Lets see, what have I been up to...still running the moms club till end of june, I'm so burnt out because I've done so much for our chapter. I even started a new hollywood sister chapter with someone from our group...so it was twice the work. I had a freelance paid job that just won't go away, still not done. I volunteered for the school yearbook once they found out I am a designer. There's more moms club outings, brunches, playgroups blah blah blah. Then there's Oliver...We did have some time away in San Diego, then Palm Springs when there was a MOMS Club luncheon. And in 2 weeks we'll be accompanying Chris to NY so while he works, Oliver and I will go out sight seeing.
(update: Well, I've been finished with the MOMS Club duties for a few months now. I felt good stepping down and the club now has a great new president who is very driven and ambitious. I know she'll do great things with the chapter.) The new Hollywood chapter is up and running and growing. The school yearbook was finished on time and everyone seems to be happy with the finished product. Oliver is more amazing than ever and I love him more each second of the day. Palm Springs was fun spending time with Chris and Oliver at the pool. Oliver now loves playing in the water....Then there's the trip to New York, what a trip! we came back and decided it's time for us to move there.)
My mom has been in Asia and won't be back till July 3rd. So with the extra time I have not visiting her, I somehow have filled it with Chris's parents visits so Oliver gets some grandparents time.
(Update: While mom was away I had our gardeners go and clear out her yard. She often takes these 3 months trips to Asia and it's just too much work to maintain the yard. So the best solution, although it doesn't look great, is to not have anything grow in the front so when she's away it doesn't look like a mess.) She's also used the gardener to add a pergola in the back yard. I don't think she's spent any time in the shade, but it's at least cleaned up.)
For mother's day, the Dooley 3 went to a really great restaurant just around the corner for brunch. then ordered in that night. And then for my birthday Chris took me out to dinner. I also got a manicure and pedicure while Oliver was in school. That was a nice treat for myself.
(Update: I'm probably due for another pedicure. I did get a wonderful gift from the MOMS Club when I completed my term. A gift certificate to my esthetician. I used it for a chemical peel which I had a very strong reaction to. So for about a week I looked like a burnt victim with very dark leathery skin that peeled off over a week. The good news is the new skin underneath looks amazing! I'm not sure if I'd do it again, but I plan to take better care of my skin from now on.)
Oh yah, I have been working on the house, making changes, cleaning up, having yard sales and selling stuff on Craig's list. De-clutter, organize, and as Oliver would like to say "making our house beautiful!"
(Update: So I was trying to make the house look nice so we can enjoy it for a few more years. I was also motivated by Oliver's 3rd birthday party to get everything in top shape. Turns out that was only the beginning of my de-cluttering. I even got myself a new gmail account to be used for my Craigslist ads. As soon as we decided to move to New York, I begin to sell everything we're not brining with us. It's amazing when you know you don't have room for something, the value of it drops to zero. I set a goal and began my part time job as a sales person. I sold our furniture, car, stuff we've collected over the last 8 years, and things we've carried around from way before Chris and I ever met. I went through 10 large photo albums and selected over 700 photos to be scanned and tossed the rest. It was emotionally cleansing to get rid of things that had no meaning to us. We are using the money towards getting nice furniture that we'll keep and things we will appreciate when we are in our new home.)
We are planning to take Oliver to Legoland next month. I'm really looking forward to it.
We are planning to take Oliver to Legoland next month. I'm really looking forward to it.
(Update: Legoland was a blast! We spent 2 days there and had such a great time in the water park. Oliver even drove a little car by himself. We were so proud of him when he did it, and it seemed that he was proud of himself as well.)
Once I'm done with any moms club duties, I plan to do more quality Ann time. More exercise, eat better, sleep more, and spend time with my friends.
(Well, that was the plan. It all changed when it became packing up the house, selling whatever we don't need, and move across the country. I am getting to have some down time. Our move in date at our new home is in November and we rented out our house starting October. So with the month in between we are staying with my father in law. This is a nice transition where we can take care of a few more things in LA. Chris can keep working and Oliver can keep going to school. I get some time to catch up on writing in my blog and meeting up with friends.)
The last thing to mention is that for 6 weeks in May, I hosted a parenting class at our house every Wednesday evening. It's a class I heard about from someone in the MOMS Club. The class was based on non-violent communication and respectful parenting. It was a wonderful class that gave us great insights to how the brain develops and how we need to connect with our children to satisfy their needs. This is done with setting limits and using empathy to try to come up with a solution that will satisfy your own needs as well. The class really helped Chris and I to be on the same page when it comes to discipline. It's a hard practice, but I can see how important it is to have that connection with our children. Since the class I have purchased a few audio books and downloaded blogs related to the subject.
So there's been some major changes in the last 6 months. There a lot of adjustments but I feel optimistic that this change will bring a lot of good to our lives. It's a risk we never would have taken if we didn't have the support of our family and friends. We are very lucky to have this opportunity to start over in such a great city. I know Oliver will be changed forever, and I am excited for him as well.
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