The Help.... I'm 19 Weeks, And My Husband Bought a Deli, Stuff You Won't Find On Pinterest

Warning you now this is going to be a long post. So buckle up.

Here's A Break Down:

1.  The Help
2. 19 Weeks
3. Deli
4. Pinterest

Part 1:

The Help. Have you seen it? All I can say is wow! Red, Previous Co-Worker, and I went to see it at the theater a few weeks ago.

For the girl who has to go the bathroom five times in an hour this was a glued to your seat cross your legs type of movie. I went in being a little clueless not really sure what the movie was about but that I kept hearing it was good.

Well it wasn't just good it was GREAT. Seriously. Go see it. You won't be disappointed. And if you have the book, I need to borrow it. It has been added to the "must read" list. 

Part 2:

You know how you always hear those people with kids who count things oddly?

"How old is he," looking at baby.

"Oh he's 18 months."

******

Speaking with pregnant woman.... "How far along are you?"

"32 weeks"

I was the one who always wants to go, "come on people!" Your kid is a year and half old. And your 8 months pregnant!

Perhaps that is why I'm having a hard time wrapping my brain around pregnancy in terms of weeks. Or perhaps it's my desire to be different. I understand that the little baby within is developing week by week and it's an exciting adventure that still shocks me at times...... 

Laying in bed with Marine watching TV:

Me, "We're going to be parents."

Yes, it still astounds me every day that we are in fact going to be parents. I still can't believe we are old enough to have kids. 

Anyway.... even though I am now 19 weeks along when someone asks I choose to rebel and answer "Almost 5 months". 

I wish I had more time to write about all the wonderful things like hormones (crazy woman typing here), body changes (I have boobs!), and randomness (wait I've always been random).

We find out Boy or Girl on October 20th. That is if we decide to find out at all. We are tossing the idea around. Part of me is so curious I want to know now! I mean pink or blue?!

Flowers, and polka dots....

Oh blue puppy dogs and cowboys.... 

Yes part of me really wants to know. 

But the other part wants to hear the doctor say, "IT'S A......." and be completely surprised. 

I never thought I would think like that. But now that the time is here Marine and I have seriously talked about being surprised. Will we be able to control ourselves and not find out? Probably not... but it's a thought.

We did do the old wives tale of the wedding ring on a string. Ever heard of it? You tie your wedding band to a piece of thread and have someone hold the end of the string with the ring completely still. If the ring swings back and forth it's a boy. If it swings in a circle it's a girl.  

Marine was already convinced we were having a boy. We tried the ring tale and it predicted a boy. 

We both would be happy with either but Marine swears that at the last ultrasound he saw "something" and he just knows it's a boy. Never-mind the doctor said it was to early to tell, Marine was convinced. 

The ring just backed up his already "I know" attitude. 

I lay on the floor watching the string. Marine's arm and hand were completely still when the ring started to slowly sway back and forth. I was for sure he had a part in so I made him do it two more times. Each time his grin got bigger and his "I told you so's" becoming more insistent. 

"Ok lets see how accurate it is." I said taking the ring. " Give me your wrist." 

I was told if you do the trick over someone's wrist who isn't pregnant it will predict what there future kid will be. 

"What are you doing?" Marine asks.

"Seeing if you will have a boy or girl!" I laugh.

"What?! I'm not pregnant!" He laughs.
"We are testing accuracy." I tell him steading the ring and sitting still. 

The ring doesn't move. For a minute it just hangs suspended frozen in the air until I give up. 

"See I told you it's a boy!!" Marine says triumphantly.

 Part 3:

Also in the past few weeks Marine has opened a deli. SURPRISE!!!

It happened kind of suddenly.... one day Marine, his step-dad, and step brother were talking about opening a deli and the next thing I know it was opening day!

Seriously it all sorta happened in less than a month.

Marine's Step-Dad's family owned a restaurant for years before selling out. So I know Step-Dad knows what goes into making a restaurant successful. But Marine? Marine is a hard worker and no one will ever say he's not. But he is also a go getter when he sees an opportunity to make money. 

I'm a worrier. 

I see us putting some of our savings in a deli, all the while thinking of the other things the money could go for. 

Marine see's the possible profit. I see the possible loss.

I see all the time spent there. Marine see's the future and the possible monetary gains. 

In the end I agree with him and realize that if something happens and it doesn't work out we will get the money we invested in it back from the sale of the equipment. It it goes great then hey that may be a little extra money each month!

I had told Marine that the Deli would be his thing and I would help out every once in awhile but that I was not the "restaurant type person". 

Real supportive wife, I know. I blame it partially on the hormones and partly because I like being able to decide spur of the moment what I want to do. Owning a restaurant is a 24/7 job. There is always something to be done. I'll admit I wasn't sure that Marine totally grasped that. 

Let me just state for the record.... any wife who thinks when her husband opens a business she can stay out it.... is well..... just as naive as me!! 

Somehow I became the marketer, web designer, and accountant for this new venture. I'm not complaining because I have actually enjoyed it. Not to mention I've worked with him there the past two weekends.

So far so good. And I have to admit I love the fresh baked bread, muffins and cookies!! All baked fresh daily! Chocolate Chocolate muffins are just plain sinful. 

We shall see what the future holds. So far this is week 2 of the Deli being open. May the future hold only good things!!!

Part 4:

Pinterest. Have you seen this site? I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS SITE! Much of my day at work is spent on the phone and on hold. This is a great site to browse while you wait. I have boards for Baby Ideas, Craft Ideas, Home Decor, Holidays, etc. 

A few examples: 

Photo Onto Canvas

Baby Decor Idea

Turn an old bath towel into a bath mat

Words For Thought

Recipes To Try

Holiday Ideas

The ideas are endless! 

Also I have gotten a few ideas for maternity pictures. I'm not one for showing bare skin. So I don't see myself as the naked, bare belly type in pictures. I mean I know there will be a bare belly picture, but I want some others that are more a little more my style. Here are a few ideas I found I really like: 

Check it out! Now I just have to find time to work on all the pinterest ideas I have pinned!

It's A Nice Day For A Grand Wedding

This past weekend I attended one of my dear girlfriends weddings (this particular friend has been mentioned previously but I have never given her a name). To say the wedding was gorgeous is an understatement.....

Location

Aisle

The Beautiful Bride and Bridesmaids

Reception

The Grooms Cake Was Made To
Look Like Sushi

Brides Cake

Me ~ Used Vixen's Camera at the Wedding so had
to take this once I got home

My Super Cute Necklace

I thought I looked pretty nice consider how hard of time I had trying to find a dress! 

And as I said the wedding was beautiful; but then again for $25,000 it should have been [ and yes you did read that right ]. 

**Sigh** how nice it would be to plan a wedding with no budget. 

But who am I kidding if I had $25,000 I wouldn't spend it on a wedding...... I'd spend it on this:

(The Horse not the guy) Asking Price $25,000

3 Horse Trailer with living quarters -- Asking price $26,289

2010 Grand Jeep Cherokee

Or Marine & I would take a trip here
(Ireland)

Don't ever say I don't have priorities. :)

Nora Tyler Bing: As I recall, I saw the groom in the wedding dress. 

Charles Bing: But that was after the wedding. It's not bad luck then. 

Nora Tyler Bing: Honey, it's not good luck. 

~ Friends, Monica & Chandler's Wedding ~

Plan: Reading My Way Thru March

With so much going on I have yet to get to post why we are approaching what is one of my favorite months of the year: March.

"Why March?" -- You ask.

I mean it's still cold outside, not quite winter but not yet spring. What can be so exciting about March?

Well let me explain - March is always the month that some my favorite authors release new books.


It is kinda of a cruel joke perhaps, that they should all release books within a matter of a few days of each other. I mean do you realize just how hard it is to pick which one to read first??

My March Reading List, in no particular order:

• Nancy Martin ~ Our Lady Of Immaculate Deception - Release date March 2nd
  

I ♥ Nancy Martin!! Her Blackbird Sisters Series is: witty, entertaining, suspenseful, and just an overall pleasure to read. Martin's snappy titles are what first caught my eye several years ago. I was a college student spending some spare time in between classes wondering thru the aisles of Barnes and Noble. I was in search of a new friend, one who I hoped would bring some excitement and mystery to my life. I wandered thru the Mystery Section scanning the covers, and I know they say never to judge a book by it's cover - but that is what I was doing. "How to Murder A Millionaire", the title caught my eye. The demur figure that was seated beside the title, her eyes hid by the over sized hat that set upon her head, seemed to call to me. I picked it up and scanned the back. I had found the friend I had been in search of.

I have been a fan ever since. Reading all of Nancy's books (numerous times), and this newest edition promises to be just as good as the one's before it. It offers a new twist and a new character - one who I am anxious to meet.

• Victoria Laurie ~ Ghouls Gone Wild - Release Date March 2nd
  

I don't quite recall how I stumbled upon Victoria Laurie, but it has been love ever since first read. She has two series, Ghost Hunter Mysteries & Physic Eye Mysteries, that I am just a pinch shy of addicted to. Both feature gutsy and entertaining main characters that always seem to get them self into some kind of trouble. The new release in March is for the latest from the Ghost Hunter series, which features MJ Holliday, ghost busting extraordinaire. She kicks ass and doesn't bother taking names. I can't wait for what is sure to be an adventure!

• Kate White ~ Hush: A Novel - Release Date (you guessed it) March 2nd

I was introduced to Kate White when I received one of her books as a Christmas gift. X's aunt and I had always been close (and still continue to be) so leave to her to give me what was sure to become on of my favorite gifts that Christmas. "Over Her Dead Body", with a title like that how could you not love it? Based on some of my wish list books she had found this book by an author I was not familiar with. After reading it I was hooked and quickly purchased other books in the series.

Kate White is the editor-in-chief for Cosmo - so of course she has flair! Now this book is not in her Bailey Weggins series but I'm sure this stand alone thriller will not disappoint!

~~~~~

So there is my list. I know I'm forgetting something, but for the life of me can't recall what or who it is. All my other authors seem to be releasing new books in June. But until then I have a feeling March will be just cool and crisp enough that I will look forward to spending nights at home curled up with a Dr. Pepper, Chocolate Covered Pretzels, and a good read.

Anybody else have any good recommendations?

Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book.

~ Author Unknown ~

Walking in Heels

After an emotional weekend the girls (Vivi, Vixen, Blondie, Giggles) and myself decided we were in desperate need of a laugh and some mind-numbing entertainment. Bride Wars was the perfect escape! Definitely a must see with your girlfriends!

After the movie we decided to do a little shopping..... well they did shopping. I window shopped ~ something at which I have become a pro at. It sucks being broke and having to be a responsible adult! A transition that I am still trying to figure out.

Anyway back to shopping.

I'm having remorse..... usually you buy something and then have buyers remorse questioning if you should have bought the item or not. I on the other hand have remorse for not buying an item. Lately shoes have become my weakness (in the past it has always been purses). And not just any shoes, high heels.... which is so not me.

I want to be a high heel girl really I do, but lets face it I have always been a jean-tshirt-tennis-shoes kinda girl. Perhaps never feeling the need to empress; Or maybe the fact that I'm just a plain klutz has always led me to avoid heels. I mean I am the same girl that merely months ago did a swan dive when tripping over my own heels. In my current single status though I find myself being drawn to heels like a moth to a flame. Something about them just screams sexy!! {And I have become better at walking in them. :) }

So now I find myself trying to convert to a jeans and heels type of girl. I'm sorry I tend to drift back to shopping. My attention is quickly drawn to a black pair of Steve Madden's. I look and take it as a sign that they are in my size and there is only one pair. I quickly shed my tennis shoes and slide into the black heels. Perfect fit! I admire the view from this new height, I'm rather short so these give me quite a boast. I mean what is it about a great pair of heels that just make you feel more attractive? More confident? More "I can take on the world"? It's like magic.

I really want to take them home, but I think of all the bills I have so reluctantly I slip out of them and place them back on the shelf. This draws me to the conclusion that being an adult sucks! lol I mean wouldn't it be great if there was no such things as bills??!!

When I arrived home I saw the scratch off lottery tickets I received at Christmas sitting on my dresser. I haven't scratched them off yet. I was waiting for a day that I felt lucky. What the hell, I think as I grab a coin and start scratching. Out of 4 tickets I won 30 bucks and 2 free tickets!! Yahoo...... maybe I will go back and buy the heels..... did I mention they were on sale? Aahhh but alas I know it would be smarter to put the money towards other things; gas, food, rotating of tires on the 4runner. Yeah I miss being a carefree kid at times...... Maybe one of my 2 free tickets will strike it big, if so I will go on a shoe shopping spree ~ well after I pay off all my debt!

“If you haven't got it. Fake it! Too short? Wear big high heels, but do practice walking!"

~ Victoria Beckham ~

[ Insert Title Here ]

Well today I would like to think I have been rather productive. I went to work (no I normally don't work on Sunday's but I needed the extra hours), did a little window shopping online in preparation for Christmas, updated my Who's Who website for the blog (check it out!), posted on my other Blog I do with Vivi (which I incorporated that post in with this post), and have went thru a gazillion pictures for a project I am working on with the hopes of cheering Vixen up. Vixen has had a rather rough week and I want to do something that will make her smile. In going thru dozens upon dozens of old pictures, I realized maybe (I did say maybe) my friends are right. Maybe I am a little to camera happy. Meaning that I take pictures of just about everything. Which can make for a fun trip down memory lane. And in the middle of doing all this I caught up on Samantha Who thanks to ABC online.

I love the holiday season; the sparkling lights, decorated trees, and just the overall feeling in the air. I remember as a kid I used to always have a list of things I wanted for Christmas. As I get older I find that I want less and less and instead enjoy giving gifts more than receiving them. Sigh guess that's a sign of growing up. I love picking out gifts for my friends especially. It's always exciting to watch my friends open them all the while knowing I got them something they are going to love.

Winter has set in. The shirts and sandals have been packed away, my closet now overflowing with sweaters and warm winter jackets. Despite my low cash flow I am in dire need of three things, ok maybe need is a strong word. They are really more wants I guess than needs.


1. It is time for a new purse. Purse's are my thing I guess ~ some women buy shoes, I buy purses. I am going thru with drawls not being able to even recall when I bought my last purse. So it's safe to say it has probably been at least six months ago.


2. Brown heals. Why do I not already have a pair? Maybe because I don't wear heals that much (though I seem to have a gazillion black pairs). But I have several cute outfits that could really use a cute pair of brown heals to spice it up!


3. A black/gray jacket. I have several brown jackets, in different color variations and styles but not a jacket to go with anything black.


I'm starting to see a trend.... do I have any complete outfits?


And I know I said three things and those are my three things. For good measure though I would like to toss in a quick forth which would definitely be a want and not a need. My other week spot is camera's. I love to click away! I always carry a small digital camera in my purse, you know just in case. Well my poor Olympus has lived a long, hard life. I'm afraid after an unfortunate evening of being left outside (in it's case) on the porch railing, where it was knocked off where it sat till the next morning where I found it nestled in the wet dew grass. Yeah it's just really not been the same since. Due to this tragic evening I'm sure the camera gods do not see me as deserving of this Nikon Coolpix S60 but if I had the money it would definitely be on my shopping list! Thanks to Ashton's captivating commercials the Nikon Coolpix S60 has made itself number four on my want list! With it's smooth touchscreen and different color choices it just screams that it really wants to come home with me. But alas my empty wallet knows there are other things my hard earned money needs to go toward. In the meantime however I will drool over it and try to put back some money when I can with hopes of one day purchasing one.

"I like my money right where I can see it--hanging in my closet."

~ Carrie, SATC ~