Day 1: Processing

Dear Friends and Family,

Yesterday, I went to see my boss for my regularly scheduled 1:1 and was told that my position had been eliminated. I'll be honest, I was panicked, not because my job had been eliminated, but because I had put off backing up my work computer. It was on my to do list for this week, to transfer anything personal off of it. I do it once a month. It's not a lot of stuff. Some months it's nothing. But, I was mentally kicking myself for not doing it on Monday and losing that. Yes, that's what I was worried about.

But, my boss told me that they were giving me two weeks. I'd have the time for an orderly transition. They weren't going to escort me out of the door that moment. Well, that gave me a giant measure of calm. I'm still going to back up my work computer between now and Thursday in case they change their mind.

Then, my boss told me I could manage my message. I'm inclined to tell everyone that after taking vacation I realized I was done with this work and needed more time to focus on my new work. I'm not ashamed of getting let go. It's not ideal, but it's not something I'm embarrassed about. I just can't stand the thought of people looking at me with pity. I can't stand pity.

I hope in a couple of years I can look back on this differently. In the end, I'm fine with the result. The way we got to the result is not ideal. In a perfect world, I would have been able to pick my own end date, of early July. I would have hired and trained my backfill. But, in this imperfect world, my end date is mid-April and there is no backfill. It'll probably bug me for a bit. Hopefully, after some time passes, it'll stop bothering me.

For now, I truly am excited to have time back during the week to do other things that make me happy. I can spend more time on new work, I can spend more time on the house, I can spend more time on my to list, and I can spend more time on my health. All good things. I should feel blessed. I will feel blessed.

I just need a little time to process it all.


Cheers!
mouse

Nightmares

Dear Friends and Family,

I rarely have dreams and when I do they're never good dreams. Usually, they're recurring nightmares so I know how to cope with them. They sometimes repeat verbatim. They sometimes follow certain themes.

Last night, I added a new dream to nightmare portfolio. I was at a train station with P. We had a lot of bags. It was crowded. P found the right train. I couldn't reach her. I told her to get on the train without me and that I'd catch up with her afterwards. I went downstairs to wait for the next train.

Then, I realized that P doesn't know which stop to get off at and that she couldn't manage the bags and that she's four years old and really shouldn't be traveling alone on the train. Then, in panic, I missed the next train. Then, it was mass chaos and I was convinced I had lost her forever.

Then, fortunately for everyone involved, I woke up.

The first thing I did was go to P's room and hold her. I comforted myself with the knowledge that it was only a dream. She wasn't lost. She was in her room, asleep, warm and cuddly with a steady, comforting heartbeat signalling that nothing was amiss in her world. It was just my imagination.

Fortunately, I usually find a way to work my way out of a dream once I recognize it. This one took me by surprise because it was new.


Cheers!
mouse

04.07.14: Recharged

Dear Friends and Family,

In case you didn't notice, I've been MIA for the past two weeks.

And, for good reason... P had off the last two weeks from school and I decided to switch up my routine while she was off. It was refreshing. And, now I'm back and a little more recharged and a little less tired.

We went on vacation for part of spring break and I want to share something that's always true when I am on vacation. I love being on vacation. Never once, while on vacation, do I think, wow, this is awesome, but it'd be more awesome if I had (insert random item in house) here with me. Like, when we went to Egypt or Petra, I never thought, wow, this is awesome, but it'd be more awesome if my ironing board was here with me. See how ridiculous that sounds?

Well, the same was true on this vacation. We went to the Virgin Islands, and it was awesome, but would it have been even more awesome if we had packed our never-used tapas pans with us? I think not.

It made me aware that my life is so much more than the things in my house. I've been fighting clutter for so long, but it made me realize how low I had set the bar. Clutter is more than the piles littered all of the house of stuff with no home. Clutter is also the stuff in your house with a home that doesn't deserve a home in your house.

For example, hiding in plain sight is a green vase in my kitchen. It has a home on the top of my kitchen cabinets. It's been there for the past eight years untouched. Does it really deserve a home in our house? Or the cookie jar Mr. mouse has that's stored in our kitchen? Does it really deserve a home in our house?

I need to travel more, simply to remind me that I can be perfectly happy without 90% of the stuff that I own.


Cheers!
mouse

Monday

Dear Friends and Family,

Monday.

There's one thing more Mr. mouse is working on. He told me he'd be done by Monday. There's a light at the end of the tunnel.

I'm not sure where this leaves us. I don't think it's as easy as turning on a light switch. But, I'm trying to be optimistic. It leaves us in a place where we can begin again.

It's not the best place to be, but it's not the worst place to be either. It's neutral ground. It's square one.

Well, I'd better go see why P is crying.


Cheers!
mouse

Wacky Wednesday

Dear Friends and Family,

My schedule is a little different this week because I'm taking Friday morning off to see Divergent. Yes, I've moved my schedule around so I can watch a movie at 10am while P is at school.

So, today, I've got a hot date with the three hole punch, organizing P's art work.

And, it's Thursday, so I can give an update on the art work. It's partly completed. Here's the overall art work strategy:

1. pile #1, it's not art pile: I have a binder for P's educational work. This includes sheets she does at home and at school. It's a 8.5" x 11" binder. I arrange the sheets chronologically. This binder is up to date.
2. pile #2, the really good stuff pile: I want to make an album with the really good stuff. As I go through each month's worth of artwork, I'm isolating ~4 pieces per month of stuff I really like. I'll buy an album with acid-free pages to save these pieces of art.
3. pile #3, most of the stuff pile: After I filter out the really good stuff, I go through my next filter. About 20 pieces make it through this filter. These pieces go in an 11" x 17" binder I bought. They get three hole punched. They get stapled to sheets if they are not the right form factor to three hole punch. It's not perfect preservation, but it's better than having it lie in piles around the house.
4. pile #4, the rest of the stuff: This pile ends up being the odds and ends that didn't make the cut. And, when I look at all of the pieces I've saved, I don't feel bad about this pile. Mr. mouse will take pictures of it before we throw it away so we'll still have a digital memory of it. We just won't keep the paper copy.

And, that my friends is how we're trying to restore sanity into this house. We'll have artwork, just not lying in piles all around the house.

Off to a more routine Thursday.


Cheers!
mouse

Chipping Away at the Hard Stuff

Dear Friends and Family,

Yesterday, I took care of something that had been sitting on the back burner for a very long time. I fixed the dates on 160 photos from school ranging from 2011 through 2013. I know that sounds like a crazy thing to be proud of. But, it's something that's been sitting on my "laters" list forever.

I knew no one would die if I didn't get to it. But, I knew I would have a tough time incorporating the photos into P's books if they weren't dated correctly. Solution? Delay making P's books until the photos are dated correctly. Voila, three more things on the back burner. Problem solved.

Now that I have those photos dated correctly, I have some motivation to begin work on the books. It's funny how these things build in our minds. Task A needs to be completed before I can begin task B, but task C needs to be completed before I can begin task A, and so on and so forth. It's almost easier to ignore the whole chain of tasks.

But, I have to say, it feels good to make progress against it.


Cheers!
mouse

03.17.14: Worry Free Weekend

Dear Friends and Family,

We had a lot of mouse family drama this weekend. But, I was still able to describe the weekend as worry-free. Yes, my dad called and my mom called and I called my sister and she called my mother and my brother and the permutations could go on forever, but, still, I'd categorize the weekend as worry-free.

We have less of a scramble getting the house ready for housecleaning. We were able to spend Saturday playing with friends, eating a leisurely lunch, and picking up a package Mr. mouse needed. We were able to spend Sunday at church, and then at lunch, and then split with me at a meeting with friends and Mr. mouse at a museum with P. We were able to spend the evening doing random things we wanted to do - Mr. mouse getting ready for a school presentation and me watching an auto race.

No, our weekend wasn't empty, but there wasn't a list of stuff hanging over our heads. We enjoyed it and it felt worry-free. It didn't have that feeling weekends used to have, oh, you might enjoy yourself now, but there's a piper waiting to be paid on Monday if you don't get some bare minimum of stuff done this weekend feeling.

I have to say, it felt good.


Cheers!
mouse

Friday, I Love You

Dear Friends and Family,

It's Friday. I love Friday for a lot of different reasons. It's the end of the week, and after many years of a weekday/weekend schedule, Friday still feels like the end of a week with a weekend of fun ahead. It's the day my helper comes over and helps me get stuff done in the house. It's my special treat. It's the day P and I cook dinner together. It's the day I have a slumber party with P.

See? It's just a lot of little things to make the day extra special.

Well, I'm off to enjoy my Friday.


Cheers!
mouse

Progress on the List

Dear Friends and Family,

Time to revisit my list from two weeks ago.

Happy

• a neat kitchen
• a neat bathroom
• a new book I am reading
• staying on top of my to do list
• spending time with P
• a functioning thyroid

This list is still good.

Not Happy, Not Under My Control

• the relationship with Mr. mouse: we made progress yesterday, hopefully we make more this weekend

This list has definitely gotten shorter. I've figured out I hate situations where I am unhappy and can't do anything about it. I need to learn to deal with this better, in general.

Not Happy, Under My Control

• not having time to work on start up: I need to quit old work for good if I want this to happen
• working for old work: I need to quit old work for good if I want this to happen
• not being in a real relationship: this is my choice, I am choosing to wait and see what happens with Mr. mouse

This list has also gotten shorter.

No Longer Unhappy About

• the cold: we've had some breaks in the weather, that's all I really need, a couple of days to recharge from winter
• taxes: Mr. mouse finished them, we got a small refund
• slow start up: we signed up a third client, it's temporary, but it's a morale boost nonetheless
• when I lose it with P: I have not done this since I had a talk with P

Okay. I guess I continue to plug away at new work. And, I continue to figure out where my relationship with Mr. mouse is. Hopefully, we can put this all behind us at some point because February was a really low point in my life.


Cheers!
mouse

Time to be More Choosy

Dear Friends and Family,

I rearranged my one page life into a new format. And, in doing so my space for tasks got smaller. So, for now, everything is scrunched into a smaller space and I'm okay with that for two reasons.

First, I'm motivated to get through what's on it to make space. Second, more importantly, I'm motivated to be more choosy about what makes it onto the list. There's 25 tasks on the list. That may seem like a lot, but in reality, it's not that bad all things considering. It's everything, including reschedule haircut, buy birthday present for a party in two weeks, get car emissions testing done, everything. It's all encompassing. But, in an ideal world, I'd like that all encompassing list to be 7-10 tasks long. Now, I'm motivated because when the list is as long as it is, there's no space to add new things. Nice.

Well, on that note, Happy Tuesday.


Cheers!
mouse

03.10.14: Obsessions

Dear Friends and Family,

It was a good weekend.

Saturday, we took P to the museum with her friend. Then, we went for Vietnamese food for lunch. I don't remember what we did when we came home. I think I napped while P spent time with Mr. mouse. Yes, I think that's what happened.

Sunday, we went to church and then to a birthday party. P fell asleep on the way home. I napped with P while Mr. mouse ran errands.

What really made the weekend for me was the homily at church. The priest spoke about temptations, but he took the discussion down an unexpected path to addictions and how even health addictions aren't healthy in the long run. And, I realized I've got a couple of unhealthy addictions, obsessions, compulsions right now.

There's the thing with getting the house under control. I realize this isn't the healthiest behavior. But, for now, I think I will try to keep this one going. There's a certain measure of calm I get from a clean house. Perhaps once I get the whole house under control I can loosen vigilance. But, at least I recognize this as unhealthy behavior.

There's the thing with dinner. Last week, with P dropping her nap, we had a couple of nights of repeatedly calling Mr. mouse's office to make plans for the evening. I've decided to drop this one altogether. Going forward, I don't care what time Mr. mouse comes home. P and I will begin dinner at six o'clock. If Mr. mouse is home to join us, great, if not, oh well. I am dropping the crazy calling every night to coordinate routine. It's just not worth it.

There's the thing with Mr. mouse. He's taking time tomorrow to deal with his baggage. We'll see where this leaves us. I need to recognize I don't control him or his thoughts or his actions. I only control me and my thoughts and my actions. So, if I'm unhappy, I can make changes in what I think and do. Obsessively waiting on him, hoping for change, watching for change is just more craziness. I'm done with this one too. It's just not worth it.

So, it was a very good weekend. I feel like I'm in a better place today.


Cheers!
mouse

What To Do with My Friday

Dear Friends and Family,

It's Friday. I'm up inordinately early. I fell asleep at 7:30 last night. I got up a little after 2:00 this morning. This should make for an interesting Friday.

Mr. mouse was busy last night. There's one load of laundry left. The dishwasher was running when I woke up.

It's tough to process information when it's four in the morning and you've already been up for two hours.

I think I'll... I'm not even sure where to get started. I think I'll have tea and think through my day.

Remind me, the next time I'm debating going to sleep early. Falling asleep at 7:30 could be great, but it could have unintended consequences.


Cheers!
mouse

Adjusting

Dear Friends and Family,

It'll come as no surprise to you that I'm not the happiest person right now.

In the midst all of this, we're also adjusting to P dropping her nap. We can still get her to nap, but we decided it was a sub-optimal nap. It took her awhile to fall asleep and then we'd be fighting bedtime in the evening. So, for the past two days we've been skipping nap.

Odd as it may sound, it changes everything.

We now have a solid two hours to play together in the afternoon. We have time for lessons. We have time for story dictation. We have time for science experiments. We have time for all sorts of things. Then, dinner comes a lot earlier - as in 6:00 early. Dinner used to be an 8 o'clock event.

The big change comes after P goes to sleep. She's in bed by 7:30, not 10:00. So, I have the evening free. The last two nights I used it to do housework. And, while it's gratifying to have a clean house, I feel short changed. Instead of spending time with P, I'm spending my evening doing housework while Mr. mouse is passed out either in P's room or in our room.

How did this all of a sudden become my sole responsibility?

There's a piece of me that feels like Mr. mouse's life got a lot easier when I left work. My life? I'm not too sure.

I think, another option, at least for the moment, is to spend a quick half hour doing housework, from 7:30-8:00, say, and then to go out. Perhaps I'll go to a coffee house, or a bar, or a bookstore, or somewhere. But, I feel like I'm boxed in and there's a piece of me that wants to be free.

Well, we'll see where this heads.

The other part I'm not sure how to deal with is P's perception of time with me vs. Mr. mouse. Since she spends a lot of time with me in the afternoon, she wants to spend a lot of time with Mr. mouse when he gets home. Still, it feels like she spends time with me because she has to, and then when she has a choice, she prefers to spend it with Mr. mouse. I'm not sure I want to instill that mental model. And, I'm not sure how I feel with that perception.

Sigh.


Cheers!
mouse

Date for a Date

Dear Friends and Family,

Do you know how you can recognize a program manager? Here's an excellent example.

There are two tasks left on Mr. mouse's to do list before we can begin thinking about where this relationship is headed.

I asked Mr. mouse last night if he had a date for when he wanted to target completion of the first task. He said no. Then, I pressed him and asked him if he had a date for when he'd have the target completion date. A date for a date. That's program management, folks.

And, he said, yes. He has a date for the date. This Friday. Well, I suppose I'll bin that in the progress column.


Cheers!
mouse

Uninspired

Dear Friends and Family,

There are times where even I can look at a to do list and not be motivated. Today is one of those days. Nothing on it is very appealing.

1. spring shoes for P: It's 12° out. It just doesn't seem right to be shopping for spring shoes when it's 12° out.
2. schedule P's party: I need to research places to hold her birthday party. This is always a tough task.
3. emissions testing: Perhaps I'll do this this weekend.
4. washer fluid: who can get excited about washer fluid? I'll check to see if we have any in the 12° garage.
5. Chicago Parent: I need to find a recent copy and go through it. They always have good tips on stuff to do.
6. artwork screen: Now that February is done, I can begin going through P's artwork to pick what gets saved in the book, what gets saved in the binder and gets tossed.
7. taxes: I'm going to let Mr. mouse finish this one. I'm afraid of looking at it funny and going from refund to payment.
8. spring clothes for P: It's 12° out.
9. photo book: We have a $20 credit on Shutterfly. I think that equates to a free photo book.
10. school year book, page 15: This just needs to get done.
11. car seat: now that P is officially big enough for a new car seat, we need to research and buy one.
12. dinner with friends: I need to schedule dinner with two friends. I think I'm waiting on emails from them.
13. school year book email: I need to see if there's anything I need help on... like page 15... hmm...
14. thank you card: for the hosts from the event we went to Saturday night.
15. withholding amount: I think we need to change this so we aren't cutting it as close next year.

Well, that's the uninspired list.

I think I'll tackle thank you card. Those are always best when they are immediate. Yes. That's what I'll try and get done today.


Cheers!
mouse

03.03.14: Busy Weekend

Dear Friends and Family,

It's Monday and I'm in a better spot than last Monday.

P had a math fair on Saturday. And, Mr. mouse and I did not do well with the fair. First, he accused me of doing the project for P. Then, I accused him of the same. We are just not in a good spot.

We spent Saturday afternoon running errands. We returned a dress I didn't need. We dropped off a watch to have the battery replaced. We dropped off rings and key chains to be polished. P and I napped while Mr. mouse went in to the stores.

Saturday night, Mr. mouse and I had an event to attend. We dropped P off with friends who had hired a baby sitter and the four of us headed out for the evening. We rarely go out without P. And, when we do it's almost always for events since we are fine bringing her with us to places where it's just the three of us.

I had a lot of fun just talking with the other adults. It was nice to be out and have the time to be with adults. I have snippets of conversation here and there at drop-off and pick-up and at work, but to have a couple of hours was nice.

Sunday, I met with a close friend who agreed to help me with my marketing plan. We now have a mostly complete Facebook page. Hopefully in a couple of weeks we'll have enough content to be able to share it with our network to grow our client base.

The kitchen is still mostly under control. The bathroom is still neat. I finished the book I was reading. I'm looking forward to reading it again. Yes, I do crazy things like read books multiple times. No, I don't consider that a waste of my time. My to do list is still under control. And, I've been enjoying life with P, as always. And, she seems to be in a happier spot now than she was a week ago.

The cold. Well, it's still cold. And, it's still snowing a lot. And, it's March. The only ray of hope is Friday. It's supposed to be above freezing without snow on Friday. Friday is only five days from today.

Taxes. Mr. mouse was working on our taxes when I woke up. We still need to double check them, but it looks like we may get a small refund. It's a smaller refund than I would like, but I'm not going to quibble. It's much better than owing money. And, if we're getting a refund, I'm okay with a spring break trip. I didn't want to go if we had a large tax bill hanging over our heads, but with a refund, I'm game.

The relationship with Mr. mouse. Well, I'm not sure if we've made a lot of progress on this front. He knows what he has to do. He knows I'm getting impatient. We'll see if we make any progress on this front. If not, I know where this is headed and I think I am okay with that. I'm not happy with it, but I've come to terms with it.

Work. The convoluted thing that is work is still convoluted. I'm glad I made progress on my business this weekend. I'm optimistic that it will lead to good things. At least I now have things to do, and there's nothing like a to do list to keep me happy. Old work is still a disaster. But, I've also resigned myself to continuing to plug away at it while Mr. mouse and I sort through our lives and I work on growing my new business.

P. I'm proud to say I had a conversation with P about my fears and we've worked through them together. She's so precious, I'm afraid of all the people out in the world with less than good intentions. When she wanders or makes a run for it, I panic. She's been better about staying close since we spoke. It's hard being a parent. It's even harder when the world seems to salivate when they see your kid. I'm not sure a lot of parents can relate. I think they think I'm overreacting. I'm not. Really. I'm not.

Well, so, overall, I'm in a better place. I'll continue to work on the house. I'll continue to work on my to do list. I'll keep my fingers crossed on the weather and on spring break. I'll plug away at both of my work obligations. And, I'll hope Mr. mouse recognizes the urgency of getting our relationship back on track.


Cheers!
mouse

And, It's Finally Friday!

Dear Friends and Family,

It's Friday! Even if my schedule is completely topsy-turvy these days, there's still a magic associated with Friday. And, for now, I'm willing to savor that Friday feeling.

I'm optimistic that this weekend will bring good things. I've gotten a lot done on my to do list. I've had some painful discussions with Mr. mouse. I've reminded myself that March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. Therefore, there needs to be some end in sight to the miserable winter we've been having. I've had a conversation with P about what sets off my panic mode and we're doing better on that front. So, I've done everything in my power to set myself up for a good weekend. So, today I get to savor that Friday feeling.


Cheers!
mouse

Grinding Through the Week

Dear Friends and Family,

It's Thursday and no one died. I'll consider that a whopping success. Realistically, my decisions does not involve life or death situations. When I remind myself of that, it helps keep it all in perspective.

I made enough progress on my to do sheet this week to merit printing out a new one for the week. That felt good.

Today, I'm going to spend the morning trying to make a dent in email. Then, I'm going to P's school for a morning event. Afterwards, I'm going to pick up mail, diapers, and a couple of gift cards we need. Back home for a 1pm meeting. Back out for pick up and dance. Back home for snack and nap. A 9pm call with a colleague should round out my day.

Then, tomorrow is a little calmer. If I can make it through today then I'll be in good shape for tomorrow and the weekend. I'm already looking forward to the weekend.


Cheers!
mouse

Getting Through the Week

Dear Friends and Family,

It's Wednesday.

And, despite my case of the blues, no one's died. We're still all making it through the week. I guess that's how resilience works. You have ups and you have downs. You figure out a way to enjoy the ups and get through the downs without letting them get you too down realizing that there's always another day following the day you're in.

I'm feeling better, if not good. There's a conversation with Mr. mouse that I've been avoiding that I'll have to have. But, even knowing that I have to have the conversation is better than not knowing and feeling off kilter.

So, it's Wednesday. I'm going to try and make the most of it.


Cheers!
mouse

mouse's List

Dear Friends and Family,

In typical mouse fashion, I made a list yesterday of the things I am happy about and the things I am not happy about. Then, I sorted them into two piles, things I can control and things I can't control. The things I am happy about are so lame, it's kind of pathetic.

Happy

• a neat kitchen
• a neat bathroom
• a new book I am reading
• staying on top of my to do list
• spending time with P
• a functioning thyroid

One thing I noticed right off the bat is that, lame as the list is, all of this is under my control.

Not Happy, Not Under My Control

• the cold
• potentially owing so much in taxes, I can maybe change the situation for next year, but 2013 is what it is, nothing is going to change last year
• the relationship with Mr. mouse, we've had several discussions about it, we both agree the ball is in his court

Not Happy, Under My Control

• slow start up, I need to think of ways to get the word out
• not having time to work on start up, I need to quit old work for good if I want this to happen
• working for old work, I need to quit old work for good if I want this to happen
• when I lose it with P, I let this happen yesterday morning, I need to think about how to do this better since I know what the trigger and routine are
• not being in a real relationship, this is my choice, I am choosing to wait and see what happens with Mr. mouse

There, I have a list.

What I do with my list, I don't know. But, at least I have a list.

At a minimum, I'll continue to work on the house. I'll spend time with P. I'll think about how to manage my reaction when P triggers my panic reaction. I'll indulge my book reading happiness. Hopefully, it'll be warm soon and that'll cross one more thing off the list. I've got time this weekend to work on the start up with friends. That will, hopefully, speed things up.

And, then, there's the obvious, I need to quit old work. Why am I not quitting old work? Well, because. Having old work around makes me feel more secure in that I have my own source of cash if things go really sour. I like being financially independent. If things were better with Mr. mouse, I think I could get over this hurdle. After all, I was fine with it last summer. But, with the way things are right now, I want the security of having this job so that I can continue to work on my start up simultaneously. Without this job, I'd need to find a new job if things didn't work out with Mr. mouse. So, this is my best alternative to no agreement. My BATNA, in negotiations lingo. What's why I have not quit old work yet. Once I feel either secure in my start up or in my relationship, I think I will be in a different spot about old work.


Cheers!
mouse

02.24.14: Weekend of Waiting

Dear Friends and Family,

I had high hopes for this weekend of signing up new clients for my business. But, in the end, it was just a busy weekend with not a lot to show for it.

Saturday, P got invited to three Pump it Up parties. We declined the first because of a conflict, but headed out for parties #2 and #3. I had a great time catching up with the other parents and P had fun jumping so I would say it was a day well spent.

Sunday, we went to church. Then, I caught lunch with a friend while Mr. mouse brought P home. We cleaned up a little bit and then one of P's friends came over for a play date. The mom dropped her off, which is a first for us, and we embarked upon a three hour adventure which culminated in a serious meltdown. I'm not sure if P was tired from yesterday, or if it's two boys in school that have been upsetting her recently, or that she misses her teacher who has been out on medical leave, or if it's something deeper than that. All I know is that P spent the last hour of her play date crying with Mr. mouse in her room.

The other disappointing thing about Sunday was that I embarked upon our taxes. And, while I'm not done, the numbers right now are adding up to a serious amount of money due to the IRS. I'm not sure what we're doing wrong. After my W2, we had a good sized refund coming our way, but then after Mr. mouse's W2, if flip-flopped on us. I can only assume that means he needs to up his withholding. And, that we're probably not taking a big trip for spring break.

And, last but not least, to add salt to an already festering wound, Mr. mouse and I had dinner alone last night since P passed out early on the rug from sheer exhaustion. Honestly, I don't know where we are. Actually, I do know where we are. We're speaking to each other, but only as co-parents.

There's a part of me that remembers what it felt like to fall in love - to hear a voice speaking tender words, to see eyes light up when they see my eyes, to feel warm hands. I miss those things. I wonder how long the current situation will last. And, I wonder, if I ever fall in love again, will it be with Mr. mouse? We made it through one rough patch early on in our relationship. This time, I'm just not sure.

But, in typical mouse fashion, I'm not going to waste the day today mulling on sad things. I'm going to focus on the things I need to get done that are inside my control. I have one hour of work to do for old work. I think I'll spend the rest of my morning and day focused on new work.


Cheers!
mouse

Friday!

Dear Friends and Family,

It's Friday. I'll admit, I didn't sleep well last night. I may have to succumb and get some coffee today.

But, if I get through today and make it a productive day, then I'm set up for the weekend. So, the key to enjoying the weekend is to make today a productive day. The key to enjoying the weekend is to make today a productive day. The key to enjoying this weekend is to make today a productive day.

Okay. I am motivated.


Cheers!
mouse

Oh, I Get It

Dear Friends and Family,

I see why the week feels like a wreck. P had Monday off from class. I lost Tuesday to bad traffic and school drop-off. And, I effectively lost Wednesday to a doctor's appointment and a networking lunch. And, it's Thursday and I'm feeling discombobulated. I wonder why.

Well, hopefully Friday goes more smoothly than last week. I want a normal week back.


Cheers!
mouse

Not Making Progress

Dear Friends and Family,

It's one of those hectic mornings that always make me flinch. I've got a doctor's appointment and a networking lunch and drop-off and pick-up and I need to go to the bank and I need to drop off a dollar bill P found and I need to get my work hours in and and and...

Well. I guess I should shower and get ready for the day. It's not like any of this will happen on it's own.


Cheers!
mouse

02.18.14: One

Dear Friends and Family,

It's Tuesday and after a monster snowstorm we're headed into a new week. This weekend was a long weekend because P had off from school. However, we split it into two weekends. Saturday, we had school and a play date. Sunday and Monday, we visited friends and the dentist.

I am really looking forward to this week. It is the first week of days above freezing in over a month. P has had cabin fever and it's been making Mr. mouse and me a little stir crazy. It'll be nice to have some outdoor time.

Well, Mr. mouse had to leave for work early today. And, I have drop off, so I don't have much time to write. Until tomorrow.


Cheers!
mouse

PS: Down to one pile in the kitchen.

Three

Dear Friends and Family,

Progress. We're down to three piles. But, for progress, we also took a couple of steps back.

I need to find a home for the business cards that came in yesterday. And, P's table is a clutter of Valentine's cards from school yesterday.

Still, I optimistic we can finish the kitchen today. Then, we can move on from there to another point in the house.

But, I'll be honest, that's not what's on my mind today.

Last night, P fell asleep early and we decided to let her sleep the night. So, Mr. mouse and I had the night alone, just the two of us. And, it felt empty. Without P to fill the night, we ate a quiet dinner without a lot of conversation and then went to sleep. Well, Mr. mouse fell asleep. I think.

I came downstairs to the living room and watched the traffic go by. I wondered where we go from here. I felt so alone. Sometimes, even with all the friends and with all the outlets to communicate, you just need a moment to yourself. And, last night, watching the traffic go by, I had many of those moments.

I know relationships change. I just wonder, sometimes, where ours is headed. At one point in our relationship, I couldn't imagine life without Mr. mouse. But, last night, there was a moment where I couldn't imagine life with him. Perhaps I'll be at a point, sometime in the future, where I'm ready to talk about this. For now, I think it's just something for me to think about as I watch the traffic go by. Perhaps it's just a phase I'm going through because there's a lot of other things around me that have me blue.

I think the kitchen is me trying to exert control because sometimes I realize how much of my life is outside of my control. Silly me, as if fixing the kitchen will fix everything.


Cheers!
mouse

Because sometimes you just need to find your happy face and move on with the day.

Four

Dear Friends and Family,

Four. Four piles left. So close, but, still not zero.

1. There's a pile that needs to go into the filing cabinet.
2. There's money that needs to get deposited at the bank.
3. There's a picture frame that needs a home.
4. And, there's a file of photos that need to be scanned and imported into iphoto

There's also two oranges that need to be eaten tonight. And, two cookie pieces. And, three pieces of chocolate. But, I haven't been counting the food.

So close, but still not zero.


Cheers!
mouse

Six

Dear Friends and Family,

This morning I got through one more pile on our kitchen counter. I had a pile of things that I wanted to order for P. I ordered some of them. I changed my mind on the rest of them. I discarded the pile. I'm down to six. Progress.


Cheers!
mouse

Seven

Dear Friends and Family,

Yesterday, I had some time to dedicate to the kitchen. Instead of getting overwhelmed, I followed a cleaning method I read about. And, let's be clear, I wasn't really cleaning. I was organizing. And, let's be clear, I wasn't really organizing. I was trying to maintain the line that we had established on Friday in our perpetual kitchen war.

Anyway, back to the method. You start from one point and you just keep making your way one step at a time to the point next to you. You don't try to take in the big picture. You just look at the immediate next step and do. For me, since my kitchen is an el shape with an island, that involves starting at one end of the el, moving around the el, moving across the island, tackling P's small table, and tackling two chairs and an end table we have set up.

So, I put away all of the plastic drying randomly. I unloaded and reloaded the dishwasher. I cleaned the things that needed to be cleaned by hand. I sliced the bagels and put them in the refrigerator. I put away the pots. I spent the rest of the time on the island. It's down to seven discrete piles of paper from one amorphous giant pile.

And, yet, this morning, when I look, there's more random plastic drying on the counter, a food processor made it's way back onto the counter, there's random pots on the stove, and P's table has a random art project on it. Our chairs have a pile of towels on them. And, there's another random piece of paper on the end table.

I wish we could get to a point where the house maintained itself. But, sadly, I don't think I'll be there ever. I think it'll be a constant battle. There'll always be plastic to put away. There'll always be pots to put away. There'll always be dishes to cycle through. There'll always be paper to cycle through.

Still, I should focus on the positive. There's seven discrete piles on the counter. Tonight, I will tackle at least one and then there will be six.


Cheers!
mouse

02.10.14: Slow Food

Dear Friends and Family,

We had a quiet weekend planned that got even quieter when we got a note on Friday from P's school. Because of an outbreak of Fifth's Disease, we rescheduled dinner with friends who are expecting since there's a low, but measurable risk to the baby if it gets the virus.

With the calendar wide open, we spent Saturday eating with P. Honestly, I have little recollection of Saturday outside of the food. We came home and she ate lunch forever, taking a bite, signing a song, asking a silly question, and, only then taking another bite. All told, it felt like a two hour lunch. Afterwards, we played for a couple of minutes and then napped. We went out for dinner, and it was longer than lunch. It felt like a three hour dinner, with P eating a bite at a time while Mr. mouse and I sat and watched. Tables came in after us and left before us.

But, it was worth it. P had a monster weigh-in on Saturday night which she needed. She's whittling away to nothing. If she can make the weight stick, it'll be worth the time invested.

Sunday, we went to a local ice festival. P got to watch ice carving. We walked around for a little bit looking at the ice sculptures. And, P got to run which is good. With the unreal winter we've been having, there's been little to no time for outside play at school. Even on the weekends, we're loathe to take her out when the temperature is in the single digits. So, gross motor has been a trial for us. Running, even for a couple of blocks, was awesome.

We also had time on Sunday to go on several missions in P's rocket. We found a ribbon in the valley in Mars after making a map of the planet. And, we went to Saturn to find a missing ring. She wanted to go to Uranus to find a missing book, but I told her that needed to wait until another night.

It's short week this week followed by a long weekend. We've been working all weekend on a pile of papers in the kitchen. Once we get through them, the kitchen will be feel like a better place. I feel like the kitchen will be a battle each week. But, one I'm willing to fight for. Right now, we've got P's room and the kitchen under control. Let's see how many more balls we can juggle.


Cheers!
mouse

And, Then, I Woke Up

Dear Friends and Family,

There are bad days at work. And, there are BAD days at work. Granted no one dies if I have a bad day at work. But, yesterday, I felt like a little piece of me died.

I've always believed you have an obligation to speak your mind. I've also believed that you have to support the team once the team comes to a decision. It's just chaos otherwise. So, yesterday, I spoke my mind. And, frankly, the team came to a stupid decision. I'm going to support it. But, it's not one I agree with.

And, that's when a light bulb turned on in my head. I love it when light bulbs turn on. Because the light they shed on a truth that's just sitting around waiting to be discovered can be life changing. There's no "not knowing" something once you "know" it.

What do I know now?

I know that I am no longer invested in old work. I don't feel like I have anything to learn. I don't feel like I have much I am willing to give. Yesterday, it went from being a job to being a paycheck. I'm not invested enough to care enough to speak my mind. I think I'll just do.

Thanks. I needed that, desperately. Now, I can focus on my idea.


Cheers!
mouse

Thinking Like an Entrepreneur

Dear Friends and Family,

I just put together a preliminary P&L for the month of January for my new business. I definitely lost money the first two weeks. I almost broke even the following two weeks. And, in the process, I'm putting together my lessons learned for the month.

1. I need more clients. I have two clients right now. Obviously that's not a sustainable business. February will need to focus on growing sales.
2. The business can't afford any extraneous expenses. Yes, I ordered business cards, but I think I'll need those to grow sales (see above). But, the $50 I spent on ink in January seems like a luxury in retrospect. For February, I'll need to avoid the temptation to spend money on things that are not essential.
3. I need more time. I need to do things like put together a website and go through my business mail and stuff. I've been working part-time at old work. I think I may need to rethink that strategy sometime in the near future.

Still, I'm happy. I did better in January than I thought I would. I'm jazzed.


Cheers!
mouse

What to Do with Today

Dear Friends and Family,

It's Wednesday. I'm torn on what to try to accomplish today.

Mr. mouse and I both have bad colds. P is a little sick. It's snowing. It's going to be one of those days. I can feel it now.


Cheers!
mouse

Epic Fail. Mouse Needs a New Computer

Dear Friends and Family,

I probably need a new computer. There's too many things that take too long on this one. But, I'm loathe to spend the money right now on a new computer. And, most of the times I trade the inconvenience of downloads for the perceived inconvenience of transitioning computers.

Like this morning.

I just spent 30 minutes trying to download photos from P's school website. And, in the past 30 minutes I've downloaded zero photos. Yep. Zero. I have rebooted my computer twice. And, now I leave for work frustrated. I'll have to make up time because I won't get my hours in. I'll have to deal with more traffic. And, I don't have anything to show for it.

It's going to be one of those days. I can feel it. Lovely.


Cheers!
mouse

02.03.14: Hello February

Dear Friends and Family,

It's February. Wow. One month into the new year.

We had a great weekend.

Saturday was a little hectic. We woke to find out school was cancelled. P and Mr. mouse went shopping for birthday presents while I got some work done at home. Then, we headed out for a birthday party with one of P's friends from her old school. We met up with a friend for dinner before heading home for the evening. We went to our favorite Korean restaurant which was packed to the gills for the new year.

Sunday was less hectic, but no less busy. We woke up to a glorious winter day. We went to a birthday party for one of P's friends from her new school. I really am glad I like the parents as much as I do. Then, we headed out for some sledding. The weather couldn't have been better and the snow was perfect for donuts. P went down more times than we could count. And, she begged to stay longer. But, when we got to the car we realized her hands and feet were like ice. It's probably a good thing we came in when we did. We met up with more friends for dinner. This time it was at their house. We had a Romanian feast while watching the Super Bowl.

And, now, it's Monday. P's room is still clean and my to do list is manageable. I'm happy.


Cheers!
mouse

Friday!

Dear Friends and Family,

It's Friday! Oh, I'm so glad!

Lots of random things that need to get done today, but there's no beating Friday. I have my list highlighted. And, I've got my fingers crossed that I get through it.

I'm also excited because P and I are starting what is hopefully a new tradition going forward. We're going to cook dinner together tonight. We'll come home after school and plan the menu. Then, we'll go shopping. And, after a little bit of play time, we're going to cook dinner. I'm curious what she comes up with for the menu.

This all started when P asked why I only "cook" using the microwave and the toaster oven. And, it's true, I tend to heat up leftovers rather than cook a new meal because our fridge is usually full of leftovers. But, I want her to learn to cook, on a stove, with fresh ingredients. So, tonight we'll make dinner together.


Cheers!
mouse

Free Day

Dear Friends and Family,

P's back in school. And, my one employee is on vacation. So, I have a free day all to myself. Glorious free time.

I'm going to try and be productive this morning. So far, I figured out how to pay my business credit card from my business bank account. And, I got laundry started.

Now, I can either write two emails soliciting clients or I can tackle 2013 taxes. I think I'll tackle the taxes.


Cheers!
mouse

And We Stayed In

Dear Friends and Family,

I gave P the option of going out and she declined, opting to stay home and enjoy the day with moms.

We:

1. woke up
2. got dressed
3. ate breakfast
4. brushed teeth with new toothbrush
5. put away laundry
6. started our science experiment
7. ate lunch
8. cleared a bookcase for P
9. finished our sheets
10. played a game of LIFE
11. napped
12. ate dinner
13. made cookie dough

It was a fun day. My only twinge of guilt is I fell asleep before P during nap. I'm not sure if she was bored or lonely or sad or just quiet in that period before she fell asleep.

In the grand scheme of things, it's a minor thing. I just hope she enjoyed the day as much as I did.


Cheers!
mouse

01.27.14: Polar Vortex II

Dear Friends and Family,

Any weekend I get to nap is a good weekend. By that definition it was a good weekend. And, now we're headed into ANOTHER cold spell. This winter has been one mother of a winter. You know it's cold when you start looking forward to 20 degree weather. Yep. It's been that kind of a winter.

Saturday, we went to school. We practiced dribbling at home. P went to the library and shopping with Mr. mouse. I napped. Sunday, we went to church. We dribbled some more. P's gotten quite good. P napped. P had a play date.

P's school got cancelled today so I've got some time with P today. I'm looking forward to it. We may go shopping. We may go to a play area. We may have pajama day. We'll see.

For now, I'm just relaxing while P sleeps.


Cheers!
mouse

Long Day at the Office

Dear Friends and Family,

I'm still in catch up mode from winter break. So, I'm headed into the office today for a boatload of hours, hopefully. Then, it's off to Mom's night. Should be good. And, on a plus note, we're not over scheduled for the weekend.


Cheers!
mouse

Time to Make the Donuts

Dear Friends and Family,

Things that needed to happen yesterday didn't happen. P didn't have her bath last night. And, I didn't get an invoice out that I needed to get out. But, the sun will still rise today and hopefully we will make a little more progress today than we did yesterday.

I've got a list of things for new work. But, for now, I need to jump in the shower and get ready to face the day.


Cheers!
mouse

01.21.14: Party, Check

Dear Friends and Family,

We had a long weekend compliments of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. And, as usual, we used it to host our annual New Year's party. This year's party was on the smaller side, which is nice, because I have a decent shot at talking to my guests. When we used to have 50+ people, I used to throw in the towel and assume the guests could entertain themselves. I was, literally, the door, coat, shoes, process person.

I need to wrap my head around today. I've got work. I've got yearbook follow-up. If I can make it through emails, that'll be an absolute win. The only complication in all of this is that I've got parent duty tonight. Mr. mouse is nearing a deadline at work so he'll be bringing work home all week. So, in addition to work, yearbook follow-up and emails, I have dinner, bath, and getting P to bed tonight.

Feeling overwhelmed. Time to breathe and remember that tomorrow is another day.


Cheers!
mouse

Friday with a Hiccup

Dear Friends and Family,

Well. It's Friday and so far there are no bodies to report this week. Phew.

I got most everything done. And, the things that didn't get done didn't results in any harm to anybody. I'll consider that a raging success.

Today, P has a play date at 10. Before the play date, we need to make ice cream and bathe P because she was too tired for a bath last night. After the play date, we have party prep for tomorrow. I desperately need a manicure, but that'll just have to wait. It's a ticking time bomb so I've got my fingers crossed I make it until whenever I have the time to go get them done.

The hiccup? A 30 minute conference call today for old work scheduled at the last minute. I'm tempted to skip it. I really am. I just may. We'll see.


Cheers!
mouse

Three Down, Two to Go

Dear Friends and Family,

I made it through the day yesterday.

Today is a calmer, more rational day. (famous last words) I've got work. I've got dance. I've got time with P. I've got an eyebrow appointment. I've got time to revisit my to do list.

I can do this. I can do this. I can do this.


Cheers!
mouse

Hump Day

Dear Friends and Family,

I'll be honest. I'm a little overwhelmed.

Today, I have time to work on my new idea. I have a doctor's appointment. I have the afternoon with P which is the highlight of my day. I have a meeting with some parents to work on P's yearbook. Then, I get a little time with Mr. mouse and P and then I need to work on old work for about two hours.

I'll be honest. I'm thinking about leaving old work again. It's just plain stupid. I went in yesterday and my work exploded. All of a sudden everyone cares. This would be awesome if I still worked there and cared. But, given that I'm a part-time employee looking to start my own business, it's not awesome. Now, it just feels like a lot of work when I've got a lot more interested stuff to focus on.

Ask me why I'm there? I'll be honest. It's part mercenary, it's part prostitution, both of which are against my religion. In other words, it's for the money. I'm selling my time for money. There's little emotional fulfillment and what emotional fulfillment there is is derived from friendships, not from work.

It'll all come to a crux in the summer because I'll want to spend more time with P. Something will have to budge. But, that's the summer. I just need to get through today.


Cheers!
mouse

01.13.14: Over-Scheduled

Dear Friends and Family,

We had a lot going on this weekend.

Saturday, P started her new class. Then, we got mail, ate lunch, and went to a birthday party. P napped on the car ride home and we had friends over for dinner.

Sunday, I went to church with a friend, then we had a play date while Mr. mouse had lunch with a friend. P napped when she got home. And, we had a second play date that evening.

We were definitely over-scheduled.

I'd say this week looks better, but it doesn't. Tomorrow night I have a meeting with a prospective client. Wednesday night I'm meeting with a group about P's yearbook. And, Friday, P's off from school and we have a play date. Sooner or later I will learn not to do this to myself.

Oh, and I have a doctor's appointment on Wednesday. Sigh.

And, I still need to do the prelim layout for the yearbook. I don't even want to think about it. Perhaps this is one of those weeks that I take one day at a time.

Sigh.


Cheers!
mouse

Top "3"

Dear Friends and Family,

Seems like a good moment for a new Top 3.

I'm excited to say, I have a new one. My idea. I'm ready to spend the time now on it. It's real and I feel like I have this year to either prove it works or understand why it doesn't. So, I'm motivated to make it a top 3.

I think this one was on my last list. If not, I'll add it to my list now - spending time with family. P's going to be five soon. And, in the imminent future she's not going to want to play with Mr. mouse and me. She's not doing to want to read with us. She's going to be even more independent than she is now. I'd like to live in the moment and savor the time with her.

Not sure what my last top 3 is. Perhaps with the introduction of a big new one, I should moderate myself and keep to only two.


Cheers!
mouse

New Day

Dear Friends and Family,

My life is just a little more organized. The house is just a little more clean. Why? Because I hired a personal assistant! I figured if I need time to focus on my new business, I would need help to keep my current life from becoming a train wreck.

We spent about two hours together yesterday. My assistant put away my laundry. She cleared through my mail. She sorted through a pile of papers on my kitchen counter. And, she took down half of my Christmas lights. Progress. And, the best part is, I think she'll be able to do even more once she gets used to the house and where everything goes.

So excited.


Cheers!
mouse

Big Bang

Dear Friends and Family,

After two years of dabbling in entrepreneurship, today's the big day. My first employee starts today. She starts at 9 this morning in 40 minutes. So, I need to go shower soon.

Needless to say, I'm super excited. I'm also a little exhausted. Mr. mouse and I were up until three in the morning talking about summer camp. But, now, we have a strategy and we're in frenzied application mode. We submitted the first of the applications this morning. We log on tomorrow morning for the second of three. Wish us luck.

Back to today. I'm super excited. We have five hours to knock out things like W4 and W9 forms, talking about establishing a cell phone policy and a dress code, and actually doing two hours of work. Hooray!


Cheers!
mouse

Mouse Takes Time Off

Dear Friends and Family,

So, what'd we do with 17 days off? That's an excellent question.

• Days 1 and 2: we spent the weekend at home doing nothing of note outside of the normal weekend routine
• Day 3: we opened Christmas presents, as a family, and took lots of photos with our tree
• Day 4: we spent with Mr. mouse's folks
• Day 5: we spent with my family
• Day 6: we spent with my cousins who are a riot
• Day 7: we spent with my mom's friends who are in love with P
• Days 8 and 9: we tackled all of the to dos that had built up over the week
• Day 10: we cleaned house and packed
• Day 11: we spent in San Francisco due to a cancelled flight
• Days 12, 13, 14, and 15: we frolicked in sunny Hawaii
• Day 16: we went sledding
• Day 17: I spent the day with P, in the evening, exhausted, she told me she enjoyed none of it
• Day 18: an unplanned day, Mr. mouse is staying home with P

And, that, my friends is where 17 days went. I'm glad I've got the flexibility to spend that much time with P. She's going to be four and a half for only another month or so. Then, she's almost five.

I enjoyed the day, yesterday, until about 5. Then, P got tired and I got tired of repeating myself. Then, by 5:45, Mr. mouse came home and rescued me. I napped for an hour while they ate dinner together.


Cheers!
mouse

01.06.14: Happy New Year

Dear Friends and Family,

We're back. It's day 17 of Winter Break for P. She hasn't had 17 consecutive days off from school since she was 12 weeks old, when she started daycare and I went back to work. We have today and tomorrow off before P returns to school and I kick off my new work.

Fortunately or unfortunately, it's too cold to contemplate doing anything outdoors today. Otherwise, I'd be tempted to take P sledding. And, that just seems like a lot to tackle on our day off. We went yesterday. P went down the hill seven times before calling it quits. Her cheeks were pink. She was covered in a layer of snow and ice. Her hands were cold. And, she had little icicles forming on her eyelashes. Today is even colder. So, we'll stay home.

What to do with the day? Not sure. I'll let P sleep in. Then we'll figure it out from there. I'll write more tomorrow. Today, I feel like I need to jump into the shower and get the day started.


Cheers!
mouse

Oh. Oh. I Know.

Dear Friends and Family,

It's so silly, the things I can get excited about. I just realized, I can bring a book that P borrowed with me today when I go to school, and return it to the friend we borrowed it from. If I succeed, that'll be one more thing crossed off of the list. That'll leave two things on my list:

1. summer camp
2. preliminary layout

on my "the nows" list. I can, for the record, say that my list has never been that short in my entire life. But, wait, I shouldn't get ahead of myself. I still need to complete the four things on my list.

1. recommendation (today)
2. transfer 3 photos to iphoto (today)
3. Christmas presents (weekend)
4. Christmas cards (weekend)

Then, I'll be down to two, if you don't count setting up two dinner dates. Well, anyway, it's never been that short in my entire life. Maybe it was back when I was single and living alone. But not anytime in the last 15 years. Wow.

Last night, we had a ton of fun visiting a friend's house. Let's call him The Entomologist and her The Entomologist's Wife. As you can guess, he collects bugs. P asked if she could see his bug collection and he did a great job of engaging her. He did a brief lesson first. Then, he showed her how he collects bugs, and preserves bugs, and pins bugs, and categorizes bugs, and ultimately studies bugs. She saw some bugs under a microscope. And, he showed her all sorts of larger bugs from some of his travels. I learned a ton as well.

Time to get ready for the day.


Cheers!
mouse

Final Stretch

Dear Friends and Family,

The holidays loom ahead, but, the end is in sight. Most of the gifts are ordered. Our cards arrived yesterday for us to send out. And, now, all that remains is a day of work and a recommendation for a colleague applying to business school.

Ah, business school. The expense of it is extraordinary now. And, the return not as obvious. I guess if I were 27 again, I'd probably apply again. I guess. But, being not 27, I'm just not sure. The pretzels that applicants get themselves knotted into is painful to watch. There are stellar candidates and then there are people who apply without any real idea of what they're applying to. Either way, it's my job, if I agree to write a recommendation, to write a recommendation. My recommendations are always honest and I try to do a balanced job of highlighting the candidate's strengths while acknowledging room for growth and development. I'm not going to gush. It's just not credible. And, it's not useful for the school in helping them screen candidates.

Well, I have a recommendation due tomorrow. And, outside of that, it's a free day with P to enjoy ourselves. I'll have to ask her what she wants to do. Exciting!


Cheers!
mouse

12.17.13: Spending Time with Friends

Dear Friends and Family,

What a wonderful weekend! We got to spend time with all of our friends from the Winter Cabin. It was cold as all get out, but in a city that's prepared for the cold, with friends who just get on with business, no one seemed phased by it all.

We got to see our old neighbors and catch up with J & J who we don't get a chance to see all that often any more. I had lunch with a girlfriend from old work and we stuffed ourselves on Chinese food. I went to a girlfriend's housewarming party and fed the fire while catching up with old friends and meeting new friends. And, while I didn't get to see my old Turk, we did get to take P to a children's museum where she had a ton of fun.

All in all, it was a most wonderful weekend. And, today, I'm off to work. #momoftheyear would take her kid sledding, but I'm going to let P play with her BFF while I get some extra hours in. That way, I've got more time with her while she's on winter break.


Cheers!
mouse

Spending Time with Family and Friends

Dear Friends and Family,

This has been a good week.

Two of the things that make me happy are spending time with family and spending time with friends. And, I got to do both this week. Our friend in need of a nickname was over until yesterday. Last night, I got to spend time with friends and happy hour. And, this weekend we get to see some friends for a housewarming party. All, that is good. But, even better, is that I feel like I got good time with P as well. She's growing so quickly that I need to appreciate the time. I don't want to wake up and find that she's all grown up.

Today, I've got lots of odds and ends. Which leads to an empty to do list which also makes me happy.

This has been a good week.


Cheers!
mouse

December Euphoria

Dear Friends and Family,

Christmas cards ordered. Now, we can move on to Christmas presents. Lots of people to buy for. I think I've got a decent list. I guess now I need to put together a plan of who gets what. Then, we can begin shopping. We're behind this year. But, in other ways we're ahead.

This year, unlike last year, we can actually relax in our living room. In fact, yesterday, Mr. mouse and I both worked from home, on the couch, with our feet propped up, with the Christmas tree in front of us. This year, unlike last year, we are not in a manic mode of completing school applications. We get to enjoy P's time without feeling like we need to be working on draft 8.1 of essay 4 of school 6. Definitely ahead there. And, this year, unlike last year, I've made progress on my idea. I've taken the plunge. I've hired my first employee. All good things.

Our "nows" are under control. And, we're slowly plugging away at the "laters" on the to do list. And, that, my friends, is progress.


Cheers!
mouse

Okay. You Can Give This One.

Dear Friends and Family,

Last night, I volunteered a grey hat from P's closet for the giving tree at school. All of a sudden, she was in love with the grey hat. So, Mr. mouse went out last night and bought a new hat, a pink and white hat with a sparkly gem on it. The first words out of P's mouth when she got downstairs this morning were, "okay, you can give this one." Of course, she was referring to the grey hat.

Now, she's sad and Mr. mouse is trying to console her. Last night, the hat needed a tag. This morning, oddly enough, she says that not all of the hats on the tree have tags.

Sometimes it's tough being four and a half. Sometimes it's tough not to laugh as the parent.


Cheers!
mouse

Pursuing Happiness

Dear Friends and Family,

It's Tuesday and I'm tired. I was up late last night working on P's yearbook.

Today, I'm off to work, again. And, I've got to download P's November photos tonight. Upload them to dropbox and import them to iphoto. There's GOT to be an easier process. I think. But, somehow, I don't think. That, and I need to download and read the December newsletter. Oh, and I have three emails I need to write. Then, I will feel accomplished for the day.

Yesterday was a good day. One of the things I have been trying to be better about is being in the moment with P. Somehow, I found myself letting Mr. mouse have the evenings with P while I was getting other stuff done. But, I was missing the time with P. So, I've been making it a point to let go of all of the other stuff during the evening and being present in the conversations with P. It's good. Spending time with Mr. mouse and P makes me happy.

So, I'll get done what I can get done while P is napping today. Then, I'll pick up where I left off when P goes to sleep. At least, that's the plan.


Cheers!
mouse

12.09.13: Oh Christmas Tree

Dear Friends and Family,

It's so nice having a four and a half year old in the house. She's so easily delighted and so open sharing her joy.

Saturday, we got our Christmas tree. We picked it up after lunch and P napped while Mr. mouse put the lights on. When P woke up from her nap and came downstairs, the lights were just about on and she was giddy with excitement.

We went out for a fabulous ramen dinner and P was so cute. Mommy, I really like the restaurant you picked. Mommy, that was a great choice you made. Mommy, we should come here again.

We came home and started putting up ornaments. Each ornament solicited a response from P. Oh, this one is lovely. Oh, I like this one, it's so sparkly. Oh, this one is my favorite. It was almost too much.

We also started telling her some of the stories. This one is the first one Mommy bought. This is the one from the year Mommy and Daddy got married. This is the one from the year you were born. This is the one from last year. She wanted to put all the special ornaments up high where everyone could see them.

After decorating the tree, we made cookies from some dough we made earlier in the day. They came out a little crispy, even for me, which is saying something, because I didn't think cookies can ever be too crispy.

Sunday, P went to church. Then, we went boot shopping (bust) and ornament shopping (score). We bought a lovely orange ornament because it's an uncommon color and because we wanted to commemorate P's new found love of the color orange. She wears it at least once a week now.

Our friend, who really needs a nickname because he's moving to the area and we'll be seeing more of him came over for dinner last night. He reads German, so P had a blast reading Benjamin with him. And, I had fun catching up with him, telling him about my family quandaries and sharing thoughts with him on how to be present in the moment and at peace with yourself.

While our friend who really needs a nickname and I were chatting, P was outside with Mr. mouse. She LOVES shoveling so we let her shovel the front steps while the snow blower was going in the back. She also threw snowballs with Mr. mouse and one made it outside the gate. When she came in, she had the pink cheek, pink nose look that makes her even more huggable than she normally is.

And, now it's Monday, and time to get ready for the day.


Cheers!
mouse

Odds and Ends

Dear Friends and Family,

It's Friday and I've got odds and ends to wrap up for the week. Then, we've got a busy weekend.

So, let me wrap my head around today:

1. pick up car
2. send out January party invite

And, the weekend

1. boots for P
2. snow tires for the car
3. Christmas tree
4. our 2014 Christmas ornament
5. order Christmas cards
6. replace toilet seat

I think that's it.


Cheers!
mouse

Grounded

Dear Friends and Family,

P got grounded yesterday. For a week. For misbehaving. Yes, we have a big kid now.

I went to drop P off at school yesterday morning. And, she was tired. And, she wanted to play with her friends. And, it's not cool having your mom hanging out with you when no one else's mom is there. I get it.

That still doesn't make it okay to push me away and say in that mean tone of voice, "Go away, Mommy." Repeatedly.

So, I extricated myself from the situation and thought long and hard about how to deal with it all. I confronted P about it in the afternoon when I picked her up. I told her I was okay if she wanted to play with her friends in the morning. I was also okay leaving her. But, that I was not okay with her approach. She apologized. And, for the next week, any breach in manners will lead to an automatic time-out. There's no second chances for the week.

She was remarkably good last night. One down. Seven to go.


Cheers!
mouse

6am Nurse Visit

Dear Friends and Family,

Fascinating.

In the process of moving benefits from my work to Mr. mouse's work, I must have tripped a wire because my life insurance didn't go through as smoothly as my former life insurance application did. When I applied five years ago, I had to answer a dozen questions on-line and sign a form. This time, I needed to have a mini-physical. A nurse visited me. She took down my height, my weight, my blood pressure, my pulse. She took down my medical history. And, she took a urine sample and blood sample.

It all took about thirty minutes. And, now, I am free to have my tea and go on with my day. While it was inconvenient, not being able to have my tea when I first woke up, it was WAY more convenient than having to schedule a doctor's appointment and have an office visit.

Somehow, I think it's cheaper for the insurance company as well. Yes, the person who came has to be qualified to conduct the visit. And, yes, she spends time traveling vs. going back to back with patients. But, there's no overhead. There's no office that needs to be maintained. There's no additional staff checking people in. There's nothing outside of her bag and her pen. It seems so self-contained.

Fascinating.


Cheers!
mouse

Holiday Crunch

Dear Friends and Family,

It's Tuesday and I'm exhausted. With only three weeks between Thanksgiving and winter break, it's dawned on me that we need to get in full-on holiday mode. Time to put up the tree, time to purchase the presents, time to print out the cards, time to really sit back and reflect on what the holidays are about.

A lot of people celebrate a lot of holidays during December. Having gone to church semi-regularly for a year now, I wonder what I am celebrating. At the core of it, I think I am celebrating the birth of a child. I think about the love and hope I felt when P was born. I think about how it draws the family together, even dysfunctional families like my own. And, I realize that sometimes you need that - that momentary lull to focus on love and hope and peace. It's a good note to end the year on, to kick off the new year on.

It'll be good to spend some time with Mr. mouse's family. And, on my side, my cousin invited us over. It'll be so good to see her. We'll also spend some time with my parents and brother. Even if they can drive me crazy at times, it's important for me for P to know them and to know they love her in their own crazy way. I guess I'll deal with whatever randomness comes of seeing them.

And, on that note, I think I'll use what time I have left to deal with a quick to do. After all, even if it's all about the squishy, warm, and fuzzy stuff, the practical stuff still needs to get done.


Cheers!
mouse

12.02.13: Home Again

Dear Friends and Family,

We went on vacation for five days to visit my sister and my childhood friend. And, while it was great spending time with them, it's good to be home.

Originally planned as a combination beach vacation, family vacation, Thanksgiving with my sister trip, the trip turned into mostly Thanksgiving with my sister. We went to the beach briefly on Wednesday and Thursday. Friday, we went to a park to get some gross motor in. Saturday it rained. And, Sunday it rained. So much for beach. I feel like I've been denied beach for multiple trips now for multiple reasons. I think I may have to make it a point to spend more time in the water next summer so I don't feel so denied.

The family vacation piece was a little tough because my sister doesn't like venturing outside of the house. I mean she really doesn't like it. The real trials and tribulations and the perceived trials and tribulations would be comical, except I feel sorry for my nephew. There could be car accidents, people who can mug you, people who can break into your car, the sun, the possibility of a fall, rain, snakes, mulch to be eaten, sand to be eaten, slides to avoided, swings to be avoided, bugs, lack of food locations, lack of nap locations, I mean the list is endless. So, outside of a trip to the park one day and a visit to see my childhood friend, we were somewhat house bound.

So, we had lots of time with my sister and my brother-in-law and my nephew. P has a lot of fun playing Lego with her uncle. They built all sorts of things together. And, my sister had fun talking with P about all the things P likes to talk about. Mr. mouse and I had fun trying to engage my nephew. We tried to get some colors and numbers into his head. I'm not sure how much of it stuck.

Still, there's much to be thankful for. As always, there's Mr. mouse and P, I can't imagine life without them. I'm thankful for the health and happiness of my family and friends. We're fortunate to have food on the table and a roof over our head. With my work change, I'm thankful for having time to get somewhat involved in P's school. Of course, there is also having time to get the house somewhat back in order. Thirdly, there's having time to work on my idea. We're making progress on our retirement funding. There's time playing with P. And, there's being happy with what you have even if life sometimes seems a little unfair when viewed through the eyes of a four and a half year old.

P was trying to tell us that life was unfair because someone else had more of something than she did. We told her it was important to be happy with what you have and to not always compare. I think the lesson sunk in when she learned that someone else who is older than her only gets $1 a week for allowance and she gets $4. We suggested dropping hers to $1 and she told us it's important to be happy with what you have and to not always compare. I guess she is listening and some of it is sinking in.

Happy Thanksgiving.


Cheers!
mouse

Big Kid Now

Dear Friends and Family,

P did something for the first time yesterday. She came down by herself to play.

Now, keep in mind, P doesn't have many opportunities to wake either of us. We're up before her in the morning. Mr. mouse is up while she naps on the weekends. And, generally, Mr. mouse gets home before she wakes from her nap on the weekdays. So, there's not many opportunities for P to find herself awake alone.

But, yesterday afternoon she did. And, she decided she wanted to be alone. So, she went downstairs, turned on the light, and was reading a book when Mr. mouse got home.

I feel like we've entered a new phase in our lives. P can be wandering around the house unattended. On the one hand I'm proud of her independence. On the other hand, I'm considering putting up the baby gates again.


Cheers!
mouse

First Snowfall

Dear Friends and Family,

P did two absolutely adorable things yesterday.

It was our first snow fall where we had some snow stick to the ground. And, the whole walk home from school P was trying to catch a snowflake on her tongue. One fell on her earmuff, one went in her eye, but alas no snowflakes on her tongue. So, I should have been on high alert when she tried to scoop up some snow in front of our house, but I wasn't. For some reason, I thought she had given up on catching a snowflake and wanted to try making a snowball. Well, it's a good thing the snow was clean, because she brought it up to her mouth for a taste. Her smile lit up her entire face. At the moment, I could only laugh. I guess at some point I'll have to tell her not to do that.

P also wanted to shovel snow, but I told her she would have to nap first. So, when she woke up from nap, she convinced Mr. mouse to go out and shovel with her. She shoveled enough snow to make the world's smallest snowman and she named her Roy. I spent more time than I should working on a photo book. I should have been out there with her. But, that's mom guilt speaking. I think she had as much fun shoveling the snow and making the snowman with Mr. mouse. I just missed out on the moment.

Next time, I'll do a better job of prioritizing.


Cheers!
mouse

11.25.13: Relaxing Weekend

Dear Friends and Family,

It was a most excellent weekend.

Saturday, we went to P's science fair and saw what she's been working on for the past two months. Sunday, we had a play date with one of P's old friends from old school.

The house is reasonably clean. The to do list is tamed. And, vacation starts on Wednesday morning. P has three days off from school which means I have three days off from work. Hooray! No real plans, but I'm excited to have the time with P.


Cheers!
mouse

Feeling Accomplished

Dear Friends and Family,

Yay! I was able to cross off a giant to do from my to do list. I went through over 400 emails from P's old school. I copied down names of classmates and downloaded photos of P for her photo book. I saved the files. I sorted the emails. I imported all 223 photos into iphoto. I changed the dates to match the dates the photos were originally taken. I am exhausted.

I made a commitment to cross off 18 things from my to do list this week. I have 17 things crossed off. One more and I'm at my goal for the week.

I feel accomplished. Granted I still have to clean the house. And, I still need to do some work on my old work and my new work. And, and, and.

I don't care. I think, for now, I'll savor the feeling of accomplishment.


Cheers!
mouse

Seasonal Affective Disorder

Dear Friends and Family,

My world feels smaller today. I think it's because it was gloomy outside yesterday and I was up late last night.

I think I'll feel better tomorrow. I'll get some sleep tonight and it'll be a bright new day tomorrow, emphasis on bright which brings me to a realization I have been mentally working through for a long time. I think I have seasonal affective disorder, not to the point where I need medication or intervention or anything like that, but to the point of being aware of it and taking steps to counter it.

I guess the worst of it will be now through the holidays. The days will be getting shorter. My to do list is packed which means I have less time for taking in what little light filters through on cloudy days. And, it feels like just the beginning of winter. By January, I can convince myself that I just need to stick it out a couple of more months until spring.

I know what I'll do tomorrow. I'll spend the first part of the morning working on my idea. Then, I'll spend the rest of the morning cleaning house. I know that sounds like a ridiculous plan, but I'm SO much happier when the house is in order. I think that'll counterbalance the gloominess from the winter blues.


Cheers!
mouse

Happy Hump Day

Dear Friends and Family,

It's Wednesday and another busy, busy day. I've got work. I've got lunch duty. I'm getting my flu shot. And, with a little luck, I'll feel like it was a productive day.

Oops. Just realized I spent a little too much time browsing Christmas card designs. Gotta go.


Cheers!
mouse

Summer Camp 2014

Dear Friends and Family,

Yes. It's November. But, in the crazy world we live in, it's time to begin thinking about summer camp.

I downloaded a list of 43 summer camps from various websites yesterday. Time to do some research. It looks like registration for most of them begin January 1. Based on my experience with schools, I'm assuming the best camps fill up by mid-day on the 1st. Lovely.

Life in the city, so many pluses, but so many interesting challenges.

I think I'd like to round out P's summer with some form of physical activity (swimming would be great), some form of art or dance or language, and some form of enrichment. Sure. No problem.


Cheers!
mouse

11.18.13: Race Weekend

Dear Friends and Family,

We flew down to Austin for the F1 race. It was tiring, but fun. We flew in Friday, got take out barbecue, and talked the night away with our old neighbors. Then, we woke up Saturday, ate a giant breakfast, watched qualifying, and lazed the afternoon away. We took P to the park. P and I slept while Mr. mouse went to the supermarket. And, we talked to another old friend we ran into on our way out to dinner.

Saturday night, we met up with a group of friends for more barbecue. It was great catching up with old friends. I talked the night away, again, with my old neighbor. She's such a good listener, it's hard to keep track of time.

Sunday, we woke to another giant breakfast. And, we watched the race. It was warm, but not too bad considering the temperatures. We drove to the airport, picked up more barbecue and flew home.

We were all exhausted this morning. Still, it was good to see the race and great to see old friends. I wish we could have stayed longer, but we need to work around P's school schedule now.


Cheers!
mouse

Friday, Glorious Friday

Dear Friends and Family,

Wow. I slept a lot yesterday. I fell asleep with P at 5 o'clock for her nap. I slept until 8. P woke me up for dinner. I was awake until 9 o'clock when I napped while she had her bath. I got up again at 9:30. I read to P and was back in bed by 10 o'clock. I slept until my alarm clock rang this morning at 5.

I guess I was more tired than I realized.

Today, I'm going to get a quote for fixing the car. And, I'm going to get a little bit of work done. And, pick up dry cleaning, do a load of laundry, and assess the dishwasher. Then, I've got odds and ends before picking P up from school.

As Effie Trinket would say, "Its going to be a big, big, big day!"


Cheers!
mouse

Top 3, Jumping Off the Hamster Wheel

Dear Friends and Family,

I feel like I'm on a hamster wheel so I think I need to revisit something. The question is what.

Each week feels like some game to try and keep the to do list under control. Then, there's the work I'm doing to keep the house under control. And, the endless cataloging of photos from P's old school. And, the constant juggling of my work schedule.

It feels like a hamster wheel.

Realistically, there's approximately 120 more days of photos I need to download from P's old school. I've been doing about 10 days per day, give or take, for, it feels like forever. 120 more days means I should be done in two weeks. Okay, two more weeks. I can do this. Then, I'll take a break from photo cataloging. There's one more monster cataloging project. I think I'll put that on hold for the time being.

And, then, I think it's time to stop over-scheduling. I'm perpetually guilty of this. The week of the 20th (of October), my mom was in town on Wednesday and Friday. The following week, I had lunch duty and lab work and interviews and a play date. The following week, I had a book drive and a call with a friend and work and a show and a play date and friends in town. And, this week I had a doctor's appointment and now a quote on my car. And, next week I have lunch duty again and a play date.

I think, when I over-schedule my time, I get that hamster wheel feeling. Okay. Time to commit to not over-scheduling. I should really try to leave my Wednesdays and Fridays completely free to focus on my new idea. I guess the play dates don't really wreck my schedule since those are after I pick up P. I'm kind of shot through Thanksgiving, but, after that, I'm going to really try and keep my schedule under control.

Then, I think my Top 3 can stay:

1. work on my new idea
2. keep the house and the to do list under control
3. spend time with friends and family

Good job, mouse.


Cheers!
mouse

Ack

Dear Friends and Family,

I was driving to work yesterday. The traffic was horrendous. I was changing radio stations. And, all of a sudden I was in a car accident. The driver behind me rear-ended me. It wasn't a bad accident. The driver was hugely apologetic. I got his insurance information, driver's license, and phone number.

Friday, I need to go to the body shop and get a quote on fixing the car. Focusing on the important stuff, no one was hurt. Cars are fixable. People are not.


Cheers!
mouse

Tuesday

Dear Friends and Family,

Oy. It's Tuesday and I already feel behind. How is that possible? I know why. The house is a little bit messier. The to do list is a little bit longer. Work, old work, is just not engaging anymore. And, I'm shocked to realize a half year has already passed since P's birthday.

Last night, P got caught in a lie. She brought home two things from school. She claimed her teacher said it was okay for her to bring them home. Then, when I pegged her in the evening on which teacher and would the teacher agree if I asked him, she broke down in tears and confessed that she hadn't really asked her teacher before pocketing the two things and bringing them home.

There's a part of me that feels for P. I know she didn't mean it maliciously. And, it's tough to explain the difference between picking up something discarded and bringing it home and taking something that doesn't belong to you and bringing it home. I think it's just easier to say, if it doesn't belong to you, don't bring it home. I think.

It might be easier raising a puppy.

Well. It's Tuesday. I think I'll try to get the house a little neater. And, I'll try to get a couple of things scratched off of the to do list. I guess first thing's first. Time to get ready for work.


Cheers!
mouse

11.11.13: Birthday Weekend

Dear Friends and Family,

Happy Monday!

We celebrated Mr. mouse's birthday weekend with Mr. mouse's best friend and his family.

Saturday, we split up.

Mr. mouse and his friend decided to go on a road trip. They picked up our snow tires at a store that sells them cheap. They also had lunch with a friend, and visited a car museum on the way home.

The moms and the kids went to a park. Then, we went out of sushi. Then, we went back to the park. We picked up cupcakes. We made birthday cards. P and the moms napped. The two older kids played.

We all regrouped for a veritable feast at home for dinner. Afterwards, the kids slept while the adults played mahjong.

Sunday, we went on another road trip.

We went to see another museum. We ate a sausage lunch with a horde of Packers fans. We picked up macarons. We ate more sushi. The kids played while the adults swapped photos. After baths, it was time for bed.

The weekend went quickly. But, it was so refreshing. The weather was great. I got some sunlight. We had a chance to catch up with friends (which is on my current Top 3) and P had so much fun playing with the other two kids. We let all three kids sleep in P's room. It was her first sleepover.

I feel so much better than I did on Friday morning. I feel ready to tackle the week ahead vs. on Friday I was just trying to make it through the day. I suppose that's why we need weekends.

I'm glad our was so much fun.


Cheers!
mouse

Winter Blues, Already?

Dear Friends and Family,

It's Friday. And, P doesn't have school. So, we have the day together. Yeah!

It's been a bit of a blah week. I may be reacting to the reduced daylight.

Hmmm... Recognizing this, I may have to think about ways to get more daylight into my day. I'll add light box research to my list of things to do. Perhaps, it's as easy as finding time for a walk in the middle of the day. Or, talking to my doctor. All things to contemplate.


Cheers!
mouse

Hourly, Not Exempt, I Think

Dear Friends and Family,

After much reading, I think I'm going to go with a very simple model for paying my employees. Hourly, not exempt, which means they are eligible for overtime. Simple enough.

Now, I'm waiting for a return phone call from the Department of Labor to answer some questions I have.

1. How should I record keep for home time?
2. Can I pay my employees a bonus each week, on top of their hourly wages, based on billable hours?
3. Can I pay my employees profit sharing?
4. Can I guarantee a minimum for the first X days?
5. Do I need to pay me?

Hopefully, I'll have some answers next week. Which means, the next thing I need to focus on is picking between the two candidates I interviewed.


Cheers!
mouse

Over-Scheduled mouse

Dear Friends and Family,

I've got a busy day ahead of me. But, sometimes I bring it on myself.

I'm going to a book fair at P's school to see if there's any good books for P. I'm dropping off some old books at a book drive. And, then, I'm coming home.

I have a phone call with a friend who is interested in a position at old work. I need to be home by 10 for the call.

I want to spend an hour cleaning P's room. I'm trying to consistently make progress on the house. But, last week and this week feel busier than usual. Probably because I have over-scheduled my Wednesdays and Fridays.

I want to spend time on my idea: pay structure, candidate, and insurance are all things I need to tackle today.

Old work. I didn't get much done yesterday. Feel like I should get something done today.

Pick up. Followed by a nap somehow squeezed in there. And, then, a play and dinner. Yep. We're definitely over-scheduled.

Oh wait, I'm sure there's work to do after P falls asleep. And, my to do list is slowly creeping up on me.

Sigh. I think the rain just gets me down. Chin up, mouse.


Cheers!
mouse

My New Life

Dear Friends and Family,

It's Tuesday. My to do list is under control. I got to spend an hour on P's room yesterday. We have dinner with P's old teacher tonight.

I think I'm making progress on my top 3. Just need to find the time today this week to work on insurance, pay structure, and picking my first employee. Tomorrow's as good a time as any, I guess.


Cheers!
mouse

11.04.13: Kid Focused Weekend

Dear Friends and Family,

Friday, I picked P up from school and we went to her friend's house for a play date. She had fun with the art and the popcorn. I found out I'm really allergic to cats now.

Saturday, P went to school in the morning. Then, she went to a birthday party. And, Mr. mouse took her on a bike ride on a trailer we borrowed from a friend.

Sunday, P went to church. Then, she had a play date with a friend.

As far as weekends go, I don't think she could have had more fun. Oh wait, she had a complete meltdown the first 15 minutes of her play date on Sunday. Okay, outside of that, I don't think she could have had a more fun weekend.

It's a busy week this week, but no busier than last week. Actually, I made a conscious decision not to go into work on Wednesday. I could have, for a culture training. It'd be "easy" hours. But, I decided I'd rather have the time at home to do other stuff.


Cheers!
mouse

Interviews

Dear Friends and Family,

So excited. And, at the same time, so scared.

Today, I have two interviews for my first employee. I just wrote an interview guide with 12 questions. And, I printed out resumes to guide the discussion. Hopefully, I have a good discussion with a positive outcome. Hopefully.

It's a little scary, but at the same time very exciting.


Cheers!
mouse

Rain, Rain, Go Away

Dear Friends and Family,

It's Halloween and it's raining out. I just realized I'm going to be late for work. And, I've got a busy busy day ahead of me. Lovely.


Cheers!
mouse