Hmmm... Different Date, Same Story

I have been swishing the idea of try to blog again around in my head. I LOVE reading my mommy blogs, it is my escape from what is going on in my life. I would also love to share what is going on in our little pampered world, but I still don't seem to have the time. There is always so much that I want to do and never enough time. My wants are so great that they scare me and usually leave me doing nothing in the meantime. So, here's the deal, I am going to try to get back up and running on this little ol' blog, but once again- no promises, but it's not like I really have readers, but maybe I'm saying no promises more for me than you. Hmmm...

Guess what....

Imagine that, I have fallen behind again on this silly blog. I thought about posting many times, but honestly, phew, who has time? I just don't have enough hours in the day. I think it is funny, that here I am, six months after my last post, and I am still struggling with the same things. Ugh. I just need 4 more hours in a day- that is all, nothing more, nothing less. Can someone please explain to me how to do it all?

Too many wants, not enough time...

I want to be an amazing wife who connects with her husband on a deeper level daily. I want to be a super mom who can devote hours of time each day to my child. I want to advance my careers, yes that includes Pampered Chef. I want to be the best homemaker who cooks and cleans daily. I want to be a dog whisperer who can solve all of our doggy issues. I want to be a sought after baker who can make the most exquisite cakes, cupcakes, and what not. I want to be one of those super creative people who can make anything look adorable. I want to put in my time at the gym and work my diet in order to have Angelina Jolie's body. I want to swallow my medicine and become debt free this year.

I truly believe that all of these things are possible, well probably not the Angelina Jolie, but I would be happy with healthy looking. I just can't seem to get the timing down to do anything! I am a person who craves a schedule, but I just can't seem to schedule my own life. When I devote time to one of my goals I feel bad for not spending time on other goals. I constantly think, "Oh, I shouldn't being doing this now because I should be doing...". Well, I'm tired of feeling guilty. So I need to schedule my life just so I don't have to feel guilty anymore. Let me break out the pencil and paper and I'll get back to you when I have it completed.

Thanks for listening,

Sorry for the absence...

Just when I say I won't let it happen again- it does. Sorry for my absence. You see, someone kidnapped my child. Well, not really, but it did seem like it. One night over this beautiful holiday break, probably about a week ago, I put my adorable child to bed and the baby who woke up was NOT my good natured child. A monster woke up, at 2:30a none the less. Pampered daughter has been getting two new teeth for the last week and both of us have been miserable! She was waking up 2-3 times a night, she just wanted to be held, she wasn't eating, and even started running a fever! Poor thing. We gave her Tylenol and Motrin, we held her, we rocked her, we sang to her, nothing worked. My nerves were shot last night and I had to pull out the baby swing. After an hour of fussing in the swing she finally fell asleep. She woke up once last night, quick few ounces of formula and back to sleep- until 8a!!! She woke up in her usual state of super happy and ready to play. Thank goodness that my Pampered Daughter has returned, oh yeah, and she has two new teeth!

The Y

So, now that we are less then one week away from 2011 Pampered Husband and I have been working on our resolutions. His big one is to finally put some roots down, you see- we have moved 5 times in the past 4 years. Mine, as always, is to make 2011 healthier then 2010. So PH said that we should join the local YMCA, it has a fitness area, a child care area for Pampered Daughter, family and community programs, everything you could want- plus it is less then 2 miles away from our home. So PD and I packed up yesterday to check it out. We got there around 9:15a and the place was hopping!

We met with the executive director, took a tour, saw and heard about all of the bells and whistles, and decided to go ahead and sign up. On my way out, I called back to the gentleman with one last question- is it always this busy? He said it is usually this busy between 9a and noon, thinking that I would never be there during those hours, I said okay and we were on our way. It really should have hit me- between 9a and noon? I have never been to a gym that considers that their busy time. Something was up, but what it was- I couldn't put my finger on it.

Fast forward to 2p. I decided to pack up PD again and head back to the Y to work out. It was still insanely busy, but now that I had time to think about things, while I was on the treadmill, I noticed something. This gym is made up of mostly stay at home moms from a neighboring area that I'll call Pampered Park. These moms are the kind of women who shower, do their hair, apply make-up, and get a manicure BEFORE hitting the gym. They were no bigger than a size 4, and wore probably the most expensive gym wear I have ever seen. Oh no! We joined a gym for pretty people! AHHHH! I personally like to roll out of bed, head to the gym in sweats, grind it out for an hour, then go home and get ready for my day- not the other way around. I also felt extremely self conscious because I was obviously there for weight loss and not for a social experience. Uh-oh, I hope this does not deter me from my goals this year.

On a side note, PD had a fantastic time in the childcare area. She is long and skinny and wears adorable clothes, so she fits right in at the Y!

When the dust settles...

Well, Christmas is now over, and all in all- it could not have been BETTER!!! I put aside my desire for perfection and cuteness, and lived in the moment. Wow! It was great! Pampered Daughter woke up around 6:30am and had her morning bottle then we opened presents. We took our time, let PD rip open the paper on her gifts, played with each gift as we opened them, and just had a fantastic time. All gifts were open by 8am. For the first time ever, Pampered Husband and I set a spending limit for each other, and we both blew it, but we ended up spending about the same. It was just perfect.

After a day of being lazy, it was time for me to tackle my worst enemy- a prime rib. A few years ago I decided to make a prime rib for Christmas dinner and I messed it up royally. I promised to never make it again, and low and behold, I found a new recipe for prime rib that I just had to try this year. This time around, though, I have better tools. My oven has this super cool probe that I can put into the meat, type in the temperature I want it to be, and the oven does all the work. It adjusts the heat and the way it bakes it. Finally, when the probe reaches the right temperature, the oven dings to let me know it is ready. AMAZING! I conquered the prime rib this year. It was delicious.

Many more posts to come about our pampered holiday.

Feeling Completely Inept

So, as I have mentioned many times before, I love reading blogs. I find myself drawn to cooking, baking, home decorating, and crafty blogs. I drool over Pizzazzerie, and my absolute new favorite is It's Always a Party at the Parkers'. I yearn so badly to be the most amazing stay at home mom, party planner, chef, cutesy person-- but alas, I am not. I am none of those things. I am a working mom, who knows a really good party planner, who makes Hamburger Helper for dinner, and pays other people to do cutesy things. I just feel completely inept sometimes. So as much as I LOVE reading other blogs, sometimes they cause more harm then good. Right now I just need to focus on being the best wife and mother possible, and accepting that- that is the hard part!

Such plans...

Ugh, I had so many plans for today but it seems that I have caught pampered daughter's illness. I feel like garbage! I am having friends over tomorrow to bake together and my house is a mess. I am also not in the mood for visitors. Oh well, maybe I'll feel better after a good night's sleep.

Okay, I promise this time...

Man oh man, I truly love reading blogs. I race home everyday just to see what is new on my reader. But I never update my own blog. Seems so silly. I have so much to share. I really should just start doing it. That's it, I'm going to start blogging again. At least I'm going to try my hardest! We shall see, stick around to see if I can keep my promise this time.

Welcome Back

Well, the whole reason I initially began this blog was to promote my Pampered Chef business, and it seems that I haven't mentioned that at all recently! Unfortunately, I was not able to keep up that business while we were in our other city. It was difficult enough just to roll out of bed and go to work while pregnant, I can't even imagine what it would have been like if I was also selling Pampered Chef. After my insane morning sickness, which actually lasted all day long, wore off, I did get back to cooking, but not back to Pampered Chef.

That was until the other day, that is. I have officially signed back up to sell Pampered Chef. I am excited to get back to it, but I am also a little reluctant. You see, now that I am back to working full time, I already spend so much time away from Pampered Daughter that it kills me. The last thing I want to do when I get home is leave her again. However, I know this is a good thing for me. I can earn some extra money, super cool free products, and make new friends who share in my passion. I am cautiously optimistic about getting back into PC.

Slow down already!

My adorable little niece started school yesterday for the very first time. Gosh, how in the world did this happen? It seems like it was just yesterday that she was a tiny six week old baby who flew to Pampered City to go to the happiest place on Earth with me and her Pampered Uncle. We had so much fun playing with her and getting to know her on that trip. It was love at first sight. Now that tiny little baby is in school. How?

My sister in law posted pics of Pampered Niece going to school today, and I started to get a little teary eyed myself. Obviously I was not upset about her going to school, heck I live across the country from her and wouldn't have known about it without Facebook, but I think I realized that one day that little girl going to school for the first time will be Pampered Daughter, and I am no where near ready for that. I happened to glance at my calendar today, just to see what was coming up this month, and I saw her 4 month check up appointment. How did that happen? This is all going too fast for me, time just needs to slow down already!!!

Absolute Perfection

Wow! Pampered Husband, Pampered Daughter, and myself went out for dinner last night. We went to Ol' Boys, a so-so bar-b-que place, in Super Cute little suburb of Pampered City. It was such a beautiful night that we were able to eat outside along Lake Super Cute! That never happens in our neck of the woods during the summertime, it is usually way too hot. After dinner we went next door for frozen yogurt. It was such a perfect evening out with my little family (except that I did not stick to my diet). It just reminded me how lucky I am to have such a wonderful husband and an amazing daughter. It's little moments like this that make my heart smile, and what truly make my life "pampered". What makes your heart smile?

Another dream job???

Let me just start out this post by saying that the job I had last year truly turned out to be a dream. I had the privilege of working with some amazing people. I also believe that I have made some friends for life.

Now, on to a new dream job. So, for this gig, I have stepped outside of the proverbial box. I am in my same field, but in a much different situation. I have gone from servicing the creme de la creme to working with the opposite end of the spectrum. In the end, this will give me valuable experience and possibly help me build an area that I was lacking. I have also moved into the private sector, working for a company that provides everything- all I do is implement. Do I think I will like this? Probably not long term, however, right now, with Pampered Daughter, I think this is for the best. Hopefully this will be another dream job.

I'll keep you posted!

Wow, time does truly fly!

Oh my goodness, has it really been more than a year since I have been here? I find that so hard to believe because it feels like just yesterday! Please excuse my lack of posts, Pampered Husband and myself have had quite the year. Let me explain:
September 2009: Found out we were expecting a pampered baby!
October 2009: My mother moved in with us.
November 2009: Spent Thanksgiving in our original Pampered City.
December 2009: My mother-in-law flew up to spend Christmas with us, and it did not go well.
January 2010: We had to put my mother-in-law in a nursing home.
February 2010: A Pampered Pet was diagnosed with cancer.
March 2010: My birthday month!
April 2010: Pampered Husband and I celebrated our first anniversary.
May 2010: Pampered Daughter was born.
June 2010: I caught my breath for a moment.
July 2010: We moved back to Pampered City.
August 2010: I started yet another "dream job".

Each one of these events requires many many posts to explain. I will try my best to give you the cliff notes version to catch you up in the next few posts. I am also going to try my best to keep up with this blog now...

Bad Blogger. Bad....

I know, I know, it's been a long time since my previous post. I apologize for my absence, but hey- I've been busy! Dream job has been dreamy, I have exploited the cash for clunkers program (even though I refuse to admit my previous car was a clunker!), I have tried numerous new Pampered Chef recipes, I have gotten my tush back to the gym, and now Pampered Husband and I are preparing for my mother coming to stay with us for the Fall/Winter. Each one of those things deserves an entry by itself, and they will get their necessary attention, but tonight I have got to tell you the funniest Pampered Pet story ever.

Tonight PH, myself, and PPs went on a long walk on our favorite local track. When we got home everyone assumed their position. PH was on the sofa with one of our labs, I was on the love seat with the Jack Russell, and the third lab was on the floor. Well the little one on the floor must have decided it was time for him to get the love seat for a change, so he stood up and started to heave like he was going to throw up. As soon as I jumped up to help him and get something to clean up the mess that I knew was coming, he stopped, and jumped on to the love seat all by himself. How in the world did my pet just outsmart me? I guess they truly are pampered!

Pampered Wife

Tax Free Holiday

Oh la la....tax free shopping this week! I am going to break into the savings account to purchase some new work clothes, because apparently I dressed too casually in previous Pampered City. But here is a dumb question- maybe you can help me answer it. I am living in a state that is currently having financial issues. All state employees are being forced to take unpaid days off. My job found away around that, instead of unpaid days off, they are contributing less to our retirement. (Truth be known, I don't care because I am not eligible for that fancy retirement thing anywho- need to be here for 3 years to get it...so I am not upset at all!) But why would a state, that is going broke, offer tax free shopping???!?!?! I don't think anyone who shops gets upset by the taxes and rethinks their purchases because of the taxes. Even though I disagree with this holiday I plan on taking part in it today. Oh, did I mention that I have an extra save 15% on everything coupon from Kohl's (my fave store!!)? So I must get going to beat the crowds, not as in get there early, but literally beat them so I can get what I want.....KIDDING!

Have a great day!
Pampered Wife

Newbie

So today was first day of dream job. Guess what....might not be dream job, but still a great job. I think I might have been misled a little, but what are you going to do about that. In this economy a job is a job and I am thankful for that.

Kind of bummed out and disappointed. Don't feel like going into anonymous detail, so I am ending here.

Have a good weekend,

Pampered Wife

The Real Housewives of Pampered City

Ok, so I am going to give a little information about myself in this post. Tonight Bravo is airing the season premiere of the Real Housewives of Atlanta. Well guess what, it is not actually filmed in Atlanta- it is filmed in my little ol' Pampered City. So there you go, you now have a geographical idea of where I live- the Atlanta area. Oh well, no big deal...don't tell anyone else though.

But getting back to the show. I LOVE reality television. Don't judge me. If there were a 12 step program for reality tv show watchers I would have to try it. I love all of the Bravo shows. I think my DVR passes judgment on me as I wake up early to watch NYC Prep, Miami Social, or even the Kathy Griffin show. I know the DVR wouldn't mind me watching Top Chef because that is just good programing. What did I ever do before I had a DVR?

Got to go to watch last night's Top Chef. It is the champions round now you know. Make sure to check out The Real Housewives of Atlanta tonight on Bravo.

Pampered Wife

Neighborly Love

As you probably already know, from previous posts, our Pampered Palace is actually just an apartment. Well, not really "just an apartment...." Our last palace makes this place look like a mansion. Anywho- not that important to this post. Today's post is about being a good neighbor.

I am the kind of person who is terrified of doing anything wrong, getting in trouble, or upsetting someone else. These fear make life so not fun- but still, that is another post. So, back to the topic- neighbors. I am always afraid of making too much noise in our apartment. We have pets that romp around, occassionally bark before the sun comes up, and once in awhile we need to yell at them to either reprimand them or to get them to stop doing something they shouldn't be doing. Neither PH, nor myself, are toothpick thin, so we make noise when we move around. I have been known to be clumsy and drop things on the floor. So in this post, I would just like to throw my apology out there to the world- I am SO SORRY for the noise we make. I read a ton of other blogs where the writers complain about their noisy neighbors, and I am SO SORRY once again if you are complaining about me!

On the flip side of this coin, I really wish our neighbors would be more friendly. I met the lady who lives above us and she seems really nice- but then we saw her taking tons of pictures of our apartment building. I didn't sleep a wink that night convinced that she was going to turn us in to the property management for violating some rule. Other than that neighbor, we have not really met or talked to anyone since we moved in almost two months ago. What ever happened to being friendly with your neighbors? I see that as being one of the best ways to prevent crime, and just a way to make your home life more enjoyable. Might just be sour grapes, or homesickness, but I really wish a neighbor would just stop by and introduce themselves. (BTW, I did knock on the door of person who lives below us numerous times when we moved in to introduce ourselves, but no answer- ever.)

Whatever,

Pampered Wife

Pampered Chef

So this blog was supposed to be all about my venture in independent sales with Pampered Chef~ and it seems as if I have written very little about that. So here is the update: doing a business that relies on friendships, knowing people, and recognition is very difficult when you move to new city! Ahh! My aunt is hosting a catalog show just to keep me alive this month with some sales. I am hoping, now that I am gainfully employed, that I will meet some new people and get some shows booked.

I saw the new winter line and it is super cool. Believe it or not, most prices went down! When does that ever happen?

Not much time to write today, have to get to work!

Pampered Wife