Thank You

I must be hormonal... nonetheless, it's been a long time since I've blogged and I feel a need to say...

I am thankful that everytime my son says "I want rice" there is rice is in the rice cooker to feed him. 

I am thankful that my father cooks a fresh pot of rice for my son every day (even though he's diabetic and I constantly scold him that he needs to cut back on eating rice himself). 

I am thankful that my father is still alive, healthy and strong so that he can cook said rice for my son. 

I am thankful that every time we need to make rice, there is rice in the rice dispenser. 

I am thankful that anytime we are running low on rice, anyone in our home can run to the store and buy more. 

I am thankful that we have Filipino markets close to our home to buy said rice. 

I am thankful that we have never had to worry about not having money to puchase food for our child. 

I am thankful for the child that we were blessed with, and for his healthy appetite, and everything about him.

I am thankful for my husband, who worked so hard with me to have our son and is a wonderful father. 

I am thankful for my parents, even though we still argue, fuss and fight - I am so glad they are able to play an active role in their grandchild's life. 

I am thankful for my health, my strength, my job, my life - and for all of my blessings. 

I don't say it enough - thank you, Lord. 

8/3/2011 - The "incident"

To the Management Executives of the La Costa Resort and Spa,


On Wednesday, August 3rd, 2011 my husband, an associate of ours, and I attended the Mercury Insurance Open at your venue. To say that it was our pleasure to attend this event at your venue would be inaccurate and quite the opposite. In fact, it was very well one of the worst experiences that each of us has ever had due to the horrid treatment we received from your staff.

As a Human Resources and business professional, I am well versed on discrimination and the protected categories outlined by the law. I often advise my clients on best practices to ensure that they are not discriminatory towards their employees, customers or vendors. This is important not only because it helps mitigate risk and avoid law suits, but it is also the respectful and right thing to do.

I am very fortunate to have had the opportunity to live in various parts of the United States and to have traveled to various places in the world. Until I had the opportunity to attend an event at your venue, I never personally experienced such obvious and blatant racial discrimination. On at least three separate occasions your employees ignored me, my husband and my associate, proceeded past us, and offered their services to the Caucasian individuals surrounding us.

Your company boasts of deluxe accommodations, world class amenities and premier services available at your resort. I am not privy to your company's marketing strategy, however I assume from my experience this is a white-only venue, and therefore you should clarify that accordingly in your communications to the public. If this is not the case, I strongly encourage you partner with a third-party vendor to conduct diversity training with every member of your staff immediately to help ensure that no one else experience the flagrant racial discrimination that we did.

We have shared our experience with many of our associates who are disgusted with your practices and they have insisted that I write this letter to you. Should you desire a conversation with me to discuss this experience further, please do not hesitate to call or email me. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Floremy San Mateo, SPHR

So true...

The Dalai Lama, when asked what surprised him most about humanity, answered "Man. Because he sacrifices his health in order to make money. Then he sacrifices money to recuperate his health. And then he is so anxious about the future that he does not enjoy the present; the result being that he does not live in the present or the future; he lives as if he is never going to die, and then dies having never really lived."

Bye Bye - Love You!

I love the end of the day when it's bedtime for my son.  We read a couple of our favorite books, say our prayers, sing a few songs, exchange kisses and cuddle before I put him down.  Tonight was a very special night that I must remember, because for the first time he said "Bye Bye - Love You!" as I laid him down into his crib. 

I was so so shocked!  Normally when I put him down, he just rolls over, hugs his stuffed animal, and goes to sleep.  Tonight, while I was giving him his last three kisses (don't know why, but I always have to give him 3), he kissed me back, said "Bye-Bye" and when I said, "I love you" he responded with a very clear "Love you!" 

Oh my gosh, my heart melted and there were tears in my eyes.  The joys of motherhood!!! 

We're Going to London!

So excited - we just booked our trip to London - hooray!!! 

I can't remember exactly when, but more than 5 years ago we purchased time share with Marriott.  Originally we were just going to take advantage of the free night's stay at a Ritz Carlton hotel and say "no thank you" at the presentation... until they explained how the "points" program worked and how we could use these points for airfare and hotel stays.  SWEET!!! 

We only paid $509.10 (which was $169.70 per person) to the airline for taxes and other misc. airline fees for round-trip airfare for 3 and 7-nights at a Marriott hotel in the heart of London.  Again, SWEET!!!! 

Can't wait - whoo hooooooo!!!!!!!  (insert image of us dancing here!!!!)

After Christmas $ale

Through the years the hubby and I have become experts on taking advantage of after-Christmas sales.  So much so, that I already know what stores start their discount pricing before Christmas (World Market, for example, so I'm fully stocked up on Christmas wrapping paper and gift bags for the following year!).  It also helps that I worked in retail managment for 10+ years, so I'm aware of pricing strategies, trends, profit margins, etc. that retailers use to entice you to come into their stores (I always make a beeline for the clearance sections waaaaaay in the back of the store and do not allow myself to even look at the full priced items on my way in), price points to watch out for (usually a price ending in a 9 is a sale price, 8 is a further discounted price, and 7 is a final price). 

I digress, anyhoo, when it comes to after Christmas sales - particularly seasonal items - stores start to discount prices the week before Christmas about 25-30% (sometimes 50% if you're lucky, see World Market, above).  The day after Christmas discounts usually start at 50%, the week after Christmas it jumps to 75% (retailers really need the merchandising space for new goods in January), and if anything is left - up to 90% off at the end of January.  Of course, if you really want something, you should grab it when it's on sale, because when it's gone, it's gone.  (For example, Christmas lights go fast, and retailers don't have overstock nowadays like they used to.)  If it isn't on the top of your list, then wait (ribbons, for example). 

Now, one thing I'm an expert with is calculating a discount.  Back in highschool I was a volunteer at the University of Chicago Hospital.  After working in different departments, somehow or another I wound up becoming a volunteer at the hospital gift shop.  It was there that I learned a cool trick about calculating a 75% discount that I will never forget - simply take the original price in half, then half again.  Makes total sense, right?  I have other quick math tips, but that's another story...

Last Sunday we took our son to the mall to get him a new pair of shoes.  While we were there we decided to check out Sears to see if they had any Christmas lights left.  Sure enough, there were slim pickings, but we managed to find some good deals.  Part of the department had signage that said 75% off, while the other part said 50% off.  I got clarification from a sales associate that the entire department is 75% off, and from there the hubby and I proceeded to pick through what was left to see what would look nice in our front yard for Christmas 2011.  The boy entertained himself by talking to the various Lolas also shopping in the department, and by playing with gift boxes. 

When we went to pay, I noticed the prices were only 50% off.  I brought the discrepancy to the cashier's attention, and he explained that the system had not updated yet, so he would deduct another 25% at the end of the transaction.  I explained to him that an additional 25% deduction would not result in a 75% discount, and gave him an example so he would understand.  He looked at me like he didn't believe me, argued with me, and I calmly explained, again, what the items should cost at 75% off.  He then asked me, "So how much of a discount do you want me to give you, 28%?"  WTF??? I calmly replied, "No, whatever you need to do to make this item cost $9.99 - which as I explained would be 50% off."  Now mind you, I was doing all this math in my head, and he looked at me like I was pulling numbers out of my ass.  Without even saying "excuse me", or anything at all, he walked away from the register, talked to 2-3 other associates, grabbed a calculator, moved to another register, and didn't say a word to us or other customers.  THANK GOODNESS our child was entertaining himself with music on my cellphone.  The sales associate finally came back, didn't look at me, didn't apologize, got his manager to punch some code in the register for the price override, and just started ringing us up, again.  When the receipt popped out, I asked him, "Are we all good now?"  To which he just said, "Yeah" and handed me the receipt - $49.62 (that's like $200 worth of Christmas lights, full price - whoo hooo!!!!!). 

Now, normally I would have complained about this guy's attitiude, but since it was Sears, it wasn't worth my time (especially since my child had just dropped a deuce).  While the hubby went ahead to get the car for us, I looked back at the registers and noticed that a massive line had formed - apparently the people that were rung up before us overheard me explaining the discount thing with the sales associate, realized that they were charged the wrong prices, and were in line to get price adjustments.  They didn't look too happy about it.  Hehehe, sucked to be THAT guy...

Whatevas - we got a good deal and are excited for Christmas 2011!!!

Lottery Madness

OMG - my parents have played the lottery for as far back as I can imagine.  Don't ever get me started on how much money they would have today if they had just put that money in a savings account, CD, bond, whatever... Alas, now that they are retired, buying tickets gives them something to do, and whenever they win (whether it be a $1 or more), they're super cute when they get excited about their prize. 

Anyhoo, the other day my mother allowed RJ to play with her laptop.  We don't know what my child did, but he reset something on her computer and the hubby has been trying to restore, reset, reinstall anti-virus software, etc. etc. etc. the past few days. 

As we work on "fixing" the computer, does my mom care that all the pictures that were on her laptop are gone?  No.  Does she care that she cannot access email right now?  No.  Does it bother her that she can't use her Magic Jack right now?  Of course not.  What DOES bother my parents is that they can't look up the winning lottery numbers a minute after the drawing... ARE YOU KIDDING ME??? 

As I work late in my home office (which is basically our upstairs hallway, next to my parents bedroom), with piles of paperwork around me (I used to pay a friend to help me with some admin stuff, but I'm trying to cut back on that to save money) one by one, on separate occassions, my parents ask me to check online for the winning numbers from today's drawing, "When you have time..." 

Oh my lottery madness goodness!  LOL! 

Red Shoes

Today I saw a woman wearing a pair of really great red heels.  I don't own a pair of red shoes, but if I did, I would want THOSE.  They were simple, yet so super sexy and classy.  The kind that could go with anything - jeans, slacks, a suit for work, a (rare) date night with the hubby, lunch with the girls, whatever.  I really wanted to ask the woman where she got her shoes from, but she was on her cell phone in what seemed to be an intense conversation... darn. 

I must confess, a few years ago, a girlfriend and I were in Bloomingdale's where I spotted a pair of red shoes that I absolutely fell in love with.  Anyone who knows me knows that I absolutely NEVER ever pay full retail price for anything.  Something about those shoes made me break that rule, and after much contemplation, I purchased them.  However, when I got home, I instantly had buyer's remorse... I hated myself for spending so much money on one pair of shoes and returned them the following day. 

Now, more than ever, I think MORE than twice whenever I buy anything for myself.  When I see a price, I compare it to the number of diapers and wipes that I can buy for my son.  I think about the clothes my child will need since he's growing so quickly.  I think of the milk he consumes every day, and all the other items he needs.  I think of the fun books I could buy him instead, or maybe an educational toy he could benefit from.  Then somewhere in there I also think about his education and what it's going to cost me over the next 21+ years. 

So, I'm glad that said lady was on the phone and that I wasn't able to ask her where she got her fabulous shoes from.  I've got plenty in my closet don't need another pair.  Wow... never thought I'd feel this way about shoes... LOL!

SPHR

I did it - I passed the SPHR Certification Exam (Senior Professional in Human Resources) and couldn't be happier!  I'm so thankful that I took the exam before the holidays and am glad that I can now enjoy the Christmas season.  Hooray!!!! 

My Momma Said What?

OMG - I couldn't believe the words that came out of my mom's mouth... I had to ask her to repeat herself... twice! 

The other day, I was working really late at night from home, my mom walked by me and simply said "You lost weight."  I wasn't so shocked that she noticed, but that she actually said something.  Whoa...

Then today, she asked me how much weight I lost.  When I told her, she actually told me, "Don't lose any more, you need your strength to take care of RJ!"  LOL!  OMG, what????  My mother has NEVER told me NOT to lose weight.  Whoa!!!! 

But honestly, I really am glad that I've lost the baby weight, and a little more.  Thankfully my favorite store (White House Black Market) had a really great sale the other day, so I was able to stock up on some new pants.  It was so nice to buy a smaller size again!!! 

RIP Angelina San Mateo - September 30, 2010

Four years ago today we lost our baby girl.  I carried her for four-and-a-half months, and in that time, Rob and I fell in love with her.  We didn't know she was a girl until I delivered her.

After 4 years, we still have hole in our lives and we miss her very much.  Angelina holds a very special place in our hearts and she will never be forgotten. 

Rest in peace baby girl, we love you and miss you very much.  We look forward to joining you in heaven... until then we will remember you and will continue to pray for you, always. 

Congrats To My Hubby!

It's official - Chief Petty Officer San Mateo was pinned today, September 18, 2010

Family Time - At Last!

From the moment we got home from our vacation (last month) my hubby has been very busy with his Navy Reserves induction/training.  Today, finally, was the first time we actually got time to spend as a family - whoo hooo!  Highlights of the day:

(1) Cuddling with our beautiful baby boy and sleeping in this morning.  (Thank you, child of ours, for just laying there quietly and figuring out it was a better idea to go back to sleep for a few more minutes, rather than poke Mama and Papa in the face over and over again!) 

(2) Getting some tasty treats at Starbucks and enjoying them together.

(3) Visiting Angelina, together as a family (it was our first time since July!)

(4) Delicious goodness and fun at Stephanie & Brett's house - where both Mama and Papa got to enjoy a whole meal, uninterrupted - yay! 

(5) A nice visit at Uncle Andy & Auntie Patty's house where RJ took a much needed nap while Mama chatted with Auntie and Daddy received some words of wisdom from Uncle (a retired Navy Chief) who also signed Daddy's "charge book". 

(6) Watching our son as he "read" us a story.... SO super cute!

Can't wait for this madness to be over... in just a couple more weeks induction will be over and the hubby will officially be promoted to Chief.  Whoo hooo!!!!!

dayofevents.com

A few years ago I started my own wedding planning business, on the side.  I named my company "Day Of Events" because, unlike most of my competitors, I was a "day of" wedding consultant.  Basically what that meant was, after the happy couple planned all their wedding details, I was the person, on the "day of" their wedding, who made sure that everything went smoothly.  It was awesome.  I am forever grateful for my two bestest friends who were there for me when I needed extra help. 

It was hard at times since I would meet with my clients at night, or on the weekends, but - I loved it!  I really enjoyed making people happy and being a part of such a significant day.  Of course, some weddings were better than others, and some weddings were crazier than others... but I it was truly fun and I'm glad that I was able to meet some pretty awesome people. 

When I had my son I realized that I couldn't continue this business. Every month I see the charge on my credit card bill for the fee for my company website, and every month I mean to call to cancel it.  I will get around to it, eventually... but I must never forget the memories... Highlights from my website:

http://www.dayofevents.com/
This is a special time to share with your closest family and friends. Let me handle the details on the day of your event so you can relax. You carry the bouquet and I'll carry the clipboard to ensure your special day is an enjoyable experience!


As your "day of" coordinator my function is to make your day as stress-free and smooth as possible. Together we will create a master "day of" schedule. It's so easy to lose track of time, I will keep your day organized and running smoothly.

My services are especially affordable because I am a coordinator hired for your wedding day alone. Once you've chosen your vendors I will direct the events of the day and make sure everyone around you is doing their job. Should any emergencies happen I will take care of them.

Although I would be hired for the "day of" event, I actually work on planning your day many hours before. Before you walk down the aisle we will meet several times to go over the details of your day so that I can ensure it's just as you imagine it.
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I truly enjoy and love having the opportunity to work so closely with couples and their families during these happy times in their lives. I am always honored and privilged to be trusted with such an important day. It feels so good to make others happy - and even better when I receive wonderful words of appreciation!

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"James and I wanted to thank you again for the fantastic work you did on our wedding! ...As you know, I don't like spending lavishly, and James and I had a pretty tight budget for the event. Nevertheless, you were able to show us that we could have a very elegant and affordable wedding by being selectively cost-conscious. Looking back, I only wish that I had agreed to follow more of your advice! Thanks to your help, suggestions and oversight, James and I had a beautiful, classical wedding."

Irene &James - Chicago, IL
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"Just wanted to drop a note and say thank you for all your help with our wedding. We have gotten many compliments on how nice the wedding was and how the reception hall looked. More than one person has told us how much you were doing. The day was very smooth and easy, thanks for all the help."

Ben &Janet - San Diego, CA
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"Floremy, thank you so much for being our 'guiding voice' during our special day!! You gave us the wonderful gift of reassurance that everyone in the bridal party knew where they had to be during a very exciting yet hectic time! Bobby and I will always appreciate the words of encouragement that you would tell us throughout the day; to us it showed that not only do you provide your services for the 'day of event', but that you also bring a genuine warmth to give to the people you work with that will be remembered much later. I have already been spreading the word of your services to my other friends who are getting married!!”

Eileen &Bobby - Placentia, CA
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"We want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for everything you did and everything that you were on our wedding day. It was your organization, proactiveness and care that let Phil & I blissfully float through our special day and enjoy it - like every bride and groom should. You were able to gracefully corral our friends and relatives to all the right places, get them there on time, and it was your direction and eye that resulted in some of the most amazing wedding pictures that we have! To top it all of you were a BLAST! I had so much fun with you that day! Thanks again!"

Melanie &Phil - Las Vegas, NV
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"We thank you for making our wedding day such a fun and memorable experience. You made the place look simple yet elegant. We appreciate your hard work even on such short notice."

Brian &Joyann - Escondido, CA
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"Thanks so much for all the wedding advice...you have such great cost savings ideas! I am definitely recommending your wedding coordinating skills to my friends."

Leilani Mike - San Diego, CA
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"I just wanted to thank you again for coordinating my baby shower. My family and friends all said they had a really good time. The food and games were especially great! I appreciate all you did and will definitely keep you in mind when planning future events. You're the best!"

Lenette - San Diego, CA
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"Thank you ever so much for your contribution to the success of my 30th birthday party. The invitations you made for me really took away some of the stress and they were very original. Look forward to doing business with you in the future."

Stephannie - San Diego, CA
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"Floremy, again Sunny and I thank you so much for all your help and advice with planning our wedding. We really liked the 'save the date' magnets you created for us and we received several nice comments about them. You're always one step ahead with your quick thinking and organizational skills and that just made everything that much easier. And your energy and passion are reflected in the great work you do. You're awesome!"

Jane &Sunny - Sunnyvale, CA
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"Many many thanks for your help with our wedding...You are life-savers!"

Suhyan &Tony - San Diego, CA

All the Single Mommas - Put Your Hands Up!

Let me start this blog off by saying that I am VERY proud of my husband who is in the process of being promoted to Chief (E-7) in the US Navy Reserves.  Only 3% of enlisted Sailors ever make this honor, so this a pretty big deal.  The official grand ceremony will be on September 18th.  Until then, he is in the training/induction phase and it's keeping him very busy.  VERY busy.  If he's not doing PT (physical training) he's in a meeting, a training session, conducting a fundraiser, giving back to the community, or studying.  So, for the most part, I'm pretty much pulling double duty around the house.

I'm so tired.  Don't get be wrong, I'm not complaining, I'm just saying.  I respect my hubby's duties, and know that he's tired too... but seriously, I'm exhausted!  These past few weeks remind me of what it was like when he was gone for a month on Active Duty. 

These past few weeks have really made me appreciate parenthood, and now more than ever, I have the utmost respect for single parents!  I can't even imagine what it must be like for wives who have husbands deployed for months and months at a time.  That must really suck. 

So when I'm tired, and think I can't do any more, I must remind myself of these strong women... then just keep on keeping on! 

Hawaii Vacation 2010

We just got back from a FABULOUS vacation and I'm cherishing every last minute before I have to return to work tomorrow.  While the hubby and I have returned to Hawaii to vacation several times, it was our son's first trip.  Minus a couple of crying spells when he was hungry or wet, he was an absolute angel on the flights there and back home. 

The icing on the cake was that my bestest friend joined us, along with her brother, hubby and daughter.  Ava and RJ had an absolute blast together!  It was super cute how they would look for each other whenever one was missing.  We always knew when Ava woke up before RJ because we would hear her call "Arrgee?  Arrrgee?" outside our bedroom door. 

Ahhhhhhh, the memories of  wonderful vacation...

Friday/Day 1:  Arrived in Hawaii, hit the Commissary for groceries, checked into our rooms, grilled steaks for dinner, put the babies to sleep, BFF and I enjoyed the jacuzzi and pool before going to bed. 

Saturday/Day 2:  Swap Meet at Aloha Stadium where we enjoyed some major shopping.  Went to mass, on base, at the church where we were wed.  Dinner at Maui Mike's where we had some delicious chicken goodness! 

Sunday/Day 3:  First hike, we went to Kaena Point where it was absolutely BEAUTIFUL!. RJ did very well on this hike and enjoyed riding in his hiking carrier. After the hike we went to the North Shore where Daddy wanted to show his son some really cool turtles. RJ didn't care very much for the turtles, but did enjoy going into the ocean for the first time. (Yes, that was his first time in the ocean... while we live in SoCal, the water here is realy cold so we haven't taken him into the water out here yet.)  Dinner at one of the hotel restaurants. 

Monday/Day 4:  Hike at Haunama Bay.  It was very windy, which RJ did not like at all.  RJ did not, I repeat, did NOT enjoy this hike one bit.  We only made it half way.  God bless the individual that left a patio chair behind - it was chained to a tree overlooking the bay and was the safest spot where I could change a diaper.  Lunch at Keneke's in Waimanalo - kalua pig and shoyu chicken are my favorites there! 

Tuesday/Day 5:  Punchbowl Memorial, Shopping at the Navy Exchange, then all of us enjoyed RJ and Ava's first Luau! 

Wednesday/Day 6:  Honolulu Museum of Arts, Tour of Shangri La (courtesy of the Paraiso family - thank you!), and dinner at Helena's, which was featured on "Man Vs. Food".  Best short ribs ever! 

Thursday/Day 7:  Hiked Diamond Head.  It was a beautiful day and the weather was perfect for this hike.  RJ truly enjoyed this hike - which included a poopie diaper that we had to change in clear view of many other hikers (we apologized to those that surrounded us).  Lunch at Helena's (it was so tasty, we had to go back!)  Later, RJ and Ava played in the pool together then enjoyed their first bath together, where many pictures were taken to be used as blackmail when they enter their pre-teen and teen years!  Afterwards all of us enjoyed some appetizers at Happy Hour where Ava and RJ danced and enjoyed live music.  We made sure they were very tired so we could pack in peace that evening! 

Friday/Day 8:  In the early morning we finally had the chance to take RJ to one of the lagoons.  He enjoyed the water but did not like being in the sand.  We said Aloha to our lovely 2-bedroom room, enjoyed our final Sourdough Jack at Jack in the Box (for some reason it's waaaaay tastier in Hawaii than it is here in San Diego), and flew home.  RJ was knocked out and we were unpacked by 1:00am.  Not bad! 

SPHR Exam = No Life

It's official - I'm taking the SPHR exam on Saturday, December 4th @ 12:30pm Pacific Time.  Hubby has Navy Reserve Duty that weekend, so I have a babysitter booked, as well as a back-up sitter.  I'm thinking about having a third one lined up, just in case, especially since it's several months away... last thing I need to do is stress about having someone dependable watch my child while I take an exam!. 

I'm registered for the review class and it starts in September.  When I prepared for the PHR exam I remember that I had no life for three months as all I did was study for the exam, go to class, go to work, and repeat... until I took the test.  Thanksgiving was a blur that year. 

That was then, when I didn't have a child, this is now.  I really hope that I'll be able to study well, that I'll be able to get a decent amount of sleep so my brain can fully recharge, and most importantly - that I pass the test!  I absolutely HATE taking tests... and this is a pretty important one considering it's a requirement for my job.  Of course it helps that there's a nice $ bonus in it for me when I pass. 

Soooo, my plan is to enjoy every moment of our vacation, because when we get back I'm going to need to get the whole family on a good schedule so that I'll be able to focus on preparing for my exam September through December.  Here's hoping all goes well! 

Momma's Joy

Having a child has brought me more joy in my life than I ever thought I could have.  Today has been the best ever - because today was the first time I heard my son call me "Mama"! 

It was after I gave him a bath - I was just about to put on his pj's when he looked at me and said "Mom".  I looked at him, and asked him, "What did you say?"  And he replied "Mama!"  I screamed, he laughed, I asked him to say it again, he did, and we both squealed in delight. 

Priceless!

Give Thanks

I'm exhausted.  Work has been taking a lot out of me.  Don't get me wrong, I'm very thankful that I am employed and am enjoying my role.  However, the past several days have really taken a lot out of me... so to stay positive I must remind of myself of things I should be thankful for.  Thus, I give thanks for the following (in no particular order):

• My healthy, happy, beautiful son and his equally healthy, happy and handsome father. 
• My wonderful job and the exciting opportunity that I have to be part of a new market. 
• My paycheck and benefits that come with said job. 
• The faith and trust that my boss, co-workers and clients put in me each day.
• The "me time" I have in the car, baby-free, while I drive to and from the office/clients/home. 
• The kind and fabulous woman who is currently caring for my child while I am at work.
• My parents, and parents-in-law, who are still alive, healthy, strong and an active part of my son's life. 
• Our wonderful friends and family.
• Our beautiful home.
• Our dependable vehicles - although they're old with MANY miles on them, they're paid for and still run well (knock on wood!) 
• My health, as well as the health of my husband and child. 
• My daughter, who is resting in peace in heaven, but still holds a special place in my heart and life. 
• The especially gorgeous weather that we've been experiencing lately. 
• All of the love and support that we are surrounded with every day. 
• My new perfume - I love it and it makes me feel special when I wear it. 
• My clothes - that finally fit me now that I'm down to my pre-pregnancy weight (whoo hooo!!!)  
• My cell phone, that keeps me in touch with my friends and family.
• Facebook, which keeps me in touch with my friends and family. 
• My bed.... which I really should crawl into now to get a good night's sleep....

Another Funny Conversation

Tomorrow I leave for a business trip and will be away from my son for an entire week.  I'm excited about everything that I will learn on this trip - but of course, very sad that I will be away from my family.  The last time I travelled I was away for 3 days/2 nights - it was tough, but alas, such is work. 

Funny conversation that hubby & I had when I got back:

Me:  Can I bring our son with me when I go to GA next month?
Hubby: Sure!
Me:  Really?  Can I bring the Nanny with me too?
Hubby:  Of course! 
Me:  Are you serious?
Hubby:  Yeah!  As long as she pays for her own ticket! 

Boo!