I love Laurie Berkner

We'd all do well to sit back and listen to children's songs every now and then. Here's my current favorite by a very talented woman named Laurie Berkner:

I'm Not Perfect

I'm not perfect, no I'm not
I'm not perfect, but I've got what I've got
I do my very best, I do my very best
I do my very best each day
But I'm not perfect
And I hope you like me that way

We're not perfect, no we're not
We're not perfect, but we've got what we've got
We do our very best, We do our very best
We do our very best each day
But we're not perfect
And we hope you like us that way

You’re not perfect, no you're not
You're not perfect, but you've got what you've got
You do your very best, you do your very best
You do your very best each day
But you're not perfect
And you know I love you that way

Exciting news

Sunday was an exciting day for me. First off, I should tell you that the munchkin spent the night at her grandparent's house. I got some much needed rest. I went to pick her up Sunday morning, and was told by my parents that she had taken 3-4 steps. She has done this before, and then conveniently stopped. She does just enough to make her mother think she's gone off the deep end. But this time it would appear she's really got it. My parents decided that she's so coordinated with her crawling, that she must be able to walk. Yep, she can take a few steps at a time; she just chooses not to. But when she does, she gets so excited. And it would appear that she still finds it more fun to fall. She is so trusting that I am going to catch her!

The other exciting bit was a phone call that I received yesterday evening. My friend Heidi is in town from Miami for a few days. I had been waiting to hear back from her. We are getting together today for lunch. Granted, she's coming to work and we're eating in the lunchroom, but it's better than nothing. I'm looking forward to a little pure, unadulterated girl talk. I want to hear all about this man that she's involved in, what Miami is like, etc.



Other than that, I spent the bulk of my weekend reading and cleaning. I am over halfway through our book club book, She's Come Undone. I am really enjoying it. I know I've read it before, but that was so long ago. Probably ten years. This week is another week at work. But at least I should be able to check a couple of things off my list. I'm looking forward to that. And I have a feeling that my boss won't be spending the whole week at work. I'm guessing she'll go into labor!

Laughing out loud kind of funny

I always forget how much I enjoyed shows like Designing Women until they come back on in syndication. For example, I was watching an episode yesterday and laughed at this exchange.

Mary Jo and Charlene are sitting in the office. Mary Jo is reading a decorating magazine and lamenting the fact that this architect, who obviously has a ton of money, has had his room decorated in a style defined as "delightfully minimalist". She says, "You know what I say? I say it's just a room with a sleeping bag in it and who would want it?" Charlene's response made me laugh:

"I know what you mean. It's like every art museum you go to has that one painting of a big colored dot. It obviously cost thousands of dollars and all these artistic rich people ooh and aah over it, but to me, it's just a dot. And I tell you something else. I've often thought, deep down in their hearts, all those artistic rich people, in the cool gray dawn of morning, they know it's just a dot too."

I'm not an artistic rich person. But on occasion, I do like dot paintings.

Saturday mornings

They just aren't what they used to be.

I remember sleeping in until noon - sometimes later. I remember eating breakfast in bed. Stuff like potato chips and cookies. I remember not getting out of bed all day.

This morning I'm watching my daughter, as she sits in her high chair, eating Cheerios and clapping and cheering when she sees something on Sesame Street that she particularly likes. She slept until almost 8, and that's now sleeping in for me. What a change. And I wouldn't trade it. Granted, I'd like to sleep later, but those smiles get me every time.

When I walk into her room and she sees me. That great big grin. The hair in her eyes that I get to brush away. The early morning "loves" that I'm lucky enough to receive. I look at my life and realize that there's not a thing that I've given up. I've only traded. And trust me, I've traded up.

Profound

At work we have the option of using the Franklin Covey organizer system. I love the planner. I use it daily. At the top of each page there is a quote. I suppose they are meant to be motivational. Often, they mean nothing to me, but there have been quite a few gems included. For example, the quote from yesterday was:

It requires wisdom to understand wisdom; the music is nothing if the audience is deaf.

Walter Lippmann

This relates to so much more than wisdom. I think of marriages (both those that are healthy and those that have gone wrong). If one spouse cannot understand the other, the marriage will fail. But if the audience is able to hear what is being said, verbally or non-verbally, the marriage will be a great success.

The same can be said for employer/employee relationships. And parent/children. I cringe when I think how deaf I was in my teenage years with my parents. They had so much wisdom to share, and I chose to ignore it. Thank you, Mom and Dad, for offering that wisdom. And thank you for continuing to offer it now. I hope that I am a better receiver.

Good day

Today I heard from my ex-mother-in-law. We're going to be friends. I can hardly believe how it happened. But it did, and I'm glad.

Other than that, work was pretty much work. I was able to get a lot done on my current project and get some good training work done with my student. I need to get a lot more done, but I'm working out an organizational system to make sure that happens.

Hubby gets home tonight from many days at the lake. I am very excited to see him. There's a lot of laundry to do, but it will still be good to have him home.

Well, I have to unpack a bunch of munchkin's stuff and finish a book. There will be more tomorrow. Don't have a ton to say tonight anyway. I'm just feeling very good mentally.

Trains and numbness

As any loyal reader knows, I'm watching Designing Women on Ion. I used to watch the series with my mom as a child. There's a line that I've thought was always amazing, but couldn't remember where it came from. One of tonight's episodes used it.

The episode is about Charlene and Bill. I'm not going to bore those of you who aren't interested with the storyline. However, when Bill decides he can no longer see Charlene, she says, "I've been run over by this train before. And you know what? It almost doesn't hurt anymore. It just feels numb."

Isn't that amazing? I think it's one of the most profound things I've heard in a while. And I've often felt that way. I think we all have our trains. I'm a very trusting person. I want to believe the best in people. All the time. I think, though, that our trains don't usually result in numbness. Or if they do, it takes years. I haven't come to that point yet. In wanting to believe the best, I put my heart out there. And it's been trampled many times. Somehow, I always put myself out there again. We're all broken.

One of those days

Things did not start out well. And I'm telling you, this kind of stuff only happens to me!

I had to take munchkin to my cousin's house today as daycare is closed through Wednesday. So we're getting moving and I throw my keys in the front seat because I have all kinds of other crap in my hands. Then I couldn't find them. They disappeared. I ended up having to use the hubby's extra set.

Cousin was not at her house when I got there. Turns out she hadn't slept at home. Fine by me, just be there when I asked you to be so I'm not late for work.

On the way to work I found the keys. Somehow they had landed in the pocket of the driver's side door. Yep, the only place I didn't look.

Work was crazy hectic as I'm trying to prepare for my boss to go on maternity leave. Then, there's this guy requesting a system overview for 9 days after it's requested. WE NEED 4-6 WEEKS. So he emails my boss to tell her that he hasn't heard anything from me (load of crapola as I emailed him multiple times last week). She's on my side. We're working to get it done, but it's hard for me. I'm not very good at them. I'm hopeful that I'll get some help. Actually, I know I will.

Tonight is about getting some laundry done, cleaning the kitchen, reading my book and resting. I've got this headache I can't shake. I don't know what my issue is. Probably just over-tired.

I'm having sweet corn for dinner, but what I'm really craving is a Pizza Hut P'zone. But I shouldn't. I don't need that kind of fat. Sweet corn is good for you. At least that's what I'm telling myself tonight while I indulge! :)

Back into a book

This has been the weekend for finishing things. I finished Million Dollar Mom and a whole bunch of magazines. So, now I'm back to reading The Amber Room. I had checked this out from the library before, but hadn't finished it. Now, I'm trying to get it done before the hubby gets back to town. I'd like to impress him that I got it done. It's the only book I have right now that I've started but haven't finished.

It was on the display at the library that held all the books that dealt with WWII. I'm always drawn to displays like this because I'm a "more is better" kind of person. I know. In reality, this is not always true. But once I start getting interested in something, I really like to exhaust the subject. I've always been interested in the holocaust, so this seemed right up my alley.

Other than that, the weekend has been pretty tame. Munchkin's been watching a lot of Noggin while I've been reading. We play and do all kinds of things together. But she really does enjoy watching Noggin. And I feel like she's learning stuff. So it's good for everyone involved.

I haven't really done any housework this weekend. I've felt too yucky. Right now I've got a headache and a stomach ache. I'm planning on just chilling for a while. The hubby will understand if the house isn't pristine when he gets home. I'll just do what I can.

Tomorrow's another day at work. Gotta get moving on this system overview. It was assigned to me so my boss can be assured that I know how to do them before she goes on maternity leave. Sounds like a reasonable plan to me. Mostly, I'm just looking forward to having it crossed off my to do list!

Catching up

This weekend while the hubby is gone has been all about catching up on things. No housework yet, I've felt too yucky. But catching up on reading and TV watching. Gosh it feels nice to check things off a list!

In catching up on my magazine reading, I was reading Glamour. There's an article about the perfect summer pedicure. I've been thinking about getting a new color for my toes, but wasn't really sure what I wanted to go for. Here are some recommendations.

Scorch by Creative Nail Design. http://www.creativenaildesign.com/

Haute Chocolate by Sally Hansen.

Revlon Nail Enamel in Sheer Blossom.

Essie Nail Polish in Atlantis Pearl

Those are my top choices. Anyone want to weigh in?

And he thinks I lack foresight?

I have been giggling this morning. I am often accused by the hubby as lacking the ability to think ahead and prevent our daughter from doing/accessing dangerous things. For your consideration, I present three examples of silly things he's done.

1- Calling cough medicine juice. I have this image of my child asking if she can have juice. We tell her, "Sure. Go ahead. You know where it's at." And instead of getting her sippy cup out of the fridge, she goes into the cabinet and grabs the cough syrup.

2- Teaching her to associate the word "blech" with her toothpaste. We have just begun brushing her teeth. I know, we're behind. My fault. But regardless, the first day she really did not like what was happening. She spit and made all sorts of faces. Hubby said, "Blech." Seriously, not the word I want her to associate with brushing her teeth.

3- Velcro. Granted, there are no real safety hazards here. Shoes are meant to stay on feet though. And the first thing he teaches her is to negotiate the velcro. Now, the first thing she does when you put her shoes on is try to take them off.

Ever just have that feeling?

I am not feeling up to snuff today. I don't know what's up. I'm all emotional and several other things. To top it off, I don't want hubby to go out of town this weekend. Just a feeling I have. I know it means I'll get some time to myself, which is nice, but I just have that feeling. Plus, I'll miss him. I always miss him. And I think I'm getting sick. Great. Should be a wonderful weekend.

Something for the ladies

Need I say more?

My night

Yep, I did a whole lot of nothing.

I finished Possession. FINALLY! Loved the ending. Have lots of things to discuss at book group tomorrow night. Plus, I get to start a new book. I'm reading Stealing Lincoln's Body. Don't know yet if I like it or not.

I'm going to the doctor this afternoon about my finger. I'm not really sure what's up with it. Mostly, it just hurts. It's my left index finger. The joint closest to my palm. It feels like I bruised it. But I can't remember doing anything.

After work I'm going to get the munchkin and we're going to Applebee's to celebrate with Jessica. She starts her new job Monday and this is the first round of celebrations.

Plenty to do at home tonight. I need to make sure the hubby's laundry is ready for his trip to the lake this weekend. I need to clean our bathroom and just tidy up in general. And when I say I need to clean our bathroom, I'm talking going all out. Sinks, floor, etc.

Work is crazy too. I have a System Overview I'm working on. It's "due" on the 20th. But they didn't request it until the 11th. Since we require 4-6 weeks lead time (and that's on the request form), I contacted the requestor yesterday and said that we probably weren't going to make this deadline. He understands. I can't even get it through the doc room in that amount of time! Oh well. Back to it.

Where do I begin

NOTE: This is not one of my projects!

OK, my manuals are not perfect. Not by a long shot. But WHAT is this?

Question for all you loyal readers

Read this question and come up with an answer. This is not a trick question. It is as it reads.

A woman, while at the funeral of her own mother, met a guy whom she did not know. She thought this guy was amazing. She believed him to be her dream guy so much, that she fell in love with him right there, but never asked for his number and could not find him. A few days later she killed her sister.

Question: What is her motive for killing her sister?

When you come up with your answer, email me and I'll let you know if you're right. Happy guessing!

My annoyance of the day

While I was gone on vacation, my cube mates decided to have a little fun with my stuff. Things got moved, other things were hidden, and then comes the major annoyance. Granted, this is a really good prank, I'm just not very fond of it this morning.

I use Kleenex brand tissues. You know, the kind that are folded together in the box so the new one pops up when you pull the current one out. Anyway, they put a whole bunch of paper punch dots in the box and shook it all around. So now, whenever I pull out a kleenex, little dots rain all over my desk. Up until now, I've seen the humor in it. However, after dealing with two days of my student not having what he needs, when it was promised to me, I'm getting a little annoyed with the whole world.

I brought my book with me to work. Maybe I'll just sit and read BY MYSELF over lunch. That would be lovely.

Lovely weekend

I managed to avoid Arts in the Park. Perhaps I will feel differently about it next year, but I wasn't interested this year. So, had a lovely weekend of being in the air conditioning, watching movies, making bookmarks for my work book group, and reading.



STILL working on Possession. But I only have 200 pages left and it's really starting to get good now. I can't wait to get home tonight and read more. Stacey was just down here. She's hosting this week. We talked about what she will be serving. Schadé wine and assorted yumminess. I can hardly wait! Life is good.



Tonight should be another busy night. I have plenty of housework to keep me busy, plus reading. Such is life.



I started training my student today. So far he seems pretty good. I like having him around. I just hope that things fall together quickly so that we can get him going. OK, got to get back to work!

Relaxing a bit

It's been a good weekend. I've gotten a lot accomplished. I haven't finished any of the projects I've started, but I will finish at least one tonight. I'm working on bookmarks for our work book group. They're kind of a pain in the butt this time around. But, I keep plugging away.

I'm also still reading Possession. It's slow going because I have to start and stop a lot. Plus, I'm up against the wall timewise. I hate that feeling. I resolve to do better next month.

I've done a lot of house cleaning this weekend. Vacuuming is done. Dishes are a wreck, but I'm not ready to tackle that one yet. Laundry is going. Bathrooms need to be cleaned...yuck! Munchkin and hubby are napping. I should really be reading as this is uninterrupted time.

The whole family went to Hagman's brunch buffet this morning. It was delicious. As usual, I ate too much. Tim and Tiffany really enjoyed it.

Other than that, the highlight of the weekend was when hubby won $35 playing the lottery. Big bucks I'm telling you! But it does pay for us to play for a few more weeks. I guess if he enjoys it, that's all that really matters. OK, onward and upward!

Post Heavy

OK, I know this is my third post for the day. But I feel like I need a break and some verbal cleansing.

Took a short lunch break with my boss today. She had to go pay for her son's swimming lessons. She dropped me at the library where I got movies and picked up a book I got on inter-library loan. I picked up 5 movies for the hubby and myself. Seems he's already seen 4 of them. Talk about a bummer. And there's a sign asking you to restrict your cell phone use to the library lobby. So I don't exactly feel right about calling him and telling him what they have.

I got the book Million Dollar Mom. It's about how to quit your job and stay home with your kids. Don't go getting any ideas. I don't have any plans to quit my job. I just like the idea of saving money wherever you can. That leaves more money for fun stuff. Like Arts in the Park.

Arts in the Park. Yep, usually a fun thing. Except this year Munchkin is sick, hubby is sick, and I need to be committed. I don't plan on going. Take one sick child, add thousands of people, hot weather and all the junk you have to haul for a small child. This seems like a recipe for disaster to me. I love the food, but there's nothing I NEED there. Yes, mom. I have figured out the difference between want and need. And it's not like the stuff won't be there next year. Maybe I'll be in a better mood by then.

Last night's menu

I made turkey burgers last night. But not just your run-of-the-mill turkey burgers. Oh no. I caramelized onions to include with the meat along with Lawry's and bread crumbs. I cooked bacon. I sliced tomatoes. I mashed avocado. The result was a delicious meal.

I was even told by the hubby that, not only had I changed his mind about turkey burgers, but that this was something I should have the whole family over for. I WIN! This weekend I'm trying a recipe I found for Cuban rice.

Sure enough, look at the calendar.

Yep, it's Friday the 13th. Oddly enough, my messed up day started yesterday morning. I had to stay home from work to care for the sick munchkin because the sick husband was too sick to care for her. Fair enough, I can deal with that. However, she was a major crab all day long. Then, she woke me at 1 this morning and kept me up for two hours.

Sometime between 5 and 6 my phone (will most likely be ordering a new one this weekend) decided to turn itself off. This means that my alarm, set for 6, did not go off. I did manage to get ready and make it to the library to drop off movies, and get to work.

However, just before leaving the house, I figured out I'd lost my keys. Not a huge travesty because they're somewhere in the house. I know they are. I had to have them to get home Wednesday night. But, of course, some husband had to pick on me about it. And then when I called him after dropping off the munchkin, he asked, "So where are your keys?" Seriously! If I knew where they were, wouldn't I be using them?

Even though it's a superstitiously unlucky day, I'm awfully glad it's a Friday. I need the break!

Mission Impossible

Well, we completed the super secret spy mission last night. I have to say, it was pretty bland. We found one cousin sleeping and the other cousin adding songs to her I-pod. Nothing to be too concerned about.

Took younger cousin to the library with us. Got the munchkin a whole mess of books. Even one entirely about playing with balls. Pretty cool as that's her favorite word as of late.

Didn't get home until after 8. Got the munchkin in bed, watched a little TV and then passed out in bed. No reading, no housework, no nothing productive. I feel lazy. And I only have until the 19th to get Possession read. This is not looking good!

Have a computer class for work at 4. That means I'm late to pick up the munchkin. Plus I have to stop and purchase lottery tickets. Oh, and probably get groceries. It's going to be another busy night. Guess I'll have to resign myself to reading this weekend.

Tugging at hair

Yeah, I'm not really ripping it out. Just tugging a bit. I've been working on this system overview for what seems like forever. Just turned that in for proofing today. So that's out of my hair. Now I go back to this other project, something else that's causing me fits. But, turns out that a cube mate will be done (hopefully) updating the template by tomorrow, so that I can work from that. Seems that her work may solve my problems. Basically, the document freaks out whenever I try to fix these stupid footers. Footers are my nemesis.

And I might be going on a super-secret spy mission tonight. Might walk over to my cousin's place with my mom. Her sister is here visiting. We're supposed to make sure that they're behaving. I'm such a buzz kill!

All you single parents are amazing!

So, as I said yesterday, the hubby is officially sick. So I got to play single mom last night. I'm telling you, it's no fun. Well, playing with the munchkin is, but being the sole provider, even just while the other is sick...that's no fun. Thankfully, I have this amazing child. She had Cheerios and juice for a snack, then played. After a while she had meat sticks and peas for dinner. I was able to get caught up on episodes of Designing Women and laundry while she ate and played. She's very self-sufficient. I even got her nails trimmed. She went to bed without a problem.

No, I did not get any reading done. I planned to. I had really good intentions. But it didn't happen. Between catching up on TV and laundry, I just didn't pick up the book. I did get some crocheting done. Lots actually. I'm in the midst of two afghans. One is black, white, and grey zig zags for the hubby. The other one is an attempt to use up some yarn that I have. I'm on a personal mission to use up some of the yarn and fabric that I have before I buy any more. Now, this does not count when it comes to making things for family. But then I only buy specifically what I need. Nothing else. This afghan uses Bernat Denim Style Yarn with a coordinating Navy Blue. I'm not doing anything fancy, just back and forth rows. I would say I finished about 8 inches last night. This may be one for Project Linus or it may be for a gift. I haven't decided yet. I worked on this one last night because the one for the hubby was shut up in the bedroom where he was sleeping.

Heard on the radio this morning that there's a new survey out saying that most parents no longer sing their children nursery rhymes. Here's an article on it.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/education/article2045319.ece

I'll admit to singing random things such as The Facts of Life and Gilligan's Island theme songs to the munchkin. Frankly, you sing what you remember. And why do you think we remember those things? Because they're set to music and we're all addicted to TV. I remember all the nursery rhymes too, but frankly, they're kind of creepy. Who wants to go to sleep dreaming of falling from a tree and mice without tails!

It's official

Jessica is leaving our little group. She's moving over to Transportation. And with Jason planning on leaving, that means that shortly, I will officially be the Senior Tech Writer. Wow. Talk about a jolt. I guess this means I'm moving up in the world. Combine that with the fact that not only am I hiring a student, but I'm also going to be the acting supervisor while Teri's gone, and it makes for one nervous little lady. But it's going to be good. I can do this. Big changes. Big, BIG changes.

I've spent my day working on a document that has about a zillion drawings in it. Then Jessica informed me that approximately half the ones I've been putting in won't apply. Yep, I knew that, it just didn't register. This is what happens when you take a week off. So, tomorrow I'll be starting fresh. I'll get it done. Wow. Another big day tomorrow. Two book group meetings and plenty of work to be done. Life here at work is never dull!

URGH!

Today is not my favorite day. Could have something to do with the fact that it's Monday and I've just had a whole bunch of time off. Could have something to do with what's going on at work. Uncooperative people, heavy responsibility, things in a state of flux, etc. Could have something to do with trying to get everything done at home and take care of everyone. Could have something to do with the way the planets are aligned. Who knows. Regardless, I'm in a pretty crabby mood. I made my to do list for tonight. I'm so tempted to scrap it all and just read my book. I don't think that's a luxury that I'm going to be able to give myself. I need a nice bottle of my favorite wine and pounds of chocolate.

Quickly, before work overtakes me!

OK, so the rundown of my trip...


Life is good. The trip was excellent. We got to spend time with old friends, which was wonderful. Munchkin had a great time. Hubby had an even better time. However, here I am, back at work. Hubby is officially sick. Had not yet gotten out of bed when I left for work. Child is officially spoiled. She cried when I dropped her at daycare. I'm quite certain that some cheerios will have solved that problem. Trying to get hubby to go to doctor, but I'm pretty sure that won't work. You all know what it's like.


I finished Slave (see previous posts) in the car on my way to Illinois. God bless Sea Bands. Without them I would not have been able to read in the car at all. And the way things are right now...I needed to get some reading done. Had reading to do for work book group and also for personal book group. Finished my book for work yesterday. So that's out of the way. Got a good start on Possession for our personal book group. I'm over 100 pages into it and I'm really enjoying it. Mom tried reading it and couldn't get into it. It's too bad really, it's lovely.



I have mounds of laundry to attack tonight. But first, I have to stop at the store and stock up on enough groceries to get us going for the week and also pick up some fabric softener and bleach.



Right now, my tea is brewing. Celestial Seasonings Moroccan Pomegranate Red Rooibos Tea. Delicious. Here's a description:



In the heart of any ancient Moroccan bazaar, the traditional pleasures of pomegranates include enjoying the glittering garnet-colored seeds or sipping the chilled sweet-tart juice. Our Moroccan Pomegranate Red Tea joins the flavor of this scarlet fruit with the tangy red of hibiscus flowers and mellow maroon of rooibos tea for an exotic crimson tea to serve hot or iced. Caffeine free and antioxidant-rich, this lively tea will color your daydreams a lovely Moroccan rose.




Other than that, things are pretty much the norm around here. I've got a deadline, so I better get to it. Glad to be back to the routine of work here at work.

I must be crazy

So, in an effort to finish this project at work before taking off for a fun-filled vacation at "The Lake" with Chuck and Pam, I came in at 3:45 this morning. That's right. In the a.m. Not so much fun when I got up, but it will be very fun to get off work at 1.

In other news, I finished The Little Black Book of Stories this weekend. I am glad that I continued reading because the last three stories were definitely the best. I plan to comment on them further sometime when I have more time. Mostly right now I'm focused on work and getting out of here. This is one of my brief breaks that I get.

Other than being here early, life is good. I'm looking forward to getting away for a while and getting some reading done. I'm over half way through with the other book I'm reading, Slave. Very interesting. Certainly a lifestyle I've never encountered. I recommend it. I've packed 4 books to take with me. I know I won't get to them all, but I do need to read Posession while I'm gone so that I'm ready for book group. I also need to read some stuff for work. Can't wait to get started. A new book always holds so many possibilities!