It Has Been A Whirlwind

This last week has been a whirlwind to say the least. So many changes in such a short amount could send just about any one running for the hills. Some how some way we are managing to keep it all together.

So in a nutshell this has been the life of the Cookies over the course of the last week and a half...

Gwen started a new school...calendar filling up quickly for summer...keeping up with Dr. appointments for Cookie #2...Father moves to our area from Dallas...traveled to NM to close out project...traveled to KS to begin project...travel, travel, travel...lights now out in hotel and writing this in the dark...hot water is now out...four weeks until vacation!


Happy Monday!

Can I get a Push Here?

I would like to think that she is just sitting around waiting for her Mom to return home from another business trip.

T-Minus 24 hours and counting...

Sometimes The Truth Isn't Necessary

Monday morning at six o'clock AM, (yes, AM) I had the pleasure to get up, get ready and head to the airport for another business trip. It was a day trip so I wouldn't have to worry about checking luggage. My only goal was to park the car, walk through security and head to the gate.

I managed to park the car without a problem. Now it was time to conquer goal number two, the security line. I placed my mobile office on the security table and then pushed it through the scanner. I proceeded to head through the security thing-a-ma-jig (that is Texan for I have no idea what it is called).

Beep, Beep, Beep, Beep

There it was, the dreaded security Beep! In the moment I had to think fast. What could I have on me that would possibly set the security alarm off? Mr. TSA said, "Please step back and re-enter."

Beep, Beep, Beep, uggghhhh what could it be. Then it dawned on me...

...I proceed to explain to the security guard that I was pregnant and that I had to McGuyver my (non-fitting) pants to fit with safety pins. He stood there a little puzzled and then stated the obvious, "Why don't you remove your arm bracelet and try walking through again."

Darn bracelet! Lesson learned, it's time to stop rigging my pants and invest in maternity clothes. However, for those pregnant Mommies who are still rigging, just remember that safety pins WILL NOT, I repeat WILL NOT set off the security thing-a-ma-jig at the airport. So, please do not feel inclined to show your well McGuyver ever expanding pants to the TSA agent.

Creating the Perfect Picture

KC is holding down the fort with Cookie this week while I am away. At the end of a long business day he always spoils me with the precious gift of pictures. This is my favorite of the week.

The creation of the perfect poise...

A Hubby, One Cookie and An Airplane

Now picture this...

...a wife and hubby plan an unexpected weekend away. The tickets are booked, the room is reserved and the packing list is prepared. The hubby packs the bags and prepares for the trip to the airport.

The departure day is here and the hubby arrives at the airport to unload the bags, car seat and Cookie into the park in ride van in route for curbside check in. The bags are checked and the security line is conquered.

Line A begins to board and the hubby finds a nice row in the back, very back of the plane. The flight departs and Cookie...POOPS!

The hubby decides he will tackle the poop escapade head on and asks the stewardess which lavatory has the changing table. She explains, "Sir, it is located in the front of the plane." The hubby (slowly) walks to the front of the plane for all to smell the [not so] sweet scents emerging from Cookie.

Five minutes later the Hubby becomes a proud member of the mile high diaper changing club. One hour and thirty minutes later the plane lands. Mission accomplish!

The Hubby and Cookie safely arrive to meet this Rookie Mom who has been in NM all week for business!



Lesson learned: Never under estimate what your hubby's are capable of. Just give them the task of flying solo with your little ones and they will find Daddy strengths they never knew they had.

Have a safe and happy weekend!

I Would Like To Think...

...that Cookie was crying because she missed her Mom soooooooooooooooo much, while I am away on business. But, my nice little - how will they survive without me - moment was busted when the reality sunk in that she was really just missing her evening bottle.

This little "Miss Independence" maybe a little tougher than I think.

Truth or Consequences

Yesterday as we headed down to Las Cruces we saw the strangest exit...



Curious to know how a town could be named Truth or Consequences? We were. So, I referred to my friend Mr. Wikipedia.

The town took the name of a popular radio program in 1950, when Truth or Consequences host Ralph Edwards announced that he would do the program from the first town that renamed itself after the show. Ralph Edwards came to the town during the first weekend of May for the next fifty years. This event was called the "Fiesta" and included a beauty contest, a parade, and a stage show.

You can read more about T or C here.

I wonder what is the preferred side of town to live on?

With a town named T or C it got me thinking what would be some other funny town names, so this time I referred to my friend Mr. Google. Apparently there are several to chuckle at. Take a look here and see what funny towns are in your state.

Mr. Purple People Eater

I recently was visiting with a client and during my visit I noticed that one of the workers was kicking off the New Year, with a sassy new purple hair do.

I wasn't fearful of it because after all it didn't resemble anything like this...




The fine fluorescent lighting really made it shine. Now that is a Lawyer with a personality. I wonder if he was channeling his inner Purple People Eater persona?

Just One of Those Days

Have you ever had just one of those days? One of those days when you are longing for home during a long business trip. One of those days when you are in a marathon meeting and MR/MS KNOW IT All just won't stop talking. One of those days when shopping just isn't enough therapy!

Just one of those days when you look at a picture like this and in an instance you realize that one of those days will eventually come to an end...



...And you will soon be on your way back home to these guys!



Cheers to those days ending and another one beginning!

Lotion, It's the New Conditioner

With all of the weather, heavy travel schedule and preparing for Christmas, I guess you can say I have been a little crazed. However, this morning I discovered that somewhere between yesterday and 6:30 am I completely fell off my rocker and need a vacation! [Note to any local travel agents if you need someone to carry the task of surveying a five star resort in the Caribbean, I am your woman! Just email me at mommyneedsavaction@asap.com]

Can you spot what is wrong with my toiletries in the shower?



Never mind the Anti-Aging face wash because that is correct, but if you noticed the Lotion then you are the winner! Yep, this Rookie Mom has been using lotion for her conditioner since Sunday! One would think that I would grab the conditioner upon my discovery, but nah...I went ahead and just used the lotion again.

Don't worry, Mr. Conditioner after a good nights rest, I will be coming after you in the morning.

So this holiday season if you are traveling and find yourself without conditioner than just roll with the hotel body lotion!

Cheers to silky smooth body lotion hair!

Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Rental Car

I am back in NM for the week and I think that the snow is following me around. From NM to Houston back to NM, the snow has followed me every step of the way.

When I arrived in NM I received my rental car and did not think twice about my little economy ride, until the snow starting falling at a faster rate than this (100 degree summers, no snow, hurricane hunkering, 100% humidity) TX girl could have ever imagined. My rental (go-cart) car this morning looked like this...



...And there is more snow on the way.

I think I might better go back to Enterprise and ask for an upgrade to something like this...

Misguided Credit Limit

Since Monday I have been in NM for work and have been working like crazy.

After a great week of working hard and successfully completing my user acceptance testing my high quickly came to an end when I nestled into the airport bar booth to catch up on a little work before boarding my flight. After all, cheap wine and airport bars go hand and hand.

After placing my order and receiving my $7.00 dollar glass of $6.00 dollar a bottle wine, the [overly loud] waitress was sure to state for all to hear...

"Ms. I couldn't get your Card to Go Though!"

Yep, I am pretty sure she announced it over the PA, for the whole airport to hear.

But much to my surprise, my reaction wasn't geared to the fact that my credit card was rejected it was the overly joyous laugh and point in my face from the gentleman who was sitting in the booth next to me that caught my attention.

I guess you can say his reaction really chapped my hide! Yes, a chapped hide is the polite way of saying he was being a pain in my you know what.

So, I did what any responsible bill paying citizen would do, I called the credit card company to clear up the confusion and handed the waitress my debit card. After speaking to the customer service rep she explained that my card did not even recognize the location; therefore, it was the locations machine.

After the waitress returned I explained the situation and handed her my credit card to try it again, but this time Mr. Sarcastic just couldn't contain his excitement and he actually had the audacity to say, "Did you just increase your credit limit?"

In a button pushing, oh no he didn't reaction, I politely asked the waitress to put his tab on mine. The gentleman insisted that I really shouldn't since I appeared to be in some sort of Airport Bar Financial crisis.

All I could say was, "Sir, my situation seemed to be your entertaining gain and you should really recognize that though I may have appeared to be experiencing a brief (nano second) financial hardship for a $7.00 glass of wine that you really shouldn't be so quick to laugh at someones hardship. I think you need a little kindness today and I hope that you think of this miss interpreted situation each time you burp your mini corn dogs, because you clearly are misguided by the things in life that obviously bring you joy."

He smirked then left and was well in the land of airport bars and cheap wine.

Cheers to sticky situations and redefining the rules of not judging a book by it's cover!

So, I Finally Made It Home

Last night seemed like the never ending travel saga, but that is okay the good ol' folks at Southwest brought me home safely to Cookie and the Hubby.

While on the ground, my Southwest buddies and I continued to exchange stories, laugh about the situation and even shared a few jokes. Thank goodness for my Aunt Joan Collins, [Yes, you read it correctly I have a Aunt "Joan Collins," or as my husband would say my "Favorite" Aunt Joan.] the perfect joke sat in my inbox for all to hear...

Two brooms were hanging in the closet and after a while they got to know each other so well, they decided to get married.

One broom was, of course, the bride broom, the other the groom broom.

The bride broom looked very beautiful in her white dress. The groom broom was handsome and suave in his tuxedo. The wedding was lovely.

After the wedding, at the wedding dinner, the bride-broom leaned over and said to the groom-broom, 'I think I am going to have a little whisk broom!'

'IMPOSSIBLE !' said the groom broom.


[Wait for it, Wait for it, Are you still waiting?]






'WE HAVEN'T EVEN SWEPT TOGETHER!'


Sounds to me like she's been sweeping around!

Corny, but definitely something to lighten the mood when you are not going anywhere. Don't worry they didn't let me say it over the speaker system. Only those in rows 10 and higher with a boarding card A, got to enjoy it.

Happy Thursday and to all of those who may have been stuck on a tarmac somewhere last night, I hope that you all made it home safely to your love ones.

Coming to You From the Ground

The only problem is that I am sitting on a plane in Dallas! But that is okay, my fellow passengars and I are becoming one big Southwest family. We had dinner together, and we are even talking about the weather. Due to the rain we are delayed and awaiting the next big departure announcement from our Captain. His name is Dan, and yes we are on a first name basis and the flight attendents are Amy and Lisa. Until then I figured I would give a shout out from Row 3.

Cheers to unlimited peanuts and good old Southwest hospitality!

You Never Know Who You Will Meet Next

Well, I made it home. Needless to say I ended up spending more time in the Detroit airport than in VT, but that is okay because eventually I got to come home to this precious girl!



Tip of the day, if you are ever flying into Detroit...Wear your sneakers and don't worry about exercising that week. Once you get off the plane you are guarantee to run at least a mile to get to your next gate! Heels and a 20lb computer bag are never a good combination.

Though my travels were hectic this week, I managed to meet some very interesting characters during my time in Detroit.

Coming home yesterday, I sat next to a girl named Greta who is 21 and was heading back to OH for her Senior year. We talked the entire way from VT to MI and she was just precious. We talked about life, babies and how sleeping in until 7 am was going to be the thrill of my Friday. When she chuckled at my statement of sleeping until 7 am, I just simply replied and said don't worry...one day that will be late to you as well!

Then during my layover I met a divorced gentleman who felt obligated to tell me that after 18 years of marriage his wife filed for divorce and his kids 11 & 7 were now living with her in MO and she is now married to a guy and holding the title of wife number 5. Of course, holding tight to my Chardonnay I simply just had to say...that will be $100 for the therapy session with a smile.

Also, sitting next to us was a young solider just back from Iraq who was en route to a friends wedding with his new girlfriend. They indulged in shots and laughter. Oh to be 21. They proceeded to order their "SOCO's" and Corona and of course I just had to ask, "What is SOCO?" They chuckled and said mam, you don't know what SOCO is with raised eyebrows. It is Southern Comfort straight up! I just had to simply reply, Southern Comfort...oh my, well this mam would be passed out and definitely be using the complimentary barf bag on the plane if I had that. They laughed and said I guess it gets tough getting older! Oh the nerve; however, since he is serving our country after all, so I will just let that little comment go.

When I finally got on the plane en route to Houston, I sat next to a Woman from Houston who was so excited to see her boyfriend that lives in Tulsa but was in town for business. He is divorced after 21 years and didn't understand why she was so independent. Let's just say the conversation was Dr. Phil part II. The gentleman to the right of me was an owner of a company who had just lost his business partner due to a heart attack a month a go and has two kids and lives on 22 acres in Dripping Springs.

You could just say for those two hours and four minutes we were like one big happy Row 14 family!

I could go on and on about the different characters that I have met over the last 24 hours, but I would be here for a while.

Traveling is never easy, because it means that I will be away from Cookie and the Hubby for a while, but the people I meet in my time away always brings me back to reality that we all have one thing in common...

We are all God's creatures and the only thing that separates us are the challenges we face and how we choose to overcome them!

Happy Friday Everyone!

Long Distant Hugs

Long distant Hugs to Mommy when she is Gone...

A Little Southwest In Flight Entertainment

Southwest may be known for it’s no assigned seating, but a couple of weeks ago I would have to say they provided me with some great in flight entertainment…

On Monday my colleagues and I all departed our homes enroute to New Mexico. For me the day began with kissing the hubby and seeing my precious Cookie off to school. Of course it also included another visit to the school before I took off. While sitting and waiting for my number to be called, I saw this comical man walk across the airport in a full on WHITE linen suite with WHITE Vans and one sunned face…and all I could think was…Wow Don Johnson in Miami Vice really does exist outside of his 1984 timeslot.

In my heart of hearts I was certain that Sonny Crockett lived on!

As we all loaded the plan in a civil, no seat assignment way of course, we all prepared ourselves for a nice two hour flight. Hey what could go wrong? I did in fact have a Priest sitting in front of me. Just as the ½ ounce peanuts hit the tray Mr. Don Johnson walked to the front of the plan to use the 4 star bathrooms. Then all of the sudden the woman sitting behind me began to yell…

Mr. Kilmer, Mr. Kilmer, Mr. Kilmer can I have your autograph?

Yep, that is right…low and behold Mr. Iceman was on my flight! Much to my surprise I was still thinking he was Mr. Don Johnson Miami Vice, speed boat driving wantabe!

Let’s just say he doesn’t look like this anymore….



And a little more like this…



I guess I should add my disclaimer here so just incase Mr. Iceman’s people want to make a big deal of this precious little blog entry, for the record these are the opinions of a Rookie Mom that once in a while get’s a little unexpected in-flight entertainment!

Members Only

Yesterday, I flew to Dallas for a business meeting. But before I get into that I would like to first mention that Southwest now has a new boarding system. Yes, my friend they now have a whole new method to their "No Assigned Seating" madness. Now instead of lining up under the nice A, B, or C line in no particular order you now get to line up into sections under those nice pretty letters. Granted it is much easier, but I still have to chuckle at the people who still arrive an hour early just to now stand in front of their designated zones under those pretty little A, B, or C sections.

Now to the fun part! On the flight up to Dallas I sat next to this very well put together Litigator from Beaumont. We talked about our little ones that are in school and how we both lived in Austin for a while, business, the weather and so forth until our quick fifty minute flight came to an end.

As we stood up to race off to our destinations I could not help but giggle when he grabbed his coat down from the overhead bend. As opposed to the typical sport coat, there it was before my eyes....an Original Members Only Jacket, Navy I might add! I just had to ask him, "Sir, when you put that jacket on does something just happen?"

Side Note -- for those who are not aware of where my question came from, it was their advertising tag line in the 80's.

I am guessing he knew what I was talking about because he replied, why yes ever since the 80's when I got it in college. I guess somethings are just hard to let go of. As for my hubby's Members Only jacket; well, he gave it away to some girl in Jr. High!

When KC and I look back on our childhood we always get a good laugh at the fashion fads we fell victim to and when we see them pop up unexpectedly in our every day life we just can't help but mention them. So it poses the question, have you spotted a members only jacket lately?