Super Bowl Pregame

I have a few faithful Bears fans that read this blog. My husband thinks it is a travesty that anyone who grows up that close to the Green Bay (30 miles away) and the shrine of Lambeau Field with the almighty Vince and Brett, can be anything but a Packer fan. I tend to agree with him! Although there are also large nuclear power plants with lots of transmission lines in the area which may have effected some peoples judgment (this of course written in humor for fear of losing credibility in my job)!

Unfortunately this year the almighty Pack is long gone from Green Bay, as this was a rebuilding season (let's not forget the whopping they laid on Chicago that last weekend of the season). But I am pretty sure that there will be a lot of Packer fans turned Colts fans this weekend!! And in that spirit I have attached the lyrics to one of my favorite songs. If you would like to know more about this great band, The Happy Schnapps Combo, feel free to check out their website: http://my.execpc.com/~sjkrautk/schnapps.html.

The Bears Still Suck Polka
written by J.Krueger-sung by OTTO

How many times must we take this disgrace

Another Bears fan throwing insults in our face

The Packers are the greatest team to ever play the game

Even if from time to time they've been a little lame
How could you ever love a team with Jim McMahon

Not even Porky Pig was as big a ham

They got a reputation that's mostly based on luck

The Bear...Still...Suck

The Bears still suck, the Bears still suck

The Bears still suck, the Bears still suck

They really really really really really really suck

Yes the Bears...Still...Suck

If you drive to Soldier Field they make you pay a toll

For cripes sake they only won one lousy Super Bowl

They make fun of Wisconsin, but we don't get upset

Where do you think that they're all headed every chance they get
We don't really hold a grudge 'cause this is all in fun

As far as football rivalries we're both number one

Still we wouldn't mind seeing Ditka run over by a truck

'Cause the Bears...Still...Suck

The Bears still suck, the Bears still suck

The Bears still suck, the Bears still suck

They really really really really really really suck

Yes the Bears...Still...Suck

(All the ladies now)

The Bears still suck, the Bears still suck

The Bears still suck, the Bears still suck

They really really really really really really suck

Yes the Bears...Still...Suck

(Everybody now)

The Bears still suck, the Bears still suck

The Bears still suck, the Bears still suck

They really really really really really really suck

Yes the Bears...Still...Suck...HEY!!!

**EDIT**

Ok, due to a complaint I have also included the following:

.....

It's not like it is going to help them ....

***ReEDIT***

Due to even more complaints...I have removed the aformentioned song. Good work TC getting the needed support!

As for you Bear fans...you are on your own, the public has spoken!!!

Reality of Aging

I realize that my last couple of postings have been kind of disgruntle so I thought I would lighten things up with a little story about the reality of growing older.

After swimming in the morning I am usually standing in the shower small talking with the older ladies that I typically swim with (by older I mean probably 2 generations). Now that I have been swimming for more then a year and this scene is typical, I am over the whole 'oh my God I am showering with other women, I'm not taking my suit off'. We usually discuss things like their grandkids, great grandkids, my son, their, knee or hip replacements, the weather and how cold the showers typically are.

I am forever impressed that two of the women shave their legs everyday that we swim. This is much better then I who shave twice a week (whether needed or not). There is the lady who I love getting ready with because she smells like a salon. She has every Aveda product available and uses them all! Like I said this scene is not strange to me at all. In actuality I really enjoy it. There is something about happy old people, I just love being around them. They are so genuine and fascinating.

Anyway, back to my story, so I am standing in front of the mirror putting my makeup on when the salon smelling lady comes in to put on her multiple layers of lotion. We are talking and I go to plug in my blow drier when it happens, she leans in and shaves her chin!

A fact of aging we all try to fight...facial hair!

Belittling

When in your career do you learn to be little someone? I have worked with people who just make you feel like a small unimportant, unintelligent person. I believe there isn't a worse feeling in the world! Granted I am a young, female, professional in a male dominated field. Yes, I chose to be here. BUT I (nor anyother person) ever deserves to feel like what they do doesn't matter. There is a lot to be said for positive reinforcement and CONSTRUCTIVE criticism. It just bugs me.

I have learned quickly that consulting is a very selfish industry. Unfortunately the companies that we work for are not. I have been trying to break down some of those walls but I am also learning quickly why they haven't been broken down in the past. I realize that everyone feels that their work is important but you know what??? There are other things that our company does that is also important to the same client.

I just think that narrowmindedness is one thing that could really hurt a company. Actually I know it does. I am trying to not be a girl about this but I think being in a male dominated field makes some girl qualities come out. Girl qualities are around for a reason, maybe some boys should pay attention to them!

Now I would just like to say that I am not a Nazi feminist by any means, actually probably very far from that. And these dictators that I am talking about do not only belittle females, but I just was the latest target. I just wish for a fair playing field, while working together! Teamwork was invented for a reason!

Working in a society that is driven by how well you do at work, puts enough pressure on you. You don't need to feel even worse due to the people that you work with! I can also see how this provokes job hopping. My job is important to me, but I have a wonderful family that is more important. Sometimes people need to be reminded of that.

**Quote from an old boss (these are the kinds of people you want to work for)

"I don't live to work. I work so my family and I can live. And I would like you to do the same. Don't miss out on those doctor appointments and games because of work."

**I do think I will do the girl thing and have a little retail therapy**

Words that Melt and Hurt Your Heart

This weekend I was learning a lot about the terrible two's and the wonderful world of toddler independance. Anyone who has been around a two year-old knows that many times there are key phases that get repeated over and over for a week or so. There are sayings that tug at your heart strings and make you tear up just thinking of them, then there are those that hurt so much, even though you know they don't really mean it. Here are a few of both we have heard from Hunter recently. *Notes* Josh nor I has ever hit Hunter. These typically say mommy and daddy.

• "Mommy, hold me hand" :)
• "Mommy hit me" :(
• "Read please mommy" :)
• "Me cuddle Mommy" :)
• "No Mommy. Daddy" :(
• "Me coming Mommy" :)
• "Me help Mommy" :)
• "No Mommy. Me do" :) and :(

Language is a beautiful thing and it is amazing to watch your childs develop. I try to write these phrases in a notebook so someday we can all enjoy them. Yet my favorite at this time...

"Me all done pooping"

Mean Moms

This hit home a lot this weekend when I was threatening timeout after timeout or when I was counteracting a meltdown because I made Hunter come in from playing outside in the snow (never mind that his cheeks were as red as apples and his mittens were wet, making his fingers little red sausages). I love my mom dearly and I depend on her even more now that I am a mom myself, but I am glad that she was a Mean Mom. It makes our friendship that much greater now! Enjoy!

Mean Moms

Someday when my children are old enough to understand the logic that motivates a parent, I will tell them, as my Mean Mom told me: I loved you enough . . .

to ask where you were going, with whom, andwhat time you would be home. I loved you enough to be silent and let you discover that your new bestfriend was a creep. I loved you enough to stand over you for two hours while you cleanedyour room, a job that should have taken 15 minutes.

I loved you enough to let you see anger, disappointment, and tears in myeyes. Children must learn that their parents aren't perfect. I loved you enough to let you assume the responsibility for your actionseven when the penalties were so harsh they almost broke my heart.

But most of all, I loved you enough . . .. to say NO when I knew youwould hate me for it. Those were the most difficult battles of all. I'm glad I won them, because in the end you won, too. And someday when your children are old enough to understand the logicthat motivates parents, you will tell them. Was your Mom mean? I know mine was. We had the meanest mother in thewhole world!

While other kids ate candy for breakfast, we had to have cereal, eggs, and toast. When others had a Pepsi and a Twinkie for lunch, we had to eat sandwiches. And you can guess our mother fixed us a dinner that was different from what other kids had, too. Mother insisted on knowing where we were at all times. You'd think we were convicts in a prison.

She had to know who our friends were, and what we were doing with them. She insisted that if we said we would begone for an hour, we would be gone for an hour or less. We were ashamed to admit it, but she had the nerve to break the ChildLabor Laws by making us work. We had to wash the dishes, make the beds, learn to cook, vacuum the floor, do laundry, empty the trash and allsorts of cruel jobs. I think she would lie awake at night thinking of more things for us to do.

She always insisted on us telling the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. By the time we were teenagers, she could read our minds and had eyes in the back of her head. Then, life was really tough! Because of our mother we missed out on lots of things other kids experienced.

None of us have ever been caught shoplifting, vandalizing other's property or ever arrested for any crime. It was all her fault. Now that we have left home, we are all educated, honest adults. We are doing our best to be mean parents just like Mom was. I think that is what's wrong with the world today. It just doesn't have enough mean moms!

Baby Talk

No I am not talking about goo goo's and ga ga's, and NO I am not pregnant. That is precisely the meaning of this post. When are you going to have another? Are you only going to have one more? What if it is another boy? Are you going to keep working full time?

It is such a hard decision on when to have another. And it is amazing how many people want to give you their opinions on when the best time is to do it. We were very blessed the first time around when that little stick read positive. It was a surprise, but a welcomed surprise, allowing us not to have to make the decision. It was made for us. Then it was so much fun keeping the secret between me and Josh. (Even if we didn't tell people in the right order, it was our secret to hold and ours to tell).

Now our little guy is 2 and the reality of that has finally sunk in, it is time for us to start thinking, when are we ready? Except now it isn't just Josh and I it is Hunter too. It is a hard decision and one that I wish was once again made for me. Do I want another one? Of course. But I can't help but freak out a little about how I am going to juggle it. There really isn't an option for me but to work full time. And don't get me wrong I LOVE my job but EVERY mother feels guilty for leaving their baby and I can't imagine the second time around it is going to be any easier.

Then I have the thought in my head that it will be the last time I will be pregnant so I really want to enjoy it. And I don't want to wait too long so our kids aren't too far apart in age. There are soo many factors and everyone will have their opinion that they are more then willing to share.

Then you have the pressure of people asking. For example at my son's birthday party in December, Josh and I were talking quietly between the two of us and my mother-in-law walked through. All she hear was "...should be tell him...". She promptly turned to both of us and said "Are you pregnant?"

I can't help but feel cheated out of telling anyone, because everyone asks every time that we see them. (Or they take note of what I am drinking). I know nobody means it in harm, but if I am pregnant I will tell you when I am good and ready!!

I think the next time someone asks I am going to have this as my response...

"Well let's see...I was ovulating on the 8th and we had sex on the 2nd, 5th and 9th, my guess is by the fact that we were using a lubricated, pink, condom with spermicide that I bought at Shopko on December 22, 2006, I am thinking that the chances aren't good."

**Numbers and dates are fictional**

I wonder how many more times they would ask?

So Thank You to all of you for worrying about my sex life and how productive it is, I know you mean well, but we will let you know when the time is right. I am just greatful that I can and hopefully will get pregnant again. And we are already blessed with one beautiful little boy. I am going to concentrate on that for a while.

Bucky Wins!!!!

Conference lead...BUCKY!!!

It was a great game! It got a little hairy in the end but they pulled through. Thought for the day...How can this guy only be 18??? Congrats to Chapel for having a great game against him (even if they can't pronounce your name on Sport Center)!

Foul??

It's going to be a tough one in OH at the end of the season and there is lots of ball to be played before then. But this sure was a sweet victory!! To see more on this great game check out madison.com or Wonk's link on the right.

GO BADGERS!!!

GO BUCKY!!!

It is 5 minutes to game time!!! I can't wait. And to tell you the truth I am a little nervous. Bucky plays Ohio State tonight at the Kohl Center (men's basketball). Bucky is rated 3 and Ohio is 5. We used to have season tickets and have seen the badgers win 2 big ten titles at the Kohl Center!!! Oh how I wish I was there right now...I am sure the air is ELECTRIC!!!! Yet I don't know if I would be able to handle watching it. I spent the last part of the IL game when UW had to win to win the title watching it behind my hands!

I just can't wait!!! Hope it's a good game!! And my yelling doesn't wake up Hunter!!

I am off to watch it in HD...closest thing to being there!!

The many lives of a lifetime

I have recently been reminded a few times of different periods of my life by different friends. How many periods can I really have, you ask, considering I am only 30 years old? I know it sounds strange but I think you would be surprised if you thought of your past and how many "lives" you have led.

Recently I reconnected with a friend from high school. He was a really good friend of mine throughout high school, but a year younger. We tried to keep in touch but you know how it goes, time slips by you go to different schools and you lose touch. (It didn't help that we had a situation in our relationship that wasn't felt both ways, which I handled really bad...sorry...See Traveling Chica's post last week about unrequited love for some interesting points on this topic.) But we have reconnected, even if it is through email, it is something. Similar situations happened last year with another friend from high school and a friend from college.

As I was talking via email with my friend from high school, I was telling him how strange it is to me that I have such great memories from high school and I LOVED everything about it, I do not have any hard feelings towards anyone or anything from my high school years, but yet I don't keep in touch with anyone. It is almost like I feel guilty, or cheated. Yet it feels like a different life for me. I guess in a way it was a different life.

Then I started thinking about it; in my short 30 years, I have friends and family who have been there for everything and will probably always be there. Then I have my friends from high school. These people see you through a very hard time in your life. They see the ups, downs and awkward times of your adolescence. You think these friends are going to be in your wedding, they are going to be your kids God Parents and you are going to be friends forever. (Don't believe me? Read your year books!) But even if you aren't going to keep in touch with all of your high school friends there are those select few that you know you are going to keep in touch with.

Then many of us go away to school and we meet complete strangers and they too, see you through a very hard time in your life. These friends help you to become the independent adult that you are today. You live with these friends and you try to have that uncomfortable weekend when your high school friends meet your college friends, and you realize that you have moved on to the next stage of your life and maybe those people aren't your friends forever; but your college buddie's certainly are...so you think until you are talking to your mom about this great friend you have and you realize that you don't even know their last name.

College is kind of a different beast, we all graduate at different times, we get married, some of have kids right away and we are more then likely not going to end up in the same city or probably state. Once again the years slip by and we are creating a new life for ourselves as fully functioning adults (functional/disfunctional...all kind of the same at this point). Sure we invite them to our wedding and we get invited to theirs, but once the weddings are over it dwindles to email forwards and Christmas cards. But we are now leading another life; the married working life.

Then there are the friends that don't have kids at the same time as you. Nothing changes you like having kids. This is when there is a big shift, because they can't understand what you are going through, even though most try, and you can't remember what it is like to be without a diaper bag.

So back to the title of this post; I feel at times as if I have three lives that I have been extremely happy with and many happy memories yet I have let them fade as we move on to the next. These lives that I led are so different and they never seem to coincide. I suppose this is all part of the process of life, but I can't help but feel sad at times for missing the other parts of my life. And for that reason I think I am most grateful for the friends in the different stages of my life that I have remained in touch with or reconnected with. These people are very special to me and they remind me of the many happy memories I have of the different lives I have led.

And it is funny to think how each of those lives combined and overlapped just enough to get me to where I am today. I wouldn't be happily married with my beautiful little boy if it wasn't for my husband. I wouldn't have my husband if it wasn't for my college fraternity, I wouldn't have my college fraternity if it wasn't for my roommate, I wouldn't have had my roommate if it wasn't for a bad situation living with a friend from high school (another relationship mended through the stages of life), I wouldn't have met any of them if it wasn't for UWP, I wouldn't have chosen UWP if it wasn't for my brother...and as you can see this goes on for ever. So thank you to those friends that are still in my life today and those that were in my past. I hold a special place in my heart for all of you.

Where has your purse been?

Wow! When I was reading this my stomache turned a little. I usually don't get too grossed out by stuff and I don't usually buy into the hypocondrism (not sure that is a word...but you know what I mean) that goes around email...don't microwave with plastic and all the other things that are going to kill me...but this one hit home a little bit. Being a mother of a two year old, a soon to be potty training two year old, I hate to think about what is on my purse/diaper bag...yuck! But luckily for all of you I don't usually put it on a table or counter, I usually hang it on my knee or the back of a chair...which is why I have a tendancy to forget it, but that is a post for another day. Enjoy this public service announcement! Sounds like a good excuse to buy a new purse to me!!

HANDBAGS

I never gave it a thought. Who would have thought? Have you ever noticed gals who sit their handbags on public toilet floors - then go directly to their dining tables and set it on the table? Happens a lot! It's not always the 'restaurant food' that causes stomach distress. Sometimes "what you don't know 'will' hurt you"! Read on...

Mum got so upset when guests came in the door and plopped their handbags down on the counter where she was cooking or setting up food. She always said that handbags are really dirty, because of where they have been. Smart Mum!!!

It's something just about every woman carries with them. While we may know what's inside our handbags, do you have any idea what's on the outside? Shauna Lake put handbags to the test - for bacteria - with surprising results. You may think twice about where you put your handbag.

Women carry handbags everywhere; from the office to public toilets to the floor of the car. Most women won't be caught without their handbags, but did you ever stop to think about where your handbag goes during the day?

"I drive a school bus, so my handbag has been on the floor of the bus a lot," says one woman.

"On the floor of my car, and in toilets."

"I put my handbag in grocery shopping carts, on the floor of the toilet while changing a nappy," says another woman "and of course in my home which should be clean."

We decided to find out if handbags harbour a lot of bacteria. We learned how to test them at Nelson Laboratories in Salt Lake, and then we set out to test the average woman's handbag.

Most women told us they didn't stop to think about what was on the bottom of their handbag. Most said at home they usually set their handbags on top of kitchen tables and counters where food is prepared. Most of the ladies we talked to told us they wouldn't be surprised if their handbags were at least a little bit dirty. It turns out handbags are so surprisingly dirty, even the microbiologist who tested them was shocked.

Microbiologist Amy Karen of Nelson Labs says nearly all of the handbags tested were not only high in bacteria, but high in harmful kinds of bacteria. Pseudomonas can cause eye infections, staphylococcus aurous can cause serious skin infections, and salmonella and e-coli found on the handbags could make people very sick. In one sampling, four of five handbags tested positive for salmonella, and that's not the worst of it.

"There is fecal contamination on the handbags," says Amy.

Leather or vinyl handbags tended to be cleaner than cloth handbags, and lifestyle seemed to play a role. People with kids tended to have dirtier handbags than those without, with one exception. The handbag of one single woman who frequented nightclubs had one of the worst contaminations of all.

"Some type of feces, or possibly vomit" says Amy.

So the moral of this story - your handbag won't kill you, but it does have the potential to make you very sick if you keep it on places where you eat. Use hooks to hang your handbag at home and in toilets, and don't put it on your desk, a restaurant table, or on your kitchen countertop. Experts say you should think of your handbag the same way you would a pair of shoes.

"If you think about putting a pair of shoes onto your countertops, that's the same thing you're doing when you put your handbag on the countertops" - your handbag has gone where individuals before you have sneezed, coughed, spat, urinated, emptied bowels, etc! Do you really want to bring that home with you?

The microbiologists at Nelson also said cleaning a handbag will help. Wash cloth handbags and use leather cleaner to clean the bottom of leather handbags.

Merry Christmas For All

Another Christmas and another year is done. This is usually a really hard day for me to go back to work. I love Christmas and I am usually really sad to see it end. This year was really nice. We had a beautiful Christmas and we had a nice relaxing week off. We even got Hunter to sleep until 9 (which really made getting out of bed this morning really tough!!). I thought I would share a few pictures to show our great Christmas! Enjoy! Here's to all of you who feel a little depressed being at work today!!!
Don't be fooled this isn't a normal occurance...the kids are watching a DVD of pictures of themselves I made for my mom and dad.

Santa even showed up at my mom and dad's
Hunter needed Papa to give him the curage to be that close to Santa.

Even Joey got into the Christmas spirit at our house...sorry Joey I don't think they are for you...your brother is spoiled! :)

Christmas is hard work...Hunter fell alseep while Josh was reading a story at 6:20 on Christmas night!!!