P Turns Three Today

Dear Friends and Family,

P turns three today.

How's P doing?

There's the inability to sit still - bouncing, leaning, sliding in her chair routine - which led to a time out yesterday night. There's the acting out - kicking, hitting, sharp words routine - which led to multiple time outs this week. There's the meltdown when she doesn't get her way - crying while watching us to see if anyone's paying attention - which we get almost every night.

Yet, her teacher's say they would have 16 Ps in the room if they could. Perhaps, she saves it all for us.

P turns three today.

How are we doing?

We're still standing. I think we're both enjoying the time, but also recognizing that things will change a lot in the next two years. P will grow more independent and will morph from the little kid she is today to a full fledged kid. School will be changing and along with that work will be changing and potentially home will be changing as well.

To be honest, we don't have a lot of time for each other. With three hours each day consumed by commuting, it's no surprise we're short on time. But, two things will help. On the near front, I'm considering hiring a personal assistant - that will make time, theoretically. And, once we move school's I will most probably leave my current work (if not sooner than that) and that will return 12.5% of my day to me which will also help, theoretically.

P turns three today.

What are we doing to celebrate?

Well, there's the usual hand prints and foot prints and growth chart and weigh-ins and photos. There's the dinner and cupcake and presents and card. We're going to a show. And, somewhere in there we need to squeeze in a bath and a nap.

P turns three today. Yay for P!


Cheers!
mouse

Mouse Looks for Insurance

Dear Friends and Family,

I had high hopes for what I was going to accomplish with my day off. And, while I got a lot done, I ran into a stumbling block I wasn't expecting.

I'm waiting for confirmation on the licensing and registration. That, hopefully, should be no more than 2-4 days. But, I ran into an unexpected stumbling block. Insurance. I thought it'd be a quick call to my current agent and we'd go from there, but it turns out business insurance isn't the same as personal insurance.

I'm going to ask a friend for a recommendation on an agent. Hopefully, she's got someone she's worked with before.

Then, I'll open an account to manage my finances. And, hopefully, we're on our way.


Cheers!
mouse

Greek Yogurts

Dear Friends and Family,

Lured by the high protein content of Greek yogurt and dismayed by the points attributed to Stonyfield Lowfat Vanilla yogurt in the new Weight Watchers program, I ventured into the uncharted waters of new food.

I tried Chobani first based upon a recommendation of a friend and didn't care for it. I tried the 0% vanilla and ended up doctoring it with maple syrup to make it tolerable. Plus, it had a bunch of ingredients I didn't recognize or care for.

Then, Mr. mouse bought Stonyfield Oikos, but before I could try it, it turned to water in our fridge. I bought another two containers, and by the following day, they too had turned to water.

Then, I tried Dannon Oikos at work, but it had fructose in it which sounded suspiciously like corn syrup.

I was giving up hope. Who has the time?

Mr. mouse bought a container of Fage and I figured I had nothing to lose. I was skeptical because everyone spoke poorly about it. But, in the end, I like it enough to convert from regular yogurt to Greek yogurt. With a little bit of honey, I actually look forward to it in the morning.

Fage 0% plain with a little bit of honey. Breakfast of mouse champions.


Cheers!
mouse

Glass Cabinet Doors?

Dear Friends and Family,

I'm too tired to deal with posting pictures in the new blogger. But, I do want to write about my clutter progress. I have one cabinet under control. It's not a big cabinet. But, it feels good nonetheless.

The cabinet I conquered contained coffee mugs, a knife sharpener, a salt and pepper set, vitamins, P's medicines, and some plastic containers. It was full, but not overflowing.

The coffee mugs? I saved a set of four because they are pretty and I like them. I also saved a set of two because they are insulated and therefore useful in a different way. One remaining coffee mug had sentimental value and made it into our cabinet in the living room. Three that Mr. mouse couldn't part with were moved into various roles in the house where we were already using coffee mugs (e.g. the pen mug) and those mugs were moved back into the pile of to-donate mugs.

The knife sharpener? It really shouldn't be taking up valuable cabinet space so I moved it into the laundry pantry with the other small kitchen appliances.

The salt and pepper set? It's cute, but we don't use it. So, I put it with the mugs to be donated.

The vitamins? I threw out two bottles that were expired. I kept the remaining ones since I take those daily.

P's medicines? I threw out the expired ones. I kept one general anti-fever and I kept her red-eye medicine.

The plastic containers? The form factor on them is just odd. I thought they would work as lunch containers, but the two compartments on the right aren't the right size for anything we eat. So, I put them in the recycling bin.

The cabinet now? Top row: two insulated mugs. Middle row: four pretty tea mugs. Bottom row: my vitamins (2 containers) and P's medicine (2 containers).

Bliss.

The next project? I don't think we can escape plastic containers. We use them to store food in the fridge. We use them to pack lunch for P and me. But, we don't need the hodgepodge of containers we have now. We need three sizes - small, medium, and large. Right now we have small, medium, and random.

I already tossed out the second form factor of medium we had. We had only the bottoms left since the tops had all broken. So, my next plan of attack - find one large that Mr. mouse likes and then get rid of all the random ones we have.

Ultimately, I'd like to see if I can get to a point where we could have glass doors on our cabinets and be okay with it. Not saying we'd ever have glass doors, just seeing if I can ever get that organized.


Cheers!
mouse

05.07.12: What Rhymes with Comet?

Dear Friends and Family,

P woke up early Saturday morning so we decided to "take advantage" of the "situation" and go out to breakfast at a place that normally has long wait times later on in the morning.

P was "on edge" the whole way there. But, she was the cutest button ever once we were seated. She gobbled the sample of peanut butter chocolate something or other and then promptly threw up all over Mr. mouse. I don't think it was a peanut butter thing. I think it was the culmination of the cold she caught the week before.

We made it through the rest of breakfast, came home, bathed P and Mr. mouse and did laundry.

We did some returns, napped P in the car, and then I headed out to dinner with a couple of girlfriends. We met up with a fourth friend afterwards for a show. And, because Mr. mouse is a darling, he picked me up when I was done.

Sunday? Bagel time. Park time. Play time. Nap time. Dinner time. Bath time. Sleep time.

I organized a list of things that need to happen over the next week and while it's daunting, I think it's manageable. I made a new to do list because the old one just wasn't capable of handling the amount of stuff we have going on right now.

I've got five columns - now through Friday, the weekend, the next two weekends, the idea, and other. Normally, I'd have one column that's a combination of now through Friday, the weekend and other. But, that's not possible given the number of items on the current list.

At some point, I'd like to get it down to four columns:

1. the weekend
2. the next two weekends
3. the idea
4. other

The first two would include all of our "now" to dos. And, the last column would be divided into two sections: Whenever and Yeah, Right.

Time to get ready for work. Big week ahead of us.


Cheers!
mouse

Managing the Stuff

Dear Friends and Family,

Clutter. I grew up in a house full of clutter. And, I fight the constant battle of clutter. I know I had clutter under control when I lived alone. I know I don't have clutter under control now.

I can either leave Mr. mouse over clutter which I'm not going to do. I can hope to change Mr. mouse which I'm not going to do. I can continue to incrementally fight clutter which seems like a good way to build a lot of frustration and angst. Or, I can build a better mouse trap, so to speak.

I think I'll go with the latter.

So, thinking broadly.

There's things we buy that were useful and no longer are useful.

This would be things like clothes from five years ago. This would be things like the mirror I just brought in for my friend. This would be things like the bookshelf we used in one of our former apartments that's now sitting in the garage.

Solution: I think I can try to tame this one. I can do a two for one exchange. For every new and useful thing that we buy, two things need to leave the house. This guarantees a level of progress, I think.

There's things we buy that were never useful.

I've got several examples sitting on our kitchen counters right now. There's the baseball cap we got when we bought ice cream at the baseball game. There's the cross section of a whiskey barrel as a magnet that Mr. mouse got on a business trip. There's the pennies pressed into Warren Buffet's picture. Yes, all three of these are sitting on our kitchen island right now.

Solution: I need to convince Mr. mouse to stop buying this stuff.

There's the things we make.

This includes P's art work, wedding invitations, Christmas cards, ticket stubs, letters, receipts, and the list goes on. This list can go on forever because this is where Mr. mouse excels.

Solution: I'm not sure I can come up with a solution for this one now. I don't object to saving wedding invitations. I'm okay with converting P's art into a scrapbook. But, ticket stubs for every flight we've taken. I could lose those and not lose a wink of sleep over it.

There's things we get that were useful and no longer are useful.

This can be summarized as gifts we've outgrown. And, I think the solution is the same as the solution for things we buy that are no longer useful - a two for one exchange.

There's things we get that were never useful.

This includes gifts we don't find useful and now includes all the stuff P acquires at school and at birthday parties.

Solutions: For gifts, we should donate them right away instead of aging them first. And, the random stuff for P, I'm fine letting her play with it for a month or two and then donating it.


Cheers!
mouse

Clutter, Clutter, Everywhere

Dear Friends and Family,

Clutter, clutter, everywhere.

I came across two articles in one day and got inspired to do a little bit to tame the clutter in our house.

I am bringing in a mirror for a friend at work. I used to use it in the car when P was backward facing. I don't use it anymore. He needs it. Problem solved.

I threw away a stack of plastic containers. There's the ones with no lids since the lids tend to break for us faster than the bodies. And, there's the ones that are odd shaped and never worked for us.

I want to throw away a plant we have. A colleague gave it to me when I was in a car accident in 2003. I've kept it because it hasn't died. And, it sits by our window. I have the world's blackest thumb. I feel like I should do something about it. But, that's for another day.

This weekend, I should do a clean sweep of the house and make another box for my sister. With all of the babies this winter and spring - both friends and family - this is the best opportunity to gift all of the things P has outgrown that we don't intend to save for her.


Cheers!
mouse

Getting Closer

Dear Friends and Family,

It's Wednesday and I realized I need a vacation. Fortunately, I'm taking two days off next week.

Thursday to work on my idea and Friday to get ready for P's birthday party.

If all goes to plan, I should be able to get licenses, bonded and insured on Thursday. And, I'll set up my financial software to begin tracking money coming in and money going out. And, I'll enter myself in as the first employee and the first customer.

Then, will come the next big step - hiring my first employee. I have someone in mind. I need to set up lunch with her and then, barring any unforeseen circumstances, I should be in "business" sometime in May. I'd like to start with just myself for a couple of weeks to iron out the kinks. Then, I'd like to expand to 2-4 friends to iron out more kinks. Then, I'll put together a referral program.

And, then, summer will hit and I'll be struggling to juggle it all. And, hopefully, by fall, I'll have a read on whether this is working or not.

But, first, Thursday. Then, the world.


Cheers!
mouse

Play Acting

Dear Friends and Family,

This new blogger will take some getting used to.

Last night, P and I played together.

We play acted dropping off Babo at school and then leaving for work. P was Babo's Mommy. I was Babo's Daddy. We dropped off Babo together and told her we would be back at the end of the day. After hugs and kisses we walked away and then came back to pick her up. P gave Babo lots of hugs and kisses at pick up and told her she loved her and missed her and asked her how her day was.

In an alternate universe, P also played the role of Babo's teacher - holding her and giving her lots of hugs and telling her that her Mommy and Daddy would be back and crooning to her and comforting her.

When I asked her about it, she said her classmate at school was sad. (Her classmate just started school a couple of weeks ago for the first time.)

I think P needed to play out the scenario to help her understand it and explore it and try out different roles and scenarios.

She's also taken to helping potty train her friends (aka stuffed animals).

It's fun playing these different scenes out with her and listening to her talk about what is going on.


Cheers!
mouse

04.30.12: A Most Painful Weekend

Dear Friends and Family,

A most painful weekend.

Saturday, we went through the painful exercise of determining favor bags. Yes, you read that correctly. Anything that involves Mr. mouse and me and making a decision for an event is painful. If anyone needs an event planner and a multiple choice sheet, it's us. This is how we ended up baking invitations after looking at a million and one fonts. Okay, I exaggerate. We only looked at 10,001 fonts.

After spending a painful amount of time looking for flag sticker books and cheap Crayola markers, Mr. mouse caved and we placed a purchase and finished our favor bags.

Then, we moved on to decorations, or really plates, cups, and napkins. And, Mr. mouse wanted to go to the store since we saw the flag stuff online. I told him it might not be in store, but he wanted to go so we went. And, surprise, surprise, it was an online only item. Since P was awake and really it's a miracle these decisions ever get made, we postponed the decorations decision.

Which brings us to the fiasco that was Sunday.

Last weekend, Mr. mouse wanted time with P and I wanted to sleep after eating bad fish. So, we skipped our usual F1 race routine. And, of course, it's the weekend that one of my favorite drivers does really well. So, I wanted to see if we could see it this weekend. Normally, this isn't a problem. But, the bar we watch it at underwent an ownership change. And, Mr. mouse wanted to go for lunch since it'd be more convenient under the thought process that that way P would eat more. Sometimes it's just not worth arguing with him. Well, sometime around noon Mr. mouse told me to call, and of course, we get a noncommittal, we don't know, call back in two hours when the owner's back. So, that effectively kills the lunch option.

Then, we head out to the park to play and because Mr. mouse wants to... to take pictures. Now, spring photos is on my to do list. But, P's sick. Her nose is running. And, it's freezing out. As in we're still wearing coats on top of sweaters cold. In my mind, I pictured pictures of us without our coats on with flowers in the background, but, no, we're not being logical this weekend.

We had fun at the park. And, Mr. mouse got some decent pictures.

And, then we came home and after playing a little bit and roasting a chicken, (yes, you read that correctly, roasting a chicken) Mr. mouse had me call the bar and yes they still have the race and yes we can come watch it over dinner. So, we finished up whatever needed to be finished up. And, we headed out to the bar. And, when we got there, it was a fiasco squared. They didn't know how to turn on the back room TVs and they didn't know how to split the front room TVs and we decided to leave and eat dinner elsewhere.

And, now, it's Monday, and we're not done party planning and I didn't get to watch the race, but we do have a roast chicken in the fridge.


Cheers!
mouse

What's on Deck?

Dear Friends and Family,

It's Friday!

Fortunately, after our über-productive last weekend, we don't have a pile up of tasks this weekend. But, I'd like to continue down the path of getting things crossed off the list.

What's on deck for the weekend?

Saturday morning, we'll do the usual. Mr. mouse will stay at home while the house is cleaned. I'll take P out to the park, library, and breakfast. We'll stop by the gym on the way home to cancel our #$%@! gym membership. I wouldn't be annoyed except the gym membership director is on maternity leave and the person covering for her is insisting on either a signed fax or a visit to the gym - contrary to the original communication which was that an email would suffice. I went to the gym to empty out my locker so this is necessitating a second trip, but don't get me started on that one.

Saturday afternoon, I'll get a much needed manicure. Mr. mouse will need to drop off dry cleaning. And, there's a couple of photos we need to transfer to thumb drives for friends.

Then, Sunday is a free day. We may try to watch the F1 race on make-up TV. Or, depending upon the weather and our mood we may do something else.

I'll skip on working on the idea this weekend. I think the next step is going down to City Hall to get licensed. I've got a vacation day on May 10th which is only a week and a half away so I think I'll use that to get that checked off. Plus, I got a bunch of things done last weekend, so I'm not feeling too guilty on this front.

All that means this weekend will be the big push for preparing for P's birthday party which is in a couple of weeks.

1. order cake
2. order decorations
3. complete the favor bag
4. order P's birthday gifts

For the cake, P wants a chocolate cake.

For decorations, we need to order some mix of plates, cups, napkins, spoons, forks, knives in some combination of flags, Paul Frank Julius and solid colors. Yes, this is what happens when you allow someone like Mr. mouse to determine the party theme.

For favor bag, Mr. mouse and I are in disagreement on the contents. I can either order the pieces I want included and make Mr. mouse deal with it or I can leave the whole project in his capable hands. But, trying to get consensus before ordering is turning into a nightmare. Decision made. I'll just order the pieces and he'll have to incorporate into whatever the final thing turns out to be.

For the gifts. We need to order a bicycle for P. My mom gave us money for a bicycle. P wants a bicycle. Mr. mouse wants to give P a bicycle. I'm going to go out on a limb here and guess that P will be getting a bicycle. P also wants an umbrella so I need to find one I like. Then, there's some combination of books, toys, and/or playmobil pieces to round out the birthday gifts.

If we get through all of the birthday stuff this weekend, I'll consider it a major victory.

Cheers!

mouse

Writer's Block

Dear Friends and Family,

I'm drawing a blank.

It's Thursday.

Life is good.

I need to figure out a way to get down to City Hall and look into business licenses.

I wrote a long email to random sellers on eBay looking for spare parts for one of P's toys.

The house isn't falling apart.

I've got a to do list, but nothing like last weekend's.

Life is good.

Cheers!

mouse

Habits of Convenience

Dear Friends and Family,

I think there's a reason why parents habits can change so much during the first year of new parenthood. It's inherent in the process.

There's a bunch of things we need to buy that we didn't need to buy before. Some are consumable like diapers. Some are one-time purchases like car seats.

There's a bunch of places we start to go - like the doctor's office and the park.

There's a bunch of things we need to learn - like feeding a baby, diapering a baby, and bathing a baby.

There's a bunch of things we have to change - like fitting in childcare either at home or at work.

And, there's the fact that right after you figure it out, baby resets all of the above... there's figuring out solids, there's figuring out baby gates, the list never ends.

And, after the first year, there's figuring out getting rid of the pacifier and bottle and adding the cup. And, transitioning from two naps to one. And, and, and...

And, in the midst of all this, the parents are rewriting their own habit loops willy-nilly without thought and/or purpose, going with what's top of mind or convenient. That's why things seem so impossible, because we adopt all of these habits without thinking about them and then don't have time to work through them once they're there - especially parents who then hit reset and have a second child.

Pity the poor parents.

Now that P is almost three, it's time to think through all of the habits from the past three years and figure out how to re-adjust and optimize.

Cheers!

mouse

More Habit Loops

Dear Friends and Family,

Yesterday was the last of my "found food" days. I had Chipotle for lunch because is was free. And, today I had a miserable weigh in. In building my habit loops (aka mouse's house of cards) I've so far accomplished a fair bit considering I only started on this journey in March.

1. nails are growing
2. laundry is getting done
3. kitchen is getting organized
4. retainer is being worn

And, now, food is getting ignored. Yep. The other morning I was waiting for P to wake up in the parking lot and took the time to scribble down some of my food routines, cues, habits and rewards. It wasn't as difficult as the nails list.

First of all, I know what my old routine on Weight Watchers was. My current routines aren't hard to isolate. I know the routine. Food gets picked up and put in mouth. The rewards are sadly not very rewarding. So, it was really isolating the cues that I needed to do.

Some cues were easy - time of day and hunger. Some were replacement cues for nail biting - bored, stuck, stressed. Some were social - food with people. For now, I'm tackling everything minus time of day. I can eat breakfast. I can eat lunch. I can eat dinner. I can eat my fruit and vegetables. Everything is will be ignored.

No more found food.

We'll see how many cards I can add to this house of cards before it all comes tumbling down.


Cheers!
mouse

04.23.12: To Dos Done

Dear Friends and Family,

Feeling overwhelmed, I made a giant to do list on Saturday morning with five columns: this weekend (things that couldn't wait like our haircut and play date), the idea (organized by priority), P's birthday prep (which we didn't make much progress on), school stuff (which we needed to do this weekend for Teacher Appreciation Week) and other (which got all of our longer term miscellaneous tasks). Having the tasks sorted really helped lay it out so that I didn't feel overwhelmed. And, we got a bunch of it crossed off of the list.

The whole school column is complete. The this weekend column has two items on it for the upcoming weekend - catching up on F1 (hopefully the bar still has it on TiVO) and getting a manicure. I'm sure other things will come up that need to be added to the list. But, as of now, it's mercifully short. Oh, housecleaning. Housecleaning needs to be added.

So, I'm entering the new week feeling a lot more composed than I exited the last week. Focused on my idea. Enjoying work. Thinking about my habit loops. And, managing my to dos.


Cheers!
mouse

Why We Helicopter

Dear P,

I know you already have thoughts on who your Mommy is and who your Daddy is. We have personalities. We have preferences. We interact with you differently.

I want to take a moment to give you a window into a bit of who I am which may help you understand a little better why I do the things I do.

I grew up in New York City in the 70s. New York City in the 70s was a different place from New York City today. Crime was rampant. And, your grandparents were recent immigrants trying to make the best life for the family.

Recently, there's been articles about a renewed search for a child who went missing in the City. Etan Patz. He went missing when I was a child. His case and others like his must have frightened all parents in the City. The summer you were born was the summer they found Jaycee Dugard. Children go missing.

I live in fear that something like this could happen to you. That is why I insist you hold my hand. That is why we will pick you up and drop you off and not let you take the bus alone when you might think you're old enough.

I don't want to scare you by telling you there are bad people out there. But, that is why you already know your address and your phone number and why I tell you there is a difference between grown-ups you know and grown-ups you don't know and why we practice shouting for help when we read Duck Soup. Tiny tools, but what I can arm you with when you're not quite three.

There's more I want to write, but it's 6AM and your Daddy is packing your breakfast and I need to start getting ready.


Love,
Mommy

Back to Square 101

Dear Friends and Family,

I spoke with the headhunter yesterday about the potential job. And, he told me the hiring manager wanted to focus the current search on former consultants. Well, oddly enough, I wasn't that disappointed.

I don't have to worry about moving and/or splitting up the family - neither of which was very appealing to me.

Mr. mouse can remain the primary proverbial bread winner - which is nice because...

I can restart work on my idea. Yes!

At this point, even if the headhunter calls back, I think I'll be inclined to continue down my current path.


Cheers!
mouse

PS: Third good day at school. I'm feeling better now.

Better Day at School, Hooray!

Dear Friends and Family,

Yesterday was the first drop-off that I would put in the smooth drop-off compartment since we began P's transition a little over two weeks ago.

She willingly went into the classroom with no prompting or hesitancy. We read a book. She gave me hugs and kisses. We waved to each other from the hallway window.

I went and checked her in on the computer. Then, I snuck around the corner to peek into the classroom. P was rolling out play dough and her body language was relaxed and composed.

I'm cautiously optimistic that the worst is behind us. We'll see.


Cheers!
mouse

Better Day at School, We Think

Dear Friends and Family,

P had a moment on Friday when she didn't want to go into her new classroom. She said she didn't like school and she wanted a new school. That's so unlike her I decided to speak to the center director.

We spent some time troubleshooting and then the teachers tried some new things at group time on Friday and Monday and P seems to be doing better. We'll see how drop-off goes today.

Our current hypotheses is that some of the older girls with younger siblings are smothering P. She's so much smaller than the kids in her room. And, there's a piece of P that just makes her look like an over-sized American Girl doll if you're not careful.

So, they were hugging her and petting her and rocking her and sitting her on their laps and reading to her and helping her point and unlike pushing or biting or kicking or hitting, it wasn't anything P had good words for.

Keep in mind, girlfriend is figuring out reading and counting to 100. She doesn't have much interest in sitting on someone's lap and having a counting book (1-10) read to her. So, we taught her the words for how to deal with it.

First incident: I'm a big girl. I am not a baby.
Second incident: Stop. I don't like that.
Third incident: (to the teacher): I need help.

In a perfect world, she'll be excited about school again and drop-off will not be a high-stakes pressure-filled event.


Cheers!
mouse

04.16.12: Out of Habit

Dear Friends and Family,

Just when you think you have a habit, the world spins a little bit on you and you need to adjust.

We spent a good piece of Sunday clothes shopping. And, there's nothing more tiring than family clothes shopping. Yes, three of us in a store. P wanting to play. Me wanting out of there are quickly as humanly possible. Mr. mouse browsing. And, yes, this was shopping for me so I can't really complain.

Saturday, we went to the Children's Museum and P had a ball. Definitely worth the $25 we sprang for parking.

And, now, it's Monday. My nails are groomed, although now that they are unpolished, I know the next two weeks will be the true test of progress. My teeth are a little sore from the retainer, but my jaw feels better because I didn't clench my teeth last night. And, I'm off to another week.


Cheers!
mouse

Independence

Dear Friends and Family,

April marches on regardless of other priorities. So, I need to stay on top of keeping our money invested.

This morning I put in an order for more stocks. And, as long as I'm working, I'll keep saving for retirement.

I like knowing I am making progress towards our future.

I know there are people who live in the moment. I know there are people who figure it'll all work out. I know there are people who figure their children will support them. I know there are people who feel they can't afford to save right now. I know there are people who are banking on their parents. I know there are people who assume their spouse will take care of them. I know there are people who assume the government will take care of them.

Unfortunately, I am not one of all those people. I need to feel like I am taking care of me. Sadly, I don't feel like I can rely on anyone else more than I can rely on me. And, I'm okay with that. It's liberating to be independent. It's comforting to have Mr. mouse with me on this journey. But, it's still nice to know I'm with him because I want to be not because I need to be.


Cheers!
mouse

Does Anyone Wear a Suit Anymore?

Dear Friends and Family,

I know there's the old line about weddings and funerals. But, honestly, I don't even think I see many suits at those either.

Weddings? I definitely have the option of a dress vs. a suit.

And, funerals? Well, I don't think most people are really looking at what you're wearing. Well, at least most people I know.

Which leaves, outside of those people who wear a suit for work or fun, the one last bastion of suit wearing - the interview.

It feels so 1999 to go shopping for a basic interview suit. I'll do it. But, I can't help feeling at some point we're going to think that's so last millennium.


Cheers!
mouse

BRRR...

Dear Friends and Family,

It is so cold I can barely think straight. I thought I would get used to it, but one hour in, I'm still cold. That's it. I'm turning on the heat so I don't have a miserable morning.

I know being cold is a cue for nail biting. And, I'm remembering, as my thumb nail finally grows in, so is my thumb nail in general. Huh? My nail fell off a long time ago and it never grew in right. Because it is so thick, it feels funny when it's grown in and I am writing. I think I need to practice writing more with it now that my nail has grown in. Overall progress? My left ring finger and my right thumb are still on the short side, but, overall, to the casual observer, I have ten legitimate finger nails. Yay, mouse!

I do need to get a manicure this weekend since the polish is beginning to chip and the cuticles are growing in.

And, the rest of April? It's quickly devolving. I'm not working on the idea. I'm spending a lot of time thinking about the call from the headhunter. I have a follow-up call with him this morning to learn more. I don't think I'll get the job, but for now, it's interesting enough that I still want to pursue it.

Oh, and this weekend is dedicated to the IRS. We need to file our personal taxes and I need to find out what I need to do for my business taxes. I can't owe taxes yet, can I? I haven't earned any income yet. Odder things have happened.

Must warm up...


Cheers!
mouse

Crickets

Dear Friends and Family,

Our new boss showed up yesterday. And, he scheduled a meeting with the leadership team. And, it was crickets everywhere. A few questions. A few comments. A lot of uncomfortable silence.

It's only going to be worse today when he meets the broader team.

I didn't realize it had gotten so bad.


Cheers!
mouse

04.09.12: Happy Easter

Dear Friends and Family,

When it rains it pours.

P had a great day on Friday. Yay!

We had friends visit for Easter. They brought P an amazing airport set. Double Yay!

I had a very good meeting followed by a very good lunch with my boss on Friday. This was the first time I felt happy at work in a very long time. Triple Yay!

I got a phone call from a head hunter Friday afternoon. Generally, I've been ignoring these. Usually it's a lateral move to a city I have no interest living in. I'm happy enough doing what I'm doing, I'm very psyched about my idea, Mr. mouse likes his job, and P is happy with life as she knows it.

It'd be a promotion and in a city I wouldn't object to living in. I don't think I want to give up on the life we know. But, I think I am willing to consider a 3-5 year detour if it'd mean getting there faster. I think. I'm not sure.

It's enough to give me pause. And, I've been spending some cycles this weekend in some serious navel gazing.

Happy Monday.


Cheers!
mouse

Transition: Day 4

Dear Friends and Family,

Thursday went better than Wednesday. P was still sad walking from her two year old room to the new three year old room. But, once she was there she livened up and joined in the activities.

And, she had one last afternoon of playing with her BFFs in the two year old playground. Today, I pick her up in the new room.

There's additional reason for optimism. Yesterday afternoon I asked her if there was anything special she wanted since she had a tough week and she asked for treats to bring into the new classroom. Mr. mouse had purchased Easter eggs for her old room while on a trip and given the choice P said she wanted to give them to her old friends. But, yesterday, she said she wanted treats for her new friends as well.

Generous P.


Cheers!
mouse

Transition: Days 2 & 3

Dear Friends and Family,

Well. Day 2 went okay. P had a moment on the walk when her shoe fell off and she started crying. I know what happened. On the one hand, everyone was walking and she knew she should continue walking. On the other hand, she knew she shouldn't keep walking without her shoe. Hence, melt down.

Day 3 went less well. P was sad. I think she misses her friends. I think things go faster in the new room. I think I think she sees her teachers on the playground and misses them. I think P sometimes takes a little while to get used to new things.

I told her it is okay to be sad. I told her that sometimes it can take time to get used to new things. I told her that as her friends get older they will join her in the new room. I told her that as long as she is willing to try, we are all okay with the fact that this may take some time to get used to.


Cheers!
mouse

PS: Yesterday, P said she was all done with big window (where she waves to me in the morning at school). Instead, she waved from the inside window.

PPS: At dinner, P told me she was going to have 20 children.

Transition: Day 1

Dear Friends and Family,

P's first day in preschool transition went well.

Her teacher took her across the hall and dropped her off in the new room. She spent a couple of hours there between breakfast and lunch. Today, she goes for a little longer, leaving her current room after breakfast and staying in the new room until after lunch.

All of the teachers said she had a good day. Mr. mouse called. I called. I stopped by when picking her up. Helicopters at work.

One telling sign, P didn't run into the new room when I went to see the teacher at pick up. It still reminds me of her infant transition.

She seemed complacent enough. But, one afternoon when she came back she was quiet and thoughtful. And, when her teacher approached her she picked up a lion and roared and started laughing.

P is like me. Change is always a little scary and having a place that is comfortable and familiar is a good thing.

She said the kids aren't as noisy in the new room, but are equally "rough" compared to her current room. We'll see. I think they're a lot less rough.

Happy Tuesday!


Cheers!
mouse

04.02.11: Yep, We're One Quarter Way Through the Year

Dear Friends and Family,

Yes. It's April. And, before we know it, it'll be May. Then, June and July and August and the mouse household will surface briefly in September before diving in for October, November, and December. And, then you'll hear me bemoaning the fact that the year has gone way too quickly.

Saturday?

Saturday morning, P and I went to the bank. I opened up my small business account while P played with her computer and read library books. Yep. We can now accept payments and spend money.

Then, we went to breakfast at P's favorite diner and Mr. mouse joined us to celebrate. A quick trip to the library finished out the morning. We went in for eyebrows and P fell asleep on the walk home.

I spent the afternoon plowing through random to dos while Mr. mouse picked up the car. Yeah! Both the door lock and trunk locks work now.

We spent the afternoon playing at home, ate dinner at home, and then because we were all in the mood, we went out for gelato.

Sunday?

Sunday morning we did errands including picking up a "potty" for P for when we travel since she detests toilets outside of the house. It's sprinkled with Sesame Street characters, but don't get me started on that one.

We had lunch and P and I fell asleep on the way home.

We played more in the afternoon and then did a quick trip to pick up groceries. P had pink eye so we made a new chart for her outlining her six doses. And, because I was curious to see if it would work - six rewards for not fighting the medication. Last night's worked like a charm. Let's see if we're as successful this morning.

And, today begins P's transition to the new room. She'll spend one hour with the three year olds and then go back to her usual routine in the two year old room. Tomorrow it's through lunch. Wednesday is through nap. Thursday is through snack. Friday, I pick up there. And, Monday, she's full time in the new room.

Time to go get ready.


Cheers!
mouse

End of Month

Dear Friends and Family,

It's the end of the month.

And, I get to assess our retirement tonight. And, strange as this may sound, I'm very excited about it. I'm less excited in down months. But, this month was another good month and the more we get of these in a row, the more I will feel like maybe this is a trend.

And, Mr. mouse got his bonus yesterday so we will need to figure out what to do with that. Most of it will go towards retirement and some into the car fund. Still, I need to figure out how to keep the retirement fund from sitting in cash. Time for us to go shopping - look at some stocks to purchase.

And, Monday, P starts transitioning into the three year old room. This is super exciting because she's stalled out in the two year old room and there's a couple of neanderthals in the room.

Happy Friday.


Cheers!
mouse

Paint, Paint, Go Away

Dear Friends and Family,

Just when I was making such good progress on the nails, I decided to wash out some of P's paint containers this morning. And, now my fingers are a red and green hue.

It's nice to have the clutter gone, but I need to find a way to keep my newly growing nails from becoming objects of picking now that they have bits of paint stain in them.

I've decided watching nails grow is like watching paint dry. Listening to my blather about my nails growing must be as interesting as listening to paint dry.


Cheers!
mouse

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Moments

Dear Friends and Family,

The terrible threes have officially arrived. Or, P is so bored in her twos room she is lashing out. I'm not sure which.

We get lots of nos. We get throwing. We get hitting. We get shouting.

Then, in a complete about face, we get a little angel who hugs us and kisses us and tells us she's sorry and promises to be good next time.

Not a clue how to respond. Mr. mouse and I are completely bewildered.


Cheers!
mouse

Question on Automation Loops

Dear Friends and Family,

I'm rather pleased with the progress I've made on automating my life. I have a kitchen that stays vaguely under control. I have 10 short, but socially acceptable fingernails. I have a laundry bin that is manageable. I have a better oral hygiene.

But, there's only so much you can incorporate into an existing routine before it's not really an existing routine anymore. For instance, I think I have a decent shot at adding wearing my retainer to my evening teeth brushing routine. But, can I really add 60 minutes of yoga and trick myself into doing it? I think not.

And, when you remove things from a routine like checking email at lunch, then how do you add it back into another routine at home? See? This isn't all cake walk.

Oddly enough, habits take planning.

I'll have to think about this some more. I don't think I'm ready to add any more changes to the current house of cards. Before I know it, I'll be back to a mountain of stuff on the kitchen island, 10 nubbins on my fingers and a pile of dirty laundry.


Cheers!
mouse

03.26.12: Stars Aligning

Dear Friends and Family,

Let's dispense with the formalities.

Saturday, we returned the rental car. We ate lunch. I went to see Hunger Games while Mr. mouse played with P. We ate dinner at home. We went to the supermarket.

Sunday, we watched the F1 race. We played at home. Mr. mouse took P for a walk. I got a manicure as extra insurance for the week. We ate dinner at home.

Friday! Yes, I really want to talk about Friday.

Friday, Mr. mouse got a bonus. A good bonus. And, it reminded me, I haven't gotten a bonus in five years since working at my current job. Honestly, what am I still doing here? And, no, it's not me. No one's gotten a bonus in the five years since I've been at my current job.

Friday, I had lunch with a former colleague. Interestingly enough, she's seems like a different person since leaving her job and finding herself. I am fascinated with someone willing to earn minimum wage to get a foot into a start-up. Mr. mouse thinks I should spend some more time talking to her and assessing if there's a fit, if I think it will work. He tells me to trust my instincts.

And, today, I logged onto my email to find my paperwork complete. I have an official corporation.


Cheers!
mouse

March Top 3 Revisited

Dear Friends and Family,

It's Friday. It's spring. It's three quarters way through March. Time to revisit my March Top 3.

Eating Right. Hasn't been happening. I realize one of my top cues for nail biting is hunger. However, on the nail biting front, I've had lots of progress. They're slowly growing. I realize that can all change in an instant and I'll be back at square one with ten nubbins and another cue as to what drives nail biting.

Time with Family. This week has been bad with work. Actually, I don't feel like I've spent a lot of time with family because I've been sharing P with my extended family, oddly enough.

The Idea. Slow progress. We submitted the paperwork for our legal entity. We're waiting for our federal employment identification number. I reached out to two people in my network to look for potential employees. I need to write a job description this weekend.

April? Continued automation of my life which oddly enough gives me back time - not real time, but the perception of time. Spending time with family which contributes to being relaxed. And, I'll continue to work on my idea which gives both intellectual challenge and hopefully at some point in the future financial security.


Cheers!
mouse

Mid Week Scramble

Dear Friends and Family,

After mind-numbingly quiet days at work, the past two days have been hectic, hectic, hectic - enough so that I brought work home with me last night.

I'm still stoked about the idea of my idea. And, I wish work was a little more level-loaded. But, I'll take the frenzy over the boredom any day.


Cheers!
mouse

P's Unicorn Moment

Dear Friends and Family,

I got off work early on Monday. And, since it was a gorgeous afternoon, I decided to take P to the park where we ran into three "Park Slope" moms.

They loved P's haircut. They said they could eat her up. They oohed and aahed and gushed and I realized we were having a unicorn moment - one of those moments when the lighting is right and P is just irresistible.

Unicorn moments have become less common as P has grown older. This is a good thing since it was making me a little paranoid when she was younger. But, they're still special moments. I try not to let it get to my head.

I've got a pretty special kid in my house. She's one in a million.


Cheers!
mouse

I've Been Thinking

Dear Friends and Family,

Today marks the return to our normal routine. P and I drive to school. We have drop-off. I have work. I pick P up after school. We drive home.

Only, lately, I've been giving more and more thought to changing up the routine.

I've been thinking about quitting and working full-time on my idea. I've been thinking about putting P's name on the wait-list for a daycare program closer to home and then letting that make for one less complicating factor.

I could take a day off work and take P on a tour of the new school. I could see if she thinks it would be fun to switch. I could then decide to leave work independent of what happens to her school. I could work on my idea. I could spend the afternoons in the park with P.

I can give up the sham that is my "work" day.

Yes, I've been thinking.


Cheers!
mouse

03.19.12: Visitor

Dear Friends and Family,

After the moment with my sister (who wanted time alone with P last weekend, without being crowded by my mom), we invited my mom out for the weekend. That way, my sister could have her time last weekend and my mom could have her time this weekend.

All of this translates into a couple of additional scheduling complications on our part. But, overall, it's been good watching P with her extended family.

Friday, I stopped in for an impromptu manicure since the weekend would be busy. And, I had my best manicure ever. The person I got REALLY knows her @#$%! around cuticles and cleaned mine up like nobody's business. I was impressed. So, I walk into the second half of March loaded for bear. Let's see if we can crack this nut. This manicure every other week is helping a ton in keeping me from biting my nails.

Saturday, P and I went for a quick trip downtown to celebrate with the Irish. Then, we came home to play with grandma. We spent the day indoors even if it was a gorgeous spring day. And, we went out for dinner because I had a craving for soupy dumplings.

Sunday, we went out to watch the F1 race. P spent some time in the park with grandma while we watched the race. And, we played in the park some more, after the race, until P became a little pink in the cheeks and hit her nap time.

Today, I'm headed to work, the car is headed to the shop, and P is enjoying a long weekend and her first day out of school without her parents.


Cheers!
mouse

Complicated Nail Biting Habit Revisited

Dear Friends and Family,

Time for a manicure this weekend. The cuticles are beginning to fray and three nails are bordering on overgrown. I know I will regret it if I try to make it another week to three weeks.

But, this is all good news. The nails are definitely in better shape now than they were two weeks ago when I got my first manicure and started my March challenge of figuring out my nail biting habit.

When I have to pee, I get up and pee. When I am hungry, I snack. When I am cold, I get tea or coffee. When I am stuck, I sit back and think. When I am bored, I find a way to occupy myself.

Wow. If one book can get me to kick this habit, I owe that author a profound gratitude for changing my life. Then again, it's only been two weeks. This is one I need to gauge longer than that since it tends to come back when I least expect it.

There might be additional cues out there that I haven't discovered yet.


Cheers!
mouse

Daddy Blues

Dear Friends and Family,

Mr. mouse was out last night so P and I were on our own.

We had dinner with one of her classmates from school and her mom. And, we went to the park for a few minutes before it got dark.

Then, the train wreck hit. Someone refused to go upstairs for her bath. Then, she refused to sit up in the tub. Then, she refused to come to the bathroom to brush her teeth.

Each time, I got tired of counting and threatening time outs and speaking firmly so I picked her up and carried her and let her cry it out.

Ultimately, I think P was tired and missed Mr. mouse. He was out Tuesday night as well. So, it'll be nice to see P with him tonight. She really loves her daddy.


Cheers!
mouse

The Complicated Nail Biting Habit

Dear Friends and Family,

It's amazing I have fingernails at all.

After two weeks of careful note taking, I've determined it's a combination of cues that trigger nail biting. I've figured out the routine. I still don't have a good grasp on the reward.

The Easy Cues

These deal with my hands. These also help explain why manicures help. If they're in good shape, I tend to leave them alone. If they're in bad shape, I tend to pick at them. First, there's the cuticles. Hangnails, overgrown cuticles, and rough spots on healing cuticles seem to trigger nail biting. Then, there's the nail edge. Rough edges, broken edges, edges with lots of random bits of skin seem to trigger nail biting. Last, but not least, overgrown nails or broken nails seem to trigger nail biting.

The Harder Cues

If that all isn't enough. There are the other cues. I'm hungry. I'm cold. I'm bored. I'm stuck. I'm pressed for time. I'm stressed. I'm waiting for a file to open. I need to pee. Yes, it's almost like I'm looking for an excuse to bite my nails. However, on the flip side, if I'm fed and occupied, I am in good shape.

The Routine

I start with my fingers - picking at all the possible things I can pick at. If I need "help" I'll turn to other things like files, clips, etc. that could "help" with whatever I am picking at. And, if that doesn't work, then I turn to my teeth and biting and somehow believe that will remedy the situation.

The Reward

Who the hell knows. Seriously.

The Current Status

I'm trying bi-weekly manicures to get the nails into shape and then hopefully keep them in shape. I'm trying to track my "other" cues and divert them into more healthy behavior. My right hand is making progress, outside of my thumb. My left hand is making progress, albeit at a slower pace. The index finger and ring finger are still gross.

It's been an interesting learning process, that's for sure.


Cheers!
mouse

Emotional Twinges

Dear Friends and Family,

My sister is due in May. And, we're using this as a most excellent opportunity to hand me down. P doesn't need her infant car seat. She's done with her pack and play. She doesn't fit into her bouncy chair. She's too smart for her swing.

And, my sister needs these things. And, she wants these things. And, it all makes sense. After all, we're done with them and better she gets use out of them than we store them indefinitely for no real reason.

But, still, it's sad to see them leaving the house. They've become fixtures in the house and I still remember them each because they're all associated with such a happy time.

I need to keep reminding myself - better that my sister use them than they gather dust in our basement for the next twenty years.

I'm not a hoarder, but I can see how people get into trouble.


Cheers!
mouse

Camping Inside

Dear Friends and Family,

Last night, P asked if we could sleep on the futon. I had told her we could the next time Mr. mouse was traveling. That way, she could sleep with me and I wouldn't have to worry about her falling off of the bed.

Except, last night, Mr. mouse was home and laughed and laughed at the thought that P had "ratted me out." Except, I didn't really consider it a secret. After all, who trusts a two year old with a secret?

We set up the futon and she fell asleep next to me. And, although the futon needed a little more cushioning, it was nice waking up this morning with P snuggled up next to me and her arm wrapped around my neck.

I also learned that P will mumble words and phrases in her sleep - like something about a straw in a cup last night.


Cheers!
mouse

PS: Finger update. We left it unwrapped until it started bleeding Tuesday night. Last night I looked at it and the nail is less black and blue. The part closest to her nail bed is still darker than the rest of it, but there are places where you can see the pink of the nail bed under the blue. The other side is still pretty swollen.

Haircut Success

Dear Friends and Family,

Yes! We made it through the haircut in one piece. The key?

First, and foremost, was managing the hair. P hates seeing her hair on her. So, we put a robe on her and told her to tuck in her hands. Then, we told her to look at Mr. mouse while her hair was being cut and not at the mirror or the floor. And, during the some parts, we told her to close her eyes.

Second, was distraction. P hates feeling her hair get cut. So, Mr. mouse talked to her the whole time.

First good haircut experience in a LONG time.


Cheers!
mouse

Ow! My Finger!

Dear Friends and Family,

I'd write about my weigh-in, except it was a non-event.

And, P's finger got squeezed by a slamming door yesterday.

I got the call. I went to pick her up. She was sitting there puffy-faced, red-eyed, eating with her hand on ice. She looked so sad and forlorn, I wanted to cry. I scooped her up and hugged her and held her and sang to her and tried to comfort her.

We decided to leave school for the day. She napped in the car, then napped at home. She agreed to the Advil. And, we watched her all evening.

She keeps saying her nail is missing. And, she's a little gentle with the hand, but it looks like she's bending the finger and using the hand. The nail is completely black and blue. I hope it doesn't fall out.

It's been a stretch - tumbling down the stairs, falling out of her chair, falling out of our bed, and now this. Time to keep a closer eye on her for awhile.


Cheers!
mouse

03.05.12: Work Weekend

Dear Friends and Family,

The overarching theme of this weekend was Mr. mouse's work. He rarely needs to work weekends, but he needed to work this weekend.

So, Friday night, P and I went out for pizza and waited out the snow. Then, we came home and played and read and went to bed. P fell off of our bed, but that hasn't stopped her from asking each night to sleep in it again.

Saturday, P and I had toast for breakfast and played until Mr. mouse got home from his overnight. Bakery, library, breakfast, and gift shopping rounded out the morning. Naps for P and Mr. mouse and conference calls and constant email rounded out the afternoon.

Sunday, more conference calls, more emails, dim sum with a friend, more naps, more conference calls, more emails, dinner, more conference calls, and more emails.

Before you think I'm really annoyed by this, I'm not. It wasn't the most fun, but I recognize it's not a frequent occurrence. Honestly, though, it's less disruptive when I'm alone with P altogether. We don't need to coordinate schedules. We don't need to work around schedules. We don't need to make space or time. We can just be ourselves.

But, this should be over this week. And, hopefully, next week life returns to normal.


Cheers!
mouse

Nail Biting

Dear Friends and Family,

I know I'm trying too many things at once. But, I'm curious.

The laundry thing has been working this week. On nights we get home at a reasonable hour, I bring down a load of laundry to do during the evening. Too early to declare success, but progress.

In the mornings, I set the timer for 15 minutes. I organize while I make my coffee. Then, when the timer goes off, I stop and resume my normal morning routine of coffee, news, blog, etc. Too early to declare success, but progress.

Now, I want to see if I can add another "thing" to the loops. Nail biting. This week I want to try and figure out what my cues are. Unfortunately, I don't think it's a single one. I think it's a panacea of sorts for me. I wouldn't be surprised if there are multiple cues.

But, I'm optimistic. I think this isn't an impossible nut to crack. Why? Well, I already have some clues.

• I only bite my nails at work. I don't bite at home. I don't bite during the car ride. If we go on vacation, I inevitably come back with progress on the nail front.
• I don't think I bite during meetings. I'm almost certain it's when I'm at my desk alone. Not 100% certain, but almost certain.
• I know if I get regular manicures, my likelihood of biting goes down. I've had several instances of growing my nails through this process. Polish reduces the likelihood even more.
• I know there's a certain point when my nails get too long and then they all go at once.
• I know it's hardest to recover when they are bad. When they are decent, I somehow don't bite as often. Like it's either a virtuous cycle (of sorts) or a vicious cycle (most of the time).
• I don't bite evenly. My right thumb and left ring finger are the most frequent victims. My pinkies tend to fare well.

If nothing else, it'll give me "intellectual challenge" in March. And, it'll definitely help on the "when things look good" front of the happiness map.

Which reminds me. The laundry? It helps with getting to "completed to do list" which leads to "being relaxed." And, the 15 minutes in the morning? It helps with "clean house" which leads to "when things look good."

Optimistic.


Cheers!
mouse

Retirement Review

Dear Friends and Family,

It's March 1.

I reviewed our retirement savings. No surprise, February was a good month.

Luck has really been on our side in this for which I am grateful. We both still have jobs. We haven't had any major unexpected expenses. The stock market has been generous.

For now, we're about a third way to our retirement goal. Onward. Time to find more investments for our February savings.


Cheers!
mouse

Habit Formation

Dear Friends and Family,

Because I've always been interested in habit formation and my finger nails are bitten to nubs and there's an article floating around on habits, I've decided to...

Stop biting my nails? Nope. Start doing laundry.

Yep.

Here's my current routine. I come home. I divest myself of my "pockets" - wallet, watch, glasses, keys, camera, etc. I hang up my coat and put my gloves away. I take my phone upstairs with me and plug it in. I change. I put a pin in my hair. I come downstairs for the evening.

New routine. Same as above. Except, after I put a pin in my hair. If I'm home at a reasonable hour, as in we didn't go out for dinner, I sort through the laundry and bring a load down to wash. I load the washer and set it to clean. I put the laundry basket on the stairs to take up later in the evening. I am downstairs for the evening. Resume former routine.

Sometime in the evening when the load is done I transfer it to the dryer and set it to dry. This is new.

When I head up for bed, instead of just walking up, I bring the laundry basket back up and load the laundry on the floor (from the sorting) back into the basket. Resume former routine of brushing teeth, etc.

I think it's got a shot at working. But, what about the laundry that's now dry that needs to be taken out, folded, brought upstairs, and put away? I've asked Mr. mouse to keep that part afloat for now.


Cheers!
mouse

02.28.12: Weekly Weigh In

Dear Friends and Family,

weigh in: 141.4

I gained 2.2 lbs since my weigh-in last Tuesday.

Ouch. It hurts to write that.

Yes. We went out for dinner on Sunday night. Yes. I ate some birthday cake. Yes. I dreamt of ice cream.

No. I'm not convinced I deserved to gain 2.2 pounds.

Before I overreact, I think I should give it another week to see how I do this week. If I lose, then I'll assume it's a fluke. If I don't, then I'll assume I need to readjust.

Things I'm already considering - how do I make sure I'm eating food? I'm eating mostly food, but the baked potato chips they have at work are not food. I can pack my own potato chips which are food.

No. No overreacting. Vitamins. Milk. Water. Track.

See you next week.


Cheers!
mouse

02.27.12: February Almost Gone

Dear Friends and Family,

We had a long list we needed to get through on Saturday that included sledding, a nap and a birthday party. That's ambitious. Fortunately, P fell asleep on our way out to the snow. We played in the snow for a little bit before P decided the hill was "too fast" for her. And, made it to the birthday party in good time. Phew. Disaster averted.

Sunday was a much less ambitious day until Mr. mouse decided he wanted to go sledding again. I'm not sure if he wanted better photos or to get P over her fears or what but he was insistent on going. P was trying to be a good sport, really, but you could tell she really didn't want to go. So, I offered up the park as an alternative, which brought a whole new level of happy to our P and a whole new level of ticked off to Mr. mouse.

P and I had a wonderful time in the park followed by a happy lunch and a good nap. Mr. mouse? He worked off his anger doing errands. We all went out for a happy dinner.

I don't think he realizes how hard she tries to say yes to him. I think he presses his luck sometimes. I know I do as well. But, yesterday, I had no interest in sledding either so I was more than happy to vote with P on the matter.

And, since my spring allergies are starting, I am aware we may have lost our last photo shoot of the winter. But, I'm okay with that.


Cheers!
mouse

Mouse Winter Cabin Time

Dear Friends and Family,

Some people would look on the five years I spent at the Mouse Winter Cabin as a waste of time. I didn't necessarily move my career forward. I didn't necessarily move my relationship forward. I didn't necessarily accomplish anything huge.

But, I think it was the best five years of my life. I had a chance to grow up. I met Mr. mouse straight out of school. And, I wondered if I would ever resent the fact that I never had a chance to be me. I would always be half of us, to a degree.

Those five years were a chance to be me. To grow into who I am today. I still saw Mr. mouse every weekend and I still talked to him every night, but it was still a chance to be me. And, I'm eternally grateful I had that opportunity.


Cheers!
mouse

Happiness Map Revisited

Dear Friends and Family,

It's the last week of February. How did I do on my three goals of eating right, spending time with family, and spending time with friends?

Well, I've been trying to eat right. And, I'm happy with my weight loss. I guess I continue on that for now.

On spending time with family? I've been doing that and I like doing that so I guess I will keep doing that.

On spending time with friends? Less successful. I have a trip planned to see my sister. I invited my mom to see P. But, frankly, it's a pain in the neck to schedule and then manage a calendar. I think I need to replace this one.

There's traveling which we do have lined up for later this year. And, there's work. I can either focus on current work or my idea. Perhaps, that'll be my goal for March - progress on the idea.

Okay. New Top 3 for March. Eating Right. Time with Family. The Idea.


Cheers!
mouse

Bus Day

Dear Friends and Family,

P is home with pink eye so I am taking the bus to work today. Thankfully, it's not snowing or anything so it should be a good day. I'm looking forward to the down time.


Cheers!
mouse

02.21.12: Weekly Weigh In

Dear Friends and Family,

weigh in: 139.2

I lost 0.2 lbs since my weigh-in last Tuesday.

0.2 lbs. I'll take it.

First, in isolation it's 0.2 lbs. A loss is a loss.

Second, in context, it's 2.0 lbs over two weeks because I had a 1.8 lb loss the week before. And, 2 lbs over 2 weeks is fine by me. Better than fine, truth be told.

Third, in additional context, it was a miserable week from a Weigh Watchers perspective.

• Monday, we went out to buy P's Valentine's Day gifts and our milk and ate at the supermarket food court for dinner.
• Tuesday, we ran into traffic on the way home because apparently it's all the thing to eat out on Valentine's Day. We ate at the airport for dinner.
• Wednesday, there was an event at school to meet P's teachers. We ate at fast food Chinese for dinner.
• Thursday, there was an accident on the way home. We ate out late and unplanned.
• Friday, it was lunch with a girlfriend and Mom's Night Out Happy Hour.
• Saturday, it would have been a Chinese New Year party we bailed on.
• Sunday, it was the first of several Restaurant Week meals we have over the next ten days.
• Monday, it was fortunately a day to breathe.

See? In context, losing any weight is a testament to sheer luck. Hopefully this week will be a little less hectic because I really don't need any more 26 point disappointing hamburgers this week.


Cheers!
mouse

PS: Tired. I woke up at 3:13 AM thinking about my weigh-in. Sigh.

02.20.12: Monopoly Money

Dear Friends and Family,

After a crazy week, I needed a quiet weekend.

Saturday, we did the usual morning routine of getting P fed, exercised, and read to. And, we went for a little walk looking for a present for my sister who is due in May.

The afternoon was spent in the laziest way possible. Mr. mouse took P for a walk and I climbed into bed and took a long afternoon nap. I needed that after the week. Really. Every day this past week was something. A nap was just what the doctor ordered.

Sunday, we went for a walk in the park. We fed the geese and the ducks while successfully avoiding the overly eager squirrel. I'm still edgy around squirrels after the squirrel incident (there was an angry mommy squirrel protecting her nest in the power meter box). Then, P napped while Mr. mouse did grocery shopping and I read book 2 of the Hunger Games.

We finished off the day by going out to dinner. P did well, but not as well as she used to. I think we need to go to some new places. She does well in places she knows. New places tend to try her. Time to continue expanding our horizons.

And, now, it's Monday. Hopefully it's a quiet week at work. I need a quiet week at work. I really do.

The title of the post? Oh. On Sunday, I looked at how our accounts were doing and we're a third of the way to retirement. It's not real money since I can't go out an spend it tomorrow and there's no telling what it'll be worth when we do retire. But, it's money that still made me happy.


Cheers!
mouse

Live Another Day

Dear Friends and Family,

It's Friday and after a most stressful week, I live to work another day.

We had another round of "cost reduction" yesterday. And, I know at some point it'll be my turn. But, yesterday, it was not.

We were estimating how many rounds I've seen in my career. And, the current guesstimate is approximately a dozen.

I'm getting too old for this. I just want to curl up in a warm bed and wait for spring.


Cheers!
mouse

Found Money

Dear Friends and Family,

Found money. You can't rely on it. You can't plan for it. Nonetheless, if you find it, don't complain. It's still money.

Mr. mouse found some money recently. No, not money on the street or a wallet or anything like that. We got a check from an account because he had been withholding dollars to pay for P's school. And, now that we've paid it we get it back. There's some tax advantage I don't fully understand. Nevertheless, if you find it, don't complain. It's still money.

Now, I just need to wrap my head around what to do with it. Do we think of it as regular income? Or we think of it as extra income? Ultimately, that helps me decide if we save the money or if the money is available for spending. If it's regular income, then I'm okay keeping the found money and using it to offset Mr. mouse's January paycheck withholding. If it's extra income, then we should save 90% of it and find a way to tighten our belts to make up for January.

I think it's regular income. We paid for school. We're getting that back. Like an income tax refund.

Even if you can't rely on it and can't plan for it doesn't mean I don't like found money. Yeah for mouse.


Cheers!
mouse

Hallmark Holidays

Dear Friends and Family,

I must have written about this before since the title auto-filled.

P came home with a bag of loot. It was nothing like the bounty that her toddler teacher bestowed on her last year, but evidence that the Hallmark holidays continue to thrive. And, last night, if we had any doubt, it was erased when we saw the army of cars headed in for dinner.

Traffic was through the roof.

Fortunately, we didn't have plans. So, I slogged through the traffic and met Mr. mouse at the airport. We had a delicious dinner of sandwiches and salad and then played with P in the playground before heading home. We had the place to ourselves.

So, despite the unexpected traffic, we had a lovely evening.


Cheers!
mouse

02.14.12: Weekly Weigh In

Dear Friends and Family,

weigh in: 139.4

I lost 1.8 lbs since my weigh-in last Tuesday.

Now, that's what I'm talking about.

Actually, that's a little disconcerting since I thought I'd be lucky to eke in any loss whatsoever. I'll take it. Because, I'm not that ungrateful wretch who's never satisfied. But, it does raise the bar for next week.

What it really does is remind me that although my progress was slower than I wanted for the first month, I am making progress. This will work if I continue being focused and trying my best.

13X. I'd love to say good-bye to the 140s forever. But, somehow I think I'll see it on the scale a couple more times before I get solidly into the 130s.

Plan for the week? Track. Vitamins. Milk. Water.


Cheers!
mouse

02.13.12: Happy Weekend

Dear Friends and Family,

Where do the weekends go? Oh, I know. I downloaded The Hunger Games for "free" and it took a good piece of the weekend to read through it. I think I'll have to pace myself for the next book. As it is, I need to wait until March 1 to download it since this is a Amazon Prime free thing.

Saturday, we took P to the park to go sledding, but there wasn't enough snow to sled down the hill, so we walked around in the snow instead. P has fun getting pulled by Mr. mouse and me. And, she attempted to pull Mr. mouse on the sled which was quite funny. At some point, she almost fell asleep on the sled while I was pulling her, and that's when we decided it was time to finish up. She had this groggy look of I'm not sleeping, I'm just resting, pull me some more, what's going on, on her face.

Oh, and she took a tumble down the stairs trying to walk in her snowsuit and boots, but I won't spend a lot of time on that here. Suffice it to say, I think it scared her more than anything else. And, it scared us as well.

Sunday, we took P to the museum to see the dinosaurs. But, she had no interest in them. Instead, we spent the afternoon playing in the family play lab with the drums and the pretend corn and the microscope and since we got in for free, it wasn't a bad use of the afternoon. Now, if we had paid $30 for the three of us, that would have been a different story altogether.

And, now, it's Monday. And, it's half way through February. How am I doing against my three goals?

• eating right
• spending time with family
• spending time with friends

Let's see. This weekend we went to a Mardi Gras party. That was a good time with friends. We had dinner with Auntie Janet which is more time with friends. We went to the park and the museum which is time with family. And, we'll see how the weigh-in goes tomorrow. The eating wasn't stellar, but it was within the bounds of acceptable.


Cheers!
mouse

PS: First day without a nap on Sunday. P was tired by end of day, but she made it through without a meltdown. In hindsight, I should have let her sleep at 2 when we got to the museum.

Being a Parent

Dear Friends and Family,

Work is getting precarious - as, it always seems to at some point. This time it feels more complicated because, in addition to my job which feels uncertain at best, the company feels precarious and uncertain at best. This alone makes it more complicated than before. But, on top of that, because P is at school and her eligibility is tied to my work, it feels SO much more complicated than before.

Still, after working through all of the possible combinations, I think the best course of action is to leave her at school. I say this because I don't want to transition her twice in two years - seems like a lot to ask of a two-year-old - unless I have to. I'd rather transition her once, ideally when she's four, but if it makes sense earlier or later.

Perhaps I'd be more willing to do it if one or more friends were willing to make the move with her. Then, I'd feel better about it not being as disruptive.

Nonetheless, for now, I'm knowingly leaving her at school. I am knowingly working towards my idea. I am knowingly leaving myself exposed to getting laid off or having the company close on me.

I am knowingly doing all of this. Yet, I will try not to be surprised when all of this shocks me in the end.


Cheers!
mouse

Pertussis aka Whooping Cough

Dear Friends and Family,

On Tuesday, we got an email from school that one of P's classmates had a confirmed case of whooping cough. On Wednesday, the school got a list of required actions from the County Health Board. Pick-up yesterday was somber. I'm not sure what the mood today will be.

P's got two of her five doses of preventative antibiotics in. The first she took with sad faces with me. The second she took with chocolate sauce with Mr. mouse. (I think he's vying for favorite parent status.)

Wish us luck. So far it seems a little surreal - like when we went through swine flu. But, in my head, I know whooping cough is more dangerous than swine flu.


Cheers!
mouse

Blank Mind

Dear Friends and Family,

It's Wednesday and not much is coming to mind.

Work is work.

Weight Watchers is Weight Watchers.

We've made some plans for March to see friends so that's progress on that front.

And, time with P and Mr. mouse is good.

Just waiting for a light bulb of sorts to go off in my head.


Cheers!
mouse

02.07.12: Weekly Weigh In

Dear Friends and Family,

weigh in: 141.2

I lost 1.2 lbs since my weigh-in last Tuesday.

1.2 in a week? Hurray! 1 pound in the past four weeks? Boo!

This is the point last time when I got discouraged and quit tracking.

But, I'm going to try and think about this in a bigger frame. The first month is throw away data. You have a huge loss followed by, well in a perfect world, huge losses. But, in my world, a whole lot of nothing. But, I lost this week. And, if I can lose or stay flat, that's still better than gaining.

So, I will continue to drink my milk, drink my water, take my vitamins and track my food this week in the hope that next week I have more good news to share.


Cheers!
mouse

02.06.12: Being Anti-Social

Dear Friends and Family,

With a February of social engagements looming in front of us, and desperate for a good weigh-in, and unsure of my will power, and unsure of P's ability to stay away from the screen, we passed on the Super Bowl party last night.

Instead, we spent Saturday doing the last of the party clean up. And, because the weather was nice, P got to go for a walk with Mr. mouse.

And, on Sunday, we decided to go to the Science Museum, even if it was a gorgeous day outside. P loved the science museum. I can see us being regulars there which is 100% okay with me. And, I can see us getting a membership when she turns 3. She's free for now, so the break-even on membership is a lot higher than once we have to pay for her.

Sunday night, we read and played flash cards and took a bath and passed on the Super Bowl party. And, although I missed the food, I'm okay with this morning's weigh-in. So, I can't complain. Although, unlimited chips and salsa and guacamole and pizza and wings and Diet Coke would have been fun too.

I think one year I planned ahead and had chips (pre-portioned) and salsa and a Lean Cuisine barbecue chicken pizza and all the Diet Coke I could drink, and it felt good. Perhaps that'll be my plan for next year's Super Bowl.

It's not easy to forgo eating today for eating tomorrow. But, somehow, I can't see how I'll make goal without some sacrifice or change in behaviors.

Now, I need a plan for next weekend's Mardi Gras party.


Cheers!
mouse

February

Dear Friends and Family,

Looking at my happiness map, I've got a couple of options for what to focus on in February...

• eating right
• organizing the house
• doing tasks
• doing nothing
• spending time with family
• sleeping
• spending time with friends
• travelling
• working
• saving for retirement

Yep. The 10 primary activities that ultimately lead to a happy mouse.

That's not so bad. And, it all falls under four umbrellas.

1. financial security
2. intellectual challenge
3. being relaxed
4. when things look good

Top 3 for February (or until I revisit this). Drum roll, please.

Eating right has to be on the list. I need to do this and it takes time. It's, sadly, not overnight.

Organizing the house. We've made a lot of progress on this front. But, I feel like I'll be neglecting other things if I spend a lot of time here, now.

Doing tasks. Actually, our to do list is pretty stable at the moment. So, I'm not feeling a compulsion here.

Spending time with family. Always a good go to top 3. I'll keep it on the back burner and see what else pops.

Spending time with friends. That one has potential. Huh. I need to think on this one.

Travelling. I don't feel like I've got the time or the money to think about this one now. I'll wait until later in the year when we're recovered from the holidays and the IRA contributions.

Working. This one is one to think about. I think I should let the latest round of changes soak in. I have a new boss starting in a couple of weeks. I think I'll put this on the watch list for now, but it's not a priority.

Saving for retirement. This one also has potential. If I wanted to tackle this one, it's not going to be fun. I know we could be saving more. But, we're saving a lot and we're enjoying life. If we save more, in a way, we'll enjoy life less. I don't think there's a ton of fat to cut. I do think the one area we could cut back on is eating out. And, given the focus on eating right, I think that'll happen naturally without us spending a lot of time focused on this arena. There are two things I need to stay on top of - watching the investments and making sure we don't stockpile in cash. We need to be investing our dollars, not holding them in cash. So, work to be done, but not a new priority.

So, where does that leave me?

Potential Top 3

• eating right
• spending time with family
• spending time with friends

There you have it. After much agonizing and rationalizing. My Top 3.


Cheers!
mouse

February

Dear Friends and Family,

It's February. It's one month into the new year. Time slips by faster and faster.

Where do I want my February to go?

I'm not sure. It would be easy to set up four things on a to do list and then do one each weekend, but things like Weight Watchers take time.

I'm going to go all Dr. Seuss on you - there's a book I bought for myself at one point and in it he refers to The Waiting Place...

You can get so confused
that you'll start in to race
down long wiggled roads at a break-necking pace
and grind on for miles across weirdish wild space,
headed, I fear, toward a most useless place.
The Waiting Place...

...for people just waiting.
Waiting for a train to go
or a bus to come, or a plane to go
or the mail to come, or the rain to go
or the phone to ring, or the snow to snow
or waiting around for a Yes or a No
or waiting for their hair to grow.
Everyone is just waiting.

Waiting for the fish to bite
or waiting for wind to fly a kite
or waiting around for Friday night
or waiting, perhaps, for their Uncle Jake
or a pot to boil, or a Better Break
or a string of pearls, or a pair of pants
or a wig with curls, or Another Chance.
Everyone is just waiting.

NO!
That's not for you!

Somehow you'll escape
all that waiting and staying.
You'll find the bright places
where Boom Bands are playing.

So, my goal for February is to figure out:

1. specifically what I am waiting for
2. what I need to do to shorten the waiting time to as short as possible so I am ready to hit the gas when I am done waiting

That is my goal for February.


Cheers!
mouse

Barely Black is the New Black

Dear Friends and Family,

After an almost record January, the mouse family is back in the black, barely.

Our 12 month rolling average is positive again. Happy dance time. Well, at least for today.

I know. It could all be gone in an instant. But, for now, it feels good to be making progress on the retirement front. I don't have grand ambitions. I don't have giant needs. I'm not overly aggressive. I just need slow and steady progress.

Here's to 2012 maybe turning the corner on The Great Recession. Maybe.


Cheers!
mouse