Making new friends is a hard process to describe. What is it, really? Is it "flirting"? Is it "dating"? When there is a new person, and something about them "strikes" you as someone you'd like to get to know better - how do you describe that?
If you're single, there's all kinds of terms for this type of experience. But what if you're married? If the person you are "courting" is of the same gender?
Since we've moved to Raleigh, there have been lots of new people - and a few stand out as those I want to know a little better. Whether they have a sense of humor that strikes my funny bone, or perhaps tease me in a way that I enjoy - it's interesting how these "new" relationships develop. There aren't the same "courtship" rules. Would XYZ person be interested in going to lunch, if I asked? Would ABC person be interested in joining me to study?
Relationships. One of the few things that really makes the world churn. Good, bad, or indifferent- relationships keep life interesting, I suppose.
Love: Navigating the relationships of life- especially when it comes to "courting" new friendships!
Hope: Someone, somewhere, has those same thoughts about me, and looks at me as a "possible" new friend that they enjoy getting to know better.
Do: Need to break out the books - I'm behind this week!
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
Language
I'm fascinated that kiddo is learning words all the time, even if he doesn't exactly know what they mean.
We know he understands because I've been working hard trying to use sign language with him. As of now, he understands "goodbye", "More" (which also means hungry/drink/etc), and all-finished. He can also blow kisses, which is adorable! This morning, I got him up and kissed his cheek- my usual morning routine- and in return, he blew a kiss back at me. So sweet!
I'll be posting pics soon. Kiddo got an awesome surprise from the grandparents!
Love: Kisses from my baby!
Hope: I get study time at work this week!
Do: Go to bed early, and possibly get up early?
We know he understands because I've been working hard trying to use sign language with him. As of now, he understands "goodbye", "More" (which also means hungry/drink/etc), and all-finished. He can also blow kisses, which is adorable! This morning, I got him up and kissed his cheek- my usual morning routine- and in return, he blew a kiss back at me. So sweet!
I'll be posting pics soon. Kiddo got an awesome surprise from the grandparents!
Love: Kisses from my baby!
Hope: I get study time at work this week!
Do: Go to bed early, and possibly get up early?
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Weather
How's the weather?
About to rain, we need it!
What are you doing?
Watching a strange guy on TV taking pictures in a park.
What did you eat for lunch?
A burger with onion rings and a shake.
What time is it?
A little after 4pm.
Did you have a good weekend?
Didn't do much, but it was OK.
Love: Talking about Rebecca in third person.
Hope: I can get more studying in this afternoon/evening!
Do: Need to start thinking about dinner....
About to rain, we need it!
What are you doing?
Watching a strange guy on TV taking pictures in a park.
What did you eat for lunch?
A burger with onion rings and a shake.
What time is it?
A little after 4pm.
Did you have a good weekend?
Didn't do much, but it was OK.
Love: Talking about Rebecca in third person.
Hope: I can get more studying in this afternoon/evening!
Do: Need to start thinking about dinner....
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Hard Work & Dictionaries
What do Hard work and dictionaries have in common? Other than the fact that those are both things running through my head at the moment, I can't come up with anything.
But then again, what do starbucks, shopping and socks have in common (other than the fact that they start with s)? I digress already.
Hard work.
Some people get stuff in life because they have some sort of natural talent. I feel like I'm not one of those people - and that I've had to work really hard for everything. For example, I'm totally addicted to a VERY STUPID game on facebook. Basically, the more you play (the more often) the more points you can earn, and your "level" goes up. I'm among the highest level of my friends, but for some reason, I can't seem to score at the "top" very often. Some people just have to practice more than others, I guess. Perhaps I shouldn't admit to spending so much time on a stupid game.
Dictionairies.
Every once in a while, I like to think about what the "Rebecca" dictionary would have in it. Today, I came up with what it would have as a synonym for accounting: routine. A friend who works in the accounting/finance field said he wasn't a fan of routine, and I felt obligated to remind him of what the Rebecca dictionary says.
My dictionary would also have lots of new words in it - for the purpose of playing scrabble, of course. For example, the word Keyes would be valid. There are several other words that I come up with often. The non-word "Xa" is another one I thought of today while attempting to play. And the letter Q would have a whole lot more words that didn't involve the letter U. But that's another digression, I suppose, since I really intended on just posting today's synonym from the dictionary.
Love: Making up words. You should try it sometime. And I love to eat. Don't know why, but I feel like I'm always thinking about my next meal.
Hope: Something. I can't think of a "hope" for today.
Do: Look forward to the fall feeling like the fall!
Hope:
But then again, what do starbucks, shopping and socks have in common (other than the fact that they start with s)? I digress already.
Hard work.
Some people get stuff in life because they have some sort of natural talent. I feel like I'm not one of those people - and that I've had to work really hard for everything. For example, I'm totally addicted to a VERY STUPID game on facebook. Basically, the more you play (the more often) the more points you can earn, and your "level" goes up. I'm among the highest level of my friends, but for some reason, I can't seem to score at the "top" very often. Some people just have to practice more than others, I guess. Perhaps I shouldn't admit to spending so much time on a stupid game.
Dictionairies.
Every once in a while, I like to think about what the "Rebecca" dictionary would have in it. Today, I came up with what it would have as a synonym for accounting: routine. A friend who works in the accounting/finance field said he wasn't a fan of routine, and I felt obligated to remind him of what the Rebecca dictionary says.
My dictionary would also have lots of new words in it - for the purpose of playing scrabble, of course. For example, the word Keyes would be valid. There are several other words that I come up with often. The non-word "Xa" is another one I thought of today while attempting to play. And the letter Q would have a whole lot more words that didn't involve the letter U. But that's another digression, I suppose, since I really intended on just posting today's synonym from the dictionary.
Love: Making up words. You should try it sometime. And I love to eat. Don't know why, but I feel like I'm always thinking about my next meal.
Hope: Something. I can't think of a "hope" for today.
Do: Look forward to the fall feeling like the fall!
Hope:
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Secrets...
I am very bad with secrets. Not with keeping secrets, mind you, but with other people keeping secrets.
I have this "need to know" that drives even me crazy sometimes. Maybe that's what makes me a good analyst. I hate it when people feel like they have to "hide" something. It's even worse when they "hint" at something.
So, I do everything I can to figure things out faster. When I was a child, this meant opening presents on Christmas morning - then putting everything back together so I could go get mom, dad, brother and sister all up so we could do it together, by the parent rules.
Even with internet, sometimes it's not as easy to find things as you would think.
Love: Secrets - except when they are kept from me!
Hope: I find what I'm looking for...
Do: Need to be studying instead of blogging!
I have this "need to know" that drives even me crazy sometimes. Maybe that's what makes me a good analyst. I hate it when people feel like they have to "hide" something. It's even worse when they "hint" at something.
So, I do everything I can to figure things out faster. When I was a child, this meant opening presents on Christmas morning - then putting everything back together so I could go get mom, dad, brother and sister all up so we could do it together, by the parent rules.
Even with internet, sometimes it's not as easy to find things as you would think.
Love: Secrets - except when they are kept from me!
Hope: I find what I'm looking for...
Do: Need to be studying instead of blogging!
Sunday, September 19, 2010
A-Maise
I won't be "corn"y, and say it was a-"maze"-ing - but it was my first corn maze! And it was very fun, indeed!
We donned the sunscreen, hat, and glasses (times 3 - for me, DH, and Kiddo) for 90 degree weather. And we made our way around about half of the maze or so! There was also fun in the sand, and with inflatables. I'd like to say we enjoyed the hay ride - but we missed that part! I was seriously bummed. (The last time I remember being on a hay ride was in college!) Another sign that it is, indeed, fall! I wish, however, the weather would get the memo- - I'd like something other than a high of 90 please!
Love: Time with family.
Hope: My muscles and body recover from a tough 4(ish) mile run, followed by the maze!
Do: Get better fall pictures with kiddo when it cools off a bit!
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Service
We eat dinner out, on average, about once a week or so - sometimes twice.
Tonight, we received some of the BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE I have received in a long time.
We went to Mimi's - one of my favorite places, even though the menu has been completely redone, and immediately after being seated - before the waiter even came over to say hello - we had a "toddler plate." This included some cheerios, a package of saltine crackers, and an orange slice.
To non-parents, this might seem like "no big deal." But it absolutely made my day.
Kiddo likes to eat earlier than we do, so most of the time, we arrive at a restaurant and he is READY TO EAT! Many times, we have to immediately beg the server to bring something for him - a piece of bread, a side of re-fried beans. In fact, before heading to dinner this evening, DH and I had a conversation about whether or not we should give him a snack. The pre-dinner toddler plate was awesome. Not only did it keep Kiddo quiet and happy before we had our regular meal, but I actually had a chance to read the menu!
So many times, people share their "horror" stories from dining at a restaurant- such as a bad server that won't refill the beverage, or waiting forever for a check. Fortunately for us, that was not tonight's dining experience.
On the topic of service, I think it is only appropriate that I share some other recommendations I have seen lately. This is a bit of a delayed referral, but a friend recently (7/31/2010) posted about excellent customer service at Jet Blue airlines and with Snapfish.
Granted, my blog readership isn't spreading the word "too far" since my readership is relatively limited, but I do think that good companies and good service is worth sharing. Where have you gotten good customer service lately?
Love: Fantastic Customer Service
Hope: Others will share their stories!
Do: Spread the word!
Tonight, we received some of the BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE I have received in a long time.
We went to Mimi's - one of my favorite places, even though the menu has been completely redone, and immediately after being seated - before the waiter even came over to say hello - we had a "toddler plate." This included some cheerios, a package of saltine crackers, and an orange slice.
To non-parents, this might seem like "no big deal." But it absolutely made my day.
Kiddo likes to eat earlier than we do, so most of the time, we arrive at a restaurant and he is READY TO EAT! Many times, we have to immediately beg the server to bring something for him - a piece of bread, a side of re-fried beans. In fact, before heading to dinner this evening, DH and I had a conversation about whether or not we should give him a snack. The pre-dinner toddler plate was awesome. Not only did it keep Kiddo quiet and happy before we had our regular meal, but I actually had a chance to read the menu!
So many times, people share their "horror" stories from dining at a restaurant- such as a bad server that won't refill the beverage, or waiting forever for a check. Fortunately for us, that was not tonight's dining experience.
On the topic of service, I think it is only appropriate that I share some other recommendations I have seen lately. This is a bit of a delayed referral, but a friend recently (7/31/2010) posted about excellent customer service at Jet Blue airlines and with Snapfish.
Granted, my blog readership isn't spreading the word "too far" since my readership is relatively limited, but I do think that good companies and good service is worth sharing. Where have you gotten good customer service lately?
Love: Fantastic Customer Service
Hope: Others will share their stories!
Do: Spread the word!
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Routine..
Everything has been the same routine lately.
And it just occurred to me that kiddo is 11 months old today. For some reason, it lacks the "jazz" that some of the other months have had. Maybe it's 'cause he's nearly one. Now, to plan a party for him, eh?
It's nice, at least, that kiddo finally likes toys. :)
Love: Kiddo's smiles.
Hope: I can learn patience. Perhaps it is even more important than the stuff I'm studying for the actuarial exam!
Do: More studying, less playing online.
And it just occurred to me that kiddo is 11 months old today. For some reason, it lacks the "jazz" that some of the other months have had. Maybe it's 'cause he's nearly one. Now, to plan a party for him, eh?
It's nice, at least, that kiddo finally likes toys. :)
Love: Kiddo's smiles.
Hope: I can learn patience. Perhaps it is even more important than the stuff I'm studying for the actuarial exam!
Do: More studying, less playing online.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Ketchup
Today, my friends, the blog is about ketchup. The whole blog. How could I possibly fill a blog with Ketchup? Well - it started with dinner.
We met some friends and went to one of my favorite local places. And while dining, the ketchup was emptied by the three people at the table having burgers and fries.
So, as the ketchup bottle from our table was re-homed to a different table (and the ketchup from the re-homed location mysteriously stolen), we began discussing restaurant habits involving ketchup. Do they refill the bottle? Do they replace the bottle? How long could a refilled bottle stay on the table?
The answer? Bottles are replaced. At least at this particular restaurant!
Although, next time you eat ketchup, will you wonder how old it is? Is ketchup from, say, June somehow worse than ketchup from September?
And on the topic of restaurant habits- what about salt and pepper? Or, as my friend suggested, tartar sauce? Are those refilled or replaced? Does it matter?
We met some friends and went to one of my favorite local places. And while dining, the ketchup was emptied by the three people at the table having burgers and fries.
So, as the ketchup bottle from our table was re-homed to a different table (and the ketchup from the re-homed location mysteriously stolen), we began discussing restaurant habits involving ketchup. Do they refill the bottle? Do they replace the bottle? How long could a refilled bottle stay on the table?
The answer? Bottles are replaced. At least at this particular restaurant!
Although, next time you eat ketchup, will you wonder how old it is? Is ketchup from, say, June somehow worse than ketchup from September?
And on the topic of restaurant habits- what about salt and pepper? Or, as my friend suggested, tartar sauce? Are those refilled or replaced? Does it matter?
Couch Tag
Mark has developed a new game. It keeps him entertained for hours. It is called couch tag, and this is how it works. After we put him on the couch, he tags the person on one side of the couch. Then, he tags the person (or dog, or pillow, or end table) on the other side. Then, it's back to the other side. Back and forth, back and forth - for quite a long time!
Love: Silly games.
Hope: Weather stays nice!
Do: Get to the books!
Love: Silly games.
Hope: Weather stays nice!
Do: Get to the books!
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Blah's..
Life's phases are interesting. For me, I haven't posted this week because I have the "blah"s. Can't get myself in check. Tried running one day this week, and still haven't found my "balance". DH pointed out that I haven't done yoga in a while. Maybe that's what I need. One way or another, I'd like to be out of this funk. Soon.
Hope: The funk comes to an end soon.
Love: Eh. Having a beer with dinner, I suppose.
Do: Something.
Hope: The funk comes to an end soon.
Love: Eh. Having a beer with dinner, I suppose.
Do: Something.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Vocabulary
I often wonder what kiddo's vocabulary will eventually be like.
Will he adopt my odd terms - for example, I ask if he is "hungers" (instead of hungry), and I tell him when things are "non-negotiable."
We were playing with the neighbors - and the mom of the 3 1/2 year old stopped calling him "baby Mark" so the name doesn't stick and get picked up by her young son. I thought that was interesting. Of course, I'm certain that's something one day I will figure out for myself.
Until then - Kiddo is signing "more" and "finished". He waves "goodbye" pretty regularly (and even does it if we read a story that has the word "goodbye" in it).
I'm not sure he really grasps the meaning of the words- but he can at least repeat the signs! For now, I'm thankful that we're starting to communicate... for REAL!
Love: silly words
hope: Kiddo catches on and makes some of his own one day
Do: go to bed!
Will he adopt my odd terms - for example, I ask if he is "hungers" (instead of hungry), and I tell him when things are "non-negotiable."
We were playing with the neighbors - and the mom of the 3 1/2 year old stopped calling him "baby Mark" so the name doesn't stick and get picked up by her young son. I thought that was interesting. Of course, I'm certain that's something one day I will figure out for myself.
Until then - Kiddo is signing "more" and "finished". He waves "goodbye" pretty regularly (and even does it if we read a story that has the word "goodbye" in it).
I'm not sure he really grasps the meaning of the words- but he can at least repeat the signs! For now, I'm thankful that we're starting to communicate... for REAL!
Love: silly words
hope: Kiddo catches on and makes some of his own one day
Do: go to bed!
Monday, September 6, 2010
Picture Blast!
Enjoy some pictures today, for a brief update into what Kiddo has been up to lately!
Check out my new top teeth!
Check out my new top teeth!
I learned to stick out my tongue! Disregard the snack I was eating at the time...
I love playing Piano!
Another of my favorite games? Peek-a-boo!
Mom thinks I make a cute bug-in-a-rug!
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Chef
I love watching chefs on TV. I also enjoy eating my DH's yummy creations once a week! But I, myself, rarely venture beyond the "comfort" zone.
Sure, I do OK when it comes to standard dinner foods - precooked skillet meals, spaghetti, grilled cheese... Rarely do I venture beyond the usual! Tonight was a bit of an exception, as I tried my hand at frenched rack of lamb. Thank goodness for internet recipes! Some garlic and rosemary, some tinfoil - thank you to my favorite local grocer (TJ's) for the easy side dish and premade bread!
Tonight's lamb was a pleasantly suprising success! The lamb was juicy, and the sides were good. I even added a salad, so it was relatively healthy!
This weekend, I'm on a roll with the cooking. Rice Krispie treats, chocolate chip cookies, jello with pears, and dinner. Still on the list? Maybe some oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, and my favorite chili-edamame snack!
Love: Cooking - - occasionally. Especially when the results are YUM!
Hope: I'm not too sore tomorrow - 4 mile run pushing a stroller (minus 1/2 a mile carrying a baby).
Do: Keep on the study-roll for tomorrow! But for tonight? Enjoy a movie with my DH!
Sure, I do OK when it comes to standard dinner foods - precooked skillet meals, spaghetti, grilled cheese... Rarely do I venture beyond the usual! Tonight was a bit of an exception, as I tried my hand at frenched rack of lamb. Thank goodness for internet recipes! Some garlic and rosemary, some tinfoil - thank you to my favorite local grocer (TJ's) for the easy side dish and premade bread!
Tonight's lamb was a pleasantly suprising success! The lamb was juicy, and the sides were good. I even added a salad, so it was relatively healthy!
This weekend, I'm on a roll with the cooking. Rice Krispie treats, chocolate chip cookies, jello with pears, and dinner. Still on the list? Maybe some oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, and my favorite chili-edamame snack!
Love: Cooking - - occasionally. Especially when the results are YUM!
Hope: I'm not too sore tomorrow - 4 mile run pushing a stroller (minus 1/2 a mile carrying a baby).
Do: Keep on the study-roll for tomorrow! But for tonight? Enjoy a movie with my DH!
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Pigskin...
It's a bit hard to be completely unaffected by the energy in the air that surrounds that odd shaped pigskin ball.
Yep - I can hardly believe it myself - I'm posting about football. I've never been a football fan - but I do love the social chatter that surrounds it, and watching my husband light up as the first game of the season approaches.
Along with the pigskin ball comes the signs of fall. Of course, for me, I officially call September 1st fall. What else makes it fall?
I bought kiddo a halloween costume. On sale at Amazon - woohoo!
Overnight low is supposed to be 58 degrees. PERFECT for waking up and going on a long run!
I bought kiddo a light-weight jacket.
School is back in session.
What do I love about fall? New beginnings. I've always been a big fan of fresh starts - even though they are often NOT easy. I think of it like a morning - getting up, fresh air, showering.. Or like a Monday - while most people don't like Monday's, I often like the new beginning.
Love: Fall
Hope: The weather remains like this for a good long while!
Do: Need to pull the books out- can't believe it's so late in the day already!
Yep - I can hardly believe it myself - I'm posting about football. I've never been a football fan - but I do love the social chatter that surrounds it, and watching my husband light up as the first game of the season approaches.
Along with the pigskin ball comes the signs of fall. Of course, for me, I officially call September 1st fall. What else makes it fall?
I bought kiddo a halloween costume. On sale at Amazon - woohoo!
Overnight low is supposed to be 58 degrees. PERFECT for waking up and going on a long run!
I bought kiddo a light-weight jacket.
School is back in session.
What do I love about fall? New beginnings. I've always been a big fan of fresh starts - even though they are often NOT easy. I think of it like a morning - getting up, fresh air, showering.. Or like a Monday - while most people don't like Monday's, I often like the new beginning.
Love: Fall
Hope: The weather remains like this for a good long while!
Do: Need to pull the books out- can't believe it's so late in the day already!
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Utensils
We went to dinner tonight- one of my favorites, dinner for breakfast - and kiddo used a spoon for the first time! I guess the yogurt with his face-pancake was a good bribe, because I put the yogurt on the spoon, and he put the spoon in his mouth! And he did this a few more times - as long as the spoon had yogurt, he did whatever he could to have more! Good thing kiddo likes yogurt!
Anyway, it made for an exciting dinner - at least, for me! Sometimes, I think DH just looks at me and thinks, "She's crazy." But hey, aren't we all? Some of us are just more open about our craziness than others.
Kiddo used a spoon!
Love: That kiddo has at least made his first attempt at utensils!
Hope: We don't have to wait 6 months before he tries utensils out again!
Do: Make plans for labor day weekend? or plan to do nothing?
Anyway, it made for an exciting dinner - at least, for me! Sometimes, I think DH just looks at me and thinks, "She's crazy." But hey, aren't we all? Some of us are just more open about our craziness than others.
Kiddo used a spoon!
Love: That kiddo has at least made his first attempt at utensils!
Hope: We don't have to wait 6 months before he tries utensils out again!
Do: Make plans for labor day weekend? or plan to do nothing?
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
33%
That is, 33% of 2010 remains before we embark upon another year! And for the record, I didn't come up with that on my own. I just repeated what DH said... sort of!!
Big work project today, done.
It's officially Fall (in my world), and that means many things. Lots of football games (for those so inclined; not me!) Trees changing colors... New babies all around...
Today we met a kid that will be in Mark's daycare starting in October- her name is Sydney. There are 5 kiddos with October 2009 birthdays - including Sarah, Ian (who was also born on 10/16), Connor, Mark, and soon - Sydney! Eventually, they will be joining the toddlers with Aiden and others. No definite plans, yet.
Mark stood on his own this evening, even if just for a few seconds.
Love: My nerdy husband.
Hope: I get up sooner tomorrow so I don't have a rushed morning!
Do: Need to pull out the books, yet again. I know, that's an update that's getting old. Only two months to go, though!
Big work project today, done.
It's officially Fall (in my world), and that means many things. Lots of football games (for those so inclined; not me!) Trees changing colors... New babies all around...
Today we met a kid that will be in Mark's daycare starting in October- her name is Sydney. There are 5 kiddos with October 2009 birthdays - including Sarah, Ian (who was also born on 10/16), Connor, Mark, and soon - Sydney! Eventually, they will be joining the toddlers with Aiden and others. No definite plans, yet.
Mark stood on his own this evening, even if just for a few seconds.
Love: My nerdy husband.
Hope: I get up sooner tomorrow so I don't have a rushed morning!
Do: Need to pull out the books, yet again. I know, that's an update that's getting old. Only two months to go, though!
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