10 days in and we're expecting our first houseguest late this evening. :)
We're hosting another Club Med friend of mine next week.
Another San Fran friend is coming in two weeks.
One of my oldest childhood friends -- her Mom is coming to town in two weeks as well...
My bestie is coming the first week of November!
Woot, I'm loving it!
Friday, September 28, 2012
Surviving
Well, we've made it just over a week without the sky falling. There was some rain (and some very wet wet Badens) -- but we're hanging in there. We've done a ton of walking. Now I know why there are nail places on every corner -- your feet really take a beating living here. (And I haven't even tried doing a ton of walking in anything other than sneakers!!) I did order rain gear for the kids today. I'll put in my order for some rain "wellies" in the morning... let's just say that walking 10 blocks in the rain while pushing a stroller was NOT fun. I have also now figured out which bus will pick up closest to the apartment and drop off just caddy-corner from the daycare! That will be coming in handy, I'm sure...
The house is mostly unpacked. Still have some work to do in the bathrooms and closets -- and there isn't a thing on the walls, but we're making progress. We have to decide how much we want to hang on the walls -- since they're concrete, hanging anything is a much more intensive adventure!
The kids are settling into daycare. They still are pouting a bit at drop off, but it's going fairly well. That's a huge relief. They need some consistency back in their lives!
The house is mostly unpacked. Still have some work to do in the bathrooms and closets -- and there isn't a thing on the walls, but we're making progress. We have to decide how much we want to hang on the walls -- since they're concrete, hanging anything is a much more intensive adventure!
The kids are settling into daycare. They still are pouting a bit at drop off, but it's going fairly well. That's a huge relief. They need some consistency back in their lives!
Monday, September 24, 2012
Stress
Can't a girl catch a break? I know I've said that many times over, but come on...
We left my folks house about 7:40 in the morning. We finally arrived in White Plains, NY (no... not even Manhattan) somewhere around 1:30 am. It was a LOOOOOONG day and I swear on my life I will never ever ever ever travel alone with two toddlers on connecting flights. Never Ever. Do you read me? I don't care what event or celebration or tragedy is/has occurred. I'm not going to do it. The kids did great on the flight from DFW to CLT. After that -- the day just went downhill. Our flight to LGA was cancelled. We tried to get on a flight to DCA that was then going onto LGA. We ran quite literally to the gate where the gate agent was a wicked witch and told me that the jet bridge was closed and that we were not getting on the flight despite what we'd been told - and that we should go back to see who ever had told us that we were confirmed. UGH. Nice, eh? So, we caught a ride with a buggy and went back to the US Airways club. The very very nice agent then rebooked us on the next flight to DCA and then onto LGA. Then that flight was delayed and delayed and delayed. We finally landed in DCA and then learned that our next flight was delayed. Then it was cancelled. There were some crazy storms going on in NYC -- but I was determined to get to the city. I was down to our last couple of diapers and the kids were cranky as all get up. We hadn't really eaten anything but snacks all day and it was time to get HOME. We were finally able to secure three tickets on a flight into White Plains which is about 45 minutes north of the city. The club closed down for the night and we made our way over to the gate. Then we went downstairs. Then we got on a bus. Then we got off a bus. Then we tried waiting by some chairs next to where we were to board the bus and someone had the nerve to tell me that the area where I was standing was for people with disabilities only. I looked at him and asked if my two screaming toddlers weren't a disability/special needs then I wasn't sure what else I needed to do to qualify. I moved the kids two feet to the left and then proceeded to break down in tears. Some very nice Scottish gentleman (who happened to be dads) took pity on us and helped me calm the kids and then carry all of our gear onto the bus, onto the hopper plane and then off the hopper plane.
It was a LOOOOOOOOOONG day.
Oh. So now we're in NYC. Fantastic, eh? Not so much - there are still a ton of boxes everywhere and the kids are totally freaked out about everything. It's loud. They can't find certain things. There are people everywhere. There are dogs everywhere. There are a LOT of NO touches for Atticus. There is a ton of tension to say the least. We were able to visit the new daycare a few times last week and then today marked their first day on their own. Surprisingly, today was our smoothest day yet. Go figure. Until tonight... Wren has been freaking out at bedtime. I'm not sure if she got used to sharing a room with Atticus or if the noises are bothering her - but she has been having a tough time at night. She's crying that she doesn't want to sleep in her room that she wants to stay with me. :( Atticus has been waking at least once a night from the noises. I think I'll stop by the drugstore across the street tomorrow to investigate ear plugs for the kids.
Greg and I did manage to unpack the better part of the kitchen today which will be helpful. Maybe it's just our upbringing, but I think I cook more than I realized! Eating out in this town is easy, but it's not cheap. Granted, neither is the grocery store -- but it has to be better than all the eating out!
So yeah, stress.
Oh... and then today... while sitting outside of the daycare (making sure all was going okay) I thought I'd clean up my iPhone. Everytime I clicked on my email, I was prompted for my Hitachi password (since my account is no longer active). I thought I'd be all crafty and delete the account since I don't need any of the emails anymore. Sigh. That was the WRONG choice. I inadvertently deleted all of my contacts too. 8 years worth of contacts that had been entered via my work laptop are GONE. We've checked my Mac, but apparently they weren't backed up there. Damn, damn, damn. It's not even the basics like cell phones and addresses -- it's all the notes, the spouse information, the birth dates and anniversaries... it's all gone. All the info I saved just before I left the company... gone. All the doctor referrals, general life contacts, gone... If I had more energy I'd be pissed as all get up, but I just don't have it in me. I'm just sad.
We left my folks house about 7:40 in the morning. We finally arrived in White Plains, NY (no... not even Manhattan) somewhere around 1:30 am. It was a LOOOOOONG day and I swear on my life I will never ever ever ever travel alone with two toddlers on connecting flights. Never Ever. Do you read me? I don't care what event or celebration or tragedy is/has occurred. I'm not going to do it. The kids did great on the flight from DFW to CLT. After that -- the day just went downhill. Our flight to LGA was cancelled. We tried to get on a flight to DCA that was then going onto LGA. We ran quite literally to the gate where the gate agent was a wicked witch and told me that the jet bridge was closed and that we were not getting on the flight despite what we'd been told - and that we should go back to see who ever had told us that we were confirmed. UGH. Nice, eh? So, we caught a ride with a buggy and went back to the US Airways club. The very very nice agent then rebooked us on the next flight to DCA and then onto LGA. Then that flight was delayed and delayed and delayed. We finally landed in DCA and then learned that our next flight was delayed. Then it was cancelled. There were some crazy storms going on in NYC -- but I was determined to get to the city. I was down to our last couple of diapers and the kids were cranky as all get up. We hadn't really eaten anything but snacks all day and it was time to get HOME. We were finally able to secure three tickets on a flight into White Plains which is about 45 minutes north of the city. The club closed down for the night and we made our way over to the gate. Then we went downstairs. Then we got on a bus. Then we got off a bus. Then we tried waiting by some chairs next to where we were to board the bus and someone had the nerve to tell me that the area where I was standing was for people with disabilities only. I looked at him and asked if my two screaming toddlers weren't a disability/special needs then I wasn't sure what else I needed to do to qualify. I moved the kids two feet to the left and then proceeded to break down in tears. Some very nice Scottish gentleman (who happened to be dads) took pity on us and helped me calm the kids and then carry all of our gear onto the bus, onto the hopper plane and then off the hopper plane.
It was a LOOOOOOOOOONG day.
Oh. So now we're in NYC. Fantastic, eh? Not so much - there are still a ton of boxes everywhere and the kids are totally freaked out about everything. It's loud. They can't find certain things. There are people everywhere. There are dogs everywhere. There are a LOT of NO touches for Atticus. There is a ton of tension to say the least. We were able to visit the new daycare a few times last week and then today marked their first day on their own. Surprisingly, today was our smoothest day yet. Go figure. Until tonight... Wren has been freaking out at bedtime. I'm not sure if she got used to sharing a room with Atticus or if the noises are bothering her - but she has been having a tough time at night. She's crying that she doesn't want to sleep in her room that she wants to stay with me. :( Atticus has been waking at least once a night from the noises. I think I'll stop by the drugstore across the street tomorrow to investigate ear plugs for the kids.
Greg and I did manage to unpack the better part of the kitchen today which will be helpful. Maybe it's just our upbringing, but I think I cook more than I realized! Eating out in this town is easy, but it's not cheap. Granted, neither is the grocery store -- but it has to be better than all the eating out!
So yeah, stress.
Oh... and then today... while sitting outside of the daycare (making sure all was going okay) I thought I'd clean up my iPhone. Everytime I clicked on my email, I was prompted for my Hitachi password (since my account is no longer active). I thought I'd be all crafty and delete the account since I don't need any of the emails anymore. Sigh. That was the WRONG choice. I inadvertently deleted all of my contacts too. 8 years worth of contacts that had been entered via my work laptop are GONE. We've checked my Mac, but apparently they weren't backed up there. Damn, damn, damn. It's not even the basics like cell phones and addresses -- it's all the notes, the spouse information, the birth dates and anniversaries... it's all gone. All the info I saved just before I left the company... gone. All the doctor referrals, general life contacts, gone... If I had more energy I'd be pissed as all get up, but I just don't have it in me. I'm just sad.
Monday, September 17, 2012
Freaking Out
It's 11:23 pm on Monday night. The kids and I are due to fly up to NYC tomorrow morning. Because we have spent so much time here in Texas this trip - we have a ton of stuff that isn't going to make it on the flight. I think we'll be shipping 4 or 5 small moving boxes worth of stuff via UPS. Dude. That's just nuts. Granted, traveling with small kids requires an army of special pillows, blankets, "guys" etc, to the tune of one entire carry-on suitcase... but eeeek. That's a lot of boxes to ship.
Ok. Time to finish packing said carry-on bags (which will be shipped), the diaper bag, the backpack, the kids' backpacks...
Oh - and if you happen to read this before tomorrow afternoon -- could you say a little silent prayer that allows us to get to NYC on time? Mother Nature is attempting to throw another wicked thunderstorm our way and I could really use some help in asking for a few hour delay on that storm....
xo.
Soon to be City Dwelling Badens
Ok. Time to finish packing said carry-on bags (which will be shipped), the diaper bag, the backpack, the kids' backpacks...
Oh - and if you happen to read this before tomorrow afternoon -- could you say a little silent prayer that allows us to get to NYC on time? Mother Nature is attempting to throw another wicked thunderstorm our way and I could really use some help in asking for a few hour delay on that storm....
xo.
Soon to be City Dwelling Badens
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Closed For Rosh Hashanah
Am I suddenly more aware of this -- or are there more companies that are now closing for Jewish holidays? I noticed in several emails over the past few days that companies are announcing they will be closed and unavailable this coming Monday and Tuesday in honor of Rosh Hashanah. Shnoop. BabyLegs. I'm sure there are more.. but it just struck me tonight while reading emails...
So, here's to a happy and healthy new year to you and yours.
L'shana Tova.
So, here's to a happy and healthy new year to you and yours.
L'shana Tova.
Friday, September 14, 2012
Texas Crazies
Wow. So I suppose now it's a bit of a good thing that I haven't been working! There's definitely no shortage of crazy around here! The kids are stressed and showing signs of separation anxiety -- but I was expecting some of that... I'm fearful about starting the new daycare, but trying to remain cautiously optimistic.
So far, we've managed to squeeze in visits with Great Bubbe, lots of face time with Uncle Shawn, several good excursions with Great Grandma Jeanne, Uncle Rus and Aunt Mary, Aunt Nikki, Uncle Skip, tons of cousins too -- Raymond, Angela, Candice, Shannon, Zoe, Paige. Lots of family and lots of fun.
Bubbe and Pops took the kids to the Frontiers of Flight Museum this morning. From all the raves, it seems they had a blast! We've also explored a Liberty Park - the kids had fun climbing on the Army tank. I do have some pictures - but I'll have to add those later. :) We've gone to CiCi's Pizza -- the pizza wasn't such a big hit, but the kids loved the mini arcade. Atticus actually did really well playing this boat racing game. I was impressed. We've spent many hours hanging out poolside in the back yard, we've strolled the neighborhood, we've gone twice to a local jump house, CooCoo's. Tomorrow's big adventure - Costco. No joke. The kids are totally excited. Ha!
It's been a good run here in Texas, but I'm ready to start the next chapter and settle back into routine...
So far, we've managed to squeeze in visits with Great Bubbe, lots of face time with Uncle Shawn, several good excursions with Great Grandma Jeanne, Uncle Rus and Aunt Mary, Aunt Nikki, Uncle Skip, tons of cousins too -- Raymond, Angela, Candice, Shannon, Zoe, Paige. Lots of family and lots of fun.
Bubbe and Pops took the kids to the Frontiers of Flight Museum this morning. From all the raves, it seems they had a blast! We've also explored a Liberty Park - the kids had fun climbing on the Army tank. I do have some pictures - but I'll have to add those later. :) We've gone to CiCi's Pizza -- the pizza wasn't such a big hit, but the kids loved the mini arcade. Atticus actually did really well playing this boat racing game. I was impressed. We've spent many hours hanging out poolside in the back yard, we've strolled the neighborhood, we've gone twice to a local jump house, CooCoo's. Tomorrow's big adventure - Costco. No joke. The kids are totally excited. Ha!
It's been a good run here in Texas, but I'm ready to start the next chapter and settle back into routine...
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Pick a State
Over the past 18 months, I've lived in Ohio, Louisianna, and technically/sort of New York. Oh... and my former employer is based in Texas. That doesn't make for a confusing filing of unemployment now does it? :-)
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
In Other News
Today was my last official day with Hitachi Consulting. I'm sad, disappointed, a bit frustrated and a tad excited. I'm not sure now just what New York will bring for me... a lot of decisions, that's for sure. I'll definitely miss my team - I've been really lucky and worked with a great group of folks for the past 7.5 years. That's the tough part of leaving a great job... but the horizon is filled with possibilities. Perhaps I'll stay home with the kids. Maybe explore going back to my first love of theater and film? Maybe look for a new gig in a different industry? Right now, the focus is on getting up to the city, unloading the truck and settling in. After that, we'll see.
Of course, it seems that since we will be in the city, there will be no shortage of visitors. I'm got four friends coming in for various reasons between the end of September and the beginning of November. SWEET. Actually, it's kind of crazy... I'll get to see friends I haven't seen in years. I can't wait to see Rainbow, Michelle, Nicole and Nic. I'd best work on finding a baby sitter, STAT! I have a few potential leads on qualified candidates for babysitting - so there's at least that. :-)
I know I'll see a lot of my HCC friends when I'm in Texas... but it's still a sad day. It's definitely a different place from when I started in 2005, but I'll miss it!
Of course, it seems that since we will be in the city, there will be no shortage of visitors. I'm got four friends coming in for various reasons between the end of September and the beginning of November. SWEET. Actually, it's kind of crazy... I'll get to see friends I haven't seen in years. I can't wait to see Rainbow, Michelle, Nicole and Nic. I'd best work on finding a baby sitter, STAT! I have a few potential leads on qualified candidates for babysitting - so there's at least that. :-)
I know I'll see a lot of my HCC friends when I'm in Texas... but it's still a sad day. It's definitely a different place from when I started in 2005, but I'll miss it!
Hurricane Isaac
Pretty crappy timing for a freaking hurricane to hit New Orleans, LA. I mean really? The day before the packers and moving truck is headed to the Baden house a hurricane changes courses to head (and ultimately hit) NOLA? Oy vey! I really thought we were going to make it a full 12 months without having to endure a hurricane - but who was I kidding? This is me. Record snowfall - check. Hurricane - check. Record heat wave and number of days over 100 degrees - check. Honestly, San Diego is starting to sound more and more appealing....
But back to the present natural disaster....
The kids and I packed up a bit earlier than planned and headed to Dallas while Greg stayed in NO to weather the storm. I have to say, I'm rather glad we were only renting that house and we were not the actual owners. You'd think new construction would have held up slightly better than it did. The door from the master bedroom onto the balcony apparently was leaking something awful. This is right above the main entry way to the house. Greg sent pictures of the light in our entryway that was swimming with standing water. Good thing there was no electricity, eh? There was also quite a bit of water damage to that part of the ceiling (big surprise). Most of the windows leaked a bit and one of the fans on our back patio apparently was knocked loose and swung all over the place. Miraculously it didn't break the kitchen window even though it managed to whack a pillar to pieces and destroy the light/fan. Greg said there was also random water leaking/standing in the master bath? At least it's a room that can get wet?!?
The movers were finally able to get in with the moving van on Friday, August 31 to pack up the rest of the house and load the van. Apparently, they finished using flashlights since there was still NO electricity. YUCK.
All of our worldly belongings are now on their journey up to the city (not counting the truck full I carted here to Dallas and our storage unit). :-) Let's hope there isn't any other record amount of snowfall this winter -- it's one thing to drive in it and an entirely different discussion when you have to walk with two toddlers in the snow! That's going to be a real treat. Ha!
But back to the present natural disaster....
The kids and I packed up a bit earlier than planned and headed to Dallas while Greg stayed in NO to weather the storm. I have to say, I'm rather glad we were only renting that house and we were not the actual owners. You'd think new construction would have held up slightly better than it did. The door from the master bedroom onto the balcony apparently was leaking something awful. This is right above the main entry way to the house. Greg sent pictures of the light in our entryway that was swimming with standing water. Good thing there was no electricity, eh? There was also quite a bit of water damage to that part of the ceiling (big surprise). Most of the windows leaked a bit and one of the fans on our back patio apparently was knocked loose and swung all over the place. Miraculously it didn't break the kitchen window even though it managed to whack a pillar to pieces and destroy the light/fan. Greg said there was also random water leaking/standing in the master bath? At least it's a room that can get wet?!?
The movers were finally able to get in with the moving van on Friday, August 31 to pack up the rest of the house and load the van. Apparently, they finished using flashlights since there was still NO electricity. YUCK.
All of our worldly belongings are now on their journey up to the city (not counting the truck full I carted here to Dallas and our storage unit). :-) Let's hope there isn't any other record amount of snowfall this winter -- it's one thing to drive in it and an entirely different discussion when you have to walk with two toddlers in the snow! That's going to be a real treat. Ha!
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