Owner: The Grass is Greener URL:http://www.arizonagreengrass.blogspot.com Join Date: Tue, 06 Feb 2007 17:42:58 -0600 Rating:0 Site Description: I am an attorney and a mom, but sometimes when I am in one world I find myself wishing I was in the other! I guess I'm "balancing" things, but it's more like an elephant on a tightrope with a little bitty umbrella! Site statistics:Click here
It's a sad moment 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Brandelion told me a story at dinner last night that both broke my heart and reminded me that he is getting older, and as he goes into school next year we are facing a whole new set of issues. He has a long red Superman cape he got for Christmas a couple of years ago. He goes through phases with it, and, I guess yesterday he decided to wear it to the park in our neighborhood.Here's his story, in his words (paraphrased, and what I can remember):We went to the park today and those boys made fun of me. They said, "you're not Superman" and "superman, superman" (sing-song mocking tone of voice). He told me that it made him sad, because he was just "pretending" to be Superman. He seemed to take it in stride, but still...ouch. The good thing is, he is tall and broad for his age, and so hopefully he won't get too picked on by kids his own age - it's the older kids that are a problem. My other concern, of course, is that he doesn't become a bully because he is so big. Can't we jus
Trying a new layout... 1970-01-01 00:59:59 This is all still a work in progress for me - I'm trying out this for a while - it is more "green" - like the title of the blog.....Also, the weight loss plan has gone well the last couple of days - although I have only been to the gym once (car problems today!!), I have been eating much better and getting the portions under control. Time for reason to lose #2: I want to be a thin mommy - I never ever want my kids to be embarrassed by me (at least about weight). I'm sure I'll embarrass them plenty with my funky dance moves! Read more:layout
Uh ohh.... 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Two things are going very badly today.1. Dropped off the minivan this morning with a check engine light and a very rough idle....still no word from the mechanics - that's bad, huh?2. AtHomeHubby called me a little while ago - thinks he is getting a stomach bug - not going to go to work tonight...I'll be holding my breath until both problems are resolved!Ughupdate - problem #1: Van needs new plugs and wires - $311.97. --Double UGH! The phone rang just after I hit "publish" on this post. update - problem #2: AtHomeHubby feels much better, and is going to work on Thursday to make up his shift. Looks like we dodged a bullet - no one wants a house full of stomach viruses!
I know his computer skills are good, but.... 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Yesterday my friend over at Long Island Dad posted about the confusion over their names - then, as if my son had read the blog post, he comes in my room this morning and says,Mom (whispering)Mom... (talking)Mom....(louder....and I still didn't want to wake up - it was only 5:30)finally, in frustration,STEPHANIE WAKE UP !!!To hear my name coming out of a five year old's mouth was shocking - All I could say was,"You call me 'Mommy' "And he said,"Okay, Mommmmy (sarcastically) ... can I have some oatmeal please?"
Still here.. 1970-01-01 00:59:59 A series of computer problems plagued my long weekend...but, I'm still here. First, a weight loss update - I'm down 2 more pounds for a total of 13 lost!!! Woo hoo!! We had a very nice weekend - Saturday 1/13 was my wedding anniversary (6 years) and also AtHomeHubby's birthday. The kids and I snuck out of the house Saturday morning to buy party supplies - Brandelion was SET on having a surprise party for him. AtHomeHubby calls me while I am at the store - he woke up much earlier than I thought he would. I quietly informed him that he needed to go back to bed to be "surprised" in about 20 minutes. It worked out well, Brandelion picked out a racecar theme for his dad's birthday and DramaQueen enjoyed shouting " 'prise!!" We had cake (at 10:30 in the morning!) and I made breakfast. For our annivesary, as we are short on funds, we decided to check out a big Asian supermarket that we had never tried. We felt like we had been transported overseas, and had a bit of culture shock --
My son believes in ghosts 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Here is yet another story about Brandelion. You would think that DramaQueen never does anything, but she does whine alot, and cutely imitates her big brother. Brandelion, though, is just at that adorable age where he is really starting to tell stories. This has been an ongoing saga for about the last week. I was waking up the other morning when he appeared about 2 cenimeters from my face and said,"mom - there is a GHOST in my room. I went potty last night and when I went to bed, I KNOW I didn't lock my door, but when I woke up, and looked, my door was LOCKED!!! It must be a ghost." Cut to the last few nights trying to get him to go to bed where we have tried to convince him either (1) there is no such thing as ghosts
, (2) even if there are ghosts, they can't hurt you, or (3) daddy must have checked on you that night and accidentily locked your door. side note: this is called arguing in the alternative - itoccasionally works for me in front of judges too!NONE OF THIS IS WORKING!!!
Maybe if I put it in writing 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I turn thirty this year on September 11th. YIKES. I am realtively happy with my life with the exception of my weight. It started creeping on in college (too much Lucky Charms and beer) and then only got worse each time I got pregnant. Really its my fault - lack of activity and eating too much crap. After AtHomeHubby and I went through a stressful year right after DramaQueen was born, I gained even more. In October, AtHomeHubby and I started a 4 week challenge for me to lose weight.Side note: AtHomeHubby is a personal trainer who is not working in that capacity right now. He has an amazing body, but, like all beautiful people, is always trying to improve it. He is considering entering a body building competition this year - so, he is trying add mass while I am trying to lose it!Between October and Christmas I lost 10 pounds. I held steady over Christmas, and have lost maybe one pound or so since. I would like to lose another 53 pounds between now and my birthday. That's about 34 weeks Read more:Maybe
, writing
Disney is the Devil 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I just realized I started my last two posts with "okay." That seems weird - so, I'll try for a new approach in the future. I have not been a very good blogger - but - will try to post more often. Over Christmas while I was out of the office, my home computer kept getting infected with viruses and spy ware. I have a theory: my son loves to play games on Playhouse Disney
. He manages to download games sometimes (not sure how....), and then my computer crashes when I try to do something else - like check my email.So, here is my theory: Disney is the Devil
, and is going after my kid on multiple fronts. The TV is not enough, and so Disney tries the computer. That works really well...and so the Devil freaks out when I interrupt the kid's line of vision (by trying to check my email, or post on my lovely blog) and my computer crashes. As soon as I log out, and log my son back on - POOF - no more problems.... I am not big into conspiracy theories (unlike AtHomeHubby) - but I think I may be ont
Tax forms - they spin me right round, baby! 1970-01-01 00:59:59 So, I had one of those panic moments the other day as I started trying to estimate our taxes. I already have my forms from work (we get them electronically - it's amazing, the government behemoth I work for doing something that efficiently....), and I have AtHomeHubby's last paycheck. Have I mentioned that my paltry government job doesn't pay quite enough and so AtHomeHubby works three nights a week at a restaurant? Which...funny story....oh, I'll save that for another post.Anywho, I am using an online site (TaxSlayer) to do our taxes - used them last year too, and I entered everything, hit "calculate return" and HOLY SHIT - we OWE money, and we owe on state taxes too. That's not supposed to happen. I stewed about it for a couple of days, then went back and double checked it all. Turns out, I missed a digit in my "federal wages" boxes, and claimed that I made $10,000 more than in reality. I fixed that little glitch, and REFUND BABY!!!I then did a happy dance...no, you would Read more:round
My little task master 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I haven't been feeling well today, and Brandelion had watched TV most of the day (yes, I am a shitty parent sometimes), and when I took the remote to convince him to go do something else for a while, he said, "I'll pick a show for you, Mommy." Ok, so he turns it on the Food Network (my favorite guilty TV pleasure). 10 MINUTES later he comes back and say, "Ok, mom, I think you have watched PLENTY of TV today. Time to watch my shows. I NEVER get to watch my shows."This kid needs to work on his quantity words. In his world he NEVER gets to do what he wants, and I ALWAYS tell him no. I'm such a bitch! (Good thing he doesn't know that word yet!). Read more:little
FAVORITE TV shows 1970-01-01 00:59:59 To help my loyal reader(s?), I thought I would start to share a bit about myself other than the mom persona. Also, I think I might look back on this sort of post in a couple of years and laugh. I am an absolute TV junkie!! Especially with a DVR and AtHomeHubby working 3 nights a week - I cram a lot of shows in. Here are some of my favorites:1. Gilmore Girls. I have seen every single episode in every single season. Word is, this is the last season. If only I could take bereavement leave when my favorite show dies...2. 24. I started watching this 2 seasons ago, and really enjoy the fast pace and plot twists. What I HATE is when people get tortured. If you watched the premiere you know what I mean. I end up cringing with my hand over my face (but I do peak out through my fingers).3. Reality shows/competitions. Right now, I'm watching Apprentice. My favorite every year is "So You Think You Can Dance." Also, AtHomeHubby and I have watched Big Brother every season - what a guilt
My Niece 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Not sure I have mentioned on this blog yet, but in November I became an aunt. My husband's brother and his wife had a baby named Claire. Their blog is linked on the side (BradJennyClaire). I am so excited to have a niece - this is my first and only time to be an Aunt (so far...). She is just a baby for now, but I am looking forward to all sorts of Auntie activities as she gets older. The picture is me - in my first Aunt moment. Read more:Niece
Funny Video 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Back in September we rented a cabin in the mountains for a couple of days. It was stocked with toys for the kiddos and Brandelion found a tape recorder with a microphone. This is the result:It cracks me up every time Read more:Funny
, Funny Video
Is it too early to think about the weekend? 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I am already planning my weekend and, *gasp* it is only Tuesday. Of course, I have a sorta 4 day week. Friday I have jury duty, so when I am done hanging out with all of the people trying to get out of duty I will be on weekend mode. This, combined with my relative lack of things to do at work pending my transfer leads me to thoughts of this weekend. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------FRIDAY:Here is how jury duty goes for me (I'm guessing)7:00 - 8:15 Drive to downtown Phonix8:15 - 8:25 Park and run over to the court building (lucky me, since I used to work downtown, I know where the best $2.00 all day lot is).8:25 - pretend I don't carry cash as I rush by all the nice homeless folks8:30 - report for jury duty8:30 - 11:00 Read a book11:00 - 11:30 answer a bunch of questions, and then get excused because *SHOCKING* attorneys don't want other attorneys on juries. Now, you have to understand - I would LOVE to get on a jury....see things from ano Read more:think
Fun With Technology 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I have finally figured out a cool way to get pictures on this blog. Special thanks to Amanda at Mommy Diary Tales who helped me out with my HTML code.Without further adieu -What a fun Christmas we had! Read more:Technology
DramaQueen needs a video too 1970-01-01 00:59:59 This is DramaQueen getting her things gathered for bed.... (this came out way too dark -- but, still cute)And the end result:Yes, that's right, a blanket UNDERNEATH her...why fight it? Read more:video
How to be fancy 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Yesterday, the high temperature around here was 80. I wore a sweater, having not seen the weather forcast. I was VERY HOT all day long.So, today, I opted for a skirt and a sweater set - much more comfy for the weather.When I walked out into the living room, Brandon was watching cartoons. He said to me,"wow, mommy - fancy!" I hadn't worn a skirt in a while - too cold outside.I sorta laughed and he said,"you should stick your pinky finger out - that's what makes you REALLLY fancy. Yep. I learned that from Sponge Bob."Hee Hee!
Cheering myself up through posting 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I haven't posted in nearly a week. I think I have just been overwhelmed by my life. My job has been shaken up a bit - and I am gearing up for what is likely to be a much longer commute starting in a couple of weeks. So, that's right - same government salary - 45 minute (each way) longer commute. Gee *sarcastic tone*, maybe my 2.1% raise this summer will lift my spirits - it might even cover the inevitable increase in my rent. For some reason, facing this longer commute is quite upsetting to my life, and I'm not sure exactly why....Oh, to be a child again....Which makes me think of the following story:I realized the other day that my childhood memories are fairly faint - I remember things from time to time, but it is pretty hazy. I do remember one day with perfect clarity. I was probably in middle school (maybe younger, but my guess is about 6th grade when I started doing all my own laundry - not by choice, mind you), and I was moving clothes from the washer to the dryer.I sai Read more:myself
State of the Union and other stuff 1970-01-01 00:59:59 So, we watched the State
of the Union
address last night and had fun playing "pop-up video." Everytime the camera angle cut to someone in the audience, we put little thought bubbles over their head. For example, I guessed that Condi Rice was thinking, "geez, these shoes are killing my feet - do I really have to clap for this sh*t?" And, have you noticed, she looks like a bobble head. I think she is losing weight, and as her shoulders get narrower, her hair gets bigger - throwing her completely out of proportion. I am very excited for the next presidential election. I've been so dissapointed with the last two (like most democrats), and I am once again very hopeful. Right now, my favorites are Barak Obama and John Edwards....but we'll see. The good news is - Bush can't run again! Of course, everytime you think that Republicans can't get any worse - they do. Remember - Bush Sr - everyone really made fun of him - but he seems like a diplomatic and foreign policy genius compare Read more:stuff
Ready to grow up 1970-01-01 00:59:59 This story comes from AtHomeHubby last night after Brandelion earnestly talked his ear off about growing up. This is going to be a long post. Indulge me. The conversation began withDaddy, does everyone have a last name?AtHomeHubby patiently explained that yes, we all do, and was then peppered with questions about what everyone's last name is. Then the little one asked,When I have kids will they have *insert last name* as a last name?OH MY GOD!!! He just realized (or at least vocalized) that he may, someday have children!!Then it got pretty serious,Daddy, when I have kids will you take care of them?No, son, you'll be a grown up then, and you'll take care of them.But I don't have a job.You will.But I don't have a car to go buy groceries.You will.Will I live in this house?Well, you can, but you will probably have your own house. **crying** DADDY - I don't want my own house, I don't want to lose you....DADDDDYYYY*** (insert a bit of working gal jealousy here - I was never ment
Another milestone 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Two days ago DramaQueen wanted to sit on the potty (we still need to buy a kid sized potty), so she sat on the big one. She promptly pooped and was very proud. Time for us to start the potty training. She seems even more ready than we are. And yes, this was yet another (albeit icky) milestone
I missed because I was at work.Once again, commence guilt.
It was a dark and stormy weekend 1970-01-01 00:59:59 We had a rough weekend. It rained/drizzled both days and was cold (for Phoenix). Saturday, neither AtHomeHubby or I felt like even leaving the house - so we didn't. Cabin fever was rampant - AtHomeHubby slept until noon, after a long Friday night shift at the restaurant. By the time he got up - I was pretty frustrated with the kids - needless to say, we were just glad for bedtime.Yesterday was better - we went to the gym (I haven't lost any more, but I'm holding steady) and the grocery store, watched football, AtHomeHubby went to work at 5:00, I made chili - and, OH YEAH - DramaQueen became obsessed with the potty. We bought a kid sized potty seat for DramaQueen, and also put her in pull ups. She really seems to like the following pattern. 1. Put on new pull-up2. Play for a while3. Go potty in the pull up4. Declare that she needs to go potty5. Sit on potty6. Declare, "I POTTY!!! Yea!!"7. Flush lots of toilet paper8. RepeatI think she actually went once - but, as AtHomeH Read more:stormy
Hard to feel motivated 1970-01-01 00:59:59 A brief rant: It is hard to feel motivated at work when you find out that after just moving to an assignment LESS THAN 3 MONTHS AGO you might be moving again - this time to downtown Phoenix (another 30 minutes of commute each way). Oh, and your boss doesn't know if you are for sure moving or when, exactly it might happen.Damn - I just got my office set up here! So, instead of working through my inbox - I am online screwing around with my blog. And, actually, I am pretty caught up at work. I would say more, but...this is a public blog after all.
I saw this post about your "Sexy Zodiac" at Angel'... 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I saw this post about your "Sexy Zodiac" at Angel's Cloud and, not wanting to risk years of bad luck, checked out my sign at this address. I have toned it down a bit - this is a family blog after all. Also, I have added my opinion on whether or not it fits me.VIRGO: The VirginDominant in relationships. probably trueSexy.you'll have to ask my hubbySomeone loves them her now.true, true..Freak in bed.I absolutely plead the 5th (besides, my mom reads this blog sometimes!)Always wants the last word.I'm a lawyer, duh.Caring. Smart. Intellectual. Attractive.Loud.Not really....Loyal.Yep - I read about 10 blogs every day and feel the need to comment often - that's loyalty!Easy to talk to. Hard to forget.I hope so!Love at first sight.That's a good story for another day.Everything you ever wanted. Easy to please. The one and only. Ultimate sexiness.Hey, I'll take these compliments!7 years of bad luck if you do not re-post.YIKES~
I talked him into it...be gentle 1970-01-01 00:59:59 AtHomeHubby has finally decided to start his own blog. He is all set up here and will be posting soon I hope. I don't want to steal his thunder so I will let him explain his nickname (Big Papa) and the purpose of his blog. Enjoy! *****and comment !!! lots of comments for him*****
Cast of Characters 1970-01-01 00:59:59 AtHomeHubby - my husband of 6 yearsBrandelion - our 5 year old son. This a a combination of his name (brandon) and how he acted as a toddler (like a lion!)DramaQueen - our 2 year old daughter. It's all about her, really. Just ask her. She is determined to be the center of it all.Working Gal - that's me Read more:Characters
A little bit, honey, just a little 1970-01-01 00:59:59 A few months ago, Brandelion and I were having one of our Sunday afternoon, just me and him trips to the grocery store. I try to do this a couple of times a month - I like to have the time alone with him, away from his dad and his sister. I always try to make is special (usually by buying him something - I am not above bribery) and always tell him how much I like it when it is just me and him.We had just pulled into the parking space, when he hit me with it,Mom, when I was a baby, how did I get in your tummy?*PANIC ALARM goes off in my head....desperately trying to remember all of the so-called parenting books I had read. I'm sure this was a topic, but my mind is going blank!!!*Then I remember the standard advice: Just answer the question at a level he can understand and don't give him too much information.So I answered the following way,When a mommy and daddy love each other very much they make a little
tiny baby, and the baby grows in the mommy's belly.Whew, that wasn't too b Read more:honey
I've joined the Future MILFs 1970-01-01 00:59:59 After reading the posts about this group from Jess and JennyHaHa I headed over and checked it out. The group started about two months after I went on my weight loss quest. I haven't been as focused as I was - so, I'm trying to get back on track. I have lost 13 pounds since October... and I'll update on Friday with all of the other group members. Anything I can do to make weight loss sorta fun. Read more:Future
My last day without a commute 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Today I slept in until 7:00.I still got to work at 8:00.Monday I'll have to get up by 6:00.I'll still get to work at 8:00.Today I'll leave the office at 5:00.I'll see my kids by 5:45.Monday I'll leave the office at 5:00.Hopefully I'll be home by 6:30 to see the kids off to bed.*sigh*I just have to keep reminding myself that this is a promotion of sorts. I'll be prosecuting adult felony offenders instead of juveniles. Doing good, blah blah blah. Hopefully my kids will understand some day why I'm always gone. I guess it could be worse. Most nights I'll make it home in time for reading books and giving hugs. I have to warn you, fellow bloggers- I'll will not be able to post and comment with so much frequency - my new boss is a bit more hands on - and I have a lot to learn in my new assignment. I'll try to switch my blogging to nights - so sorry in advance for my late comments. Have a great weekend everyone - I know I plan to.
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