tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2073303756750220612024-03-09T21:46:30.887-05:00MikoFordLearning to live life a little less serious each day.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12584277886403663551noreply@blogger.comBlogger101125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207330375675022061.post-85023427878658719122017-02-22T20:31:00.000-05:002017-02-22T20:31:06.270-05:00New Year = GoalsAh, New Year's resolutions... oh how I loathe thee. <br />
<br />
What is a New Year's resolution? According to the <a href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/New%20Year's%20resolution" rel="" target="_blank">Merrian-Webster Dictionary</a><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>A promise to do something differently in the new year</i></blockquote>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
Why? Well, because it's another thing I'll start and not finish. I am not good in situations where patience and<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">February 22, 2017</span><br />
<br />
Update, I started this post in January, probably around New Year's. Yup, started and didn't finish... I mean, I didn't even finish the thought. I just stopped mid-sentence. <br />
<br />
How??<br />
<br />
I mean really?! That's pitiful. I couldn't finish the sentence.<br />
<br />
So the goal is to finish something, anything, a thought at least...<br />
<br />
This wasn't the post I intended to write but I thought, "what the heck it's here what did I start?"...<br />
<br />
Apparently nothing. A rambling thought of nothingness. <br />
<br />
Here's to trying to do better.<div class="blogger-post-footer">If you get bored and want to spend more time with me you can find me here:
SnapChat: MikoFord
Instagram - http://instagram.com/miko_ford</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12584277886403663551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207330375675022061.post-6777036128327095062016-11-09T17:31:00.000-05:002016-11-09T17:31:02.548-05:00What in the world?? | Work on it Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b2_6ttSWxgA/WCNrzCHET8I/AAAAAAAABZM/Bp-AV59924g-AfUTyN5lXwezGlra6gldQCLcB/s1600/What%2Bin%2Bthe%2BWorld.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b2_6ttSWxgA/WCNrzCHET8I/AAAAAAAABZM/Bp-AV59924g-AfUTyN5lXwezGlra6gldQCLcB/s400/What%2Bin%2Bthe%2BWorld.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
That's what I keep asking myself... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So far today I missed the exit dropping the kids off at GG's, forgot my computer at home, screwed up a simple digital signing and managed to forget my lunch at home... twice.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I mean I had to leave a note on my bosses desk this morning that stated, "I forgot my computer at home (and apparently my brain). I should be back in 30-40 minutes. Sorry!" How did I forget my computer?? Nearly my entire day is spent working on a computer. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm sorry all of my good senses have vacated today. Watch out world!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This poor blog has been all but forgotten about. For real, for real, the last time I posted something was in August... by my calculations that was last season. Literally. The goal I gave myself when I started this was at least one post per week. ONE PER WEEK. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Yup, let that marinate in your brain. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My availability in one whole week was so limited that I couldn't spend one hour doing a quick brain dump? One hour out of 168 hours? That's less that 1% of a week. Sixty minutes out of 10,080 hours? That's a shame.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You know what else is a shame? My fitness level. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The bare minimum that I need to spend on that is three to four hours per week. That is just over 2% of the week. Fitness is so, so, so important, not just for your body but your mind too.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What am I doing?? Who knows what I'm doing? (Not I said the goose! j/k) Apparently I'm trying to find ways to sabotage any additional time that could have been spent productively. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So that means, Work-on-it-Wednesday has a new project to focus on, ME!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm going to work on myself (again). I mean as human beings if we aren't a work in progress than we're just lumps on a log right? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://amzn.to/2fyMnFw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4BLRl7y848/WCNxEzm6nWI/AAAAAAAABZk/ymyZQHz2ygclZK3n1Np_D7Lp1COdbrAuACLcB/s400/71eVA%252BjaQzL._SL1300_.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amzn.to/2fyMnFw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">YES!!</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This week I'll be going back to my tried and true methods of getting stuff done, lists. Who doesn't love a good list? Not exclusive to my phone either. I talking about breaking out my favorite <a href="http://amzn.to/2fyMnFw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pilot PreciseGrip Extra Fine Liquid Pens</a> in multiple colors and getting busy. If you find this nerdy I don't blame you but I embrace every bit of this nerdiness. Color makes everything more fun right? Well, except when it comes to my clothes, then I'm loving all things grey and black... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, breakout your paper and lets get started! I don't care if I write things in a notebook, diary, steno pad or composition book because the more I write lists the more I remember to do and I need to get things in order. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-znrccB9GuGg/WCN3zwMsOWI/AAAAAAAABZ8/M798fSOYCx8Vw2Abeb1_l3p4qL1sAo9vACLcB/s320/Snapchat-1711563161.jpg" width="180" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20target=%22_blank%22%20href=%22https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008UASJWI/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B008UASJWI&linkCode=as2&tag=mikfor04-20&linkId=205c507d51eecadd9dfce7ea545d0305%22%3ESKILCRAFT%207530-01-454-5702%203%20Piece%20ECF%20Recycled%20Steno%20Pad%20Pack,%206%20x%209%20Inch,%20Assorted%20Color%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mikfor04-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B008UASJWI%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hello paper!! Sorry trees</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Flying by the seat of my pants isn't working even if I am trying to live a little less serious!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">If you get bored and want to spend more time with me you can find me here:
SnapChat: MikoFord
Instagram - http://instagram.com/miko_ford</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12584277886403663551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207330375675022061.post-73729380860140017762016-08-07T00:37:00.002-04:002016-09-26T09:48:20.856-04:00It's good and badI love the internet but it's a good and bad place. <br />
<br />
The internet can be a really cool place. I mean you can get on here and find other people who are like you and make you feel okay to be yourself. But there is another side...<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>There are the trolls.<br />
<br />
Why?? <br />
<br />
Why do you feel the need to be a troll?? <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_LRiezhqqyA/V6a4lIyBJBI/AAAAAAAABYE/ycGaJ1cI9MQKru7baP25oIBQF8cLpFplQCLcB/s1600/s-l1600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_LRiezhqqyA/V6a4lIyBJBI/AAAAAAAABYE/ycGaJ1cI9MQKru7baP25oIBQF8cLpFplQCLcB/s640/s-l1600.jpg" width="324" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I mean there is somebody out there who loves trolls and feels like no one else understands them but another troll lover...<br />
don't rain on their parade just because you feel like being an internet troll.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Not the cute kind with crazy colored hair and a jewel for a belly button; the kind that feel the need to be mean. Not just any kind of mean but cruel... placing their insecurities on others... seizing vulnerabilities that make people real.<br />
<br />
What is wrong with you???<br />
<br />
Why???<br />
<br />
Does it make you feel better to be a bully???<br />
<br />
I just don't understand it.<br />
<br />
The Internet is one of the few places that people can say their peace and no one has to respond. Literally, no one has to respond. If you don't like it click the "x" or the red button up in the corner and call it a good day.<br />
<br />
Stop being a jerk. Why do you need to puff up your chest like a bastard (the bird people... the bird. look it up) as a defense mechanism?? Is it worth it to waste you time, energy and key strokes just to spread your negativity??<br />
<br />
Just stop.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-us5XCmu9bss/V6a5bC8ABUI/AAAAAAAABYI/wNcbhdN11Vg6Aqk6fo6QzTLunz3TITk6QCLcB/s1600/stop_sign_sheet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-us5XCmu9bss/V6a5bC8ABUI/AAAAAAAABYI/wNcbhdN11Vg6Aqk6fo6QzTLunz3TITk6QCLcB/s640/stop_sign_sheet.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I've seen far too many people being jerks just to be jerks. I love my little corner of the internet. It is small, cheap and allows me to voice things that I want the public to know. I'm not a journalist, I'm a regular boring person who uses the space that the world has allowed me to speak. More importantly speak the way that I feel.<br />
<br />
So the next time you feel like being a jerk or spreading your negativity, go some where. Whether somewhere be the gym, the park, a canvas, or even a regulated glass of your choice of alcoholic beverage. <br />
<br />
Just don't be a jerk. There is far too much negativity and other horrible news to be worried about than you just being a troll.<br />
<br />
Ok, I'm done now...<br />
<br />
Sorry...<br />
<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">If you get bored and want to spend more time with me you can find me here:
SnapChat: MikoFord
Instagram - http://instagram.com/miko_ford</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12584277886403663551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207330375675022061.post-18325845564719725002016-07-19T15:31:00.000-04:002016-07-19T16:50:42.147-04:00Good Riddance June<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hjAxu9xDDqU/V46QsGR3M3I/AAAAAAAABXU/xIdmwTu4V_wU01l8fNqCRUtaNXVxXkoWQCLcB/s1600/June.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hjAxu9xDDqU/V46QsGR3M3I/AAAAAAAABXU/xIdmwTu4V_wU01l8fNqCRUtaNXVxXkoWQCLcB/s640/June.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
June sucked for me.<br />
<br />
Deaths, robbery, broken hot water heater... I am so over it...<br />
<br />
but apparently I was wrong.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<img height="16" id="oux94x4wo5ve" src="data:image/gif;base64,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" width="16" />I know that the whole month didn't suck but man, it's so easy to remember the bad parts.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CRbI5rsmpo0/V46LZhEcruI/AAAAAAAABW8/2uHLIZxDlvQKF-W0issSHj4-C99dSvP2ACLcB/s1600/IMG_3163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CRbI5rsmpo0/V46LZhEcruI/AAAAAAAABW8/2uHLIZxDlvQKF-W0issSHj4-C99dSvP2ACLcB/s320/IMG_3163.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What exactly are these cuticles doing??</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
In my brain my month of June was going to be calm and a time for me to maybe take a few days off to relax a little and handle some tasks. Tasks that make me feel like a little less like a ogre and more like a human. You know, like handle my seriously terrifying eyebrows, or the chipped shellac and raggedy cuticles... and my toes... oh my dear toes how they miss some decent polish. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cmy9_YMtDfs/V46LZQbYDCI/AAAAAAAABW4/rFlYyJWAFk4UmjX964jKiTDyprHUqZQCACLcB/s1600/IMG_3157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cmy9_YMtDfs/V46LZQbYDCI/AAAAAAAABW4/rFlYyJWAFk4UmjX964jKiTDyprHUqZQCACLcB/s320/IMG_3157.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These toes are so bad, I won't even show you the real color #filtersAreTheBest</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I'd started a new work schedule working only 4 days a week, woo hoo!! I had big plans... then the curve balls came flying.<br />
<br />
The first week went as best as it could for someone who has lost a day of work but hadn't given up any work so, I expected an adjustment period. I was super busy the first few days of June and knew I'd be pretty busy into the next week for a few days. I thought I was prepared... I wasn't. There were changes out of our control in a process with one of our outside service providers that caused huge time delays in my work. Something that may have taken a few hours now takes a few days... ugh... I can deal with those kinds of changes even if there are a few process changes on my end.<br />
<br />
Week two came along and knocked me flat on my face. Death is never easy but two at once is beyond rough. I attended 5 different funeral events in the matter of 7 days. There were a lot of good memories and I learned about these people on a deeper level that made me reassess my ways of thinking. Within those 7 days I also attended a graduation and still had to work (on a brand new schedule)... I'm strong but this was testing my abilities to function properly.<br />
<br />
There were some fun events during the month too. Graduations and proms with tons of pictures. Birthday parties with kids and cake which were a blast with my little people. Even father's day as bittersweet as it can be for me was still a joyous occasion especially with my dear husband and our darlings.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T59jDp-dKwA/V46RlxUK25I/AAAAAAAABXc/pW8AnpYzucslmbm8021fFju4GcZ0CRLcACLcB/s1600/2016-06-24%2B20.17.57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T59jDp-dKwA/V46RlxUK25I/AAAAAAAABXc/pW8AnpYzucslmbm8021fFju4GcZ0CRLcACLcB/s640/2016-06-24%2B20.17.57.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even a little family time at the driving range</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The month of June was however relentless.<span id="goog_257332998"></span><br />
<br />
No more than a few hours after fun, presents, cake and a few tears, there was anger. My car was broken into... you can read about that <a href="http://www.mikoford.com/2016/06/i-got-robbed-again.html" target="_blank">here</a>. I mean come on! At least this wasn't the worst thing ever.<br />
<br />
I always love getting knocked in the pocket book big time...just kidding. I hate spending money, not to say that I don't like getting and having stuff but the part where the money flies out the bank really bothers me. If I'm going to get something, I at least want it to make me feel some type of way other than broke... buying a new hot water heater will just make you feel broke... I mean it does make me feel some type of way when there is no hot water. <br />
<br />
I think that was it for the stuff that I wasn't loving in June. I mean it's only the third week in July and I'm finally finishing this post. Haha! Clearly I'm on top of all things in my life including the stack of mail in my to-do pile. There is so much more to write about, but I'm feeling kid of lost in this post as I started it in June and couldn't get it finished until well into the middle of July. I think I'm going to call it quits.<br />
<br />
July is going to be better and August is going to be even better than that!! Right? Yes, think positive.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1N-y3ttle2M/V46SAmQa4II/AAAAAAAABXg/dinEPvLt0WgHAXu8fqyWXZbzozMyDaTJACLcB/s1600/2016-07-03%2B09.57.34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1N-y3ttle2M/V46SAmQa4II/AAAAAAAABXg/dinEPvLt0WgHAXu8fqyWXZbzozMyDaTJACLcB/s640/2016-07-03%2B09.57.34.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I mean, with a view like this, July is already looking better than June</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">If you get bored and want to spend more time with me you can find me here:
SnapChat: MikoFord
Instagram - http://instagram.com/miko_ford</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12584277886403663551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207330375675022061.post-50553210556086832072016-06-30T15:31:00.000-04:002016-06-30T15:31:05.054-04:00I got robbed... again<br />
<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9ITJUr13nmw/V3UgsNBt6lI/AAAAAAAABUU/dsdOXor3rNor3353Smk0lRkkR0EDriymwCLcB/s320/3504107129_2f24a09d06_b.jpg" width="303" /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/photo%20credit:%20%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.flickr.com/photos/7536455@N04/3504107129%22%3EPeg%20legged%20pirate%20robber%3C/a%3E%20via%20%3Ca%20href=%22http://photopin.com%22%3Ephotopin%3C/a%3E%20%3Ca%20href=%22https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/%22%3E(license)%3C/a%3E" target="_blank">Photo Credit</a></div>
<br />
Ok, so maybe not as dramatically as the movies but my property was stolen from me and I felt violated.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>lar·ce·ny</b></span><br />ˈlärs(ə)nē/<br /><i>noun</i><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">
theft of personal property.</blockquote>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>synonyms:</b><br /> <a href="https://www.google.com/search?biw=1133&bih=643&q=define+theft&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiGvNi3h87NAhUm9YMKHY8-ApsQ_SoIHjAA">theft</a>, stealing, <a href="https://www.google.com/search?biw=1133&bih=643&q=define+robbery&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiGvNi3h87NAhUm9YMKHY8-ApsQ_SoIHzAA">robbery</a>, pilfering, thieving;<br /> <a href="https://www.google.com/search?biw=1133&bih=643&q=define+burglary&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiGvNi3h87NAhUm9YMKHY8-ApsQ_SoIITAA">burglary</a>, <a href="https://www.google.com/search?biw=1133&bih=643&q=define+housebreaking&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiGvNi3h87NAhUm9YMKHY8-ApsQ_SoIIjAA">housebreaking</a>, <a href="https://www.google.com/search?biw=1133&bih=643&q=define+breaking+and+entering&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiGvNi3h87NAhUm9YMKHY8-ApsQ_SoIIzAA">breaking and entering</a>;<br /> informal filching, swiping, pinching;<br /> formal peculation</blockquote>
<br />Getting your car or house broken into is so very violating.<br />
<a name='more'></a> <br />
<br />
This is the second time my personal car has been broken into. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AuKVRxyRnhc/V3UiV6RMg2I/AAAAAAAABUg/vNFNJAskgrgOZK1-7PnW4xQWJuHjxuSHQCLcB/s1600/Old_Main_WSU_-_Detroit_Michigan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AuKVRxyRnhc/V3UiV6RMg2I/AAAAAAAABUg/vNFNJAskgrgOZK1-7PnW4xQWJuHjxuSHQCLcB/s400/Old_Main_WSU_-_Detroit_Michigan.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aah, Old Main, I was actually in the undergrad library but this picture is prettier</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />The first time it happened to me I was in college. My friends and I had planned for a long study session in the library and I had left an old backpack in the back of my car. I usually parked at my grandma's church then walked over to campus so there was someone who watched my car (secured lot). Since it was a Sunday I knew campus would be quiet so I could probably get a spot much closer to the library. Additionally, I didn't want to clog up the church parking lot as there were quite a few older members, so I parked on the street. Well that was pretty foolish as I'd forgotten about the backpack in the car. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/A1mVY-yl1mL._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/A1mVY-yl1mL._SL1500_.jpg" width="243" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000E3D2VM/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000E3D2VM&linkCode=as2&tag=mikfor04-20&linkId=c3c459a63109ebb359d62496624a21b2%22%3E%3Cimg%20border=%220%22%20src=%22//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B000E3D2VM&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=mikfor04-20%22%20%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mikfor04-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B000E3D2VM%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Probably something like this</span></a></div>
<br />
I'm sure someone walking by decided that stealing that backpack was a good idea for whatever value was inside. There really wasn't much of value in there except for possibly my graphing calculator. They'd stolen last semester's books which the campus store wouldn't buy back and a few other flash drives or something but really nothing of value. It wasn't so much that they stole my backpack as the sense of violation that I felt not knowing what else they'd taken or how long my car had been open to anyone who felt the need to peruse my belongings. I hated that feeling.<br />
<br />
The funny thing is, I tend to prefer to stick to a routine on certain things such as parking. Changing my regular parking routine is so silly if you think about it but hey, there are few things that I can keep routine in my life, parking is one I can handle... most of the time.<br />
<br />
It's been quite a few years since that has happened.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Just last week, I was violated again... this time at my house. No one broke into my house but they did break into my car. Again, I wasn't following my parking routine. It was Father's Day Sunday and earlier in the day we'd been out and about at my niece's birthday party. We'd left our daughter up there to spend the next day with my sister-in-law and niece as she doesn't work on Mondays. With only little man in tow, we made a quick easy stop to Sam's Club then home to fire up the grill.<br />
<br />
I can't remember what happened or why I changed what I normally do but I remember that I didn't stick to my normal routine of parking and exiting the car as usual. Instead of taking my purse in with the first load, I started the items from Sam's Club in first. What was I thinking?? Who knows but I remember later that evening thinking, "where is my purse?" Evidently, I should have put more thought into it because I'd left it in the car! Sometime during that night, thieves broke into my truck and stole my wallet. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TOCCg2jC2bE/V3U1JADjG5I/AAAAAAAABVo/SaVTsgB5VN08UYOu1SK6zRlTN9VxEJZ8wCLcB/s1600/IMG_2907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TOCCg2jC2bE/V3U1JADjG5I/AAAAAAAABVo/SaVTsgB5VN08UYOu1SK6zRlTN9VxEJZ8wCLcB/s320/IMG_2907.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They stole this raggedy wallet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It could have been worse but it wasn't. Thank God. The only thing they seem to have stolen was my wallet. <br />
<br />
You may be thinking at this point, "hold up crazy! Your wallet?? The one with the money and credit cards and so much important information??" Yes, my dears, that one.<br />
<br />
It could have been so much worse. They could have stolen my camera or my actual purse or the $700 I had in a different pocket, but they didn't. The icing on the cake was that, even though I realized almost immediately that it had been stolen (because I'm slightly a creature habit with a few things), a real officer had already left his card in the driver's side door with the note," Contact us. Important?" Yes, with a question mark. It seems that the police already knew. I called and an officer was going to be dispatched to my house where they would need to take a police report.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NEWYE12/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00NEWYE12&linkCode=as2&tag=mikfor04-20&linkId=7098f510a2ba75fa44defdb9cd0024c8%22%3E%3Cimg%20border=%220%22%20src=%22//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B00NEWYE12&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=mikfor04-20%22%20%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mikfor04-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B00NEWYE12%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img height="213" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71hYu9-MmIL._SL1500_.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NEWYE12/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00NEWYE12&linkCode=as2&tag=mikfor04-20&linkId=7098f510a2ba75fa44defdb9cd0024c8%22%3E%3Cimg%20border=%220%22%20src=%22//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B00NEWYE12&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=mikfor04-20%22%20%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mikfor04-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B00NEWYE12%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">This camera...</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It would appear that the thieves had already been caught!! Woo Hoo!! Kind of...<br />
<br />
Before the officer could get to my house, in panic, I contacted nearly all of my banks and credit card companies to cancel my cards and alert them of any possible fraud activity. The very nice officer took my report, gave me a second case number then let me know that I was immediately able to pick up my personal property at the station. Thank you!! I'm not sure I've ever been so happy to see that massively over stuffed wallet appear in an evidence bag (up like straight out of the movies). Luckily for me, the theives had been caught so quickly, they never even had a chance to go through my wallet to see what loot was in there... I was just as surprised to see that they'd left the $100 in cash in my wallet as I was to know that I actually had $100 in cash in my wallet.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G8Cje_7xNqk/V3U01iKn4vI/AAAAAAAABVQ/tAnsLCv0Xbw6MAd34Keav_8dqclFYpvDACKgB/s1600/2016-06-29%2B16.33.34-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G8Cje_7xNqk/V3U01iKn4vI/AAAAAAAABVQ/tAnsLCv0Xbw6MAd34Keav_8dqclFYpvDACKgB/s640/2016-06-29%2B16.33.34-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looks kind of suspect?? I have another story about that for another time</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div>
Remember the part where I panic, yup... I cancelled everything... I have no cards... how do I even function in a world where I have to use actual cash?? </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Apparently, I function in a world that requires cash poorly. I'd already planned on going out that evening to do a little shopping for my little man at Buy Buy Baby where I spent about $77 and some change of the $100 I had. As I ventured home, I knew I was in need of gas, but I also needed to go to the grocery store so I headed to Trader Joe's... again not remembering that I have no plastic. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Remember that part where I spent all but $12?? I didn't until I had a basket full of groceries at the checkout with a sleeping baby in my arms. Oh, crap. This is the part where I'm frantically digging through my wallet searching for any card that I haven't cancelled, I find what I think is a working card... it doesn't work... I'm positive I've cancelled the rest... I try to run the card twice knowing that I don't have enough cash and I have no other available sources of funds.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Hold back your tears sweety. This is when I really start to panic. I feel the frustration of knowing not only am I holding up the line but I'm also creating a small scene going, "what can we buy with $12??" as I also ramble to the cashier about how my wallet was stolen, quickly realizing she's probably wondering why I have a wallet, then rambling in embarrassment that it was recovered but not before I'd cancelled everything. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Panic... </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Keep searching...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Try not to cry...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Feel the rush of heat flood my face...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Finally, take a deep breath and regain my composure.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1_VwFlOY06A/V3U01OP_FvI/AAAAAAAABVM/DohNMEs-FLEhPLz0tZ5__U3ydTLHzMqxQCKgB/s1600/2016-06-30%2B15.00.48-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1_VwFlOY06A/V3U01OP_FvI/AAAAAAAABVM/DohNMEs-FLEhPLz0tZ5__U3ydTLHzMqxQCKgB/s400/2016-06-30%2B15.00.48-1.jpg" width="225" /></a>I start to pick the essentials. Applies, cherries, bread. The people at Trader Joe's are the best. The reason that I went there not somewhere else in the first place is because they are always happy, friendly and somehow make shopping so much more enjoyable. Did I mention how wonderful they were? They threw in a few more of the items I had picked out for free: chocolate, chips, and poptarts. Oh, and just because I was having a bad day, flowers.</div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Although I knew that this situation was only slightly embarrassing, I had a revelation as I left. This is how people feel when they really don't have enough money for their groceries. My situation was frustrating and temporary. I knew by the next day I would have a card or two available for use again. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e5yv4bQZrD0/V3U00Pg_z4I/AAAAAAAABVE/_Z1nJx-1Ig0Tory3ZlxWQ9Jv-CcGVeYGQCKgB/s1600/2016-06-21%2B00.25.05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e5yv4bQZrD0/V3U00Pg_z4I/AAAAAAAABVE/_Z1nJx-1Ig0Tory3ZlxWQ9Jv-CcGVeYGQCKgB/s400/2016-06-21%2B00.25.05.jpg" width="225" /></a><div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
I called my husband as I drove home with a gas tank on walk and a few groceries. I sobbed on the phone about how this day was terrible and I couldn't wait to just get home and snuggle up with my baby boy. But, I mostly just felt sad and defeated. I couldn't shake the feeling of, "what if I couldn't feed my children?" A huge sadness hung over my head for all the people who are trying to provide for their kids and can't or the elderly person on a fixed income who must choose between the essentials and maybe a small treat for the week. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Although I'm still limping along as I haven't received all my cards yet, I am so lucky and blessed. I don't use the word blessed lightly. I got robbed, but the thieves didn't have time to actually steal from me before it could be recovered. I got the groceries that I needed that day and a few more. I got to go home knowing my husband would come home and get fuel for my truck long after I'd fallen asleep.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It sucked getting robbed. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I can however see the good in it. I remembered to pay back Trader Joe's for what they gave me and left some extra for the next person who is having a really crappy day who just needs a few more dollars. Or for the person who doesn't have enough money for the essentials. I feel like this is from all the times we've paid it forward. Somebody was clearly looking out for me that day.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
How have you paid it forward? </div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">If you get bored and want to spend more time with me you can find me here:
SnapChat: MikoFord
Instagram - http://instagram.com/miko_ford</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12584277886403663551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207330375675022061.post-59098182663807723912016-06-09T15:31:00.000-04:002016-06-30T13:16:15.857-04:00People in Your Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
I'm actually forcing myself to write this post because I've been putting off writing a post for a while. I keep a reminder for everything in my phone and for the last few weeks I have been hitting dismiss all too enthusiastically when I should have been stopping to write (bout whatever felt right at the time). I know there are people who have dedicated their blog to specific topics and that's great but this one is about whatever I feel like when I feel like it... kinda.<br />
<br />
I got a little off topic just now... back to the point of this post: People in your life.<br />
<br />
I have been blessed enough in life to be born into some pretty amazing families. Not balling out of control, everyone gets a Ferrari when they turn 16, but the kind filled with love, support and great history.<br />
<a name='more'></a> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://blog.caranddriver.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Ferrari-488GTB1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://blog.caranddriver.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Ferrari-488GTB1.jpg" height="391" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Even more of a blessing, I have a husband who also has a great family. Over the last decade or so, we have become just as comfortable with each others' families as if they were the one we were born into. Add in a few kids and bam! You are in so tight with each other that you don't even need your partner to visit "their" side of the family. That's your family too so you just go.<br />
<br />
You never know who you are going to be super attached to or how; it just happens. <br />
<br />
People are in our lives for a reason. Use every resource you can from each other and remember that you never know how many seasons of your life they will be there for.<br />
<br />
It doesn't matter how many times we are told to slow down or to live in the moment we all get busy and forget... maybe not everyone but I do. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcArMsrFTNo" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/piPz1prPrzs/hqdefault.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcArMsrFTNo" target="_blank">What does a yellow light mean??</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Make the most of the time you have with them. If it takes putting a reminder in your phone to remember to slow down and live in the moment, then do it! I have one of those just because, I can get too caught up in my duties and responsibilities to remember to slow down. I've been told by so many people in the last few weeks that they wished they'd slowed down because they rushed their kids growing up, rushed through college, or rushed their last visit with someone. <br />
<br />
We're given special people in our lives for a reason. It may not be apparent at first but as you and they grow, you will begin to take pieces of each other. I am so extremely grateful for some of the most patient, calm, hard working pieces that I picked up from a very special person in my life. <br />
<br />
Slow down, be present, live in the moment, use whatever catchy saying you need to use because you never know when your time with people in your life will be no longer.<br />
<br />
It's baby stuff...<div class="blogger-post-footer">If you get bored and want to spend more time with me you can find me here:
SnapChat: MikoFord
Instagram - http://instagram.com/miko_ford</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12584277886403663551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207330375675022061.post-13627557864674460492016-06-01T09:25:00.000-04:002016-06-30T13:11:58.938-04:00I could have done betterA few days ago, I just got really disappointed in myself because I know I could have done better. <br />
<br />
I've been trying to work on being more positive and finding the good in things but sometimes it is a real struggle. I want to get into a mind set that I practice what I preach to my little beings which is: 1) be positive and find the good in the situation and; 2) don't take ever thing so serious. The other thing that I know I need to work on is giving a better effort when I'm assigned a task... like my job. <br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
This is an ever growing list of personal improvement. I wish I had known about the mindset of thinking and doing until it happens rather than just accepting things for what they are (to a certain extent). If everyone just accepted things for what they were we wouldn't have some of the greatest inventions. People didn't just accept things, they wanted to make them better and worked towards that goal. <br />
<br />
Since I've been back to work from maternity leave I've been at nearly 100% capacity. That's a long time in my opinion to be that busy. As a result of that this blog has suffered because when I get home I just want to veg out. Turn off my brain and spend some time with my babies. <br />
<br />
It was a big day for me. It was was issue day. I'm an accountant and one of my larger once a year projects is an audit. My financial statements were going to be issued this day.<br />
<br />
We were down to our final items to get done. The day before I knew that we were waiting on one piece of information from the audit team that needed to go into a meeting this morning to be signed at 9:00 am. I should have been the one to review and print the letter... I didn't, my boss did it. What was I thinking??<br />
<br />
I'm frustrated by the fact that I should have been more prepared. I could have done better.<br />
<br />
Even if the task is a crappy one, it's part of my job and I should have done it better. I know everyone has forgetful moments and parts of their job they don't want to do but geez. It was like the last thing to do. It's just another one of those reminders: don't get too comfortable. When you get too comfortable that's when you screw up.<br />
<br />
So add that one to the list of self-improvement: <b><i>Do better if you can.</i></b><br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">If you get bored and want to spend more time with me you can find me here:
SnapChat: MikoFord
Instagram - http://instagram.com/miko_ford</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12584277886403663551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207330375675022061.post-40530097197884963102016-04-28T15:31:00.000-04:002016-06-30T13:12:50.716-04:00Burnout SyndromeI just read an article about a woman who took a "<a href="http://nypost.com/2016/04/28/i-want-all-the-perks-of-maternity-leave-without-having-any-kids/">meternity</a>" because she was jealous of her pregnant friends taking a maternity leave. One glance at the title and I thought, "oh geez, this is bound to stir some controversy." It did and will continue to do so however, I understand what the woman in the article was feeling; not totally because I have kids and had maternity leave twice but I get what she is saying. <br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gIplVsqOw7c/VyIrtVldOdI/AAAAAAAABS0/lctFNo12thc9QnqmnKBHHnSSwNF93MXXwCLcB/s1600/IMG_0759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gIplVsqOw7c/VyIrtVldOdI/AAAAAAAABS0/lctFNo12thc9QnqmnKBHHnSSwNF93MXXwCLcB/s320/IMG_0759.JPG" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After transforming your body into an alien being, <br />
you deserve a maternity leave.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Maternity leave is designed to allow new mothers to be away from work to tend to the new precious life they've just been given. That is paramount. It's exhausting, testing and hard as hell. Being a parent is one of the most selfless acts of life; you are responsible for someone else and they depend on you completely.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NaIKkuH9264/VyIR0OGEJeI/AAAAAAAABSc/R82uuv6ct98YT0CKrOfYdXtpVd7vq79NgCLcB/s1600/Ghost%2Bemoji.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NaIKkuH9264/VyIR0OGEJeI/AAAAAAAABSc/R82uuv6ct98YT0CKrOfYdXtpVd7vq79NgCLcB/s1600/Ghost%2Bemoji.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Time away from the routine of your daily job does however allow some women to reassess their current lifestyle and the life style that they will go back to. The article definitely explains her jealousy because what she is seeing is those with kids flying out of the door at 5 or 6 pm (she fails to address the part where they get to be parents for the rest of the night or if they take work home). What I feel like she really wanted to convey was the self-focus she realized she needed. Yes, it is about getting time off but I feel like the message was more about realizing that new parents get a smack across the face of life changing reality that makes them realize that maybe what they have been doing isn't what they really want to be doing.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3cZCbdeCgN0/VyI0qtCU_WI/AAAAAAAABTM/thY19_qu2o4YlT1d9zX8YlujyvRU3tKRQCLcB/s1600/workingmom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3cZCbdeCgN0/VyI0qtCU_WI/AAAAAAAABTM/thY19_qu2o4YlT1d9zX8YlujyvRU3tKRQCLcB/s640/workingmom.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yup, this is what my working mom life looks like at the office three times per day... sacrifice</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I understand this struggle. Every. Single. Day. As much as I want to stay home with my kids and cook organic meals full of vegetables, we need money to buy those organic (or not) foods. Since I started working in my field I feel like I'm not sure that it is what I want to do, however I'm not a fool and all those bills I've accumulated aren't going to magically disappear when I decide that I've decided I want a life change.<br />
<br />
As a working woman I definitely struggle with the choices that I have made in my life. When I was growing up I felt like I was always being asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, like I needed to know right then and there. What I know as an adult is I still don't know what I want to be. As I stood in the shower this morning I often wonder what I would have done if I hadn't been listening to so many people who told me that there would be no money in that field or it's really hard for women to get jobs in that field. I wonder what I would have done if they had said to me, "go be a pioneer, show the industry that you are a force and you are making way for more women to be powerhouses." What would I have done? Would I have taken such a traditional safe route? <br />
<br />
Sometimes I think being an adult is merely about reassessing all the choices you've made and the skewed thoughts you once had. I feel like we are a generation of great change however. Our parents lived in a different time and had different values about work and life. <br />
<br />
The crazy thing about our generation is how much we can be working without people even realizing it. The more I talk to my friends about their work and schedules the more I realize that we are nearly always connected. I can't tell you the last time I took a day off since I've been back from maternity leave that I was completely unplugged from work. Between phone calls, texts and emails I'm always connected and seemingly working. <br />
<br />
The article was right, it is hard to reassess your situation if you can't remove yourself from work. Days and weeks fly by and I wonder things like, "It's nearly May. What have I done so far this year?" It's so easy to get into the routine of work. <br />
<br />
Seeing beyond the routine of what you know and do is a task. Who wants another task to add to their checklist?? Not me but it's in there. Right in my any.do app. A daily reminder that I need to focus on the changes I'd like to see in myself. I make these changes not only to be a better mother and wife but to be a person. A person who I want my kids to see. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/pXRviuL6vMY/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pXRviuL6vMY?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
Would I have made these moves if I hadn't taken maternity leave? Probably. Would I have made such strides in the last two years? I doubt it. I believe that it would have taken me much longer to see that I needed to change paths. <br />
<br />
Would I have gotten <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=Burnout+syndrome&oq=Burnout+syndrome&aqs=chrome..69i57&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8">burnout syndrome</a> before realizing that I needed a change in life? Maybe. I was well on my way there. There was a period of time after my daughter was born where I thought, I'm just going to quit my job and we'll figure it out because I was at the end of my rope. Things didn't change until I changed my perspective and started making changes towards a new career path. <br />
<br />
So maybe everyone does need a "<a href="http://amzn.to/1VWy2no" rel="nofollow">meternity</a>". I'm not saying your should get paid for that but I understand the need to let work take a back seat especially when you aren't sure of the path you are on or are feeling some type of way. It isn't worth it to you or anyone else to feel like you have to do something that someone else pounded into your head. Don't misconstrue this, once you figure out what you want to do, you better get on your grind and do it but when you do something you want to do it sure is different when the crappy parts come along.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I4QOPh4uJAA/VyJHPKDjnjI/AAAAAAAABTk/tAzWtP5p4DQRPj77g1wAAxb6_ioaeomlQCLcB/s1600/I%2Bcan%2527t%2Badult.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I4QOPh4uJAA/VyJHPKDjnjI/AAAAAAAABTk/tAzWtP5p4DQRPj77g1wAAxb6_ioaeomlQCLcB/s320/I%2Bcan%2527t%2Badult.png" width="239" /></a></div>
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">If you get bored and want to spend more time with me you can find me here:
SnapChat: MikoFord
Instagram - http://instagram.com/miko_ford</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12584277886403663551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207330375675022061.post-43856614470584109692016-04-26T15:31:00.000-04:002016-06-30T13:13:51.608-04:00Are you a bridesmaid or are you going to prom??<br />
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
</div>
<br />
I am not the type of person you should go to if you want fashion advice. I love looking at blogs about fashion and seeing the items that people match that don't seem like they'd go but absolutely do. When I think about my fashion sense and ability I think t-shirts (usually black or gray) and tennis shoes or corporate. I don't really have much of an in between unless you consider "I just grabbed the most comfortable things I could find" a middle ground. My wardrobe is kind of a bunch of random clothes put together. <br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vYTv7ODdcxI/Vx98tED4lKI/AAAAAAAABRw/eAB6hG9S3iAMiSDhhVXvwEJ45eHPUrj5QCLcB/s1600/20160331_082015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vYTv7ODdcxI/Vx98tED4lKI/AAAAAAAABRw/eAB6hG9S3iAMiSDhhVXvwEJ45eHPUrj5QCLcB/s320/20160331_082015.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I got you covered if we need to go to a board meeting</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The only items of attire that I feel semi-comfortable being a bit jazzy with are my shoes. I LOVE SHOES. If you've ever met me you probably know I have a thing for shoes. Clothes however make me uncomfortable. Like, start sweating, clammy hands, confused thoughts and nearing panic attack type of feeling when I need to focus on my wardrobe outside of my comfort zones, corporate or chill. <br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nJWPOOELQSw/Vx982drY8KI/AAAAAAAABR0/sZvBfFN5gp0g_g9cj-QIQge9d9j8BiIeQCLcB/s1600/20160417_171835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nJWPOOELQSw/Vx982drY8KI/AAAAAAAABR0/sZvBfFN5gp0g_g9cj-QIQge9d9j8BiIeQCLcB/s400/20160417_171835.jpg" width="195" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm pretty sure I have on an Old Navy shirt, Gap jeans, <br />
a Target tank top and $1 Old Navy Flip Flops... <br />
I worked at making this an outfit... it took thought...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My husband and I were invited to a ball. Huh? Like Cinderella? Yup, a ball... Dress Code: Formal (black tie optional). Say what?? My immediate thoughts about this dress code were: panic, ask for help, denial, then questions (in that order). Questions? Well, how in the heck do you dress up formally and not look like you are going to prom or to be someone's bridesmaid? I think I'm sweating as I write this...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
The last formal event I went to was my <a href="http://www.mikoford.com/2015/08/fruit-flowers-or-appliances.html">wedding</a>. On a Wednesday. With 13 people...<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Funny story, when I got married, I got dressed in the nurse's station at a hospital. I wanted my mom to see me on my wedding day. She was in the hospital. We also dropped off a computer so that she could watch the whole thing via live stream since she could not leave the hospital. As my friend and I were leaving the hospital to go to the chapel, an older couple says, as I walk in my wedding dress, "Oh look, she must be going to prom." Say what??!! Prom? It's a muggy Wednesday in August but thank you for thinking this 26 year-old woman is going to prom.</blockquote>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So, my fears of looking like I'm going to prom are real when the thought of going to a formal event occurs.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As I decided we needed to do something about the lack of attire I have for this situation we made our plan. Breakfast first then mall. As I started to drive to breakfast I was already filled with panic of the thought of having to find something in my size, in a style that I liked, and that didn't make me look like I was heading to prom with the other thousand girls who were at the mall shopping that day or standing in a wedding party. I should have let my husband drive because for starters I just started driving, on autopilot... possibly to work, I'm not sure but that was the direction I headed. That was my frame of mind at that point.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.cadillaccoffee.com/resources/img/file-20140915140041.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I didn't actually eat anything here... everything is cooked in butter. They have good coffee though.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My husband and I gathered our children and headed to the dreaded mall after they consumed a delicious butter-filled breakfast of pancakes and bacon. I only find the mall dreadful when: </div>
<div>
<ol>
<li>It's anywhere close to Christmas because there are far too many people there</li>
<li>It's after Christmas when people are going for sales and returns; and finally</li>
<li>When I have to shop for myself</li>
</ol>
<div>
We should have gone to a different mall however in my state of confusion I drove to one mall that is good but there is a better one that is actually closer to my house. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We went into Macy's first. That place was a zoo! Every teeny bopper trying to impress the entire high school was there trying on dresses. Lines out of the dressing room full. I found two very safe dresses. I was impressed by neither of them. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://s7d9.scene7.com/is/image//LordandTaylor//700770593916_main?$THUMBLARGE$" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://s7d9.scene7.com/is/image//LordandTaylor//700770593916_main?$THUMBLARGE$" /></a>We then stopped at Lord & Taylor. I found their dress selection to be better but not overwhelmingly great. It was still filled with what seemed like a million teenage girls giggling uncontrollably making a royal mess of the dress section. It seemed there were no sales associates in sight. They probably feared for their sanity of the messy situation that was occurring in their store. I did find one dress that if all else fails, I will buy it. Thank you Vera Wang.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We then stopped at Nordstrom. There was nothing there that would make me feel less than 87 years old. Highly disappointing. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Needless to say, I was not thrilled with my trip of torture. My poor daughter was not impressed with my shopping trip at all as she slept from the time we got to the mall until we got back to the car.</div>
<div>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y1FhWdcolZM/Vx93un-PRPI/AAAAAAAABRc/qwnSLukhXGYnWdo8A8sbxwCdfYk3NiS3gCLcB/s1600/20160423_171619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y1FhWdcolZM/Vx93un-PRPI/AAAAAAAABRc/qwnSLukhXGYnWdo8A8sbxwCdfYk3NiS3gCLcB/s320/20160423_171619.jpg" width="255" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She handled shopping like a boss!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The whole time I shopped all I could think about was how much everything that was available looked one of three things: a prom dress, a bridesmaid dress or someone's great grandmother's dress. I could eliminate one of the three looks but trying not to look like I was going to prom or standing in a wedding is a bit harder for me. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Since I ever so unsuccessfully scoured the mall and found nothing that made me beam with joy about it being "the dress", I turned to my favorite place, the internet. When in doubt, order a bunch of dresses online, pray to God that they fit and don't look cheap and arrive on time. I ordered three dresses... </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.unique-vintage.com/lilac-pleated-chiffon-illusion-deep-v-neck-grecian-long-dress.html"><img alt="http://www.unique-vintage.com/lilac-pleated-chiffon-illusion-deep-v-neck-grecian-long-dress.html" border="0" height="400" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/ef/6b/27/ef6b27d88c3aa4297e2418e12734e778.jpg" width="343" /></a><span id="goog_820893485"></span><span id="goog_820893486"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.unique-vintage.com/red-pleated-chiffon-illusion-deep-v-neck-dress.html"><img border="0" src="http://assets.unique-vintage.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/540x/040ec09b1e35df139433887a97daa66f/R/e/Red_Pleated_Chiffon_Illusion_Deep_V-Neck_Dress_4.jpg" height="400" width="343" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://amzn.to/1qPw8I8" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img src="http://assets.unique-vintage.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/540x/040ec09b1e35df139433887a97daa66f/M/i/Mint_Chiffon_Belted_Draped_Grecian_Gown_2.jpg" height="400" width="343" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'm really hoping that something either finds me this week at the mall or one of these baby's works out because I don't have time for these kinds of decisions... </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Am I the only one who feel like this? No... I can't be. Who else feels like this??</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">If you get bored and want to spend more time with me you can find me here:
SnapChat: MikoFord
Instagram - http://instagram.com/miko_ford</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12584277886403663551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207330375675022061.post-69856803815374429332016-04-13T15:31:00.000-04:002016-06-30T13:14:08.484-04:00Work on it Wednesday: Am I too old for this??<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pUkZLkUCjPA/VFfX-dxOdII/AAAAAAAAAeI/e-jdfvLQKK4XDIQdLHVY5FlGaTyeXzAzQ/s1600/struggle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pUkZLkUCjPA/VFfX-dxOdII/AAAAAAAAAeI/e-jdfvLQKK4XDIQdLHVY5FlGaTyeXzAzQ/s400/struggle.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
No. <br />
<br />
The answer is no. <br />
<br />
Starting over and doing something new is okay. I try to limit the reckless things that I do but I feel like starting over is not reckless if it is done right. <br />
<br />
But what is "right"??<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pstYSO9RlAo/Vw6DXL6R2CI/AAAAAAAABQg/NPVIs0ViyvEdiSk5ItQ9Xlu4sTPnGpFLACLcB/s1600/Reset%2B%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="381" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pstYSO9RlAo/Vw6DXL6R2CI/AAAAAAAABQg/NPVIs0ViyvEdiSk5ItQ9Xlu4sTPnGpFLACLcB/s400/Reset%2B%25281%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
There are so many times that I wish I had a reset button so that I could do things over. Then I remember that if I had the chance to do it over would I make the same choices? Did the choices that I made back then help me figure out the mistakes that I'd made so that I could make different mistakes and moves in the future? Who knows... There are so many different things that could have happened but I feel like each move that I've made in my past has led me to where I am now, starting over. <br />
<br />
Starting over is tough. It gets even tougher when there are people who rely on you. If you've mosied through this blog you'd know, I have kids and a husband. My husband and I work as a team so that means it's my job to do my part. So, I have to do my part and that means that I can't just jump off the cliff of hope and think everything is going to be okay. There are responsibilities that need to be addressed: house, car, insurance, food, etc. All of these things could be seen as obstacles. I choose to think that it is just going to make me more creative in my quest to start over.<br />
<br />
I do wish I'd been a <strike>little</strike> <b>A LOT</b> less chicken when I was younger and had fewer responsibilities but hey, such is life. Being older than others is just comparing yourself to another person. Their story and circumstances are different. You never know if they are going to have the same thought process a few years down the road and be afraid to start over because they're so far down the road that starting over seems like an impossible task. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KI-LrnoBL00/Vw6F0luXn3I/AAAAAAAABQw/0uv516I1hPAd91uIgmkTiFsEsHWwnig2wCLcB/s1600/2016-04-13%2B13.45.07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KI-LrnoBL00/Vw6F0luXn3I/AAAAAAAABQw/0uv516I1hPAd91uIgmkTiFsEsHWwnig2wCLcB/s400/2016-04-13%2B13.45.07.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yup, it looks kind of like that</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It is not impossible, it's just the detour route to where you need to go. It may not be the fastest way there but self improvement along the journey is part of the process.<br />
<br />
I'm working on my process. I'm taking the detour. I like the scenery. It may take me a little longer to get where I'm going but that's ok. I'm going to smell the roses along the way.<br />
<br />
What do you feel like you're too old for??<div class="blogger-post-footer">If you get bored and want to spend more time with me you can find me here:
SnapChat: MikoFord
Instagram - http://instagram.com/miko_ford</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12584277886403663551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207330375675022061.post-72776977039842860172016-04-07T15:31:00.000-04:002016-06-30T13:14:59.918-04:00I need to walk the walk<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinkpump.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-60ZrRg9Knaw/VwadzKcamRI/AAAAAAAABP4/Xf46ktXyFoMjpJPBL-_KcAW1-jUuIOkIw/s320/20160331_081947.jpg" title="" width="257" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walk in my beautiful pumps darling</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span id="goog_1569992870"></span><span id="goog_1569992871"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a></div>
<br />
I have spent a good portion of my life trying to make sure I do what my elders tell me to do and to make my family happy. A few years ago, it occurred to me that they were the happy ones and I was the one who was miserable. <br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Miserable.</i><br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
Why? Why am I trying to make all of them so happy??????? <br />
<br />
Does it make me happy? No<br />
<br />
Who is living with all the things that makes me unhappy? Me and it's affecting those around me #sorry<br />
<br />
Who's there to be my sunshine and butterflies? No one because they don't know I'm miserable<br />
<br />
What kind of life is that??<br />
<br />
Why did I do it for so many years? It's complicated. The short version is, I think it was part a cultural thing and the other part was I never wanted to disappoint my dad. <br />
<br />
Do I want my kids to disappoint me? No, but I don't want them to be unhappy either. I want my children to be fearless (within reason). If they want to be a singer, an actor, a painter, go ahead! Just don't be lazy!! Work hard, embrace rejection because life is full of it. Don't be scared. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rejectiontherapy.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/9f/Rejection-therapy.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's quite interesting to think about why this game was created</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
If I want to teach my kids not to be scared of everything then I need to walk the walk! I envy people who can shake off rejection, who don't worry about their social awkwardness, who see a goal and do what they have to get there. I've been so determined to understand rejection, I bought Rejection Therapy. I want to do what I can to teach my kids to not be like me. It's okay if you don't want to be safe and get a 9-to-5. It's also okay if you really do want to be an accountant. Somebody has to love crunching those numbers. <br />
<br />
I don't want my kids to get a career because it's safe, I want my kids to get a career because it drives them. It gives fuel to their fire. When they go home at the end of their work day I want them to feel good about it. <br />
<br />
We live in a different time and I hope that no matter what I do, I can teach my children by example.<div class="blogger-post-footer">If you get bored and want to spend more time with me you can find me here:
SnapChat: MikoFord
Instagram - http://instagram.com/miko_ford</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12584277886403663551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207330375675022061.post-21712466215543703102016-03-30T15:31:00.000-04:002016-06-30T13:15:18.735-04:00Work on it Wednesday: I'm working on it<br />
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
I am proud of myself. I am actually working on it. Slightly inconsistent and definitely in need of more determination but I am working on it! <br />
<br />
What is it? Well, two things. The first is my weight. As you may have read in my <a href="http://www.mikoford.com/2016/02/i-need-to-quit-playing-myself.html">last post</a> (over a month ago, whoops!), I wanted to get some of this additional padding off of me. The second is learning to edit videos.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://i5.walmartimages.com/dfw/dce07b8c-df5d/k2-_d14cc16b-4eab-4764-b873-6b7a35c1c9a8.v1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i5.walmartimages.com/dfw/dce07b8c-df5d/k2-_d14cc16b-4eab-4764-b873-6b7a35c1c9a8.v1.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a>How you may ask have I been working on these goals? <br />
<a name='more'></a>Well, the first is pretty easy. I have been really, really, really watching what goes into my mouth lately. Counting macros is the easiest way for me to eat towards my goals without losing my mind. It is so easy to get on the "I can do it hard core" train then fall off shortly after because you've restricted yourself so much that you just can't stop yourself from inhaling an entire bag of nacho cheese Doritos followed up by an entire carton of Ben and Jerry's Chubby Hubby (mmmmm, delicious!). Both of which I won't eat because #NoDiary #NotByChoice. So, I opt to calculate nearly every bite of food that enters my mouth. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u2Z0JpdaqWw/Vvv3tbidgHI/AAAAAAAABPI/lEVQz-OB2gE-aYz3zuQaRILaLBS_ubG-g/s1600/IMG_715138690%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u2Z0JpdaqWw/Vvv3tbidgHI/AAAAAAAABPI/lEVQz-OB2gE-aYz3zuQaRILaLBS_ubG-g/s320/IMG_715138690%255B1%255D.jpg" width="180" /></a>I think this is part of my need for exact information sometimes. It has been working and the thing is I know it works for me. One of the biggest factors in making it work this time is not "needing" someone to do it with me. I'm an introvert by nature. No, not a recluse, an introvert. Whenever I read about factors that can help you lose weight they say, "get a partner to help hold you accountable." That doesn't work for me I've realized. I need to do it on my own. If someone wants to tag along, I'm definitely cool with that but if you are doing it with me, don't be rocking my boat! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Something that has helped me get motivated are two things that always seems to help. Competition and money. I watch a daily vlogging family on You Tube and the wife had a baby just a few weeks before me and is trying to get rid of her baby weight and get back in shape. She was is great shape before getting pregnant, me, not so much but that's ok. It is what it is. She did a Diet Bet. She'd hosted one before the one I joined but I thought, what the heck, why not. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mittenprincess.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/DietBet-logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.mittenprincess.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/DietBet-logo.jpg" height="91" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miko motivators: money and competition</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It ends today and I am happy to report that I met the goal of the 4% weight loss. I am a little funny about weight loss. I feel like it isn't always the best indication of people doing the right thing especially for people who don't have too much weight to lose but for people like me who have quite a bit to lose it can work. I mean as long as people are going about it in a healthy manner it is good to probably lose a few pounds. <br />
<br />
I don't necessarily have a weight loss goal, rather I have a size goal. Currently, I am wearing a loose size 12 dress/pant. I'm probably more like a 10 but I'm trying not to get ahead of myself and blow it. Realistically, I'd like to be a comfortable 8. I've never really been a small person. As an adult, I've floated between a size 8 all the way up to a 14. Looking back, I was pretty comfortable as a size 8. However, this time, I'd like to be a leaner stronger size 8. Maybe even a size 6. Who knows but I wouldn't be mad if we got there. <br />
<br />
The important part is that I'm working on it!<br />
<br />
<br />
The second thing is editing. When learning something that you have to do on your own time with no "Miko Motivators" to help it's hard. I am very lucky that I have a resource at my house who can tell me things that an untrained eye such as mine wouldn't normally see because my husband works in a field that requires him to be an editor. I started trying to edit and really learn it about the middle of 2014. There were quite a few "failure to launch" moments since then but I finally feel like I can do it. Yes, I need a whole lot of finesse still but hey starting is the hardest part. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/MikoFord"><img height="400" src="https://s.ytimg.com/yts/img/yt_1200-vfl4C3T0K.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I actually recorded, edited and <a href="https://youtu.be/6whKs6oXK2A">posted a video </a>to You Tube. Talk about vulnerability. Social media is funny like that, it's a way for you to put yourself out there but you've put yourself out there. For me it was a way of teaching myself to not let my comfort zone keep me stagnant. Being comfortable is exactly what I didn't want. Maybe it was social media again helping me(??). <br />
<br />
It all really started because of my daughter. I really want to teach her not to make my mistakes. I've spent far too much of my life playing it safe and trying to do what meets the approval of other people all the while not being really happy myself. We are lucky enough to live in a time where we can do these things. <br />
<br />
Also, I really was feeling like I was missing out on tons of memories that will make me look back and smile. It's nice to have a record of when things happened and as much as I'd like to believe that I'm always going to remember a moment, realistically, I'll probably forget. I hope that I keep going on this and creating memories for all of us to look back on and smile. I mean she already loves looking at videos of herself. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/6whKs6oXK2A/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6whKs6oXK2A?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
Again, I'm just happy that I'm working on it. So cheers to more Work on it Wednesdays!!<br />
<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">If you get bored and want to spend more time with me you can find me here:
SnapChat: MikoFord
Instagram - http://instagram.com/miko_ford</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12584277886403663551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207330375675022061.post-55945763812963095492016-02-18T15:31:00.000-05:002016-06-30T13:16:35.648-04:00I need to quit playing myselfI 'm a pretty determined person. Once, I've decided that I am going to do something I do it. Not sure how that works but once my mind is made up I guess I decide there are no other options so I just get it done. Well, the one thing that I have a tenancy to not follow through on one thing... eating right. I'm not saying that I am not eating my veggies or anything, I just need to get some of this additional padding off my body #LoseSomeWeightGirl!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1KyCrtoTMPM/VsXngcOl1_I/AAAAAAAABOA/ZpcKN1QmdZk/s1600/2016-02-18%2B10.46.28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1KyCrtoTMPM/VsXngcOl1_I/AAAAAAAABOA/ZpcKN1QmdZk/s320/2016-02-18%2B10.46.28.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I mean check out this sexy extra chin I'm sporting</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>On more than one occasion I have been told by someone close to me that once I've set my mind on something I just do it. Okay, so I hear you. I'm going to do it. Of course eating better is hard. Food is <i>delicious. I LOVE FOOD.</i> Not that I am going to change my mindset because no matter what I will still love food but I need to love it a little less. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-56a9nMTMJvQ/VsXn6L6yzyI/AAAAAAAABOI/6WPM-b-g7Rk/s1600/IMG_20150821_164011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-56a9nMTMJvQ/VsXn6L6yzyI/AAAAAAAABOI/6WPM-b-g7Rk/s320/IMG_20150821_164011.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mmmmm... hey big girl!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Usually when I think that I'm going to get it together I go strong for two weeks. After two weeks I usually succumb to my desires of a juicy Delmonico steak with rice and asparagus or possibly a ridiculously juicy bar burger with crispy french fries or possibly a bowl of homemade spaghetti with a side of garlic bread or something equally as calorific. I tend to be an all or nothing kind of person. If I'm doing it, I'm doing it. There is no moderation for me. I'm not going to reach in the bag for one Oreo I'm going to eat like 10. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CcFJc4KzQsg/VsXn50X5iBI/AAAAAAAABOE/ziFwFJ9IGSo/s1600/Spaghetti.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CcFJc4KzQsg/VsXn50X5iBI/AAAAAAAABOE/ziFwFJ9IGSo/s320/Spaghetti.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheese glorious, cheese!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Maybe it's my generation's need for immediate gratification but I want to see results. Losing weight, and more importantly size, is like watching paint dry. It sucks, it seems like it takes forever and I don't want to do it but once it is done I feel a sense of accomplishment and love the result. <br />
<br />
This week I decided to go all in for this goal. Three pregnancies, a jacked up thyroid and getting older have let me get a bit fluffier than I'd prefer. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-viBvK-8quRg/VsXsSGik5dI/AAAAAAAABOg/lANkK5ZH92k/s1600/staypuft-man6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-viBvK-8quRg/VsXsSGik5dI/AAAAAAAABOg/lANkK5ZH92k/s320/staypuft-man6.png" width="249" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'd prefer not to look like his sister.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
On Sunday, I went ahead a prepped all my lunches for work and got my mind right. So far I have been doing well. In the past I never would make a full week's worth of lunches because I'd usually just eat dinner left overs but I'm not a garbage disposal. I should be eating according to my plan. So, I've picked my plan and I'm sticking to it. <br />
<br />
Next week, should be interesting because that is usually when I begin to waiver, however I have a plan. Next week, I'll be planning both lunch and dinner for myself. Not that I won't be making dinner for the family but I will be focused on cooking <i>their</i> meals and <i>my</i> meals. <br />
<br />
This doggone blog makes me hold myself accountable... the torture I put myself through...<div class="blogger-post-footer">If you get bored and want to spend more time with me you can find me here:
SnapChat: MikoFord
Instagram - http://instagram.com/miko_ford</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12584277886403663551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207330375675022061.post-63983298842741874502016-02-06T00:25:00.000-05:002016-06-30T13:17:42.881-04:00This is where I get all mom on you: Breast Pump Bags (part 2)This is part two of "Breast Pump Bags" (you can read part <a href="http://www.mikoford.com/2016/01/this-is-where-i-get-all-mom-on-you.html">one here</a>).<br />
<br />
So after carrying the beauty called <a href="http://amzn.to/1Jgf6eI" style="text-align: center;">Lizzy</a> for about a week. I decided to switch to the other bag, <a href="http://amzn.to/1lsdMKc">Kelly</a>.<br />
<br />
It is so funny to me how much one little bag can have an impact on my life. Number one, bags make me happy. I can't explain why, it's just one of those things. Number 2, they are functional and we all need function in our lives. Enough with my crazy thought process and on to my thoughts about the bag.<br />
<br />
Quick recap of my needs in a bag as a working mom:<br />
<ul>
<li>Must be able to carry pump, accessories, computer and possibly a lunch</li>
<li>Must sit well against my body</li>
<li>Easy to clean/wipe</li>
<li>Can be used after I'm done torturing myself for approximately a year and no longer use it specifically as a pump bag</li>
<li>Looks nice</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dJa7yVc4nmw/VrTN--IItEI/AAAAAAAABNo/TFc6UVgyR9I/s1600/IMG_1857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dJa7yVc4nmw/VrTN--IItEI/AAAAAAAABNo/TFc6UVgyR9I/s640/IMG_1857.JPG" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hello Kelly. You sure are pretty</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kNzb930BI7o/VrTN_V-HIHI/AAAAAAAABNo/GJhlnAO1_Rg/s1600/IMG_1858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kNzb930BI7o/VrTN_V-HIHI/AAAAAAAABNo/GJhlnAO1_Rg/s400/IMG_1858.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I like the logo patch, it's not huge or in your face but simple and classy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5W8Kv__snH4/VrTNiUCll-I/AAAAAAAABMQ/3fhaL4d4PL0/s1600/IMG_1840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5W8Kv__snH4/VrTNiUCll-I/AAAAAAAABMQ/3fhaL4d4PL0/s640/IMG_1840.JPG" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front pocket number one with a zip closure. <br />
This was deep enough for me to stick my hand down to the bottom of the bag</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nYaF46YHlWU/VrTNjIbWbLI/AAAAAAAABMU/_LzuM-TDwh8/s1600/IMG_1841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nYaF46YHlWU/VrTNjIbWbLI/AAAAAAAABMU/_LzuM-TDwh8/s640/IMG_1841.JPG" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front pocket number two with a zip closure.<br />
Again, this was a deep as the bag.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n_GQJqZ-S0c/VrTNjDDAa4I/AAAAAAAABMY/QVcnm7_ibQU/s1600/IMG_1842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n_GQJqZ-S0c/VrTNjDDAa4I/AAAAAAAABMY/QVcnm7_ibQU/s640/IMG_1842.JPG" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hello pocket number three! I <i>love</i> all these outside pockets! <br />
This one had a hook and loop closure and only went down about half way. Still a great pocket.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U5A2F949c7E/VrTNe_Cu4NI/AAAAAAAABMM/7ZKJBW02VF8/s1600/IMG_1836.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U5A2F949c7E/VrTNe_Cu4NI/AAAAAAAABMM/7ZKJBW02VF8/s400/IMG_1836.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Double zippers for the pump pocket</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i7KMl3UlLz8/VrTNdmQrW8I/AAAAAAAABME/BEcauKQubgY/s1600/IMG_1838.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i7KMl3UlLz8/VrTNdmQrW8I/AAAAAAAABME/BEcauKQubgY/s640/IMG_1838.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My PISA in the pocket... and yes I'm pumping so the tubes are sticking out...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uDEj6T6BmN8/VrTNeTTNBEI/AAAAAAAABMI/7PJAb0MVQms/s1600/IMG_1839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uDEj6T6BmN8/VrTNeTTNBEI/AAAAAAAABMI/7PJAb0MVQms/s640/IMG_1839.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The little note they put in the bags where you can place a picture of your darling babe.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Rt7qsPkoZQ/VrTNsRobi-I/AAAAAAAABMw/DmnOiDg45dc/s1600/IMG_1848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Rt7qsPkoZQ/VrTNsRobi-I/AAAAAAAABMw/DmnOiDg45dc/s640/IMG_1848.JPG" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are the straps for the backpack conversion. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rg2NOfiAFqc/VrTNrSxfUkI/AAAAAAAABMo/2C-PFXLP2rw/s1600/IMG_1846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rg2NOfiAFqc/VrTNrSxfUkI/AAAAAAAABMo/2C-PFXLP2rw/s640/IMG_1846.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They both have pretty sturdy metal clasps and adjusters</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E2uFw9RhlJ0/VrTNnc_e57I/AAAAAAAABMg/ueZyo6P5CaU/s1600/IMG_1845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E2uFw9RhlJ0/VrTNnc_e57I/AAAAAAAABMg/ueZyo6P5CaU/s640/IMG_1845.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The design on the straps is the same as the bag. They are padded like you'd expect from a regular backpack.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k8yNNJ_5efA/VrTNv9hwV7I/AAAAAAAABM4/c9Cf6mynPCQ/s1600/IMG_1849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k8yNNJ_5efA/VrTNv9hwV7I/AAAAAAAABM4/c9Cf6mynPCQ/s400/IMG_1849.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is where the little clasp for the straps is housed. I thought that was pretty nifty... yes nifty.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1KuGbQxCWsQ/VrTNvhRoEEI/AAAAAAAABM0/8H9vFy9J1GM/s1600/IMG_1850.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1KuGbQxCWsQ/VrTNvhRoEEI/AAAAAAAABM0/8H9vFy9J1GM/s400/IMG_1850.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is the ring you clasp the backpack strap to</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9oRH8z9ET2Y/VrTNrTC6elI/AAAAAAAABMs/yzQxW1_iJWU/s1600/IMG_1847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9oRH8z9ET2Y/VrTNrTC6elI/AAAAAAAABMs/yzQxW1_iJWU/s640/IMG_1847.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Connected...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--hr2oVEQhSk/VrTNoMtbiJI/AAAAAAAABMk/50JcXacfZxI/s1600/IMG_1844.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--hr2oVEQhSk/VrTNoMtbiJI/AAAAAAAABMk/50JcXacfZxI/s640/IMG_1844.JPG" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the back pocket where the straps hide when you're not using them. <br />
The pocket goes all the way down to the bottom so if you needed the room, it is available.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-49_1mRmH7Z8/VrTNmpIy1DI/AAAAAAAABMc/Zgq5R8hJLF8/s1600/IMG_1843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-49_1mRmH7Z8/VrTNmpIy1DI/AAAAAAAABMc/Zgq5R8hJLF8/s640/IMG_1843.JPG" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side pocket is nice and deep.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MVdL4QpEjR8/VrTN0nH4jdI/AAAAAAAABM8/au4KSE4XFzw/s1600/IMG_1851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MVdL4QpEjR8/VrTN0nH4jdI/AAAAAAAABM8/au4KSE4XFzw/s640/IMG_1851.JPG" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look it expands!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DtHtf3-wE7s/VrTN250KRVI/AAAAAAAABNE/9nSAQ0EeBY4/s1600/IMG_1853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DtHtf3-wE7s/VrTN250KRVI/AAAAAAAABNE/9nSAQ0EeBY4/s640/IMG_1853.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside pocket already filled with my junk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9THPJWYghSg/VrTN5Wxox0I/AAAAAAAABNI/PAQrsdE1bbs/s1600/IMG_1854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9THPJWYghSg/VrTN5Wxox0I/AAAAAAAABNI/PAQrsdE1bbs/s640/IMG_1854.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of my pump supplies... I was using the rest as I took these pictures</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cVfrtPW2ERk/VrTN6lZVHaI/AAAAAAAABNM/wBB449vWLP8/s1600/IMG_1855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cVfrtPW2ERk/VrTN6lZVHaI/AAAAAAAABNM/wBB449vWLP8/s640/IMG_1855.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the computer pocket. It's padded</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZO1FJlMzmpE/VrTOAxPbEaI/AAAAAAAABNg/OODSr-JpckE/s1600/IMG_1860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZO1FJlMzmpE/VrTOAxPbEaI/AAAAAAAABNg/OODSr-JpckE/s400/IMG_1860.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hook and loop on the outside pockets.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
With the points above in mind and the pictures to tell the story, here are my thoughts on <a href="http://amzn.to/1lsdMKc">Kelly</a>:<br />
<br />
Pros<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>This is also a very aestetically nice to look at. The print and the style are nice.</li>
<li>I love that it has so many different pockets. There are three on the front. There is the pump pocket on the side. On the other side there is an expandable smaller pocket. On the back there is another pocket that is the depth of the bag that also houses the straps that turn it into a backpack. There is also a zip pocket in the inside.</li>
<li>The fact that it has both the longer handles and the backpack straps is awesome #versatilitybaby</li>
<li>The pump pocket is big enough for the larger pumps such as the Medela Symphony which I use as well as the Pump In Style Advanced. I keep the PISA in the pocket, which leaves enough room for me to put my pump bra, a few milk bags, a Sharpie and the plug in there</li>
<li>Some of the outside pockets have zippers some just have hook and loop (aka Velcro). I think both have a purpose. I like zippers for things that I need to make a little more secure and hook and loop for things I need quick access to</li>
<li>It is a large bag that fits all my pump supplies and my work computer</li>
<li>I love that there is a dedicated padded computer compartment inside the bag</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Cons</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>It is a little small in the sense that I'd like to put all my pump supplies, my work computer and a lunch in the bag. I can do it but my lunch has to be pretty small</li>
<li>The handles are long enough to put on my shoulder but when the bag is packed full they're just a bit awkward against my body</li>
<li>I love the concept of the backpack straps and really thought that those would make it the winner but again it felt awkward when I tried to carry it that way.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
In reality that is a pretty short list of cons and I was already comparing it to another two bags I'd carried. I was really just comparing it to the Lizzy the whole time because I know I'm going to keep one of the two bags. </div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So which bag am I going to dedicate to be my daily pump bag?? <span style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1Jgf6eI" style="text-align: center;">Lizzy</a></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Why you ask? Well these were the following reasons why Lizzy was better for me:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>The long strap on the Lizzy that could be used like a crossbody or a shoulder strap were more comfortable for me to carry</li>
<li>The Kelly bag, while a great size was just a little smaller and with all the things I carry I need a little more space #overpreparedallthetime</li>
<li>I like the print on the Lizzy more than the Kelly. The interior color doesn't look as nice in the pictures but I like the green/blue better than the pink/black and white combo</li>
<li>The little leather touch on the carry handles was a nice touch to me. I think it makes the bag look a little more polished</li>
<li>The dual pump/cooler pockets are something I liked more than I thought when I wrote my original post about Lizzy. At first I thought they were kind of silly to have two of those pump/cooler pockets... now I love them #AbsenceMakesTheHeartGrowFonder</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
While both bags are wonderful, I personally liked the bigger bag with the longer strap. I do wish the Lizzy had all the pockets on the outside that Kelly had but hey, you don't get everything you want all the time. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Have any of you found a pump bag that you are in love with? Why did you like it so much? I'm always looking for the next mommy convenience in my life. I'm all about making things easier on ourselves at this point in life because having kids is hard already... not having the right tools can be torturous. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Please note, that I purchased these bags with my hard earned cash and no one asked me to tell you about them but if this helps one person's decision. I'm glad to help :-)</span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">If you get bored and want to spend more time with me you can find me here:
SnapChat: MikoFord
Instagram - http://instagram.com/miko_ford</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12584277886403663551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207330375675022061.post-44928583984504325882016-01-26T15:31:00.000-05:002016-06-30T13:17:59.434-04:00This is where I get all mom on you: Breast Pump BagsLast night as I proceeded to search for a new bag (yes I am becoming a bag lady... but not <i>that kind</i>), it occurred to me that if there are any moms out there who are thinking about whether they should spend a few dollars on some "mommy conveniences", here are some of the ones that I bought or want to buy.<br />
<br />
At this point in my life, I've been through kid one and now, I'm over the "make it work" stage and want things to work for me. Maybe I'm getting old maybe I'm running out of space in my Yukon. Either way, you get my unsolicited opinions (#ThanksForReading).<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
Let's start at the bags I was searching for last night, breast pump bags. Dun, dun, ddduuuunnnnnnn!! OK, they aren't that bad but if you are a lady like me who works in an office you have to consider a few things:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>You have a purse aka bag number one. If you are anything like me, it's freaking giant because it moonlights as a diaper bag.</li>
<li>The job you do requires that you use a computer. In my case that is a laptop which I tend to tote to and fro work on a regular. Maybe subconsciously I'm just trying to add weight to my body so I can get a few more calories burned as I leave work... maybe I'm trying to destroy my back... either way that baby goes home with me nearly every night.</li>
<li>A lunch. Some days this fits inside my giant purse but I'm always scared that something is going to spill and get sauce, grease or something similarly disgusting in the black hole of a purse.</li>
<li>A pump bag. </li>
</ol>
<div>
Let's talk about this "pump bag" Last time I needed to pump, I did go ahead a purchase a bag specifically dedicated to my pump supplies. I purchased it off of Etsy and it was a great bag. I carried that bag for nearly a year Monday through Friday and sometimes on the weekend as well. They's go over the pros and cons of this bag:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Pros</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>It is large enough to carry all my pump supplies. It even has a little compartment for my Medela Pump In Style Advanced to nest into, which can be removed</li>
<li>There is a flap in the front that keeps the pump nest hidden</li>
<li>There are pockets on each side</li>
<li>There is a pocket in the back</li>
<li>The top flap has a magnetic closure</li>
<li>The strap is long and wide to accommodate and distribute weight (even though my pump stuff never seems that heavy, maybe because I carry a 20 lb purse everywhere)</li>
<li>It's structured enough to stand on it's own but not so structured that you can't smash it down if you needed to fit it somewhere</li>
<li>It's a pretty grey and white chevron print with a robin's egg blue lining and grey piping around the edges which I chose. On the bottom it is also vinyl so it can be wiped off if need be.</li>
<li>There are feet on the bottom of the bag</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
Cons</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>It's big and boxy. It does hold all my pump supplies but that is kind of it. I probably have space for my lunch but see the point below</li>
<li>It's cotton and cotton gets dirty and stains easily. There are feet on the bottom but they don't keep the bottom of the bag from being on the floor entirely. It's constantly getting dirty</li>
<li>It lies awkwardly against my body when I carry it. Maybe I don't have enough weight in it. It flops oddly and tends to slide off my shoulder as I carry it. That could have something to do with the three other things I'm carrying...</li>
<li>The compartment was supposed to be made specific to the pump I had with my daughter the Ameda... it was only made for a Medela Pump In Style which I have now</li>
<li>The pockets on the side are deep enough to keep a few things in but I'd probably want to keep my keys or phone in there so I'd like a closure on the top</li>
<li>The pocket in the back to actually too small for a 15" computer which has been the standard size I've used since I've entered the white collar workforce</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Overall it's been a great bag. It did it's job for the time but after that I never used it again. It's not something I'd carry as a diaper bag (I'll be talking about diaper bags in another post... stay tuned). I could use it for a workbag with the compartment area removed but It's getting pretty dirty and there is only so much spot cleaning I can do with it. I'm going to try to give it a good wash so that I can give it away. It's a box so it's ok but not the best to carry against your body. At the end of the day, it isn't a bag that I would use much more after it being a pump bag.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZojJZgdJXls/Vp6fKzvHfuI/AAAAAAAABEs/O-jA3xLMwLA/s1600/IMG_1757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZojJZgdJXls/Vp6fKzvHfuI/AAAAAAAABEs/O-jA3xLMwLA/s640/IMG_1757.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bag with the front panel down</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QzklFlYAvVo/Vp6fKuNuotI/AAAAAAAABE0/DhnNVqS5MWU/s1600/IMG_1759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QzklFlYAvVo/Vp6fKuNuotI/AAAAAAAABE0/DhnNVqS5MWU/s640/IMG_1759.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the panel that can be zipped up</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B4Hdb4BY9BQ/Vp6fQur_xyI/AAAAAAAABFQ/0IYnPyRAfm4/s1600/IMG_1760.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B4Hdb4BY9BQ/Vp6fQur_xyI/AAAAAAAABFQ/0IYnPyRAfm4/s320/IMG_1760.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Magnetic closure</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W-tpUhIj_lU/Vp6fQFUQTxI/AAAAAAAABFI/m-2K69_ahd8/s1600/IMG_1761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W-tpUhIj_lU/Vp6fQFUQTxI/AAAAAAAABFI/m-2K69_ahd8/s320/IMG_1761.JPG" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side pocket</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b5aRupFQEa4/Vp6fPUZLuSI/AAAAAAAABFE/Bklat1BmUdg/s1600/IMG_1762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b5aRupFQEa4/Vp6fPUZLuSI/AAAAAAAABFE/Bklat1BmUdg/s320/IMG_1762.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back Pocket</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-reQ6RYZJV_A/Vp6fUUPUgtI/AAAAAAAABFk/oocc1NJzKVg/s1600/IMG_1764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-reQ6RYZJV_A/Vp6fUUPUgtI/AAAAAAAABFk/oocc1NJzKVg/s320/IMG_1764.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shoulder strap is almost as wide as a standard baby bottle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8WHQz5wJCps/Vp6fUi55SSI/AAAAAAAABFo/ucMPX9GYH5Q/s1600/IMG_1765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8WHQz5wJCps/Vp6fUi55SSI/AAAAAAAABFo/ucMPX9GYH5Q/s640/IMG_1765.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside with bag from top</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KxmuUSDKKQE/Vp6fU0ksAqI/AAAAAAAABFs/O2BH9QgLjss/s1600/IMG_1766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KxmuUSDKKQE/Vp6fU0ksAqI/AAAAAAAABFs/O2BH9QgLjss/s320/IMG_1766.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cubby for the pump. This works for a Medela not an Ameda (or any other pumps really)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O2U3mXH8-e4/Vp6fYYH0-2I/AAAAAAAABGE/FY4oKeDRj3E/s1600/IMG_1768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O2U3mXH8-e4/Vp6fYYH0-2I/AAAAAAAABGE/FY4oKeDRj3E/s320/IMG_1768.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With my pump in it</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w8eyRaBtOW4/Vp6fXiCyBaI/AAAAAAAABF8/3dP_zPDvHwU/s1600/IMG_1767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w8eyRaBtOW4/Vp6fXiCyBaI/AAAAAAAABF8/3dP_zPDvHwU/s320/IMG_1767.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little mesh area that I have no idea what can fit in there</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CUQzYcpNX9Q/Vp6faEj-xEI/AAAAAAAABGU/G8-r15aLGnY/s1600/IMG_1770.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CUQzYcpNX9Q/Vp6faEj-xEI/AAAAAAAABGU/G8-r15aLGnY/s640/IMG_1770.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are all the things that I put in the bag on a regular: pump, wall plug, Freemies, horns and bottles, bags, nursing pads, a mesh bag, Wet Ones (I forgot to add them in this picture) and a small cooler with ice packs inside</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SKsQbQEEUaw/Vp6fde2baII/AAAAAAAABGo/_qVmBm9vfvY/s1600/IMG_1771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SKsQbQEEUaw/Vp6fde2baII/AAAAAAAABGo/_qVmBm9vfvY/s320/IMG_1771.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is it all packed in. There is still a little extra room</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So with that list in mind and my trusty internet tools of Google, YouTube and Instagram handy I did some research on bags. Now I don't necessarily need my bag to be super designer or anything but I don't like cheap stuff either. I struggle with vegan leather, leatherette, pleather, basically plastic layered on cloth. I'm sorry to all the animal rights people and vegans, I like leather. There didn't seem to be lots of real leather options for pump bags so now I'm down to cloths of sorts.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I read reviews on a few but the ones that I decided on were both by <a href="https://www.sarahwellsbags.com/">Sarah Wells</a>. I've chosen to purchase the <a href="http://amzn.to/1lsdMKc">Kelly</a> and the <a href="http://amzn.to/1Jgf6eI">Lizzy</a>.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Sarah Wells &quot;Kelly&quot; Convertible Breast Pump Bag" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/91elW9hO%2BOL._SY606_.jpg" /> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://amzn.to/1lsdMKc">Kelly</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Sarah Wells &quot;Lizzy&quot; Breast Pump Bag (Navy)" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/912VrN7lmIL._SY550_.jpg" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://amzn.to/1Jgf6eI">Lizzy</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I'm not sure that I am going to keep both. They are of similar designs but they are definitely not the same. The <a href="http://amzn.to/1lsdMKc">Kelly</a> can be both a backpack and a regular bag. The <a href="http://amzn.to/1Jgf6eI">Lizzy</a> on the other hand just has the long strap and the shorter straps. I like the print on both just fine and they are both made of nylon so no big winner either way for me. I do like that you can fit larger pumps in the pump compartment.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p0Kg_845XLo/Vp6k6-hrzmI/AAAAAAAABHo/Y58jdNEiX50/s1600/Kelly%2Bwith%2Bboth%2Bpumps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p0Kg_845XLo/Vp6k6-hrzmI/AAAAAAAABHo/Y58jdNEiX50/s640/Kelly%2Bwith%2Bboth%2Bpumps.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are their stock pictures</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
I decided to try the Lizzy bag first. So far I like it. It is big enough to accommodate all of the things I need to carry to work. It's actually larger than I thought it would be. It also seems larger than the Kelly bag. If I wanted to I wouldn't even have to carry my purse to work because all of my necessities would be able to go into this bag. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EJFHwIo7-Lk/VqeTUTB36FI/AAAAAAAABKE/usr1VFk2Jfg/s1600/IMG_1805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EJFHwIo7-Lk/VqeTUTB36FI/AAAAAAAABKE/usr1VFk2Jfg/s640/IMG_1805.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The front of the bag has a nice large pocket that goes almost the full length of the bag <br />
and it deep enough for me to put my not so dainty hand in.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D3hEsWvdzhE/VqeTgoHYOQI/AAAAAAAABKU/m_nEOZPg0HQ/s1600/IMG_1806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D3hEsWvdzhE/VqeTgoHYOQI/AAAAAAAABKU/m_nEOZPg0HQ/s640/IMG_1806.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My whole giant hand can fit in there. Ok, maybe my hand isn't giant but you get the point, it's a nice spacious pocket that can easily hold whatever you decide to put in there.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A5u4aEhmGBE/VqeTsMTK8EI/AAAAAAAABLU/b3eMu5Se5iU/s1600/IMG_1817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A5u4aEhmGBE/VqeTsMTK8EI/AAAAAAAABLU/b3eMu5Se5iU/s640/IMG_1817.JPG" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The clasp for the longer shoulder strap. <br />
They seem sturdy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NCbtbQ_Bao8/VqeTgRjvtjI/AAAAAAAABKQ/9CZReqgWVB4/s1600/IMG_1804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NCbtbQ_Bao8/VqeTgRjvtjI/AAAAAAAABKQ/9CZReqgWVB4/s640/IMG_1804.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There is also a snap on the side if you wanted to make the bag smaller... <br />
who in the world wants a smaller bag?? #CarryAllTheThings</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IFlMM13cKVk/VqeTgPEE4-I/AAAAAAAABKM/pAH0rl_-wps/s1600/IMG_1803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IFlMM13cKVk/VqeTgPEE4-I/AAAAAAAABKM/pAH0rl_-wps/s640/IMG_1803.JPG" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is my pump. There is enough room for storage bags on the side and once I'm done pumping I can store my power cord in there too. p.s. There is a little note in the bag when you buy it. I'm sure this is where you're supposed to put a picture of your darling baby... I'll probably use it to hold extra milk bags. I'm a digital photo gal (aka I'm too lazy to print a picture). <br />
<br />
These side pockets are lined so they can act as a cooler for approximately 6 hours. I haven't tried out that feature because I use it at work where I have a refrigerator and because I live in Michigan and it's winter. I'm sure these will come on handy this summer.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ErPZksmelvE/VqecGhPmHOI/AAAAAAAABLo/sb82II7hmkg/s1600/IMG_1819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ErPZksmelvE/VqecGhPmHOI/AAAAAAAABLo/sb82II7hmkg/s640/IMG_1819.JPG" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The side pocket closed. The side pockets are identical.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uk-qMr5OoCc/VqeTk2EWGAI/AAAAAAAABKk/JCLHQ21qM9s/s1600/IMG_1807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uk-qMr5OoCc/VqeTk2EWGAI/AAAAAAAABKk/JCLHQ21qM9s/s640/IMG_1807.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The inside pocket is nice and deep (deeper than the exterior pocket but narrower)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EO2mB8SRm20/VqeTlK5cXQI/AAAAAAAABKo/Kqi1v8Mn1Bw/s1600/IMG_1808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EO2mB8SRm20/VqeTlK5cXQI/AAAAAAAABKo/Kqi1v8Mn1Bw/s640/IMG_1808.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My pump is on the left pocket (as shown above). There is another pocket like that on the right side however I choose to put my cooler bag inside the bag so I don't use that one. It's there though. All of the same stuff is in this bag as I had in my old pump bag. As you can see there is quite a bit of space left.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J7G0EaBgEGs/VqeTlYAvmgI/AAAAAAAABKs/Y7Ad5iVTkT4/s1600/IMG_1811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J7G0EaBgEGs/VqeTlYAvmgI/AAAAAAAABKs/Y7Ad5iVTkT4/s640/IMG_1811.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nearly the whole reason I bought this bag was so I could eliminate my computer bag which this has done quite successfully. And I could put a lunch in there... with room!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IatvOXyS_Oo/VqeTp8sDteI/AAAAAAAABK8/pVbVgKjhN_M/s1600/IMG_1812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IatvOXyS_Oo/VqeTp8sDteI/AAAAAAAABK8/pVbVgKjhN_M/s640/IMG_1812.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are double zippers on the top, and the two side pockets. They seem sturdy as they're metal not plastic.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vuexDZZ5rME/VqeTrDgUVQI/AAAAAAAABLM/_-2kmdhSzlA/s1600/IMG_1813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vuexDZZ5rME/VqeTrDgUVQI/AAAAAAAABLM/_-2kmdhSzlA/s640/IMG_1813.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are two different ways to carry the bag. With the long strap or the handles. I've used both. I like both. When I'm running in to the office in the morning the shoulder strap is perfect especially right now because I'm wearing my bulky winter coat and it's a little tight for the handles. I'm sure as I lose layers of clothes I will be using the handles just as much as I use the strap.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2Woc82JlGWQ/VqecI6vOMOI/AAAAAAAABL0/le8VZYr-XWw/s1600/IMG_1820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2Woc82JlGWQ/VqecI6vOMOI/AAAAAAAABL0/le8VZYr-XWw/s640/IMG_1820.JPG" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The handles have this nice touch sewn on. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gI3veld3fsE/VqeTqTT11BI/AAAAAAAABLA/Ny5HJyFd1o0/s1600/IMG_1815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gI3veld3fsE/VqeTqTT11BI/AAAAAAAABLA/Ny5HJyFd1o0/s640/IMG_1815.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I really like the pattern and color and the fabric is wipe-able and won't hold on to as much dirt as my other bag.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
<br />
Let's get to the comparison:<br />
<br />
Pros<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>It is definitely large enough for all my pump supplies and some extra stuff as well. My computer and a lunch would fit in there quite nicely. </li>
<li>It's large enough for everything but comfortable to carry and doesn't bounce on my side awkwardly as I walk</li>
<li>I love that the side pockets are large enough for my pump, a packet of breast pump bags, the wall plug, and the tubes with room to spare. I could probably put the car plug in that pocket too</li>
<li>There are two of the nicely accommodating side pockets which are thermo lined and can act as a cooler </li>
<li>The front pocket is large and has a zipper so if the bag spilled over as you slammed on the brakes and had it sitting on the seat in the car nothing would fall out... not saying that that ever happens to me during my rush hour commutes. Haha!</li>
<li>There is an interior pocket</li>
<li>All of the pockets have zip closures</li>
<li>There are handles and straps to carry it with both of which are a very nice length. The longer strap is also adjustable which is nice if I wanted to carry it like a crossbody instead of just over my shoulder</li>
<li>The bag can be made smaller by the use of the side snaps</li>
<li>The print is nice and wipes easy. </li>
<li>The construction of the bag seems sturdy</li>
<li>It's a soft bag without much structure with the exception of the bottom which also has feet</li>
<li>This is a bag I'd carry after I'm through using it as a pump bag. Diaper bag, gym bag, work bag, it could work for any of those situations</li>
</ul>
<div>
Cons</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>You can't use the snap down feature to make the bag smaller while using the shoulder strap. They just unsnap if you try to use the long strap</li>
<li>It's a soft bag that doesn't have much structure (yes, this can be a pro and a con)</li>
<li>There are feet on the bottom but since it is a softer constructed bag I feel like the bottom of the bag is still touching the floor.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
Overall I'd say that the pros outweigh the cons. As I said before the other bag wasn't bad. I've just realized that my needs have changed and hence my "mommy tools" need to change too. Besides at this point, I feel like I need some "spoil me" things in my life... like that justification for buying a new bag?? </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'll probably try this bag out for the rest of the week and see if any of my thoughts change. If they do I'll definitely update this post. Next week, I'll be trying out the Kelly bag. Keep a look out for that post too.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Also, I'll probably be giving away one if not two bag soon...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Please note, that I purchased these bags with my hard earned cash and no one asked me to tell you about them but if this helps one person's decision. I'm glad to help :-)</span></div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">If you get bored and want to spend more time with me you can find me here:
SnapChat: MikoFord
Instagram - http://instagram.com/miko_ford</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12584277886403663551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207330375675022061.post-8250327346168743702016-01-21T15:31:00.000-05:002016-06-30T13:18:47.046-04:00This is when I get all mom on you: Going back to workThis is going to be the chapter in my life when so many of my blog posts are going to be all mommy related. That's your only warning. If that's not your thing, cool. If it is your thing, cool. I appreciate this space and will be getting into the whole mommy whirlwind that my life has become recently.<br />
<br />
I recently have gone back to work at my office job. It's obvious that although I was not working at the kind of job that provides me with cash in the bank and a W-2 that I was extremely busy working. It's called being a mom. <br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
Being off of work was so much more work for me because I didn't take time to find a schedule to do things that require me to sit down and actually schedule out a little time for them, like writing in this blog. Not working a regular schedule allowed me to do things like get my house in a little better order. I took the time to purge more clothes that I will probably never wear in my life ever again and finally catch up on laundry. But this poor blog got left in the dust. There are times that I wish I lived in other places like Canada or Sweden so that I'd get a year of work off. I loved being at home with the kids (most days).<br />
<br />
Now that everyone is on a schedule I've decided that this little space on the internet is going to be part of my week again. I loved writing in it and felt guilty that I wasn't when I was off work. As time went on I know that if I were still at home with my darlings that we would all get back on schedule and this blog would come back to life but in the beginning it's hard. Very hard. Being forced to go back kind of slapped us in the face of schedules and thus I found time to blog again.<br />
<br />
I've decided that for a little while this blog will probably be pretty dedicated to this chapter in my life where I learn to balance two kids and a few jobs while trying to make a place for my venting/creativity to come out. So in the mean time before I get all review crazy with pumps, bags, and parent conveniences, here are a few pictures of my darlings that I'd like to share.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dTDfppjKS3w/VqEW9UbLikI/AAAAAAAABIA/LSSlaKMIPv8/s1600/IMG_1433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dTDfppjKS3w/VqEW9UbLikI/AAAAAAAABIA/LSSlaKMIPv8/s640/IMG_1433.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I guess this is how we take pictures</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jvkeOAo4fOA/VqEW9SLW6xI/AAAAAAAABIE/WWiRSmHtNM4/s1600/IMG_1434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jvkeOAo4fOA/VqEW9SLW6xI/AAAAAAAABIE/WWiRSmHtNM4/s640/IMG_1434.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Say "CHEESE!!"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3CwOi3DJPws/VqEW9RdLODI/AAAAAAAABH8/MVsE3-sn5-Y/s1600/IMG_1467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3CwOi3DJPws/VqEW9RdLODI/AAAAAAAABH8/MVsE3-sn5-Y/s320/IMG_1467.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chicken nuggets and straws anyone?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B7kJcKjsa7Q/VqEXBpC22TI/AAAAAAAABIU/UJ9gEua2xCw/s1600/IMG_1472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B7kJcKjsa7Q/VqEXBpC22TI/AAAAAAAABIU/UJ9gEua2xCw/s320/IMG_1472.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good girl Jinx.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mxfyGNA-U40/VqEXCI4V05I/AAAAAAAABIY/-1Zs4f5qO8E/s1600/IMG_1478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mxfyGNA-U40/VqEXCI4V05I/AAAAAAAABIY/-1Zs4f5qO8E/s640/IMG_1478.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poor Jinx, she didn't want anything to do with that silly hat but she's a good dog.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XGQYsWQ2Bf0/VqEXCOIBAoI/AAAAAAAABIc/B9eCni7Z9I0/s1600/IMG_1507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XGQYsWQ2Bf0/VqEXCOIBAoI/AAAAAAAABIc/B9eCni7Z9I0/s640/IMG_1507.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Christmas day beauty</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UupmhzDzUS4/VqEXFn-YHcI/AAAAAAAABIs/crLQKICUlvM/s1600/IMG_1525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UupmhzDzUS4/VqEXFn-YHcI/AAAAAAAABIs/crLQKICUlvM/s320/IMG_1525.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gotcha!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PyWlOtXdkUg/VqEXFzgziOI/AAAAAAAABIw/Ld4w8C0CE-Q/s1600/IMG_1526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PyWlOtXdkUg/VqEXFzgziOI/AAAAAAAABIw/Ld4w8C0CE-Q/s320/IMG_1526.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More Christmas day fun</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kicaldsAvtM/VqEXGUGUhXI/AAAAAAAABI4/eyEjhe79fcg/s1600/IMG_1550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kicaldsAvtM/VqEXGUGUhXI/AAAAAAAABI4/eyEjhe79fcg/s640/IMG_1550.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smile beautiful!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jI3VEVansBQ/VqEXJSVbzzI/AAAAAAAABJE/tTxzhuM3l2o/s1600/IMG_1553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jI3VEVansBQ/VqEXJSVbzzI/AAAAAAAABJE/tTxzhuM3l2o/s640/IMG_1553.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surprise!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-laVvKdoJv-Q/VqEXJ5Z9pNI/AAAAAAAABJM/6zh-79Tvu_w/s1600/IMG_1630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-laVvKdoJv-Q/VqEXJ5Z9pNI/AAAAAAAABJM/6zh-79Tvu_w/s320/IMG_1630.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feel my brain giving you all my smarts child!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Oqn1zsF-f8E/VqEXMkXNL5I/AAAAAAAABJc/Sd1DGo7rSAQ/s1600/IMG_1636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Oqn1zsF-f8E/VqEXMkXNL5I/AAAAAAAABJc/Sd1DGo7rSAQ/s320/IMG_1636.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Okay, maybe not...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pU8tKeOAkeE/VqEXJr3BpuI/AAAAAAAABJI/BEsUhYotVaM/s1600/IMG_1570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pU8tKeOAkeE/VqEXJr3BpuI/AAAAAAAABJI/BEsUhYotVaM/s640/IMG_1570.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wild Lights at the zoo.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7rC8K2W2nSQ/VqEXNeMW84I/AAAAAAAABJk/kvGIQg7UCM4/s1600/IMG_1728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7rC8K2W2nSQ/VqEXNeMW84I/AAAAAAAABJk/kvGIQg7UCM4/s640/IMG_1728.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She L-O-V-E-S her brother</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8miYWHwst9g/VqEXNfJnSKI/AAAAAAAABJo/LZDbngCc9Vw/s1600/IMG_1739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8miYWHwst9g/VqEXNfJnSKI/AAAAAAAABJo/LZDbngCc9Vw/s640/IMG_1739.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">If you get bored and want to spend more time with me you can find me here:
SnapChat: MikoFord
Instagram - http://instagram.com/miko_ford</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12584277886403663551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207330375675022061.post-8795692527609918922015-12-21T12:03:00.000-05:002016-06-30T13:19:08.914-04:00Silly girlI'm not really sure what I expected the second time around but let me tell you, I am a silly girl. All that extra time I had with my daughter has vanished. Poof! Like a magic act, except no one is going to magically bring it back.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
I had all these crazy ideas about how I was going to have time to do things that I think about doing and just don't because I lack the time. You know like, blog every week and tell you about things I am happy to use again as a mom. I thought I'd be documenting moments with my children as I've always wanted to but never have the time to. I thought I'd finally clean up my hard drives and delete pictures that aren't ever going to be used to free up a little more room. I even thought I could catch up on the latest season of Orange is the New Black.<br />
<br />
Boy was I wrong. I think I have been wrong about everything this time through. I think I need to stop making plans so much.<div class="blogger-post-footer">If you get bored and want to spend more time with me you can find me here:
SnapChat: MikoFord
Instagram - http://instagram.com/miko_ford</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12584277886403663551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207330375675022061.post-61428603271913560342015-12-07T01:41:00.002-05:002016-06-30T13:18:27.813-04:00Happy birthday darling daughter!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oTEAr86u9hA/VmUaLfxa3ZI/AAAAAAAABBA/AV0GJAj6yRg/s1600/2013-12-07%2B02.07.22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lnRuUdBmSBQ/VmUaxw1t7LI/AAAAAAAABBY/4SvsVLfG9VY/s1600/IMG_3409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lnRuUdBmSBQ/VmUaxw1t7LI/AAAAAAAABBY/4SvsVLfG9VY/s400/IMG_3409.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
I am so happy and proud to say, "happy birthday!" to my daughter. I am such a proud mother. In fifteen years I hope to be able to say the same thing and I'm going to hedge my bets and say that I will be. I have been privileged to be the mother of a smart, beautiful and spunky little girl. If course I'm biased and think that she is more than the bees knees, but as I've said before, this is my little space on the internet where I get to say what I want. I fully expect that other parents feel the same way about their little ones, so if I were to read this on some one else's blog, I would think that they are speaking the truth of their heart, just as I am.<br />
<a name='more'></a> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WquLJdRC2OA/VmUaWwquJfI/AAAAAAAABBM/GNQOo8Zvseo/s1600/2013-12-08%2B11.06.05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WquLJdRC2OA/VmUaWwquJfI/AAAAAAAABBM/GNQOo8Zvseo/s640/2013-12-08%2B11.06.05.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Just yesterday we had a wonderful day of visiting with family. My husband's wonderful mother (and father) were ever so kind to let us host her birthday party at their house. There are so many parts of my life that are wonderful and blessed but I will say that I am the most lucky to have married into a family as wonderful as they are. Whether I ask to use their house to host our daughter's birthday party, advice about colic and babies, or if they would mind painting something for my house, I know that I won't be turned down. I am lucky to be able to say that my husband's grandma watches our daughter and, soon, our son while we work. Not only do I have his parents and grandparents to rely upon, but also his aunts and uncles. They have also been there to help us whether it be to watch our child(ren) or to help us in another way (Thanks family for watching our dogs on spontaneous vacations!!). I am blessed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oTEAr86u9hA/VmUaLfxa3ZI/AAAAAAAABBE/iqbDZIZiLuo/s1600/2013-12-07%2B02.07.22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oTEAr86u9hA/VmUaLfxa3ZI/AAAAAAAABBE/iqbDZIZiLuo/s640/2013-12-07%2B02.07.22.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Not only am I blessed to have married into a wonderful family, I have been born into one as well. I have called my grandparents from an hour away to have them pick me up. My uncles and aunts have been there no matter how much information I've neglected to give to them. I am one lucky girl. Don't get me wrong my life isn't all sunshine and butterflies, I just choose to look for those thing that bring sunshine to my life rather than something else. No body has a perfect life (don't let social media fool you).<br />
<br />
Today I got the privilege to spend the afternoon and evening with some of the most important people in my life, starting with my family. Today, most importantly my daughter. My very tiny daughter. <br />
<br />
Two years ago Kiyomi was born 5 lbs, 7 oz. She was only 18.5 inches long and 37 weeks 5 days. She was my rainbow baby. I had never been more excited for a surprise in my life. I didn't know whether I was having a boy or a girl and couldn't be more excited. All I wanted was a healthy, beautiful, smart little one. My prayers were answered. I received a beautiful "mini", "teacup baby". My heart melted at 12:41 am on December 7th, 2015. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Today we celebrated her 2nd birthday although I celebrate all the milestones between those two years. Thank you God for the wonderful little girl I get to call my daughter. </div>
<br />
Here is two years condensed into one blog post:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tPTleDr4y4I/VmUag0TTomI/AAAAAAAABBU/NNn3az-8S3Q/s1600/2013-12-08%2B11.06.41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tPTleDr4y4I/VmUag0TTomI/AAAAAAAABBU/NNn3az-8S3Q/s640/2013-12-08%2B11.06.41.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Newborn Kiyomi</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JbZ8uu2i17s/VmUfvyY2bUI/AAAAAAAABBs/21NwoY8dttw/s1600/IMG_2387.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JbZ8uu2i17s/VmUfvyY2bUI/AAAAAAAABBs/21NwoY8dttw/s640/IMG_2387.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Teacup Kiyomi</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GgkTKHKtb8c/VmUgwEYUQQI/AAAAAAAABB0/CMd1yQH3RbI/s1600/2013-12-24%2B11.48.53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GgkTKHKtb8c/VmUgwEYUQQI/AAAAAAAABB0/CMd1yQH3RbI/s640/2013-12-24%2B11.48.53.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Christmas Eve Kiyomi</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BpcxiAcSaqc/VmUhaTNZPMI/AAAAAAAABB8/VSpM2Ied8qw/s1600/IMG_0103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BpcxiAcSaqc/VmUhaTNZPMI/AAAAAAAABB8/VSpM2Ied8qw/s640/IMG_0103.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Christmas Day Kiyomi</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--lXI29JVoDw/VmUiUCwqn0I/AAAAAAAABCI/oF77hB8NiVg/s1600/2013-12-31%2B14.11.47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--lXI29JVoDw/VmUiUCwqn0I/AAAAAAAABCI/oF77hB8NiVg/s640/2013-12-31%2B14.11.47.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Happy New Year!!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GUk2rVoOGIs/VmUmFqiw-HI/AAAAAAAABDg/miBmLJUSVys/s1600/IMG_5149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GUk2rVoOGIs/VmUmFqiw-HI/AAAAAAAABDg/miBmLJUSVys/s640/IMG_5149.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s1ndQJkCKSk/VmUkRE5nLmI/AAAAAAAABCs/uNpKsAb4woU/s1600/2013-12-11%2B21.32.27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s1ndQJkCKSk/VmUkRE5nLmI/AAAAAAAABCs/uNpKsAb4woU/s640/2013-12-11%2B21.32.27.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pLeP08_rPZk/VmUkX4BLn6I/AAAAAAAABC0/VwT2B5Zs68U/s1600/2013-12-11%2B21.33.49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pLeP08_rPZk/VmUkX4BLn6I/AAAAAAAABC0/VwT2B5Zs68U/s640/2013-12-11%2B21.33.49.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4-IqbLJeozc/VmUktCnwwfI/AAAAAAAABC8/SWiE8ytqvG8/s1600/2013-12-13%2B22.28.11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4-IqbLJeozc/VmUktCnwwfI/AAAAAAAABC8/SWiE8ytqvG8/s640/2013-12-13%2B22.28.11.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vi4tNWAChNs/VmUl_qPHZrI/AAAAAAAABDY/6XLswhK8-MQ/s1600/20140115_224132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vi4tNWAChNs/VmUl_qPHZrI/AAAAAAAABDY/6XLswhK8-MQ/s640/20140115_224132.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLZdZXigBnk/VmUl8_9Y3eI/AAAAAAAABDQ/hRILY-Tg_Gk/s1600/20140115_224120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLZdZXigBnk/VmUl8_9Y3eI/AAAAAAAABDQ/hRILY-Tg_Gk/s640/20140115_224120.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sShW6s97qAU/VmUk3ucddkI/AAAAAAAABDE/yMTgf2bfYxE/s1600/2013-12-13%2B22.32.02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sShW6s97qAU/VmUk3ucddkI/AAAAAAAABDE/yMTgf2bfYxE/s640/2013-12-13%2B22.32.02.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e5Rh9SrTCxw/VmUmLEFyf2I/AAAAAAAABDo/1PEEYPYO7ow/s1600/IMG_5153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e5Rh9SrTCxw/VmUmLEFyf2I/AAAAAAAABDo/1PEEYPYO7ow/s640/IMG_5153.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2suoe5bg4Dg/VmUmQqw4W-I/AAAAAAAABDw/Nx3Ls6oZ9F8/s1600/IMG_5165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2suoe5bg4Dg/VmUmQqw4W-I/AAAAAAAABDw/Nx3Ls6oZ9F8/s640/IMG_5165.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WRe1Fx4847o/VmUmab60mWI/AAAAAAAABD4/zSCIbbnw25E/s1600/IMG_5193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WRe1Fx4847o/VmUmab60mWI/AAAAAAAABD4/zSCIbbnw25E/s640/IMG_5193.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9tKbMr4ix3Q/VmUmm1qa0wI/AAAAAAAABEA/xNRA4Bzyz6M/s1600/IMG_5202.CR2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9tKbMr4ix3Q/VmUmm1qa0wI/AAAAAAAABEA/xNRA4Bzyz6M/s640/IMG_5202.CR2" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9PAKU2dWhQM/VmUmzqvuCYI/AAAAAAAABEI/kI-26CR3D0c/s1600/IMG_5197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9PAKU2dWhQM/VmUmzqvuCYI/AAAAAAAABEI/kI-26CR3D0c/s640/IMG_5197.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4f17k1i2zZc/VmUnxidR_CI/AAAAAAAABEQ/MMKODXmRoeM/s1600/2014-01-16%2B21.12.46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4f17k1i2zZc/VmUnxidR_CI/AAAAAAAABEQ/MMKODXmRoeM/s640/2014-01-16%2B21.12.46.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I could go on and on and on with pictures but is what you get tonight;<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">If you get bored and want to spend more time with me you can find me here:
SnapChat: MikoFord
Instagram - http://instagram.com/miko_ford</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12584277886403663551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207330375675022061.post-16157655250845960442015-11-11T01:12:00.000-05:002016-06-30T13:19:38.794-04:00Rest is the PunishmentSo it has been closer to three weeks since I wrote the last post and that has been because our lives have changed. There is a new life in our house and we didn't pick him up at the pound!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QBFTB52BNrg/VkLW2omcFCI/AAAAAAAAA_Y/JU87mpxeaQA/s1600/2015-10-23%2B03.23.32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QBFTB52BNrg/VkLW2omcFCI/AAAAAAAAA_Y/JU87mpxeaQA/s320/2015-10-23%2B03.23.32.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
The last post I wrote was on October 15th. That post took quite a bit of courage for me to write and it also came with a few tears. It took a lot out of me. I had to step away from this little internet space of mine to gather myself.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sJwmMgFaVgo/VkLYGM_fssI/AAAAAAAABAY/ZgxMN7i14ec/s1600/2015-09-17%2B14.58.44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sJwmMgFaVgo/VkLYGM_fssI/AAAAAAAABAY/ZgxMN7i14ec/s640/2015-09-17%2B14.58.44.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">A note at my doctor's office</span></div>
<br />
In the mean time, that same day I had a doctor's appointment. That's a fairly normal occurrence for someone who is pregnant to see their doctor's office quite a bit. I especially visit the doctor often as I've lost a baby in the past. For all I knew this was going to be a nice, quick check up. Wrong...<br />
<br />
My body isn't the most agreeable to pregnancy. I'm ok with being uncomfortable, massive heartburn and all kinds of things that go along with pregnancy so long as my growing baby is healthy. Well, my body has a different idea about what should be going on inside of me. As I arrived to the doctor's office, I felt fine but as I sat down to get all my regular vitals checked my blood pressure was up. Crap. I know what that means. I've been there before.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2eeQ3DtHSt4/VkLWjrAN14I/AAAAAAAAA_w/BO84DjiVCLo/s1600/2015-09-17%2B14.58.15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2eeQ3DtHSt4/VkLWjrAN14I/AAAAAAAAA_w/BO84DjiVCLo/s320/2015-09-17%2B14.58.15.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">And we wait...</span></div>
<br />
I headed back to the examination room and awaited my doctor's entrance. In a moment of irony, at my previous visit she made the comment, "it seems that the more pregnancies you have the better your body handles them." Well, we should have both realized at the exact moment that shit would head downhill just because she said that. Why didn't I knock on wood?! As she entered on this visit she remembered her comment from my previous visit and said without hesitation, "you couldn't have waited one more visit huh?" Nope, there were other plans in the works. High blood pressure in pregnancy may be a sign of <a href="http://www.webmd.com/baby/guide/preeclampsia-eclampsia">preeclampsia</a>. That is no good. It can be dangerous to both the mother and the baby. The result of the conversation with my doctor included things such as:<br />
<ul>
<li>"So you are done with work" to which I responded, "yup, I'm off for the day." <i>No dear not the day... until the baby is born. Whoops!</i></li>
<li>"I'm going to need you to take it easy this weekend." <i>Say what?? What does that mean? Are you talking about not going to the birthday party for a two year-old with bounce houses and my 4 year-old nephew, almost 2 year-old daughter and 18 month niece? Or perhaps the Harvest Festival I promised my grandparents I would come to? Nah, you couldn't be talking about those things.</i></li>
<li>And I've saved the best for last, "I"m going to need you to keep track of your urine for 24 hours so we can send it to the lab for testing. All of it." <i>Come again?? Did you say that you needed me to keep my pee in a refrigerated environment for 24+ hours?? I know you do not expect me to keep waste that came out of my body in my fridge! I'll find another way to keep it cold. Gross...</i></li>
</ul>
<div>
I will admit I failed at every single one of these tasks. Sorry doc, I tried kind of. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I just needed to clear up a few things before I followed your instructions. I was so worked up about cleaning up the last few things at work I arrived at work on Friday at 5am and worked from home for a few hours before I went in because I couldn't get it all off my brain. I only went in to clean up the last few things I needed to take care of and was gone before noon. That was pretty good in my book. <br />
<br />
On the Saturday I went to the birthday party and the Harvest Festival however, I did hold back some, I didn't jump in the bounce house with the girls like I would have if the doctor hadn't told me to take it easy. Two semi-wins.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5PKwHX0RmHc/VkLWlxaJ7-I/AAAAAAAAA_0/CWa9dUMeCro/s1600/2015-10-17%2B13.47.37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5PKwHX0RmHc/VkLWlxaJ7-I/AAAAAAAAA_0/CWa9dUMeCro/s640/2015-10-17%2B13.47.37.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WNDHJKFW980/VkLWmeSRI0I/AAAAAAAAA-0/wIOrKdfITZM/s1600/2015-10-17%2B13.47.39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WNDHJKFW980/VkLWmeSRI0I/AAAAAAAAA-0/wIOrKdfITZM/s640/2015-10-17%2B13.47.39.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WwB-wQHpZkE/VkLW2hhcR2I/AAAAAAAABAQ/CdrlDD4AnWY/s1600/2015-10-17%2B17.26.57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WwB-wQHpZkE/VkLW2hhcR2I/AAAAAAAABAQ/CdrlDD4AnWY/s640/2015-10-17%2B17.26.57.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L4WfT7An65A/VkLWynVEaJI/AAAAAAAABAI/y9g5ckZIkgE/s1600/2015-10-17%2B17.56.45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L4WfT7An65A/VkLWynVEaJI/AAAAAAAABAI/y9g5ckZIkgE/s640/2015-10-17%2B17.56.45.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSc8p4cOSlA/VkLWsDFmuXI/AAAAAAAAA_4/Lrc3FRxkirs/s1600/2015-10-17%2B17.55.45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSc8p4cOSlA/VkLWsDFmuXI/AAAAAAAAA_4/Lrc3FRxkirs/s640/2015-10-17%2B17.55.45.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
On Sunday, oh dear Sunday. I did pee in a hat (what a horrible name). In addition to uncomfortably peeing all day, I kept <i>almost</i> all of it. I was told by my doctor's office that: 1) I should have saved all of it. You mean like in a Tupperware container? I thought that it might be a contamination issue if I did. I did think about it. Oh well. 2) They've never had someone fill the container completely. The container that they send you home with wasn't big enough for me... I guess I drink too much. I'm thirsty!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TsHfS89JiEM/VkLW3V3RwBI/AAAAAAAAA_g/RO8pzLsoZLI/s1600/urine-spec-collect-hat.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TsHfS89JiEM/VkLW3V3RwBI/AAAAAAAAA_g/RO8pzLsoZLI/s1600/urine-spec-collect-hat.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">This my friends is a "hat"</span></div>
<br />
After that beautiful weekend of clear insubordination. I headed to the doctor's office and had to hang out in the NST room for a while. The <a href="http://americanpregnancy.org/prenatal-testing/non-stress-test/">NST</a> is such an uncomfortable thing for me. They sit you in a semi-uncomfortable chair tell you to lean back and then strap two monitors onto your stomach so they can check on the baby. Now you are thinking, "you are sitting. How bad can that be?" Well, I'm supposed to sit still for like 30 minutes and with my stomach all exposed in a room that is much too cold for my liking. In addition, I swear they always leave the sound on the monitor up way too high like the entire office is trying to hear what is going on with my kid. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jLhpVbCX5F4/VkLW0t0cZoI/AAAAAAAABAE/6isOiy2Inek/s1600/2015-10-19%2B09.39.13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jLhpVbCX5F4/VkLW0t0cZoI/AAAAAAAABAE/6isOiy2Inek/s320/2015-10-19%2B09.39.13.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">My stomach resembles a watermelon at this point. Yup, I've earned my stripes :-)</span></div>
<br />
In typical me fashion the beginning of the test was not showing the results that my doctor wanted. So, she wanted me to hang out for an additional 20 minutes or so after I had some apple juice. I guess the baby needed more sugar than what I'd had for breakfast. Not really sure how that works since I had raspberry cheesecake for breakfast (#HeyBigGirl). Finally my doctor looked at the test results and saw what she wanted to see. <br />
<br />
Again I was sent home with orders to chill and try to stay off my feet. Since my husband was at this appointment, he was kind enough to take it upon himself to make sure that I followed the given instructions. My daughter was already at her GG's house like normal but he than arranged for his mom to pick her up after work so I wouldn't have to be running around later that night with her. I almost felt like I was on forced relaxation punishment. <br />
<br />
Rest and relaxation is something I struggle with. I can always find something more productive to do with my time (like writing a blog post, work, laundry, dishes...). Home I went, to relax... or at least try a little. I decided turning on the computer was a bad thing. I wanted to blog but didn't want to tell anyone what was going on. (If I had been smart I would have written the post and just not published it. Hindsight is 20/20 right?). So, I watched more television in one day than I had in probably the last month. It was relaxing but not. All I kept thinking about was all the things that I should be getting done and how I should be spending my time off hanging with my daughter because it was going to be the last time in a while that we'd get to hang as just the two of us. </div>
<div>
<br />
The next day was a little less punishment like. I kept my daughter at home instead of sending her to her GG's house and that made me feel better. We hung out at home and played all day. It was nice just spending time as two. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H-1Dk87U4h4/VkLWvxuzIgI/AAAAAAAAA_8/7-HS6FhubUU/s1600/2015-10-19%2B08.06.19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H-1Dk87U4h4/VkLWvxuzIgI/AAAAAAAAA_8/7-HS6FhubUU/s400/2015-10-19%2B08.06.19.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Sleepytime in the morning. I love the snuggles.</span></div>
<br />
Wednesday, October 21 was the day that it all changed. I received a phone call from my doctor that my test results had come back. Sure enough I'd developed preeclampsia again. Not as severe as the last time but yes, my blood pressure was up and my protein levels were elevated. So, basically the new instructions were: gather your hospital bags, call all the necessary parties to take care of my daughter, the dogs and the house and get myself to the hospital some time in the afternoon cause the baby was getting evicted. At least I'd made it to 37 weeks (yay! We made it to full term!!). <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fzdBn5HbrDk/VkLW2QC5nKI/AAAAAAAABAA/ktL-ZHweqjU/s1600/2015-10-21%2B17.14.07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fzdBn5HbrDk/VkLW2QC5nKI/AAAAAAAABAA/ktL-ZHweqjU/s640/2015-10-21%2B17.14.07.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Our last picture as a family of three</span></div>
<br />
I won't say that things went according to my plans (well, because they didn't even come close), but I'm very happy that things are all good. I'm happy that because I was just put on modified bed rest that I was able to finish packing my hospital bags and my daughter's "while we're away bag" (maybe I'll write a post on that one day soon). It was much nicer to have the opportunity to rest and relax a little before life as I knew it changed completely. And, most importantly, I'm happy to say that I have a beautiful healthy baby boy in addition to my already adorable daughter (I'm biased ok??). <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jptvfCl-oDs/VkLaYq2ECRI/AAAAAAAABAo/xjMuFyrKLqw/s1600/IMG_0903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jptvfCl-oDs/VkLaYq2ECRI/AAAAAAAABAo/xjMuFyrKLqw/s640/IMG_0903.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
p.s. It took me <strike>3</strike> 4 days to type this up and post it... I'm still adjusting. <br />
p.p.s. Today is one day before my actual due date.</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">If you get bored and want to spend more time with me you can find me here:
SnapChat: MikoFord
Instagram - http://instagram.com/miko_ford</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12584277886403663551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207330375675022061.post-30273560647151845942015-10-15T15:31:00.000-04:002016-06-30T13:19:57.207-04:00I'm making time for this postAs you can tell, I am not a consistent blogger (say whaatttt?!). I admire those who are and think that it takes serious dedication to post even weekly. As an out of the home full time working mom I tend to fill up my time quickly collapsing exhausted into bed every night. Or falling asleep on the couch only to be told to go to bed by my dear husband (who probably doesn't want to hear me complain about my crappy couch sleep). It's been even more full as I am 36 weeks pregnant as of today (and slightly terrified of my exciting new life change soon). <br />
<br />
I often start posts and leave them unfinished in my drafts because I haven't gathered enough pictures or found anything to pretty it up, so there can be weeks where I post nothing. It bothers me but I usually get over it quick because I've busied myself with my next task of: work, normal house duties or trying to get ready for the new baby with the limited time (and energy) I've allotted myself. Today, I decided that whether I put pictures in this post or not doesn't matter, what matters is that I wrote and posted it.<br />
<br />
This blog is something that <i>I</i> write because <i>I</i> like to. It is the things that <i>I</i> felt were worth sharing. Sure, there are plenty of people who will never understand it and wonder why would anyone put "their business" out there but you know what? <i>I don't care</i>. I used to be one of those people. As, I grow and evolve as a person I understand more and more of why people do what they do (even if I don't agree with it).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SOJ4U4HDlew/Vh_goxR65oI/AAAAAAAAA90/VrqZslbn3Iw/s1600/october-15-deadline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SOJ4U4HDlew/Vh_goxR65oI/AAAAAAAAA90/VrqZslbn3Iw/s1600/october-15-deadline.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
With that said, October 15th is two things to me. First it is the day extended individual tax returns are due. As a former tax accountant there are a few dates in your head that you never forget and this is one of them. Second, it is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. It wasn't until this year that I learned there was an actual day dedicated to it. I was aware that October was a month that had been dedicated to it but not an actual day. <br />
<br />
Today, I choose to recognize this day.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ap5P2KGF9PQ/Vh_gtZW7XLI/AAAAAAAAA98/QInRf68wDHY/s1600/pregnancy-infant-loss-remembrance-day.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ap5P2KGF9PQ/Vh_gtZW7XLI/AAAAAAAAA98/QInRf68wDHY/s320/pregnancy-infant-loss-remembrance-day.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It has been almost three years since we lost our first baby. The more pregnant I become and the closer I become due with this child the more I think about him. Pregnancy is a funny thing for me. The more pregnant I am the more I miss certain people in my life, my first baby and my dad. It's weird to think about those that are no longer here because I often wonder how my life would be different if they were here. <br />
<br />
Whenever people ask me about my pregnancy and baby number two I always feel like I've cheated my first baby. This is my third pregnancy. It is hard to explain to people when you've lost a child or a pregnancy that you really have more kids. I find it especially hard because after this pregnancy is over, I will have birthed and held three of our children but one of them never cried in my arms. But how do you explain that to someone who's asking such an innocent question? You don't. <br />
<br />
You just know in your head and heart how you feel. It's a pang of guilt that you just lied. It's like my first son never was. I denied his existence and guilt washes over me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XvpQ1i0T-uw/Vh_jJ9jmfkI/AAAAAAAAA-M/lbaatNeg2Yk/s1600/PhotoGrid_1444930278206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XvpQ1i0T-uw/Vh_jJ9jmfkI/AAAAAAAAA-M/lbaatNeg2Yk/s320/PhotoGrid_1444930278206.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Telling the world that you've lost a child is like being let into a secret society that you knew existed but you don't know who's in it and it is never spoken of until you are in. Once you've been accepted then you find all these people who have experienced the similar stories to yours. The heartbreak is the same, the guilt is the same and the words that others said to you in an effort to comfort your are for the most part the same. It feels less alienating to me when I know someone can relate. The part that always gets me is the fact that it seems taboo to talk about to others. Almost like you'll put a bad omen on all pregnancies, current and future, because you've said words that no one wants to hear. <br />
<br />
I choose to ignore that today because we are so far from being alone in the loss of a pregnancy or a child. There are others who feel this way. <br />
<br />
Today, my heart and thoughts of peace in others' hearts goes out to anyone who's lost a child. <br />
<br />
There is no name for us because no matter what we are parents.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VO_RMr2xOgg/Vh_gyPdSwAI/AAAAAAAAA-E/BipnhIymVBs/s1600/pregnancy_and_infant_loss_awareness_ornament_roun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VO_RMr2xOgg/Vh_gyPdSwAI/AAAAAAAAA-E/BipnhIymVBs/s1600/pregnancy_and_infant_loss_awareness_ornament_roun.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">If you get bored and want to spend more time with me you can find me here:
SnapChat: MikoFord
Instagram - http://instagram.com/miko_ford</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12584277886403663551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207330375675022061.post-503361405254450322015-09-16T15:31:00.000-04:002015-09-16T15:31:00.095-04:00Hooray!! Potty Training.With the next little ninja on it's way into our lives, one thing that I wanted to accomplish, no matter how difficult people told me it was going to be, was getting my daughter potty trained. People told me that it was way too early , she was too young (she'll be two in December), she's just going to revert once the next baby comes, etc. The list went on. I don't care. Not that we are totally there but we are getting closer with fewer and fewer wet/dirty diapers every day. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jkLclLoKIWM/Vfmnvxjn6NI/AAAAAAAAA7U/sCKsshMi8W4/s1600/PottyTime.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jkLclLoKIWM/Vfmnvxjn6NI/AAAAAAAAA7U/sCKsshMi8W4/s320/PottyTime.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">She clearly needed to take some business calls while she was using the facilities. Haha!</span></div>
<br />
Every time we get a dry diaper or a successful potty trip, I feel like jumping up and down cheering like a shameless teenage girl at a One Direction concert. I usually don't take it as far as I want to but we do cheer and give lots of high fives. I've asked multiple people for their advice regarding how they went about it. I've gotten plenty of different answers leading to me to understand that it's really whatever works for you and your family. So get on with the testing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KqwXRY7MxQ0/Vfmn7lB3ZUI/AAAAAAAAA7o/TiIDbBlkKkw/s1600/fangirl.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KqwXRY7MxQ0/Vfmn7lB3ZUI/AAAAAAAAA7o/TiIDbBlkKkw/s400/fangirl.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Obviously every child is different so the answer is going to vary by child. We have found a few things that have and have not worked for us. <br />
<br />
On the list of things that have not worked for us were:<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j6EEoWrd0qs/Vfmn7lE-NcI/AAAAAAAAA7k/naP6LbawklE/s1600/potty%2Bseat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j6EEoWrd0qs/Vfmn7lE-NcI/AAAAAAAAA7k/naP6LbawklE/s320/potty%2Bseat.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1MbYL8u">The Minnie Mouse Potty seat with hook</a></span></div>
<br />
Although it is really nice because as she uses this the waste goes directly into our flushable toilet, she can't get on it herself. Not that I'm expecting that she were to just start heading right into the bathroom and handle her business right away, I think she felt uncomfortable on it. Can you blame her? No matter what kind of stool we purchased for her she couldn't get up there safely. In addition because we don't have a round toilet (we have an elongated one) it never stayed in place and slid back and forth as she sat on it. As her legs dangled and the seat slid around, I often worried that she would slip right into the toilet creating a traumatic experience that would halt all potty training for eternity. I'm not going to be changing diapers forever kid!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iT9wp3eoM2s/Vfmo2K98LVI/AAAAAAAAA7s/gtpDTg9sJUs/s1600/M%2526M%2BMini.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="269" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iT9wp3eoM2s/Vfmo2K98LVI/AAAAAAAAA7s/gtpDTg9sJUs/s320/M%2526M%2BMini.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://amzn.to/1Knbama"><span style="font-size: x-small;">These would work for me and my sweet tooth...</span></a></div>
<br />
Second up, prizes that were food such as M&M mini's that I hear are such a great treat because they are small and kids love chocolate... she wanted nothing to do with such rewards. I know a few kids that have been successfully trained with these tiny little candies. We tried cookies and candies and a few other things but she just wasn't that interested if she wasn't hungry.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ml1mkXBui6s/VfmpVXqXr7I/AAAAAAAAA70/uXyFMoJCtbo/s1600/Sticker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ml1mkXBui6s/VfmpVXqXr7I/AAAAAAAAA70/uXyFMoJCtbo/s320/Sticker.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://amzn.to/1UWExa3"><span style="font-size: x-small;">No... mommy says, "NO!" but if you want these for your kid, they are pretty cheap</span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Third up, stickers. I'm not sure if these would have worked or not but I'm letting you know for the safety of all parties involved, stickers are a no-go at my house. I'm not sure how I lived to be an adult because if my daughter drew on the walls and couch like I did and destroyed them as I did as a child I'd have her head! We don't keep stickers at home and we definitely hide them when they are given as a gift. The last thing that I want to do is clean and peel stickers off walls, furniture, toys, clothes, etc. I don't like price tag stickers... Just say no. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm sure there were more things that haven't worked but on to the more fun things...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here are a few of the things that I have been LOVING since we've started this process:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QSWcuQEsLRU/VfmrcwLHAtI/AAAAAAAAA8E/neOshviPpyg/s1600/MinnieandMickeyPotty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QSWcuQEsLRU/VfmrcwLHAtI/AAAAAAAAA8E/neOshviPpyg/s400/MinnieandMickeyPotty.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://amzn.to/1iwrtHq"><span style="font-size: x-small;">This Minnie and Mickey potty has been a life saver for keeping her put</span></a></div>
<br />
This is the most recent addition to out potty collection and I am perfectly happy knowing that she likes it. The little hand on the side says, "Hip, hip, hooray!" every time you push it down. I'll listen to that 100 times if it will keep here there long enough to do her business. In addition it is a footstool that can hold up to 200 lbs! Yup, I said it, 200 lbs. Can you believe that? I was surprised that it could hold that much.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PCambqNir-0/VfmtSSon_pI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/cYmFSIzl6Lc/s1600/Foldablepotty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PCambqNir-0/VfmtSSon_pI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/cYmFSIzl6Lc/s400/Foldablepotty.jpg" width="341" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kbhsQc5em4I/Vfmsx2fm4WI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/W2YO_YXlmRs/s1600/potty%2Bcovers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kbhsQc5em4I/Vfmsx2fm4WI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/W2YO_YXlmRs/s400/potty%2Bcovers.jpg" width="246" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">The <a href="http://amzn.to/1UWGDXG">oversized seat covers</a> are nice to keep germs and other disgusting things away from her body. The <a href="http://amzn.to/1UWGDXG">folding potty </a>is perfect for traveling to places that don't have a potty for her.</span></div>
<br />
While we are out traveling these two items have become some of my favorites as well. The first picture is the <a href="http://amzn.to/1UWGDXG">Summer Keep Me Clean oversized seat protectors</a>. They are awesome. They are larger than the paper ones that you can sometimes find in public bathrooms. If your kid needs to hold on to the seat or their legs dangle against the front of the toilet they don't actually touch anything but the cover. There are also two tiny little stickeys on the underside if you need to stick them on the toilet so the cover doesn't move. They are super portable and great for public places. The only drawback is that they aren't flushable (yup, I made that mistake once) so don't let it slide into the toilet thinking that you are just going to flush that little sucker down.<br />
<br />
The other favorite travel item of mine is the <a href="http://amzn.to/1UWGDXG">PRIMO folding potty seat</a>. This is good by itsself if you are going somewhere that you know the bathroom is clean but they don't have a child potty or seat for the big toilet. It is compact enough to throw in the diaper bag with the rest of the child arsenal but not so big that it is half the bag. I do keep ours in a zip top bag so that it isn't touching the bag or anything else because it is a <i>potty seat</i> and it was on a <i>toilet</i>. Toilets are gross by nature so let's not be disgusting here. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PN114SRvOzE/VfmxpoGjCuI/AAAAAAAAA8s/hukz8vKDLEw/s1600/PiggyBank.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PN114SRvOzE/VfmxpoGjCuI/AAAAAAAAA8s/hukz8vKDLEw/s320/PiggyBank.jpg" width="317" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1UWKh3O">Her bank is much like this one but is engraved from her Godfather</a></span></div>
<br />
For a reward the best thing that we have used, has also made me the most broke... I guess I should be happy she's a saver not a spender. A piggy bank. A freaking piggy bank. Don't get me wrong, I am all about money management and saving but it's like I'm walking around with a gaping hole in my pocket that only dumps change at this point. I'm sure in the future I'm going to regret writing this post that complained about giving change and complain about the dollar bills that are rapidly being removed from my pocket but for now, it's just coins. So long as she is happy with her reward, I am happy that she is going to the bathroom on the potty and not her diaper. I guess this is the price I have to pay for avoiding purchasing bunches and bunches of disposable diapers since she's been born #makeclothmainstream.<br />
<br />
On my wishlist... who knew I'd have a potty training wishlist but I guess it happens... <br />
<br />
More potty paraphernalia... As my brother and I spoke the other day I mentioned to him that I wanted to put a potty in my car so that when there are those times that she asks to use the potty as we travel past nothing but empty fields or industrial buildings with no Starbucks or McDonald's in sight that we can still use a potty. I was going to purchase some <a href="http://amzn.to/1ihH1hI">TravelJohn</a>'s and then he told me about this fancy little baby:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HbJAbkm-CWw/Vfm1Ky0lGDI/AAAAAAAAA9A/F2DEM-5lk2A/s1600/travelPot1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HbJAbkm-CWw/Vfm1Ky0lGDI/AAAAAAAAA9A/F2DEM-5lk2A/s320/travelPot1.jpg" width="281" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Oh cool, a potty seat </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B136zLm9mG8/Vfm1K47kyzI/AAAAAAAAA9c/yillifWIE94/s1600/travelPot2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B136zLm9mG8/Vfm1K47kyzI/AAAAAAAAA9c/yillifWIE94/s320/travelPot2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Looking kind of perfect for the car or roadside stop</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kU1--E2TLfg/Vfm1LeJZfII/AAAAAAAAA9E/VSF5De0ql7Y/s1600/travelPot4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kU1--E2TLfg/Vfm1LeJZfII/AAAAAAAAA9E/VSF5De0ql7Y/s320/travelPot4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s4P6fhoeJLw/Vfm1Kx12eQI/AAAAAAAAA88/uhVlUBMwUEM/s1600/travelPot3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s4P6fhoeJLw/Vfm1Kx12eQI/AAAAAAAAA88/uhVlUBMwUEM/s320/travelPot3.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Wait? It goes on a toilet too??</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YdO91FvZilc/Vfm1LpX-2ZI/AAAAAAAAA9I/2bDyicuqukg/s1600/travelPot5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="169" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YdO91FvZilc/Vfm1LpX-2ZI/AAAAAAAAA9I/2bDyicuqukg/s320/travelPot5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Oh snap! And it has it's own bag? WINNING!</span></div>
<br />
Say whaattt?? This is awesome. This <a href="http://amzn.to/1ihHAI4">Kalencom 2-in-1 potty</a> is not only perfect for the car but comes with a travel bag and can be used on a big toilet too?! Oh my goodness all of my potty prayers have been answered. I mean it certainly isn't as compact as the PRIMO or the seat covers but for the car it seems perfect. I haven't purchased it yet, however I am going to be picking this bad boy up this week! I mean this seems perfect! This is what I wanted <i>and </i>it comes with it's own travel bag <i>and </i>disposable potty waste bags. I <i><b>love</b></i> that. <br />
<br />
There is definitely work to be done however I'm happy to report that we are well on our way to being potty trained. My next challenge is to find panties that fit my skinny kid. In a minute, I'm going to have to go all Martha Stewart on the world and make panties for kids that are thinner than a 2T or 28 lbs. For now we still rock our cute cloth diapers like treehuggers ;-)<br />
<br />
If anyone else is potty training their little one, let me know what worked or didn't work for you.<div class="blogger-post-footer">If you get bored and want to spend more time with me you can find me here:
SnapChat: MikoFord
Instagram - http://instagram.com/miko_ford</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12584277886403663551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207330375675022061.post-68152429112260297192015-09-09T16:31:00.000-04:002015-09-09T16:31:00.104-04:00Oh my goodness, we're in the count down...Last week it occurred to me that I only had 10 weeks left... 10 weeks!! In less than 10 weeks, I will be responsible for another living being. Where did the time go? I feel like it was just a minute ago that I was writing the first posts about being pregnant again. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3gReapx64fs/VfCIPZaIdzI/AAAAAAAAA6c/S4pq4q9EteQ/s1600/newbornMini.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3gReapx64fs/VfCIPZaIdzI/AAAAAAAAA6c/S4pq4q9EteQ/s320/newbornMini.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">I'll be responsible for another beautiful human being like this one in less than 10 weeks.</span></div>
<br />
This time has been so much different than last time. There was no other little one running around being crazy last time, there was no dinner and bedtime schedules to abide by. It was just me and the husband preparing for the new baby. Back then I had time to shop at random stores to look at things for the new baby and eat wherever and whenever I felt the need. It was amazing. We are still having lots of fun right now but it isn't the same feeling as last time. <br />
<br />
I'm so unprepared. <br />
<br />
Have I thought about my hospital bag? No.<br />
<br />
Have I thought about making sure I have the newborn clothes for the new baby? No.<br />
<br />
Have I even gotten my newborn cloth diapers back yet? No.<br />
<br />
What am I doing with myself??!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VoSjDT1EdkI/VfCKDEylj_I/AAAAAAAAA6w/hmThOMwfMKM/s1600/DontLook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VoSjDT1EdkI/VfCKDEylj_I/AAAAAAAAA6w/hmThOMwfMKM/s320/DontLook.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">I don't want to look... It's too scary to look!!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Last time around I had checklists galore. Probably too many, but checklists are nice. They keep me organized and sane. When you've completed the task you can cross that bad boy off the list. Do I even have one checklist right now? Nope... well maybe, I may still have the original hospital checklist in my phone from last time but who knows.<br />
<br />
Last time I was so prepared I made a second hospital bag for one of my co-workers because she didn't have a lot of friends in this area and I thought it would be fun. (Hi Catie! Hope you and Maddy are doing well). I mean two hospital bags? Yup. That is normally who I am. Right now, I'm just happy if I make it home in time to eat dinner and get the little momma to sleep before 9:30 pm. If I get the dishes or something else done around the house that's a bonus. <br />
<br />
I feel like I need to make a checklist of checklists that I need to start checking off. Yup, you read that right a checklist of the checklists I need. Maybe this week's "<a href="http://www.mikoford.com/2015/03/work-on-it-wednesday-lets-form-new-habit.html">Work on it Wednesday</a>" will be to get my lists ready by next weekend. I haven't done a "<a href="http://www.mikoford.com/2015/03/work-on-it-wednesday-when-life-gets-busy.html">Work on it Wednesday</a>" in a while. I actually forgot about them until this post. (I'm still reading a little, not as much but some). <br />
<br />
This week's work-on-it-Wednesday is to make the checklists of things I need to get done for the new baby. I mean I've been pregnant for 31 weeks almost... I think it's time to get my act together.<br />
<br />
Maybe I'll even blog about it... or better yet, I'll do a video :-)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-se87gSBwGwM/VfCGa7bWFMI/AAAAAAAAA6I/WhN5c-Wk3aU/s1600/30%2Bweeks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-se87gSBwGwM/VfCGa7bWFMI/AAAAAAAAA6I/WhN5c-Wk3aU/s400/30%2Bweeks.jpg" width="373" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">My 30 week belly shot</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">If you get bored and want to spend more time with me you can find me here:
SnapChat: MikoFord
Instagram - http://instagram.com/miko_ford</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12584277886403663551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207330375675022061.post-27418097622503821642015-08-27T21:31:00.000-04:002015-08-27T21:31:00.151-04:00Let's spend all the moneySo in my post from the other day (<a href="http://www.mikoford.com/2015/08/happy-6-years.html">Happy 6 years!</a>) I told you that I'd totally abused my credit card the next day at Gap... Instead of writing a blog post with the words: cute, adorable and little said way too many times, I decided that I would instead make a video and post it to YouTube. <br />
<br />
I did buy lots of adorable and cute things, you should watch it. It doesn't have as many cool bloopers as my last video but hey, they can't all be that great! Haha!<br />
<br />
Feel free to check out what I bought and make fun of me as I make fun of myself... just don't be mean... being mean isn't cool. There are too many mean people in the world we need more nice people who smile a lot.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/RIfVNobeE7w/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RIfVNobeE7w?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />
If you watch this you should definitely turn it into a fun game involving the words: cute, adorable and little. <div class="blogger-post-footer">If you get bored and want to spend more time with me you can find me here:
SnapChat: MikoFord
Instagram - http://instagram.com/miko_ford</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12584277886403663551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207330375675022061.post-12805935361065063482015-08-27T09:31:00.000-04:002015-08-27T09:31:00.184-04:00Getting packages<br />
<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
<br /></div>
<br />
So while we're on the theme of spending, it made me think about getting packages. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="640" src="http://www.newwaytoship.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Package-Shipment-1.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<br />
I love getting packages! It's unhealthy for my bank account but I try to be reserved about what I buy. I mean especially with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/prime">Amazon Prime</a>'s free two day shipping, it's so tempting to just order some things. That prime two day shipping especially came in handy when I became a mom. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/prime"><img height="118" src="https://tctechcrunch2011.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/amazon-prime.png?fit=1%2C1" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/prime">I am willing to spend $99 for a year of free shipping and free streaming and other benefits.</a></span></div>
<br />
You forget how convenient it is to just make a quick stop on your way home from work... alone. Alone? What's that?? I'm a mom. There is no privacy or alone time. Just kidding. I do get some, it is just something that I actually have to work for now. Even bathroom time (as many parents know) is no longer something that I get to do alone, especially since we are in the midst of potty training. Wow! This whole paragraph has nothing to do with getting packages... whoops. <br />
<br />
Back on topic...<br />
<br />
To me getting packages is fun. Sometimes you know what's in them... sometimes you don't. I've always loved the mail. When I was a kid I remember loving to get the mail and bring it in. There were so many times that I would hear people say, "when you get older it won't be so fun to get mail. It will just be bills." Well, let me tell you, I still love the mail and most of my bills are paperless. So, ha! The internet has changed the game people. <br />
<br />
I get a few packages every month. I know that probably sounds extravagant but hey, we all have our things. I'm not into makeup or purses or whatever else I could spend my money on, like shoes... tee hehe. I do like to buy from small businesses and I also like to buy things that I can't always get around me and since those things are often far away or cost too much to drive to, I will order it and have it shipped home. It's so freaking convenient.<br />
<br />
Also, I'm a lazy shopper. There are many times that I would love to just get something in person or look at it in person but that isn't always the way to go. I actually used to hate shopping online for myself because I wanted to try things on but over the last few years I've gotten way better at online shopping and even returns. Sometimes, I want packages because you get cool boxes of things that you possibly would never have gotten in the past because you have a routine and stick to it. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gaJhXYDW4T4/Vd4OuvtRstI/AAAAAAAAA5g/3kb4_oSC1bc/s1600/20150220_182738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gaJhXYDW4T4/Vd4OuvtRstI/AAAAAAAAA5g/3kb4_oSC1bc/s640/20150220_182738.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The packages that I get aren't always just for me either. I spread the love. My daughter gets a <a href="http://bluum.me/45JTws7">Bluum</a> box every month. Some months are great, others, meh. That's ok with me. For the cost, I'm usually pretty happy with it. I mean, we'ere not going to love everything all the time. I do like that you can add more stuff to the box on top of what they've already sent you. I got my favorite cups and plates from this site.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="400" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Uhv5CYdtL._SL1200_.jpg" width="386" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1LB4G9r">This glass cup by Kupp. We have two.</a> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="203" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Kc6NMDcgL.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://amzn.to/1i2bGQh"><span style="font-size: x-small;">And these glass plates with silicone non-slip sleeves by Brinware.</span></a></div>
<br />
We also get a food box with two different meals per week from <a href="http://www.blueapron.com/">Blue Apron</a>. This was part for me, part for my husband. I thought it would be a nice way for him to learn to cook a little more but he decided even with everything laid out and ready for him, he's still not into cooking. That's ok. He can order a mean carryout. Haha! They were partly for me because I was struggling this pregnancy with ideas for food. I love to cook, and if you know me, I spend a great deal of time in the kitchen. (I've got the extra chin to show for it.) This pregnancy, I couldn't get my brain wrapped around being creative in the kitchen like I normally am because I just didn't have much of an appetite for anything in the beginning. That is a problem when you are responsible for the food/meals in the house. Since the meals are different every week their recipe cards helped me get back into the creative cooking groove. Even my husband was thankful for that because he couldn't eat another boring meal of baked chicken, broccoli and rice one more night. <br />
<br />
The newest monthly package I've been getting is ScentBird. August is the first month that I've received this. I like to wear perfume but I tend to forget to wear it everyday because I'm always running out of the house like a mad person trying to be on time for work. I love that the little spray container is just about the size of my mascara and it comes in a cute little velvety carry bag. I also like that you can just change it out with the new scent and back into the purse it goes. I mean look how cute it is.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="signature black perfume case" height="400" src="https://cdn.scentbird.com/ecommerce/extras/black_atomizer.jpg" width="377" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.scentbird.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">www.scentbird.com</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This month I picked the purfume, <a href="http://amzn.to/1LwZwbC">Jungle Elephant by Kenzo</a>. It was a very unique scent. Quite mysterious and spicy. There were a few people in my office that asked what I was wearing and said that they really loved it. I tried wearing the scent for 3 days but each time I put it on it didn't make me go, "yum." I told my husband that I couldn't figure out what it made me feel like but a few days later I realized what it was... potpourri! Oh no! I've been walking around smelling like a bowl of potpourri that sits on the coffee table in the fall. Ok, maybe it wasn't that bad and I'm being dramatic but that did cross my mind. It did say that the main notes of the scent were: clove, cardamom (which I love), vanilla, licorice, and caraway. I will say that it is probably is not a scent that I will purchase in the future but there were a few people in my office that really thought it smelled really, really nice.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="316" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41VZZByhOtL.jpg" width="400" /> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1LwZwbC">Kenzo Jungle Elephant</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I thought about getting a cologne subscription for my husband but I'm not sure yet. I'm trying to decide between Scent Bird for him or Scent Trunk. I'll probably get Scent Bird because I like it so far but who knows... we'll see.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
For now, I'll be waiting for my two most recent online purchases new shirts and some masks. I've been watching a vlogger on YouTube who talked about sheet masks so I'm going to give a few of those a try... maybe that will be my next post.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">If you get bored and want to spend more time with me you can find me here:
SnapChat: MikoFord
Instagram - http://instagram.com/miko_ford</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12584277886403663551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207330375675022061.post-76574572642826856222015-08-26T09:31:00.000-04:002015-08-26T15:21:53.346-04:00Happy 6 years!I've decided it's either all or nothing with me for everything. If I'm blogging, I'm a roll and the posts can pour out or I'm staring at the keyboard wondering why I even decided to start something like this. Well, I'm the same way with shopping. My credit card has been going through a whirlwind. I've been spending like it's Christmas this past month. It's embarrassing... but man is it fun.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A few weeks ago my cloth diaper store (clearly I'm territorial, <i>my</i> cloth diaper store. haha!), celebrated their 6 year anniversary. I was super happy for them. I was so happy that I even posted a video on YouTube about what I bought there. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/hVS5EvmzO-A/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hVS5EvmzO-A?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Also, because I'm an editing pro (hahahahahahahaha!!) it took me a little while to get this thing edited and posted. I will say that it was fun learning how to edit but man does it take me a long time... oh well. I'm trying to stick to my plans from the New Year and do something new and uncomfortable. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm definitely feeling the uncomfortable part...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You should come back soon because I abused my credit card the next day at Gap. Just think, "all the cute and adorable little clothes..." Yup. That happened. Maybe tomorrow.</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">If you get bored and want to spend more time with me you can find me here:
SnapChat: MikoFord
Instagram - http://instagram.com/miko_ford</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12584277886403663551noreply@blogger.com0