Stepfanie's Time Out

Wordless Wednesday

2010-02-24T00:00:00.001-06:00

Wednesday February 24, 2010

Ok so I'm going to add some words :-P

This is my 2 year old, doing her eyebrows in the mirror.

So I guess she watched me a little tooooo carefully as I did my eyebrows.

She doesn't pull out any hair, but just "brushes" above her eyebrow.

I was watching her carefully, and when I told her not to poke her eye, she told me,

"I KNOW MOMMY"

2 seconds later, she handed them to me,

"Your Turn" :-)

Letting Go Of Childhood Dreams

2010-02-23T01:00:00.001-06:00

Tuesday February 23, 2010

I had a lot of expectations of myself when I was a child. But then again, don't we all. We believe what the world tells us when they say that anything is possible. We believe that we will be the president, the movie star, the doctor, because we are told that they are all attainable. We are completely unaware of how hard these things are, the amount of school we need to go through, the people we need to network with, the costs of classes, ballet school, acting coaches, degrees, and everything we must overcome to reach those dreams. That is when we start to lsoe sight of those dreams, because we realize how much work, how much effort is going to be needed by us. And poof, our childhood goals have just become mere dreams that we used to have.

I had a couple of dreams as a child. A mountain of dreams. I changed my mind as often as I changed my favorite color. Which was a lot. My main childhood dream was to be an actress. I loved the fact that you could act for a living and have people fawning over you and following you around. Something about being lazy and just smiling appealed to me. Then there was to be an astronaut. I loved the spacesuit, and be able to float with the stars and planets. Then there was a time period where I wanted to be an inventor, complete with a set of tools, goggles, and lab coat. These were my dreams. In each of those dreams, I made lots and lots of money, with little or no effort.

So what happened? I realized that getting lots of money, with no effort, is not possible, unless your the daughter of parents who worked really really hard and decided to take it easy on you. Which I don't believe in of course. But I soon learned that to achieve those goals, would cost me a lot of work. Work that as I grew old Barnes er, looked harder, and harder. So through high school, I wasn't a trouble maker, but I could care less about having to work hard. So instead of spending those 9AM to 4PM days at school, I spent them at & Noble, reading books, and using my lunch money to buy Chai Tea Lattes. Occasionally, whoever was my boyfriend at the time, would pick me up and we would go hang out for the day, but I loved being by myself most of the time. Just me, my books, and my latte. I let all my dreams and goals pass me by, as I let all the hard work that was ahead of me pass me by as well.

So what now? If you've read any of my last posts, you know I'm not an actress. At least I'm not getting paid for doing that. I'm not an astronaut, or an inventor either. I let my childhood dreams go. Why? Because I had put myself in a position where they were no longer attainable. What did happen though, as I got older, I discovered the things I really liked doing. My days spent where I should of been learning academically, where spent learning about literature, writing, and getting closer to authors. My forgotten childhood dreams died, but as I discovered my talents, I let new dreams form.

As I write more and more about living the life I want to live, dreaming about where I want my future to go, I can't help but look back at the dreams I use to once have, the dreams that my child already has (being a princess) and I think to myself, that she can be whatever she wants to be. We all had childhood dreams, but the reality is, those dreams change as we grow older, and discovering more about yourself, you may realize how much bigger your new dreams really are.

What did you dream about as a child? What has changed?

Why even go to high school!?

2010-02-21T00:03:00.001-06:00

Sunday February 21, 2010

This has been the question in our household ever since I started up my classes again this spring. If you don't know, I take online classes through the University of Maryland. They have an awesome curriculum and are one of the very, very few places that offers English bachelors degrees. So a couple of weeks ago, my spring semester started and we are just now getting into the nitty gritty of assignments, labs, and due dates. Online schooling is one of the best things that could happen to me. Sure you miss that face to face conversations with people, but when it comes down to it, I am still learning all of the information, and my classmates and I talk all the time through chat, and via our discussion boards. I even found out one of my classmates in my Biology class is even in the same city as I am in Texas. That was cool.

But yes, back to the question that has been going on in our house. That question is "Why even GO to high school??!" Now imagine a 16 year old girl saying that. That would be my sister. My all knowing, AP Honor class taking, tennis champ sister, asking me, and perhaps the world, "Why even go to high school!?".

Why does she ask this question you say? Well I was doing some of my assignments in her room, and she was astonished by my lab assignment.

"Scientific Method? Guess the hypothesis? Probability? This is all stuff I learned 2 years ago!"

Mind you that this is an Intro to Biology Class, a course for non-science majors, the only science needed for an English degree (do you catch how I'm trying to defend my class), but she was astonished that the material I was reading was stuff she had already done and was doing right now. She took a look at my Computer Class project, and again she exclaimed,

"Are you serious?? Make a flyer Word!?"

Granted, that was a little too easy, I've been doing that since I first logged onto Windows 95, but to her it was unfathomable.

My sister has always been a big studier and is quick to learn everything, and as I reviewed my assignments, I did start to think about it. Why even go to high school? I mean that's ridiculous question, what I mean is why not start college early and earn credit at the same time? That is what AP classes are for in high school, the classes that my sister is in, and that is why things looked all too familiar to her.

After a couple of years of school, I've also noticed how repetitive and how actually unnecessary some of my classes have been. Sure the "knowledge" is irreplaceable, but I have walked away from a class with a perfectly good grade, and not retaining a thing. I think that's one of the reasons why most people don't finish college. A lot of the classes seem unrelatable to the degree they are actually seeking, and seem like a waste of time.

So I finished my modest assignments in her room, as she huffed and puffed through reading the rest of Macbeth for her English class. Nodding her head, and ticking her tongue at how easy I had it. I knew most of these assignments were silly, but if it will get me my English degree, I think it's okay to suffer through a couple of more easy A's...

10 Things I Learned From My Grandmother

2010-02-20T00:16:00.001-06:00

I love my grandmother. As with Filipino tradition, she has lived with us my entire life. Living with her, I have picked up the 10 things I have learned from her.

1. The more artificial plants and trees you have in your house, the classier it really is.

2. When the sign in the store says Buy One, Get One, you better buy 3 and demand the 3 free. Even if it says the offer is only good for one. And you'll win.

3. Smile at everyone you see. Talk to everyone you see. Leave a good impression every place you leave.

4. Have many purses. Love few.

5. Eggs gives you beautiful eyes. So does fish, rice, cereal, tomatoes, onions, cheese, garlic, broccoli.....

6. Perfume alone doesn't cut it. What's the point of perfume if your breath smells horrid. Invest in a good toothpaste and mouthwash, then buy the perfume.

7. Have respect for your elders. Even if you are wrong.

8. You have to wear heels because your a girl. Girls shouldn't have flat feet.

9. America is one of the few places where you can get your education by unlimited means. Go to school all the way and get your doctorates. In anything.

10. No matter what ... Family is always first.

Putting Off Tomorrow

2010-02-19T00:50:00.001-06:00

I dread tomorrow. I am sitting here at my desk, staring at my open planner seeing tomorrow highlighted "Catch Up Day." Usually, my Catch Up days are Mondays, and I use that time to pay bills, do laundry, schedule everything for the week, send out all the e-mails from the weekend, anything of that nature. As I stare at these yellow highlighted pages, I know that tomorrow's catch up day isn't as easy and care free as they usually are. Especially since this catch up day lands on a Friday.

Tomorrow is "sort through Truly's room, throw away toys and clothes, clean the bathroom, do ALL schoolwork, finish training for job, write some more articles ...." Trust me, you don't want to know the rest of the list. Trust.

I'm not complaining though, I'm glad to finally get all the things done that have been looming over me for the past week, but why I put them all off to the last possible minute, I will never know. I'm so easily distracted it's hard to get things done, or at least the things I don't really want to do, because we all know if "Go out and buy some ice cream" where on the to-do list, versus "sorting through the dreaded toybox," we all would gladly choose the ice cream. Or maybe that's just me.

So as my Trulybear is falling asleep, I am wishing on the brightest star that tomorrow takes it's time getting here .... but then again, I can always erase my Catch Up Day, it was written in pencil .... :-)

Quote Reflection

2010-02-18T00:44:00.005-06:00

"One of the true beauties and powers of blogs

is that they can give voice to people who are not heard."

- Frank Warren

I'm Dreaming Of A Scheduled Toddler

2010-02-17T06:28:00.002-06:00

What's a young gal to do when her day is turned upside down by a 2 feet tall tyrant?

It's sad to realize that my toddler controls me. Just the thought of it makes me uneasy. If she controls me now, how will things be when she's a teenager. *shutter*

I've sadly decided that with this new baby due at the end of May that I seriously need to put Truly on a schedule. Not a strict regime stating when I scratch her nose, but at least a set time to wake up in the morning. For her it varies from 11am or 12pm. Then she won't get to bed until midnight or later since she'll take a nap around 5pm, plus she ends up asking to eat at all different times: 2pm, 5pm, and then around 11pm! Then during the day, she bounces around the house, strung out on no sleep, surviving on chocolate. So my daughter is all out of whack! Why? Because I give into her. Do I like that last sentece I just wrote? Of course not.

So by "schedules" I mean wake up at a certain time, maybe 7ish? Take her nap accordingly and be in bed by 8pm. Writing that out is so weird because I can't remeber a time m little one was in bed before 10pm! :-( Also my goal is to fill in her elaborate TV schedule with actual activities, coloring, painting, reading, and writing. That way, her day is more meaningful, for both of us. While I'm working, she's working as well.

Sure, toss the bad mom award this way, it wouldn't be my first.

As I stare at my piled up textbooks and email inboxes I realize something must be done about organizing our crazy day.

How do/did you handle your children being home? Can you tell I'm desperate for advice? :-)

An Insomnia-tic Mind

2010-02-16T00:57:00.001-06:00

I don't know what it is but this thing called insomnia has had a grip on me for the past week. Maybe it's just the busy-ness of launching the Lady Bloggers Society, school starting up for me again this semester, and this baby inside of me somersaulting all over the place, but lately I've been one mess of a mommy.

It could be though that I'm not sleeping because I have a lot on my mind. I never like to get too personal on my blog, but to be quite honest, I've been battling back and forth with these awful things called my emotions. I could blame the pregnancy if I wanted, oh could I blame the pregnancy, but my mind has been a constant wanderer, taking my heart with it. To make an extremely long story short, I've been battling with who I am, who I want to be, who I want with me, and who I should share my life with. I've had to make some decisions, important decisions, and dealing with second guessing myself. Let me tell you if you don't already know, not being sure of yourself ... sucks. What makes it harder is also that now as a mom, whatever choices you make will affect your children: whether it's letting someone into your life, letting someone out, changing a job, or even packing up and moving. Your choices are really no longer your choices.

So I lay awake, hour after hour, mostly using my time productively, but other times staring into space, questioning myself. I guess my conclusion is that even the wrong decisions can be the right ones. I know it sounds all twisted and backwards and it didn't make sense to me at first either, but think about it ... even when you make the wrong decision, the right one will come in time, and what you took away was a lesson learned. So why torture yourself, and beat yourself up over wondering if you made the right choice or not, and just live and let live. Now if I could just convince myself to believe this, I should be ok.

My mind has been wandering and I sit here on my bed and try to settle my mind enough to fall asleep. I sit here telling myself to keep listening to my heart, trust my choices, and give time a chance to work it's magic.

Why I Just Can't Work @ My Desk

2010-02-15T04:07:00.002-06:00

I see why desks work for some people. They hold their computers, papers, books, pens, bills, folders, and files. Desks also harbor pictures of loved ones, calendars and schedules, and the occasional bobblehead or two. I can see the "desk" being a vital piece of furniture to anyone who writes, works, or just like to stay organized.

Why I don't work at my desk:

1. The space. My desk is in Truly's room. There is no other place for it. One look at the crowded desk makes me unplug my charger and head towards the dining room table.

2. It's white. And smooth. Kind of like a "princess" desk. Even when I'm sitting at it, I can't take myself seriously.

3. I can't swivel my chair. I have an awesome little black chair that has the ability to swivel, if it had space. So going back to reason number one, I can't work at my desk because of the limited space. My chair is inbetween the desk and a file cabinet, along with computer bags and more files around.

4. Distraction with books. I have a long row of books that I've never finished reading, or never even opened. Everytime I take a seat, I'm reminded of my failures :-)

5. Truly's TV is 3 feet away. It's hard to get anything done, when your hearing Scooby Doo and the gang screaming Jinkies, accompanied by a 2 year old girl screaming "Mommy! Jinkies!"

Thank god for the laptop.

Happy Valentines Day

2010-02-14T08:59:00.001-06:00

Happy Valentines Day All!

My Truly woke up this morning to this!

And now I smell like sausage and pancakes! Oh well at least she was happy!

How does your family spend Valentines Day?

Writing about more than being a mom

2010-02-10T09:35:00.004-06:00

It's hard for me to sit down and find something to write about that doesn't involve my life as a mom. I look back at journals and past blogs that I used to write in, and see them filled with an overflow of creative ramblings, all ranging from the craziest things imaginable to the next. It was easier to write, I think, back then, because that was all I knew. I didn't have the responsibility of caring for another human being, nor did I give two cents about anyone besides myself. Even though being a mom is hands down the best thing that has ever happened to me, when I want to sit down and start seriously writing, I feel like my mind lately has just been closed to writing about parenthood. Granted, I've got some great material on my Trulybear, but lately, I've been stuck.

So how do you get your creative juices flowing again and expand your writing?

First of all, you need to remember what makes you, you. This is hard for me, because I feel what makes me, me, is being a mom, which is what I also hear from other mothers. Which is great, but looking down deeper is something that I haven't done in a very long time.

I'm extremely passionate about

young mothers
entrepreneurship
art
music
singing
dancing
traveling
operas
musicals
the ocean
and the list goes on and on.

Once I had that list of things that I'm passionate about, that makes me me besides being a mom, I felt like I could write again. Quick fix right? I love being able to write what I know, but sometimes I need to be reminded of what I know.

How? I know have this cork-board above my desk, filled with words, pictures, and items that I feel represent who I am. Truly's on there plenty of times, but so is a piece of the prom dress my grandmother made for me, a picture of the beach I want to live on one day, a wide array of song notes to remind me how much I love music, even my childhood home in Germany to remember all the trouble I got in. Whenever I feel like my inspiration is lacking, and my writing needs a boost, I make a cup of tea and just take a look at this board.

What are some of the things your passionate about?

Manic Monday Quotes

2010-02-08T07:09:00.003-06:00

Ben: “They seem to love bubbles.”
Pete: “Oh, god, they go ape shit over bubbles.”
Ben: “They’re really going ape shit.”
Pete: “I mean, that’s an incredible thing about a child. I mean, what’s so great about bubbles?”
Ben: “They float. You can pop them. I mean, I get it. I get it.”

Pete: “I wish I liked anything as much as my kids like bubbles.”

Ben: "That's Sad."

Pete: "Totally sad. Their smiling faces just point out your inability to love anything"

- From Knocked Up

Bubbles make me a little crazy. Truly's dad bought her bubbles the other day, and they have been invading my house .. and my mind it seems. Sure they're fun, for a little while. They come in all different size, and they are pretty cool when they reach that huge size and become as big your head. I can definitely see the joy that they bring to kids. But for me, they make me crazy.

Maybe its how your hands get all sticky from holding the little container, dipping in and out with the little wand. Maybe it's how you get light headed from the blowing, and your lips start to hurt from the constant puckering. It could also, and probably the main reason why they make me crazy, is the fact that my dear daughter only likes to blow bubbles inside the house, to the suffering extent to making our wood floors sticky and our carpets soaked ... and sticky. Yes there are many reasons why I hate bubbles, and many reasons why she loves them.

But the quote above is so true. Our children are so passionate about certain things. They can become so excited, so ecstatic about one thing, it makes us wonder, where did all of our passion go? My daughter gets so happy, light up, squeals, and goes bananas for bubbles. I try to look for one thing that I can get so excited for, that's even close to how she feels about blowing bubbles. Let me tell you, I'm still thinking...

Are you that excited about your work? That passionate about your dreams? Do you have a smiling outlook on life?

First Vlog

2010-02-07T00:49:00.009-06:00

I know it's Sunday and I was looking forward to starting Ask Stepfanie Sundays this week, but it will have to wait until next week. Why? Honestly, didn't feel like it :-) Tsk Tsk on me. I'm all about honesty.

I decided to post my very first Vlog. It was a little dark in the room, and about halfway through Truly interrupts me, but I use this Vlog to answer some FAQ's I get from followers and readers.

Enjoy! And don't forget to get your free e-book from yesterdays post!

Free E-Book Giveaway

2010-02-05T21:58:00.009-06:00

So there are a lot of really cool things going on here on my blog, and I want to fill you in on everything I have planned.

You can look forward to:

Ask Stepfanie Sundays: Have a dilemma going on? Need Advice about something? Or maybe just a second opinion? Submit your questions and situations to me and not only will you get my advice, but the advice from the whole blogosphere. Anonymous of course.
Big Giveaways: Packages, Tickets, Vacations, Do I really need to explain this?
Weekly Interviews: Interviews with other bloggers, business owners, and interesting people coming your way!
Upcoming E-Book (s): I've been doing a lot of writing lately, and blog followers and subscribers will be the first to know and the first to have access to all of them. Whether your a blogger, young mother, writer, entrepreneur, student, there will be something for you!

And the one to look forward to right NOW, a free e-book just for you!:

Short & Sweet Guide to Free Marketing for Mommy Bloggers

This book isn't just for bloggers who are moms, it's pretty much just for any blogger, and it really isn't a "book", more like a pamphlet. Ok Ok, a little misleading, but the title still sounds cool! Anywho, it's just filled with some short tips about how to market your blog and how to gain more followers and subscribers, in a short, sweet, and free way. Hence the title. :-)

This is just a little excerpt from the upcoming book Complete Guide to Mommy Blogging, so enjoy this one!

Also notice, I am now offering sponsorship on my blog to the right. If your interesting about advertising, feel free to contact me on my Contact Me page.

So how to get the book? Easy as delicious pie! You must do these 2 things:

Leave a comment including your e-mail address (if you don't want your e-mail public, feel free to send me a message on my Contact page instead) and you'll get it e-mailed to you pronto!
Also, be sure to Follow or Subscribe to this blog. If your already following or subscribed, obviously you are cordially exempt (and appreciated) from this part. :-)

That's all! This book is yours if you do both, not just one, both! I mean it's FREE!

*If you would like to contribute the upcoming book and feel like you are very knowledgeable about Mommy Blogging or would like to add your links to the credits, feel free to Contact Me*

Stay tuned.... Awesome things are coming!

Our Guilty Pleasure

2010-02-05T21:00:00.003-06:00

My 2 year old and I have this understanding. We love the movies. I've always loved going to the movies. Everything about the theaters drives me crazy. Sounds orgasmic? It is. The popcorn, the nachos, the seats, the darkness, the loudness, and just the fact that your watching this awesome movie on this huge screen. I mean c'mon, that's pretty cool if you ask me.

So when my daughter was born, I knew my movie going days were over for some time. I was not going to be that mother who brought the stroller into the movie theater. Not only was I afraid for my daughter's hearing, but who would want to pay for a movie ticket, then have to leave 15 minutes into it because there baby, who they thought was a good idea to bring in the movie, is crying?! Not me. Sure I would go to the movies every once in a while, but I waited patiently until I was able to take my daughter, hand in hand, to go share this awesome experience I called movie going.

So she made it. 2 years old, I forgot exactly what she watched, but we watched it. The whole movie. She bought her little kids pack of popcorn, candy, and a drink (I know I know, not so healthy, but I cut her a break when we go), and was ready to be entertained.

About a dozen movies later, including Twilight AND New Moon :-) (yes she loves loves loves Edward and sat through both of them), my daughter and I are obsessed with catching the latest flicks at the theater. She pays for the tickets, gets our snacks, and chooses the seats. She knows that that is her and mommy time and we laugh and cry, and get fat on salty food together.

Bonding at its best.

Do you have something special that you and your kids do together? Something reserved just for them?

5 Things I Can't Live Without

2010-02-05T20:37:00.007-06:00

Sure I could live without them, but why would I try??

1. My iPhone. My schedule, appointments, homework assignments, blog readers, games, movies, music, checkbook, my LIFE is on my iPhone. Good thing it's passcode protected.

2. Journal. I have this leather journal that I write in daily, sometimes more. Here is where I write everything and anything about my life, my feelings, and just things I'd probably want no one to read about, but I can't help it, I need to see my thoughts to process my decisions.

3. Orange Juice. I'm pregnant. Don't pregnant women crave things? Mine is Orange juice. I need it. All the time.

4. My Truly Ring. I have this ring that Truly (ok my mom) gave me on my very first mothers days. It's a gold ring with two hearts, one has a diamond, Truly's birthstone, and the other has a Ruby, my birthstone. It means the world to me, and reminds me of my choices I need to make everyday for her.

5. Gray Toms Shoes. These things are awesom

e. I love that they are grey so no one can tell if they are really dirty or not, they are super comfortable, and I feel super cool and hip wearing them.

What are your items you would be lost without?

6 Months Down, 3 To Go

2010-02-02T13:55:00.006-06:00

This morning I had another monthly check up for baby ~~Sophia~~, ~~Waverly~~, Zara. Ok, so I"m still deciding on names, and this decision isn't going well. I mean my daughter's name is Truly, I can't just give my second daughter a regular name like Sarah, or Heather (those are great names though!) but whenever someone hears the name "Truly", they say things like "How unique!, How Beautiful, or That's Lovely", and then I'll introduce my other daughter, Sarah, and people will just say ... "nice." It's not that I don't like those names, I do, it's just I've already set up Truly with this awesomely, unique name, I have to do the same with the next one, or else I'll be getting in trouble with my new daughter for the rest of my life.....

But besides name problems, everything else is peachy keen. Due date is still May 28, and baby's heartbeat is sounding well. Besides the kicking and constant somersaulting, I think this will be ok...

Keep your fingers crossed, and baby girl names coming!

Free E-Book Offer

2010-02-01T23:14:00.006-06:00

This book is a short and sweet guide to free marketing tips for mommy bloggers, and all women bloggers alike! Learn some quick new tips to getting some exposure to you and your blog!

"Thanks so much for the Ebook, I LOVED it! It was very helpful. =]" -VK

Mommy, this is MY playgroup

2010-02-01T14:49:00.003-06:00

It isn't some big secret that these "play groups" that us parents, especially moms, want to attend aren't really for our children. Their for us. We disguise our meet ups with juice, sandwiches, and toys galore, but really we plop the kids down, hope they don't break something, and relinquish in the fact that we are surrounded by other mothers who are going through the exact same thing. I know, that was a pretty long sentence, but I think it works.

I was once in a play group. We met every week or so, sometime during the week and then the weekend as well. My motivation was "I need to get out of the house, meet some other moms so I don't feel so alone, and if Truly makes a friend or two, that's awesome." I am the mom sitting there, drink in hand, desperate for some adult interaction. The appropriate kind of course.

We would talk about our jobs, staying at home, husbands, boyfriends, life; it was so good to hear that my struggles were the same as these women. We all worried about things like autism, and praised silly things like the first poop in the toilet. I discovered I wasn't the only one who would ramble on and on to my toddler, it's normal! Completely normal!

As time went on, we discovered that although we were each desperate for the opportunity to connect with other moms, we each had a lack of one thing in particular. Time. Some moms had 2 or 3 kids, with schedules so out of sync, unpredicatbleness and not-enough-time-ness (yes I connected them) were extremely common in my play group. There were times were I wanted to go and Truly would ask if she would see her friends, but a glance at the clock told me we would not make it that day. The stack of papers on my desk told me we weren't going to make it that week, and my filled in calendar told me the rest of the month was off limits.

While I think play groups are great for children who aren't in school yet, they are sort of an essential for us mothers who kids are pre-schoolers and younger. So now I'm thinking of either starting another one, or joining a local play group. What do ya'll think about play groups? Are they helpful, are you in one, have you been in one?

5 Ways to Slow Down

2010-01-30T00:00:00.000-06:00

Saturday Jan 30 2010

I find myself very busy, constantly. There is always something that needs to be done, right now. Even though I may find a 15 minute space of time just for me, I feel like I'm not doing enough and like a rabbit, sprint off to my next assignment. My plate right now looks something like this:

scouring the internet for writing jobs
e-mailing editors, leaving phone calls
registering for Spring classes, ordering textbooks
writing e-books, books, and books
outlines e-books, books, and books
cleaning while Dora echos through the house
making breakfast, lunch, snack
hiding chocolate
scrambling around the house on all fours, while the 30 lbs on my back screams "Giddy Up Mommy!"
updating blogs
finding missing Snow White, or Ariel, or whoever decided to be lost that day
fit in some hours to work my @home job

Look familiar? Right now I have only one child, your list is probably this x3.

This is my overflowing plate. So you see those 15 minutes of relaxation just don't fit into my schedule. But after reading a blog post by Leo Babauta over at Zen Habits, about How Not To Hurry, I decided to list the 5 ways to slow down that would apply to me, maybe you:

1. Prioritize

I think if you would put Prioritize in your find box and searched my blog, you'd find it a lot. It's something I always talk about, but something I rarely do. A slap on the wrist for me. List what needs to be done today, not what you'd like to get done, but just the things that need to be done. Don't overflow your plate with things that will just eat your time.

2. Keep it Short

If your to-do list is hanging out of your car window as you are racing to the grocery store, it may be a little too long. (I've seen this). Limit yourself to 2 to 3 things a day. One thing I really like from the Zen Habits, is that when you spend your time focusing on just a couple of things, the quality gets so much better because your time is spent focusing rather than jumping from topic to topic.

3. Reserve your peak hours, for you

If you write better at the crack of dawn, get up at 6AM and write. Don't spend the rest of the day trying to fill in blank blog posts, when you know your best material is written before the kids get up. If your ideas are fresh right after dinner, make sure everyone knows, that 1 hour space, you are to be left alone.

4. Cut back on commitments

Do you really have to be the 3rd parent volunteer for Stacy's soccer team, and have to go to every meeting Monday, Wednesday, and Friday? Or can you just be the loud, hollering mom at the Saturday games. At Zen Habits, Leo had a good point when he wrote that we are over committed and that is why we are so rushed. When we try to add so many things in our lives, social groups, 100 sports, volunteer, classes, groups, hobbies, we are actually de- valuing our lives. Pick 4 or 5 essential commitments that won't over burn you.

5. Be Ok with not doing anything

To me, this one is the most ridiculous, insane thing, anyone could ever do. How can you not be ok with not doing anything. Then I did it. I sat there on my couch, tea in hand, and listened to the birds outside, concentrated on my breathing, closed my eyes. If we aren't doing anything, we get impatient and nervous, but after spending just those 15 minutes, inside my mind, I was able to refresh and get things done with more satisfaction, not to mention appreciate my comfy couch.

Bottom line is, we are rushed, especially us parents. We try to do everything and forget about our well being in the process. There was also a quote that started off the blog post at Zen habits, it was this:

"Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished..." - Lao Tzu

A penny for your thoughts? Don't forget to comment at the blue bubble on top.

She's A Crying Machine

2010-01-28T08:57:00.005-06:00

Thursday January 28 2010

Truly has been a crying machine. There really is no way to put it then to visualize this 2 foot, metal, mechanical device that does nothing but cry, whine, and pout. And there you have it, my 2 year old nightmare. I am completly clue less as to what happened to my sweet little angel, but she has now turned into a this 3 foot tall infant.

I am now about 6 months prego, and I think all this baby talk has reverted my little girl's mind to thinking she is a baby again. She will point at something and goo and gaa, whine and pout, and the artificial tears will flow. Fake crying. This is extremely frustrating when you've spent the whole day working, cooking, cleaning, and are trying to fit in those late night hours to get some writing done, and you have a completely able to speak daughter pointing and crying at her Barbie doll.

Yet, when I tell her she's a big girl and that she has to talk, she laughs and tells me,

"No, I am a baby" and continues to cry, whine, and go full brat on me. Can you tell I haven't been much of a disciplinarian?

Now it's time to be drill sergeant mommy! Ok, now, I'm not going to be that harsh on my toddler, but maybe a little essence of drill sergeant mommy may help this problem of ours. I am putting my foot down and her butt down in that time out chair. It was honestly working, until I ... well got lazy and stopped enforcing it. Yes, slap me on the hand, shame on me, I get it now.

Oh yes, and the giveaway is coming sooooon :-)

UNDER CONSTRUCTION!

2010-01-26T11:44:00.001-06:00

Tuesday, January 26 2010

I am COMPLETLY re-vamping my blog for a brand new blogging venture. So excuse the mess, it doesn't look like much, but I am working hard! Feel free to browse through past posts and be sure to subscribe, follow, or bookmark this blog because, very soon, when I relaunch my blog, I am going to have an AWESOME, INCREDIBLE giveaway!!!

See you all within the next week!!!!!! :-)

Molly Brown Designer Girls Jewellery [Review]

2010-01-26T08:05:00.000-06:00

Tuesday, January 26 2010

A frequent online shopper myself, I love love love the selection in little girls jewelry from Molly Brown. When my daughter got her ears pierced, at the tender of age of 6 months (gasp!), I knew this was the beginning of fine jewelry : Claires! My mother had a better idea, and bought her $500 princess cut diamond earrings. Let's just say, I am very jealous of my daughter's earlobes. Needless to say, she wears these earrings all the time, but I've gotten to realize that if she loses those earrings, that is $500 down the drain, and goodbye to the sentimental-ness of her first earrings.

She has to wear something cute, and girly, she is a cute girl by the way :-) So this jewelry website was brought to my attention and I fell in love with all the products. Needless to say they may be on the pricier said, but nothing compared to her $500 earrings.

They have an awesome selection of natural pearl earrings, precious metals, and unique gemstones chosen for their color and clarity. Ranging from jelly bean necklaces, to fairy and princess charms, this online store makes even older women remember wanting to look like a princess as a child. And with this jewelry, you will. The Molly Brown Collections are meant to be simple and sophisticated, but designed to be loved and worn forever. All jewelry is gift-wrapped as a special keepsake.

They have been described as "Tiffany for Girls" from Vogue Magazine, and if your order is not right, they'll refund your order and replace it as simple as that. I think that's one of my biggest worries when shopping online, but Molly Brown makes it incredibly easy.

Quite honestly, I'm sure to buy something for myself as well. If your in the market for some jewelry, or an adorable piece for yourself, check out the Girls Jewellery here.

Sick Sunday

2010-01-24T10:53:00.005-06:00

Sunday January 24 2010

Watching our church service online while Truly is sick at home with strep :-(

Financial Peace

2010-01-23T08:00:00.000-06:00

Saturday January 23, 2010

When you have a second baby on the way and your frequently worried about your bank account going into overdraft, I believe you have a problem. I am talking about myself. So .... I'm a bit of a spender. Sue me. Well don't, because I won't have the money. But like I was saying, I'm a spender. In my previous post, you know a lot of my money goes to restaurants, but besides that I'm a frequent Target-er. Once I step into that holiest of stores, my debit card weeps as we walk out. I mean, I can't help it, they have EVERYTHING. Malls as well. Malls are my weakness. We have this one outdoor mall less than 2 minutes away from my house, the best one, and that is Truly's and my hangout. What causes me to spend so much? Honestly, it's mainly just boredom. Nothing to do today? Let's go shopping.

So when is this rambling on about me spending money going to get to a point that you actually want to care about. Well I've finally taken a step towards budgeting my money and paying off my debt. Heard of Dave Ramsey? Well I have and he's attitude towards money and all of his philosophies are right up my alley for a gal like me. I joined one of his classes, Financial Peace University to see if I can pay off my credit card debt, save for emergencies, save for purchases, and basically get a hold of money. Want more info, visit his website here at www.DaveRamsey.com. And this isn't even a review! lol

I pulled my mother into this endeavor because, well, I learned my money habits from someone! And it was her. So you could guess she's in the same situation as me. So the class is 13 weeks, every Wednesday night. I have my materials and am ready to go.

Step 1: Do not put a single charge more on that credit card!

..... oy vey.... this will be a long 13 weeks ....

Start-rite Shoes [Review]

2010-01-22T17:27:00.009-06:00

Friday, January 22, 2009

The one thing that frustrates me about Truly, besides the fact that my toddler and I are exactly the same and but heads on a daily basis, is that she is growing. There’s no big unveil there that our children grow, but I mean it’s crazy that a pair of shoes I bought last month are now too small for her. This provides a complication for a budget friendly mommy but a fashion forward child. So my new mission lately has been updating Truly’s too-small wadrobe. I’ve never really had a problem buying her clothes, they are plenty of stores online and at the malls where we buy clothes for her, but shoes have been a problem. I have high standards for shoes because my daughter is extremely active. Jumping, running, outdoors, she is all over the place and if she doesn’t have good shoes, she’ll have red and blue feet. After a day of shopping, I don’t blame her.

So I’ve been doing some shopping online and what not and have found a kids shoe’s website that was recommended to me that

is right up my alley. Not only are they incredibly adorable, but are built for comfort for our active and sometimes not so active children. Start-rite shoes got their start in the 1700’s in Norwhich, where their headquarters are still located to this day. They have an incredible history of making well-fitted, quality shoes. They are known world wide and even the Princes of England and the Royal Family have been outfitted in over 1500 pairs! They have great shoe size fitting resources on their webpage to make sure you choose the right size and width for your children. They are based in the UK, but have plenty of stores in the US. Visit their website to find a location nearest you!

You can visit their website here and

check out their Girls' Wellies shoes! Adorable!

Lazy Chef Stepfanie

2010-01-21T12:45:00.004-06:00

Thursday, January 21 2009

I'm a horrible cook. Ok, that may have sounded a bit harsh, I don't really think I am a horrible cook. I'm just a lazy cook. I love microwavable food, anything that I can pop in the oven for 30 minutes, and reading recipes. I can defeintly follow a recipe. What I can't do is stand there in my kitchen, open the fridge and pantry, and think "Hmmm, what can I make?" If there aren't any instructions, you probably won't see Stepfanie cooking. It's not that I havn't tried, I just don't have the patience. I usually wait til the last minute where my stomach is growling and attacking me starving and I just don't have the patience to stand over the boiling pot of water.

Can I blame my mother for this? She never cooked either. She knows how, sure, but my stepdad has always done the cooking in our house. Her philosophy was, and is, "I don't want to cook and clean after you, so let's just go out." It's a philosophy I have chosen to say with my daughter. "We are hungey, I don't want to wash dishes and clean the table, let's go get some italian food down the street!"

I will admit that the other day I made awesome garlic macaroni and cheese from scratch that Truly and I inhaled in .0003 seconds. So it's not that I can't cook, it's just my timing is all wrong! :-/

How do you set aside time for cooking, any advice would be great!

Jumping into it!

2010-01-18T13:20:00.004-06:00

Monday, Januray 18, 2009

Happy MLK Day everyone!

I am so dedicated to find myself this year. I think that this last year took it's toll on me. I had some amazing highs, and then some ultra low lows. I definetly had done some soul searching and plan on implenting them very soon. I feel like I don't have time to waste anymore. I have baby number 2 on the way, and I feel like it's time to stop thinking "Oh, I would love to do that but....". I want to do so much, but my mind has been stuck in this place of thinking, instead of doing. Having children hasn't changed any of my plans, like writing, or seeing the world, it's only made my plans that much more exciting. I mean, who's going to take your picture at the Taj Mahal? Why your 5 year old daughter of course! I definetly want to show them that if you really want something in life, that you should go for it. Naturally, my children are going to come before any big decisions that I make, but my dreams in all honesty, come off of them.

When we lived in Germany, my mother toted us around all of Europe every weekend. I loved it. I want my children to have those kind of experiences too, to know all of what is around them, and to have an appreciation for what life has to offer.

I look back at this blog, and I see all talk. Well, type. How I am going to start taking writing seriously, and blah blah blah. I'm a big dreamer, but when it comes to do doing, I chicken out.

If you want something, go for it. Let's see what this new me can do ;-)

Super Busy

2010-01-12T09:50:00.005-06:00

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

So I've been super busy lately. You'll catch on that I like to use the word super as an adjective when things get out of hand in my life. I havn't been busy, I've been super busy. I started my training for my new job at home, and it's from 9 to 5. Granted we do have a lot of breaks to get training done on our own, but Truly is flipping out when I tell her I can't leave my computer. I wasn't expecting that. I guess she has taken a liking to me over Dora. Even though I should be ecstatic that I am finally being chosen over the Disney Channel, I'm super frustrated that her unwillingness to part from me comes at a time where I am trying to work. So here I am with my headset, totting my laptop from room to room with her trying to figure out what she wants.

"Put on Barbie" She says.
"Make me eggs" She cries,
"Dance with me" She squels,
"Clean up my toys" She yells,
Yes she just yelled at me to clean up her toys.
"Find my brush" She beckons,
"Mommy!!!!" She screams,
Whaaaat?!
"I love you" She smiles.

Oh boy....... This will be a long, super, ordeal working from home. Excuse me while I go off and find a nice playgroup for her ...

Books Books Everywhere, But Not A Word To Read

2010-01-10T00:09:00.004-06:00

Sunday, January 10, 2010

On my desk, I have a a row of about 40 books. All rather different: Business, Parenting, Writing, Religion, Finance, and How Tos. Did you catch that? All different kinds except a fiction book. I used to be able to spend the whole day just locked up in my room reading, book after book. Now it seems like the only books I open are "How To Stop Your Screaming Toddler", or "Becoming a Millionaire God's Way." Yes, that is indeed an actual book. That I own.

I know my time is limited know between working and chasing after Truly all day long, but I know I have time to read a book. I good probably steal a couple of hours in the day to catch up on my reading if I cut out some social networking, eating, napping, and the occasional flipping of the channels. I mean, I really miss the days of getting so caught up in a character's life, crying with every heartbreaking moment, busting out of my seams at every fall, it's really quite amazing the effect that a couple of words and pages can do for your psyche.

So let's have it, read any good books lately?

Thank you 500 Days of Summer

2010-01-08T13:25:00.004-06:00

Yesterday, 2 of my best girlfriends came over for a movie afternoon to watch The Ugly Truth and 500 Days of Summer. Our good friend Josh recommended we watch The Ugly Truth so we could get advice on guys (even though we already knew everything). After The Ugly Truth, which was pretty funny, I love Gerard Butler, but I still can't picture him as anyone but the phantom in the Phantom of the Opera.

So they had to leave, but my friend left me 500 Days of Summer so that I could watch it. And I did. And I loved it.

This movie is not a love story. But you think it is. If you haven't seen it, don't read this because I will spoil it for you and I honestly think you should see it.

The boy believes in love, the girl believes that love is just a fantasy. They're relationship is based on loving those quirky attributes, and having fun with each other doing anything. He loves her. She's not sure.

Well long story short, they break up, he loses his mind, and she moves on. From the beginning she told me she never wanted to be someone's girlfriend. Later on in the movie, after they meet again, she is getting married. He's desperatly confused in how she could marry someone after she couldn't even be his girlfriend.

She explains to him that when she met this other guy, she just knew. She had this feeling, this distinct feeling, "I am in love", that she never had with the first guy. Her life is completely changed because of that automatic, unplanned, unforced, feeling of love.

I never believed in that instantaneous spark of love ... until recent events.

This movie enforced my new beliefs.

Do you believe that connection, that love, of just knowing right away?

Very Simple, Very Easy .. Giveaway

2010-01-07T15:03:00.000-06:00

Sunday, January 10, 2010

Hi Blogosphere! In light of the New Year and returning to blogging, me and my bloggy buddy at Jen's Space, have decided to give away a $50 Target Giftcard. If you love Target as much as I do, then you know the endless possibilities this $50 giftcard can bring.

There couldn't be a simpler way to win:

1. Follow This Blog

2. Follow my twitter @stepfanieb

Then just leave a comment telling me you did!

Easy as delicious applie pie!

Giveaway ends January 13! Make sure to leave an e-mail or link to your blog!

Living By Example, Beyond The Daily Routine

2010-01-07T11:09:00.007-06:00

Thursday January 7 2010

Leading by example, I've realized, is so much more than one would actually think. Sure, the usual applies here like watching your language, showing your children your cleaning up after yourself, recycling, and that you have good manners and respect towards other people. I've learned, by trail and error, that your children mimic and pick up everything that you say. Naturally, they want to be like their parents, and live like we do.

Living by example is so much more than household habits and daily routines. Our children see our relationships, our friendships, our work ethic, our businesses, and even though we may think they are not there, they also see our downfalls. We want our children to be in healthy relationships, but we continue to stay in a love less marriage. We want our children to go to college, but we could never quite finish that bachelors degree. We want our children to get a good job, but they see you come home in anguish every evening and complain about how horrible your 9 to 5 is. Sure, we could live by "bad example", a case of what-not-to-do, but children can only learn and pick up what they see, barely anything of what they are told.

Living by example is showing your children that everything is possible. Being ecstatic about your job and loving your spouse with all your heart, let's your child now that these things are possible for them. If you are not happy with your life, how will they ever be? You need to be the example, the outline, for where you want them to go in life, what you want them to have, and the people you want them around. They'll never know love unless you show them, they'll never know determination unless you show them, and they'll never now gratitude and respect, unless you, the parent, show them.

Parent's pick up very early that children love to mimic them, what we fail to realize is that the learning never stops. They don't see us do a good deed and stop and think how great that is, their mind is still jotting down what we are doing when they see us pick up a $5 bill that we didn't drop.

I'm very guilty of failing to realize that being parent is so much more than just teaching, it's living better for myself, to give her a better start. The one person a child will always trust is their parent. That's a huge responsibility given to one or two people.

I want my child to know what true love is, so my job is to show her in my relationships. I want her to go to college, I need to finish myself. I want her to love her job, I need to be passionate about my work. I want my daughter to never be discouraged, then I do fail, I will get right back up with no complaints.

The reality is, living by example goes beyond daily routines of good deeds and manners. If you can't show them how you want them to live, and set these expectations in your life as well, then your'e leaving their future up to chance. Who knows where that will take them?

*voices.mysanantonio.com/stepfaniebishop

Texan for now, New Yorker (or Parisian) at heart!

2010-01-02T07:00:00.001-06:00

Saturday, January 2, 2009

I've always wanted to live in New York City. Every single movie that I've loved has always been set in New York City. I've lived in one city all of my life, except for the 3 years we spent in Germany, which by the way, was the best times in my life. Everything about NYC is inviting to me: the people, the food, the galleries, the music, the shopping, I can honestly go on and on, but no one wants that now do they?

For the longest time I've thought that moving there would be impossible, until I came across a blog about a teacher who works in NYC. Her blog is pretty much about her job and her life there every single day. It's brilliant really. She's doing the things I want to do. Visiting art galleries, grading papers, and riding her bike to work. If you ride a bike here in Texas, expect to be pummeled by a Ford 250. Sorry for the visual. She said after she got her degree, she passed the teaching certification in New York, interviewed for a job, and moved there the next week. I hate houses, and having to maintain a yard, so a little apartment in the city would be more than cool for me.

I've also thought about raising your children there. I envision them being well-rounded, art influenced, completely awesome kids. I mean here, we have the mall and the movies. Our Zoosucks, our parks suck, our museums suck. I've been there, done that, with all of these places, and it seems like in time, they are actually getting worse.

Of course the location in NYC is key when determining where to raise a family, but I'd want them enriched in the city. We visited there last summer, and the time we spent there, it was raining, and I absolutely even loved the rain.

There's also a teacher I had in my first year of college. I was taking an online class and my teacher was teaching it, from Paris, France. She said she teaches at a number of schools online and moved to Paris because she didn't have to be in one place to teach. Now that's cool!

I know I could never convince Adam to move our lives anywhere far away from our families. But boy, would that be awesome, and I would be packed and ready to go!

Hemp Jewelry

2010-01-01T14:27:00.011-06:00

I started making Hemp Jewelry as a cool way to relieve stress, and have some custom pieces to wear. I love the "Eco-Friendly" and "Earthly" design and feel of hemp jewelry. I also offer custom pieces if you want to have beads that are the color of your childrens birthstones, or anything fun you'd really like.

*Updating pictures and inventory

Add $5 Shipping through USPS

Price: $5.50

Price $5.50

Goals for 2010, See Ya 2009!!!

2009-12-31T08:00:00.001-06:00

Thursday December 31, 2009

Wow, 2010 is less than 24 hours away. Even though I do not recall how I spent my last New Year's Eve, (probably sleeping then), I feel like this year just flew right past me. It has been eventful and un in some places.

How my 2009 was:

Adam and I ended up really connecting this year and made some great progress in our relationship, oh and got engaged. And (both of us) really did a lot of growing up. Ok... I probably needed to do a little more growing up, but he learned how to put up with me.
I came, I saw, I gave up. With my residential cleaning business building up speed, after a few bumps in the road, I ended up just giving up altogether. Those couple of bumps were pretty scary for me, and scared me out of business, something I regret to this day.
Truly proved she is just like me and every single way. Oh boy.
I finally chose a career path: English Degree, Teaching, and Writing.
I spent alot of money. A lot. Money that wasn't mine, i.e. credit cards.

So there was a lot of good and bad, but mostly good. And I didn't even try to make the good. So I expect 2010 to be awesome because I will exert a lot more effort. I never really made any New Years Resolutions, but this year I want to have goals to look forward to. With new things happening to me in the last couple of months, I know this New Year is going to be filled with fun.

Goals for 2010

Get rid of most (if not all) of my credit card debt. When I am done with school, I only want to have my student loan debt, if I can avoid as much of that as possible.
Build a savings account. Because right now, my balance on it say $0.98.
Re-build my residential cleaning service business
Begin my novel, or two
Keep my 2 new work at home jobs in order to pay off debt faster
Give birth to baby number 2!
Give more to charities, mission work, and the less fortunate
Become a better mother, daughter, sister, granddaughter, and child of God.

Wow, I am expecting a lot of myself, but I know I can do it. That is what is surprising me the most, I know I can do it.

See ya'll next year, as tonight we welcome 2010!

To Wordpress or Not To Wordpress?

2009-12-30T16:22:00.005-06:00

So I've spent the better part of my day re-designing this blog to change things around, since I am back to blogging, and then I forgot all about wordpress. So now I am trying to decide if I should transfer my domain name and blog to Wordpress. What do you guys think? Are you using wordpress and love it?

I've designed a Wordpress blog here at http://www.stepfanieb.wordpress.com, so if I do switch, it will be here.

Any thoughts suggestions would definitely suffice :-)

"Hey There, You Come Here Often?"

2009-12-29T22:53:00.006-06:00

Tuesday December 29, 2009

Why Hello Again! Didn't expect to see me here now did you! :-) I always said one of the worst things is discovering an empty, deserted blog, and here I was completely

neglecting mine. But I am back. And with a vengeance. Well, not really, but back to re-blog what's going on in my life, my thoughts, some views, and a little mix of everything really.

So I guess you are dying to know what I have been up to in the last couple of months. So let me catch you up to speed. I am still 21. That won't change until July so we are good there. I am almost 5 months pregnant with baby #2. We won't find out the sex of the baby until January 5th, but I am hoping for a girl, only because I would be completely dumbfounded on what to do with a boy. You can't put them in pageants and ballet right??

My fiance and I are still together, and have moved the wedding until...later. We'll figure it out after the baby is born and when we get our finances in check again. It seems whenever I am pregnant, my credit card bills go through the roof. Not my fault at all. I swear.

My Truly is 2 and a half. She had her first Christmas Recital the other week and did an awesome job. She had no signs of stage fright, and even though she did a quick finger-to-the-nose-to-the-mouth on stage, she had a blast.

First one on the left :-)

I still stay at home. I do try to do some freelance writing work (when I can find any!) but I do start 2 new work at home jobs in January. One for Alpine Access doing some customer service support, and another with Apple as a Chat Representative. So that should keep me busy, all while keeping an eye on my Truly, and building this baby inside of me.

I start classes in January as well at The University of Maryland through their online program (I am in Texas). I'll be able to finish my Bachelor's in English through them 100% online. So I am also very excited about that.

So as you can see, I took a couple of months off from blogging and writing altogether to try and figure everything out. The shock of having another baby pretty much through me for a loop. A very long loop. So after everything has been given a place, I got back into writing, and instead of blogging, I was given this awesome leather journal from my dear Adam to write in. But I have missed my blog, so I've decided any cool things, and not so-cool, I would transcribe here onto the blog. I really missed writing and I am glad that I have awesome followers who stuck around through my hiatus, or if you didn't even notice, that's cool too!!

Well that's what's going on. I promise I will not go MIA again, I definitely need my time out place as much as the next mom.

Now off to go visit my neglected mommy blogs!!

To My Anonymous Poster

2009-10-07T10:44:00.009-05:00

Anonymous said...

What to do is exactly what you've done so far...be a great mommy and mommy-to-be to your two children.

However, I have to say that I'm saddened that you decided to put yourself in a position to become pregnant again. I thought you were a Christian woman who wanted to do what was right. One time is a wake-up call. Twice is you should have made better decisions. (as in sex AFTER marriage, not before- even if he does love you). I hope that your pregnancy goes well and that your wedding- more importantly, your marriage- goes well. Be Happy & Be wise.

To My Anonymous poster:

Thank you, I know that I will try my *bestest* to be a great mother to 2 children, instead on now just one.

I never claim that I am a Christian woman, or even want to do what's right for that matter. My Christian faith does help me when I am in need and helps me to be a stronger person, but I never claim to be a "christian" woman. I think I make many mistakes, but do know that my mistakes are forgiven.

I'ts not that I had sex with him "once 8 weeks ago" because he loves ME. I don't mean to alarm anyone, but we have a perfectly well and busy intimate life. There was just a mishap with switching birth control methods, etc. He's my fiance, the father of my 2 year old, and we love EACH other.

I stand by my decisions and so does he. I do believe in the Christian standards, but not even I am able to live up to all of those, or people I am directly descended from for that matter.

Now just to figure out if this Anonymous poster is my Mother, or someone who just has never read my blog before...

I can't believe this

2009-10-04T16:06:00.003-05:00

In the midst of planning a wedding, starting photography, getting homework done, playing with Truly and trying to lose weight. I find out.....I'm pregnant. 8 weeks to be exact.

What to do now??????

The Stereotypical Young Mother

2009-09-21T22:09:00.005-05:00

Monday, September 21, 2009

I hate to have to "re-post" something, but I wrote this blog entry over at my blog that I have on my city's web page, and I originally wanted to write it here. I'd love to hear all of your thoughts as well and your opininos, so here is the re-post:

As a young mother, I feel like I have to battle different stereotypes every single day. When I first found out I was pregnant, at 18, honestly the fears that you would think a young woman would have, wasn't the case for me. I wasn't worried how I would raise my child, I wasn't scared of trying to finish college, I didn't even second think of how my main responsibility for the rest of this child's life, would be my new sole purpose. The main thing that came to my mind was, what will people think?

When my daughter was born into this world, I was afraid of the looks she would get, the whispers we would hear, and the lack of respect I would get as a mother. I think a lot of young mothers think of these things as well, some more than others. Some not at all. I was afraid that I was going to be pre-judged. I was afraid that because of my age, I would be considered an un-fit mother, and that my daughter, would be considered a poor child, in a loveless home.

Last Sunday at church, I was moved. Not by the sermon, not by the music, (even though Oak Hills Church is fantastic), but by something that I saw. A young lady came in late, about halfway through the preaching part of the service. A baby in one arm, and 3 children following her, all under 5 or 6 years old. She couldn't have been much older than me, 19 at the youngest, 23 at the most. I saw her struggling a little bit, and the look on her face was of pure embarrassment when her children started laughing, crying, while shuffling to their seats. I caught the glances of some people, the glances I still get everyday. "Poor children" and "Poor Girl" and "The nerve of that girl" looks. I can honestly say that every eye was on her in our little section. Just as my heart was wanting to reach out for her, one of the greeter hosts quietly brings the family 4 children's programs, and crayons for all of them. She also brings the mother a program, gives her a hug, and whispers "I'll be right back here if you need anything at all, just give me a look". And with a big smile, she retreated back to her post. This wasn't an act for show, but by the look of her face, the sparkle in her eyes, she really wanted to reach out to her and make her more comfortable. And she did, and she waited in the back until the end of the service, just in case.

I work really hard to prove to the world that I am not a "poor young mother". Working from home and going to college have been my goals to prove that to people. I try my best to stay calm in public to smile at everyone, even when my daughter is screaming her head off for a new barbie. I admit I sometimes try and make myself look older, and can pass for a good 27 year old on a good day. I spend every second that I am not working or doing school work, with my daughter. She wants a break from me, more than anything else. You won't find this 21 year old at a bar or club, but reading a book to my daughter, and asleep by 10pm. But this act at church, this woman, reminded me that I don't have to prove myself to everyone. That there are people out there who are not going to judge me, that are going to be proud of me, that are proud of to this day, and that will always want to lend a helping hand, even if I don't ask for it.

The people that will whisper, stare, and make remarks...well, you can't change them, but why let that effect a perfectly beautiful life.

Time to Re-Group

2009-09-16T07:43:00.003-05:00

Wednesday September 16. 2009

I do not know how she does it. I do not know how Truly can sleep in, every morning, no matter what time she goes to sleep, until 10 am. That only if I don't wake her. If I don't wake her, who knows how long she will sleep in. I remember when I would sleep in until 12 in the afternoon, but now, the littlest noise will wake me up, and once I'm up....I'm up. So here I am at 7:30am, after waking up at 5:30am writing a blog entry, while my little monster snores away.

With a our wedding ceremony and reception venue finally booked, I can finally ease up on wedding madness, and start re-focusing on everything else. Like blogs, school, Truly. Poor Truly hasn't spent anytime with me since I started this whole wedding endeavor, as I've been on the computer for the last 2 weeks, day and night, searching for wedding places. I ended up deciding on the first place I wanted, but thought it was too expensive. But with their rates on a Sunday cheaper than a Saturday, and deciding to do our own catering, we ended up being able to use that place. So now that that is booked, I can ease up on the reigns a little bit.

Other than that, life has been just fine for the past couple of weeks. Nothing new or interesting to report. Isn't that a shame really. Oh wait, besides that, Truly did scraper her lip on the concrete, and is now walking around with a puffy, red, and scabbed upper lip. Poor baby.

Well, it's going to be 8am, and I think I'm going to wake up my monster early today, so she can take her nap early, so she's not cranky for her ballet class this afternoon.

Off to face the day!

The best "walk down the aisle" ever!!!

2009-09-12T23:18:00.001-05:00

I know, I know, my posts lately have been videos and pictures, but after this video I promise there will be wordy, lengthy, thought provoking blog entries that will knock you off your feet!!

Until then, enjoy this video I found while doing my wedding searching!

I love my iPhone text message inbox :-)

2009-09-11T21:54:00.001-05:00

What? Another Blog?

2009-09-08T22:21:00.002-05:00

As you know, blogging has now become my thing. Along with blogging here, I also write on my business blog, and a blog for my city's newspaper. I like writing about different topics because it's refreshing to give my opinion on different subjects. Plus, I'm pretty sure writing is the only thing keeping me sane nowadays.

So, I started a new blog! I was looking back at my posts and noticed that there were a lot of them about money, budgeting, finances, and everything to do with dollar bills! Truth is, with getting ready to get married, I am really trying to get a hold of my finances. And what a great way to track my progress than to start a finance, money blog!

So if your interested to see my journey tackling debt, discovering investing, and budgeting with a 2 year old with a shopping addiction, visit my new money blog at A Girl & Her Credit Cards!

By the way, I'm going to the Kids Day Out Meet The Teachers tomorrow, so we'll see how that goes!

My toddler going to school?

2009-09-03T21:59:00.006-05:00

Right now one of the things I am struggling with is putting Truly is a Kids Day Out program at a church by our home. With fall classes starting up for me, I'm finding it harder to balance work and school work, all while making sure Truly is always happy and keeping control of my sanity. Anywho, there is this program at a local church, where Truly can go twice a week from 9am to 12pm. It's not a daycare, but more of a structured Pre-K where they learn, have teachers, etc. I have a number of excitements and concerns.

Good Things: It's free. They offer scholarships, and with my busy schedule and sob story, they want to give Truly one. Next, it's only 2 days a week, so I still get to spend a lot of time with Truly, but giving me catch up time on school work, laundry, and working. Then, it also gives her a chance to bond with other children her age, learn to share, learn colors, learn numbers, learn shapes, did I mention learn?

Concerns: Do I really need to put her in a school now? I mean she'll have to go to school for the rest of her life, why should I put her in now? Next, with school starting up and fall season here, we here all the new swine flu warnings, yes, I'm scared she might get swine flu. Another concern is safety. With Truly not fully talking yet, I'm scared to leave her with someone whose background I am not aware of. They have background checks on the teachers, but I personally do not know their history. My last concern is that I feel like I am putting her there to de-stress my life, and what if it doesn't really benefit her, just me, what I'm trying to say is that I feel a little bit guilty. I feel as if I should just try and make it work without putting her in a school.

So that's my inner battle right now. They have a Meet The Teacher night next week that I'll be going to, to make final decisions.

Now Mama's, what your opinions now that you see me Pro's and Con's?

Monday Quote

2009-08-31T17:01:00.004-05:00

Monday August 31, 2009

Today has been a very worn out day, and dinner is still hours away. I played tennis this morning with a new women's team, and won my match, causing my team to beat the others! Very excited, but now as I sit in front of this laptop, my legs and my back aches. A 3.5 hour match will do that to you.

So as I was scouring the internet and sending e-mails, I happened upon a quote:

"To lead the orchestra, you have to turn your back on the crowd." - Max Lucado

I love Max. He is a best-selling christian author, and the main teaching minister at our church. I love Max, because not only does he talk the talk, he walks the walk, and a way that is relatable to us. He is humble, and aware that no one is perfect. He starts out every message with the same prayer, "Lord, forgive the one who speaks, for his sins are many." You believe that he is talking to you, and believe that he knows your struggles.

I truly believe that in order to have a relationship with God, to get closer to him, you need to just focus on him, and not to get too scrambled in what is going on today.

I won't elaborate on my thoughts, but a curious to hear what you think about this quote?

Looking Forward to Yoga

2009-08-28T08:28:00.005-05:00

Friday August 28, 2009

It looks like some calm has finally headed my way. It took a full schedule to finally find some balance. As you already know, school has already started for me, and one of the classes that I am taking on campus is Yoga. Yes, they offer yoga as a class, isn't that awesome! So I decided to take Yoga and am very excited because our teacher is all about learning yoga to de-stress from life, and to de-clutter your mind. I wanted to raise my hand and say "YESSSSS! FINALLY!". But I resisted so I wouldn't scare off my fellow classmates. Not only did she talk about how that is her main focus, but she also went into how she strongly believes in healthy eating to promote a healthy mind. I was so close to jumping up, then thought of my fellow students again... I am definitely going to look forward to the next Tuesday and Thursdays when I have to go to Yoga at the campus, because with everything going on right now, I really need to figure out how to de-clutter my mind. You know at night, when you keep tossing and turning because you have a million things going through your head? That's me times another million!

I also really liked how she discussed how our minds are never in the present. I sat there thinking "Ok, yeah yeah, I've heard about this before." But then she went into detail explaining this. Our minds are never in the present, our minds are constantly in the past, worrying about what we did, how we could've changed it, how we wished things were different, and constantly thinking about things that have already happened. OR, our minds are in the future, afraid of what might, what will come, worrying about our children's future, that job promotion, or worrying about our finances. Our minds never get to sit and relax in the present. It made total sense and I realized that is exactly how I am thinking all the time. I always worry about what has happened and what will be, but never just where I am.

Where is your mind?

My Sister's Poem

2009-08-27T09:14:00.002-05:00

My 16 year old sister asked if she could use my printer this morning, before I went off to class. I found her poem that she had to write for English AP class on my desk, read it, and thought it was beyond awesome. I'm guessing it's a poem they have to write about themselves, about their day, or about their summer, having to follow a certain pattern.

So I wanted to post it:

She was a strong believing girl, says the wristbands and books from church

All over the bookshelves of her room;

A tidy person, says the perfectly folded laundry

In the room with a big window; a creative girl.

Says the covered bulletin board

Hanging on the wall, covered with Andy Murray;

But not extremely girly, say the lack

Of heels and make up.

A family lived with her, says the portrait

Hanging in the game room on a wall

That was painted beige, and the house was new,

Says the freshly lad bricks.

Boredom was scarce, say the miles on the cars

And the money spent on entertainment.

And the days were busy, say the worn out shoes.

It was lively here, says the openly lit house.

But hardly anyone there, says the occupied tennis courts

About ten minutes away. The tennis balls' green

Contrasted against the red concrete; the never bored family

At the courts soon realized.

What time did they leave? Gatorade and juice,

Now empty garbage, were left and they went,

Adding miles to the car,

Going home. Something felt like summer.

Getting Finances in Check

2009-08-24T18:06:00.003-05:00

Monday August 24, 2009

I've decided that I seriously need to get my finances in check. With a wedding coming up and "what's yours will be mine", I seriously do not want to burden my family with my..um..debts. I have numerous credit cards and store cards that I've used to make myself happy, but now that they are full and am paying a trillion dollars in interest, I am no longer happy. Figures, right? The worst part about it is that Truly and I live with my family, so I do not have to pay rent, utilities, and all that other good stuff when you live on your own. The only real things I spend my money on each month are things for Truly, me, and the rest go to my credit cards. Sound simple enough? I thought so too, but with eating out all the time, buying things I want, not need, I am always left penny less when it comes to bill time.

So what do I need? A total financial makeover! Makeover's are fun, but when it means that I can no longer spend how I want to, it just sucks all the fun out of it. Better sucking out the fun, than sucking all my money.

So what's the plan? *Sigh* Here it is:

1. Make more money. Easier said then done. But with all my businesses and the power of eBay and Craigslist, it can be easily done.

2. Buy Groceries. Instead of spending $150 on eating out each month, I'll spend $20 each week at the grocery store (this is for a 2 year old) and buy her food then.

3. Transfer balances on my high interest cards.

4. Pay off the lowest balances on cards first, and work my way up.

5. Remember that If I save now, I'm saving for a better future.

I'm thinking about staring up a finance blog to blog about my journey to become debt free Hmm... Yeah as if I need another blog! We'll see :-)

I'll post more later... :-)

2009-08-24T17:32:00.003-05:00

August 24, 2009

So the end of my Monday is drawing nearer and I am already fully exhausted. Truly and I had a great though! We started the day at Valerie's house for a breakfast play-date, and not only did I get to talk to some really nice moms, but Truly got to play with some of their other children, and get lost in the sea of toys. After that we came home, I got to work a little bit, catch up on some reading, and figure out the better part of my school schedule, because fall semester started today.

But right now I have a pounding headache so I will post back later tonight! Until then...

Fall Semester Here I Come!

2009-08-22T08:18:00.002-05:00

School is starting for me again this Monday, and boy am I not ready. I am taking a full 5 classes, so this is my last weekend of Freedom!!

I think I've gotten everything that has been hectic in my life under control. Thank to MyWeddingWorkbook.com I have been able to get the wedding planning under control. They have a great website to get all of my wedding details in front of me, organized, and less intimidating. Plus I think I've found a place for our wedding, Castle Avalon. Looks extremely nice!

I've bought a new planner to organize school/work/mommy stuff, plus plan to utilize the power of iPhone to help with planning and scheduling.

My to-do lists have become shorter and filled with important things versus stuff I want to do right now.

So bring it on new school semester!

Things I just don't understand

2009-08-19T09:29:00.002-05:00

I've always been an extremely emotional person. Ok, that's a horrible way to start a blog post, because I bet a couple of you rolled your eyes and said "Oh Boy, here it comes". Well I don't mean an extremely emotional person, I've always been an introvert person when it comes to emotions. For example, if something doesn't go my way or I get upset, I'll most likely keep it in. I don't keep it in and let it boil up, no, I keep it in and in a couple of hours it will be gone. It's like it never happened and I realize that life is too short to be mad.

Right now I am upset. I hate getting too personal in my blogs, but what the heck, that's what a blog is for right? Right now I am just having a hard time understanding choices that people make.

I don't understand how one person can put so much effort into trying to be with one of their children, all while forgetting he has a daughter who needs him just as equally, if not more. I have a hard time understanding that the urgency to be with one child, isn't there for the other.
I don't understand how a family can just toss their mother to the side as if she doesn't exist. At a time when they need her most, in her frail state, they refuse to offer support, or at least, any kind gestures.
I don't understand how someone can get upset with their children and fight over finances, when money should be between the parents, not to be discussed with your teenage daughters.

Different things I don't understand right now, and probably never will... hopefully in a couple of hours, it will all be gone...

Love Blogging

2009-08-18T20:45:00.003-05:00

In case you hadn't known, I also blog on my city's website on MySanAntonio.com!

Check out my new blog post about how Truly connects with music!

http://voices.mysanantonio.com/stepfaniebishop

Wedding Planning & Potty's

2009-08-17T15:34:00.003-05:00

August 17, 2009

So I have been super busy with wedding planning details, finishing up summer classes, registering for Fall classes, and trying to find more ways to come up with more money! I noticed that my last post was announcing my engagement AND it was my 100th post! Imagine that! YAY! So I have been feeling extremely swamped and always doing something. But I am not complaining, because I love everything that is going on right now!

Except for one thing...Potty Training. I know your not supposed to force a child to potty train because it can be traumatic, not good for the bladder, yada yada I know. But I am positive that my daughter, my Truly is playing games with me. She is playing me like a deck of cards. She knows she has to pee, but she will hold it in until she stands up from the potty, or she has a fresh diaper on.

I know it really is the parent's job to get them on the potty, and make sure they are putting them on their potty every 30 minutes or so, and I've just been distracted and haven't put all that effort into potty training. I admit it. Guilty as charged :-) I know she is ready though, because she get its. She know you pee in the toilet, she flushes the toilet, and washes her hands afterward. And she likes doing it and gets very excited. But me...Ugh it's so exhausting.

Ok...Ok...Truly do you have to pee??!!!

So I'm Engaged!

2009-08-12T23:53:00.002-05:00

As some people may have picked up on from a couple of earlier posts, me and Adam have been together for about 3 years-ish, and we have our 2 year old daughter, Truly. For the longest time I have been watching my friends get married, groaning about how being married would make me soo much happier, well it looks like Adam finally picked up on it because....We are officially engaged!

After popping the question at his home, and crying, and hugging, and kissing, I am so glad to finally have a ring on this finger and can not wait to start wedding planning!

Yoplait Whips Summer Cool Down Gift Pack

2009-08-10T21:12:00.005-05:00

Yoplait Whips! are currently available in a variety of delectable flavors Strawberry Mist, Chocolate, Key Lime Pie, Orange Crème, Chocolate Raspberry, Lemon Burst, Peaches 'N Cream and Raspberry Mousse. Also, try Yoplait Whips! newest flavor Vanilla Creme which just hit store shelves!

Today we received our very own Yoplait Whips! Summer Cool Down Gift Bag. Truly was so excited when I told her this box was for her, and she couldn't wait to open it!Surprisingly, the delicious taste of Yoplait Whips! can also be enjoyed as a frozen treat! Simply place your favorite Whips! yogurt cup in the freezer overnight and you will have a chilled yogurt indulgence that you don't have to get from the ice-cream truck or at the parlor So this summer, before you hit the beach, park or your own backyard, don't forget to stock your freezer with Yoplait Whips! (We suggest removing the Yoplait Whips! from the freezer for 5-10 minutes before enjoying). Right now, our Yoplait freeze pops are freezing in the kitchen, and we have tried one and they are delicious! While yoplait yogurt is good on their own, we definitly enjoyed the frozen yogurt pops!

Plus the color changing spoons are awesome! If only I could find where Truly put the rest of them.....?

Want to win one? Of course you do! What do you have to lose, nothing, but this awesome gift pack to gain!!

You get: A "Summer Cool Down" gift bag that includes two free coupons for Yoplait Whips!, cooler tote, popsicle molds and a set of 12 color-changing spoons

How to enter:

Just follow my blog, and leave a comment telling me How you would enjoy your Yoplait whips, cold or frozen?

Remember do both! And if you already follow....then good for you!!

Mark. Giveaway!

2009-08-09T14:40:00.006-05:00

Yay! Another giveaway! This one is in honor of becoming a mark. representative. mark. offers convenient, customizable, and cutting-edge make-up products, beauty, and fashion! All of their products are extremely affordable. I love that they are perfect any on-the-go mom, college student, or if your purse is too stuffed in the first place!

I am giving away a kit that is used for fundraising. It includes all of the following:

Entering to win is super easy!

1 Entry

Go to my website here and register for free to become a mark. VIP. Once you register you will receive all discounts, specials, and stay up-to-date with all things mark.
Browse through some of the products and tell me which one caught your eye and why!

3 Entries!

Buy any product and receive 10% off, and FREE shipping. Be sure to e-mail me your order to receive this discount! Don't forget to leave a comment telling me you did this also!

Pretty simple right! And many ways to enter! Giveaway ends August 21!

http://www.meetmarksa.blogspot.com

Pen & Paper

2009-08-08T19:38:00.004-05:00

I love writing things down. In our day and age of handheld devices, I think the whole idea of actually using a pen has become a lost thing of the past. I still have a little notebook scheduler where I plan out my days, and I'm very into post it notes, and having papers all over the place. Still, something about writing it down just connects with me.

I mean look at me, hear I am blogging on a computer, when only 5 years ago I had journals, hand written, piled up to the sky. I really miss those days to be honest. I think that there is so much connection between your thoughts and your hand. A flowing river, if you will. Then all of that emotion, caused by the weariness of your hand, gets written down on paper. Even the writing style conveys so much personality. The way people dot their eyes, connect their letters, it all adds so much character and definition to whatever it is you are trying to write. I miss carrying around my notebook too. I always used the plain little notebooks for my journal entries and thoughts, but every now and then I would buy a cute little notebook with the coolest design on it, and just hold it, thinking it was so beautiful. I think the convenience got to me. The convenience of typing up a blog entry, doing some quick editing, and posting it for all too see. The convenience of looking back to see what you wrote, and deleting it after you realize it was complete gibberish. The convenience of professionalism in mere seconds.

But still, I miss those handwritten days of post it notes, huge calendars, notes, mom schedulers, and mix tapes. Ok mix tapes have nothing to do with writing, but I miss those too.

What else can I do?

2009-08-08T11:35:00.000-05:00

I think something has probably gone wrong in my head. I know that probably sounds horrible to say, but I think it's true. I just have so many ideas, so many thoughts running through my head at once, and I can't focus on one thing for too long. I think it's what doctors would diagnose as ADD, but I like to call it constant creativity, or yearning for something more. :-) Why am I telling you this? Because along with everything else I try to balance on my plate, I've added more, and want to add more. I'm interested in EVERYTHING! I can't help it. I want to do everything and anything! It's horrible, because no one can possibly do everything, but I feel like I want to at least give everything a try. In case you didn't get it, I mentioned the word everything 5 times, now 6.

I recently became a mark. representative. mark. is a sister branch of Avon, but their products are more trendy, customizable, and cutting-edge. Plus so affordable. I've been in a number of direct selling companies, but wanted to give mark. a shot to earn a couple of bucks every month and pay off credit cards, plus get a discount for make up, so I can feel like a pretty mom! More info about that is all right heeerrreee.

On top of that, I want to write a book. I really really want to write a book. I've been wanting to write for the longest time now, but don't know exactly where to start. I'm not sure if I want to write a fiction novel or a book for young mothers (like a self-help, motivation, sort of thing.)

I also want to create make up. I saw a women's site selling mineral make up that she creates and all the colors really got my attention. It looks fun because she says she get to mix different colors, try different things, and can be totally creative. How fun! Plus making a product would be a new experience. I have no idea how to go about that, but fun right?

The last thing is I want to learn is how to sew. My grandmother was an expert at sewing before she had a stroke. She made pageant dresses, evening gowns, and my prom dress. Now she is too weak to want to sew anymore, so I want to try and learn and get to sewing some dresses and funky outfits for me and Truly.

See what I mean, I must be crazy!!!! With everything going on, will someone please knock some sense into me :-P

Can't Sleep

2009-08-08T01:09:00.003-05:00

Saturday August 8, 2009

So it's about 1:15 AM and me AND Truly are still awake. I don't mean we just aren't sleeping, we are wide awake. I don't know why exactly. She only napped for an hour today, and I didn't take a nap, so this weird energy striking us after midnight is very peculiar to me. I think I'l try and wrestle her down for the night and get some sleep for myself. Happy Weekend Everyone!

What...someone's behind me...?

A letter to Mom, From your daughter

2009-08-07T21:25:00.004-05:00

Saturday August 8, 2009

A mother passing by her daughter's bedroom was astonished to see the bed was nicely made and everything was picked up. Then she saw an envelope propped up prominently on the center of the bed. It was addressed, "Mom." With the worst premonition, she opened the envelope and read the letter with trembling hands:

Dear Mom: It is with great regret and sorrow that I'm writing you. I had to elope with my new boyfriend because I wanted to avoid a scene with Dad and you. I've been finding real passion with Ahmed and he is so nice-even with all his piercings, tattoos, beard, and his motorcycle clothes. But it's not only the passion Mom, I'm pregnant and Ahmed said that we will be very happy. He already owns a trailer in the woods and has a stack of firewood for the whole winter. He wants to have many more children with me and that's now one of my dreams too. Ahmed taught me that marijuana doesn't really hurt anyone and we'll be growing it for us and trading it with his friends for all the cocaine and ecstasy we want. In the meantime, we'll pray that science will find a cure for AIDS so Ahmed can get better; he sure deserves it!! Don't worry Mom, I'm 15 years old now and I know how to take care of myself. Someday I'm sure we'll be back to visit so you can get to know your grand children.

Your daughter, Judith

PS: Mom, none of the above is true. I'm over at the neighbor's house. I just wanted to remind you that there are worse things in life than my report card that's in my desk center drawer. I love you! Call when it is safe for me to come home.

Cosmetic Birthday

2009-08-05T14:44:00.005-05:00

For my birthday a couple of weeks ago, we were in Disneyworld, so I didn't get to celebrate it with Adam. So for my birthday, he told me he would pay for whatever I wanted.

"Clothes? Shoes? Just don't wipe me out Stepfanie..."

So I thought about it, and looked through my room. I didn't want clothes. I'm trying to lose 10 lbs, so there's no point in outfitting a closet full of clothes that won't fit me. Shoes were never my thing, so I passed on that too. Jewelry? No, I lose everything. So I went to the bathroom, looked through my purse, and pulled out a tiny little shard like thing left of my eyeliner and decided..I want new make-up. I love make-up and have been needing to buy some for a while. I don't buy my make-up from drugstores or target

(where I buy everything else). All my makeup comes from department stores, and usually only buy make-up when I have money because they always wipe me out. I'm a sucker for those saleswomen: "This eyeshadow makes you look thinner..." SOLD. For me though, it's worth it. I'm really cautious about what is put on my face, and I always believe in you get what you pay for.

So for my birthday present I thought I would ditch Estee Lauder and get a whole new set of MAC make up. I've heard great things, but never tried them myself. Let me tell you, awesome products! In this heat, no melting, smudging, or feeling cake-y. I bought a foundation/powder cover up, base eye shadow, 2 eye shadows, eye liner, lip liner, and some brushes. So after texting him my grand total of $107, I walked out of the mall feeling like one hot mama!

Catch Up Day

2009-08-03T09:22:00.005-05:00

Ok so I've been a little bit lazy. Ok, a lot lazy. Ever since we got back from vacation, I have gotten nothing done. I am stuck in an unproductive mode. Blogs haven't been updated, businesses have gone un-marketed, schoolwork has not been touched, and do I really have to tell you about laundry. Yes, piled high as the sky. I think I have totally forgotten about all of my different responsibilities and have been stuck in party mode. Well get out Stepfanie!

So this morning I am bringing out the pen and paper and creating a list of things to do. Today is my catch up day. Heck, I'll probably need a catch up week, but let's start with a day. I guess the most important thing is to probably clean up Truly's and my room. No sense is Truly getting lost in all the madness of princesses, ducks, and dirty diapers. While that I can do laundry, and while Truly takes a nap, I'll go ahead and spend some quality time with my laptop doing some marketing, English papers, and research. No Desperate Housewives this afternoon. *Sigh*

That's an extremely rough summary of everything I need to do, but it will have to do for now. How did I get all of this on my plate anyway?

Oh that's right, I graduated high school, got pregnant when I turned 18, going to college to give Truly a better life, started my businesses because I wanted to stay home with Truly, and blog because I need to. Oh...that's right.

Me on American Idol

2009-07-28T22:30:00.002-05:00

Thursday July 28 2009

At Disneyworld Hollywood Studios there is this show called the American Idol Experience. Basically they hold auditions and give contestants the "American Idol Experience". People can go through auditions and if you make it through you perform on stage in front of a huge crowd. There are 4 shows throughout the day and the winner of each show goes to the finale show to win the American Idol! I got chosen and it was so fun! Too bad I was dressed horribly in a tank and short and tennis shoes. Oh well, had fun!

I'm Back

2009-07-28T22:16:00.004-05:00

After a very tiring vacation, we are finally back home. Disneyworld was awesome, Truly had a blast, meeting princesses and riding rides, and walking all over the parks. It was definitely a very fun experience, but driving there was not so much fun. Sure going there was ok, but the drive coming back home, was dreadful. Mainly just because we couldn't wait to get back home any sooner. So traveling tips for you: Take a plane, you'll enjoy it even more

Stepfanie...Where Art Thou?

2009-07-19T09:26:00.004-05:00

At Disneyworld! We will back next week so until then...Stay Tuned!

Getting Ready to Go

2009-07-14T08:09:00.003-05:00

The countdown is on in our household. Only 2 more days til we leave to Disneyworld on our family vacation, and I have never been so excited in my life! One of the fun aspects is that we are actually driving there. I am the one driving. Which is fine because I love driving. So we get to make a couple of stops here and there at hotels, and call me strange again, but I love hotels as well. I have such a tight schedule before we leave though.

Today:

Trulys Ballet

Clean a clients house

Go to a Wedding where I am a bridesmaid and Truly is the flowergirl

Tomorrow:

Prepare for Meeting

Attend a WAHM meeting

Finish shopping for the trip

.....

It never really ends does it?

Happy 16th Birthday

2009-07-11T23:59:00.004-05:00

Today, July 12, is my sister's 16th Birthday!

I wanted to say Happy Birthday to one of my best friends and best influences!

Thank you for everything you have done, do for me, and have yet to do!

Me and Truly love you, Happy sweet 16 <3

My Reason For College

2009-07-11T00:50:00.007-05:00

The countdown is on. I've registered for another summer class starting on Monday and I am only 2 something more years to go til I have my college degree, and I guess another year or so until I am teacher certified. I get a lot of questions from people asking me "Why are you still going to college to become a teacher, while running a successful business already?" I have plenty of answers for that one, but I can tell you my biggest, most hugest (yup, I said "most hugest") reason is: My grandmother.

My grandmother has pretty much lived with us for my entire life. She has raised me along side of my parents, and has always been there for me. She is from the Philippines, and has always stressed that college has been the way to go. "You must get your degree," I've heard time and time again. Over the past couple of months, my grandmother had a stroke and pneumonia. Now she uses a walker, and gets tired very easily. I see her getting weaker everyday. It pains me, in all honesty, to see her this way. She isn't the same woman who use to chase me around the house, holding my dirty diaper, and telling me to "run for your life", flinging the folded diapers at my heels. But I know she is holding on and doing her best, so that she can see us grow up a little bit longer.

Now, more than ever, I want to have that college degree, not only for my daughter, but for my grandmother. But I am not stopping there. My grandma always told me to keep going. And I will. All the way up to the doctorates degree in either English Literature or Communications. Sure that means endless hours of school, homework, and sneaking in late night bloggings to vent, but at the end of the day, I owe my grandmother that much. If there ever will be a way to repay her for everything she has done for me, it will be to get my college degree, and to "keep on going."

Bye Bye Money

2009-07-09T14:10:00.006-05:00

How to lose $100 in 4 hours

Left at 9:30 AM

Mcdonalds Breakfast $10

Barnes & Noble Booksellers $30

Target $40

HEB $20

Back home by 1:15 PM

Blog Header Winners

2009-07-08T23:26:00.003-05:00

Winners for the Free Blog Header Giveaway:

Stephanie @ Twilight Stef Bringing it to you

Ginger @ As my world turns

Congrats Ladies!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-07-08T16:57:00.004-05:00

Want A Free Header?

2009-07-07T13:51:00.005-05:00

Tuesday July 7, 2009

Good Afternoon! So I told you I was going to write an afternoon post and had an awesome time at the playgroup! If you've been a follower of my blog, you'll know that me and Truly are pretty much kept by our lonesome, so it was time that we got out and met some other children and mothers. Our group has some awesome mothers and really fun kids. When we got home, Truly laid down and was knocked out. As she snores upstairs, I brought my laptop down here and am enjoying her Chick-Fil-A leftover nuggets. She fell asleep so they are mine right?

So since I am in an awesome (3rd time I used awesome) mood, I decided to host another really quick giveaway that will help me and you. I am now offering blog design and do not have a portfolio.

Sooo, I am giving 2 bloggers a free personalized header. You get:

Can uses your own photos (Max 2)

I can search for a free stock photo

You can choose colors, fonts

It will be the same size (or smaller if you want) as the one on this blog

I will e-mail it to you when I'm done, and I can install it, but I can not format it.

So basically this is all you have to do:

1. Comment

2. Tweet about this

3. Grab Button

4. Follow

Closed

Lack Of Sleep

2009-07-07T00:27:00.003-05:00

Tuesday July 7, 2009

So with lack of sleep and trying to dabble in a little bit of everything... I am going to have to update you later on in the day. Have Truly's ballet class in the morning, and then going to the very first meeting of La Cantera Mommies playgroup. Hope all goes well! It's about time Truly and I got some friends. Adam is probably so bored of us ;-P

So I'm off to bed right now at 12:30AM and hope to give you a better blog post in the afternoon.

I hope everyone has a great morning...( and I'm starving! This diet thing is so not working)

Night Night

The Messy Desk

2009-07-05T07:00:00.002-05:00

Sunday July 5, 2009

Ok, So I'm a tad bit embarrassed, but hey, the first step to overcome your obstacles is to admit your faults. My name is Stepfanie and I am an un-organized addict. There I said it. I have freely given into the fact that I'm not going to be able to organize everything, and I think my messy desk says "I am free to the world!" :-)

I mean, can you blame me, honestly? At least the bathroom it clean today. It's funny because just looking at this picture of my work/study/truly's storage desk, you can tell I'm a mom. We have an Elmo sippy cup in the corner, shrek & elmo dvds, flashcards, a princess blender, a princess bat, and Truly's ointment rash from 2 weeks ago. I'm sure you can see a textbook or two underneath there somewhere...

My excuse is, I rarely sit at that desk. I usually am taking my laptop all over the house, finding a place of peace and quiet to get some writing and some work done.

On some days though, my laptop sometimes sits on that desk, but I find the floor a little less crowded.

Blog Designs Galore

2009-07-04T08:01:00.006-05:00

Saturday July 4, 2009

First of all, Happy Independence Day! Today is a great day for American's to celebrate their freedom and respect that it is something that we are still fighting for, and that many other countries wish they had the same freedoms that we have.

A freedom I am currently lacking. I am still a slave to my computer. Don't get me wrong, I am in love with my Mac. I guess it's more of a love-hate relationship.

While I love all the awesome cool things you do my beautiful pink macbook, we have spent waaay too much time together this past week. I know, I was getting my business website AND this blog re-done, but we need a much needed break.

So do me a little favor and visit my new business website that April at April Showers Blog Design created for me and tell me what you think!

www.MyAdvantageVA.com

Also, I did this blog all by little lonesome! If you need a cheap simple blog design like mine, let me know and I can do it for you!

Have a good weekend everyone! Time for you computer to shut down!

10 Things I wish weren't happening!

2009-06-26T13:57:00.002-05:00

Every mom has those things going on right now, that she wishes weren't going on right now.

1. That my math book wasn't staring me straight in the eyes, knowing I should be diving into "functions" and "graphs" instead of being on my computer. I am working though Mr. Math Book!

2. That those other 2 books I bought from the Christian store would stop staring at me as well. I am going to read, I swear!

3. That we had something in this house that was eatable. I mean, I can't eat ramen all day.

4. I wish this sippy cup that has been sitting on my desk would finally find it's way downstairs and into the kitchen sink.

5. Having due dates for everything. I'll do it when I have time. Maybe.

6. The fact that no one makes a decent purse that can hold up to a couple of diapers, hand sanitizer, a few princess plastic toys, a shoe, some snacks, and everything else Truly throws in there.

7. That Truly has been napping for 2 hours now, and I am wondering when she plans on waking up.

8. I feel like I've been doing research for a million things all morning, but have yet to come up with any resolutions.

9. Clients. I have a life too ok?

10. And the one thing that is going on right now that I wish weren't happening, on top of all this stuff I am dealing with: my period.

Ah, Now wasn't that a stress reliever. Off to wake up my daughter so I can get some much needed pool time.

What's stressing you out right about now?

Ballet for 2

2009-06-25T08:25:00.003-05:00

Know what's funny? An awkward teacher, trying to teach 2 kids ballet in a hug empty studio.

Yesterday was Truly's last day of ballet for the Spring. Apparently the studio had their recital on Saturday and was supposed to be a fun last day of ballet class, and no one showed. I guess people thought, "oh well, recital over." Usually, there's at least 10 kids, and they all have a blast.

So as me and Adam watched the poor dance instructor look extremely awkward and uncomfortable, I couldn't help but laugh.

Photographic Answers

2009-06-22T22:12:00.007-05:00

So I saw this in a blog late last night and thought it was a cute idea for a blog post. Everynow and then you see people do a little Q&A on their blog. But this is even cooler. There are a set of questions, and the answers are in a photograph. See if you can follow my answers :-)

1. What is the first thing you do in the morning?

lol

2. How do you spend most of your days?

3. What inspires you the most?

4. What do you usually dream about at night?

vacationing at the beach

5. What is your biggest worry?

LOL, I couldn't help myself!

I'll add some more as I think of them. I need to dunk my little Toddler in the bath, she made a mess eating dinner!

Try making your own!

Edward Cullen VS Buffy

2009-06-22T13:40:00.004-05:00

Edward Cullen and Buffy the Vampire Slayer face off.

Who wins?

Why am I still up?

2009-06-21T22:56:00.002-05:00

I find myself asking this question while everyone is asleep. I am tired, have a headache, yet here I am sitting on the bed, just me and my laptop and my good old blog. With everything I have to do tomorrow:

Set up my business blog website
Take an exam at the school
Find time to go to the Gym
Go to the library
Clean the bathroom
E-mail a proposal to a client
mail out letters

There's no way anyone can sleep with their brain going a mile a minute!

But honestly, I like being busy, and having a list of things that I need to do, If I didn't, I'd just end up staying home all day, eating chocolate and watching the Lifetime Network.

Hmmm, What channel is that again? :-)

How I see Father's Day

2009-06-21T00:17:00.008-05:00

Let me warn you, this is about to get personal

It is 12:15 A.M. and it is officially father's day. What does father's day mean to me? Absolutely nothing. I am one of those people whose parents divorced, and my father came in and out of my life for a while, and then just completely vanished. I'd like to save you the drama story, and tell you that it didn't affect me at all, that I grew up perfectly fine and unaware of my strange situation. But that would be a lie. There were times were I was deeply hurt, confused, and left empty.

My parents divorced before I was 2. My mom remarried when I was 4 to a man that I was supposed to call "dad". I never liked ( and still don't like ) calling him dad, because he has never been a dad to me. Yes, has always provided me a place to live, and yes he has bought me things, and yes he has been there, but overall, I still am uncomfortable with my mom referring to him as my "dad". I am supposed to call him that out of respect, and that's what bothers me.

If anything, my stepdad has only been a negative effect on my view of relationships. My mom and my stepdad don't talk, they don't look like they love each other, and there were many times he took out his anger, and still does, on me and my sisters. Nothing physically of course, but just yelling, making us feel useless, beneath him, and overall, not worth his time and undeserving. I would always yell back and argue with him, because I could never accept him telling me these things, even at a young age, so after a while he stopped trying to fight with me, knowing it was a lost cause. While I am grateful for the things he has done, I feel like I had always been cast to the side. I could never find a reason why my mom would be with this man, and that has always confused relationships to me. I didn't know if I should stay with someone even though they had a million things I disliked, just because of the 2 things I did like. In a sense, I saw my mom settling, so I figured that that's what you had to do in a relationship... settle. I fear it will have the same affect on my sisters.

As for my real father. I saw him twice while I was young. And a couple more times when I was older. The last time was him meeting my daughter, his first grandchild. He took us shopping, bought her some things, and disappeared once again. I talked to him on the phone and that was it. After talking to some family members of his, I soon discovered how he had lied about pretty much everything in his life. He had betrayed me many times, and now here, a couple of years later, I have yet to hear from him, and I think I am ok with that. It took me awhile to realize that the problem was never me, it was him. For a long time I thought that maybe he would change and find a way to love me and want to spend time with me. But you can't sit here wishing people to change, when in reality, they just can't. I can accept that he is my father, but I won't allow myself to be bothered and distressed by him anymore.

Sometimes I fear that Adam will let Truly down. Overall, he's an awesome dad. Our relationship has always been a roller coaster, but he's consistently an awesome dad. I hope that today he is reminded that it is such a rewarding job.

So Father's Day 2009 is here. Yet, I do not know how to celebrate it.

Yes, We're Dating

2009-06-21T00:10:00.004-05:00

Not 100% sure of how I feel about this? I mean, they have great on-screen chemistry, making it so much easier to watch and believe, but if they were to break up before all 4 movies are out, what would happen to that chemistry?

Please don't let me down Rob & Kristen :-(

10 Things I'm Looking Forward To

2009-06-19T15:03:00.003-05:00

Happy Friday Everyone! I hope that ya'll ( yes, I am Texan ) had an amazing week, and will have an even better weekend. For me, it looks like I'll be working, but that's okay, I love what I do. Saturday will probably be filled with Tennis, Lunch, Mall, and probably spending too much money with money that I don't even have, i.e. on credit cards. Sunday, I'm not too sure about, because it's Father's Day, but Adam will probably be working, so maybe just a nice dinner or something.

So to start the weekend off, I decided to do a "10 Things I am looking forward to":

1. New Moon movie, coming out in November. Who isn't looking forward to that?!

2. Potty Training. I am tired of the room smelling like pee pee diapers and having to buy diapers and wipes.

3. Wrapping up my English Literature degree.

4. Disneyworld this summer for my birthday!

5. Losing that extra weight for my birthday this summer!

6. Fixing my blog, and adding cool new stuff

7. Getting new clients

8. Wanting to buy the new Iphone!

9. Turning 21!

10. Watching the new Year 1 Movie. It looks hilarious!

What are your plans for the weekend?

5 Reasons Why Mom's Make Great Entrepreneurs

2009-06-18T08:07:00.003-05:00

1. Multi-Tasking

Mom's already know how to balance a bottle (or breast) while paying bills on the computer, talking on the phone to your mother-in-law, all while planning an awesome recipe for tonight's dinner. A Mom Entrepreneur is already in the makings. You need to know how to do everything at once, and not crack under the pressure.

2. Amazing Customer Service

Making everyone happy, all the time? Does that sound all too familiar? Just like being a mom you have to make sure your kids, your husband, your family is always happy, you need to make sure your customers and clients also come first. Businesses do not thrive unless you have people believing in you and buying into your product or service, and isn't that what we try to convince our children to do everyday?

3. Time

I know what your thinking, Mothers do not have any time! But trust me, you do. From nap time, play dates, time with their dad, times they don't want to play with you and would rather build blocks in the next room: Moms you have plenty of time to build a business! Even though children love spending time with their parents, it's shown that they also love being with themselves or friends, learning on their own. So while they do their thing, you have plenty of time to do yours!

4. Motivation

If anyone has more motivation to be an entrepreneur and business owner, it's us Moms! We want more control over our lives, we want to be home when our kids get off the school bus, and be able to wake them up in the morning. Mom's have an awesome cheerleading squad, wanting them to succeed just as much they want to.

5. Passion

We know what passion is. It's the love we have for our kids, the love we have for ourselves. Imagine if you put that passion toward a business. There's no way you could fail. If you truly love what your doing, then other people can't help but love it too.

Thinking of jumping into the entrepreneurial game, Go for it! You are already equipped, trained, and ready to go!

What Twilight did for me.

2009-06-16T21:35:00.003-05:00

Is it just me or did Twilight change your whole view on men? For me, after watching the movie and reading the whole series, I suddenly hated my boyfriend and ignored him for 2 weeks. I know it's so horrible, but I was upset that he wasn't Edward. I mean to find someone who cares for you that passionately, that you can jump and climb up trees with, that will drive a silver volvo, that was that chiseled and gorgeous. I was determined that I wanted one of those.

After a couple of weeks, it hit me. Edward isn't real. No guy can be Edward, because, well, Edward is perfect. And even though no man is perfect, but my Adam is pretty darn close. And I was punishing my boyfriend because he wasn't Edward.

True Story.

Now he doesn't want to even hear the world Twilight anymore.

Oh well. Now it's all about New Moon, and ...Jacob :-)

And Truly loves him too

You simply can't do it all

2009-06-16T08:38:00.002-05:00

I think I am in work overhaul.

You know when you try to balance too many things at one time? Of course you are bound to start swaying and turning and leaning and then.....

You find yourself on the floor crying and wondering "What happened?"

Mothers often find themselves wondering "What happened?" Well I'll tell you what. We think that in order to be a good mother we have to try and do everything. We have to get your children everything, discipline them in the right way, feed them organic food at the right time, delegate every second of playtime, tv time, bath time. We try to control every second of time, because that is what we are supposed to do as mothers.

But we can't. We just possibly can't. That's why we are left scratching our head wondering What happened?

Our job is to not make life perfect for our families, but just to live in that moment with them. Our job as mothers is to guide, not delegate. Our job is to nurture, not slave in the kitchen for 4 hours, only to get it thrown on the floor. Out job is to love.

Let your children be children and sit back and enjoy it. Take some time for yourself mommies, and just live in the moment. Don't make things overcomplicated, simplify your life, and enjoy the blessing you have.

Your not wonderwoman, and her outfit was unflattering anyway.

"Yesterday is no longer here. It sneaked away as you slept. Tomorrow is not here yet. You can can not hold it and bring it in. You only have today. Live in today."

Video for Wordless Wednesday

2009-06-03T20:25:00.001-05:00

So my hair is totally messed up, and pitch totally off, but a cute video of my daughter's vocals :-)

I have found a new love for the outdoors

2009-05-30T14:48:00.005-05:00

Goofy Hair and Smile :-)

I would gladly go shopping then spend some time outside. I would gladly sleep on the couch then spend some time outside. It's too hot, there's bugs, and when you go back inside-you smell like outside. You guys know that outside smell...

But I guess when you have children, and your choices are let the terrorize the house, watch TV all day long, and pick up their toys that they insist on throwing out of the toybox after you just put them all back inside....I guess your forced to love the outdoors.

And I have :-)

For Truly's 2nd birthday, I got her a pink escalade and she has now loved riding it (Thank God, I almost thought all that money went down the tube!). My mother also bought her this scooter looking thing(up above), that is superfun- you put your feet up and turn the wheel side to side and it pushes you along. I ride it more than Truly, and I have discovered, she has a temper! Definitely worth buying for your children!

So me and Truly have been spending our time outside, riding in cars, playing with balls, and having fun. Yeah, I am having fun outside.

Who would've thunk it?

You still will not see me anywhere near a campground...

Wordless Wednesday

2009-05-27T07:45:00.004-05:00

4 Generations

Very Unproductive

2009-05-26T22:05:00.002-05:00

I'm going through a horrible time for the past week or so. You know when you just feel unproductive and like you've just been floating around. Well that has definitely been me.

New Goal:

Stop wasting time just searching around the computer

Ballerina Truly

2009-05-19T07:55:00.004-05:00

What's the perfect solution to a little girl who won't sit still and will not listen to what anyone tells her? Ballet.

Truly is a dancer. Anyone who knows her, anyone who sees her, knows she is a dancer. At the mall she turns, leaps, and takes a bow. At the library she tumbles and taps her feet. At the doctor's office she spins on one foot and yells out "Thank You!"

So when she turned 2, Ballet was an obvious choice. After searching for hours on end, I found only one studio that accepted 2 year olds, payed ridiculous amounts for registration and tuition, payed even more for outfits and shoes, and ta-da, my little girl is ballerina!

I like the concept of ballet, because not only does she get to dance and have fun with other girls her age, but you also learn discipline. A ballet instructor is not nice, haven't you all seen those dancing movies? So as she learns discipline, she gets to look pretty as well. Win Win? I think so too.

Now trust me. I wouldn't put her in it, if she didn't like it. But she loves it. When I tell her we are going to ballet, she get so excited and starts looking for her ballet bag. Especially at the end, they get lollipops. My little sugar queen. And when we are leaving, well she doesn't like to leave.

But did I mention I have to sit inside the studio with her. Yes. I do not get to sit outside with all the other parents, my Truly makes me sit inside the studio or else she will start crying. I don't care though, $55 a month, I will sit wherever Truly wants me to.

No Work Saturday

2009-05-16T09:06:00.003-05:00

Whenever you run a home business, I'm sure that there are time when you find yourself just overloaded with things that you "have to do" right now. That has definitely been me for the past couple of weeks with the startup of Advantage VA and the reincarnation of Truly Cleaning, but I have resolved that Saturdays will be:

No Work Saturdays

I would say Sunday as well but Truly goes to bed early on Sundays, so I squeeze in some work after she sleeps, only after she sleeps, so that's ok right?

So on Saturdays, the laptop gets turned off, the phone calls go to voicemail, and I am completly off of work mode.

Off to the gym now on my no work Saturday to go cry in front of that horrible scale in the women's locker room. I wish it was skinny saturday, but no luck there :-)

Have a good weekend!

New Business = No time for myself

2009-05-13T21:25:00.004-05:00

After two weeks of heavy research, plenty of planning, and overload of late nights on the computer, I have officially launched my new business, Advantage Virtual Assistance. As you may or may not know, my first business, Truly Cleaning Services, is cleaning houses, and after this whole sucky economy thing came on, I have only 2 clients left. It's been a good thing and a bad thing. It has at least made me put my marketing cap back on and starting to promote that business. It also has made me look into other home businesses. As you can tell, going back to work is not an option for me while Truly isn't in school yet. By the time Truly is in kindergarten, I should be done with school and starting to work as a teacher, but until then, having a 9 to 5 is not an option. I have become so used to staying home with Truly, I am determined to find ways to earn money, while not sticking her in daycare all day long. I'd be more depressed than anything else.

So welcome Advantage Virtual Assistance. I have started working as a Virtual Assistant. Well not "started" yet, I have yet to find my 1st client, but I've only been advertising for a day, so give me some time:-). I have the website going, phone line ready, and Iphone waiting for my incoming e-mails. Why a VA? Because I'm on the computer all day long anyway! Plus, from running my cleaning business, I have gained all the administrative skills that other small businesses and professionals are looking for. So I'm super excited and hope that I can find a way to supplement my income.

Looking for a Virtual Assistant? Know anyone who is?

If you refer me to someone, I'll give you one hour free of services, and the person you refer will get one hour free of services when they buy one hour.

Win Win? I think so too :-)

Anywho, here's the website, proof that me being M.I.A for the past 2 weeks was not all lost. I told you I was being productive:

www.AdvantageVA.com

So if you would excuse me, I am off to find more ways to step out of this unemployment line.

JK. I'm not in an employment line. I'm trying to be funny. I know, I can throw people off sometimes.

Twitter Inspirations

2009-05-06T00:13:00.004-05:00

I'm sitting here at my desk, trying to search the web for things to make me happy. Honestly, I've had a pretty lousy day. Finals for my classes, family visiting, endless driving, working, and then the big hitter: losing another one of my cleaning clients. Curse you darn economy! (Waving fists in the air). So as I type away on my Safari Web Browser looking for advertising techniques, any free money, writing prompts, and *gasp* "real jobs", I get an update from my Twitter account. I switch over to my Twitter application on my desktop and see that Ashton Kutcher has added a new update reading:

"We date someone because we are lonely, settle for a job cause it pays the bills, or accept less in life because we are scared we can't have more"

and his update after that:

"why do we settle?"

And it got my thinking. Why do we settle? Why am I settling? As I sit here and complain and worry that now I won't have any money, and school is caving in on me, and maybe I'm not being the best parent that I should be...Why am I settling? Shouldn't I keep trying, and keep going? I shouldn't just sit here and accept that I am going to be stuck in this rut forever. I should keep going all the way, all the way to the top, some song lyrics would say. Instead of giving into defeat and just settling for what my life is like now, I should go out and grab what I can, and work my butt off because I shouldn't be scared that I won't have more. Because I can. We all can have more. But don't be too greedy ya'll:-)

One night of worry has been resolved, and can at least, wait til morning.

Nap Time Me Time

2009-05-03T14:47:00.007-05:00

Feet up. Movie Playing. Bowl of Rice Krispies with a couple of drizzles of honey.

If you walked into the living room right now you would know it's Truly's naptime. For 2 hours each day I get total relaxation, 2 hours of doing absolutely nothing and just enjoying myself. I used to crowd Truly's nap time with doing laundry, cleaning the room and bathroom, catching up with schoolwork, but now I have learned to devote those precious 2 hours in the middle of the day to myself, whether it be giving myself a manicure, to taking nap as well. I leave all that extra stuff that I have to do after Truly goes to bed at night, or I get up early before she wakes up.

But now, as I finish this bowl of cereal and watch Rose Red on the Scifi Channel, I find some time to write a quick post. I have lately found myself being too attached to my computer, phone, or other electronic objects while I should be playing with Truly. So here I am squeezing in some post time. Now if you don't mind, I only have one more hour til my little monster starts yelling down the stairs, "Mama!!! Where are you!!!??"

How do you spend your absolute free time?

Much Needed Letters That Need To Be Sent

2009-05-02T08:42:00.007-05:00

Dear Math Class,

I still don't understand you. I know our relationship is coming to an end, you know it, I know it, but I feel like this man has completely come between us. Sure he may seem like he knows everything and knows all the answers, but this guy, this "professor" has nailed a wedge between us, Math. He has come between us and I feel like I don't even know you anymore. Your not the same person to me dear Math Class. Right now I should be with you, but because of my "late night partying" with my other assignments and classes, I totally forgot about you. I'm sorry. I must admit that next Saturday will have to be the last time we meet. I hope that once this professor disappears, I'll be able to understand you more, but until then, I bid you adieu!

Sincerely,

Desperately Confused

Dear Housecleaning Business,

For so long I have worked on you. I've tried to make you better, more efficient, more money making savvy, but there always seems to be something that gets in the way as well. This is not a break up letter, understand that my love, but I am determined to make you start working on your side as well. I put so much effort into you and what to I get in return...Nothing. You better start pulling your own weight too mister. This is a warning.

Sincerely,

Your tired boss

Dear Truly,

Do I have to go into the ballet studio with you every time you have ballet? I mean I know you just turned 2 and are a little afraid, but it is quite humiliating for me as well honey. I mean, those mirrors do nothing for the extra 20 lbs I'm carrying, and neither does your skinny, little young, instructor does much for my self esteem. I do enjoy sitting on the wooden floor and watching you prance around the studio with all your little friends, but I'd rather do it outside the studio, with the other parents deary. I know you love your ballet class, but please stop smiling at yourself in the mirrors and listen to your instructor. When she says "heel - toe" do not attempt to do a flip on the ballet barre just to hear your tap shoes go POW!

Sincerely & Much Love,

Your overwhelmed mother

Where's all my organization??

2009-05-01T19:30:00.002-05:00

In between Truly's ballet lessons, final exams for my classes, advertising for my business, and potty training, I have found little time to vent, scream, cry, and blog about my life and much needed advice to all my fellow mommybloggers. Someone buy me a great planner!!! :-(

The Raw Food Diet

2009-04-26T20:21:00.004-05:00

It's definitely not news to anyone that I have very poor eating habits, and have begun passing them down to my daughter. When all you do is eat out, and stuff yourself full of chicken wings that you fall asleep in a matter of seconds when you get home, you know you have an eating/unhealthy problem. I have gained about 30lbs from my pre-baby days that I have left to shed and refuse to leave my body be. So me and mother have decided to look into this "Raw Diet" thing.

So what is the Raw Diet? Well it's pretty much that 75% of your diet consist or raw or uncooked foods like:

Unprocessed, preferably organic, whole foods such as:

Fresh fruits and vegetables
Nuts
Seeds
Beans
Grains
Legumes
Dried fruit
Seaweed
Unprocessed organic or natural foods
Freshly juiced fruit and vegetables
Purified water
Young coconut milk

I'm not trying to do this diet just to lose weight, of course that is a huge benefit, but I really want to do it because the benefits are very substantial. I want more energy to run with Truly, and more energy for myself. I feel like it's such a struggle to just get out of bed. I want to be able to feel more relaxed. I'm like always irritable and mad for no reason at all, and I feel grumpy. Mainly because I'm just fatigued, tired, and feeling horrible about how none of my clothes no longer feel nice on my body.

So here is my next big step into becoming a healthier me!

A couple of websites:

http://altmedicine.about.com/od/popularhealthdiets/a/Raw_Food.htm

The Hallelujah Diet