The Independent Mom!

NOW What Went in Our Toilet?

noreply@blogger.com (Unbalanced Libra) — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 21:41:00 +0000

Our downstairs toilet doesn't flush - in fact, it over flowed this morning. Dante and Wyatt admitted to putting something in it but they can't remember what it was...

This is the toilet in the bathroom we have yet to finish and let me tell you, I am glad its unfinished. However, that doesn't negate the fact that we need to get a plumber here tomorrow to rectify the situation. There goes more money.

I hate to complain about these seemingly 'little' things. I often remind myself just how good I do have it by looking at how people in some other countries live, or remembering what my 12 year old cousin went through when she had cancer (which eventually took her life) and now all these commercials about Mesothelioma treatment as more and more people are finding out they have that terrible disease.

I know I am lucky.

Spring Was Brought Directly To Me

noreply@blogger.com (Unbalanced Libra) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:16:00 +0000

This week the temperatures have been in the high 50's - low 60's; a drastic change from the previous weeks where it was snowing and temps were barely reaching the 30's! Last week I was so grumpy about the weather and so tired of the snow so CJ took it upon himself to bring Spring to me.

He had to run to the grocery store to pick up a few of those jumbo envelopes because we needed them to mail our tax stuff out and he came home with these beautiful flowers, complete with a ladybug :]

He said to me, "Here, I am bringing Spring to you." - it's these simple things that mean the most to me. Hey, I'm all for womens jewelry or something related to Mac (he's surprised me with 2 MacBooks over the years) but the flowers were perfect.

Stil Pondering Kitchen Sinks

noreply@blogger.com (Unbalanced Libra) — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 23:06:00 +0000

I blogged back in 2008 about how I wanted to update our kitchen sink - we still haven't! AArrrggghhhhh! Well, recently I found Franke sinks and I am in love. What do you think?

I am going to try and talk CJ into this sink. We have the money for it so that's not an issue, it's getting him to agree! Anything is better than this though!

Looking For Work?

noreply@blogger.com (Unbalanced Libra) — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 19:09:00 +0000

I have decided to keep the Independent World Community Forum open and not only keep it open but also add a blog, Twitter account and Facebook page to the community! I have seen so many of my friends struggling to find employment and I KNOW there is work out there!

Visit the IWC blog - that will also provide links to the other aspects of the community and join us!

This Always Happens When I Plan Someone Else's Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (Unbalanced Libra) — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 18:22:00 +0000

Hahaa, I just had to share this quick. So, I just blogged about how I am helping a Cali bride plan a weeding. She and I were talking about her (absolutely gorgeous) engagement ring. I asked her where she got it and she went on and on about Google and how all she did was search for 'custom engagement rings orange county' and viola, she found what she was looking for!

Well, that got me on a Google search for diamonds because I have this weird hope that maybe one day CJ and I will at least get engaged. There are so many types of diamonds and so many places to get them I immediately felt overwhelmed. Wow.

New Wedding Client

noreply@blogger.com (Unbalanced Libra) — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 18:02:00 +0000

I'm telling you - I should just get married because I could plan a wedding like nobody's business these days! A woman from California contacted me to help her plan her wedding. She found my wedding blog because she was searching for Gothic Wedding Cakes and saw the post where I featured a unique spin to wedding cakes and wedding cake toppers.

She wants me to plan everything, from the bridal shower to looking for the wedding bands. I suggested she go with titanium rings because those are awesome! I'm not sure I want to be involved in planning a bridal shower - since when does the BRIDE hire someone to do that??

Ahhh, Wormy!

noreply@blogger.com (Unbalanced Libra) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 20:54:00 +0000

Boxers are known for tummy troubles - and being trouble, period. There was a time Angus ate a few hand made wedding favors I had sitting on the dinning room table – not sure why he did that, they weren’t edible! Needless to say, that won him a trip to the vet for some x-rays.

He’s been there so many times over the last 6 months I am guessing he’s afraid of people in lab coats at this point.

It's March!

noreply@blogger.com (Unbalanced Libra) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 11:57:00 +0000

Now is when time will really start to fly! This month I'll be busy training another team member of SEOwhat to be an account manager, planning a small birthday party for Olivia (oh my gawd she is going to be 7!) and planning some cool kid activities for Ostara - yay! Spring!

Before I know it, April will be here. Nothing going on in April party or holiday wise BUT we do leave for Disney in April!

Photo Credit

"Starlight, Starbright
First Star I See Tonight
I Wish I May
I Wish I Might
Have This Wish Come True Tonight"

So now it's on! Planning what to pack and making sure I have a plan in place in case of a travel emergency - Gods forbid.

Bath Art

noreply@blogger.com (Unbalanced Libra) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 21:22:00 +0000

Let me just say that I HATE those damn bathtub markers by Crayola. The boys decided to 'color' during a bath one night and I STILL can't get the marks off the tub and shower wall!

I swear, I am going to need to break out the tretinoin gel for all these stress pimples! I am really irritated that this happened. One funny thing did come out of it. I noticed some of the caulking around the tub is coming loose so I said to CJ, "I need new caulk" You should have seen the look I got!

So Sick of Winter

noreply@blogger.com (Unbalanced Libra) — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 20:13:00 +0000

I want to open the windows but it's much too cold outside, even though the sun is shining. I spend my time working and exercising, just to past the time. Weight loss is at a standstill right now and that is frustrating. Maybe I just need to look into colon cleansing products? Maybe one good dump'll do it. HAHAHAAAAAA

Okay but seriously, we have 2 months and 9 days until we are in the Happiest Place on Earth! I cannot wait! No matter how many times I see Cinderella's Castle, that first time on Main St. each trip always gives me chills!
You HAVE to click on the photo below to see it in it's original size - it's amazing!

Photo Credit

It's coming up fast, I can't believe February is almost over already!

Oh My Gawd, the MUD!

noreply@blogger.com (Unbalanced Libra) — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 19:51:00 +0000

It's in the 4o's today and the sun is shining! The sow is melting too - just in time for more snow, UGH! Today is today though, right? I told the boys to go out and play but I put them in their snowsuits because I knew they'd get muddy. I have OCD when it comes to dirt and mud, I swear, it stresses me out so much I get older by the second. Is hgh available over the counter? LOL!

The boys were outside and CJ was in the living room writing articles and watching TV so I decided to take a shower. While I was in the bathroom, I peered out the window to see what the boys were dong and I see this:

There they were, chairs lined up, pretending they were in a van. I heard Dante say to Wyatt, "Where do you want to go?" and Wyatt answered, "To DISNEY WORLD!"

Ahhh, that's my boy ; ]

Love That Time of the Month

noreply@blogger.com (Unbalanced Libra) — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 14:17:00 +0000

NOT! It sucks! I completely regress to a teenager! I thought outbreaks of pimples and blemishes were supposed to subside the older we got? Lately I have noticed my face breaks out a lot. It's really frustrating!

Why can't I get a pimple on my rear or something where no one would see it? Haha
I'm sure it's hormonal acne because it only happens once a month, but it's BAD. I'm sure my self confidence will increase if I can get this under control.

How To Really Love A Child

noreply@blogger.com (Unbalanced Libra) — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 12:32:00 +0000

Be there. Say yes as often as possible. Let them make lots of noise. If they’re crabby, put them in water. If they’re unlovable, love yourself.

Realize how important it is to be a child. Go to a movie theater in your pajamas. Read books out loud with joy. Invent pleasures together. Remember how really small they are. Giggle a lot. Surprise them. Say no when necessary.

Teach feelings. Heal your own inner child. Learn about parenting. Hug trees together. Make loving safe.

Bake a cake and eat it with no hands. Go find elephants and kiss them. Plan to build a rocketship. Imagine yourself magic. Make lots of forts with blankets. Reveal your own dreams.

Search out the positive. Keep the gleam in your eye. Encourage silly. Plant licorice in your garden. Open up. Stop yelling. Express your love. A lot.
Speak kindly. Paint their tennis shoes. Handle with caring.

Children are miraculous

~By Sark

Entertainment While Exercising

noreply@blogger.com (Unbalanced Libra) — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 03:28:00 +0000

I absolutely need a good tv show on when I'm on the treadmill - I need to keep my mind focused on something other than miles and calories. Today I watched 'Obese and Pregnant' - a show on the Discovery Health channel. The show follows three pregnant women preparing giving birth. It's an experience that can be both physically and emotionally treacherous for expectant mothers who are morbidly obese.

It was interesting but I wold really love to know if there will ever be a follow up with the 3 women. I'd love to hear weight loss success stories but I have a feeling all 3 women probably went back to their old ways.

More Things to Contemplate!

noreply@blogger.com (Unbalanced Libra) — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 22:23:00 +0000

I noticed today, you can see it in my face, my age is starting to show. I am already 36 - I can't believe it, I am almost half way through my life.

My family has a fairly long life expectancy - well, the women do, on my mom's and my dad's side. Both my grandmothers are well into their 80's. My grandma (my mom's mom) will be 88 this July. Based on that, I have what, 52 years left?

I never thought about products to make skin look younger, especially not around my eyes. That is, until today. I noticed I have crow's feet - they aren't easily noticed but I noticed them. I suppose now I need to put anti aging products on my beauty products list.

I knew this would happen some day but it just seems too soon.

I Just Can't Think About Much Else

noreply@blogger.com (Unbalanced Libra) — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 02:51:00 +0000

If you're tired of hearing about Disney, click the little 'X' and go away. I am a Disney FANatic and I am a-okay with that. Once upon a time I was trying to find deals on houses for rent for vacation, now I don't.

For the last 2 trips, the Polynesian Resort has been our 'home away from home' - it is a breathtaking resort.

Photo Credit

This year will be our first time staying as DVC members at bay Lake Tower - our 'official' home resort.

Photo Credit

Quite a difference in resorts, isn't it? We will be sure to visit the Polynesian; in fact, we have dinner reservations at Ohana's one night.

I Still Can't Believe We Are Disney Vacation Club Members!

noreply@blogger.com (Unbalanced Libra) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 15:58:00 +0000

I have been making a list of things I want to remember to take along with me on vacation. We’re less than 3 months away and I feel so unprepared. I want to sign up for the Owner's Locker too - can't forget that!

In the meantime, I have been busy helping to plan a wedding with a friend, so I'm totally internet deep in wedding favors but as soon as I pull off this baby shower, all my focus will be on this Disney trip!

Wow We Are Slacking in the Office Department

noreply@blogger.com (Unbalanced Libra) — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 19:05:00 +0000

We've had the basement done for almost 7 months now and it's still not officially an office. There's a desk down there - one we got from my mom, an old PC (gag) and well, no chair - we use the piano bench! Think it's time to invest in some office furniture?

We have a desk and a crappy office chair in the living room but I really want to get rid of it and put a nice big fish tank in that space. Seriously, is this not the ugliest workspace you've ever seen?

Two Sleepy Dudes

noreply@blogger.com (Unbalanced Libra) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 03:03:00 +0000

One minute CJ and I were talking about which new cell phones we want to get and the next minute I saw this:

I swear, all I did was answer the phone. I talked to my mom for less than 5 minutes and in that amounrt of time they were both in lala land! Who knew life was that hard?

It is nice to see though, Wyatt is usually up my butt and hardly ever sits with CJ - he's is that much of a mama's boy!

Partying at Walt Disney World

noreply@blogger.com (Unbalanced Libra) — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 20:02:00 +0000

I've mentioned before, one of my very best friends, Cherie, is going along with us to Disney this year. I am so excited!

Photo Credit

She and I were laughing, saying how we need to 'drink our way around World Showcase' or buy some Padron cigars when we're in Downtown Disney and smoke 'em up like we used to. (No, I don't smoke but I have been known to take a few drags of a cigar back n the day!)

I honestly don't care what kind of 'partying' we do, I'm just glad she will be along! By the way, the above photo is of fireworks for the castle stage show - Dream Along With Mickey shot off- pretty spectacular!

TV Shows are Winding Down

noreply@blogger.com (Unbalanced Libra) — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 19:52:00 +0000

I am so bummed; all my favorite TV shows are coming to the 'season finale' stage. At least there will always be reruns to watch. I know a few people who have a Slingbox; seems like great way to make sure they don't miss a show.

The shows we watch are:

Criminal Minds
Fringe
Bones
House

Am I missing something awesome?

36 Is Old

noreply@blogger.com (Unbalanced Libra) — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 17:48:00 +0000

Better go buy some wrinkle filler because apparently I am OLD. At least according to my kids - to them I look ancient. I can't believe it! I never thought the day would come when *I* was the old person.

Now, really, I know I am not old - 36 is definitely not old at all (have I said that enough yet to convince myself?) What age is 'old' to you? Or are you only as old as you feel?

My Baby Wyatt

noreply@blogger.com (Unbalanced Libra) — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 16:34:00 +0000

Look at how big my 'baby' has gotten - I can't believe he is 3 already and in pre-school.

I tried my best to treasure those baby moments with him because even though I thought (and still do - just a bit) that I would have another baby, something deep down inside kept whispering that he was my last. I am starting to believe that now; heck I'm 36 already. Guess I won't ever have to buy prenatal vitamins or look for maternity clothing any time soon.

Our house is perfect with 3 kids but I really miss those baby days.

On Joining a Gym

noreply@blogger.com (Unbalanced Libra) — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 16:12:00 +0000

So one of my BFFs, Cherie, is going to Disney with us in April. She recently lost close to 50 pounds through healthy eating and exercise - gee who would have thought? No weight loss pills or crazy (non) eating habits, just the basics. She likes to attend different classes at the gym she goes to and has been bugging me to go with her.

I honestly have no desire to do this - I've joined gyms before and never got anywhere. Waste of money if you ask me, but I think this time I may give it a whirl. It's a measly 30 pounds - that's all I want to drop and I have 3 months to do it in. This gym she goers to allows monthly membership so I can quit at any time. Maybe between going there and sticking to the treadmill I will be able to do this!

Another Quiet Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Unbalanced Libra) — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 15:54:00 +0000

I suppose I should make use of this cold, quiet weekend. I already cleaned out a few 'junk drawers' and now I am contemplating a bathroom cabinet. Remember that skin care stuff, phisoderm? I found a bottle of that in the bathroom, tucked way in the back of the cabinet. Umm, yea, it's pretty old - I guess I better go through that cabinet.

In other 'excting' news, CJ and I are still waiting for a few more tax papers and then we'll file - we like to file early and honestly, this year is the latest we've waited. I don't care about the money we get back - I just hate having the whole tax thing hanging over my head.