to get into the package. I told her that there were just some vitamins in the package for mommy, go play. The next thing I knew she was waving a catheter over her head, "What's this?"

I didn't address it with my new friend. I just grabbed it away from Lauren and stuffed it back in the box. I continued to chat hoping that she didn't see it or didn't know what it was. My new friend didn't go running for the hills, I think she might be a keeper!

That Mom Anyway

When I took Jack to Kindergarten round up a month or so ago we met all 5 of the teachers. Back when I was in Kindergarten there were only 2 teachers! Each teacher did a presentation about what Kindergarten would be like. One of the teachers really struck me. She was young, outgoing and enthusiastic yet stern. I thought she would be the perfect fit for Jack. The other teachers were nice, but they were all very soft-spoken and a little mousy. It crossed my mind to request Mrs. K, but I didn't want to be that mom so I took my chances. Imagine my excitement when Mrs. K called to say that Jack was in her class!

Mrs. K: I am going to be Jack's teacher and I was calling to set up his assessment.
Me: Oh, I am so thrilled! At Kindergarten Round-Up I thought you would be the best match for Jack, but I didn't want to be "that mom" and request you. I am sure all of the teachers are great, but we are so happy Jack is in your class!
Mrs. K: Well, I am glad you weren't that mom.

I left the conversation feeling like I was that mom anyway. I hope she wasn't trying to make me feel like a total loser, but I am afraid I may have come on too strong. I can only hope that I will redeem myself by being the best classroom helper she has ever had...or does that make me that mom again?

Tax Me!

Nebraska doesn't have a tax-free weekend before school starts. Yes, I have lived in TX for almost 4 years. But, I have never experienced tax-free weekend. I have heard it advertised on TV and the radio, but I have never felt the urge to experience it. Jack's school supplies are due on Monday and I hadn't finished my shopping. I made the biggest mistake of my life. I was given the opportunity to buy Jack's school supplies from the school for $40. Did I buy them? No. I figured I could buy them myself for cheaper. Well, if I could get them all at one store it may have been a better deal. But my first trip was to Walmart and if you don't know how that turned out you can go back to that post. Needless to say I didn't get my shopping done. I went to Target last week, but forgot my list. I got frustrated trying to find the list for Jack's school in the giant mess of papers they had and left. Which brings me to yesterday, the first day of the tax-free weekend. I figured that if I went during the day it shouldn't be so bad. After all, everyone is working, right? Wrong! Now, I am not opposed to crowds to save a buck. I am an avid Black Friday shopper. But this was unlike anything I have ever seen before just to save 8%! And, to make matters worse, they were still charging tax on school supplies. I thought the tax-free weekend was to get ready to go back to school? I don't get it. Black Friday I am saving 50% or more, or I don't buy it! And, on Black Friday my kids are tucked safely in their beds sleeping off their Thanksgiving dessert. Yesterday, they were with me. I should have had Ben pull the fire alarm and see if we could clear some of the fools out of the school supply aisle! I wasn't able to finish Jack's list at Target, so we had to go to yet another store. We went to Staples where I was expecting someone to hand me an easy button and we would be on our way. Instead I was greeted with another mass of fools all paying too much for their school supplies too! Tax-free weekend was more taxing than any other shopping trip I have had, and I have had some craptastic trips! By the end of my trip I would have gladly paid the sales tax for the entire state just to avoid the madness! Never again. NEVER AGAIN!

When I Grow Up...

I am jealous of a woman at the gym. It isn't the woman you would expect it to be. It isn't the girl with the perfect body. It isn't the girl that has more money than sense. It isn't the girl with the hot boyfriend. It is the overweight girl that wears the tiny little Under Armour shorts with a skintight Under Armour tank top. She can't do all of the exercises in the class, when she has to stop she just grooves to the music with a big smile on her face. Why am I jealous of her? She is confident. She likes the way she looks. She is happy with herself. She accepts herself for who she is. I wish I could feel that way. I wish I knew how to raise Lauren to be that confident. I am confident in many ways, but when it comes to my body image it just stinks! How do I become that woman when I grow up?

What's For Dinner?

4:00pm Load the kids into the car and head to the gym.

4:30pm Gym class starts.

4:40pm Travis leaves a message on our home answering machine saying Pete is in town, but he has a work dinner so he might go out for a beer with him later.

5:30pm Gym class ends.

5:35pm Gather kids from the Kids Klub and load them up to head home.

5:40pm Travis leaves another message on our home answering machine saying that he is blowing off the work dinner and Pete is coming to our house for dinner at 6:30.

6:09pm I arrive home and listen to the answering machine to learn I am having dinner guests in 21 minutes.

I had 3 chicken breasts thawing for dinner...not enough to feed 6 people. Trav had to stop at the store for more food on his way home. The kids and I had a busy day so the house was a mess. I was drenched in sweat.

I barked orders at the kids to pick up toys, did a quick sweep of the kitchen and jumped in the shower. I don't think I will ever say this again, but thank goodness for rush hour traffic in Dallas! Pete was a little late so I managed to get the house presentable, shower, dry my hair and make an appetizer before he arrived. Just call me June Cleaver!

Ahhh...

I didn't go to the gym today. Not even once.

The laundry is all done AND put away.

The kitchen is clean and the floor is no longer sticky.

Everyone has clean sheets. You understand that this is no easy task if you have ever changed sheets on a bunk bed!

The kids’ rooms are clean. (For the moment)

I made and took about a million calls for our property management business. We are trying to get two closed and one rented. I am not done, but I am feeling like I am getting a handle on it.

AND, we still had time for some summer fun. We met our playgroup at the local splash pad for a picnic lunch and we are going to try a new restaurant with friends tonight.

I feel a little more in control today. In control, but chubby. Tomorrow I need to get to the gym and maintain the order in the house...wish me luck!

Excuse Me? Did You Call Me Ma'am?

I took the kids to the pool yesterday, I thought I was looking fairly hip. I had evaluated the other mothers in the baby pool (don't act like you don't do it too); I was the thinnest (a rare occurrence), was wearing the cutest suit (the only bikini amongst a sea of modest tankinis) and had the best tan. We were only able to stay at the pool for an hour and a half because I had to go to the gym, so I was trying to keep track of time. There isn't a clock hanging in the baby pool area so when I knew we were getting close I told Jack I was going to quickly check the clock and instructed Ben and Lauren to come with me. The high school age lifeguard over heard me and said "Ma'am, ma'am", he couldn't possibly be talking to me so I kept on my way. "Excuse me, ma'am" I wondered whose attention he was trying to get, but I knew it wasn't me. "Excuse me, ma'am, it is 3:40” Dear God, he was talking to me! "Thanks" I said as I walked back to my post at the baby pool with my tail between my legs.

I know this is the south. I am willing to admit that I am significantly older than the lifeguard. I am not one of those mothers that hit on the lifeguard like the ones that we used to make fun of when I was life guarding a million years ago. But, ma'am? Am I old enough to be a ma'am? I teach my kids to say "yes ma'am" to me, but they are 2 and 5. I am not prepared to be ma'am-ed by a 17 year old for another 12 years!

AT&T Sucks!

My Modem/Router died Monday night. I have had not access to email or the internet since. I really didn't know how much I relied on my computer. I need my email for conducting our real estate business, setting up playdates, contacting the baseball league and staying in touch with my friends. You don't know how many times I started thinking about something and thought I should look that up online just to realize I couldn't. I just don't know how the mother's before us did it! I was telling my mother of my plight and she mentioned that they didn't even have answering machines or cell phones. Man, they must have spent a lot of time at home just trying to catch each other on the phone. Jack was even down and out because he couldn't play Webkinz or Cartoon Network! I won't go into the long drawn out story about how terrible AT&T's service is; it will just put me in a bad mood again and why ruin a perfectly good Saturday? I will do my best to recreate the week...