Pittsburgh Trip ----> Successful Shopping!

It never fails that every single time we go back home to visit my parents and friends, we leave with even more stuff than we arrived with. The kids get toys, clothes, games, whatever my mom and dad can get their hands on to spoil my kids with...and I, well, I usually just try to grab random groceries I can't find here OR, I look for Steeler's gear. You just can't have enough.

My dad is a tailor and generally, we spend a good amount of time at his store, hanging out. I use it as my opportunity to see what's new, as far as clothing goes...and did I hit the jackpot when I picked up a pair of bright yellow sweatpants, only to find that they were STEELERS sweatpants and from Victoria's Secret. I announced to all the Asians in the store (my family), that I HAD to have them and I wasn't going to leave the city of Pittsburgh without them. There, the phone calls to VS began...

And I found a pair:

Yes, I had to have them hemmed 6 inches (I'm sorry, I am nowhere near VS model height...), but tell me how freaking cute they are! On the back, they say "PINK" which my dad said didn't make sense because they are yellow...valid point, but still didn't stop me from getting them...

And because we were in the store and on the rack were other cute VS Steeler's stuff...I also came home with:
And this:
It's a long sleeve thermal shirt...so cute!!! And a shout out to my dad who hooked me up with all of my new clothing...I love it and I'm wearing it right now!

If you didn't know, VS has the college gear for that hometown (well, most towns/colleges, at least) and they have just added the NFL teams, too. Too cute to pass up...love me some Victoria's Secret!

Thirty-One Gifts: My New Business Venture

(Pic of me at my first business expo!)

I stay-at-home. And there is nothing wrong with it. In fact, I have loved that I've been able to spend the time with my kids and see the things that I probably would have missed out on, had I been working outside of the home during those times. But, I haven't ALWAYS stayed at home. There was a time when Riley begged me to go to work, so she could go to school and make friends...so I did. I went out and found a job and loved it. But then with Ronan, it just didn't make sense, financially, to go back to work and so Ryan and I made the decision to keep me at home.

I'm not complaining. I love being a stay-at-home mom. Do I have my moments where I secretly wished I had some high power executive position in a corner office with a view of a city skyline? Yes. But the amazing moments I've had with my kids, well, I can't compare it...

Now that both my kids are in school for 6 hours a day, I have a lot of time to myself. And guilt rides over me that I'm home, doing "nothing." Knowing that I had the time, I decided to become an Independent Consultant for Thirty-One gifts. It wasn't an easy decision. There are costs. Start-up and maintenance costs. As Ryan said the other night, "I guess you have to spend money, to make it."

So far, I love it. I can make my own hours and put what I want into it...but I believe that if you work hard, the payoffs will come...and I'm hoping that happens sooner than later!

I know that money can be harder to come by these days, but if you are looking for a great holiday gift idea, I'd love it if you at least browsed through the online catalog! Visit my page and if you feel like shopping, go for it! If you want to book an online party or host one in person (contact me directly regarding this...I travel, but I'm restricted!)

egalfamily4@gmail.com

Thanks to everyone for their support.

Just had to share...

It's Hard Being Perfect -- my friend's blog...just something that really hit home for me.

You are going to sit where?

Two weekends ago, Riley had a soccer game. With bleachers set up, Ronan and I grabbed our seats 20 minutes before anyone even got there. We pride ourselves on being early. Slowly, the other players began trickling in and with an entire field length of room to sit and 4 rows of bleachers...these parents decided to sit RIGHT.IN.FRONT.OF.ME. Best part, is that one parent actually turned around and asked me, after he opened his big beach umbrella, if I could still see.

Respectfully, I said, "oh yeah, and if I can't, I'll just sit under that umbrella, too!" Not a minute later, God must've heard me complaining because the guy's umbrella flipped inside out (from a burst of wind) and he had to sit in the hot hot sun like the rest of us.

Where are the manners anymore? People just sit wherever the darn well please, I guess.

C'mon, get craftin'....

To my NJ peeps...my friend, Jamie, is starting up crafting classes. So, if you have ever had the urge to craft but didn't know where to begin -- this is it. All the deets are on her blog. Come and hang out!

A Conversation with Ronan

When I picked Ronan up from school today, we had a funny conversation and it went something like this:

(Ronan was singing, "diapers are not forever....diapers are not forever...diapers are not forever...")

Since he is now potty-trained and has been for a few months, I thought it was funny -- but I think it has to do with the potty-training they might be working on in school with the other kids.

Ronan: Momma, 'member when I was a baby Wonan (Ronan) and I used to poop in my diaper?

Me: Yeah....

Ronan: Dat (That) was fun!

Me: Hahaha, no. It wasn't fun.

IHaveToPayWhat?!!!!

What is $63 + $25 + $25 + $20 +$16?

A. Lot.

That is what I spent LAST WEEK, on the kids...on all school-related/sports-related things.

Break it down, you ask? Gladly.

$63. That was the cost of Ronan's SCHOOL pictures. Not the ones from Picture People, or Sears, or Target, or even your local really expensive professional photog. And the best part, is that I didn't even get to keep all the pictures. That was just 8 sheets. And trust me when I tell you that the thought of them shredding your child's photo is devastating. I didn't want them to do it, but I couldn't justify another $57 for the last 7 sheets. I mean, I got a copy of all three poses (and he's too handsome for words!) and enough to make sure I can get one to family and friends...but still. Who did that company think they were selling pictures to?!

$25 and $25. Soccer pictures. One team picture of each kid. And them some single pictures. Could I have purchased a car magnet, a button, a mouse pad, some mugs and a calendar? Sure...but then I know we wouldn't be able buy groceries for the next 2 weeks.

$20. T-Shirts. And not just any t-shirts. Spirit t-shirts.

$16. For a good cause and so I can't complain, but it was for Scholastic Books. Not a necessity in the very least, but hard to pass up when your kid walks by the school book fair and begs for a book...to read...I mean, how do you tell a kid, "No! I will not buy you a book to read!"

So $149 broke-er, but at least now I'll have pictures, t-shirts and books to show for it.

Welcome October!

Last year, me, at this time...longing for the day when "sweater weather" would finally be. Now that I'm a thousand miles north of where we were and "sweater weather" is here, I can't tell you that I'm not slightly nervous.

While standing outside last night, talking with a friend, I was shivering. I had to hold back the chattering of my teeth...because while she was in short sleeves and jeans, I had my Northface jacket on with jeans and I was STILL cold.

I'm in for it, I think. Ryan said I'm in trouble. I didn't have him turn on the heat but last night, I had the sheet, fleece blanket, comforter and the 'x-ray vest at the dentist' heavy blanket on me and I was still chilly.

Could it finally be that I am going to need to invest in jammies with feet?!

There's Always A First Time...

to score a lot, for very little at a consignment sale!

I love the thrill of competition. Black Friday? I'm there. I'm up early and I'm in line (with what some people consider to be fools...for wanting to be up on the day after a holiday!) I have a plan of attack, for the most part. I know that there are certain items I shoot for and then depending on my location in line, I adjust it to get the hottest items I can.

Last year, I bought a flat screen tv, for like $200. I know, crazy awesome, right?! We didn't need it. It was the thrill of the competition. A bunch of us raced to electronics and there I was, by chance, and just because I saw other people going for it, I knew I just had to have it and in the cart it went.

I then would go about the normal shopping, looking for the best deals, texting my husband to find out if he could get online to see if someplace else had it for less...and after waiting in the horrendous line to pay -- I'd be on my way home.

...feeling nothing like buyers remorse. I didn't need the tv. WE didn't need the tv. And there I was again, the next day, waiting in line....

to return it.

But today, well, it was the same adrenaline rush, sans the guilt on money spent. Because we lived in two warm weather states prior to this move, we had no winter clothes. No coats, just a few pairs of jeans and with my thrifty shopping, I've been able to pick up long sleeve shirts here and there. Unfortunately, it's just not enough for the kids, so I was turned onto the whole concept of consignment shopping. Why buy it new for full-price, when you can buy it gently loved, for less?

I, I mean, WE (meaning Ryan and I) spent $92.70 and got the following:

5 pants

8 shirts

4 sweaters/sweatshirts

1 coat

1 set of winter overalls

2 pairs of snow boots

1 pair of brand new Adidas shoes

1 new wooden puzzle

4 new plastic kids chairs

Average: $3.43 an item! Say it with me people, "Woo, that's a great deal!"

I wanna pump it...pump it real good...

...at least now I do, but I'll probably appreciate someone else doing it for me when it snows.

And I'm talking about my gas, people...regular unleaded.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again, moving makes you have to adapt and adjust. It's not enough that one has to learn new roads or find the fastest route to the nearest hospital in case of an emergency -- you have to restrain yourself from the urge to NOT get out of the car when you pull up to the gas pump.

For over 16 years, I have always pulled up to the pump, made the harsh realization that the my gas "thingy" is on the other side and, turned around to the pump onto the other side. I then get out, do my thing and then leave.

Here in NJ, they make it hard. You can't just pull up and do your thing and then leave. You have to pull up, have someone else do your thing, pay them for it, and THEN you can leave. I don't know what it is...maybe I take some sort of pride in pumping my own gas. Maybe it's one of the only things I can do for my vehicle. I can't change my oil. I take it somewhere for a quickie. 20 minutes and I'm outta there. In all honesty, I can't really do anything for it, except wash it, vacuum it, love it and give it gas...well, only in PA, I guess.

Perhaps when it snows, and I hear that happens here a lot, that I'll appreciate the guy at the gas pump. But until then, all I have is pent up resentment for him taking away one of the one things that makes me a driver.

Hair-tastrophy of 2010

I was 8 years old when it first happened. And then at the age of 10, I thought it couldn't be any worse, and maybe at the time, it wasn't...but looking back, I can't believe it.

I had a perm. I was 8. I had big ol' buck teeth and a perm. Not a normal hairstyle for a little Asian girl. How many Asians do you know with naturally curly hair? Not many, if any at all! But, what do you do when you don't have something? You go out and you find it. For me, it was the hair salon, run by a Vietnamese woman, in Falls Church, VA. My dad let me get my hair permed and for 2 hours as I sat in the big girl chair, I inhaled chemicals...that must have affected my brain because not two years later, I went to that same salon and got my hair cut.

But not just any cut. Not just a trim. I went Billy Cyrus and got my first true mullet. I'm sure I thought I looked like I was the sh!t. But when I flip through those old pictures, I can't help but stare in embarrassment. I am convinced I was not loved by my parents. I mean, who would let that happen to their child?! I was not of the age to make a decision like that...but it happened.

I've had previous hair issues. Most brought on as an adult, so I have noone to blame but myself. I have colored my own hair, with horrific results. I have then had to spend massive amounts of money to fix. And luckily, I had an amazing stylist in Tampa who was able to help me, and not judge me. But moving, well, it forces you to find a new everything.

New doctor. New dentist. New Target. New Hair Salon.

Easy right? I mean, you just ask around and go. When we moved here, I didn't know anyone, really...so I had nobody to ask. Everything seemed so far away. I just wanted a bang trim. I even brought a picture, of myself, with the very bangs I wanted. Just a trim. Nothing fancy.

So, I went to the local Hair Cuttery. The lady seemed nice enough. During the consult, I mentioned the desire for the bang trim and I pleaded, nicely, to not be given a mullet, or any form of it. She giggled and reassured me I was in good hands. No mullet, sweetie. I'll just trim it up and you'll look great. (In my best NJ accent.)

25 minutes later. I ended up with this:

I know, I'm smiling. And while you may not be able to see the mullet in its full glory, I promise you, it is there. Let's just say it was so bad, my husband, who only compliments me on everything, asked me to put a hair clip in.

The stylist cut so many bangs, that it basically starts halfway to the back of my head.

Lesson: You get what you pay for. I thought, how hard could it be to get my bangs trimmed at one of these places. Apparently, it's hard. Because now, even 2 months later, I'm still struggling with the bangs and won't be able to do anything about it until I go back home...where I'm hoping the Neville Spa will be able to help me out! I mean surely, I cannot show up at my 15-year-reunion with THIS hair.

First Day of School: 2010

Shall we call the beginning of my empty nest? BOTH of my nugs are now in school. Can you believe it? And no, it wasn't all a joyous occasion. Although from the looks on their faces in the pictures, you wouldn't know it all wasn't rainbows and ponies and whatever they group together with those things. (I have never seen rainbows and ponies together.)
Ronan started pre-school. 6 hours a day. For 6 hours a day, my little man is in a classroom, doing things. Playing. Napping. Eating. Snacking. Playing. And staring at the clock, waiting for the "small stick" to point at the 3.

I cried. He cried. It was the most awful drop-off ever. He walked into the classroom and clung to my leg. I held back the tears. His teacher could sense my anxiety. I mean, this was supposed to be a happy day. I was going to have 6 hours of no kids. But, I wanted nothing more than to have those very 6 hours with the little dude. What was I doing? So I stood in the room and hugged him, very tight. After finally letting go, I saw his eyes fill up with these huge tears and as his teacher held onto his hand, trying to coax him to play with a toy...I ran out of the room and into the hallway. I didn't hold back then. I was bawling. NOT a great scene in a preschool, with parents and kids walking around...

I hurried out into the lobby, where the director of the school saw my state of frenzy. She brought me into the office and there was Ronan, on the monitor. I could see my baby boy and he was fine. Still pouting a little, but totally fine. Playing, in fact. I mean, was that how it was going to go down? Wasn't he going to cry for me and ask to go home? He had coped and there I was, not coping. I was crying and wishing for just 5 more minutes.

But I left, knowing he was in good hands and rushed home to make sure Riley would be able to get on the bus...

Thinking that the bus was going to be there at 9 am, I thought I had missed her. So you can imagine the shock on my face when I saw the big group of students, parents and pets waiting at the bus stop. Running towards her, I could see the mortified look on her face. It basically said, "omg, mom, please stop running towards me...you are embarrassing me in front of all these people I don't know!" But I made it to her, catching my breath - I introduced myself to all the other moms/dads. We stood talking and staring at our watches...waiting.

And waiting.

And waiting.

At 9:40 am, still no bus. Uh, school starts at 9:30!

At 9:49. No bus.

At 9:49 and 2 seconds, was me on the phone with the bus company...who had no answers for me.

My poor child, my third-grader, who was brand new to all this...was going to be LATE on her very first day of school. (Mother of the Year Award to be presented here.)

At 10 a.m., we decided as a group to drive all the kids to school.

The bus never came that morning. I guess there was no bus scheduled to take any of the kids in our area to school...but after a few days of chaos and late buses, we're finally all good!


Happy to report that both kids had a great first day and agreed to go back.

Although I will say it's taken about 2 weeks to finally get Ronan into school without crying! Definitely something to say about military kids adjusting well. As worried as I was about Riley making friends and liking school, she hasn't had a problem with either! Guess when you are forced to cope with something, you just do!

Kennywood

When I was little, there was nothing more exciting than going to Kennywood Park in the summer. I couldn't wait to spend all day there, eating their Potato Patch French Fries and devouring the funnel cake covered in ice cream and strawberries -- and that was just for LUNCH! So, you can only imagine the joy I had in having the opportunity to bring my kids there (thanks to Pa and Grandma) to experience what almost every kid in Pittsburgh gets to experience each year.

This outing was much more relaxed than I remember as a kid. We would spend months figuring out the group of people we were going with and don't even ask about how long we'd spend talking about what we would wear to the park.

My kids were just so excited to ride rides. After being disappointed in the past at the height requirements for roller coasters at other parks, I was smart. I researched...like a good mom would do. We were good. Ronan was going to be tall enough for all the rides, in Kiddie Land! (And, he would be able to ride the mini coaster there!)

Reluctant to ride the mini coaster, Riley did it! She hopped on with her cousin, Travis, and 9 seconds later, they were back to the beginning of the ride. No joke, the ride is like 9 seconds. It took me longer to turn on my camera to take this picture, than it did for them to go an entire round on this ride.

And another favorite for the kids, but not-so-much for mommy who recently discovered that she is easily made nauseous. In fact, it may have been this very ride in which this discovery was unveiled. Needless to say, the kids went on it about 8 times and me, well, I watched from the ground. The very steady, not-moving ground.

It's no Disney. It's no Hershey Park. It's just Kennywood. A classic theme park that has given me wonderful memories and hopefully, has done the same for my kids...

Rockin' and well, rockin'...

Why does one go to Cracker Barrel? Oh, I'll tell you why. For the hashbrown "can't just have one order" casserole. I love the stuff. So, when I have the chance to go (and I don't normally go with Ryan because he doesn't like the place), I go. And, I'm not afraid to drag as many people as I can with me.

This time, I went with my parents, the nuggets, niece, nephew and cousin. It was an Asian outing like no other. Armed with my camera (like that's a surprise), I couldn't resist taking pictures of everyone on their famous rocking chairs. And as much as I love them, I'm disappointed that they have one for each of the Armed Forces, except for the Coast Guard. (Here is me, vigorously writing them a nasty letter...haha).

One big happy Asian family:

And yes, there is a Cracker Barrel here in Jersey. It's just about 30 minutes away. Poo.

Backtrack: Rochelle's Big 3-0

When Ryan was given the options of where we could be stationed, a lot of it weighed on how close we'd be to home... We've missed out on lots of family stuff and what we HAVE gone to, has often costs us a small fortune to get to. So, when we realized we'd only be hours away from friends and family, it didn't take me long to decide that I wanted to be there when Steve called to tell me he was throwing a surprise party for his wife and my long-time friend, Rochelle.


It was so nice to be able to share in this special day with Rochelle and we are so looking forward to having many more hometown get-togethers, now that we live so close!

(P.S. The dress I'm wearing, I won! You can't see the entire thing here, but trust me when I say it was really cute! Thanks to Cocomae.com for having a contest and thanks to me for coming up with the name for it: It's Tierin' Up My Heart (my omage to the best boy band of all time: 'N Sync)!

We're In Jersey, the New One.

(Image borrowed from electrical-designer-guide.com)

1073 miles. Yes, we drove that many miles (and then some because of a pittstop to Pittsburgh) and we didn't just do it once, we did it TWICE. I'm not complaining. We drove from Pittsburgh to San Diego and back WITH children...and it hasn't stopped us from traveling. In fact, I think it's made our kids better travelers. Regardless, we made the move to the Garden State, from the Sunshine State -- and no, it hasn't been all GTL. (For you non-Jersey Shoreheads, that's short for Gym-Tan-Laundry).

It hasn't been all RHoNJ, either. (Again, reality tv rules my world: Real Housewives of New Jersey). It's been a lot of unpacking/organizing, adjusting, and realizing that one of my worst fears would be true. I live more than a hop, skip and a jump away from Target. Devastating, I know.

I cried the first three days we were here. I mean, could you blame me? It takes us 30 - 45 minutes to get from here, to anywhere. And honestly, it wouldn't be such a big deal if I knew where I was going -- but I didn't. Back country roads, cornstalks on both sides, signs of tractor crossings on the side of the road and fat, fat gophers surrounded me...and I didn't like it. I think that's why they call this place the "Garden State."

BUT, since I pride myself on not being a 'Negative Nelly' all the time, I will say that the thought of experiencing 4 seasons again and the fact that the area we moved into offered immediate support and camaraderie helped get me through those "I hate this place" feeling and I'm happy to report that after almost three months of living in Jersey -- I like it (even if I did get the WORST.HAIRCUT.EVER. here -- blog for another time).

The kids are adjusting well. They have both made friends (or fwends, as Ronan would say) and they like where we are. Although I will say, Ronan has asked me on several occasions when we are going back to our "old home." It's sad at some times and then I realize that the job Ryan is in, has allowed us some amazing experiences...chances to live in places I wouldn't have been able to move to, without him...so, I can't complain. I must embrace. I mean, where else would I be able to get away with owning a huge can of Aquanet Hair Spray (for real) and get away with it?

Joi-zee. New Joi-zee. With my cup of coy-fee.

Brace Yourself

Yes, after almost 4 months of NOT BLOGGING one single thing, I think I've decided to come back.

I know I've probably lost some loyal followers and to those that continue to come back and check for new posts, thank you. We've been through one huge move and after finally settling in, getting the kids into their schools and making friends...I have finally found the motivation to start blogging again.

It's been a rough road. I've debated about whether or not blogging was even worth it. Therapeutic to some degree, but after finding out about 'spies', I struggled with whether the pros outweighed the cons. Obviously, for 4 months, the cons won. But, I've had people plead with me to blog again and who am I to fight the cries?!

So, it won't be long before I start posting pictures of my nuggets and life here in the back woods. I'm baacccckkkkkk.......

Toes Should Never Go Naked.

I love me a pedicure. So much so that years back, I actually went to beauty school to become a certified "Nail Technician." Sounds fancy, right? Well, it is. I kid. No honestly, though...I love pedicures and although I rarely get them done, I always make sure my toes have polish on them...especially during sandal season -- which is NOW!!!

A fellow Coastie Wife is making these absolutely adorable flip-flops and I just had to share her info...because these are just too cute to NOT have!!!!
Look at how pretty the details are! She has matching hair clips, too!

I think this is the set I'll be going with... Love pink and black!!!

Anyway, she's offering my blog readers FREE SHIPPING! Just mention that you saw it on my site and she'll hook you up! She can be reached at TooTooCuteBows@aol.com or, you can visit her FB page. Check out her stuff...it's too too cute!

Not Sold Out: Rays Baseball

Where I'm from, it seems like someone has to die in order to get season tickets. Hello Steelers Football. BUT, not so much the case for baseball games and definitely not so much here in Tampa.

So, when Ryan said he wanted to take the little man to a Rays game, I can understand why one would giggle when I said: Oh, can you get tickets?!

From the pictures I was getting all evening, you wouldn't have even known they were watching a game. Seemed like more eating and playing than anything...
Can't go to the game without trying the Papa John's pizza. Which, Ryan said was delicious...and from Ronan's face, I think he would agree.

And he kept eating...and eating...

And apparently, they could have sat ANYWHERE they wanted...

But, for entertainment value, Ryan chose seats by the actual rays tank...where you could pet Bat Rays...

Ronan wasn't too keen on touching them...Ryan said he was scared to death when they came by.

For $22 (2 tickets) plus food (unknown cost), it wasn't too bad of an evening, considering Ronan was pooped when he got home! Gotta love having the space for a little man to run.

Necessary Evil: The Portable DVD Player

2 kids. 15+ hours in a car. = no way to avoid the portable DVD purchase.

Let me rephrase that. No way to avoid buying yet ANOTHER portable DVD player for the vehicle.

We've had, oh let me see, 5, I think?!

Riley had one as a toddler. We bought one for our first trip from Pittsburgh to San Diego. Life-freaking-saver.

Any parent knows that even if you can get 1 hour and 37 minutes of quiet because your kid is watching Aladdin, you'll do what you have to, to get that time of driving in. For Riley, back in the day, it was Veggie Tales. In fact, I still think I could sing every single one of their Silly Songs from beginning to end. Pathetic. Roll your eyes if you will, but you know what I'm saying!

Of course, with how well these fine pieces of equipment are made, it didn't survive our entire time in SD, so before we moved yet again, we purchased a dual DVD player.

***Sidebar: Can anyone tell me why oh why not one company can make a dual DVD player and do it so that there are no issues? You would think with how much technology we have out there, that someone would have figured this out. Rant. Over.

We get to Tampa and one of them dies. One screen works, the other doesn't. With two kids, it just doesn't fly. To avoid a tantrum, we put it in front of Ronan...but then Riley was straining her neck to watch with him -- and don't mind that he would occassionally swat at her for watching HIS screen. Nightmare.

So, with this pending drive and my anxiety of being in the car for that extended period of time...I went out and bought a new set of DVD players. Target specials always get me excited, so I couldn't pass it up...until it was installed and everytime it would play, it would suddenly stop.

After lecturing the kids on how to properly take care of their DVDs and handling them in the car, I came to realize that it wasn't their fault (at least not completely.) The reviews on the DVD player I purchased were, well, how should I put it? They sucked. FAIL. Back to Target it went which brought me to right now.

A trip to HHGregg and then to Best Buy brought out the worst in me. Who would have thought I would get so frustrated over this purchase? Finally, after debate - with myself, with Ryan and with Ronan (who had nothing to offer that was of any value other than telling me he had to pee --go Potty Training!), I purchased the Philips portable 9" Dual DVD LCD screen player.

It's installed. Test run complete. So far, a success. BUT, if this thing fails on me before we leave Tampa, I am going to flip a sh*t. $200 isn't easy money to come by and to have spent it on something I've already purchase several times over, well, it's not easy to swallow, either.

Wish us luck. And if you are curious as to the DVD players that failed us, the first was a JWIN and the other was an RCA.