What's Up, Weekend? March 31st, 2017

I made it to Friday!! Not sure how I did it but I did(pat on the back). I will say that even though my week started pretty shitty it ended up being a good one. Here is my list of the 10 things that made me happy this week.

1.Having probably the best conversation I've ever had with Mr. J.Sorry for the sap but I think I love him even more(if that is possible).


2. Kids eat Free Tuesday's at our local eatery.

3. Forgetting my lunch at home but then remembering that I stock my work fridge and have everything to make a cobb salad. BONUS

4. I'm looking forward to tomorrow. My family and I are taking a wood working class in beautiful Stillwater, Minnesota and then having lunch at The Freight House. 

5. Coffee

6. Asking Jake how his day was and every day this week he answers with "It was AWESOME". I love that he loves school. He definitely didn't get that from me.

7. Down another 2 lbs. 10.6 total. Only 16 more to go.

8. I know that I talk about my obsession with lipstick A LOT!! I'm sorry but I will tell you that lipstick makes me happy. These three gems sit at my desk and every morning when I get to work I pick the one that matches my mood. Today I am wearing CRAVE. Because I am craving SUGAR. Which I haven't had in 5 WEEKS!!

9. Piggy backing on number 8. I am pretty stoked at my willpower to cut out sugar. It hasn't been easy but it is worth it.

10. Making my list for the second week in a row. The Peaceful Posse.

Oh I forgot to mention.. Today I am paying my LAST rent check!! Moving in with Mr. J and his house is paid off. Such a freeing feeling!!

Things I'm Loving Lately-(#LinkUp)

I pride myself on being a glass half full kind of girl but this week has tested my ability to maintain a positive attitude. I need a slap upside the head reminder that the energy I put out into the universe is the energy I will get back.

 So, today I am linking up with my girl Divya from Eat Teach Blog for a Thursday edition of Things I'm Loving Lately. 

New Blogs to add my reading list. I love them all but one in particular I would like to highlight. Kimberly from All Work And No Play Makes Mommy Go Something Something. Not only is she my name twin but she is also a mental health advocate(which is near and dear to me). She cracks me up with her witty writings and I admire her honesty. Check out her blog if you haven't already. It won't disappoint.  

Betty White(need I say more?)

 Heavy whipping cream in my coffee. 

I'm obsessed with lipstick. I'm loving a color I've had in the bottom of my purse for years but decided to rock in light of my current mood.

 I'm on a salad kick. I think my skills at making a restaurant quality salad have reached a point of perfection. At least in my mind (which is all that counts since I'm eating it). 

If you need a laugh and like crude humor I recommend The Detour. I'm loving this show lately. It has managed to crack a smile on my face. 

So that is what I have been loving lately! What have you been loving lately? LinkUp and let us know!

Mostly Wordless Wednesday!

This has been a tough week for me and I'm sorry but I feel like being mostly wordless today! I would like to share a picture that brings a smile to my face. Like I say, He is my light on my darkest days!

Dinner From HELL!!

I didn't want to share this story on here because I like to keep this blog positive but I can't shake the horrible way we were treated and how upset I allow this person to make me. Let me backup and explain. 

Late Saturday evening after spending a nice afternoon/early evening with my Dad for his Birthday, Mr. J, Jake and I decided to stop off at the local pup/eatery for a quick bite.  As we entered the parking lot there were a lot of cars. This is the type of place that never has more than 2 or 3 cars in their parking lot. Even during dinner or lunch hours. 

As we entered the establishment we noticed that there was a fund raiser going on in half of the restaurant. The woman who was running the benefit said that we weren't allowed to eat there unless we donated money. When I asked the waitress if that was true she said, 'No, you can sit on the other side and order from the menu'. We seated ourselves, got our own menu and waited for someone take our drink order. It was several minutes before I had to ask someone to take our order. After our drink order was taken we then waited another several minutes before our order was taken. Despite the crowd on the other side they had staffed several waitresses and waiters. So under staffing was not an issue. When we finally got our food mine wasn't prepared correctly and there was no utensils and since our waitress never came back I had to hunt someone down to get us utensils. That person was gone for about 5 minutes and came back and said he was sorry for the delay and that he has to wash some for me. 

By this time Mr. J and I are so upset that I ask if I can speak to the manager who I then learned is also the owner. In my conversation with the owner my intent was to express my concern for the lack of customer service. I had no intention of this turning ugly and I respected that he was busy. I said that as a local establishment we want to support your business but with this type of service we are having a hard time doing that. That is when everything turned ugly. This man was clearly flustered and unable to handle this large crowd(something he is not used to). 

Without getting into every single detail of what happened I will post my review of his business. I am BIG on customer service. I will treat you with if you treat me with respect. I was so appalled by his behavior that I posted this review on Better Business Bureau Yelp, Google Review, Facebook, TravelAdvisor, Etc. I made sure to post this on all three of his restaurants. (I don't mess around)

Worst service!! Owner had a crowd (fund raiser) for the first time since opening and was unable to handle the volume. He stayed open to the public but when we complained about the poor service (no service) we were belittled and treated awful. He called us names in front of my 8 year old son. When we asked him how he runs a business when he treats his customers this way he said, "I have 3 businesses, I'm a millionaire. How many business do you own?". When I said 'you can't expect us to pay for this after how horrible you've treated us' he said, "you're god damn right I am". Several times the F word was uttered. In front of my son. Please think twice before giving this type of person your money.

I just can't shake how disappointed I am in myself for allowing this horrible person make me feel the way I did. I felt so helpless in that moment and feel like the only thing I could do was give my review. 

Have you ever had a customer service experience that left you completely speechless?

What's Up Weekend?-March 24th 2017

I'm joining Charlotte, from My Pixie Blog, Christina from The Brave Wanderer. and Lindsey from The Flynnigans for their revamped Friday Link-Up. 
I love the new title that they came up with. What's Up-Weekend? I have a little story to share about Jake and the phrase What's up? Mr. J and I would always say "What's up?" to Jake and he would always reply with good because he didn't know how to answer. Mr.J taught him a new response.  Now when you ask Jake what's up? He replies with, "Just chillin". It's very cute!

10 things that made me happy this week

1. Getting some packing done but I have to admit I've been slacking. I failed my 5 day goal challenge. Hey, at least I'm honest. 

2. Watching videos of fainting goats. I'm telling you if you want to a good laugh click here. I want goats. I will get one or two. 

3. The Peaceful Posse- I love this new group that was formed by Charlotte, Christina and Lindsey(links above). Not only has this group helped me get back into blogging but I have met a log of amazing supportive women. 

4. Cheese

5. I found this picture and it made me smile. I can't believe he was ever this small. 

6. Driving my car again. It was in the shop for a long time. 650.00 dollars later and it drives like new. It's 12 years old and I love it. 

7. Mr. J has been driving to my house every single night for the past couple weeks after gets off work.  That is 62.8 miles one way. Mr J has to be to work every morning at 6:30 (actually 6 because he is the type that needs to be there before anyone else) so he is up very early. Some nights he doesn't get to my house until 7 or 8 pm. He does this because he loves us and we love him for it. Only 5 more weeks and we will living together. 

8. My hilarious friend Mama Baba. She is my awkward friend that never fails to make me laugh with her shenanigans. She makes videos of herself all the time and each one leaves me scratching my head.

9. The forecast for next week is sunny and 55. Hello SPRING!!

10. Breakfast for dinner. Yummy!

Thinking Out Loud Thursday- Reaching the End of My 30's

I am linking up with the blog Penny's Passion called "Thinking Out Loud Thursday". What I'm thinking about lately is that I am going to be entering the last days of my 30's in less than 27 days. Holy shit! I certainly do not feel 39 and know for a fact I'm not ready to start a new decade as a 40 something. In the interest of documenting the what I have learned over last 3 decades of my life, I have been compiling a list. Here are some highlights.

1) I've learned to shut up and listen! In my younger I would shoot from the hip. React first and think later. I think this lesson comes with maturity but in my profession and in my personal life I have found that it is better to take it in and put some thought into your words before you react.

2) My face will not always look so youthful and be wrinkle free(and that is OK). It's kind of a reality check when you stopped getting carded when you order a drink at dinner. I hope to age gracefully and not kicking and screaming.

3) Saying sorry and excepting an apology isn't so hard and doesn't make you weak. My lifelong friends and family will tell you I was the grudge holder. I hate to admit it but I have some times gone years without talking to a friend or family member because of an argument. I have lost years with important people that I will never get back because of it. As I have gotten older I realize to resolve a conflict with someone I love is more important than being right.

4) Don't push your opinions and judgement on your friends and how they live their lives. I used to be that friend that if you told me something I didn't agree about your life I would be all over you with judgement and my opinions on what I think YOU should do. I have learned to offer my advice when asked and to just be there to listen. Don't get me wrong, if you are doing something that is detrimental to your health or your children's health you will hear it from me but I have learned that your path is yours and I would rather build you up and support you in your path than tear you down.

5) Being happily Divorced is so much better than being unhappily married. I might someday share my experience as an unhappily married woman and now a blissfully happy divorced woman but for now I will just say. Don't settle for less!

 So there is my short list. Stay tuned for more as I creep closer to the my 39th year finish line and embark on my new adventure as a 40 something.

What are you "Thinking Out Loud"? Link Up and share.

40 Questions To Ask If You Really Want To Get To Know Someone

I have recently rejoined the world of blogging and joined up with a pretty amazing blog support group. I thought now is a good time to let you all know a little bit about me. 

1. What’s your philosophy in life? Don't judge people for the choices they make when you don't know the options they had to choose from. 

2. What’s the one thing you would like to change about yourself? I am a HUGE procrastinator! I hate that about myself. 

3. Are you religious or spiritual? Spiritual 

4. Do you consider yourself an introvert or an extrovert? I am definitely an extrovert to a fault 

5. Which parent are you closer to and why? I plead the fifth 

6. What was the best phase in your life? I would say that it was when my son was born but I feel like I'm currently in the best phase of my life. I feel like I am finally where I was meant to be. 

7. What was the worst phase in your life? I feel like to pick one is difficult. I've had quite the journey. I will say that my 20's were difficult for me.  I was lost and searching for something in all the wrong places.  When Jake was born visually impaired and I didn't know what his future looked like and also when I went through my separation and divorce. 

8. Is what you’re doing now what you always wanted to do growing up? When I was little I wanted to be either a photographer or a zoologist. I am a Human Resources Manager. Lol. I love what I do though. I still love photography. 

9. What makes you feel accomplished? I feel accomplished when I effectively complete what I set out to do. Especially since I am a huge procrastinator. 

10. What’s your favorite book/movie of all time and why did it speak to you so much? Too many to name. This would be a topic of a post all by itself. 

11. What is a relationship deal breaker for you? Dishonesty. If you lie to me you don't respect me. 

12. Are you more into looks or brains?  Brains but I was lucky to find someone with both. Playing trivia crack with Mr. J is not always fun for me. 

13. Would you ever take back someone who cheated? Nope

14. How do you feel about sharing your password with your partner? Of course! No secrets. 

15. When do you think a person is ready for marriage? What works for one doesn't work for the other so I can't say. 

16. What kind of parent do you think you will be? I am a parent and I am better at it than I ever thought I would be. I come off as an over protective Mama Bear but I am my sons advocate. Until he is able to advocate for himself I am his voice. 

17. What would you do if your parents didn’t like your partner? My parents are non judgmental people so if they do not like them there is a good reason. 

18. Who is that one person you can talk to about just anything? Mr. J of course. I also have a lot of very close friends that I trust with deepest secrets. 

19. Do you usually stay friends with your exes? Nope. They are exes for a reason. 

20. Have you ever lost someone close to you? Way too many times. 

21. If you are in a bad mood, do you prefer to be left alone or have someone to cheer you up? I prefer to be cheered up. 

22. What’s an ideal weekend for you? I spend my weekend in my Happy Place. 

23. What do you think of best friends of the opposite sex? I will be honest. I am not cool with it. Sorry. 

24. Do you judge a book by its cover? I am the least judgmental person I know. I think that comes from experience because I will say I used to be the most judgmental person I know.  

25. Are you confrontational? Yes, but I like to think for just cause. 

26. When was the last time you broke someone’s heart? I will only say one word. Divorced!

27. Would you relocate for love? Yes, I am in a little over a month. 

28. Did you ever write a journal? No

29. What are you most thankful for? My son. He is my bright light on my darkest days. 

30. Do you believe in second chances? Depends on the situation.

31. What’s the one thing that people always misunderstand about you? Resting bitch face doesn't mean I am a bitch.  

32. What is your idea of a perfect vacation? Hawaii is my favorite place in the world. You step off the plane and smell flowers. 

33. What did your past relationship teach you? Don't settle for less than you deserve. 

34. What are your thoughts on online dating or tinder? I have a confession that I am not ready to disclose. Stay tuned. 

35. What’s on your bucket list this year? Don't laugh but I want to get a couple goats. I also want to finish the kitchen, go on a vacation with Mr. J and plant a vegetable garden. 

36. When have you felt your biggest adrenaline rush? I love rock climbing. I don't do it that often but when I do I get a huge adrenaline rush.

37. What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done and would you do it again? I have a checkered past. Can I plead the fifth again??

38. If a genie granted you 3 wishes right now, what would you wish for? 1. For my son to live a happy life despite his challenges with his visual impairment. 2. To live a long healthy life with Mr. J 3. For my parents to live a long and healthy life. 

39. What’s your biggest regret in life? Not getting my 4 year degree. I have my 2 year and I have had to fight pretty hard to get into the position I am in in my career.  I will get it! It is a goal I have set for myself. 

40. What do you think about when you’re by yourself? Honestly, when I am alone I think about how I want to be with Jake and Mr. J. They both bring me such happiness. 

March Lately

Reading Lately:

I decided to learn everything I can about the Ketogenic Diet to see if it's for me. I have a family member that has had great success and also a fellow blogger. I am not jumping into this blindly. I want to make sure I do all my research. I understand this way of eating might cause some people to judge me but what works for one person doesn't always work for another. For now I will describe the way I eat as low carb/no sugar. I will blog more about it in the future success or failure. No bullshitting.

Watching Lately:

I know I have found "The One" because I am completely ok with watching Sports Center with my sports obsessed boyfriend. Last weekend we spent the night watching Super Cross and I didn't mind at all as long as we were spending time together.

Playing Lately:

Watching my boys (and my baby girl Cooper) playing is something that brings me such happiness. Jake loves Mr. J and we are very lucky to start this new chapter of our life with him


Eating Lately:

Easing into a low carb/no sugar way of eating. I'm 3 weeks in and down 8lbs. I feel great. Stay tuned.

Drinking Lately:

My usual drink of choice is prosecco but since it has too much sugar in it I have switched to La Croix and Vodka. It is Yummy and refreshing.

Craving Lately:

French fries and ketchup seems to be the only thing I miss. I used to be a girl that put ketchup on everything. Eggs, Pizza, Mac and Cheese. I never realized how much sugar it has in it. Oh how I miss you, sweet Ketchup.

I got this great idea for March Lately from Divya at Eat Teach Blog. Link up here. 

5 Day Goal Challenge!

With our move a little more than a month away you would think we would be spending our weekends packing and getting organized. NOPE!! I have this fear that we are going to come up on a week or two before the move and nothing will be done. I guess it is hard for me to want to do anything other than spend every minute of the weekend with my boys doing fun stuff. This is because enough though Jake and I are moving to our Happy Place soon, we still only get to see Mr. J on the weekends.
To say that I need to set some goals is an understatement. I clearly can't be trusted to spend my time wisely.
To help me with this task I decided to participate in Trish's 5 Day Goals Challenge.

 My 5 day goal is to pick a room or area of my house each night to focus on packing. Tonight I will work packing up my living room. I need accountability. Check back next week to see how I did. I will make sure that I take pictures. If you want to set some goals and participate in Trish's 5 Day Goals Challenge click the link.

Happy Spring Everyone!!!

10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week!!

1. This week I was invited to join two blog groups on facebook. I am excited to meet new friends and to learn from some pretty awesome ladies.

2. If you read my blog post yesterday you will know that Jake and I rocked his IEP.

3. My homemade AMAZING salad (buffalo chicken)

4. Jake was on spring break this week so he spent 2 days at Grandma's house. That meant that I got to spend 2 days at my Happy Place with Mr.J.

5. My cat Rosa. Enough said.

6. My Sweet Boy wrote a letter to his new classmates.

7. People are actually reading my blog! I love that!!

8. People don't understand my new way of eating but it works for me and I am losing weight and feel great. I love me some buffalo wings!!

9. Jake's new school

10. I thought this was funny and it made me happy!! 

The Tale of an IEP Meeting Gone Right!!

An IEP(Indivualized Education Program) is a written statement of the educational program designed to meet the child's individual needs. Every child who receives special education services must have an IEP.
Parents that have had this experience can probably relate to the anxiety that can go into having one of these meetings. I have heard of several tales of IEP meetings from hell from other parents and I have also had my share. In Jake's short 8 years of life, I have attended many IEP meetings. I usually go into each meeting with my guard up and am prepared for a fight and it is a time where my assertive out spoken personality comes in handy.

That being said I would like to backup a minute. I have made the decision to move Jake and myself to our happy place. Moving Jake from one school to the next takes a lot of planning and preparation. Being that he is visually impaired there are a lot of moving parts that go into the process of making sure his needs are met. I have also decided to move him before the school year is over which is added pressure on him, me and the IEP team. This was a difficult decision but one that I thought long and hard over. I am confident this is what is best for Jake and me in our new chapter.

So, as I walked into Jake's IEP meeting(5 minutes late-not a very good impression). I felt very nervous. Jake was with me this time because I wanted them to get to know him. I just want to say that this was the first time I have brought Jake with me. I do not like talking about him like he isn't there but I am so happy he was there. It was an intimidating room for an 8 year old. 8 adults with notebooks and laptops all asking questions about him and talking about him. I will say this was my Most proud MAMA moment. Jake rocked it!!! He was articulate with his words and explained to everyone what his day looks like and what his needs are. He explained to them what he likes and what he doesn't and what is hard for him. He explained his vision and why things are hard for him. As he spoke I surveyed the room to see reactions, facial expressions and body language(something I do a lot at work-habit). I could see that they were all just as floored by this little 8 year old as I was.

This group of educators really impressed me with their caring and compassion for Jake and the desire to meet his needs. I have never left a meeting feeling as confident as I did and that they are genuinely going help my son get the best education they can provide. They helped put this Mama Bear at ease with my nervousness about switching his school. Let the adventure begin

Stay tuned for more tales of our Happy Place and Jake's new adventures in his new school.

10 things That Made Me Happy This Week!

1. Down 8lbs in 13 days!!

2. My sweet child

3. My new Cookbook

4. Cooking with my favorite person over 8.

5. Sam's club

6. Cooper coming home. Finally!!

7. Vodka and La Croix. Guilt free

8. Games with the fam. 

9. Homemade Olive Garden Zuppa Tuscana. Low carb version. Yummy!!

10. Fat cats!!