Saturday, February 28, 2015

I'm so happy that we finally have a date for the wedding of Sweetness and Girafferty, I think. They want a small family wedding on Friday night and a blowout party on Saturday night. We've been looking for two venues, and I'm 99% sure that our goal was accomplished today. Without a doubt, finding wedding and reception venues is the hardest job in a wedding.

Next Saturday, Sweetness, Dr. Mc and I are going to look at wedding gowns. I have a feeling that Sweetness will have a dress made, as her older sister did. Dr. Mc didn't even try on wedding dresses. She talked to a seamstress in Santa Fe and feel in love with her and her designs. Dr. Mc's gown was just her style and no one will ever have one like it. Sweetness has a style of dress in mind, but I want her to try on different styles before she makes a final decision. As is expected with Sweetness, she won't be wearing a traditional wedding gown.

Today I'm creating nothing. I've been online a great deal looking at everything wedding, but haven't created anything except pins to Pinterest and watch lists on Facebook.

Friday, February 27, 2015

Another cold day in Houston. It must be nice for the trail riders and horses not to have to enter the city in the 80+ degrees temperature that we were having last week.

This was not only a quiet day with the little man, but I think it is also going to be a very quiet weekend. We need those every once in awhile.

Today I'm creating clean clothes. I've washed clothes for Mr. Baby and Mr. B. I also did some coordination of a newsletter that I work on pro bono. It was such a small amount of work that I shouldn't even mention it.

Thursday, February 26, 2015

I think it's colder in the house than it is outside. This isn't a problem during the summer months, but the temperature outside today is in the 60s.

I've decided to do more work in my studio and get rid of some things. Besides the fabric that is in the studio, I have tons more in storage. No one needs that much fabric, so I'm going to put some of the more generic pieces on eBay or Etsy. I think I have only sold one thing through an online store, but am willing to try it again.

Today I'm creating potential names for a company. I don't mind the current name, but the company is going to rebrand itself and wants to consider other names. I think it's the same as naming someone else's child. Who does that?

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

In addition to my normal excitement about Wednesday nights (I have alone time with Rose until 6:30 or 7 p.m. when Mr. B gets home), Survivor starts tonight. And after Survivor, The Amazing Race starts. Life is beyond good!

Also starting soon is Dancing with the Stars. If a season of HGTV Design Stars or Project Runway were to start in the next couple of weeks … I'm not sure what I would do.

Today I'm creating revisions to a website. I've never met the client, I haven't interviewed the client, and I don't know the business that well. But the project manager decided it would be good to make revisions to the current website anyway. I sent so many disclaimers to this young account executive stating that this isn't the way to work on a website. I think I'm being ignored.
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Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Aulay napping with his little friend John Robert.
It was cold in Houston again today. I love it!

What I didn't love tonight was the power outage that lasted for about an hour. No storm. No winds. No big popping sound or a fire on a pole. And no explanation. The lights just went out. It was beginning to get cold in the house so I got under a quilt. I love it!

Today I'm creating an 800-900 word online article. I also put together an email blast and started early planning for two April events.

Monday, February 23, 2015

The Little Prince is currently taking every opportunity to screech at the top of his lungs. For the most part he isn't unhappy or upset. He just screeches. I don't want to laugh at him because then he'll just do it more and smile.

I've been reading a book about teaching babies sign language. Apparently before they can speak they can learn simple sign language to communicate what they want. A friend, Kim P., says it works with her grandson. It will be fun to teach TLP.

Today I'm creating layers of clothing to wear to my clients office. I moved from the downstairs desk where I sat for four years to an upstairs desk. Downstairs it was always cool but upstairs it is always hot. It's 40 degrees outside and I'm sweating inside. Not the best working conditions.

Saturday, February 21, 2015

It was a productive morning. Sweetness, Girafferty and I were on our continued search for wedding and party venues. They decided to have a small family wedding on Friday night and a big party with their friends on Saturday. I love this idea because it isn't a typical wedding. Instead it is SO them. Anyway, my fingers are crossed that we hit the jackpot today.

What I haven't had today is a Mr. Baby sighting. Yesterday Dr. Mc took Mr. Baby to spend last night with her dad. A day without TLP is like a day without sunshine. This perfectly describes today in Houston where it was mainly overcast.

Today I'm creating lunch with Sweetness and Girafferty and his mom. Fun and filling.

Friday, February 20, 2015

Tummy time.
Happy Friday to everyone. I hope you have a fun weekend planned!

The Little Prince is leaning beside me and cooing. He is a happy boy after his bath and is looking super cute in some little blue jeans with the hem rolled up. He looks adorable, but I'm not sure how I look with the hem of my jeans rolled. I've tried it a couple of times, but now I wonder if I should just have my jeans hemmed. My heart is younger than my actual age so I'm always concerned about dressing appropriately for my age.

Today I'm creating Facebook postings for a client and working on a website.

Thursday, February 19, 2015

TBT to the first time I was allowed to touch Mr. Baby.
Rose and I were ready to sleep in this morning, but our little guest had other ideas. I finally got him to be quiet by taking his cloths off. He is happiest when he is in only his diaper without other clothes restricting his movement.

The Little Prince, who was born six months ago today, is going through a growing spurt. Not to worry. His other grandmothers, Dr. Mc and I are receiving daily packages with new clothes. So fun!

Today I'm creating clean clothes. I told Dr. Mc I would wash Mr. Baby's clothes today while I was keeping him and she was at work. I consider the washing successful because there is only one little sock missing.

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Wednesday may be my favorite day of the week. Not only is it hump day, but on Wednesday nights I have some alone time. The McZam family, including Mr. Baby, go to dinner at Dr. Mc's dad and stepmom's house. When I get home from work around 5 p.m. only Rose and I are in the house until 6:30 or 7 p.m., when Mr. B gets here. It's a special time of quiet.

Speaking of Mr. Baby, after his bath this morning he had FaceTime with his papa who is in Seattle. Then Mr. Baby got dressed and looked especially cute. He had on a black and gray striped shirt with black jeans. Being as fair as he is, he looks really handsome in dark colors.

Today I'm creating an afternoon of work. First a bio, then a couple of postcards, then a creative meeting. I also like Thursday mornings because Mr. Baby and I have nowhere to go and don't have to get dressed until I feel like it.

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Mr. Baby was just hanging out at the house last night. As long as we immediately responded to his demands, he was good. It would be much easier to determine his wants if he would just learn to talk. Come to find out last night he just wanted to be held and rocked. Is that too much to ask?

It was cold in Houston today. How cold was it? There were snow flurries. What? Well, there was no snow in the middle of town where Mr. B and I live, although there were flurries to the north of town. Crazy.

Today I'm creating a pingback. I had no idea what it was when I was asked to create a pingback. Essentially, it's a cross-referencing system between blogs. For example, when I make a comment on my blog about a subject posted on another blog, pingback is used to enable that blog to link back to the comment on my blog. This is a prime example of teaching an old dog a new trick.

Monday, February 16, 2015

Mr. <Naked> Baby doesn't want to eat or nap or put on clothes this morning. All he wants to do is jibber jabber and kick his legs. Needless to say we're having lots of fun this morning.

The weather men are saying that we have an Arctic front today. I said it last week and I still mean it this week: I could use more cold weather before putting my long sleeve tops and sweaters away.

Today I'm creating another afternoon in a client's office. I'm not sure what I'll be requested to do, but there is a training session tomorrow that I need to coordinate this afternoon.

Sunday, February 15, 2015

Anybody want some chocolate candy that no one wanted yesterday? It's half price today.

Yesterday an old roof came off our Houston house before a new insulation/heat barrier and shingles were nailed down. Next everything was cleaned up and hauled away. All in one day. I guess the workers were motivated.

Today I'm creating more of a mess. We're going through decorative items that just sit around collecting dust. The de-cluttering journey continues. De-cluttering is like dieting. It's a lot easier to collect (treasures and weight) than it is to get rid of it (weight and treasures). I don't need as much of either (treasures and weight) as I have right.

Saturday, February 14, 2015

Six different passed hors d'oeuvres for 120+ people. What was I thinking? The party last night was a huge success. I got about half a dozen requests for my "card." People were amazed when I told them that I was just a foodie and not a caterer.

This morning at 7 a.m., the roofers arrived. By 7:30 a.m. they were ripping the old roof off the house.  Dr. Mc and TLP stayed in the den last night because Big Daddy is out of town. She described the sound of the roof coming off as being inside a washing machine. How would she know that sound? Now they are hammering the new roof, just in time for TLP's nap.

Today I'm creating Valentine's dinner for Mr. B. My legs and feet are so tired that I just can't imagine putting on fancy clothes and going out.

Thursday, February 12, 2015

Mr. Baby has been so happy today. Even when I've fed him he would stop drinking so he could smile at me. After he wakes up from his afternoon nap, I'm going to give him a bath. I wonder if he'll be smiling after that.

He was so cute that I put him on FaceTime with Big Daddy. The Suffers are on their three week tour. Last night they played in Denver. Their next stop is two days in Utah where they'll be playing at Snowbasin Resort. Back to FaceTime, the phone was passed around to all the band members so they could see Mr. Baby smiling and kicking.

Today I'm creating the final menu for the event tomorrow night. I also ordered the rentals today. After Dr. Mc gets home from work and takes over with Mr. Baby, I'm going to the paper supply store for a bazillion cocktail napkins and skewers before heading to the grocery store.

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

This is the first afternoon of the nanny at the house with Mr. Baby. I felt bad (sort of) that I'm still sorting clothes and they are all over the living room. On a happier note, when I finish sorting this weekend and the house is clean when she comes on Monday afternoon, won't the nanny be surprised.

I've been planning an event for Friday night that is going nowhere fast. Someone else has been taking care of invitations and the production team, while I take care of the food, beverage and flower tasks. The problem is that the man who is supposed to be selling tickets based on an invitation that was sent very late. Now the man won't confirm how many people will be attending. What a nightmare!

Today I'm creating bios and call outs for six different people. One woman said to me, "Can't I use what's online currently?" On her current page where her bio should be it says "coming soon." It has been that way for three years. Time for a change.

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

As usual, I've gone from zero to 100 in the blink of an eye. I agreed to work more with a client, but now it's getting out of control. I used to work eight hours per week and now I'm working eight hour a day. I'm not prepared. Yesterday and again today I came home and had a nap. 
I'm also missing Mr. Baby. I didn't see him Saturday or Sunday. I saw him for about 30 minutes yesterday. Fortunately, he'll be all mine tomorrow morning before I go to work in the afternoon.

Today I'm creating company names, tag lines and slogans. I also coordinated a meeting that was from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Setting up and providing breakfast. Gathering lunch and setting it out. Cleaning up after the meeting. I've gained so much weight that I was constantly out of breath from running up and down stairs. Perhaps working more hours will help me get some weight off.

Monday, February 9, 2015

Rose and I are alone in the house tonight. This has become a treat when it's just me and my girl, and a couple of magazines. But I think our solitude may be short lived. I hear Mr. B's key in the door.

It was so hot in Houston today. I think the temperature reached 80+ degrees. And it's early February. I hope it's not time to put away my scarves. I don't really have winter clothes in Houston. I just add a scarf around my neck to stay warm.

Today I'm creating newsletter articles. One of our neighbors gave us some homemade granola. I've been eating it out of the baggie. Yummy!

Sunday, February 8, 2015

I have one last pile of clothes on the ottoman in the living room that I need to go through. Included in the pile is the dress Sweetness wore to her high school prom and her graduation gown. Dr. Mc's letter jacket from high school is also in the pile, as are four furs that belonged to my mother. I have neither a use for any of them nor the storage space to keep them.

This journey I've been on to purge what "things" are unnecessary in my life will move from personal items to household items. Many treasures I once felt were important to own now seem meaningless. What I now treasure most are family, a few items that belonged to my grandparents and parents, and several gifts from Mr. B. Am I finally growing up? I hope not because as a dear friend wrote: "There are no grown ups in heaven."

Today I'm creating not a thing. Other than going through the pile of clothes, I'm planning to spend a quiet day at home reading and napping. The grill master worked his magic with dinner for last night and tonight, so I don't have to worry about cooking. Life is great!

Saturday, February 7, 2015

Enjoying last night with friend and artist Sandi Seltzer Bryant.
Let me just confess before going any further: I drank too much last night! Not only did I drink too much, but then I had to get up early this morning to finish cleaning house. Such punishment for my misbehavior.

Last night I was celebrating the release of the coffee table book I edited. Mr. B and I went to the release party and I drank multiple glasses of Prosecco without eating anything all day. By the time we reached the dinner we attended after the release party, I was hungry and feeling no pain. Apparently I still behaved myself.

Today I'm creating a baby blanket and burp cloth to take to a shower. I promise not to make the same mistake of drinking before eating. You'd think that would be a lesson I learned years ago.

Friday, February 6, 2015

It has been 26 years since I had a baby in the house so I've forgotten what to do when they won't sleep. This is a problem because Mr. Baby has decided that he only needs 15-20 minute naps instead of a hour long nap in the morning and a longer nap in the afternoon. When he isn't sleeping I'm trying to entertain him and not doing anything else.

Maybe I should add one more piece of baby gear to the house: a swing. When Sweetness was a baby I could put her in a swing and she would be happy for hours. In fact, that's how we got her to sleep at night.

Today I'm creating revisions to a magazine article before sending it off to the publisher. I also need to continue cleaning the house. Tonight Mr. B and I are going to two events. The first one is for the book I edited during 2014. I can now mark "work on a coffee table book" off my bucket list. That feels nice!

Thursday, February 5, 2015

The only problem I've found in staying home with Mr. Baby is that I'm snacking. A lot. While there's nothing wrong with eating several small meals a day, there's a real problem with snacking on junk.

The backend of my car is filled with clothes. I still have one closet to look through, as well as an enormous amount of shoes, before I take it all to Goodwill. After falling (again) recently I've decided that high heels and I are no longer a match. I do best in flats with rubber bottoms. Oh my goodness, I've made the final transition to my mother!

Today I'm creating web content, or at least I'm trying to concentrate and write, but Mr. Baby isn't cooperating. The only time he has slept today is for about 20 minutes while his head was on my shoulder.