tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36860334354572417132024-03-12T19:21:45.710-04:00People May GrumbleGrumbling through life since 1978. Now with baby!Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01704314782502966578noreply@blogger.comBlogger148125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3686033435457241713.post-68312277969874200542011-07-03T01:19:00.001-04:002011-07-03T01:20:22.534-04:00I'm A Worker Bee....AgainI is alive! I would love to say that I have been doing wonderful, marvelous things this summer. But mostly I have been depressed and unhappy, and that's not fun for daily blog fodder. Thus, radio silence.<br />
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Oh, but I haven't been totally useless, I have been applying and interviewing for jobs...like it's my job (get it, get it, I's made a funny). And finally after about 9 months of searching, I have finally been found worthy of employment. Yay for me! Someone hired me. Someone liked me more than another candidate. Yay! I am very excited about this new opportunity, especially since it means a paycheck! Oh wait, I am also excited about the position. It is with a small tech company out of California, and I will be their East Coast Coordinator. Don't ask me exactly what that means because I'm not 100% sure yet. However, it will require my unbelievable customer service skills, organizational abilities, and my love of multi-tasking. But best of all, I will be doing something that is totally out of line from my background and will allow me to learn a new skillset and gain new industry experience. <br />
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Oh, and didn't I mention the kicker - travel. I start on the 5th of July and work from home for a week, and then I fly out to San Jose for two weeks of training. What did I hear when this was explained to me? VACATION! Two weeks, alone, my own hotel room. Hallelujah! This is the first real vacation I have had in two and a half years (<em>thank you Ben</em>). So while I will miss my little man (<em>I'll see you on Skype buddy</em>), and am anxious about how he and J will get on without me (<em>it's gonna be like a cage match and only one will survive</em>), I cannot wait to board that plane! It'll be a nice change for J to find out what it's like being me and bearing the majority of the parenting duties. I expect it shall be a life-changing two weeks for us all.<br />
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Sidenote: When J told Ben I was going back to work, he replied "Oh yay! Congratulations Mommy! Can I come with you?" My sweet little goofball.Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01704314782502966578noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3686033435457241713.post-83312781161701424632011-04-12T10:35:00.000-04:002011-04-12T10:35:23.379-04:00He Did It All for the CookieB: Hey Mommy.<br />
Me: Yes, Benny.<br />
B: I have an idea.<br />
Me: OK, what?<br />
B: Umm...Let's have a picnic!<br />
Me: OK. What should we eat?<br />
B: COOKIES!<br />
Me: Cookies, really? Sounds reasonable for 10:30 in the morning.<br />
B: Yay! A picnicky with cookies!<br />
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Ten minutes later, cookies and milk are assembled and we are on a blanket on the floor. Ben eats his first cookie, and yummy yummy yummies. I grab my first cookie and hear, "NO! Mommy that's mine! No sharing!" <br />
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Happy Tuesday!Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01704314782502966578noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3686033435457241713.post-21979235185369774592011-03-31T23:39:00.001-04:002011-03-31T23:43:06.191-04:00What Color is My Parachute? Do You Know?Can we just talk about personality tests for a minute? When did personality tests become so pervasive in the recruiting world? I know I have been out of the HR game for a few years now, but I have kept up with trade publications and must have missed the issue on TEST, TEST, TEST. I have taken so many different personality tests in my lifetime as a Psych major and then as an HR professional, but feel like I may be taking more as a candidate for employment. I mean, before you even meet or speak to me, I need to take 5 personality tests to prove my worth? Really. Is this cost effective? It seems that you would weed out a lot of the unqualifieds just through a simple phone screen, and save a lot of money in the process. <br />
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Let's take my most recent job opportunity (which I am hoping turns into something solid because it's a great company). A friend referred me to HR (which is pretty much the only way to even have your resume seen by actual eyeballs), she told HR she wanted me in the sales pipeline for future opportunities that she will have in the next month or so. I then have to go online and apply for a "fake" job just to get in the system. Then HR emails me a link to fill out a more in depth application and upload my references. Cool. Then HR emails me a personality test. No biggie, it's because I'm already in the pipeline so I'm getting fast-tracked. I do the personality test (which is always hard for me because my Psych brain and my HR brain are at war analyzing the best way to answer and my gut is saying "just answer it!"). After the 30 minute personality test, I email HR to let them know it's completed. HR emails me another link for a more in-depth personality test for just sales candidates. Okay. I start the test. Three questions in and there is a word problem. WTF? How does a word problem help you analyze my personality? Also, when you tell someone it's a personality test, that is timed, you should also warn them if there will be math. I needed an f'ing calculator! I grabbed pen and paper and my cell calculator and got to work. Can I tell you how much I hate word problems? I do. I'm not bad at math by any means, but I have always got the cold sweats from word problems. Whatever. I get it done. Move on, more personality questions. Crap, another word problem. But wait, this one requires me to remember the basic area of a triangle in order to answer it. No kidding. Geometry. People, I sucked at geometry. Also, I haven't had to do it or use it since early HS. I don't know how I remembered 180 degrees, but I did (please tell me that's right, I never googled after to check). Anywho, I get through it and some additional reading comprehension questions which were ridiculous. Whew! A few hours after the test, I get a call from the outsourced company that administers the test and they want to set up a phone screen for me. Okay, why isn't the company's HR doing this? Apparently the outsourced personality company pre-screens candidates that pass the personality test before they are moved on to interviews with the actual company. Weird, but okay. Phone screen is set up and I'm ready. Phone screen time comes and goes, and I am stood up. Yep, they forgot to call. I call them and reschedule. The second phone screen starts late and the person I am supposed to be speaking with (who originally stood me up) is busy so someone else is handling the phone interview for him. Okay, whatever. The chat goes well and he tells me that I will be forwarded as a candidate for sales positions at the company. But he won't reveal any of the personality test results with me....unless I am actually hired. Annoying. <br />
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Am I crazy, but doesn't that seem like a lot of testing and applications? I still haven't even talked to anyone at the actual company...and I am a referred candidate. Crazy. What happened to actually talking to a candidate yourself and making an assessment. Personality tests are great, especially when used as a tool to strengthen your interview or for leadership training....but 3 tests before even talking to the hiring manager? Seems a bit much. Lucrative if you are the testing vendor, and I would love to get in on that business. Cha-Ching.<br />
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UPDATE: My friend called me today and we spoke about setting up a meeting for next week. Turns out that there will be an opening on her team sooner rather than later, so I will be considered for a position under her purview. Fingers crossed that all goes well. Also I passed all of the personality tests and scored well for a sales candidate. Good to know...since I was a successful sales person.Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01704314782502966578noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3686033435457241713.post-60552469108075136092011-03-22T22:39:00.000-04:002011-03-22T22:39:36.181-04:00Win An Ipad 2As much as I don't want to share this and decrease my chances of winning, I must in order to increase my own chances. It's a vicious circle. I’m posting this to enter a contest on offered by <a href="http://www.bradsdeals.com/">Brad's Deals</a> at <a href="http://www.sweetney.com/2011/03/on-being-a-geek-and-oh-an-ipad-2-giveaway-yes-really.html">Sweetney</a>! I want to win the white iPad 2! If you'd like to try and beat me, go ahead. But be aware that if you win, I will come and steal the iPad 2 from you - with force, if necessary. Consider yourself warned.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2VJnY_hIqFtitgBsG7uvc5Q5mvmIb2qc4G9pGXP0Ey5sCu3R1G6t_E2nkA7lzjuOAX7G5U6RcwgvYLOJ7ncLIYyVucuGUTk3sYPjfxvrR_DxVtRWD_MbX1l1Oy3Z5mmlE2ewl4073vQ/s1600/ipad-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2VJnY_hIqFtitgBsG7uvc5Q5mvmIb2qc4G9pGXP0Ey5sCu3R1G6t_E2nkA7lzjuOAX7G5U6RcwgvYLOJ7ncLIYyVucuGUTk3sYPjfxvrR_DxVtRWD_MbX1l1Oy3Z5mmlE2ewl4073vQ/s320/ipad-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01704314782502966578noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3686033435457241713.post-77650954396718571942011-03-09T22:49:00.000-05:002011-03-09T22:49:54.808-05:00Girl, You Better (Net)Work...Can we talk about how looking for a job is a full-time job? I haven't had to work this hard to find a job since I was a fresh-faced new grad jumping into the rat race. I had forgotten what an arduous process the job hunt can be, especially now that the landscape has changed so drastically with the addition of social media. And let's not forget that employers generally prefer to meet candidates that are currently employed, not those that have been a mom for the past two years. Oh, and the recession and unemployment at an all-time high. How could I forget about that?? *sigh*<br />
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I literally apply for at least one job per day, if not more. I am stalking the top companies in the area, particularly those with openings in my fields of experience. I have reached out on Facebook and LinkedIn, and have just generally bugged every single person I know. I am particularly obsessed with one company, and recently emailed the potential hiring manager directly for an open position for which I am definitely qualified. I received her information from someone who works at the company and is "connected" to me through another friend on LinkedIn. What is the etiquette for this type of email? I just winged it, but am wondering if it will help me or hurt me. Any advice out there?<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">There is no point to this post. I am just really ready to return to work, and I don't know what else I can do...besides hope. Two of my good friends started new jobs this week after searching for much longer than I, so I am hoping that job offers come in three's (like deaths, births, etc.). Please let me be the third. Mama needs to use this brain for more than just negotiations with a toddler. In the interim, enjoy some job hunting humor from the web.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxvN3NP_OAim8PkwYUdAWFUFBP9vdEQgvb4fS8LLAnDeEyU6WQxsG6BjkThyxOAEQp_3lOOzXahq9f-PrFsoOdP_WqsuknZxn7SbQN1Ic39A6HOI9DOrnXVwz-Ow0rfdQnJWgLyt3dxg/s1600/LongLine_JobSearch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxvN3NP_OAim8PkwYUdAWFUFBP9vdEQgvb4fS8LLAnDeEyU6WQxsG6BjkThyxOAEQp_3lOOzXahq9f-PrFsoOdP_WqsuknZxn7SbQN1Ic39A6HOI9DOrnXVwz-Ow0rfdQnJWgLyt3dxg/s1600/LongLine_JobSearch.jpg" /></a></div>Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01704314782502966578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3686033435457241713.post-19358484552339505422011-03-04T23:29:00.001-05:002011-03-04T23:30:33.811-05:00Not So DeweyCan I just talk about my luck with libraries? I am a huge library supporter, and have been since I was a child. I love books, love reading, and love the atmosphere of the library. So, I was excited to go to our local library today and get my new library card (<em>since we moved and all</em>). I park and see that the library is huge and rather new in comparison to my former haunt off Independence in CLT. So I am stoked! I have a list of books that I have been meaning to check out (<em>get it, library humor</em>) and this library in Cary is so going to hit the spot. I got my card in minutes and was off on the hunt. But wait, have I been away too long? Did how books are categorized and shelved change in the last few months? Because I am looking and looking and seeing none of the authors I need. I went to the handy-dandy PC and checked, and a few of my list are "checked in" to the library so what gives? I go back for another looksy. Still no luck. Okay, now I am feeling like an idiot but refusing to go ask for help. I will not let the librarians see me sweat! So aimless wandering it is, until I figure it out. <br />
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When did we decide to start categorizing our Adult Fiction sections? Is this a Wake County thing? I am used to Fiction, Non-Fiction, Young Adult Fiction....but Romance Fiction, Mystery Fiction, Sci-Fi/Fantasy Fiction sections? Really?? I am at a library, not Barnes & Noble. Fiction is fiction, just alphabetize it and keep it simple. What's worse is that the qualifiers (Mystery, Romance, Sci-Fi/Fantasy) are in such small print, that it isn't noticeable off the bat when you are wandering about in the Fiction area. Very annoying. Unless this is how it has always been, and then I guess I'm just a dolt. But I swear that Mecklenburg County libraries didn't sort their fiction like that - it was just a huge Fiction section in alphabetically order by author. <br />
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In the end, I found only 3 books and only 2 from my huge list. Apparently this library, while shiny and new, is in the boonies and all of the good books are in a more centralized library in another part of Cary. So yet again, I am on the waitlist for several books. Ugh. Mecklenburg County all over again. Going forward I will just check online before heading to the library...but it does take some of the fun out of a trip to the library. On the positive side, they have a lovely children's section and I will definitely be taking Ben for future trips.<br />
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PS - I checked out the following, in case you are interested. I gotta get my GoodReads button back up.<br />
The Gates by John Connolly<br />
The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly<br />
The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by N.K. Jemisin<br />
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PPS - Thanks Beckers for the recommendations!Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01704314782502966578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3686033435457241713.post-50020784735440640102011-03-04T02:21:00.000-05:002011-03-04T02:21:40.743-05:00Pop of ColorI heart <a href="http://www.dsw.com/">DSW</a>. I am too broke to really shop right now, but they are one of my favorite places to spend when I do have extra cash. So imagine my delight when I returned some shoes* that didn't fit (<em>sadness</em>) and was able to exchange it for this lovely bag. <br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRZJa9rRocD85LhxdkUOhijy6FUs8-E2CT9PnR-Fvu7CQUVoKQj4XPov-D238mdI-3QZaCsVKm3V7E9p8CbTjmkvBGKdb73kQQfH7AOMygbDOevf-OKTo_Ih7Gl5iZwxRAaIs0_id_zQ/s1600/Urban+Expressions_Delilah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRZJa9rRocD85LhxdkUOhijy6FUs8-E2CT9PnR-Fvu7CQUVoKQj4XPov-D238mdI-3QZaCsVKm3V7E9p8CbTjmkvBGKdb73kQQfH7AOMygbDOevf-OKTo_Ih7Gl5iZwxRAaIs0_id_zQ/s320/Urban+Expressions_Delilah.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I am in lurve. It is so pretty. I ordered it in the blush color, but it is also available in a grey hue. It is a huge purse, but that's how I like it. The better to carry diapers, juice boxes and snack packs with (and to hide illegal drinks and food when going to the movies). And, this purse makes me feel good about myself because it is VEGAN!! If you are in the market for a new bag for this spring, check out the deals at DSW and the Urban Expressions "Delilah" bag. Happy shopping!<br />
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<em>(Sidenote: said shoes were purchased with Christmas gift cards...)</em>Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01704314782502966578noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3686033435457241713.post-10633202984065063992011-03-03T23:44:00.000-05:002011-03-03T23:44:02.193-05:00A LetterI know Willow Smith is all the rage on the tween music scene, but I think that these young ladies may have something more profound to offer than "Whip My Hair." <br />
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These girls are so well-spoken and have such a good message. I would love to see the girls and their parents on Oprah, along with Lil' Wayne, for an open discussion about how the words we use carry weight and influence others. I'd watch.Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01704314782502966578noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3686033435457241713.post-61393435726228106402011-03-02T21:05:00.001-05:002011-03-04T23:31:21.248-05:00Free To Be Just ThreeRecently, I had a discussion with a friend over lunch about the pressure to procreate. As a person that already has one child, I am referring to the external pressure to add another to the mix. Although I'd wager that as a married couple without children, you'd face even more pressure. What's wrong with you? Why haven't you had a child yet? I remember those questions starting as soon as we returned from our honeymoon. Either way, where does that pressure come from? It's a very personal decision (to have a child or to have more children), so why does everyone that knows you or has just met you feel entitled to ask the question?<br />
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So, in our case, I am happy being a family of three. I love our son very much and I enjoy being a mother, but I'm just not sure that adding another to the mix is necessary. I know it is not something we are ready or interested in doing at this point in our lives. And yet when I say that I am happy with just one child, it's like I am an oddball. As if because I became a mother, I am now committed to having those 2.5 kids. And hey, there are times that I *think* that having another kid could be nice...maybe. But they are just gut reactions to seeing a cute little blonde boy running around and wondering what a second child would look like. This is not a reason to have a kid. And then I think, am I doing Ben a disservice if we decide that he should be an only child? There are definite pro's (<em>hello, we could not stress so much about money</em>), but you rarely hear an only child say that they loved being the only one. My mom was an only child, and I heard all my life about how much she wished she had had brothers and sisters growing up. And I like the *idea* of Ben having a sibling to rely on when he's older, especially when dealing with the stresses of potentially caring for aging parents. Again, not a great reason to have a child. <br />
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At this point, I am firm in my enjoyment of being a family of three. Maybe one day we will change our minds. Either way, stop questioning me about <strong><u>when</u></strong> I will have another. Just because I am a mother does not mean that I want a gaggle of children. And if I choose to have just one, it's just as valid as your choice to have five. And for those married folks out there who are happy without children (<em>gasp</em>), good for you. And for those married folks out there that want kids but just haven't been able to yet, I really, really apologize if I ever contributed to that constant questioning.Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01704314782502966578noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3686033435457241713.post-30092750133191017332011-02-09T15:53:00.001-05:002011-02-09T15:58:15.948-05:00What 'Chu Watching?What's up folks! Are there any of you out there? I am so random in my postings, I wouldn't blame you all for turning the page. Anywhoodle, what are you up to? I have been applying for jobs, still, and just being a bit of a lazy mom. If I were Ben, I'd fire me for not being more fun....but he's 2, so what does he know? He'll figure it out later, and can go to therapy to complain about how his mom didn't do enough art projects and such with him when he was a wee lad and stunted his creative growth. In the interim, I am proud to say that I have introduced him to the wonders of old school Tom & Jerry cartoons. He is addicted! What, you say? He shouldn't be watching so much television at his age? Yes, you're probably right. But mommy really needs to not build with blocks, race trucks and read book #984 about Thomas - so cartoons it is. And honestly, I am so glad that he likes something that I can watch and not want to poke my eyes out. Tom & Jerry is great folks, but only the classic episodes. And my kid, he is an efficianado - he knows the new crap isn't as good as the originals, and will not watch the slicker Tom & Jerry eps that Cartoon Network offers up. I take joy in passing this love of the classics on to my child. Next up, Bugs Bunny. <br />
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I have also had some free time to invest in new programming. Is anyone else out there a Fringe fan? Thanks to the lovely Beckers, I am now a total Fringe geek (or Cortexa-fan, inside joke). I troll message boards and fan blogs just to get a fix in between episodes. I haven't been this obsessed with a show since Gilmore Girls. Yes, odd reference since they are complete opposites in genre (but I digress). If you aren't watching Fringe, then shame on you! For me, Fringe is a mix of X-Files, Bones, Torchwood, Dr. Who, Lost, Inception, and so much more. The ensemble cast is amazing. And did I mention that Pacey, urh, Joshua Jackson is fun eye-candy? The writing is so intricate and layered, much like Lost, but it is just so much better. I just cannot express fully how great this show is. It is currently in its third season on Fox, Fridays at 9pm. I caught up on Season 1 and 2 via Amazon VOD, but you can find it many other places as well. In fact, you can watch the first 10 episodes of Season 1 <a href="http://www.thewb.com/shows/fringe">here</a>. Check it out!<br />
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My other recommendation is to watch An Idiot Abroad on the Science channel, Saturdays at 10pm. It is from Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant and is hilarious. If you have listened to any of The Ricky Gervais show on radio or HBO, then you are familiar with their favorite moron, Karl Pilkington. The show sends Karl to the seven wonders of the world and follows him as he tours the sites and the cultures. It is seriously hilarious, and honestly very telling of how many people view world travel (including me at times). <br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Okay folks, gotta run. Hope all is well in your worlds!</div>Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01704314782502966578noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3686033435457241713.post-20705253068883431242011-01-15T15:12:00.000-05:002011-01-15T15:12:24.453-05:00Reality Sucks.The reason I haven't been blogging lately is that if I did, I would have to rename it "I Grumble, A Lot." I am in a deep funk, and really don't want to whine, whine, whine all day when there are people with bigger and more serious problems than mine. On the other hand, this is my damn blog and I am depressed and need to vent. <br />
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People, I am broke. Broke as a joke. Staying at home with Ben has been a blessing, and I know I'm lucky to have had the opportunity, and I know that I will always treasure this time, etc., etc. But I am broke. I have spent all of my savings to stay home for 2 years, and for the last six months have been totally dependent on my husband. And yes, I know, that's what a husband is for...but I don't like it. I don't like being dependent on anyone for anything. I don't like not having an income. I don't like not being able to contribute financially. I don't like having to ask for money and explain what it's for...and no, it's not like he's the CFO and I have to turn in an expense request sheet, but still it feels like I have to ask and explain. I don't like it. I don't like that I am now getting in arrears on certain things because hey, the hubs doesn't have lots of extra cash laying about either. So it stinks. Being broke stinks. <br />
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I have been looking for work and interviewing and basically nobody wants me. It feels a lot like being punished for taking time off to spend with my kid. I mean, my skillset is still the same - but it feels like I am being penalized for that time off. Also, the hubs is pressuring me to just take a job, any job. And I get where that's coming from - some money coming in is better than no money coming in. But I am loathe to do that because hey, I had a career before Ben happened. I was doing well, working my way up the compensation chain, and to just accept any job feels like defeat. It feels like I am saying that my worth diminished because I chose to be a stay at home mom. I would never ask my husband to take a $30-40K pay cut just to get a job. I mean, I get it, if push comes to shove, I'll work at Target if need be - I'm not so stubborn that I'd go bankrupt and let my kid starve or something. But while it's bad, I don't feel like it's time to admit career defeat and just accept some crap, entry-level job. And I know, how dare I complain when people are out there looking for much longer than I and would gladly accept a crap job - but hey, this is my blog and I should be allowed to complain about what I want here without worry of judgement. <br />
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And speaking of judgement, can I just complain a minute about fucking idiots on reality television who make six figures for being fucking idiots? Seriously, it pisses me off to no end that people from The Jersey Shore and Teen Mom are making bank while most of America is in the poor house. Fucking Snooki! She "wrote" a book, and the idiot masses will buy it. WTF? Who knew that stupid and slutty sold so well. Man, what was I thinking with that whole college degree and then working my way up...dummy! I should have just been a loud-mouthed, ignorant whore and I could have had it made.Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01704314782502966578noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3686033435457241713.post-31389846811055658292010-12-17T23:18:00.000-05:002010-12-17T23:18:18.167-05:00I Is Alivethat is all. also, we have moved. so, lots of stuff that i should be posting about. i'm lazy. but you knew that, right? <br />
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happy holidays.Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01704314782502966578noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3686033435457241713.post-71459397597214181072010-08-24T22:26:00.000-04:002010-08-24T22:26:01.107-04:00Sigh of ReliefI am still struggling with breaking Ben from his bottle. He only wants it with his milk, and I have given in to his demands. I am ashamed every time we're in public and he demands the bottle. I am annoyed every time my mom nags at me about it. I feel like I am a bad mom when I see all my friends kids' off the bottle and loving sippy cups or real glasses. So you cannot imagine how giddy I became when I ran across this photo...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXEK7TB2aHg-5QOKd9HOWGHFz2V4zB7xnXTSq_50Ow4ErillwDRRu_MkxeCbmjOdNAcoUH4_W87eDNt-KtEpiXI3IXoqrB8cIW1LUj8yXerNG4kCZsbbFJ4lyKZ43eRnUC_nXn2Vrbjw/s1600/INFphoto_Zuma+w+Born+Free.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXEK7TB2aHg-5QOKd9HOWGHFz2V4zB7xnXTSq_50Ow4ErillwDRRu_MkxeCbmjOdNAcoUH4_W87eDNt-KtEpiXI3IXoqrB8cIW1LUj8yXerNG4kCZsbbFJ4lyKZ43eRnUC_nXn2Vrbjw/s320/INFphoto_Zuma+w+Born+Free.jpg" /></a></div>This is Gwen Stefani with her youngest son, Zuma, at his 2nd birthday party. What's that I spy? A Born Free bottle in little Zuma's hands? Yes! Somehow I feel less like a complete loser knowing that another mother is letting her son enjoy the bottle. It must be something about those Born Free bottle! Ben loves his too. Sure, I know I still need to get him to kick the habit...but I feel a little less ashamed knowing she's waging the same war.Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01704314782502966578noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3686033435457241713.post-82506368908148360062010-08-10T00:59:00.000-04:002010-08-10T00:59:32.603-04:00Converting<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I am taking this house selling business to a higher power. Oh yes, I am burying a St. Joseph statue tomorrow! Have you not heard of this little ritual? Just google it, and you'll get tons of sites and sellers. I am burying my little Saint tomorrow and saying my prayer. What can it hurt? </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvGab49Bnf1EmFuNrlvce8GLS50pOyGmg5qpP_eD9QTtwk8PiUFKuh2llzNB6Ds_dPTY6LKb3Ma240cwQK0tDsiDxJxXzoQfbA-P8XT1C0CC-d-DXQGXAu-0OFikoCr1SxC9e0KAJ4RA/s1600/stjoseph-300x241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvGab49Bnf1EmFuNrlvce8GLS50pOyGmg5qpP_eD9QTtwk8PiUFKuh2llzNB6Ds_dPTY6LKb3Ma240cwQK0tDsiDxJxXzoQfbA-P8XT1C0CC-d-DXQGXAu-0OFikoCr1SxC9e0KAJ4RA/s200/stjoseph-300x241.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01704314782502966578noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3686033435457241713.post-64013704519269657032010-08-06T01:54:00.001-04:002010-08-06T01:55:05.700-04:00Not funny.<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Okay, I've been meaning to post this since this past weekend but flu-like symptoms got in the way! Also, it's late and my brain is half-asleep, so this may be a bit disjointed...)</span></em><br />
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I cannot tell you how many radio stations I heard this past week making fun of Chelsea Clinton and her upcoming nuptials. I was driving home from a visit home this weekend and listening to one station go on and on, and I was seething. How immature and inconsiderate are people? You are on the radio mocking a young woman that you have never met because maybe you don't agree with her parents political views? Or is it just because it makes you feel like a better person to compare her to a horse? So irritating. This is a girl who was quite awkward looking in her teen years, which she had to live in the public eye, and yet she weathered it all with class. I think she has grown into quite an attractive young woman. But either way, who are you to throw stones? You are a radio dj. You are obviously not attractive enough to have made it on to television, and yet you think you can sit in your booth and play the Mister Ed song. Hilarious. It's like no radio dj ever matured past their 13 year old self. How would you feel if someone, and I'm sure it was dj's all over the nation, was making fun of your daughter on one of the most special days of her life? So disgusting.<br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I think she looked gorgeous and happy on her wedding day. Congrats!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRPDVEGIdYcZWw0Iprox-p1ZTB7yoBehKt9msefQBJupTbQ7nAuY2lwZzrwYnviBtpZWC0noneZjEfS59hdW6b11cbRLhqcsMRWTRQxrh6LZFvcE1xHom6kyWDfiuUyYdRbovbwgk3iw/s1600/ChelseasWedding_lead_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRPDVEGIdYcZWw0Iprox-p1ZTB7yoBehKt9msefQBJupTbQ7nAuY2lwZzrwYnviBtpZWC0noneZjEfS59hdW6b11cbRLhqcsMRWTRQxrh6LZFvcE1xHom6kyWDfiuUyYdRbovbwgk3iw/s320/ChelseasWedding_lead_01.jpg" /></a></div>Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01704314782502966578noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3686033435457241713.post-74621551726932077282010-07-19T00:38:00.000-04:002010-07-19T00:38:58.273-04:00Wishful ThinkingI am in a funk. I had childishly high hopes this week that our open house would result in a miraculous offer and imminent sale. Naive, yes. Reality - one person showed up. This was a person that just happened to drive by and see the signs, and who is looking to rent-to-own (i.e. most likely doesn't have the credit to qualify to buy a house). *SIGH*<br />
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I spent all week stressing over the need to clean, declutter and depersonalize our house for our first open house. I scrubbed my hands raw, boxed almost everything up that isn't needed in the foreseeable future, and staged the home as if a rambunctious 21-month old has never lived here (except for the strategically placed toys that scream "this is a cozy house to raise your family in"). I was unable to sleep most nights for the lists running in my head of what still needed to be done. [<em>My Brain: The blinds and windows - they haven't been cleaned since we moved in here. Must clean now. No one will ever buy this house if there are dusty blinds. AAHHH!</em>]<br />
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Apparently open houses have gone the way of the dodo. Who knew. I get it, I can see everything I need to see online with pictures and virtual tours. But no one has scheduled a visit to come and see our charming craftsman style bungalow. And our pictures are good, and I know our house is cute. So what now? I know we can drop the price a bit, and I'm sure we will in the next few weeks. Other than that, what's left? It just feels like I will never escape Charlotte. I know I'm being dramatic. It's not like I live in Darfur. But I want out. I can't stand waiting. I think I'm going to research the whole rental route. It can't hurt to look into the costs of a management company and the likelihood of finding a great renter. Right? *sigh*Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01704314782502966578noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3686033435457241713.post-22398203340458142432010-07-16T01:32:00.000-04:002010-07-16T01:32:53.225-04:00Do Something Good<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">According to the National Network to End Domestic Violence, domestic violence and sexual assault are pervasive and life-threatening crimes affecting millions of individuals across our nation regardless of age, economic status, race, religion or education. Domestic violence and sexual assault not only severely impact victims but our entire communities and are linked to many other social ills. That’s why The Mommies Network (TMN) will be donating 25 percent of the funds raised from their first <a href="http://www.themommiesnetwork.org/auction_2010.shtml">Annual National Auction to the National Network to End Domestic Violence</a> (NNEDV). </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">As a member of CharlotteMommies and TriangleMommies, I have donated the gorgeous Sofia Pearl Bib Necklace to the auction! I used to volunteer for a domestic violence and rape crisis group, and have known several women in my friend circle that have been affected by domestic violence. This is an issue that is near and dear to my heart. I urge you to either bid on the items in the auction, or donate something yourself (see info below).</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCNwqYeceglGo8vgvSdMialoKzSwAn2B0CI8oIqS0uVipWsyuPN1QOPmsah4pTY1FTZR87paHgaDh41Dn-gQYT9AHzw-CriZM4KlXD_yT4jC3OrOjHlSrG18wJXXoUw800gsePseekAw/s1600/sofia+pearl+bib+necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCNwqYeceglGo8vgvSdMialoKzSwAn2B0CI8oIqS0uVipWsyuPN1QOPmsah4pTY1FTZR87paHgaDh41Dn-gQYT9AHzw-CriZM4KlXD_yT4jC3OrOjHlSrG18wJXXoUw800gsePseekAw/s200/sofia+pearl+bib+necklace.jpg" width="132" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">To make this auction a success and bring the greatest benefit to the many women reached by both the NNEDV and TMN they need your support. They are currently seeking donations for the auction which will take place <strong>September 5, 2010 – 11, 2010</strong>. This online auction will be hosted by MissionFish (a division of eBay) and will be viewable to all 30,000+ of their members as well as the general public. Additionally, a listing of donations will be posted on all of their online sites to encourage their members to participate in the auction and to show their sponsors their appreciation by shopping with their businesses.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGwwqFdWIlG5jbB8nuNPUcABuwwMo4epU91214MlN4E1ZtHie4AJ2pHJKV9xs9qL3_x1RsdmN4G40k8Iqxbhpet31qzo50GMSi0Jvo_NuWcI2v0xmeyvoP9MbdxCjM-ieP8jXApfRkZA/s1600/auction_2010_donate_button.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGwwqFdWIlG5jbB8nuNPUcABuwwMo4epU91214MlN4E1ZtHie4AJ2pHJKV9xs9qL3_x1RsdmN4G40k8Iqxbhpet31qzo50GMSi0Jvo_NuWcI2v0xmeyvoP9MbdxCjM-ieP8jXApfRkZA/s320/auction_2010_donate_button.gif" width="320" /></a>Your donation to The Mommies Network National Auction will:</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">• Benefit the great work of the National Network to End Domestic Violence</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">• Benefit The Mommies Network and help them to continue to bring encouragement, support, and volunteer opportunities to moms across America</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">• Benefit your business by putting your product in front of 30,000+ buyers in your target market in addition to countless others who view your auction listing</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">All auction listings will display a picture of the item being donated along with the logo of the donating business and the business’ website. The auction will be promoted on all of The Mommies Network’s sites, through their blog, and on Facebook, meaning that your donation will guarantee your business outstanding visibility, letting potential customers know that you care about women and mothers everywhere, helping to create loyalty among future customers. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>If you have any questions, please e-mail Christine Byrd at christine.byrd@themommiesnetwork.org. Should you choose to donate, please send your donation no later than August 15th to The Mommies Network/ Attn: Christine Byrd/ 2904 Northampton Drive/ Greensboro, NC 27408. Thank you for your support.Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01704314782502966578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3686033435457241713.post-51949134876472031802010-07-16T00:52:00.000-04:002010-07-16T00:52:15.245-04:00BummerApparently I am a loser and no one wants to participate in my giveaway. Sadness. Since no one shopped, there is no winner. Boo hoo. I'll try again in a few months when summer is over. I am telling myself that people were too busy and broke with summer plans. It's not me, it's them...right?? <br />
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On a happy note, I just ordered some new line samples for the Fall/Winter 2010 collection and I am drooling! I cannot wait to get my hands on the pieces. So gorgeous! This is my new fave - the Metropolitan Mixed Chain Necklace. LOVE IT!<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLQRaz35Szi4o8P0gZxinhhLILosLHXOrdB4PR5Eem2TcQjmzdF7lGEzD8MheqYNmN9c2YgaqLLONipLUzxM4Gl0P0CPLw6q-8FMuUF3a_Ze46FMPXpNxXxHZXU9xuqgKJD0hYDdE7uQ/s1600/Metropolitan+Mixed+Chain+Necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLQRaz35Szi4o8P0gZxinhhLILosLHXOrdB4PR5Eem2TcQjmzdF7lGEzD8MheqYNmN9c2YgaqLLONipLUzxM4Gl0P0CPLw6q-8FMuUF3a_Ze46FMPXpNxXxHZXU9xuqgKJD0hYDdE7uQ/s320/Metropolitan+Mixed+Chain+Necklace.jpg" /></a></div>Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01704314782502966578noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3686033435457241713.post-61116298131378968192010-07-07T22:59:00.000-04:002010-07-07T22:59:10.783-04:00Spartina 449A friend of mine had an adorable wallet from a brand I'd never heard of before, but now I am in love with them! Have ya'll heard of <a href="http://www.spartina449.com/">Spartina 449 </a>before? I hadn't and I think they're adorable. It's a bit like Vera Bradley, which I like but can only handle in small doses. <br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I think a cute wallet would be fun - like this one in Island Ferry print.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm4K3hUkhL5QY_j0PaNfCKRNnRfHa-y6E5mb44zNx2_oc1dd2zEwFZ7Sh_9IPFiEvBuxYj6cEYtLEsFm91IYRhU6NDiWegS1XBmWnd7-Gym6m-_Pwo67n5Tk2L6YhImjGn6EKh4IRy-w/s1600/islnd_frry_wllt.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm4K3hUkhL5QY_j0PaNfCKRNnRfHa-y6E5mb44zNx2_oc1dd2zEwFZ7Sh_9IPFiEvBuxYj6cEYtLEsFm91IYRhU6NDiWegS1XBmWnd7-Gym6m-_Pwo67n5Tk2L6YhImjGn6EKh4IRy-w/s200/islnd_frry_wllt.gif" width="188" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">And I am in love with this large, pocket tote in the Melrose print. I think it would make a great diaper bag too!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfO1k20b-5iyGp0ImuS8MpuOOMTt-BjMpjGrlPzwlBsQ58-uDc5WBN4yeNELgh_7n_1q9k__LLmIyq82A5Dzz0hfg6N838d116suwiscAepNOhUBjWNGUFq8pNk4poJwYHeeKC1PyVYg/s1600/melrose_pocket+tote.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfO1k20b-5iyGp0ImuS8MpuOOMTt-BjMpjGrlPzwlBsQ58-uDc5WBN4yeNELgh_7n_1q9k__LLmIyq82A5Dzz0hfg6N838d116suwiscAepNOhUBjWNGUFq8pNk4poJwYHeeKC1PyVYg/s200/melrose_pocket+tote.gif" width="188" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>So, if you're on the hunt for a new bag, wallet or tote - check them out!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy7LxNbXP14t3whWHIHsf4TKs3u_O8VlmC4oh8aNnHd5CIT25scvanEl1meRm5TJPEAeEKEKBwRLFgx1CTL6OsQrWClQvrOgMEw5w_t-5tt90PCCUmRQu3AoI2VzU46lWafMotnha-RA/s1600/spartina-logo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="104" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy7LxNbXP14t3whWHIHsf4TKs3u_O8VlmC4oh8aNnHd5CIT25scvanEl1meRm5TJPEAeEKEKBwRLFgx1CTL6OsQrWClQvrOgMEw5w_t-5tt90PCCUmRQu3AoI2VzU46lWafMotnha-RA/s200/spartina-logo.gif" width="200" /></a></div>Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01704314782502966578noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3686033435457241713.post-8830296154937256912010-07-06T14:46:00.000-04:002010-07-06T14:46:12.175-04:00PixWe did a photo shoot with <a href="http://www.apw-photo.com/">APW Photography</a> a couple of weeks ago at the Duke Gardens, and I'm happy to say that Ben was a trooper! Even though we met early in the morning for the shoot, it was still unbelievably hot. Luckily, Noy was able to get some great shots of Ben frolicking through the gardens, feeding ducks, checking out the flowers, and just sweating his pretty little blonde head off! If you live in NC and need some great family photos, please check out their site (now added to my "friends in the biz" section). <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU3C6xisSQ628bGZa8yrmvaE410gJl2bz4XA-ti7hzsuC3YZID_1yurofwV-ZfhAljF4mkNUiZd_RwW-LES3XTbHLWS_pifkrimbK6M7Ztc1lJXgcLoSHiD6XWUclKOhzD0LRdRXr9Mw/s1600/BenHawken_APW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU3C6xisSQ628bGZa8yrmvaE410gJl2bz4XA-ti7hzsuC3YZID_1yurofwV-ZfhAljF4mkNUiZd_RwW-LES3XTbHLWS_pifkrimbK6M7Ztc1lJXgcLoSHiD6XWUclKOhzD0LRdRXr9Mw/s320/BenHawken_APW.jpg" /></a></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01704314782502966578noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3686033435457241713.post-1874129581486080242010-07-06T13:59:00.000-04:002010-07-06T13:59:14.199-04:00NuggetsThe joys of parenting are numerous. Let me share a recent conversation between myself and J regarding our darling son. <br />
<br />
From bewildered me to his loving father:<br />
<blockquote>I am not lying when I tell you that I just yakked in my mouth while changing ben's poop. The nastiest, messiest, smelliest diaper ever. Disgusting! It's thrown away and I can still smell it. I may burn the house down.</blockquote>From his doting father to astonished me:<br />
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<blockquote>These are the moments that define our lives- this is indeed your finest hour. As Winston Churchill once said- "Never in the course of our history has so much been done by so few". He was not talking about beating Hitler- it was his vision into the future.... of Ben's poopy diaper. Luv U.</blockquote>Ah yes, becoming a parent really expands your world. I never knew how much I could discuss my son's poop. I know you're glad I shared.Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01704314782502966578noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3686033435457241713.post-57280618031502329322010-07-01T23:05:00.001-04:002010-07-06T13:45:01.031-04:00Grown UpsI just have to take a minute to vent about how immature people can be and how sick I am of it! I am involved in planning a baby shower for my bestie, and I am working with another few of her besties and her sister. The sister and I were meeting tonight to go over all of her wonderful ideas, since she's really creating the vision and we're helping her achieve it. During our discussion, it basically came out that the old HS bestie doesn't want to work with me and other college bestie in the planning process and would prefer to only deal with the sister. Are you f*cking kidding me?! People, we are 30 years old. This is your alleged best friend since high school and you can't bother to email or converse with me about the planning of her first baby shower? Really mature. It is taking all I have not to send her a nasty "grow the hell up" email.<br />
<br />
This isn't the first time I've encountered her immature and selfish ways. She pulled the same crap when it came to the wedding showers and bachelorette party. It's not just that she wants to be the leader and center of attention, but it's that she also complains to the mom-to-be about everything. For example, we were originally doing two showers - one hometown/family, one home of the mom/dad-to-be. My friend and I were hosting the home of the mom-to-be, and the sis and HS bestie were hosting the hometown/family shower. Well, HS bestie emails mom-to-be and complains that she "didn't know she was getting stuck with the grandmas" and that she wished she was throwing the fun party. Are you serious? First, why are you complaining? If you are the best friend, do your job and act like it! Second, you live in the hometown. Why wouldn't you be hosting the family party? And you grew up with her family, so why would "being with the grandmas" be so bad? <br />
<br />
So this sparked an upheaval and now we are doing one big shower. Honestly, I am fine either way - I am just happy to be participating and be involved in the shower. It's just beyond annoying that HS bestie won't deign to speak to me or the other college bestie, and yet she feels like none of her ideas are being heard. Hello!? How can we hear your ideas if you won't bother to speak with us. Needless to say, I am not to happy about this person and am not looking forward to seeing her at the shower. However I will keep it to myself and keep the mom-to-be out of it! She should be enjoying these last few months of pregnancy and not dealing with useless drama.<br />
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**UPDATE**<br />
So apparently HS bestie spent the weekend with mom-to-be and yet again brought up issues about the shower planning. WTH? On Friday, I sent out the invite preview and she replied through her intermediary (i.e. mom-to-be's sister) that she didn't want her name on the invite. Seriously? And then she grumbles to mom-to-be about this and told her she didn't feel the need to be included on the invite because her sister clearly has the shower planned out and she's just going to be bringing a few dishes of food. So then mom-to-be emails us and is paranoid that her sister isn't working well with us as a team. This is so not an issue and honestly if it was, it's not something that mom-to-be would need to know about anyway. Us college besties know how to work as a team and are not having major issues like this, why can't this chick grow up? Argh!!Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01704314782502966578noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3686033435457241713.post-11771675407680884892010-06-29T13:38:00.000-04:002010-06-29T13:38:21.902-04:00Giveaway, Hooray!<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Happy Fourth of July! In honor of the holiday, I wanted to try a little something new and do a giveaway!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I am having an "e-party" for my loyal customers during the next two weeks!! Start your summer off with a bang! Whether you shop our awesome “Summer Style for a Steal” sale or you fancy some of our new shimmering gold and pearl pieces that were just released, find the perfect pieces to compliment your summer wardrobe or amaze your friends with the best birthday gifts ever. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtTiTT2S3-RuyFzGOIIwqfKd-5Ne7zRHSMoiFfZa2Nsq5fmOKW0-1bVtN2xPb2BA9jCxTRzl39WfNDl5Q5fWPO1J86dhdUWujEFlKebjJAIIVj0DiYU5nVAWC0UqNaMAt5J5f00jTN5g/s1600/boca+necklace+w+bee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtTiTT2S3-RuyFzGOIIwqfKd-5Ne7zRHSMoiFfZa2Nsq5fmOKW0-1bVtN2xPb2BA9jCxTRzl39WfNDl5Q5fWPO1J86dhdUWujEFlKebjJAIIVj0DiYU5nVAWC0UqNaMAt5J5f00jTN5g/s200/boca+necklace+w+bee.jpg" width="131" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKu3tP_F6NaMXRCgKVOudmQpLTLa_Z0uRWdmLxYEWjlpab3uNiZrXlgaK6ONqtFdUO5UXhT6jbcvRdpEK3uUJZM_J0Pdkqgviaj5muYWamizypUALq2ItcM3W16GhqeQFMMXaOBo_xXg/s1600/bloom+flower+ring_yellow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKu3tP_F6NaMXRCgKVOudmQpLTLa_Z0uRWdmLxYEWjlpab3uNiZrXlgaK6ONqtFdUO5UXhT6jbcvRdpEK3uUJZM_J0Pdkqgviaj5muYWamizypUALq2ItcM3W16GhqeQFMMXaOBo_xXg/s200/bloom+flower+ring_yellow.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxzXnsThvpXROuIefXMhVcS99jGiwhQ-PoSmVouqBV1DVVLdpilMK1VKJF4aUr-nbak3Y2cItsVLsIegfoE9fCG8WNTf6B86mbnBxziG06CnWIJvMZPFFp-rYmaGyrwYKLdlTDH5QQ4A/s1600/Delilah+Necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxzXnsThvpXROuIefXMhVcS99jGiwhQ-PoSmVouqBV1DVVLdpilMK1VKJF4aUr-nbak3Y2cItsVLsIegfoE9fCG8WNTf6B86mbnBxziG06CnWIJvMZPFFp-rYmaGyrwYKLdlTDH5QQ4A/s200/Delilah+Necklace.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUaDzXm2OWGi_QYAKUV3s7ZA0eA-E5kSjvqqc1ssYhd_LEVliK3GNGE8OeiI67LeBODjIWOuPaeqkXjstQd-Ma1qqps2dnvu7vzt6Ex3ekZS10OUHaoZMvB4kErrETxOxjWmEMk2yZjg/s1600/byblos+chandelier+necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUaDzXm2OWGi_QYAKUV3s7ZA0eA-E5kSjvqqc1ssYhd_LEVliK3GNGE8OeiI67LeBODjIWOuPaeqkXjstQd-Ma1qqps2dnvu7vzt6Ex3ekZS10OUHaoZMvB4kErrETxOxjWmEMk2yZjg/s200/byblos+chandelier+necklace.jpg" width="132" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">When you place an order, you will be entered to win the hostess rewards (free jewelry!) from this party. Hostess rewards are a % of the trunk show sales, which you can then spend on jewelry of your choice. Plus you’ll receive ½ price items as well! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">And don’t forget to shop the new little girl's line, it is precious!!!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_fuqsT54eYAqMn01luk5Fds8ln5scxGppb659PKFu4uZwbR_NxTqbI5az73NaLQtlNAgDf4uRCc0EnqvjBxMmvYv0197E64qL_sFnx5hoZno9X2iuSKUuAso0IdCaRd8Fm_Eraea0yw/s1600/Little+Girls+Intro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_fuqsT54eYAqMn01luk5Fds8ln5scxGppb659PKFu4uZwbR_NxTqbI5az73NaLQtlNAgDf4uRCc0EnqvjBxMmvYv0197E64qL_sFnx5hoZno9X2iuSKUuAso0IdCaRd8Fm_Eraea0yw/s320/Little+Girls+Intro.jpg" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">To participate in the giveaway, shop www.stelladot.com/stacyhawken between now and July 14th and choose “Sparkles Giveaway” as the trunk show hostess. Each person that shops the trunk show will receive an entry to win. Anyone who shops and then also books a trunk show* for July 2010 will receive a second entry to win (double your chances!). </div><br />
Please feel free to forward this email or post this to your blogs, twitter or facebook accounts. The more the merrier, and the more rewards to be won!<br />
Have a fun weekend!<br />
<br />
xoxo<br />
<br />
Stacy Hawken<br />
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">*Trunk shows that have been previously booked will not be entered in this giveaway.</span></em>Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01704314782502966578noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3686033435457241713.post-85102584614271144912010-06-15T23:15:00.001-04:002010-06-15T23:16:27.682-04:00Inked<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The paperwork is signed and the house is listed. Finally. I still have to take some interior shots for the realtor to upload and print fliers up, but we're almost there. I just have to clean up the house, <strong><u>again</u></strong>, and take some totally de-cluttered photos. You know, because my house is always so clean and de-cluttered. NOT! (And yes, I totally just brought "not" back...you're welcome.) I am just happy to be listed. This is progress people. Sure, we need a buyer, but baby steps, baby steps. So, know anyone that needs a great little house in Charlotte? It's a great deal! Or someone who would want to rent for a year or two? We'd be open to that. I am so ready to move back "home" to the RDU area. I gotta get back before Ben's future wife is born!</div></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVTqPcaPQTgZx6dWY2_F51BnQPHkqg4wYfmS05k3QVp7jN4W33SRkvdo5JJwXVk3agxcTX5bOxaDDj8RGLNDxK0qshydZ7lRfEOt9SC_RB42mHljrdYTfX2SfX6FqYGIWwblR9z7Nskg/s1600/1703+burgin+exterior.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVTqPcaPQTgZx6dWY2_F51BnQPHkqg4wYfmS05k3QVp7jN4W33SRkvdo5JJwXVk3agxcTX5bOxaDDj8RGLNDxK0qshydZ7lRfEOt9SC_RB42mHljrdYTfX2SfX6FqYGIWwblR9z7Nskg/s320/1703+burgin+exterior.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUW8tktxb-ipvn3mLRWV0ZBJG0lnvWE7rVK4z1i6LW3vvpGnfh33LdNdSujzoIKtlYWLDJXpRDE_7KHrWD-n_5zfP_wKzbZKWGFwr0tHFp6KFHo46VGE2JYTTsUjzjKYo3MIqNu32fSQ/s1600/1703+burgin+front+porch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUW8tktxb-ipvn3mLRWV0ZBJG0lnvWE7rVK4z1i6LW3vvpGnfh33LdNdSujzoIKtlYWLDJXpRDE_7KHrWD-n_5zfP_wKzbZKWGFwr0tHFp6KFHo46VGE2JYTTsUjzjKYo3MIqNu32fSQ/s320/1703+burgin+front+porch.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01704314782502966578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3686033435457241713.post-26423039610358623052010-06-11T19:46:00.000-04:002010-06-11T19:46:48.100-04:00Join Me<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Okay, I promise not to turn this blog into an all <a href="http://www.stelladot.com/stacyhawken">Stella & Dot</a> site, all the time. However, summer is a big time for us, so I will be updating ya'll on specials and such. For those of you that hear the updates all the time from me, pardon the programming interruption - I will get back to grumbling again shortly! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>If you ever have the need for extra money - be it just some fun cash for shopping or some serious cash that will afford you an entirely new lifestyle - joining Stella & Dot just become that much cooler! We have an amazing new stylist sign-up incentive for June, which allows you up to $950 in free jewelry. You will immediately receive $450 when you sign-up, and are eligible for an additional $500 when you launch yourself prior to July 10th and attend our HOOPLA event. I won't go into all the deets here, but if you've ever been interested in becoming a stylist NOW is the time. In fact, I'm super jealous that this special wasn't going on when I signed up in March. Super jealous!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsYwQ1ubPIR4HSdBB1TzU06EwlA01r5Q-VtQTO7EyP4wI-PZcSgqyvpqBh3MkOlCggFIOP04nUKWYJF821U4MdHXY5IE-KaBqmE-IqmOdOL9C368zsg08APeq-QIG-BE3tGj9iHrCQ8w/s1600/bg-launch.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsYwQ1ubPIR4HSdBB1TzU06EwlA01r5Q-VtQTO7EyP4wI-PZcSgqyvpqBh3MkOlCggFIOP04nUKWYJF821U4MdHXY5IE-KaBqmE-IqmOdOL9C368zsg08APeq-QIG-BE3tGj9iHrCQ8w/s320/bg-launch.png" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgclc-H1a8HtyNi1-Tnn66iNj61sKk8qSqcYeZLCQS5IFTauxnDaSVlIsuPFkhoDU1wMQyIqvvOHevDAyJYxG02VcyrfQdCmQE578uwTmkPnTTipfCKVqcm-lpoAp1oEjusWc1FkHSMGQ/s1600/june+special.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgclc-H1a8HtyNi1-Tnn66iNj61sKk8qSqcYeZLCQS5IFTauxnDaSVlIsuPFkhoDU1wMQyIqvvOHevDAyJYxG02VcyrfQdCmQE578uwTmkPnTTipfCKVqcm-lpoAp1oEjusWc1FkHSMGQ/s320/june+special.png" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">For me, I needed an outlet. I needed to feel like I was something more than just a mom. Staying at home with my son has been a privelege, but I missed working. I missed the excitement, the people, the money, and the sense of accomplishment when I hit my goals. Becoming a stylist has allowed me to earn extra income, put my brain to use again, and meet some great women. I've never been all joiner-joiny, but I really have loved the fellow stylists I have met through Stella & Dot. Joining is a decision I will never regret, especially since Stella & Dot allows you to make this career what you want - 1 party a month, 10 parties a month, or just join for the great stylist discount - it's your time, your career. It's nice to know that I can be a top-earner or I can just be a hobbyist and do what I can, when I can. </div><br />
So, if you'd be interested in learning more - or already know you want to become a stylist - shoot me a message and let's chat. Hey, I'll even be your sponsor, and you know how much fun I am! <br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXvwDgX-0OilaV8OrjDM0LW-NN8OxbEnYm7R6RNM0awd9t3YZ9csLtYAFweHALhBoUp0kQ00KC145NAeVSzW61yaTnno4yoSvtJqxt68uQV0XPjuSBJkTIFXfwYBvKY2a-EGAfYWWbKg/s1600/SD_Stacy.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXvwDgX-0OilaV8OrjDM0LW-NN8OxbEnYm7R6RNM0awd9t3YZ9csLtYAFweHALhBoUp0kQ00KC145NAeVSzW61yaTnno4yoSvtJqxt68uQV0XPjuSBJkTIFXfwYBvKY2a-EGAfYWWbKg/s320/SD_Stacy.gif" /></div>Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01704314782502966578noreply@blogger.com0