Life Is What Happens While You're Busy Planning It

It's True

2010-07-24T19:09:00.000-07:00

Life IS what happens while you're busy planning it (er, in our case, figuring it out).Be sure to check that project out.

It's Time

2009-11-03T10:26:00.000-08:00

It's time for me to recognize that writing this blog has not been, for me, all it's cracked up to be.I can't seem to be as honest as I once was, or even wanted to be. And that's not fair to anyone.I haven't intended to take a hiatus for the last month....and then disappoint you (or myself) like this. But I can't, in this space, say what I want and need to say.So until I can do that again, so long

Happy Birthday, Baby!

2009-10-01T19:05:00.000-07:00

Full Speed Ahead!

2009-09-29T17:53:00.000-07:00

Malia's second birthday was a whirlwind of activity. With dozens of errands to pull it all together, a few playdates in between, some Mama/Malia time thrown in the mix, free Elmo LIVE tickets, and lots of rain, it feels as if we haven't stopped for over a week.Despite over half our guest list canceling, perhaps because of it -- we had a wonderful time. It was a small crowd and the focus was where

Long Time, No See

2009-09-20T19:00:00.000-07:00

Sorry about that.I'm sure most of you understand that updating my personal, non-income-generating blog isn't at the top of our (my) priority list right now.But to give you the short version - as my FB friends know -we were down with the flu and an ear infection (well, only Malia had that), requiring an ER visit and the obligatory follow-up visits. And the ER visit? Well, let's see: should a child

Where to go from here?

2009-08-25T18:07:00.000-07:00

Well, loyal readers, I've received quite a few emails asking where - and how - I've been. For that, I thank you.I wish I had better news...that I'd been MIA because I was busy hurdling through a hiring process with someone (anyone), or that we'd won the lottery and are in Mexico.Alas, that is not the case.We've been here at my father's for six months now, and we've all reached our breaking points

"You're soooooo FAT!"

2009-08-09T18:44:00.001-07:00

This is exactly what I feel like saying sometimes. (Well...often, if I'm honest.)I've got to work on it, I know.But how do you explain to people that it's just as inappropriate to say to someone, "You are SO skinny!" as it is to say, "You are SO fat!"?It happens to me all the time: in the grocery store, at the pool (God forbid you see me in a bathing suit) with my daughter, in the mall, at

Jessica's Pride

2009-08-09T07:52:00.000-07:00

I'm a total dork, I know. But I had to have Kenneth snap a picture of us with this sign.

Her newest obsession

2009-08-07T07:41:00.000-07:00

And I don't even like the stuff!

I don't know when it happened

2009-08-03T19:36:00.000-07:00

I guess that doesn't surprise me - or any of you, really, if you've taken the time to read the (extraordinarily long) title of my blog.But I realized, recently, that somewhere I just gave up on the idea of getting married. But I really don't recall when it happened.It might have been when I chose to date outside my race.I might have realized it far sooner, knowing my father's approach to

I won't miss a little spit

2009-08-03T13:49:00.000-07:00

For obvious reasons, I'm an advocate of research. You can blame it on my question-everything-and-anything philosophy, which demonstrated itself in my initial career choice (and, you could probably claim that this is my still my biggest problem today).Then, of course, we all know someone - a family member, a friend, a co-worker, maybe even a child - who has been diagnosed with a debilitating

The BEST of the BEST

2009-08-03T12:37:00.001-07:00

Dr. Michael Dawson - the OB/GYN that we were fortunate enough to have deliver Malia - has publicly been recognized by the hundreds of Atlanta women who (graciously) spread their legs for him every day. (Oooh, that sounded kind of nasty!)I'm thrilled, because he deserves every ounce of recognition that he's getting....I just hope it doesn't make it any harder to get an appointment with him.I've

My Conflict with 'Goodnight Moon'

2009-07-30T18:44:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I am having an issue. And while I can't possibly believe that I am alone in this, my Google search indicates that I might very well be.'Goodnight Moon' has quickly become a favorite bedtime (and naptime) story in our household. I don't remember being especially fond of the book, or even owning it, as a child.For those of you who are not familiar with the story, it's a typical sleepy-time

And I Wonder Where My Time Goes

2009-07-18T07:48:00.000-07:00

We spent a full hour after dinner the other night playing with a lizard.Poor guy -- seriously. Not only was he already missing the tip of his tail, thanks to a not-so-quick cat or some fast-moving car, but he'd just gotten laid. When we walked outside, there they were, piled on top of each other, complete with open mouths. Malia got excited, screaming, "Two!" and continued to watch while they

You (Can)'t Be Too Prepared

2009-07-15T05:12:00.000-07:00

I kinda start to freak out when we don't have more than a half gallon of (rice) milk in the refrigerator, and at least 20 diapers on hand. Anxiety swells in my chest and rests there, heavily.I mean, it might be somewhat understandable now that we're at my dad's, where the closest grocery store is at least a 20-minute drive away, and now that it's just me.But I was this way when we were less than

Home Needed

2009-07-13T17:21:00.000-07:00

Lucky with my daughter, Malia, when she was just months old I've told you a little bit about Lucky previously. And I've certainly hinted at the difficulties we have faced in managing her allergies, especially recently.I am being forced to make one of the hardest decisions that I believe I will ever have to make.We cannot keep Lucky any longer, and I'm desperate to find her a new home or a spot in

Free Childcare

2009-07-13T08:46:00.000-07:00

"There's no such thing as a free lunch." We're all familiar with this saying, and probably put some stock in it.So you can kind of understand where I'm coming from when Kenneth and I have our weekly argument about child care arrangements.Inevitably, he screams at me, "You could just bring her to [two hours away] and let my grandmother watch her Monday through Friday and you could find a fucking

No Surprises Here

2009-07-13T08:45:00.000-07:00

My friends must all think that I'm a huge flake, but I promise I'm not.You know that saying,"If I didn't have bad luck, I wouldn't have any luck at all"?Yeah, clearly that should have been the title for this blog.I secured a sitter for the night of my birthday so that I could have drinks out with friends...you know, acting like an adult and not ONLY a mom on at least one night of the year. I was

Country Living

2009-07-12T16:21:00.001-07:00

Sometimes I forget exactly where we're living.Sure, we're just outside the perimeter. But we're far enough out that the wildlife and scenery are both a little different.Just the other day, I walked out the back door onto the porch and started to walk down the ramp towards my car. I stopped dead in my tracks, splashing hot coffee all over my clean, freshly ironed clothes (and get real, how often

My Former BFF

2009-07-12T14:47:00.000-07:00

I've been fortunate, in my life, to know many great women. But at the same time, I've struggled to make my female friendships work.I've done a lot of introspection, read a lot of research, and gone through a lot of therapy about this issue (not to mention all the surrounding ones). I've lost touch with some extraordinary women over the years because I'm so messed up.Generally speaking, we've

Happy Birthday to ME

2009-07-11T09:08:00.000-07:00

Homesick: Part II

2009-07-06T19:45:00.000-07:00

It's a whole DIFFERENT kind of homesick these days.I wanted my own home so badly; I ached for it day and night. It was all I could think about, dream, read and talk about.Yet somehow it seemed just out of reach at every turn. When all of the pieces finally did come together earlier this year, the rug was pulled out from under my feet with the elimination of my position with my former

The Brighter Side of My Life

2009-07-02T19:29:00.000-07:00

9:30 a.m.1:30 p.m.

Happy Birthday to You

2009-07-01T06:41:00.000-07:00

I looked at my calendar last week and was simply shocked. I know someone with a birthday every single day this month. (Wait, that doesn't sound right. I'm still drinking my coffee. Bear with me here. But I think you know what I mean.) There's not another month during the year where I know half that many people with birthdays....July is just overwhelming.This means I know a minimum of 31 people

A Grain of Truth?

2009-06-28T01:58:00.000-07:00

I've been wrestling with the use of old proverbs and sayings lately. They've come up often in my recent conversations, with strangers and close friends and family.Growing up, I heard them often -- mainly from the old folks (at least, in my mind). You know, things like 'busy as a bee'; 'absence makes the heart grow fonder'; 'forgive and forget'; 'nothing ventured, nothing gained'; things of that

Update: On Her Own

2009-06-27T05:57:00.000-07:00

I've been reminded that I didn't update you on how and when Malia started walking, thanks to my blogging hiatus.Clearly, you know she is up and running with the best of them by now.The truth of the matter is, she's fast. Very, very, very fast. In fact, one of her favorite pasttimes is now RUNNING around the (very long, hilly, gravel) circular driveway at her Grandpa's, over and over again.It

The Power of Words

2009-06-26T20:27:00.000-07:00

My dad recently shared a story with me. He was trying to illustrate his point of watching what you say. He feels strongly that a lot of the things he has said in his life have come back to him, and he was trying to make sure I understood what he was saying.The conversation went something like this:D: Be careful what you say. Your words are powerful and I believe you can speak things into being.

'Unofficially Unfriended'

2009-06-26T10:33:00.000-07:00

I recently confessed to you that I could close my Facebook account tomorrow and be okay with it -- after all, I felt I'd reconnected with the people I might have missed most.One of those people was my first love (let's call him Mr. T). Although that's the simplest label that I can give him, my feelings are far more complex than that.He was my first puppy love, and we met in middle school; both of

Overcompensating

2009-06-22T06:58:00.000-07:00

Perhaps I've been overdoing it a little lately.From air shows and picnics by the lake to Toddler Time at the library and playdates with friends, I think I've begun unconsciously overcompensating for the challenges I feel Malia's faced lately.First there was my job loss, and Kenn stopped being her primary caretaker; then came her move here to my father's, and shortly thereafter her Dad's departure

Swap Parties

2009-06-19T07:39:00.000-07:00

There's been a lot of buzz about 'swap parties' lately.*I laughed out loud the first time that I heard this term.It seemed, to me, to be the pretentious alternative to calling someone to borrow something when you needed it.I've never been above calling a girlfriend when I couldn't afford to buy a fancy new dress or blouse to wear (and probably only once). My stepsister and I are pretty good about

Ped-Problems

2009-06-18T20:20:00.000-07:00

We've had some problems with our pediatrician's office, whom we've been with since Malia's birth. It was a practice I carefully chose, after visiting several and talking with numerous doctors and parents. I loved the physicians that I spoke with, and they had Saturday hours (I was a working mom, remember?) -- I was tickled pink!!At first, it was fine. But over time, we kept experiencing little

Totally Plugging Myself

2009-06-15T07:35:00.000-07:00

Okay, so a really dedicated blog reader and good friend gave me a shout-out and a major recruiting news website, Cheezhead.com, has asked me to do a guest post! Very flattering.My blog appeared today and is a modification of a previous post found here on my itty bitty personal blog. If you read it previously, sorry for the redundancy...if you didn't, click on this link as soon as you're done

Week In Review

2009-06-14T05:45:00.001-07:00

This week, we walked out our front door barefoot (a common thing, really). This time, however, as Malia stepped onto the doormat, she said, "Ow!"I realized that the mat was scratchy on the bottom of her feet, and we used that as an opportunity to learn the word "scratchy" and what it means.I was holding her in my lap a few days later, putting on her shoes and socks, when her legs came to rest on

A General Status Update

2009-06-11T20:02:00.000-07:00

I've received quite a few questions about my brief hiatus at the beginning of this year. It seems I have some explaining to do...In January, I (finally) found a home to purchase in Decatur, and had the inspection done two days before I was laid off from my job.We'd arranged to come to my dad's, in the event that our home was still undergoing renovations when our current rental lease ran out.

What are you doing?

2009-06-11T09:40:00.000-07:00

My father doesn't realize that he's asking me today's most popular social marketing question* (verbatim). My father doesn't even know what social or viral marketing is, much less care.But to answer the question, on the other hand...would take more space than this blog can fit. It's an endless list, one that all parents can relate to -- but one that at times feels unmanageable as I'm in this place

marketingjobs.com

2009-06-09T19:56:00.000-07:00

to: jessicabhowell@gmail.comdate: Mon, Jun 8, 2009 at 1:05 PMsubject: Still looking for a Job in Marketing & Advertising? knlklk;knmldknmf I'm out of a job, but these are the subject lines they're sending prospective job-seekers (and paying someone else to write)?

Finding Child Care Sucks

2009-06-01T07:41:00.000-07:00

It's true.And for many parents, especially first-time moms (ahem, ahem), the idea of trusting a stranger with their little angel's well-being is devastating. Even those ready to take that step, however, face challenges.There's a lot involved. Finding someone you trust, who is also close to home or work, and that you can afford, can be overwhelming. Of course, then you often face a waiting

Bucket List

2009-05-29T06:17:00.000-07:00

Someone recently asked me what's on my 'Bucket List', and I replied that I'd dumped mine when I became a mom. I've had the intention of rewriting it, but haven't gotten around to it.It's not that I changed drastically when I became a mom. After all, I'd always envisioned becoming a mother; it's just that your priorities shift in a radical way.Oddly, however, I'm not sure that my new Bucket List

Keeping It Real

2009-05-27T20:33:00.000-07:00

Keeping Malia's diet as wholesome as possible has become even more of a challenge these days, and there are a lot of factors involved.First, there's the milk/soy allergy -- which has eliminated our go-to snacks of cheese and yogurt, as well as many pasta and bread products. You know, the simple stuff items you might take for granted, like grilled cheese sandwiches and macaroni and cheese.Secondly

I'm gonna have a cousin!!!

2009-05-27T17:33:00.001-07:00

Woman on a Mission

2009-05-27T05:44:00.000-07:00

As most of my regular readers know, I normally (selfishly) reserve this space for posting about our lives and Malia. Today, I am posting something a little out of the ordinary. And while it might seem like my timing is completely off -- I actually think just the opposite. Please read on.My aunt is currently preparing to participate in the 8th Annual 'Taking Strides to Save Lives' Suicide

Dear HR Person

2009-05-26T17:18:00.000-07:00

Dear HR Person,My name is Jessica Howell, and I have applied for the role of XYZZZZZZZZ on several occassions over the last few months. In fact, I've seen this role posted every three weeks since December 2008.It's really starting to piss me off, actually.Because I know there are hundreds, if not thousands, of applicants for this position. (I mean, the popularity icon on the job posting tells me

Unplugged

2009-05-25T11:10:00.000-07:00

Being unplugged sometimes feels good.Having the freedom to NOT check your e-mail, or even your voicemail, is a good thing. Not all of you would agree, I'm sure. But it's not unusual to find that I've gone all day with the television off. I miss my news fix at the end of the day, sure -- but I can always recap tomorrow. More importantly, I find that anything worth hearing from the news will

My Favorite Way To Spend The Day

2009-05-21T17:42:00.000-07:00

THEN. NOW.(I'm so glad that I chose one with a push handle.)

What A Sour Deal

2009-05-18T18:58:00.000-07:00

My poor baby is allergic to milk.Yes, you heard me. Milk. AND SOY. MILK AND SOY.Which is, apparently, completely separate from her lactose intolerance. She's allergic to the milk protein itself, though not in a life-threatening kind of way (right now). We're hopeful (as in, her doctors and her parents) that she'll grow out of it, especially if we remove milk products from her diet for a period

All Grown Up

2009-05-18T13:44:00.000-07:00

I did it.

2009-05-18T09:57:00.000-07:00

Yeah, so, I did it.I finally broke down.I JOINED FACEBOOK.So there.(For all of you who told me I eventually would, you were right. For those who supported me in staying away from it, thank you. Remain strong if you must. But please see P.S. below.)I didn't know how I felt about it at first. Reconnecting with fifteen years of your past while you're unemployed with a 20-month old -- when your

A New Year

2009-01-13T06:21:00.000-08:00

Ah, the first post of the new year. [Insert stretch and repositioning at keyboard.]The blogging community is buzzing with resolutions, hiatuses, fresh starts and redirects. You'd think I'd be compelled to offer fantastic insights (or at least reflections) and make promises to you that I can't keep. Nope. Same old, same old on this blog.I'll continue posting when I can...trying to document all the

Oh, the joy of simple, colored wax

2008-12-30T19:08:00.000-08:00

So on Sunday, I was folding clothes and realized that one or two pieces of my clothing had a few small green spots. I couldn't think of anything green that I'd been handling; we haven't played with our finger paint recently, either. I didn't get any new clothing for Christmas, so nothing bled in the laundry. I shrugged it off in my state of exhaustion and figured it might come out in the next

The Bitch at the OB-GYN's

2008-12-30T01:37:00.000-08:00

Pardon my frankness, I suppose. But let me tell you...I arrived to my early morning doctor's appointment on a recent Friday and had to wait, as usual, both to get back to an examining room and then to see the physician (er, nurse). And when I say wait, that's what I mean. It took me forty-five minutes to see the doctor (er, nurse), and I spent a total of 10 minutes being examined and having

Time Flies When You're Having Fun

2008-12-18T05:34:00.000-08:00

Last Friday night, I came home from work and was getting ready for our holiday party at work. Standing in my bathroom, in my tights and bra, I was just finishing my makeup and preparing to slip into my dress. Malia came running into the bathroom (on her knees, of course) and pointed towards me, grunting. “What?” I asked her. “What do you want?” She continued pointing and

Recovery Mode

2008-12-18T05:19:00.000-08:00

There’s nothing in the world that prepares you for the first time your baby is really sick. By ‘really sick’, I mean running a fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and diaper rash. Writhing in pain because her belly hurt, and holding her hands out to us when they were covered in vomit, her eyes pleading, do something, do something now. Please, make it stop. The poor girl could not

THANKSgiving

2008-12-08T05:50:00.000-08:00

I’d be remiss not to say how much we have to be thankful for this year. While I was up to my ears in poop and couldn’t post in a timely manner, I have some serious thanks to give this year – and to many of you here. Your encouragement to maintain some form of a creative outlet and communication has had a huge impact on me, and I thank you for your time here. I know how

The CRUD, Part II

2008-12-01T17:17:00.000-08:00

Well, we're over the worst of the first CRUD. However, Malia was struck with a vicious stomach bug this weekend, starting with irritability on Saturday evening and escalating to excessive volumes of baby puke and baby poop. This results in loads and loads of laundry and very little sleep...

The CRUD

2008-11-17T05:39:00.001-08:00

It has enveloped our home again. Piles of laundry, unwashed dishes, unswept floors and endless catch-up await us when we are well again.Until then, we are consumed by sore throats, runny noses, coughing, fevers, achy bodies and a need to rest.

Mission Complete!

2008-11-13T08:15:00.000-08:00

The first birthday thank-you notes, complete with Malia's hand print, have (finally) either been delivered by hand or are en route via the United States Postal Service.The hand prints are on the envelopes, rather than the cards (don't ask -- it was purely out of convenience, not marketing genius). And the last 20 or so were all red hand prints, no matter what color card your thank-you note was

Our New Favorite Soup

2008-11-12T16:27:00.000-08:00

I made this up on the fly, and when I mentioned it to a few girlfriends, I suddenly started receiving requests for the recipe! I figured it would be easiest to post it here. It's simple enough that even Kenneth likes it, but the best part is that he can make it too.I sauteed some chopped garlic in butter, at the bottom of my largest boiler (onions would be a great addition -- we didn't have any,

'Tis the Season

2008-11-10T17:19:00.000-08:00

Ahhhh, the holidays. The hustle and bustle of holiday shoppers, family gatherings, good food, sparkling lights...a flurry of snowflakes, even, if you live anywhere north of Atlanta. At least, that's one perspective. This year, I'm feeling more like "Auuuggghhh, the holidays?!?!?"I'm seeing holiday traffic, obligatory events and unnecessary spending...cold, blustering wind and unmanageable power

On Her Own

2008-11-10T17:18:00.000-08:00

"Is Malia walking yet?"This is the most commonly-asked question I've experienced over the last six months, at least. Malia's going on 14 months now, so I've been being asked for at least six months. After all, we all hear stories about children who walk at some ridiculously young age (usually from our grandmothers, aunts and other well-intentioned relatives). Her father and I were both walking

Have a little faith...

2008-11-03T05:25:00.000-08:00

At times like this, I must simply retreat to my 'safe place' and remember that for 40 years, our children have accurately predicted our president. After all, the Scholastic Poll has become one of the most reliable indicators for the Presidential race. Students have correctly picked the winner in every election since 1964. This year, the winner was Barack Obama with an astounding 57 percent of the

Box Hoarding

2008-10-31T06:59:00.000-07:00

I have a confession to make. I think I have become a Box Hoarder. Big baby stuff includes all those things you'd use over again, or lend to someone else. You can only use big baby stuff for a period of time. Big baby stuff generally has a big cost, a warranty, and parts for later use (as your big baby gets even bigger). Big baby stuff comes in big boxes. I hope you see where I am going with

Arts and Crafts

2008-10-26T14:30:00.000-07:00

Arts and crafts with one-year olds are messy, at best.A month ago, I had the novel idea of sending everyone a thank-you note from Malia's birthday party with her little hand print on it. This was only after searching a number of local stores for preprinted "M" note cards and not wanting to pre-print a general than-you note -- so don't think that this was my favorite option.Still, I thought, how

Let the power struggles begin...

2008-10-23T17:17:00.000-07:00

It may be hit or miss on my blog entries for a little while...at least, until my daughter starts cooperating with her eating habits again. (Very loud sigh.)Since we've started graduating her to a sippy cup and she's been finger-feeding herself, her stubbornness has started showing. She refuses to take milk from her sippy cup, but will drink water and juice from it with no problem.Goldfish?

First Drafts

2008-10-20T16:41:00.000-07:00

There's something you all should know, and it's not something I'm happy about (as a writer first -- and as a perfectionist second).When I committed to this blog, keeping a deadline was overwhelming enough. I've added to that the commitment that I will only post my first drafts. This really came more out of necessity than preference, as you can imagine.No matter how badly I'd like to rework a

The Ever-Changing Course of Events

2008-10-19T18:00:00.000-07:00

The problem of distinguishing what we are and what we are not responsible for in this life is one of the greatest problems of human existence. It is never completely solved; for the entirety of our lives we must continually assess and reassess where our responsibilities lie in the ever-changing course of events.This quote currently graces my refrigerator, and has been with me for years now. While

Endo Hell

2008-10-12T08:12:00.000-07:00

I've received a lot of questions via email since I revealed here that I have endometriosis. In part, I am shocked that more of my female friends don't know and understand this increasingly common medical condition. But I can also understand why they wouldn't.I'll attempt here to give a high-level overview of endometriosis. My personal experience is reticent of millions of other women in their

We Are the Champions

2008-10-12T07:18:00.000-07:00

I've always wanted to champion a cause. The problem I have is that I have too many causes to feel that I can adequately champion one of them. I lost my mother to suicide as an adolescent, and for a long time I did motivational speaking related to suicide prevention. I suffer from endometriosis, and would love to further educate women (and their loved ones) on the impact of this horrible disease

Distribution List

2008-10-11T06:04:00.000-07:00

I've emailed a lot of you, but I seem to have quite a few followers that I don't know.If you're interested in receiving a notification when this blog has been updated, please email me at jessicabhowell@gmail.com and I will add you to my distribution list.Thanks for reading!

I wish you were here

2008-10-05T15:34:00.000-07:00

Dear Mom,I wish you were here. Malia's getting so big and growing so fast. I think she's the cutest when she's in her pigtails and you can see her face. She's so expressive, and so smart; just today she tried to tell Lucky to 'speak', adding yet another word to her expanding vocabulary. Judging by her attitude, it won't be long before she can talk circles around me! Of course, like most babies,

The First Birthday Party

2008-09-28T13:27:00.000-07:00

It was quite a production. Not only did I spend more than I had anticipated (isn't that always the case?), but it was far more exhausting than I anticipated, too. But it was a huge success, and I think a good time was had by all.It also happened at a historical moment -- one where most of the gas stations are either completely out of gas or are rationing it, resulting in price inflation,

Named Aptly

2008-09-21T16:54:00.000-07:00

I titled this blog appropriately, I realize, as I look back over my scattered entries. They're nearly as across the board as my year has been.Though you can comprehend the degree to which your life will change after having a baby, no one and nothing can prepare you for the reality of it.I swore that I wouldn't be one of those moms. You know the kind -- the ones whose children constantly have

Gauging Homeless Meters

2008-09-18T06:00:00.002-07:00

Okay, I realize there are far 'bigger' issues in our world right now -- the environment, the economy...but I ran across this article in my local paper last Sunday and haven't been able to stop thinking about it. It was well-written, but buried under what were considered more interesting, or timely, stories. My criticism is not of the journalist, but of the City of Atlanta.The idea is to install

A Dog's Transition

2008-09-18T06:00:00.001-07:00

Our dog, Lucky, is a mutt through and through. Some boxer, some pit, some pincher and who knows what else. She literally appeared on my doorstep about four years ago, missing most of her fur and emaciated. She was being beaten up by a bunch of bad-ass adolescent boys that lived in our apartment complex. I'm a bleeding heart, and watching them run over her with their skateboards was unacceptable.

Southern Hospitality in an Unlikely Place

2008-09-13T18:10:00.001-07:00

This post is entitled to give public recognition to a NYC resident who showed me that Southern hospitality can be found even in the Big Apple.When I traveled to New York on business last month, I met a friend for dinner and drinks the first night I was there. I was exhausted -- from an early flight and too little sleep the night before, and from walking around the city all day -- then, of course,

Great-grand-ma-ma

2008-09-13T17:17:00.000-07:00

Tonight I spoke to my grandmother (we call her Granny) on the phone for the first time in almost two weeks. I talk to her at least once weekly, usually on Sundays. She retired and returned to Cairo, Georgia, about four years ago. While we once were close, we're not any longer -- and I openly admit that the things I love about her can, at times, be outweighed about the things that drive me crazy

A Challenge, To Say The Least

2008-09-10T05:27:00.000-07:00

My last update on the progress of my home search may have been oversimplified, I admit. But sometimes it’s hard to communicate, even with the people who love and care about you, when you feel disillusioned. So I apologize for the brief summary that left so many of you with questions, but want to express my sincere gratitude for your support in my search. Here I hope to summarize just a few of the

What I Wish the Listing Agent Had Told Us

2008-09-09T10:38:00.001-07:00

The FHA financing that I have qualified for will not be accepted by the current owner of the property, Freddie Mac!So this was a pointless effort.The search continues....

Update: HOME WANTED

2008-09-09T06:42:00.000-07:00

There was another offer received on the Whites Mill Lane property today, and so any offer I would need to put in must be received by 2 p.m. today, and then the bidding war commences.Exactly what the bank wanted, to drive up the asking price. Exactly what I was hoping to avoid, having already instructed my realtor to draw up an offer in case we needed to move quickly.My dad and Kenn are going to

HOME WANTED

2008-09-08T06:40:00.000-07:00

I’ve been so busy that it would have almost been easy to forget that I put an offer in on a house. I haven’t had a second to myself to think about much of anything…which might be a good thing. At least I haven’t had time on my hands to be second-guessing or beating myself up.My offer on the property at Hooper St. was accepted. They didn’t accept my original offer, but said that if I increased it

Continued Uncertainty; Definitely Progress

2008-08-25T17:06:00.000-07:00

Well, I did it. I called my realtor (finally) and instructed her to draw up an offer, and a conservative one. I lowballed the bank. It's a foreclosure, so I am taking my chances.There's a lot wrong with it, in addition to being in a transitional neighborhood. But it's a risk that, right now, I am willing to take. So, now we wait. Depending on how quickly the process moves, I have a lot to get in

Uncertainty

2008-08-18T05:54:00.000-07:00

You have to forgive me. I've been a little tied up lately. Though Malia spent the weekend with her grandmother, my down time - if you can call it that - was jam-packed. On top of the laundry, cooking, cleaning, and errands, I also have a HUGE decision to make.I found a home that I like; it has character, but is in a transitional area. Even then, the street is quiet and the neighbors are friendly.

I Love New York

2008-08-08T17:15:00.001-07:00

Almost everyone does, I know.I spent last Sunday afternoon absorbing the city, as a woman, a mother, and as a writer. Descriptions have been written about this city innumerable times, both by people who understand it far better than I ever will, and far better writers. I won't bore you with my attempt to describe it; nor can I elaborate on how I, as a Southern girl, feel so oddly natural and at

What I Wish I'd Known...When I Got Pregnant

2008-07-28T16:50:00.001-07:00

There are a lot of things I wish somebody had told me when I was pregnant; I also received a lot of good advice from loved ones. Here is a compilation for some moms-to-be in need...1. The wild ride that pregnancy gives your body is the perfect preparation for parenthood. 2. One of the things you'll miss most is the ability to 'get up and go.' Now there's a diaper bag, car seat, snacks, sippy

A Poorly Articulated Tribute

2008-07-27T16:40:00.000-07:00

I'm a little behind on my blog entries, so I've been planning for two weeks to (finally!) structure a well-written blog about the difficulties that Americans are facing (and my thoughts on what's caused them). This weekend, as I searched for time to compose my thoughts, I realized how accurately I titled my blog. Despite my best intentions and a desire to live 'in the moment', I find myself

Feeling Deflated

2008-07-14T06:21:00.000-07:00

I haven't always been as thin as I am now. Hard to believe, maybe. But true. Sigh.Correction: Very heavy sigh.There was a time when I carried 130 lbs. on my 5-feet, 5-inch tall frame. I carried most of that weight in my hips and thighs, there's no doubt (I was easily a size 10 in pants/skirts, where I'm a 2 at best now). That period of time was also favorable to my breasts; I wore a size C and

Some Birthday Instrospection

2008-07-07T09:33:00.000-07:00

I had planned to post something less self-centered this week, but I seem to be suffering from a severe case of writer's block. It's day four of my four-day weekend, thanks to the Fourth of July holiday and my birthday, and I thought some relaxing, baby-free, book-reading time might be just what I needed to jumpstart the creative in me. This was not the case. So forgive me for the easy out this

Baby Food, Baby Food

2008-06-23T18:54:00.000-07:00

I'm not overly obsessed with eating organically, but I do what I can for our family. I opt for organic local produce when available, and make trips to our local Farmer's Market in order to do so affordably. I prefer all-natural products, especially cleansers; I buy organic milk and hormone-free chicken. I'm not over-the-top -- I'd simply say that we have an ever-increasing awareness of what and

Father's Day 2008

2008-06-16T20:03:00.000-07:00

Needless to say, I've been unable to keep my self-imposed deadline. I drafted this Father's Day weekend, but it has been severely delayed in being posted. My sincere apologies to Kenneth, who deserves to celebrate Father's Day every single day of the year.This is the first year that I've honored someone other than my own father. This year, I must take time to give credit where it is due. I've

Homesick

2008-06-02T17:03:00.000-07:00

I've wanted to buy my own home for a long time -- before my daughter's birth, though that's certainly one of those life events that can precipitate such change. I've always hated the concept of renting, though I have been a renter for . . . ouch. (Way too many years now, I can assure you.) The idea of putting money in someone else's pocket, instead of putting it towards equity in your own home,

Everyday moments

2008-05-11T23:53:00.000-07:00

I haven't held up my end of the deal here. I apologize to those of you who have asked why I haven't added an entry. I wanted my next blog to include some politically-related material, but I've abandoned that theory until the topic can have the time and attention it deserves. I've not had the time, nor the attention, to complete it. So, in honor of time-crunched moms everywhere, I want to share

Just a Trial Run?

2008-04-26T22:11:00.000-07:00

Okay, okay. Enough already!!I've held out a really, really long time. But here I am, succumbing to the success of a digital age that is changing our existence faster than we can comprehend it. Heavy sigh.I have a real respect and affinity for the old school way of doing things. I like my writing edited with a red pen, the feel of paper, and a sense of community journalism. I like heavy books with