So, we were really excited that we were upgraded to this new room but the glory of it is all over. Yesterday, we were going to take Eli to the pool at 9am right when it opens. We would let him swim for an hour and then we would put him down for a nap after a bath.
We got Eli dressed in his swim diaper and bathing suit. We lathered him up with sun screen. We go down to the pool and it is locked. I asked the front desk when they would open the pool. The front desk said it would be at least another hour because they had to put chemicals in the pool.
1. Who puts chemicals in on a Sat? Probably the busiest day of the week.
2. Can you be smart enough to put up a sign that says pool opening up late? A simple sign would have saved me the hassle of wasting a swim diaper and putting sun screen on my son.
So, since we were not going to be able to wait an hour. We filled the bath tub up and let Eli splash for a while.
We left the room after Eli's nap and asked for it to be cleaned since the do not disturb sign had been up all morning. Front desk said - no problem. We come back a few hours later and room was never cleaned. I don't mind using the same towels more than once, I do that at home but it would have been nice if they would have taken the trash with all the dirty diapers!
Sunday, July 27, 2008
People in NJ are just rude
You hear the saying that people from the NE are rude and I did not believe it. After all, my parents are from NY and are wonderful. Well, we have been staying at a hotel in NJ and every time I try to get off the elevator, people try to run me over to get in. HELLO, PEOPLE- LET ME OFF FIRST!
People are also very strange here. We went to the rehearsal dinner for the bride and groom at a restaurant and some very drunk guy who reeked of cigarette smoke insisted that I take a dollar from him and put it in Eli's saving account.
People are also very strange here. We went to the rehearsal dinner for the bride and groom at a restaurant and some very drunk guy who reeked of cigarette smoke insisted that I take a dollar from him and put it in Eli's saving account.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Another Hotel Snafu
We are in NJ for a wedding this weekend. We went to check into our hotel. I asked for a room in a quiet location since we have the baby with us and I am a light sleeper. We got our room key and went to our room. I open the door and some guy sitting in his tuxedo is sitting there watching tv. Whoops!
I went downstairs and said that there was someone already in my room. The front desk worker was so embarrassed that we were upgraded to a wonderful suite on the top floor.
Perfect! Now, Eli will have his own room and hopefully will sleep longer.
I don't mind the slight inconvenience in order to get double the sized room but I am really happy that when I opened the door that the guy was not naked!
I went downstairs and said that there was someone already in my room. The front desk worker was so embarrassed that we were upgraded to a wonderful suite on the top floor.
Perfect! Now, Eli will have his own room and hopefully will sleep longer.
I don't mind the slight inconvenience in order to get double the sized room but I am really happy that when I opened the door that the guy was not naked!
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Tiny Haircuts, Big Prices
When I tell someone I am taking Eli, my 14 month old, for a haircut, they probably think- how exciting- his first haircut. Well, actually yesterday was his third haircut.
My kid's hair grows like it is on steroids. His hair was cut last on his birthday and two weeks later Lowell was ready to take him back in for another cut. Luckily, I could stall Lowell until now.
Eli's hair curls like mine did as a kid so as soon as Lowell sees a curl, he wants it cut off.
We have been to a store called "Halfpint Haircuts" twice now. It is a place where they specifically do haircuts for kids. They have TVs with cartoons on. Smaller chairs for the little ones etc. Smaller everything except for their prices. They charge $15 a haircut (if my memory is correct) for little kids haircuts! Now, maybe, I am not with the program but I thought that was high.
A friend of mine has been taking her 15 month old son to Supercuts and has had some great experiences there so we took Eli there for the first time yesterday. No baby chairs so Eli had to sit on my lap which was not a big deal. The lady was patient with him and did a pretty good job. Price -$12. $12 for a little kid haircut at Supercuts! I am definitely not with the program. I used to love my $5 haircut that my friend Sue would hook me up with!
Anyways, I will have to learn to live with the prices since in Lowell will insist that Eli needs another haircut by the weekend.
(Editor's note: I would have posted pictures but since Lowell decided to dress Eli in a silly Gator outfit I did not want to take any pictures. Will try to take some pictures today in a much nicer Seminole outfit.)
My kid's hair grows like it is on steroids. His hair was cut last on his birthday and two weeks later Lowell was ready to take him back in for another cut. Luckily, I could stall Lowell until now.
Eli's hair curls like mine did as a kid so as soon as Lowell sees a curl, he wants it cut off.
We have been to a store called "Halfpint Haircuts" twice now. It is a place where they specifically do haircuts for kids. They have TVs with cartoons on. Smaller chairs for the little ones etc. Smaller everything except for their prices. They charge $15 a haircut (if my memory is correct) for little kids haircuts! Now, maybe, I am not with the program but I thought that was high.
A friend of mine has been taking her 15 month old son to Supercuts and has had some great experiences there so we took Eli there for the first time yesterday. No baby chairs so Eli had to sit on my lap which was not a big deal. The lady was patient with him and did a pretty good job. Price -$12. $12 for a little kid haircut at Supercuts! I am definitely not with the program. I used to love my $5 haircut that my friend Sue would hook me up with!
Anyways, I will have to learn to live with the prices since in Lowell will insist that Eli needs another haircut by the weekend.
(Editor's note: I would have posted pictures but since Lowell decided to dress Eli in a silly Gator outfit I did not want to take any pictures. Will try to take some pictures today in a much nicer Seminole outfit.)
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
It's Frankenstein!
Frankenstein is coming my way. Well, really it is Eli. Eli is officially walking now but he looks like he could be trying out for the role of Frankenstein the way he walks with his hands out trying to keep balance.
Eli could have walked for months now but I think he preferred to crawl because he was so fast doing it. Well, yesterday, any time Eli could get my attention, he would stand up and walk and smile and laugh. Now, he is walking more than crawling and not holding on.
Again, I am so proud.
Eli could have walked for months now but I think he preferred to crawl because he was so fast doing it. Well, yesterday, any time Eli could get my attention, he would stand up and walk and smile and laugh. Now, he is walking more than crawling and not holding on.
Again, I am so proud.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
What a big boy you are!!!
Eli, show me what a big boy you are. Please stand up for mommy, so I can take your picture.
That's it. Come on, stand up so mommy can take your picture. No, Eli, you can't have the camera, stand up for mommy.
Eli, the camera is not a toy. You will break it if I give it to you. I just want one picture of you standing up.
Great job Eli.
I know you like that shirt but do you need to drool on it that much???
That's it. Come on, stand up so mommy can take your picture. No, Eli, you can't have the camera, stand up for mommy.
Eli, the camera is not a toy. You will break it if I give it to you. I just want one picture of you standing up.
Great job Eli.
I know you like that shirt but do you need to drool on it that much???
Monday, July 21, 2008
How do I know that my kid is not feeling well?
How do I know that Eli is not feeling well?
1. He is cranky.
2. Sleep patterns are off
3. He is cranky!
Poor kid. He did end up catching hand, foot, and mouth disease. Luckily, it is nothing serious and time will easily cure him but I want my sweet little angel back.
1. He is cranky.
2. Sleep patterns are off
3. He is cranky!
Poor kid. He did end up catching hand, foot, and mouth disease. Luckily, it is nothing serious and time will easily cure him but I want my sweet little angel back.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Go Noles!!!!
I must say- I am so excited. This week, I bought tickets for the FSU/GA Tech game in Atlanta in November and bought my flight for the FSU/Colorado game which is in Jacksonville in September.
I used to never miss a game. I have missed weddings for games. But, then Eli was born and I don't want to miss a minute with him so we watched games on TV instead of traveling to them.
I would love to go to more games in Tallahassee but I don't know if Eli could take the drive and flights to Tally are more expensive than going to Europe. But, this year, I am definitely going to two games so that is an improvement from last year!
I know my days of NEVER missing a home game are done but now I live closer to the away teams and I should be able to go to more of those games.
We are over a month away from football season but all I have to say is: GO NOLES!!!!!
I used to never miss a game. I have missed weddings for games. But, then Eli was born and I don't want to miss a minute with him so we watched games on TV instead of traveling to them.
I would love to go to more games in Tallahassee but I don't know if Eli could take the drive and flights to Tally are more expensive than going to Europe. But, this year, I am definitely going to two games so that is an improvement from last year!
I know my days of NEVER missing a home game are done but now I live closer to the away teams and I should be able to go to more of those games.
We are over a month away from football season but all I have to say is: GO NOLES!!!!!
Friday, July 18, 2008
Girls will be Girls
A year ago, I was invited by a friend to join a Mommy’s group. It was wonderful. I barely knew anyone in my city since we had just moved here a few months before and I barely knew anyone living near me with children Eli’s age.
I loved my Mommy’s group. When I was on maternity leave, we got together for lunch, walks and playdates once or twice a week. When I went back to work, they accepted that I was a full time working mom and I was able to flex my work schedule to still meet up with the group once a week.
A year later, some things had changed behind the scenes that many of us were unaware of. Members were bitching and complaining to the group moderator about various things. We were told at a group meeting that the group was closing down because of it. The moderator said she has been cursed at, lied to etc and the group was not a positive influence in her life anymore.
It saddens me that it has come to this. If a member of the group did not like things going on, instead of cursing at the moderator- leave the group. Now a group which has been so good for myself and my son is closing down. This group has been such a big part of my life this past year and my closet friends here are from the group.
I know I will keep in touch with the people I became close to. I will not lose those friendships but I will probably lose touch with some of the acquaintances I have in the group.
A day after the group meeting, one of the moms from the group started a new Mommy’s group inviting the same people to join. Of course I will join. But, I am wondering, will we be going through the same thing a year later because “Girls will be Girls.”
As a good friend likes to say, “Can’t we all just get along?”
I loved my Mommy’s group. When I was on maternity leave, we got together for lunch, walks and playdates once or twice a week. When I went back to work, they accepted that I was a full time working mom and I was able to flex my work schedule to still meet up with the group once a week.
A year later, some things had changed behind the scenes that many of us were unaware of. Members were bitching and complaining to the group moderator about various things. We were told at a group meeting that the group was closing down because of it. The moderator said she has been cursed at, lied to etc and the group was not a positive influence in her life anymore.
It saddens me that it has come to this. If a member of the group did not like things going on, instead of cursing at the moderator- leave the group. Now a group which has been so good for myself and my son is closing down. This group has been such a big part of my life this past year and my closet friends here are from the group.
I know I will keep in touch with the people I became close to. I will not lose those friendships but I will probably lose touch with some of the acquaintances I have in the group.
A day after the group meeting, one of the moms from the group started a new Mommy’s group inviting the same people to join. Of course I will join. But, I am wondering, will we be going through the same thing a year later because “Girls will be Girls.”
As a good friend likes to say, “Can’t we all just get along?”
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Oh, to hold a sick child
Eli and I were playing last night as usual. We were driving his cars around the room, practicing walking etc. I picked him up to put him to sleep and noticed how hot he was. Now, I am not the type of mom to flip out anytime my son seems a little warm but he was hot! I took his temperature- 101.7. I don't think he has ever had a fever that high before.
I snuggled with him and put him in his crib. Eli fell asleep right away. I called the night nurse and was asked a series of questions. I was told to check on him every 4 hours. Check his breathing, look for swelling, look for any type of skin rash.
Lowell happened to be out grocery shopping while all of this was happening. When he came home, the dogs started barking as usual and Eli woke up. I took Eli into bed with me to try to calm him down. I figured if I needed to check on him every four hours, it would be easiest to have him sleep in between us. Unfortunately, sleep is something that no one had last night.
After a night of lots of crying and lots of cuddling, I took Eli to the doctor. The doctor checked his ears and his throat. His ears were fine but his throat was a little red but luckily not strep throat. Hand, foot, and mouth disease is going around in our playgroup so I need to be on the lookout for it. It starts with a fever and then a few days later, the blisters appear.
So, Eli is now happily drugged on Infant's Motrin and Infant's Tylenol. He fell asleep for his nap. I am back at work for now, until he wakes up.
Keep your fingers crossed for us that it is just a fever and not Hand, Foot, and Mouth disease. Hopefully, my baby will be feeling better soon.
I snuggled with him and put him in his crib. Eli fell asleep right away. I called the night nurse and was asked a series of questions. I was told to check on him every 4 hours. Check his breathing, look for swelling, look for any type of skin rash.
Lowell happened to be out grocery shopping while all of this was happening. When he came home, the dogs started barking as usual and Eli woke up. I took Eli into bed with me to try to calm him down. I figured if I needed to check on him every four hours, it would be easiest to have him sleep in between us. Unfortunately, sleep is something that no one had last night.
After a night of lots of crying and lots of cuddling, I took Eli to the doctor. The doctor checked his ears and his throat. His ears were fine but his throat was a little red but luckily not strep throat. Hand, foot, and mouth disease is going around in our playgroup so I need to be on the lookout for it. It starts with a fever and then a few days later, the blisters appear.
So, Eli is now happily drugged on Infant's Motrin and Infant's Tylenol. He fell asleep for his nap. I am back at work for now, until he wakes up.
Keep your fingers crossed for us that it is just a fever and not Hand, Foot, and Mouth disease. Hopefully, my baby will be feeling better soon.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Preschool Assessment - A.A.
A. A. - not to be confused with Alcoholics Anonymous!
This was the first school Lowell and I went to look at. Unfortunately, I should have written about the school as soon as we got home and not two weeks later. All, I remember was that I felt the school was all right. No complaints but I was not wowed like I was at G.S. I will need to go back and reassess this school.
Price - $105 a week including lunch.
Will return to this school and then reassess.
This was the first school Lowell and I went to look at. Unfortunately, I should have written about the school as soon as we got home and not two weeks later. All, I remember was that I felt the school was all right. No complaints but I was not wowed like I was at G.S. I will need to go back and reassess this school.
Price - $105 a week including lunch.
Will return to this school and then reassess.
Preschool Assessment - G.S.
Editor's note: Name of school is hidden
I love this school. Everything is brand new. Teachers have degrees. Everything is clean. It is hard to explain everything that I saw but I love this school.
I was happy to see that snacks were not cookies like I saw at other schools. Snacks were fruit and crackers.
I like how all teachers are CPR certified and continuing education is highly emphasized.
I like how everything in the school is brand new. (The school is only 1.5 years old.)
I like everything about the school except for the price. The price is highest from all the schools I have seen and it does not include lunch! Price for only two days a week is $121 a week. To me that is high, but maybe it is normal!
I love this school. Everything is brand new. Teachers have degrees. Everything is clean. It is hard to explain everything that I saw but I love this school.
I was happy to see that snacks were not cookies like I saw at other schools. Snacks were fruit and crackers.
I like how all teachers are CPR certified and continuing education is highly emphasized.
I like how everything in the school is brand new. (The school is only 1.5 years old.)
I like everything about the school except for the price. The price is highest from all the schools I have seen and it does not include lunch! Price for only two days a week is $121 a week. To me that is high, but maybe it is normal!
Preschool Assessment - D.P.
Editor's note: Name is hidden so school cannot sue me for defamation.
Eli and I went to visit D.P. today. I was very excited about this school. Thought it would be in the final round. Boy, was I wrong.
First impression was great. Security to get into the building was good. Friendly, knowledgeable, face at the front desk. And, she even spoke English that I could understand. I asked my questions and received answers that I wanted to hear. Decent teacher to child ratio. Turnover rate was not bad. So far, so good.
Then, we went for the tour and it all went downhill from there. We walked into the Toddler room and it was 100 degrees inside. The teacher asked the person giving my tour if she could turn the air conditioning on. It was 10:30am and 90 degrees outside. These kids should have ac. Even I was hot in the room and I am always cold!. Strike 1!
Next, we walked outside to the playground. Some of the equipment looked great but there was one walk behind car which should have been thrown away years ago. Pieces of it were broken and it was filthy and just looked old! Strike 2!
Finally, we walked through another classroom. There were no kids in the room. But, there was a sippy cup full of milk in a crib. Can you say spoiled milk? Strike 3!
Price- Price does not matter with this place. We won't be going there.
Eli and I went to visit D.P. today. I was very excited about this school. Thought it would be in the final round. Boy, was I wrong.
First impression was great. Security to get into the building was good. Friendly, knowledgeable, face at the front desk. And, she even spoke English that I could understand. I asked my questions and received answers that I wanted to hear. Decent teacher to child ratio. Turnover rate was not bad. So far, so good.
Then, we went for the tour and it all went downhill from there. We walked into the Toddler room and it was 100 degrees inside. The teacher asked the person giving my tour if she could turn the air conditioning on. It was 10:30am and 90 degrees outside. These kids should have ac. Even I was hot in the room and I am always cold!. Strike 1!
Next, we walked outside to the playground. Some of the equipment looked great but there was one walk behind car which should have been thrown away years ago. Pieces of it were broken and it was filthy and just looked old! Strike 2!
Finally, we walked through another classroom. There were no kids in the room. But, there was a sippy cup full of milk in a crib. Can you say spoiled milk? Strike 3!
Price- Price does not matter with this place. We won't be going there.
Preschool Assessments - Introduction
I am going to have Eli start preschool next January. Lowell and I are starting to look at schools. I will be posting some of my reviews online. These may not interest my readers, will probably be more for me, but you are more than welcome to read them.
Monday, July 14, 2008
I have been Tagged!
I was officially tagged. My first blog version of chain mail. Thanks Jen!
All Things Eight (Because Eight is Always Enough)
Eight Things I'm Passionate About:
1. Eli- my sweet angel who is growing too quickly.
2. Lowell – I can’t believe that our ten year anniversary of being together is less than a month away.
3. Wallace and Bruce – What great furkids to have. They are sweet and loving and wonderful with Eli as well as so much fun to play with and two balls of energy.
4. My Family- I have such a wonderful relationship with my parents and siblings. I wish I lived closer to them and saw them more often.
5. My Friends – I have such wonderful friends. Thank you to all of you for always being there for me.
6. My Mommy Group – These are my closet Georgia friends who I have had such a wonderful time getting to know in this past year. We have all learned so much from each other and I have loved watching the babies grow into toddlers.
7. My Job- I am so grateful that I can work and still spend so much time with Eli. Thank you for letting me work from home and spend so much more time with my son then most full time working moms.
8. My Home – I love my new(ish) home. Plenty of room to grow into it. So cozy and nice. I love my yard and my view of the Mountain practically in my backyard.
Eight Things I Say Often:
1. "No. That’s dangerous." (Eli is getting into everything these days.)
2. "I love you. I will see you in the morning." (My nightly saying to Eli when I put him in the crib for the night.)
3. "Wallace, come get your peanut butter." (Wallace is on daily medicine now and he gets his pill in peanut butter.)
4. "Good morning (afternoon), this is Alison." (answering my business line)
5. "Let me repeat what you just said." (during business conference calls)
6. "No, that is Wallace and Bruce’s food." (again – towards Eli)
7. "Back in the house please." (To Wallace and Bruce)
8. "I have conference calls at this time and this time." (To Lowell, as we are planning our day and who is watching Eli when)
Eight Books I've Read Recently:
1. “Goodnight Moon” It counts, I read it a few times a week.
2. "Certain Girls" by Jennifer Weiner. I have read everything by her. She is my favorite.
3. "Deceptively Delicious" by Jessica Simpson. A cookbook about hiding vegetables in food. Great recipes.
4. Parenting magazines – Not a book but should count!
5. Parents magazines – Not to be confused with Parenting magazines
6. American Baby magazines- Do you see the trend here?
7. “Honeymoon” by James Patterson. I love everything by James Patterson.
8. “Sprite’s Keeper’s Blog” – Not a book but read everyday!
Eight Movies I've Watched Eight Times: (This should be "or more")
1. “The Notebook” – One of my favorites.
2. “Bourne Identity, Bourne Supremacy, Bourne Ultimatum” – I love these films. Can’t watch them enough.
3. “Harry Potter” – I won’t list them all but I love all of them. Can’t wait to watch these with Eli one day.
4. “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” – Still a classic.
5. “Aladdin” – My favorite Disney flick.
6. "Clueless" – Fun to watch.
7. “Varsity Blues” – Great football flick. Doesn’t hurt that they advertise FSU!
8. “Chicago” – Love to watch this one in surround sound!
Tag 8 People To Do This Meme:
I am skipping this one since there are only a few people who consistency read my blog!
All Things Eight (Because Eight is Always Enough)
Eight Things I'm Passionate About:
1. Eli- my sweet angel who is growing too quickly.
2. Lowell – I can’t believe that our ten year anniversary of being together is less than a month away.
3. Wallace and Bruce – What great furkids to have. They are sweet and loving and wonderful with Eli as well as so much fun to play with and two balls of energy.
4. My Family- I have such a wonderful relationship with my parents and siblings. I wish I lived closer to them and saw them more often.
5. My Friends – I have such wonderful friends. Thank you to all of you for always being there for me.
6. My Mommy Group – These are my closet Georgia friends who I have had such a wonderful time getting to know in this past year. We have all learned so much from each other and I have loved watching the babies grow into toddlers.
7. My Job- I am so grateful that I can work and still spend so much time with Eli. Thank you for letting me work from home and spend so much more time with my son then most full time working moms.
8. My Home – I love my new(ish) home. Plenty of room to grow into it. So cozy and nice. I love my yard and my view of the Mountain practically in my backyard.
Eight Things I Say Often:
1. "No. That’s dangerous." (Eli is getting into everything these days.)
2. "I love you. I will see you in the morning." (My nightly saying to Eli when I put him in the crib for the night.)
3. "Wallace, come get your peanut butter." (Wallace is on daily medicine now and he gets his pill in peanut butter.)
4. "Good morning (afternoon), this is Alison." (answering my business line)
5. "Let me repeat what you just said." (during business conference calls)
6. "No, that is Wallace and Bruce’s food." (again – towards Eli)
7. "Back in the house please." (To Wallace and Bruce)
8. "I have conference calls at this time and this time." (To Lowell, as we are planning our day and who is watching Eli when)
Eight Books I've Read Recently:
1. “Goodnight Moon” It counts, I read it a few times a week.
2. "Certain Girls" by Jennifer Weiner. I have read everything by her. She is my favorite.
3. "Deceptively Delicious" by Jessica Simpson. A cookbook about hiding vegetables in food. Great recipes.
4. Parenting magazines – Not a book but should count!
5. Parents magazines – Not to be confused with Parenting magazines
6. American Baby magazines- Do you see the trend here?
7. “Honeymoon” by James Patterson. I love everything by James Patterson.
8. “Sprite’s Keeper’s Blog” – Not a book but read everyday!
Eight Movies I've Watched Eight Times: (This should be "or more")
1. “The Notebook” – One of my favorites.
2. “Bourne Identity, Bourne Supremacy, Bourne Ultimatum” – I love these films. Can’t watch them enough.
3. “Harry Potter” – I won’t list them all but I love all of them. Can’t wait to watch these with Eli one day.
4. “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” – Still a classic.
5. “Aladdin” – My favorite Disney flick.
6. "Clueless" – Fun to watch.
7. “Varsity Blues” – Great football flick. Doesn’t hurt that they advertise FSU!
8. “Chicago” – Love to watch this one in surround sound!
Tag 8 People To Do This Meme:
I am skipping this one since there are only a few people who consistency read my blog!
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Little Accomplishments
Eli, I am so proud of you.
Today, you let go of the couch and walked to me. Then you let go of me and walked to the couch. Great job, little man.
Today, you also put the triangle into the shape sorter (with a little hint from mommy).
These accomplishments may seem small to some but they are big in my heart.
Today, you let go of the couch and walked to me. Then you let go of me and walked to the couch. Great job, little man.
Today, you also put the triangle into the shape sorter (with a little hint from mommy).
These accomplishments may seem small to some but they are big in my heart.
I am glad I looked
I love my new(ish) car. A Honda Pilot, comfortable, safe, reliable. My only complaint is that it is a gas guzzler. Especially compared to my past very efficient cars.
Well, I am taking pride in this car and trying to keep it looking new. Very hard with a one year old and guests who do not kick off the dirt on their shoes before entering the car.
I decided to buy new “all season floor mats” to make cleaning the floor mats much easier. I found out that if I pick up the floor mats at the dealership, I save a $25.00 shipping charge.
There are two dealerships about equidistant from where I live: Honda Mall of Gerogia and Honda Carland. I was originally going to pick up the floor mats at Honda Carland because I thought I would be in the area soon, but then I realized, it may be easier to pick up the floor mats from Honda Mall of Georgia instead. Well, I am glad I changed locations, the cost went down by $25!
Who would know that two dealerships, not far away from each other, would have a different price for floor mats bought directly from a Honda site!
Well, I am taking pride in this car and trying to keep it looking new. Very hard with a one year old and guests who do not kick off the dirt on their shoes before entering the car.
I decided to buy new “all season floor mats” to make cleaning the floor mats much easier. I found out that if I pick up the floor mats at the dealership, I save a $25.00 shipping charge.
There are two dealerships about equidistant from where I live: Honda Mall of Gerogia and Honda Carland. I was originally going to pick up the floor mats at Honda Carland because I thought I would be in the area soon, but then I realized, it may be easier to pick up the floor mats from Honda Mall of Georgia instead. Well, I am glad I changed locations, the cost went down by $25!
Who would know that two dealerships, not far away from each other, would have a different price for floor mats bought directly from a Honda site!
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
First Date
It has been a long time since I had a first date, well last Tuesday night I guess I had one. Yes, my husband and I have been together almost 10 years now but last Tuesday night was a first date. First time we had a real babysitter (non family or friend) come over and watch Eli while the two of us went out.
One of our neighbor's daughters is home from college right now. She is trustworthy, nice, and an experienced babysitter. We decided before she goes back to college, it is time to take advantage of her being so close by.
I have been wanting to see Sex and the City for a long time now and there is a brand new, nicely built, AMC theater close by.
Our babysitter came over after work. We quickly showed her around, gave her instructions, kissed Eli and left so we could make the movie on time. Lowell dropped me off at the front since 1. it was poring and 2. the movie started soon and we needed to buy tickets.
Well, the power had just gone off and the manager was locking the doors so no one could go inside. I luckily made it inside on time and convinced the manager to let Lowell in as well. It was thundering and lightening outside and the line to buy tickets (outside) was growing and growing. (I am not sure what movie is worth almost getting struck by lightening but apparently one is to many people.)
Within 10 minutes the lights had come back on but AMC could not start any of the movies. In order to restart a projector, their help desk office has to start them. Lowell and I were by the customer service desk waiting to buy tickets for Sex and the City and witnessed the struggles that this theater went through to get their projectors started. The manager called their customer service, was on hold for over 15 minutes and then was hung up on. This happened twice. She tried to send customer service an e-mail, and the e-mail came back. Lowell and I found this quite comical (don't know why, but we did). Throughout the time it took AMC to get their projectors started (about an hour), various customers (whose movies were interrupted during the power failure) came up to customer service asking for refunds. I was surprised that not one customer was angry that they were sitting in the theater for so long with power but no movie and no communication from AMC.
AMC is not allowed to put a notice on their windows so they could not write a note stating that they are not selling tickets at this time so the line outside grew and the manager had to pop outside every few minutes to tell people what was going on. AMC never communicated with the people inside about what was going on so they did not know when their movies would start.
Finally, AMC got the projectors working. (5 minutes before the time that Lowell and I were going to leave) They cancelled several of the showing. I begged the manager to continue to show SATC. I said we had to pay the babysitter either way. The manager said they would still play SATC. Lowell and I still had to buy tickets but they were starting the movie and I HATE missing the beginning. The customer service rep said to just enjoy the show! Awesome. A $20 dollar savings for the evening. Movie tickets at this theater are $10 each! I could not believe it when I saw the prices but at least tonight we got a little break. (We just had to wait an hour for it!)
One of our neighbor's daughters is home from college right now. She is trustworthy, nice, and an experienced babysitter. We decided before she goes back to college, it is time to take advantage of her being so close by.
I have been wanting to see Sex and the City for a long time now and there is a brand new, nicely built, AMC theater close by.
Our babysitter came over after work. We quickly showed her around, gave her instructions, kissed Eli and left so we could make the movie on time. Lowell dropped me off at the front since 1. it was poring and 2. the movie started soon and we needed to buy tickets.
Well, the power had just gone off and the manager was locking the doors so no one could go inside. I luckily made it inside on time and convinced the manager to let Lowell in as well. It was thundering and lightening outside and the line to buy tickets (outside) was growing and growing. (I am not sure what movie is worth almost getting struck by lightening but apparently one is to many people.)
Within 10 minutes the lights had come back on but AMC could not start any of the movies. In order to restart a projector, their help desk office has to start them. Lowell and I were by the customer service desk waiting to buy tickets for Sex and the City and witnessed the struggles that this theater went through to get their projectors started. The manager called their customer service, was on hold for over 15 minutes and then was hung up on. This happened twice. She tried to send customer service an e-mail, and the e-mail came back. Lowell and I found this quite comical (don't know why, but we did). Throughout the time it took AMC to get their projectors started (about an hour), various customers (whose movies were interrupted during the power failure) came up to customer service asking for refunds. I was surprised that not one customer was angry that they were sitting in the theater for so long with power but no movie and no communication from AMC.
AMC is not allowed to put a notice on their windows so they could not write a note stating that they are not selling tickets at this time so the line outside grew and the manager had to pop outside every few minutes to tell people what was going on. AMC never communicated with the people inside about what was going on so they did not know when their movies would start.
Finally, AMC got the projectors working. (5 minutes before the time that Lowell and I were going to leave) They cancelled several of the showing. I begged the manager to continue to show SATC. I said we had to pay the babysitter either way. The manager said they would still play SATC. Lowell and I still had to buy tickets but they were starting the movie and I HATE missing the beginning. The customer service rep said to just enjoy the show! Awesome. A $20 dollar savings for the evening. Movie tickets at this theater are $10 each! I could not believe it when I saw the prices but at least tonight we got a little break. (We just had to wait an hour for it!)
14!
Last night, Eli took 14 steps unassisted at one time. At night, Eli loves to walk from mom to dad and then dad to mom. Lowell and I sit further and further apart to see how long Eli can walk. Well, last night we were almost at the corners of the room and Eli went 14 steps.
Eli will put his hands up in the air to ask you to stand him up and then walk with excitement to the other parent. Then, he usually pops down and crawls back to the original parent to start again.
He should be walking in no time!
Eli will put his hands up in the air to ask you to stand him up and then walk with excitement to the other parent. Then, he usually pops down and crawls back to the original parent to start again.
He should be walking in no time!
Monday, July 7, 2008
Hey!
Eli is 13 months now and is not talking much. This is the one milestone I am not worried about, not yet at least. He is a boy and girls usually talk sooner than boys. Eli has said some words- Mama, Dada, Wallace (Allace- the dog's name) and even Bruce (the other dog's name), but his favorite word right now is "Hey!" When he wants your attention, he says "hey"- not hi!
Lowell, Eli and I went out for lunch yesterday and I received a phone call from my mom. I can't stand it when people talk on their cell phones at the table and not to be a hyprocite, I took the call from outside. Apparently, Eli could see my from the window and he was calling for me Lowell said. "Hey" "Hey" (even louder this time)
Luckily the restaurant was full of kids and very loud so Eli was not interrupting anyone and also luckily I was not on the phone long. Eli was very happy to see me return.
Lowell, Eli and I went out for lunch yesterday and I received a phone call from my mom. I can't stand it when people talk on their cell phones at the table and not to be a hyprocite, I took the call from outside. Apparently, Eli could see my from the window and he was calling for me Lowell said. "Hey" "Hey" (even louder this time)
Luckily the restaurant was full of kids and very loud so Eli was not interrupting anyone and also luckily I was not on the phone long. Eli was very happy to see me return.
Friday, July 4, 2008
Global Warming
Editor’s note: I do not like talking about politics. This is not meant to be any type of political statement. I just happened to think it was an interesting point. I DO NOT LIKE TALKING ABOUT POLITICS.
I just watched Al Gore’s movie – “An Inconvenient Truth” a couple of weeks ago. I did not know what to expect. Would it be boring? Would it be too political in nature? etc Well, I loved the movie. Thought it was well done – easy to understand and very interesting. It made the concept of Global Warming easier to understand and showed me how I can help improve the situation.
Now, I know everyone’s opinions about Global Warming are different but the movie just made sense.
Now, here is what I found interesting: yesterday (Editor's note- a week ago now but a day before I wrote this post), when I was speaking to the manager about switching to an air conditioned room, she said to me. “We never needed air conditioned rooms years ago. The temperature was always cooler. But, since the temperature has increased over the years, we are starting to remodel all of our rooms to include air conditioning.”
Something to think about…
I just watched Al Gore’s movie – “An Inconvenient Truth” a couple of weeks ago. I did not know what to expect. Would it be boring? Would it be too political in nature? etc Well, I loved the movie. Thought it was well done – easy to understand and very interesting. It made the concept of Global Warming easier to understand and showed me how I can help improve the situation.
Now, I know everyone’s opinions about Global Warming are different but the movie just made sense.
Now, here is what I found interesting: yesterday (Editor's note- a week ago now but a day before I wrote this post), when I was speaking to the manager about switching to an air conditioned room, she said to me. “We never needed air conditioned rooms years ago. The temperature was always cooler. But, since the temperature has increased over the years, we are starting to remodel all of our rooms to include air conditioning.”
Something to think about…
Happy 3rd of July???
For some reason, the city I live in does their 4th of July celebration on the 3rd of July. Fireworks, a band, the whole shibang! I don't understand why they do the big celebration on the 3rd but it is a tradition here.
We took Eli to see the fireworks for the first time. I was not sure what his reaction would be to the loud noise. But, he had a great time. He did hold onto me quite strongly at times but enjoyed watching the fireworks. He just stared at them, no smile, no expression but also no crying.
At one point, during the fireworks display, a tree caught on fire. Of course, the crowd was now looking at the tree instead of the fireworks. All I kept thinking about was that my 6 month old car is parked near there. Luckily, the fire department had the fire out within 5 minutes.
Just in case you are curious, I did find out that our city holds fireworks on the third of July just in case there is weather. If that is the case, they can have their fireworks on the 4th. Does it make sense to you? It does not to me, like fireworks on the 5th would be terrible if weather held them up.
We took Eli to see the fireworks for the first time. I was not sure what his reaction would be to the loud noise. But, he had a great time. He did hold onto me quite strongly at times but enjoyed watching the fireworks. He just stared at them, no smile, no expression but also no crying.
At one point, during the fireworks display, a tree caught on fire. Of course, the crowd was now looking at the tree instead of the fireworks. All I kept thinking about was that my 6 month old car is parked near there. Luckily, the fire department had the fire out within 5 minutes.
Just in case you are curious, I did find out that our city holds fireworks on the third of July just in case there is weather. If that is the case, they can have their fireworks on the 4th. Does it make sense to you? It does not to me, like fireworks on the 5th would be terrible if weather held them up.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
What do you mean? It is the Year 2008!!!
Lowell decided to book us inside the Grand Canyon so we would be able to stay inside the park. Great choice, I thought. We arrive at Maslik Lodge to check in. The lodge seemed nice. There is a cafeteria inside, a gift shop, decent sized lobby. We get our room key and drive to our building. I notice that there are fans in all the windows and ask Lowell if we will have air conditioning. (Thinking, we better have air conditioning. It is over 90 degrees outside). Lowell says he believes we have air conditioning. Why wouldn’t we have air conditioning.
We open the door to our room and sure enough, there are two fans in the room but no AC. No AC- I could live but I have a one year old to consider. Lowell says he was never told that there would be no AC. Just that he was booked for a standard room. (Shouldn’t a standard room have AC in 90 degree weather?) I asked Lowell to confirm that he was never told there would be no AC and once again he said he was not told. Then, I got on the phone with the manager. She was very nice and told me they had one room left was AC but the rate was double. Double, for air conditioning! I explained to her that we were never told there would be no AC. (Are you tired of hearing that yet?) She said if we spend an extra $20 a night, she could move us to the new room. An extra $20 a night was much better than an extra $80 a night. I told her we would take it.
Being the year 2008, who would think to ask if a room comes with air conditioning!
We open the door to our room and sure enough, there are two fans in the room but no AC. No AC- I could live but I have a one year old to consider. Lowell says he was never told that there would be no AC. Just that he was booked for a standard room. (Shouldn’t a standard room have AC in 90 degree weather?) I asked Lowell to confirm that he was never told there would be no AC and once again he said he was not told. Then, I got on the phone with the manager. She was very nice and told me they had one room left was AC but the rate was double. Double, for air conditioning! I explained to her that we were never told there would be no AC. (Are you tired of hearing that yet?) She said if we spend an extra $20 a night, she could move us to the new room. An extra $20 a night was much better than an extra $80 a night. I told her we would take it.
Being the year 2008, who would think to ask if a room comes with air conditioning!
The Grand Canyon
Our first family vacation with Eli was to the Grand Canyon. Normally, I would not take my one year old on such a long flight but one of my best friends from college was getting married in Albuquerque, NM and I was not going to miss his wedding. So, if we were flying all the way out to NM, might as well drive to the Grand Canyon in Arizona.
I have never been to the Grand Canyon before and was excited about visiting it but nervous at the same time. I have a fear of heights, well not exactly heights, a fear of falling and with the Grand Canyon – a fear of falling off a cliff! Many of the trails at the Grand Canyon are unpaved, narrow, steep, and you are walking right on the edge. My husband has no problems with these types of trails but I know they are not for me.
I was pleasantly surprised when we arrived at the Grand Canyon. There is a trail which is called the Rim Trail. It is a six-mile trail around the south rim of the canyon. It is even wheelchair accessible which means it is Alison friendly. On this trail, you can see amazing views of the canyon and even see the Colorado River which runs through the canyon.
I was also surprised to see the shuttle system they have at the park. It is great that we can park our car in one place and take the shuttle to where we need to go.
As for our family vacation, it has been challenging at times since Eli is off his normal schedule but wonderful. I am relaxing right now while Eli takes his nap.
(Editor’s note: This post was written on June 24th but since there is no Internet access in the hotel room, it was posted as soon as I could get to it.)
I have never been to the Grand Canyon before and was excited about visiting it but nervous at the same time. I have a fear of heights, well not exactly heights, a fear of falling and with the Grand Canyon – a fear of falling off a cliff! Many of the trails at the Grand Canyon are unpaved, narrow, steep, and you are walking right on the edge. My husband has no problems with these types of trails but I know they are not for me.
I was pleasantly surprised when we arrived at the Grand Canyon. There is a trail which is called the Rim Trail. It is a six-mile trail around the south rim of the canyon. It is even wheelchair accessible which means it is Alison friendly. On this trail, you can see amazing views of the canyon and even see the Colorado River which runs through the canyon.
I was also surprised to see the shuttle system they have at the park. It is great that we can park our car in one place and take the shuttle to where we need to go.
As for our family vacation, it has been challenging at times since Eli is off his normal schedule but wonderful. I am relaxing right now while Eli takes his nap.
(Editor’s note: This post was written on June 24th but since there is no Internet access in the hotel room, it was posted as soon as I could get to it.)
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