Signs of My Time

Stella's party was a success! In spite of colder temps, overcast skies and a few obnoxious neighborhood girls, she had a wonderful birthday party. The present du jour this year was the Hannah Montana Barbie doll she received from her Aunt Yaya and Uncle Paul, her excitement over this doll was all over her face. The next day however, we paid dearly for allowing her to stay up past her bed time, and for the intake of sugar and "treats" as well. Bed time is not just a number in our house, it is a lifestyle. We all do what works for each of us and we know that if Stella is not sleeping by 9pm, the next day she is a wreck, crying at the least little thing and unable to focus the entire day. Cohen however is verging on not being able to stay up past about 6:30, he's my little party animal.

This week has been very introspective for me. Remember back a post or two when I talked about wanting to teach? Well, I've been gearing myself up to go back to school at Schoolcraft for web design with the idea in mind that I simply wanted a better job, that paid well and maybe offered some decent benefits. I never thought it would be a problem "getting in" to Schoolcraft though, I never bargained for that. Turns out, if you already have an associates from that school in the same program, you'll be hard pressed to get any aid at all (I can't get FAFSA money as I already have my undergraduate degrees) from the school. So, our work around is me achieving my Web Specialist Certificate instead. I had to write a little letter to the Financial aid department explaining my situation and now it will take them 2 weeks to make a decision. Fingers are crossed.

While contemplating this new "situation" I realized that in order to achieve my real dream, I would need much more than improved skills in web design, I NEEDED my MFA. So, I'm starting on this journey. I've looked into a few, but Eastern looks the best suited for my needs. Close to home (sort of), I don't have to be a full time student, they take more than 10 students per year and compared to Cranbrook and U of M it's less costly. One bright spot is that because of our current financial situations, it should make applying for financial aid next year be to my benefit, hopefully I'll get grants.

I just know this is something I MUST do, since losing my job after Cohen was born, I can see how my work has improved in leaps and bounds. I'm not bragging by any means, it's just that working for someone where all you could do was emulate there style for three years, left no room for creativity and not time or desire to do anything for myself either. And then before that, I worked for a marketing company and I didn't have the drive to do anything outside of work to further myself. I was young and thought, "I have my career now, there's no need to do any extra." Boy was I wrong, I might be a lot further along if I never had that attitude.

So, lot's to think about here, but I know some day I want to teach and I guess be able to say that I have my MFA, I guess it's the equivalent of a doctorate. I'm happy right now. :)

Big Bash Tomorrow!

Tomorrow is Stella 5th birthday party. She officially turned 5 on the 9th, but since she was in preschool this year, figured it might be fun to invite her little friends from school to swim and have a little cake. Speaking of swimming, what's with this weather? Is the May or June? I have no idea if it will even be warm enough to swim tomorrow, bummer. And, geez, what's with people not RSVPing? So far I've had one no and 2 yes. Hmmmm, what to think about the other 13 children that were invited, SCARY! We also have friends and family coming, so all is not lost. Stella won't care as long as someone comes. :)

Took her to the doctor today and she is just big, in all manners of speaking. The doctor says her weight is ok, and that as long as she stays the same by next year she'll fall right in line with her height. She is 95th percentile for her height and the doc said the size of a 6 or 7 year old, this I figured. And so, people will expect more of her based on how she looks or think she is not very smart. And, she may need glasses, poor kid. :( Apparently Matt got glasses in kindergarten and I think both of my brothers did as well.

It was funny tonight we went to Plato's Place for dinner and the waitress suddenly said, "oh my god, he looks just like that baby from The Incredibles," pointing at Cohen. This made me laugh out loud as I have said this to Matt and Stella on more than one occasion.

OMG, I fed, or rather, tried to feed him peaches tonight and he would have none of it. I was telling the doctor about his #2 issues and she suggested starting peaches, even before veggies. In a word, HATE, and that isn't too strong a word either. Even 15 seconds after having tasted, his little body would shiver in disgust. I tried mixing it with cereal too and UCK, hell no. He even refused the bottle, choosing instead to get to bed. Such a sweetie!

Well, I should get to chilling out as all the housework is done, food buying is complete aside from Cake and ice. I need my rest, because if it rains, I need not be stressed if I am tons of people in my itty bitty house.

AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!

Another Winner & More!

My lovely cousin Lorrie won my last giveaway since none of ya'll even bothered to enter. She will receive a beautiful poster print made from her choice of photo. Check them out, they also doing some amazing things with canvas prints! Lorrie wasn't just the only entrant, she also made a very compelling argument and in my heart would have won no matter what. So Lorrie, I truly hope Esteban enjoys his Father's Day gift. In Kroger news, I found out last Monday that I was a "potential top ten winner" and I will find out for sure if and what I've won by about this Wednesday, can't be sure absolutely though. I am very excited as over 37000 folks entered the contest. But, let's face it, most of the designs sucked!!! LOL If indeed I do win the top prize, you are all invited to a BBQ once I receive the gift card. Hell, I have a 1 in 10 chance of taking the top prize, why not me?

Matt and I are currently dabbling with Vinyl and a vinyl cutting machine. I am going to be adding to my Etsy shop or potentially opening a new shop, not sure how that will work. But I am going to focus for the moment on laptop decals. Here is one I

 just made and LOVE. 

Let me know if you know anyone who would dig something like that and of course, beside E.T. I will be putting together some other lovelies and are more pretty and abstract too. I want a real variety that appeals to many people. Maybe I'll post again tomorrow.