Rain, rain go away.

Nothing puts a damper on a perfectly good week like rain. I was so happy to be able to let my little caged in baby animals out of the house all week, so they could run around like free spirits. I've never seen someone so happy running up and down the driveway with their arms waving all around... it was better than Disney for them. When my boys are in a happy mood, I'm in a happy mood. I don't even need any afternoon wine to get there. Ah, I can't wait for full-blown, flower blooming Spring weather.

Today I took Nathan to the doctor for this lingering, nagging cough he has had since last weekend. It's been causing him to cough all night and wake him up at the butt crack of dawn, which is torture for me since I haven't been sleeping well. It turns out he has a double ear infection, which totally surprised the Dr. because I told her he hasn't been complaining about his ears at all. Now that I think about it, he has been calling my name a lot and not responding when I yell "WHAT?!" repeatedly from my bed at the wee hours of the morning, so maybe the poor kids' ears have been clogged and here I just thought he was being annoying. Just another thing to feel mommy guilt about, great!

Speaking of mommy guilt, I think it's impossible to not feel it every single day. I swear, all I have to do is drop Nathan off at school and see these impossibly perfect mothers with their blowouts, cute mommy outfits, and shiny BMW SUVs and feel like the biggest shlump on the block. I think one day I still had my PJ's on under my coat, I just changed my pants to something less conspicuous than flannel boxers. There is this one mother there though, that just really cracks me up. She comes to drop her daughter off with her boobs hanging out every day and looking like she is ready to hit the club. She even keeps her sunglasses on inside the building like she like is Angelina Jolie and avoiding the papparazzi. I am not over-exaggerating. I don't have any problem with fake breasts, but I just think it a tad inappropriate to have them hanging out at noon with 3 year olds and a 70 year old janitor running amuck. Just my opinion. Hmm.. on second thought, maybe me and her need to start hanging out, she's probably more fun than some of the supposedly too perfect moms I've met, but we will save that for a different post.

Gotta run and get ready for work. TGIF!

Hey, sweet cheeks.

I have to blog about this new blush that I got before it becomes yesterday's news (it's actually last week's news, but I haven't had a chance to write about it) I have been very loyal to Clinique's cream blush in a tube the past couple of years, but when I went to Sephora the other day, I had Ollie with me, which means I had all of 5 seconds to find something new before he escaped from the stroller and started "testing out" all the makeup. They make it so hard to even maneuver a stroller in there, so I don't think they would appreciate a little man running around and eating all the delicious looking products. The last time I brought Nathan in there, he let go of his precious balloon and cried so much until a disgruntled employee went and got a ladder and fished it out of the most awkward spot above the cash registers. The Goldwassers bring the fun!

Anyway, it was extremely slow in the store, so the makeup people were forced to come over and chat with the woman with the toddler who was throwing crackers everywhere. I know these women work in a makeup haven, but do all of them need to look like clowns? I was half afraid Ollie was either going to scream and hide under his blanket or ask for a balloon animal. The lighting isn't the friendliest either, which only overemphasized everyone looking like they were ready to hit an Oscar party. I was feeling kind of rushed and probably would have taken the first thing she threw in my hand, but she took the time to explain all the benefits of Tarte Cheek Stain. I can't remember anything of what she actually said, because again, Ollie looked like he was going to take a bite out of crime, but I liked the color and the fact that it was a gel (I used to use a gel prior to a cream), she also said it would last 2 years, so that sold me. There's no way I will develop bright rosy cheeks within 2 years on my own, unless my kids embarrass me, which very well may happen. (think Ollie hugging the cute dad at drop off repeatedly like he doesn't get enough love)

I've been lucky enough to like everything I've purchased in the past month or so. I love this blush! It goes on sticky feeling because it is gel like, but it literally stains your cheeks like someone just pinched them, or you just ran for a few minutes. The sticky feeling goes away after you rub it in and stays on for a long time. The result is natural, flushed, cheeks that makes this tired momma look a little more chipper during the day. Combine that with coffee or sugar free Redbull and I might even pass for a functioning member of society. Holla!

I can't get no satisfaction.

I have to start off by wishing Ben a very Happy 29th Birthday today!! Poor guy has to work all day and night and then come home "early" around 8:30 to do our own taxes which I've been pestering him about. I suppose I could do them myself online, but he is an accountant, so I'll let him do his job. :)

Well, our weekend didn't turn out quite the way I had anticipated, but what can ya do? We ended up going to Fogo de Chau in Center City and it was jammin at 9:30 at night. That would've been great if I was with a group of people, but it was definitely not the scene I desired for a romantic evening with my long lost hubby. We were sat right away, but they put us in the most trafficated, busy table right in the middle of the restaurant with hurried waitstaff rushing all around us. I swear I felt like I was in pinball video game. I felt tense immediately because I imagined myself at work like that, busy, rushed, stressed... not how I wanted to feel on my first Saturday night off in months. I asked to be moved to a quieter table (yes, I was that person) and they found one for us in the front of the restaurant, away from all the people running around like chickens with their heads cut off (who made up that expression, anyway?)

The salad bar was fantastic, it had all kinds of meats, cheeses, veggies, and salad (obviously), but I tried not to load up on that beforehand. This was definitely a different dining experience, we had these little circle cards with red on one side and green on the other, and when we were ready, we just flipped the card to green, and the 'gauchos' would rush right over and slice all these different kinds of meat for you. It was amazing! We tried Filet Mignon, sirloin, chicken, prime rib, and so many others I can't even remember. I think there were 15 options to try in all. It was served with three side dishes, mashed potatoes, polenta, and fried banana. There was also some kind of delicious bread that had cheese baked into it. The waiters were all very attentive and friendly, if it wasn't for the noise level and commotion I would have been very happy, but I just couldn't get over how loud it was there... maybe I'm just turning into a little old lady that likes everything quiet (my TV is always on the lowest level at all times lol) but I just was really hoping for something more intimate and romantic. I should have just stuck with my original plan, but I thought Ben would really like the food here (he did). It was also expensive. $50 a person (all you can eat) and with 4 martinis, it added another $45 for alcohol, yikes! But, it was a special occasion... Ben better have something good up his sleeve for my birthday! ;)

Nathan had a high fever overnight on Saturday, so I wanted to go up early to get him on Sunday, so we didn't get to hang out alone on Sunday at all. I did get to run a couple child and hubby free errands, which is always a plus. I got the mommy van washed because after taking out the carseats for my aunt I noticed the 6 months worth of crumbs and gook all over the seats. The boy that works behind the counter everytime I go tried to flirt with me by telling me to come in on Tuesdays for senior citizen day. I knew that age defying moisturizer was working. I then went to Wegman's and to my delight discovered that shopping at 9am on Sundays might actually be enjoyable since it was the calmest I had ever seen there. I didn't have to battle anyone at all for a spot and the shoppers were (gasp!) friendly and relaxed. I can't tell you how many times I have left that store aggravated due to the jerks who park in the 'cars with children' parking spots or cranky shoppers that try to run me over with their carts just to get to the best produce. Why is everyone in this area so cranky and in a hurry? I think we need to move down south.

On a random note, I am finally getting a new camera! I've been taking all my pics with my cell phone, since one of the boys beat up my other one. I did some research and ended up getting the Samsung SL620. I'm going to pick it up from Best Buy sometime today... I'm excited! Now I don't have to bring out my giant mommy camera that doesn't fit in anything except the huge shoulder camera bag that just screams "Tourist!" I'll post some new pics after I get it all set up and running.

I'm baaaack.

Wow, I didn't post for two days. My apologies for keeping you in such suspense, but I was held captive in the bathroom for most of the day on Thursday due to a lovely stomach bug, and then on Friday, I was just plain held captive by my children. They were so bad yesterday that I actually took them food shopping, which is usually more torture than anything, but I just had to get out of the house. I was obtaining all the usual items to keep them entertained such as; an obnoxiously large balloon that makes it hard to see to steer the Mini Cooper of a cart, a quarter pound of cheese for Nathan to snack on, Dum Dum lollipops, and a Ni Hao Kai-Lan book, when I noticed my little Ollie was beginning to snore right before my very eyes. Let me tell you, my boy has never fallen asleep like that! I see moms all the time dropping their pre-schoolers off with peacefully sleeping babies slung over their shoulders, and I always thought there is no way my baby would stay asleep like that. He proved me wrong yesterday! Yes, he was so tired from running ramped all morning, he feel asleep sitting up in the most uncomfortable position. He didn't wake up until I placed him in his car seat. He actually looked like me the night before when I feel asleep on the couch watching TV, which I never do. (fall asleep sitting up, that is) That horrible virus took such a toll on me that I slept for almost 12 hours that night. I wouldn't wish that bug on my worst enemy! Well, except for that tool of a bar customer I had last night, but that's another story.

Ollie checking out the selection of cheeses... or not.

I'm so excited, I am busting at the seams. I'm dropping the kids off at my aunt's house at 3pm for 24 hours of pure, unadulterated, child-free F U .... FUN (minds out of the gutters people!) Since I change my mind as often as I change diapers, I decided I want to take Ben to Chima Brazilian Steakhouse for his birthday. A customer recommended it to me last night, they offer all these different cuts of meat on skewers and have this phenomenal salad bar, and Ben is a meat loving man, so I think he is going to LOVE it. A review to follow!

Speaking of bar customers, here's a new one. A couple walks into a bar and sits down simultaneously as another man walks in and sits down. The bartender asks the single man what he wants to drink, being that he is alone, and the couple can exchange a few words while waiting their turn patiently. The man of the couple then proceeds to whine to his wife (very loudly so I can hear), "We were here first, what the HELL?!" The bartender then looks at the man like a small child and says, "I'm sorry for making you wait 2 seconds, I wasn't sure who was here first. What do you need??" I felt like putting that putz right on the naughty chair... his wife looked embarrassed to say the least, but hell, I wanted to put her on it, too, for letting her husband act like a baffoon. I understand it's Friday, and you're stressed from a long week of work, and you probably haven't gotten laid in 6 months, but I just got to work, and I don't need your piss poor attitude bringing me down at the very beginning of my shift. My goodness, are people that impatient that they can't wait ONE minute to get their beloved Miller Lite? Take it easy, buddy! Thank God the rest of my customers came in to have a fun time and enjoy themselves, unlike this man and a prior man who almost rolled his eyes right out of his head and huffed at me that we didn't have Peroni beer in bottles as opposed to draft. Men and their beer, I tell ya... it's like women and their Sephora make-up. (more on that later)

OK, I better go, Ollie is getting into the water cooler again and Nathan has escaped to the confines of his tent. Happy Saturday everyone!

No Turning Back

I figured it was due time for me to do something a little off kilter and random, so I registered for the Broad Street Run on May 2nd. It's a 10 mile long race and I figure it will take me about a month to cross the finish line, and that's with me running the whole time. I know, I know... I haven't run anywhere in the past 10 years except to the bathroom after a few too many beers or to save my kids from tumbling off the jungle gym, but I'm hoping this is the kick start to getting my ass in gear for good. I want to make a lifestyle change to become more active and a better eater, so that I can be the healthiest I can possibly be for my children. The more I think about it, the more emotional I become when I imagine what life would be like for my kids if I wasn't around. It's honestly my biggest fear right now. It's depressing to even fathom but it's real life to me. I lost both of my parents at a young age, and I never really considered the effects of that until I became a parent myself. I always just thought I was fine or a strong person for being able to overcome such tragedy, and I am... but now I just want to do everything I possibly can to be there for my kids in any way, shape, or form. They better appreciate all this when they get older! ;)

So, I feel like I am very blessed to have an opportunity to join this run, which is raising money for The American Cancer Society. How many of us have been affected by cancer? My dad fell victim to brain cancer, my Aunt is currently finishing up Chemo treatment for blood cancer, and my Uncle's brother just passed away a couple days ago from lung cancer. Those are reasons enough for wanting to participate, along with getting myself into shape and having a fitness goal. I feel very nervous about preparing for this event, like I'm unsure of even where to start. I've been back at the gym now for a week and I already feel stronger after 7 workouts, but I am hardly an avid cardio person. I googled training for a 10 mile race and found this training schedule which I am going to start on Monday. Ahhh... wish me luck!

Fountain of Youth

I don't think I can pull off the whole "It's my 21st Birthday!" thing again this year, like I have been doing every year since 2003. I have come to embrace my age (um, 24, duh) and know that the best thing I can do for my face is to take preventative measures. That being said, I decided to switch face moisturizers and try Oil of Olay Total Effects UV Moisturizer plus SPF 15, which claims to have 7 anti-aging therapies in 1 formula. I am always leery of products that claim to do anything besides make my face fell less dry, but I decided to give it a go because I think every grandmother today stands behind Oil of Olay products, so they have to be good. Well, survey says...

It works! The bottle is small (1.7oz), but has a little pump, which I always like because I feel like I can ration it out because it is by no means cheap at $18.99 a bottle. It goes on so smoothly and it feels like it dissolves almost instantly into your skin. My face looks brighter, but not oily. It leaves no greasy feeling behind and the one I use is fragrance free and has SPF 15, which is uber important if your skin attracts the sun like mine. The fine lines I have around my mouth from smiling like the Cheshire Cat are less noticeable as well as the lines on my forehead. My skin stays soft the whole day long. I am by no means saying that I look like a grandmother, but you know there are times when you stare at yourself in the mirror and pick apart every little wrinkle or age spot that may or may not be there, let's be honest! It's all about preventing these things from happening. There was a time in my distant past where I was a sun worshipper and put SPF negative 5 on so I could get nice and dark, but those days are long gone! Tell the truth ladies, y'all know that you have been on some girl's Facebook page that you used to know back in the day and think "OMG, She looks old!" Well chances are she either tans, smokes, or smokes while she tans. I used to do both, and I hope to God I am not on the receiving end of a statement like that. I have 2 young ones that drive me nuts and make me feel older every day, the last thing I want to do is look it, so if I have to have a face routine every day for the rest of my life, so be it. Rant be over, I HIGHLY recommend this face moisturizer, I have been using it in conjunction with St. Ives Apricot Scrub and was told by a bar customer the other day that I "looked like I was 12." Normally I would find that strangely offensive, but I'll take it as a compliment now, baby!

After one week of use, cheesin as usual

Monday Funday

I am a lucky duck right now, Ollie is taking a nap and Nathan is (reluctantly) watching Cars for the 608th time in his bedroom, giving me a nice little break to putz around on the computer. This morning we went and visited my friend, Cherise, who has twin girls who are almost 3 and a baby boy who is 14 months. She's also expecting baby number 4 in June! Whew, that was a handful just to type! If anyone can do it she can! I even find myself getting calmed down by her stern, yet calming Mommy discipline voice, lol. I was almost ready to put myself in time out again! Anyway, the boys had a great time playing with their friends and Ollie conked right out on the 5 minute ride home!

Yesterday was a very nice family Sunday. After having a talk (OK, argument) with Ben about how stressed out I have been recently about taking care of everything, he volunteered to take Nathan and go food shopping yesterday, which was WONDERFUL. It did take him a couple hours to finish, but I was so happy that he took the initiative and he even came back with a very pretty bouquet of flowers that Nathan had picked out for me. Flowers always perk a girl up instantly! It was my also Aunt's birthday, so we packed up the clan and headed over to Carrabbas for an early dinner with Ben's grandparents and brother, as well. The boys were really on their best behavior and we made it through dinner in one piece again! Maybe there is hope for eating out with the kids after all. Red Sangria always helps, too! =)

I am very excited for Saturday, I made reservations to a restaurant I have been wanting to eat at for years, Upstares at Sotto Varalli for Ben's 29th birthday. It's supposed to have a gorgeous view of Broad Street with floor to ceiling windows and be very romantic. We haven't been out on a Saturday night in months, and the boys are going to stay overnight with my Aunt and Uncle, so we even get to sleep in the next day, woo hoo! This is a great beginning to the week! I'm also looking forward to going to the Body Works class at the gym today at 4:30 to work off all the sangria and pasta I consumed last night. Even the weather is nice and sunny today! I just hope we don't get snow like they are calling for this week, blah.