Life Lately...

...has been crazy!

First of all, I just want to say a HUGE Thank You to my fellow MN Bloggers who came to the little get-together I had at my house (practically) a month ago. When I posted it on my blog to see if anyone would be interested, I really didn't know if anyone would respond. I had a lot of fun hanging with you ladies and you brought some amazing food (and games!).

I've been focusing on ME lately. Something I don't do often enough. Maybe it's because I'll be older than dirt in a few days (turning 30 on Wednesday) or maybe it's because I want to look and feel good for our family pics that will be taken in October or maybe it's because I don't want to look back on today 10 or 20 years from now and wonder why I didn't try harder to lose the unwanted weight I'm carrying around. I really hope that I can stick to my current diet/exercise routine that I've been doing for a whole week now (down 4lbs!). I have high hopes in myself and know what my goal is and my deadline.

I've been using the MyFitnessPal app to help track my eating/exercise

Worklife...they hired a new lady to be my boss and she's been there for 2 weeks now. She's very nice and seems very motivated and like she could bring a lot to our department. I'm not sure what I want out of my career right now. I have an eery feeling that there could be a number of people leaving our department in the next few months due to a few lay-offs in our local office. I don't think my job is at risk right now, but could possibly be eliminated in a few years with the consolidating my company is doing. I've been looking outside of my current company, but am feeling very unsure of things. I don't want to lose the amount of PTO I have, if we are planning to have another baby in the next few years - I've now doubled the amount of my short-term disability which would allow me to stay home longer (at 100% pay) with a new baby, I could potentially  get a promotion next year (fingers crossed!) and I like the flexibility that is offered in my current position.

Bailey is growing like crazy! I feel like every week she's doing something new (and adorable) and I know this trend will not stop for a loooong time! I have been making her quite a bit of food the past couple weekends to stock up a little bit. She seems to like all of the things that she's tried so far (besides avocados, which I want to try again soon). I'm already starting to think and plan her 1st birthday party that is 3 months away, but I don't want to feel stressed about it later on :)

One of her new things is throwing toys out of her exersaucer and "peeking" over the edge at them - so cute!

This probably goes along with the fact that I've been running lately (way too much time to think!), but I've come to realize that my "problems" in life are nothing in comparison to what other people are going through/have gone through. I read other people's blogs or hear stories at work or see stuff on Facebook that put my "problems" into perspective. I have a lot to be grateful for!

Yesterday, I accomplished a goal that made me want to do a happy dance but figured I'd probably twist my ankle or something if I attempted a happy dance :) I ran all the way to the top of the big, long hill ,without stopping, when we were on a jog. It took sooo much focus and in my mind I kept comparing it to labor with Bailey (I think it was my focus on breathing). Chris was pushing Bailey, so I'm sure that helped but either way - it was a a pretty big moment for me!

I hope you're all enjoying the little bit of summer we have left - I can't believe it's almost fall!!

Randomness without any pictures

My parents are celebrating 36 years of marriage today. Their marriage is not always perfect (whose is?), but it has survived the ups and downs of life. Congrats to them!!

We did not suffer much from the crazy storms that hit the cities this weekend. So sorry for those who have damage or are without power. We lost power for about 2.5 hours on Friday night and I’ve never realized how dependent I am on some things…crazy!

We installed a rain barrel on Saturday afternoon. I bought one last summer and it’s just sat (in the front yard/backyard/garage) until Saturday. After the storms on Saturday night/Sunday morning it was full and overflowing – 50 gallons worth of water. If anyone needs rainwater – I’m your girl!

My good friend Sarah delivered a healthy baby girl on Friday. Welcome to the world Amelia Ivy! I can’t wait to meet you!

On another baby note, my old co-worker delivered a baby boy last week…11lbs 1oz. Holy buckets, that’s a big baby and her first – yowza!

Chris and I jogged 4 miles Saturday morning and 3.2 miles Sunday morning. I really liked starting my day out with those runs – so refreshing! Also, thanks hubby for sticking by me even when I’m dragging.  I’m beyond out of shape right now!!

Bailey Rose – thank you for being you. We love you beyond words. You bring an unimaginable amount of happiness/joy/laughter to our lives. You are simply amazing!

I’m trying to work on my health and fitness. I was doing pretty good and then I stupidly made Avalanche Bars. Chris has surprisingly eaten more of them than I have – which I don’t think has ever happened – EVER. I’m seriously considering throwing the pan away.

Work is crazy busy. I’ve been getting a lot of new responsibilities over the past few months. And then my most favorite boss ever decides to take a position outside the company. I think I’m still in denial that she doesn’t work here anymore. I’ve taken it hard personally because I consider her to be a friend and I’ve taken it hard professionally because she was a great mentor, knew my career path and was pushing me in the right direction. Now, I don’t even have a boss – unless you consider the temp who is here right now. All I know is that it’s going to be a loooong summer in the office L

I’ve been tempted to invite some fellow MN bloggers over for a super  casual evening of games/food and beverages. Anyone interested in that?

Thanks to all of you who leave me sweet comments. I'm pretty terrible at responding to them - so please don't take it personally if I don't. It's not you, it's me :)

Happy Monday!

Just give in already - pretty, pretty please!

We all know that Ma Nature has pulled off quite a stunt this year. She fooled us! But seriously, can this torture be over with already? I'm ready for green grass, pretty flowers in all shapes and colors and delicious food and beverages on the deck!

In the meantime, here's a little list of things I'm blaming on Ma Nature and her silly shenanigans

-my lack of working out. I would go for jogs with Bailey in the stroller if it were nicer out (I promise!)

Pretty sure these 2 are going to be knocking on my door soon - Is that show still on??

-my poor style. I have like 3 pairs of pants that are comfortable to wear for work. I’m really tired of wearing them since they don’t fit that well (too big) but the size down is too small. I should really workout, but…see above comment

Ok, I really don't look like that when I eat but whatever that is - I want!

-not eating very healthy. I love to grill up fresh veggies, eat salads and lots of fruit – mostly in the spring/summer time on our deck

-my unmotivated self. I’m literally peeling myself out of bed these days. I thought about calling in sick today (which I never, ever do) just because I didn’t want to leave my bed for another 2 hours. This can’t be blamed on Bailey. She is sleeping wonderfully through the night (knocks on wood)

Seriously might just happen one day...not really - I just got pretty new appliances ;)

-my messy house. I like to clean the house in the sunshine with the windows open. We haven’t seen the sun for a while and I’m usually not at home when it’s out so…my house is a disaster!

Bailey is also bored of this weather!

-no blog posts. My days are really not that exciting. I could post about going for walks/runs with Bailey, going to the park, sitting outside on the deck or in the yard, meeting up with friends/family for play dates or just to hang out, planting pretty flowers  – but none of that is happening on the regular due to crappy weather.

That’s right, I’m breaking out the sad kitty eyes – how can you say no to that!

Please mother nature, just let us have nice, warm weather with sun shining in on us! I promise I’ll clean my room every day and make my bed! What? It worked on my mom and grandma when I was younger and wanted something badly!

Yep, that's snow up there in the forecast

And don’t even get me started on the forecast…literally makes me sick to think about it!