Birthdays, Real Estate & More...

My precious baby Tierney turned ONE last Thursday, October 8. I can totally remember when she was born, and although the calendar says it was one year ago, I remember it like it was yesterday. But, I guess that's a common memory for moms, huh?! In fact, the night before her birthday, we were running errands and we drove by the hospital she was born at and I remembered checking into the hospital at about the same time we drove by to start the induction process. A wave of emotions flooded me as we past the hospital and I felt those same nervous, anxious and excited emotions all over again. I even remember the pain I was in. I had an epidural, but it really didn't take that well, so I felt most everything. That and the doctor's had to increase the strength of my contractions and up my dosage of pitocin. Suffice it to say, I was in more pain than I had ever been in and could ever imagine. And, how I could barely keep my eyes open during those last few hours of hard labor because every contraction I squinted my eyes so hard, giving myself a headache and making it hard to see out of blurry contacts. But, the minute (3:54 p.m.) she was born, all the pain, the blurry eyes and headache completely disappeared. When the doctor laid my second born daughter on my chest, my world got flipped upside down and I immediately fell in love with this precious child God gave me. My little girl, named Tierney. Over the past year, my heart has only expanded that much more with love for this precious girl. She's very loving, very sweet, has a bubbly personality and a fiery way about her and she's as stubborn as it gets. But, I wouldn't change anything about her or one second of my life with her for anything. This time around, I got to witness first-hand every little milestone, every smile, every cry, every cuddle, every look, everything, because I have the wonderful opportunity of staying home with my girls and I LOVE it so much! This year she's walking all around the house and trying really hard to put those words together she's been learning, and I know that this year will fly by and by next year, I'll be wondering where the year went. I wish time could just stand still. But, it can't. So, here's to another amazing year for my Tierney. Happy Birthday sweet baby girl! Mommy loves you more than you can ever imagine!

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My husband turns the big 3-0 this Thursday, October 15. That's right, this is his birthday week. He has only 3 more days of being a 20-something. He's not too big on birthdays, especially his own, and it's not because he is nervous, anxious, etc. about getting older. But, this year, he's getting more in the birthday spirit I think. We're going to spend his birthday night at a hotel thanks to an interview he did on a brand new hotel in the town where he works and the manager offered a free night's stay at the hotel in one of their suites! You don't have to twist our arm that hard. We're there. The girls are excited about staying in a hotel and going swimming in the pool. And, really Kevin loves, loves, loves staying in hotels, so this is a great birthday gift for him! And, even better, he has the next day off too. Wahoo! It's like a birthday present for me too because what's better than spending time with your best friend. I can honestly say that he is quite possibly the one person that very rarely I get frustrated with. As much as I love my girls, there are days when being a parent is very hard and trying, but being a wife, better yet, being Kevin's wife, I never feel that way. He's such an amazing man and I thank the good Lord everyday for bringing us together. I have known Kevin for nearly 20 years, and my life is truly better because he's in it and because I know him, love him and he loves me. I simply can't imagine my life without him, and I'm so excited to be celebrating his 30 years of life with him. Happy Birthday to my dear sweet husband! You're my everything and I will love you always!

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I have begun a new adventure and I'm really excited. Getting more and more excited by the day really! It's official, I'm a real estate broker! Real estate has always been something that I've kept in the back of mind as something that I would love to pursue if the opportunity arose. Well, this July, that opportunity arose. A real estate class was being offered by a Realtor that I knew from my newspaper advertising days and Kevin knew from interviewing him on occasion for different stories for his newspaper. So, at the beginning of July I went back to school for real estate. Six weeks later, the class was complete, I got my certificate saying I passed the class and had to sign up to take the PSI (real estate) exam. The exam has two portions, the national and the state. I registered for the exam, arranged a babysitter and studied my heart out and went and took the test. About three hours later, I clicked submit on the computer submitting my test to be instantly graded. I looked at the computer screen in the testing room and saw the words "failed" twice. Ahh. My heart sank. I cried a bit walking out to my car and called everyone that I had told about my test and received all words of encouragement, but still I felt terrible. I took the weekend "off" from studying and went at it again. I scheduled a retest and after a lot more extensive studying, I took the test on a Saturday while Kevin watched the girls. Again, I clicked submit, and again that terrible word "failed" appeared again, twice. Ahh..not again. How big of a failure am I to fail both portions of the test not once but twice. Come on! This time, my first call was to my instructor to see what words of wisdom, if any, he had for me. We arranged to meet and go over the material on the state portion again which was very helpful. Again, I studied like crazy for both portions of the test. Again, I registered for the retest. This time I drove about an hour as compared to 30 minutes to get to the testing center. And, again I clicked submit on the test and again I saw the word "failed" but this time only once. Hallejuah! I had passed the state test and missed passing the national test by one, ONE, stinkin' point. Oh well! At least the state portion was behind me. I celebrated my success by redoing my girls' bathroom which now has bright pink walls! I was determined not to let the national test get the best of me, and so I registered yet again for another retest. This time, I looked over the materials very briefly. I have sort of a photographic memory and so lots of the questions came back to me and I looked up the answers I wasn't sure of and that's about it for my studying. So, on the day of the test, I dropped my girls off at my mother-in-law's house for her to watch them and traveled the opposite direction of my previous tests and took the national test. After clicking submit on the test, I prayed to God to please let this be the final time, just let me pass. When the results appeared on the screen, I saw the word I so wanted to see "PASS!" Hallejuah! The proctor congratulated me and I flung my arms out and gave her a hug because I was beyond thrilled and needed to hug someone. Finally, I had done it! I called Kevin and his response was "Yes!" So, finally, finally, I am a real estate broker working with Coldwell Banker. I'm working on getting my first client and I am so excited to begin this new adventure. And, still the best perk of all is getting to still stay home with my precious girlies!

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That about wraps this LONG post up. But, there is one person that I haven't mention and who my life wouldn't be complete without and that is Miss Brooklyn Marie. Brooklyn is such a spark, always trying to learn more and more, has the world's best memory, is a great dancer, a wonderful singer, funnier than ever, a wonderful, truly wonderful big sister and just an all around amazing little girl who I'm sad to say will be turning FOUR (ahh .. makes my heart ache) in December. When did this little girl grow up? When we drive by the hospital where she was born, she waves to it and blows it kisses. So sweet! She can't WAIT to start school next year, preschool that is. I've been doing some things with her at home and she's learned her how to recognize all her numbers and letters and has even learned to write a little bit and really wants to learn how to read. She's fascinated at how everything works. I want to just sit on her so she can't grow up anymore! Is that possible? She just amazes me everyday. I am so very thankful that I'm her mommy. I love her to the moon and back and then some.

I keep smiling...

About four months ago, my boss pulled me in her office to finalize my maternity leave plans. Since I work part time and in a department of two people, including myself, we discussed the need to hire someone to "replace" me while on leave. This person would work the same days that I did, sit at my desk, assume my responsibilities and because the nature of my business is advertising sales, take care of my accounts and my clients. We set out to find someone, and it really didn't take too long before a lady was hired. She started a good month before I left, giving her plenty of time to learn the ropes and for me to notify my clients who would be able to assist them while I was out on leave. Perfect scenario.

A little after she was hired, my boss pulled me in her office again to talk about a big annual project that our company does and that I did quite a lot for last year. She wanted to strategize and figure out if this is something that I could do while on maternity leave, but at home. It seemed very feasible. We mapped it all out and even after Tierney was born, kept in constant contact via email and phone about the progress.

During one of our phone conversations, my boss told me that she wanted to discuss something else with me. She had been talking with our owner and they wanted to offer me a chance to stay at home with my girls, therefore, they offered me a job as an independent contractor for the company. She told me to think about it and then when I was coming into the office for a meeting with her about the big annual project, we'd discuss it more. After I got off the phone, I felt so good. Naturally, I called Kevin and he thought it sounded great, but we needed more info. So, in the girls and I went to my office to show off Tierney and have the meeting with my boss. She explained their thoughts, expectations and what the job would be, and I accepted.

As I was driving home, I was quite giddy because 1) it's my true heart's desire to be home with my girls, raising them, being there for everything with them; 2) this was an answer to prayers; 3) my desire to be home was never anything I had mentioned, discussed or talked about at work to my boss or even to co-workers and 4) I was basically given a promotion as I won't be working in the same department or doing the same kind of selling. As I made calls telling family and friends about this incredible gift I was given by my boss, I kept smiling. And, I keep smiling, even weeks later.

A Perfect Description

If you ever wonder exactly what I do for my job, the video on this blog post sums it up perfectly.

I'm Guilty!

I got accused of being "ornery" today by one of my co-workers. Hmm.

I work for a newspaper selling advertising space. We started a new special page for this week's edition and there were a couple errors on it and I pointed them out. The person I pointed them out to is super touchy about things they do, so instead of fixing it, fingers were pointed back at me. But, hey I guess if caring what something looks like and wanting it to look good is labeled as ornery, I am definitely guilty as charged. And, proud of it!!!

UGH!

A couple weeks ago I was talking to one of my co-workers and she mentioned the age difference between her three children, and how it worked for her. I looked at her and said I thought you had two, does the other one live out of the state? She looked at me and said, no she died of leukemia when she was nine. Oh! I immediately apologized. I had absolutely no idea. She went into the whole story of when they found out, the six years of treatment, what it was like watching her daughter die and how long it took for her family to be “okay” again. I just stood there, feeling so terrible that I had made her talk about this. When she was done with her story, I gave her a hug and apologized again. She said it wasn’t my fault, how could I have known, after all she doesn’t ever talk about it. She said she knows she will never, ever have to do anything that hard again, so she’s okay with talking about it sometimes. But, oh, why oh why, did I have to inquire about her third child?!

Today, the same co-worker asked me what I am doing for lunch. I told her going to the refrigerator, indicating that I had brought my lunch. I told her that my husband has given up fast food for Lent and I am being supportive by not having any either. She laughs and says, I’ve given up men for Lent! I laugh along with her, and say, what about your husband? She looks at me and says don’t you know. Oh, my gosh .. what have I stumbled on now? Ugh. She tells me that her husband left her last year on Good Friday. She couldn’t believe that I hadn’t known that because she was absolutely certain that everyone at work had talked about it a time or two when she wasn’t there. I told her that I don’t listen or partake in office gossip, and that when someone’s name who isn’t present gets brought up in conversation, I leave because I want no part of it. She told me that her and her husband had gone on a very nice vacation the week before and had a great time and really connected, but then on Good Friday, he up and left her with really no explanation. She said she was in shock for six months, and that around Christmas it really started to sink in, especially with the finalization of their divorce. I once again apologized for inadvertently sticking my nose in her personal business. I had no idea she was divorced from her husband, I thought he was just being a jerk or something. But, again, why did I have to inquire?!

I have vowed that the next time she says something that I don’t understand, I will just nod along and not ask questions, or have a comment. I really hate it when I do this. I feel just so very terrible. I wish I could take it back, but I can’t. I am not one to pry into other people’s personal lives, especially not at work. I’ve always considered myself friendly and a people person. I love to hear other people’s stories, to interact with them and even from time to time learn something from what they tell me. But, my intention is to never make them share difficult personal stories, or stories that they wouldn’t necessarily share with me until I stick my foot in my mouth by asking a question. Neither time was my co-worker upset with me, but I was upset with myself. I hope I have learned my lesson and the next time a situation like this comes up, I will remember this story, and not stick my foot in my mouth. But, we’re all human, right?!

An office memo

Dear Co-Workers:

Did you know that more people actually come to work sick than call in sick?

My request: If you are sick, and feel that you might infect the whole office with your contagious germs, than stay home. That is why sick leave was created. Don't come into work with a 104+ degree fever, terrible cough (didn't your mom teach you to cover your mouth when you cough?), severe sore throat to the point where you can't swallow, eyes burning to the point they are red bumpy looking and swollen, severe chills, sneezing to the point that you can't control where the sneeze lands, doubling over from your stomach pain and have the inability to wash your hands after you use the restroom or snot everywhere. We don't want you here. You aren't even being productive because of your ailments. Stay home, relax, put your feet up and watch "I Love Lucy" reruns all day, or sleep all day, or... I don't care really what you choose to do, just DON'T come in to work. It's rude! You're spreading your germs around the office, and possibly infecting others. We don't want your germs. Coming in to work sick isn't something you should be proud of, so don't boast about it in the hallways. If you feel the need to come into work when you are deathly ill, please bring a 19oz bottle of Lysol Disinfectant Spray with you. When you touch anything that isn't your desk or in your area, spray the Lysol, even on papers. Don't forget the toliet seat, toliet handle, doorknob, sink, fax machine, copier, printer...basically any common areas. We don't want your germs, sicko!

Grabbed My Attention

I'm sitting at my desk flipping through the pages of a Colorado Parent Magazine from 2004 and I stumble across an ad. It reads: "I lost 225 lbs. of Ugly Fat in Just 90 days!!!! Call and ask me how!" in huge, bold letters. I think to myself, wow, how much does this person weigh now? I turn a few more pages, and then go back because I am curious to see if it says.

I look at the ad a bit closer and realize it's not for a weight loss program or diet pills, it's an ad for a divorce attorney. Huh?! What a message! And, how sad. In the finer print of the ad, you read results may vary based on the weight of your spouse and court scheduling, but results are guaranteed. Again, what?!

Obviously by now this ad has been very effective in attracting readers, as it got my attention. But, I feel guilty and sad that I gave this ad this much amount of time, especially considering the content. However, it does make for a good ad because it does grab attention pulling the reader in wanting more. Then, I got to wondering and questioning the amount of time that I spend with each of my clients putting together slogans or catch phrases for their ads. Are the messages I am helping to put out there as effective? While the content of the ad is something I don't agree with, I must say it's a catchy way to display it. Advertising is really about relaying a message to an audience in a creative and effective way to get attention to that specific client in their specific line of work.

No matter how effective this ad is, I still feel uneasy, even a little bothered by it. I can probably chalk that up to the content though, and the fact that my expectations of the content was no where close. Makes you think about the messages you see every day though, doesn't it?

Side note: I was looking at the magazine to get leads for a Summer Camp Guide I am in charge of at work.

Goodbye Beautiful...Welcome Fatty

We've had a good run. We've shared almost 9 months together. Those past 9 months have been beautiful. We've had our own space, and we've made a lot of great deals together. I've been spoiled a little too much. But, the time has come, and with tear-filled eyes, I bid farewell to you beautiful, slim, sleek, widescreen and bright computer...you will be missed.

And, I welcome with wide, very, very wide arms, my new computer , and I have already named her Fatty. Having been here only an hour, she's taken up more room than one computer monitor should, and she's working on tipping over my desk! And, the best part, she's dying! Yes, that's right, she's dying. Her bright picture has turned to a very dark, dim blue color. A co-worker (with power) stopped by my office to take a look at my new friend, and said oh, we'll get you a new flat screen monitor sometime soon, they're cheap! So, Fatty, it may be a short run (please!?!), but welcome to my desk. Just try to give me some space, okay?
P.S. Why did I get a new computer? So I can have the correct program that I have been missing for over a year now. So, yea! That's exciting!! =)

Playing Santa

Now I know how Santa feels, minus the whole sleigh and eight reindeer thing. I just finished playing Santa to a few of my favorite clients. Our company sends around a Christmas list in November. Everyone gets a chance to put down clients, contacts, or organizations to give Christmas gifts to and what we would like to give them. The first two weeks of December we hand deliver all the gifts. This year I had five people/companies that I love working with and wanted to give them a gift to thank them for their business, and to let them know I love working with them. Now, for those that don't know, I work at a newspaper in the advertising department, so when I say thanks for the business, I mean thanks for using our newspaper for advertising.

So, yesterday I started out meeting a gentleman who does carpet installation and sales. He works out of Parker, which would have been a long drive, but instead we met in Denver where he was working that day. We had never met face-to-face, but have talked over the phone dozens and dozens of times. The minute I introduced myself, he said, "Oh, honey, let's hug!" and gave me a big hug. I gave him his gift (a gift bag full of Mountain Man goodies) and told him that we really appreciate his business and that he's a real pleasure to work with. He thanked me, offered the same to me, and told me I am SO young! Not sure how to respond to that (I didn't want to say, and you're SO old!) I said thank you. We chatted for about 10 minutes and then we said our goodbyes and I was off to my next stop.

I pulled up across the street from the Brown Palace Hotel in Downtown Denver, paid my parking fees, and made my way into the lobby of the hotel. The first thing I noticed was the Christmas Tree, so beautiful! As I made my way down the employee staircase, lowering my head so I didn't hit in on the low ceilings, winding past the kitchen, I came to the Human Resources office. I entered the office with the gift, a lovely red poinsettia, and was greeted by all the people that I had talked to on the phone. They thanked me profusely for the gift and gave me a behind-the-scenes tour of the Brown Palace. Much like any other hotel, but since the building is old and has history, it was fun!

My next stop was an advertising agency. These two ladies that own the agency used to work at a daily newspaper and opened the agency after they left the daily. It's only the two of them in the office, and the minute I walk in, they are all smiles and waves. I have met them before, so I know who they are and apparently they remembered me. We chatted about holiday plans, business and what the impending snow storm would do for the ski slopes. I got two hugs from these neat ladies, and was off again.

This morning, I drove to Brighton to meet the Human Resource Manager at United Power. As I walked into the building, I immediately wanted to work there. What a very cool green office! The lights turn off when you walk out of the room and turn back on when you go back into the office. When I met for the first time the HR Manager, she shook my hand and looked into my eyes and said "I have a personal question to ask you...are you Kevin's wife?" When I said yes, she immediately turned on this beaming smile. She said she loves his writing and finds herself laughing at all of his columns. She knew all about Brooklyn too. We talked for quite a while about Brooklyn, Christmas Day plans and life in general. What a wonderful woman! So down-to-earth and a true genuine person. We hugged before I left.

My final stop was to ITT Technical Institute to meet with the executive secretary. When I got there, she wasn't in yet, but I got to leave her gift outside her office door. I was a bit bummed I didn't get the chance to meet her.

The experiences I have had meeting people for the first time, getting to thank them for all they have done this past year, and to chat with them like we are old friends, was truly special. I look forward to next year's visits. But, until then, I have to finish my Christmas cards for the rest of my clients and get them sent out real soon!