My Review of Metallic Table Skirts

Originally submitted at ShindigZ

We've got your tables covered with Metallic Table Skirting!

Shimmering Metallic Table Skirts are a fantastic way to dress your table for any type of celebration. Our metallic table skirting comes 30" high by 14' long.

Metallic Table Skirts

Good Stuff

By CityKitty1978 from Phoenix, AZ on 8/26/2010

 

4out of 5

Pros: Good Value, Quality Construction, Attractive Design

Best Uses: Themed Parties, Adults

Describe Yourself: Value Oriented

I needed a skirt that was only 2 feet long, so I just cut it to the length I needed. Worked fine and looked great.

(legalese)

Creative Monster or Plain Old Fun?? Are we making "fun" too much work??

http://www.npr.org/blogs/money/2010/07/27/128804395/playground#commentBlock

OK so New York City put in a $7 million dollar playground... surprise, surprise, surprise. No, not really. One - New York does everything big and no surprise with BIG price tags, and Two -New York is always on the cutting edge, and I would venture to say they set the bar on this one - yes, they set the monkey bar(s) a little high. When states are cutting and closing parks - New York is building them. That's always good news to me!! And this "state of the park" facility is awesome - why not mix up some traditional ideas with new ones. After all we are trying to encourage kids to get out and play more

However, are we making "fun" too much "work"?? As a recreational planner, I am often reminded, not to "over schedule" the fun and not to make people "work" to hard to get results. Fun is typically simple and creative play should be unscheduled, uncensored and spontaneous. Your thoughts?

Preggers?? I LOVED this book - you gotta read it!

Dear Preggers,
Haveing been there-done that, please allow me to suggest a book or two. I am not a big reader, so know that I looked through dozens of books at the Library, on-line and in book stores; trying to decied which ones to read. Were they worth it? Too wordy? Too bias? Too many big words? So hopefully I can help you cut through the crap and read ones that ultimatly helped me in my expereince.

"Birth - The surprising history of how we are born" by Tina Cassidy:
I LOVED this book! And I would recommend it to those pregnant or planning to, and wanting to know about the modern American birth experience! Out of dozens of books, this one was comprehensive, easy-to-read, and as neutral as it gets! I am not a huge history buff, but the way Tina explains the history of birth, pregnancies, techniques, procedures and doctors from birthing huts to hospitals. I was fascinated and couldn't put the book down as I moved from era to era!! It helped me a lot to understand our present day fears, the evolution of today's "standard" practices and helped me to develop my birth plan.
http://tinacassidy.info/

I have scene in some reviews of this book, with a comparison to a the movie. It is very different from the movie "Birth" with Wilson - which is more of a documentary and I think the confusion of it's relationship with this book overshadows it. Read the book first, then see the movie - you'll see!

I would also recommend "What to Expect, When your expecting" (lastest edition) - but that is kind of a given and it's easy to find, it is not as inclusive of the history. I found Tina's book at my library, but ended up buying one at amazon.com. Yes, it was that good - I had to buy a copy of my own, because I kept telling people to read it!! So now I shove it in their hands :)

As always best wishes and enjoy!

Tasty Recipes

http://www.blogger.com/RT%20Enter%20to%20WIN%20a%20Deluxe%20Summer%20Picnic%20Basket%20&%20Alouette%20Cheese-Valued%20at%20$135!%20@FabFindFoodie%20http://tinyurl.com/2ekfywe%20@Alouettecheese

OMG! Look at these recipes, TASTY!!!

http://giveaway-gal.blogspot.com/

Being Adopted - My thoughts

In a recent post I mentioned that I have recently tried to "take inventory" and examine what it is I feel about being adopted. Most of what I remember is just being told that I was, and no recollection of my birth family or the events that happened before I was in the home of my adopted parents (roughly around 24 months). So it has never really bother me, and since I look so much like my adopted family - both sides believe it or not, it rarely came up in my childhood. And, as it were when it did; I only used it sparingly - when it made me special or "exempt" from gene or family tree project in school. My parents, half siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents acted as if I had been born into the family, sometimes I think forgetting; and once or twice noting historical traits I "inherited" from some relative. Heck, sometimes I forgot, or at least I felt right at home, extremely loved and well...family is as family does. A real experiment to nature vs. nurture. Anyway, as I expected I knew it would come up someday, probably after I had a child of my own, and very likely around their 2nd birthday...you get it. I have tried to face it however, and come to a conclusion before Em's 2nd birthday and avoid my self-fulfilling prophecy. So I begun to write. I have always kept a journal - yes paper to pen, way ol' fashion - and this was the perfect time to note some things I might feel, things I want to feel, things I haven't felt or things I should of felt. It worked, but I did some reading too. The following is the closest I have found to explaining a little about how I think I feel, it's of course not word for word how I feel, but very close:

"I wanted someone who looked like me. This need was an unconscious one, something I didn't understand before she was born... But now, I can slowly begin to examine somethings I have spent a lifetime running from and into. Having been adopted near my third birthday, I had never seen, at least to my memory one person who looked like me, or shared my particular genetic makeup. So there it is, perhaps the whole story, certainly the heart of it, buried down here, closer to the foot of it. Of necessity, I've had to have little faith in blood ties. But I longed for it, longed for what I imagined it carried.
Somewhere in me has lived the story of a child who was unwanted. That changed, sort of, when the social worker and my parents - the only ones I've ever known, the only ones who have ever taken responsibility for me - scooped me up late one winter night out of a foster home...It is said that my mother, father, and I got along famously from the beginning...But what if I hadn't? What if I had been obviously flawed? Would my parents have chosen me? What qualities must a child posses to be chosen, accepted, taken in, and loved?" - Maybe Baby
http://www.amazon.com/Maybe-Baby-Infertility-Childlessness-Ambivalence/dp/0060737816

If I come across more I will be sure to share, and as I continue to examine my thoughts, I will post more. Please feel free to share with me your experiences - either being adopted or adopting a child. I would love to hear about it.

Baby Soundtrack to Life

What do toddlers think about?? It occurred to me the other day that my toddler has become very "busy". I know, I know, I know that they are constantly learning new skills and that they do a lot of repetitive play in order to learn more about their world. Cause and effect, etc. But, I guess I noticed that, in an unexpected way, that she has found her sense of importance. She is always doing something, but with purpose it seems. I like this newly developing confidence and self placement. Don't get me wrong she is still silly and babyish, but I get a kick out her when I can tell she has become task orientated. Some self managed agenda for the day that includes taking this block and placing it over here, and this bunny and putting it in a box. She does not talk yet, so most words are stand alone and one syllable yet, but she understands a whole lot more - most of what is said to her. And despite her lack of verbal communication she appears to be "thinking" a lot. So it begs the question: what language is she "thinking" in? When she tries really hard to communicate and "talk" with us; she will manage a pretty lengthy string of sounds and grunts - which we call "cave baby". And I wonder, is that what she hears in her head? (Now that I think about it, I guess I have asked this question of my pets) Is it strung together cave baby thoughts, bits and pieces of English, or is it silence...I mean is there music playing in the back ground?

Just a funny thought from motherhood - enjoy the day!

Family Flash Cards - Homemade!!

Just finished my version of "Family Flash Cards". Very easy to make and so much fun! I had in mind a match game that was made up of family members, but it ended up being so much more!

All you need is picture paper, laminate, scissors, a corner punch and a "casino" card clip art.

All I did was pick pictures of family, and yes the family dogs to print as 3X5's - works best because you can print 4 to page and not wast paper. Then I found a "casino card" image on clip art that I also printed at a 3X5 and 4 to a page. I cut out the images and put pictures and the "cards" back to back. Then placed them in the laminate so clear laminate surrounded the photos. Then I cut them out and used a corner punch to round out the corners like real cards. I use the cards to play "Family Flash Cards" and when she is a little older, we can use it as a match game. I printed two of everyone! I was so amazed she knew everyone! Hopefully she will be saying the names of photos soon! Have fun!

Creating a...sleeper!!

I have the BEST little sleeper! She is 16 months now. A lot of family and friends who have witnessed this little blessing in person, ask what I did. She slept "through" the night at 9 weeks - getting up only to nurse. I wish someone had shown me how to nurse in bed from the beginning - on your side with baby laying next to you works great, if you know how it will save you trips to a chair and time awake. Here's our story of sleep! I was going to BF, so we bought a co-sleeper and used it right next to bed for about a month at night. But we also had a crib in her room - putting her to sleep in there for naps on occasion. At night though, she was with us. Then we slowly we moved the co-sleeper (all sides up) further and further away, till it was across the room. We also have a air filter that gives off white noise, and a white noise maker in her room. Our rules, if she appears distressed (gas, teething, etc) we can pick her up (twice), but the third time she goes down - that's it - walk away and close the door for naps and nit nit. If she wakes up crying or is crying when we close the door (hardly ever in the beginning and not any more) we HAD to give it 10 mins before going back in - it RARELY went more than 6 mins and she was out. The 10 min rule was hardest on my husband, who would swore it was an "eternity" but keeping track of time gave him a better perspective on things and to him felt "less cruel". She is better sleeper because of it. I followed what most books say... follow a routine (bath, quite time, bottle, down), stick to a schedule (best you can, for us BT is 8:30p and she sleeps till 8a - yeah I know!), put them to bed - awake and let them "fall back to sleep". At around 6-7 months when she was too big for co-sleeper, we cold turkey went to crib only. She has NEVER slept IN our bed and from the horror stories I have heard of 8 years sleeping with mom and dad, she probably never will. Even though she is so cuddly and there have been times I briefly thought about her taking a nap with me...Be consistent! If you don't want them sleeping with you "all the time", never give them the option by letting them do it once! Good luck!

Glow Necklaces Are Not For Dogs

NOTE TO SELF: DO NOT put a glow necklace around your chocolate labs head (no matters funny it is to watch them try & get it off). When dogs bites necklace, it doesn't break at the stupid rubber connector - it snaps in half and glow gel is ingested. When glow stuff is ingested; the dog will begin to spit & shack head wildly, spraying glow sh*t all over house. (apparently "non-toxic" still taste toxic) Enjoy the holidays responsibly! Happy 4th of July!

Poem or rap?

You can do it
Rise above
Where there's hope
There is love

Find it in family
Find it in friends
Learn from the best
Don't settle for less

Find your voice
Sing your song
It won't matter
If you don't belong

Rule your world
And be at peace
Absorb what you can
From the people you met

Take what you can
From the places you go
Be kind to the earth
And you both will grow

Everyones' blessed
To each their own
Find your way
But don't forget home

I found this in a journal, I actually wrote it back in 2007 just after my back injury. Was I needing inspiration or was I hopped up on drugs?? Either way it came out pretty good and I had forgotten about it till now. I read it to a friend and she said "It sounds like a rap!?". Low and behold I had labeled the page "My Rap" - enjoy!

What do you remember about your childhood? Good or Bad?

Now after reading this book (Maybe Baby), my quest to understand my "relationship" with being adopted, my self "inventory" of becoming a mother - I am confronted with a theory that: No one liked their childhood. Hmmmm. Really? Looking back there is alot that tortured me; things, people; challanges and places that I didn't like. But did it ruin my childhood? Everyone is happy to fill your ear with their my-childhood-sucked-more-than-yours stories, but what about all the good stuff that happened too? I have more to add to this, but please let me know... what do you remember about your childhood and was it overall: good or bad?

Playground Politics

So I texted a couple friends, my mom and my sister about this little boy that threw a stuffed animal at Eme today. I was just saying to them; I could of spanked him, or very easily started crying. I don't know who was more hurt by the ordeal...clearly not Eme, not bothered one bit she went on to play with a ball.
These are my favorite replys:
1) Did you throw it back?
2) That only means he likes her
3) What a little shit!
4) ...kids are at that age...
5) Where was your tazor?
And finally my moms (insert loving motherly voice) = "honey, it's totally normal to feel that way, you will do anything for your kid, include kill another kid!"

Getting lucky...again?

Reading "Maybe Baby" - a collection of letters by real people, deciding to have or not to have a baby, or additional babies in some cases. A look into some peoples obsession with having children and how they "force" that on others, how some people choose NOT to have children and wish others would just leave them alone about it. That lingering sense of only "feeling" complete by having children, and so on... it's interesting. I guess I got the book becuase I wanted to ready what others thought when deciding to have another baby; maybe I thought, it would help to know the motavation behind the initial decisions to have or not have children in the first place. I can't alway make sense of my thoughts on the subject and I would say that "society" may play a role and sometimes makes it difficult to sort through my own feelings.

Which lead me to ask - when people find out I had an EASY pregnancy, an EASY 5 hour birth and now have an EASY baby - why do they say "oh, just wait till the next one!". Is a family only allowd one good baby? Will I be "punished" for having it easy and therefore "cursed" with a difficult baby in my future? Maybe no one can really apprechiate my journey in motherhood because I haven't had to deal with a "bad" baby. Somehow I got "lucky" the first time around and God might be keeping track to make sure he even's the score. If not God, then who. Who is keeping track of who gets good babies and who gets bad babies. And, if they are going to have more than one, who makes sure at least one of them is "bad"? I am not sure I understand this "spitful" universe where "bad baby karma" exsist. But people seem pretty certain they understand the role of these "Baby Gods" and that my "luck" is about to run out... Hmmmmmm?

P.S. I know for certain it is NOT Mother-In-Laws. Somewhere around our first anniversary she told Rich " I hope you have a baby just like you!", she still claims he does not deserve Eme.

Funny things about Work

RE: Christmas Lunch Program
It's true, there is no holiday program* for today's employee lunch. So fear not, you may eat your lunch in "peace". You will not be forced into any ritualistic merriment or obligatory socialization. However, I must tell you that I am disappointed...I had prepared a silly game of all “NEW words learned in 2009” and had put together a town version of the “Night before Christmas…and all through the parks, not a person was stirring, not even Don Clark…”

Even with the “singing ban" of '08, I thought I would press on – singing would surely make a comeback? Unfortunately, all hope was lost when I heard “there isn’t going to be any of that fun stuff this year, is there?”.
No. No, sadly, no fun stuff.

I don’t want to inconvenience anyone…once a year…for 15 minutes…to have some fun…especially this time of year. *(However, there is light at the end of the tunnel, if we are so lucky, there is a rumor that the TM might play a musical ditty from his banjo – but it wasn’t finalized – so I guess you will just have to show up to find out :)

As for those who like to walk on the wild side of fun, you are invited to have lunch with me tomorrow (or anyday for that matter) - TBD. Stay "tuned" - ha ha ha!~


RE: NEW! Sign in Restrooms:
It's so funny when you see a sign that points out something obvious, like "slippery when wet", or "do not pick up hitchhikers", or my favorite "Danger: high voltage, do not touch". You had me at "Danger".


Somethimes you even think to yourself - "do they even need a sign?". That is what I thought when I saw the newly installed signs in the restrooms: Employees must wash hands before returning to work. Then someone placed a handwritten post-it next to the one in the women's restroom that said "But we're not food handlers".

Hmmmm, I guess they do need a sign after all. I wish that person would wear one, so we know who to avoid!


RE: Capitol Christmas Tree Event
I heard a rumor that it was a HUGE sucess? Granted I started it and, I would be correct! It was a wonderfully unique and historic event that we were lucky to be invited to partake in. Yes, it was done at no cost - for my financially fiscal friends - you may put your mind at ease that the band was donated by Jim May Productions and Target sponsored the events refreshments. So except for Cassies' and my time - which let’s face it, is priceless! That said, I also owe a HUGE thank you to Judy Becker, Steve Sikorski and Terri Larson, who went above and beyond to assist with this project. Having happily agreed to have the tree stopping here, I was blissfully unaware of the impact on the other departments – streets, code, engineering, etc. So thank you for the bottom of my tree!

I hope this event was the start of an economic turnaround in town! Go shopping!!

The best part was getting the tree (a 70 foot "wide-load" trailer)out of the Target parking lot, I heard they had to tip the tree upright to get it out of here, ha ha ha.

Everyone Mind Their Own Budget, Please

Vicious rumors are swarming my office (like Killer Bees, stinging the closest victims) , mostly about budgets – Who is spending what, what are they spending it on? Did they overspend? Did they have to spend that much? They probably didn’t go through all the proper procedures in purchasing. Did they “shop around”? They probably didn’t get three quotes, which means they just went out and bought the most expensive one! Don’t they know were on a budget?!?

But some of the rumors are targeting people's work and getting kind of personal; do they have enough work to do, did they leave early, did they get back from lunch late, did they get to work late, did they make a personal erand, are they on the internet, are they goofing off, did I hear someone laugh? (Godforbid someone have fun at work or enjoy themselves) Thanks, I have a mother and a supervisor and a department director!
Let the rant begin!

Titled: The Parks Department Spent All The Money?

APRIL FOOLS!

That's what I thought yesterday when someone told me that was a RUMOR going around after yesterdays director/budget meeting. I said "Seriously? No one is silly (stupid) enough to believe that? You have to be joking?" - Considering the spending Gestapo and MUNIS make it nearly impossible to spend anything - yet alone for "parks to overspend their budget". I have news for you, for those of fueling rumors - NOT HELPING MORAL! Remember all budgeted items are approved, by coordinators, by supervisors, by directors, by accounting, by council, by town manager… there is no need for any more budget police – I doubt you are uncovering something that nobody knew about. And, there is no reason for anyone to be “upset” at another departments costs of operating. Because ultimately – “operating”, means serving the public to the best of our abilities and resources.
Furthermore, we are all working for the same mission – essentially we are all on the same team. We need to be more considerate of each other, to stay human. Some of the “medaling” that is going on, is downright disturbing work. I personally can’t believe how cruel we’ve become. Nit picky and nosey. For instance, consider that if someone comes in a little late or leaves a little early – that since they worked over the weekend; worked the last 14 days in a row; stayed late and worked through lunch this week; or attended the last 15 council and commission meetings; that they might have to cut out early to tend to their neglected families, pets or homes… or grab a card for a loved one… pick up medicine… I don’t know, life happens. Don’t miss it and don’t stop other from living it. Take a message and move on. Everyone feels abused occasionally, hourly or salary—we’ve ALL has to put in the OT: and oh yeah - no one is getting raises (going on year three).

1) If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all!

2) If you change your perspective, your perspective changes. And...

3) You can only make happy people, happy.

There is work to be done, if not there are others to help. So I hope we can all remain focused on doing our OWN jobs to the best of abilities and not about the lives of others. Worry about yourself, my mom use to say - it may reduce the stress your life.

A Brides REVENGE on her Bridesmaids?

WARNING: This dress will self destruct in T-minus 30 seconds!

NOTE: Don't "Lady-Hate" and NEVER make your "friends" wear this color! This is a crime against women; wait it's so ugly, it's a crime against weddings! It should be out lawed! Why is that fabric color even made? How do you order this color anyway?

Yes, I am thinking of a Sushi theme and the dresses are going to be "wasabi"

google images "wasabi"

The "Hot Seat" - risky business donations

Today someone bought and donated park benches to our department, to be used as “memorial benches”. Benches people buy in memory of someone. We have a memorial tree and bench program. They are placed in one of our parks and a small plaque commemorates the person(s). But our risk management does not allow us to accept them without proper authorization. Because they are placed in our parks, they have to meet strict structural standards. Such as meeting a certain weight tolerance, being made of only certain materials, they must be able to connect to the foundation in a certain way, and they must be fire resistant and retardant – Thus, brings me to the conversation I overheard in my cubical, quote “well, we don't know what they are made of, we do not know if they are just going to catch on fire”. I guess that gives NEW meaning to “being in the hot seat”.


When I heard that, I have not laughed that hard in a long time, and it was hard to get serious again. It's a shame that wasn't caught on tape!

I HATE getting political, but...

AZ PROP 100-

YES or NO?
YES says - YES we NEED money for our schools, our schools are in crisis and the outlook is grim if we don't pass this tax, we'll have nothing. We can't do anything with any less.

NO says - NO, NO new taxes! Stop taxing the poor to give to the rich. There has never been a "temporary tax" in AZ, despite them starting out that way - they become long term and still the government finds a way to spend that money too!
What do I say? I agree that our state is in crisis, and I agree we need more money to go to parks, recreation, school age programs, schools, education, ect. Heck, I work in government, so this is the sort of thing I should support. But, I am also a tax payer. The problem is the people who write these taxes and proposals. They will find a way to write in, or they are forced to write in these "loop holes" for unrepresented circumstances. That allow politicians to take from the that "ear marked" money, and you guessed it, put it in the general fund. Or put it wherever the self propelling politician decides he needs it! NO MORE TAXES!!! Enough is enough! Balance what you have and stop overspending, and STOP pulling funds from important programs. I want to say NO on prop 100 - becuase I want them to start spending a different way and be held responsible! BUT, I also know a few teachers who will could be laid off and even more programs cut if it doesn't pass... so I will voting YES... this time.

 
http://yeson100.com/blog/post/they-get-it--they-really-get-it?action=comment

A Soda Tax?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dean-florez/a-day-of-judgment-for-big_b_482324.html

Well as a Parks and Recreational professional myself, and an active adult person, I have both participated and planned programs that promote health, exercise, outdoor activity and fight obesity. I too, plan or try to plan programs that could potentially fight childhood obesity - however that funding is going away. After school "open gyms" are rare, if not obsolete in some community in AZ, and those help with youth crime rates too. After school programs, pools, parks, facilities for recreation are ALL cutting programs, staff, hours and/or worse closing! So, yes, if a soda tax supported parks and recreation, I could support a small tax. HOWEVER, don't be fooled, I work in government, I see where taxes go and where they don't go! I fear politicians will see this tax as another pay day - they will be so crafty as to write in their own self sustaining loop holes that allow them to pull the funding from parks and recreation whenever they feel like it. Much like they have with State Parks Funding, Heritage Funds, Arts and Cultural Funds, etc. So I proceed with caution!! They may use this "front" of helping childhood obesity and long term health care programs to successfully doop the public into funding their financial problems...again.

Groovy Baby

I love technology. I made this at ImageChef.com, a web page that lets you design and customize your own photos, collages or photo templates! Some designs are kinda cheesy, but some are great for fun photos like this.

Baby Bliss - December 2009

December 2009 and January 2010 – 10 and 11 months old


Well, it hasn’t been long but sooooo much has happened in two months. She started eating “real people” food just before the holidays –– but mostly just the veggie, breads and fruits. But as she progressed, she has begun to want to feed herself more and more. So she started enjoying chunks of stuff – carrots, potatoes and bananas being her favorite – right size, taste and texture I guess. She even had turkey for Thanksgiving and ham for Christmas. Now, we enjoy a “baby” dinner and then she joins us for mashed up/bite size versions of our dinners during our dinner time.

She is making more and more noise – echoing “ut-oh” and “no, no, no”, “da da” and “ma ma”. And she hums along to ABC’s and similar songs like BINGO and Ol’ McDonald. Thanks to the many wonderful gifts she got at Christmas, she has many interactive-talking-learning toys – that sing songs, count and make animals sounds. One in particular is a magnet that is on our kitchen fridge and makes farm animal sounds, plus plays 6 farm songs and she will have a little “hoe down” in the kitchen – just dancing away!

She is getting better at recognizing things by their names – the dogs, a car, a tree, a lamp, buttons, a ball, etc. But has not yet attempted “speaking” those words.

She started walking on Jan. 12 – right at 11 months, she must have decided – this is it!! And, so now she uses her “walking” toys to run with. Luckily, she is a very good baby and comes when she called, follows us around and has learned sign for “stop” and verbally listens to “no”, for the majority of the time.

One of her characteristics, which I personally enjoy, is her “putting away” or collecting mode. Blocks, bath toys and her jumbo legos are typically subject to being “stuffed” back in their “homes” by her, when she decides she is done. It’s very cute!

On of the other things that is so sweet, is she is “in love” with our photos in the hall way. When walking past she will practically turn out of your arms, pointing at the pictures and wanting to touch them. And, when we do look at them, she lights up and touches almost everyone and sometimes kisses them.

Her first birthday is coming up, I can’t believe it but I can’t wait!~

Baby Bliss - November 2009

November 12, 2009 – 10 months old


Is it possible she got faster? Yes, in the blink of an eye she’s moved across the room, or left the room! She is so enamored by her ability to be mobile, it’s sometimes all she does all day, just crawl from one room to another, occasionally stopping to pull herself up on something, and then carry on. She is getting so strong and so confident she is letting go more often and taking more risks. Such as reaching for things future away and standing without holding on for longer periods of time.

She recognizes more and more words every day, like button, lamp, puppy, nose, toes and ears. We practice pointing and looking for things.

She now has 8 teeth; four bottoms and four tops. She can squat and kneel, and is still crawling and “walking” along like a champion. She also enjoys “jumping”, although most of the time it’s on our bed, she dose try to do it while holding onto chairs. Our bed is one of her favorite places now that she has learned to “tumble”, she will sit up and then put her arms up and fall back. Or she will fall to the side and roll over and over again. She is our little monkey jumping on the bed.

The other times she “jumps” is to music. I have a feeling she is going to be a great dancers!

I can’t wait to celebrate the holidays with her!

Love the Worrell’s XOXO

Where's my EJECT button?

Seriously! When I am on the phone with a heated a customer (rarely), or responding to a aggressive e-mail (often, I think people are meaner in e-mails than they would be in person), or "putting out fires" (occasionally), or getting aggervated with a particular program (who here likes budgets?) - I envision the gauge on my cubical cockpit entering the RED danger zone, the dial aggressively shaking over the "EJECT you idiot before it's too late!". And then... I press it. Swooooooosh. Up. Out. Certain death, averted.

Where's my EJECT button?

Calling all nature photographers! Submit your photos now http://bit.ly/4IgFT8 photography

MICHAEL BUBLE tix anyone? I am looking for 2 - 4 tix lower level AZ, Apr 8: Huge fan, please let me know!!

I HATE MUNIS!

Zinger envy? for all the times you think of something to say AFTER the fact and wish you had; BEWARE of zinger regret!!

Don't walk in rocks, it's hot lava!

A baby is born!

Yeah! My cousins wife just had a 8lb 2oz baby girl! Groff's can have girls!!! "Baby Lilly-bud" - Welcome cuz!

My Boss the Comedian

Wow, this morning my boss was on fire. Although I would LOVE to use this material later - I have to give credit where credit is due! So in our car pool this morning, the driver, our third "carpoolio" squealed the tires while taking a corner. And my boss said - "Wow, you put all 4 cylinders to use there". Then he laughed at himself and began to tell us about one of his daughters first cars. He said "she had this old white Suzuki, and it sounded more like a sewing machine than a car, it had a huge "S" on the side, and I said 'does that stand for Singer?', I mean that thing had over size tires and rarely ran well in forth gear. It had to have perfect conditions, flat, no weather, or it was third gear all the way!"


It was funny. I had a car like that, I think everyone has. I guess it's funny because you don't expect someone, like your dad, to be so funny. I guess that was kind of ageist of me.

Obama Budget good for nature - major step forward for conservation (surprise?) http://ping.fm/dzXpb

PREVENT CHILD ABUSE! Need help w/ a baby? Call 24/7 crisis line @ 18004ACHILD or 0-to-5 Helpline 1877705KIDS

Great Birthday product!

Pin The Candle on the Cupcake

So cute! I ordered this from Birthday Express. One of those catalogs you get in the mail, you don't where from or how they got your inforamtion. But, for once I am glad they did, becuase it was a hit! It comes in Pink and Primary, and this was good even for a girls first bday. See my review below on their web site. A good on-line order and worth the $19.99 since you can use it over and over again, for boys and girls.

http://www.birthdayexpress.com/Pin-the-Candle-on-the-Cupcake-Game-Primary/43353/PartyItemDetail.aspx

Too hung-over to hike?

A woman called to get a refund from 1 of our scheduled hikes, she said she was "too hung-over" (note the date is the day after superbowl)

Duck poop is a problem!

A lady called 2day said she wasn't going to bring her child to the park, untill we "picked up" all the duck poop. Ducky Diapers?

Eme in the dog water, again!

Eme stepped in the dogs water with her socks on - she must have thought it was a very tiny wading pool!

Baby Bliss - October 2009

October 12, 2009 – 9 months old


What isn’t she doing? She is crawling like nobodies’ business, pulling herself on everything and walking with the assistance of a walker. Need I say more, we are busy! She is trying more foods every week and even some “adult foods”, like steamed veggies, mashed fruits and breads.

She is also beginning to show aggregation when she doesn’t get her way. But, it’s so dang cute it’s hard not to laugh! She gets upset mostly because she wants to play in the dog’s water bowl or pull on an electrical cord, and we try to re-direct her. We are also working on teaching her “no” and “come back here”! She’s pretty darn good and listens, but sometimes she gets it in her head to get in the water. So when we stand in her way, she will 360 and growl at us. A 360 is when she spins on her butt, using her legs she turns herself in a complete circle, clinch fists and gives us a disapproving growl “arghhhhhhhhhhh!”

But she is also getting good at showing excitement too! As she gets better at understanding words and signs; she smiles, claps and kicks her legs when she sees something or someone she likes!! She is also “reaching” for stuff now, like “pick me up” or “I want to go to you”, or “I can’t reach that”.

She is so much fun!

Baby Bliss - September 2009

September 12, 2009 – 7 and 8 months Old


Hello,

Emelia is growing like a weed; she is now 17 lbs 4 oz, she has 4 teeth, she is scooting along on her hands and knees (almost a crawl) and pulling herself up on stuff. It is so amazing to watch her grow; she is so smart and so sweet! She is also working on foods; she worked her way through the veggies; peas, green beans, carrots, squash and the fruits; apples, bananas and pears. She does not love these foods, but still likes her cereal and oatmeal and hopefully she will grow to like some food soon. She is also drinking from cups, water bottles and learning to use a sippy cup.

She recently had an allergic reaction to Gerber Baby Pin Wheels, they are a starter “cracker like” food that melts in baby’s mouth, but she had an instant reaction and broke out in hives around her mouth. It’s hard to narrow down what in the Pin Wheels she reacted too, because those “convenient starter” foods are loaded with a ton of ingredients. She continued to get hives for a couple days, so Rich took her to the doctors and they prescribed a steroid to help with the reaction. It’s too bad, because before I took it away, she was really enjoying the fact that she was feeding herself. Unlike the little Cheerio type “puffs”, they are still too tiny for her to get to her mouth and these were the perfect size – damn additives, preservatives and unnatural ingredients. So, we are back to one organic ingredient food at a time.

And, as first time – over paranoid parents because she had her first spill, she is no longer allowed more than 6 inches off the ground, unless being held (per Rich). He he he!

And as usual despite her little hiccups over the last two weeks, and the probability that she is still teething, she has been a perfect little angle! She is babbling more and more, and says “dadadad dadada”, but I don’t think she knows it yet – although Rich is quick to claim it as her first word. We also had to move her to her crib at night (a smooth transition), which is on the lowest level possible and she now even plays in her room too! I hate to see her “move out” of our room but she seems to be enjoying these little steps.

Baby Bliss - August 2009

July 25, 2009 – 6 months Old


Hello,

So, this was a BIG month too – she started cutting teeth; two small bottom front teeth and doing lots of other fun stuff. She is sitting on her own; she is rolling over and can briefly stay on her knees, in a crawl position. She started throwing things and watching wear they go, she is beginning to remember object placement. She will pull out and put back in her binky; she will take something from you (and put it in her mouth). And lastly, she went “swimming” for the first time and she has shown a great interest in food.

She is a happy baby and has hardly complained despite her recent troubles. Next month is her Christening, so we look forward to her first travel experience!

Baby Bliss - July 2009

July 4, 2009 – 5 Months Old


Happy 4th of July,

Emelia is 5 months old (21 weeks old this Saturday) and is in the 75%, according to the last doctor visit. She was 25 inchs long and weighed 14 lbs 10ozs, and in good health. This was a huge month for her. She is learning to push and pull on toys – sometimes to get lights and sounds. She responds to her name. She is also getting stronger – she has a nice tight grip, a strong back and legs, and is working on staying in a seated upright position. She has rolled over about ten times – but while she’s asleep and to our dismay not in front of mommy or daddy. (well, not for daddy because he doesn’t put her down long enough; wink, wink!)

She has shown a great interest in the dogs – she thinks they are funny. She often follows them around with her head, watching, laughing and mumbling. She also reaches for them when they are close and doesn’t seem to mind cold noses and occasional kisses.

She wore her first bow and first pair of tennis shoes. Not for long, but I wanted her to get use to them. She does a lot of sucking on her fingers, but will now suck on toys and brings just about everything to her mouth, including her toes. She also likes her “wooly”, a pink fuzzy bear blanket thing, it’s soft and she holds it during her cat naps. She also got an “umbrella stroller” – which she really likes, a couple new toys, and a walker in the shape of a JEEP this month. Just the tips of her toes touch and has scooted backwards a couple times, but it won’t be long. She really seems to enjoy toys with buttons – unfortunately the ones that make sounds ;)

She still loves her bath!! And, she is laughing more – which sometimes sounds like Elmer Fud (he, he, he, he, he), but a lot of squeals and open mouth smiles. She really shows excitement when mommy or daddy come home, and daddy is teaching her to make kissing noises (however, it is a reverse kiss, she sucks in her bottom lip). It is a lot of fun and new things happen every day.

Her hair is getting longer and I will soon get to clip off a little lock. Well, until next time!

Baby Bliss - June 2009

June 6, 2009 – 4 Months Old


Hello,

Emelia is 4 months old. We are all adjusting well to the work week and she seems to be comfortable in her daily routines. She still loves “Mr. Sunshine”, looking in mirrors, and watching people’s faces. She is more interested in mimicking your lips – she will smile at you, when you smile at her, and is now better at following voices and objects around the room with her eyes. She will often watch the dogs walk around. She is also laughing more and enjoying the sound of her own voice. I love her little giggles and squeals. She is getting close to turning over, she gets her legs over and can get to her side but not quit all the way over. She is really starting to notice her feet and using them to kick things and uses her toes to “grab” things on her play year. Here is the 4 month “Mr. Bear” picture, enjoy!

Baby Bliss - May 2009

May 3, 2009 – 3 Months Old


Hello,

Emelia is now 3 months old - between now and the terrible twos' I am told is one the most exciting and fun time in a parent's life. I have already noticed how much more alert she is, how much more she is trying to communicate with us and how much stronger she is getting. She can now hold her head up with control, stand up (put her full weight) on her legs, hold herself in a sitting position with some assistance and she is working on grabbing and kicking with more control. It's so wonderful to watch as she learns, tries things, concentrates and works on deliberate movements. She is also "cooing" and "oohing" more, which it is just a delight to hear her small voice. She is also following objects with her eyes. She recently outgrew the newborn clothes and some of her 0-3 month’s clothes. The last doctor’s appointment said she was now 22 inches long and weighed 11lbs 8ozs and was doing great!

She is sleeping through the night on a consistent basis (since about 9 weeks) and seems to be a good sleeper. She goes down to bed sleepy but awake, and takes a nice long nap in the afternoon. I had to return to work this week, so I will greatly miss her and my nap time too.

She is pretty good at scooting, but has not been able to turn over yet or get into a "crawl" position - I love watching her coordinate and try these new things, and she is doing very well. She loves her bath time, "Mr. Sunshine" a light-up sunny face on her play yard, "her blanket" a blanket on our couch and looking at people faces. She is beginning to like her swing (she often takes cat - naps in it), her "seat" (a supported chair to encourage sitting for 3 -6 month olds) and looking in mirrors. She has not taken to the car seat, although is OK driving but will start to cry when the car comes to a stop, or the stroller (which is her car seat on pedestrian wheels). But all is well; she'll have another doctor’s appointment at 4 months, so I look forward to updating you then.

Talk to you later,

Love us

Baby Bliss - April 2009

April 4, 2009 – 2 Months Old

Hello,

Due to popular demand, I guess I should have started a monthly update of baby, now that she is here :) Ha ha ha.

Yes, Emelia is doing great! She is growing well and has remained healthy. At her two week visit she had gained some weight at 7lbs 5ozs and grew an inch. However, I think she has gained at least another pound since then and grown another inch or so. She is now grown out of the "Newborn" clothes and some of the 0-3 months. She also outgrew the "swaddle", two weeks ago she kicked out of it and now sleeps in those adorable footy pj's. Lately she has been sleeping during the night - two back to back 5 hour blocks. But occasionally has an off night.

She has also been healthy so far, luckily we escaped whatever virus Rich had! She has another (2 month) doctor’s appointment coming up soon. But so far she is showing good signs of development. She started "cooing and ahhing", but hasn't found her "voice" yet. It is still very new and accidental.

Yes, we have taken lots of pictures, but have no way to share them - I will make my way to a Kodak kiosk soon and load them on a disk, so I can put them on the website. Our computer is a dinosaur and does not work well (I usually use the one at work but I am home, so I have to deal with this brick!). She is a good baby; in fact she is so smart and very strong. Almost from the beginning she could hold her head up, but now she can turn it side to side on her belly. She can also balance on her legs already; she scoots and is working on grasping. More and more each day she is observing the world around her and trying to make sense of it. She is alert and interactive, and has smiled on demand a couple times.

She is also turning out to be a good sleeper, not only will she go down while still a little awake, lately she almost "tells" us to put her down, so she can sleep. Apparently it is not as comfortable to fall asleep in an upright position anymore.

She is also more content being put down (out of arms); in her bouncer or in her swing. And I still think she looks like Rich - if you see his baby pictures, she is like a mini - me of him, but her looks change week to week too, and some still think she looks like me.

The dogs are doing well with her - especially since she doesn't cry as much - however, I think they are more interested in her toys though.

Well, hope all is well - God bless you and the economy - we wish you good health this spring and will write again soon!

Love the Worrell's

PS: There is a new sitcom coming out in April that is called Parks and Recreation - for the record I had an idea for a funny movie called "Parks and Recked" that I pitched to a producer two years ago. Despite being beside myself - I am not boycotting the show - I can't wait to see it!

Making a homemade CROSS CENTERPIECE for Christening

Homemade CROSS centerpieces:

I also enjoy making homemade arts and crafts. Making something from nothing, well not nothing but out of nothing. I like making things up - I like making things I see. If I can visualize it, I can make it! I use to want to work in movie special effects and make miniatures all day, but by the time I got to college everything was digital and there was hardly any "hands on" work anymore. So I incorporate my passion into special events and party planning. Here is one of my favorites! The hand made Cross Center Pieces I made for my daughters Christening. Please feel free to take a look and take a page out of my "book". Hope you like it and can make your own! If not, give me a call, I'm for hire :)

CROSS CENTERPIECE. All the supplies needed to make 3-D stand up cross center pieces. Used at Emelias' Christning: Felt, double sided tape, scissors, pencil, straight edge, ruler, foam core, spray mount, adhesive gems, tulle, while ribbon, pink ribbon, white flowers, and (wedding corsage) pearl straigh pins.

CROSS CENTERPIECE. I measured and cut 9 crosses (8 inch tall X 6 wide) from a 30X20 piece of foam core board. I used a ruler and pencil to mark each cross for cutting. I used a straight edge (carpet knife) razor for cutting.

CROSS CENTER PIECE. I used 1/2 inch foam board (30X20) and was able to cut 9 crosses our of each (8 inch tall and 6 inch across). And out of each square cut out (trash? nope!) - I made the square bases to stand up the crosses.

CROSS CENTERPIECE. After the crosses were cut out, I used satin ribbon and double sided tape to line the edges of the crosses and the bases.

CROSS CENTERPIECES. After the ribbon was in place, I cut out felt crosses to tape to each side of the foam crosses, and the tops of the bases.

CROSS CENTERPIECE. After the satin and the felt were in place, I put the cross and base together. Then I added embelishments. An adhesive gem in the middle, tulle, white flowers and ribbon.

My Supervisor shares his history

So every now and then my supervisor finds it necessary to share a story about a past work experience, and sometimes I find it very helpful and sometimes I just find it entertaining. I know a story is coming because he'll say "I don't know if I ever told you this" - did I mention he has a very short memory. He'll often finish with "my wife says I should write this stuff down". So some stories I have been privy to on more than one occasion and I thought maybe I would write them down for him. Anyway, here are a couple he shared recently:
The Cow:
He once got a call from the Mayor who wanted to donate a Cow statue to the parks and rec department to be used in a playground. The mayor insisted on him coming to view the Cow, and as it turns out, find a way to move it, in the drive way of a yard sale. So he went down there. Sure enough the Cow was about 1/3 the size of a real cow, but it was in no way appropriate for a playground. He pointed out that the Cow had sharp horns and a thick sharp base. It took some convincing but the Mayor finally let go and did not make him put the Cow in a playground.
The Contractor:
There was a problem with one of the pumps on the town's lake fountain. So naturally the whole town was aware of the situation and shared their concern and opinions till the fountain was fixed. But, nothing in government is ever done fast enough! So a citizen called and wanted to know "what the hold up was", that the amount of time to fix the pump was "unacceptably untimely". He also felt the need to tell him that he himself was a contractor and he had never scene a "project" take this long. So my supervisor kindly reminded him that government works at a different pace than the private sector. For instance unlike the private sector - we have to submit a project plan, then we have to get at least three bids, then we have to get approvals on the bids, then we have to enter into a contract and get that approved too. And at any time during this process we have to stop to answer questions and research alternatives. The citizen accepted this.

I saw a horrible spelling of Amelia 2D - Emeilyah; and you thought "Emelia" was bad? Although, I will never find her name plate

SOS! SAVE our PARKS - Day@AZCapt. Mon. Feb 1@10a-1p Janice Miano 602-528-7500 BE THERE!!!!!!

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The joys of toys and eating with an 11 month old

I have an 11 month old little girl. I will have to tell you more about her later. Since she is by far the best baby I have ever met, and I am not just saying that... I mean happy, cuddly, loving little girl, who is smart and strong! I would've never imagined having so much fun with a baby - I guess I thought they would be a lot more work than this. So far, even pregnancy - it's been easy peasy!
So anyway at this age, there are plenty of her toys that make noise, and almost everyone has an annoying song that plays over, and over and over again. Sometimes with words but usually not, it gets stuck in your head and your not even sure you know the words in the first place. But there is no escaping it; because just when you forget about it, it plays again. Today I am sick of hearing her Pooh phone - it keeps prompting her to play along; I want to scream press 6, press 6, press 6 - ALREADY!
Then I must have wanted a challenge today - becuase I decided to try speghetti - O's, she was interested in feeding herself, so I thought why not. Untill she figured that the only way to eat the O's was from around her tiny fingers. So she dug in the O's till one would ring around her finger and then she'd bite it off. Unfortunatly, the RED 10 dye they use in the sauce, was everywhere! Stainning her seat, the tray, the bowl, her fingers, her mouth, my sleeves... what was I thinking. Ahhhh, the joys of toys and eating with an 11 month old. I wouldn't trade it for the world!

http://ping.fm/q8ugW

My Blog Style

OK, so I have decided, I will blog the way I journal. Very natural and honest, with the bit of wit I always deliver in my stories. I will have blogs labeled - "All in a days work" - about work and career field stories; "City Kitty" - opinions and critiques about travel, tourism, parks, events, shopping, liesure activities, dining, work ethics, etc; "The family kat" - about my family; and finally "Old but not outdated" - references to old journal entries and/or my childhood. Then there is also the added joy of my Twitter and Ping entries. Enjoy!

Parks and Recreation - The Pack Rat

Today our parks maintenance crew member, Phil, came in to the office and he had a story to tell us about how they had removed about 1000 brush bushes from one of the park washes. He said they had been removing brush and dead dried bushes all morning, and when they came back from lunch they begun raking the rock back into place and filling the holes. He said "as if it was a cartoon, one by one little creatures appeared looking for their missing homes and shelters, it was so sad". He described the first encounter with a road runner. The road runner came bouncing through, it's long legs skipping easily over the dessert debris, and then slowed down as it stopped at the very point where a barrel cactus had been, and stared. In a very bird like way, it tilted it's head side to side and looked from Phil to the missing cactus. It came closer to inspect the situation, despite the presence of Phil, it gave Phil one last long look of disapproval and then skipped away. The second encounter a short time later, was with a bunny. Slowly, yet agile the bunny enter into the wash and twitched it nose in curiosity. And, if possible the droopy eyes become even more saddened at the loss of an apparently important piece of its' habitat. Then the last and most humorous encounter was with a pack rat, who's' hole was partly covered already. The tiny pack rat popped out, then shook its' head and twitched its' tiny paws to "dust" off the dirt. After blinking its' eyes a couple times and turning it's head side to side, it twitched again as it looked around in confusion. It put its' tiny paws on the ground and sniffed, as if to ask itself "am I in the right place?". Then it looked around again, still blinking the dirt out it's eyes. During what can only be described as the "acceptance" - the tiny pack rat popped back into a standing position and looked straight up to see there was no longer a roof over his hole. Its' little shoulders seemed to collapse and Phil swears he heard a tear drop. Ahhhhh!

So, we naturally gave Phil a hard time; joking that it is suppose to rain tomorrow and the poor little pack rats' home is going to flood; that it probably took that pack rat 2 years to collect all that crap and build a roof; that we would have to encourage the critters to apply for a "Relief Fund" to repair their homes.

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City Kitty's First Blog

Wow, I have always kept a journal, but no one has ever read that, so this is quit different. This is my first "blog" entry (although let's face it, I have been "blooging" forever!) and I guess I am going to have to decied my blog style. I might even have to go back and blog about some journal entrys. I think some of my travel experiences, life and work stories are worth revisting. So enjoy!