Wednesday, June 17, 2009

An AWESOME day

I realize that I haven't posted any more pics from Annapolis, but sorry guys, they can just wait a little longer. When it's 10am and you can already call a day AWESOME then it deserves a full explanation.

First, my friend Brittany got wonderful news about her little boy Greyson and I think it is worth mentioning and celebrating even though some of you who read this do not know them. Greyson is a little over a year old and suffers from seizures. (I know I'm simplifying this Brittany so forgive me) Super scary-any mom can attest to that. He was being evaluated for surgery but has been seizure free for 6 weeks, so NO surgery right now. I know that is a huge relief for their family. Keep them in your thoughts and prayers and if you have the opportunity check out her blog and make a donation through First Giving as they try to find a cure.

Reading that this morning kind of puts everything into perspective, ya know? I was focused on other "pressing" problems, the kind of stuff that comes up every day, but when I read Brittany's post it made me stop and just be thankful for all of the good things God has done for me lately. So what if I still can't fit into all of my clothes-I have Emma. So what if I can't afford to buy a special something something I noticed in the store the other day or afford a larger house right now-my bills are getting paid, there is food on the table. There are a lot of people who would love to be in my position right now. So, it's all about perspective.

Following up on the good news of Greyson, I had a meeting with a company I have been courting for several months now. Most of you know my job at the railroad is focused primarily on new business. I work with industries to locate on one of our railroads, starting with site selection, state and local incentives, and go all the way through track construction, etc. Despite the economy I have still had several success stories, but today I landed the BIG ONE. THE BIG ONE. In my greedy little hands are multi-million dollar contracts. Woot! This will be the single biggest customer to hit any of our companies in quite a while, so I think a celebration is in order because I worked my butt off to make this happen! Perhaps my boss will throw a parade in my honor? Highly doubtful. But a little cake and a big fat raise would be perfectly in order!

And on the home front we had to convert Emma's crib to a toddler daybed. While I was in Annapolis she figured out how to crawl OUT and INTO her crib. Pure craziness. She loves her daybed though. Only downfall-since we converted she has only slept the night through in it 2 times. So, Mommy has been missing quite a bit of sleep. It's just too darn easy for her to climb out of bed and decide its playtime!

Over the weekend I decided to do an art project with Emma. She's hard to keep entertained and occupied these days but she loves to paint or color. I bought us some birdhouses at Hobby Lobby, prepped them with paint, and I let her decorate one to her heart's content. I still think more of the paint went on her and me than it did the birdhouse but she had a blast so that's all that matters. I think the dog may have gotten a little too close to her paintbrush a time or two though . . . .




Can you see the paint all over her!? Like I said- a blast!

Monday, June 8, 2009

Annapolis Update

Annapolis is out of this world beautiful. Old architecture charmingly restored and right on the Chesapeake Bay. . . What's not to love about it? (I'll post pics later) It's seriously making me lust after a house on the water despite the fact that it is WAY out of our budget.

Did I mention that I love to travel . . . well I do. Except for this one tiny thing- I miss Emma and Jeremy like you wouldn't believe! Jeremy has sent me a couple of text messages with pictures of Emma and they make me laugh and want to cry at the same time- I miss my baby!! Here's what he sent me today:






My big girl all dressed and ready for school this morning (note the mess in the background-Jeremy's version of housekeeping) and then anxious for her bath this evening. How sweet is that little bottom I ask you?


But all Mommy longings aside I am enjoying myself. After my meetings today I did some serious shop-til-you-drop for souvenirs. Jeremy and Emma expect presents when I come home and I'm not about to disappoint. A sneak peek:

Jeremy keeps saying he's always wanted a sailboat-who's a good wife? Who? Hopefully the bubble wrap will keep it in one piece on the plane ride home . . .



And not to forget Emma Lou- she gets a stuffed pirate chest with animals that bark, sound like a monkey etc. The crab is just for show.


And we can't forget Mama either! My favorite souvenirs are original art pieces, whether they're sculptures, photographs of local sites, or other artwork. I'm getting ready to redecorate our bedroom in calming colors, mainly blues, and these photos will look awesome framed and on the wall. I'm a sucker for a black and white photograph. I also bought an original watercolor of Annapolis and am having it shipped back home.


I bought a few other odds and ends, and after that marathon of shopping I'm flat worn out! I still need to find something else for Jeremy so maybe tomorrow's excursion will produce something good.


Traveling is great, but there's no place like home. I'll just have to be content to rest my tired feet in my room and look out the window at my view . . .
Jealous?



Friday, June 5, 2009

Leaving on a Jet Plane

Sorry, I had that song in my head. Hate it when that happens!


But I am heading out on a plane this Sunday for beautiful Annapolis, Maryland- Sailing Capital of the US. Yay! I love boats and being on the water so I'm really hoping I'll get to try my luck on a sailboat!



Unfortunately I'm traveling for business, not pleasure. But I should still be able to squeeze some fun in! Each year I attend the American Railway Development Association's Annual Conference. Believe it or not the program is great (unlike some others that I attend-snooze fest!) and they are ALWAYS held in awesome locations. Jeremy and I usually try to plan a family vacation around them because Hello! Cheap! when you're only paying for 1 person instead of 2- but we couldn't get it to work this year. So, Jeremy and Emma will be roughing it for three whole days by themselves. Start praying for them now please!

I keep telling myself everything will be fine while I'm gone. And it usually is. Since having Emma I've been very fortunate in that I can limit my number of out of town trips, I'm down to only 3 or 4 "necessary" trips a year. Which is nice. I hate being away from Jeremy and Emma but I LOVE to travel. LOVE IT! I think it's great to go to new places and experience the unique cultures of that particular area. So far my travels have been limited to the US, but hopefully once Emma and any other little ones get bigger we can "cross the pond" and really travel!

And speaking of Emma-she went pee-pee in the potty two days in a row! Woot! For anyone who doesn't have kids I'm sure you think my excitement is totally crazy, but I am ecstatic! Pee Pee in the Potty and No More Dirty Diapers!! (I've got that little ditty stuck in my head too!) Hopefully Jeremy can keep her on track while I'm gone.

I'll be out of pocket for a couple of days, but look for a recap when I get back!