Reaching Out, Going Out, and Proud Moments!

Well, week two of Charley in a cast started off with a bang. She'd been crabby at the National Gymnastics Day event last weekend, and I figured she was just disappointed that she couldn't participate and play around with the kids. Well, I was wrong. The poor kid was getting sick! It seems like she gets sick a lot, but apparently that's not unusual for young children. Lucky me! She was sick all day Sunday and Monday, and between her cast and her cold, she wasn't sleeping much at all. Which, of course, meant I wasn't sleeping much either! On Monday, she was so miserable, she threw several screaming fits that lasted 45 minutes to an hour each. It was that day, with over a week of little to no sleep at night, and a screaming child that I thought for the first time, that I wasn't sure I could do this whole "on my own" thing. Of course, the thought was fleeting, because obviously I can do it. I've been doing it for a year. But it was a rough night, and reminded me that I really need to use my resources and reach out for help a little more often. I've always been such a do-it-yourselfer and I don't particularly like to burden people when I'm struggling. 97% of the time, I love being a mom, and I'm confident I can do it on my own for as long as I need to. But that other 3% of the time is hard. Very hard.




My family likes to help with Charley, and they frequently watch her while I'm working. But I needed more than that this week. I was moody and emotional, not because I had any reason to be, other than the fact that I was exhausted. When I lack sleep, it shows. I can put on a happy face, and do my job without an issue. But a smile and a little make-up don't hide the dark circles under my eyes and the lack of physical energy I usually exert. My friend Kellie, who, like me, is doing the parenting thing completely on her own, is generally my confidant when it comes to mommy issues and needing help, because she GETS it. All of my friends are empathetic, and offer help with Charley every once in awhile, but Kellie understands EXACTLY what I'm going through, so it's nice to bounce ideas off of her when I'm having a hard time. She suggested I call my ex's mom, and see if she wanted to come in town and help. The thought hadn't really ever crossed my mind, because she lives out of state and that is one heck of an inconvenience. But when Kellie suggested I give her a call and mentioned that she would probably love the chance to come up and spend some time with her granddaughter, I realized I was an idiot for not reaching out sooner. I tend to be a helper, a doer, a peace maker, and a fixer. I tend to find people that need me. I never really NEED anybody. I'm just content to help everybody else, and forget to reach out for help in return. Well, this time, I needed some help. I called my ex-mother-in-law on Wednesday, and she was here in Minneapolis on Thursday. She is a godsend. She played with Charley, tried putting Charley to sleep, and even watched Charley so I could go out with some friends for awhile, which I haven't done in quite some time. I'm not sure I could ever thank her enough for the extra sleep, and the break. I think I'm a better mom when I get a break every once in awhile. Plus, Charley got to have some awesome bonding time with her Grammy, which is so important to me. Regardless of where I stand with my ex, I will always encourage Charley's relationship with his side of the family, because they're good people who love her dearly. I'm very lucky that she has so many fantastic grandparents!

My princess and her fake smile!

So, enough of the whining, honestly I'm much better off now, because I've had several nights of good sleep. As a result, the last couple of days, although busy, have been productive and really fun. Friday morning GO! Gymnastics hosted an event for the Minneapolis Hip Mamas (a local meetup group) and it was great! I had a chance to do some networking, and meet some really nice people. I think I will host groups more regularly, because everyone seemed to have a great time, and I got some very positive feedback, and even suggestions (adding a strobe light for kids' dance parties, etc.).  It was the first paying event...We're on our way to success! Ha! It was a good experience, though, because as I embark on this new career as a business owner, I'm going to have to find my stride and adjust to teaching in such a confined space. I think it'll be great, though. I also finished the web site for the bus this week, which was a huge accomplishment for me! It's up, running, and totally functional. It's hard to believe, and it makes it feel like we are OFFICIALLY in business. And we are! Check out the site at www.gogymkids.com!

I know I mentioned I had a chance to spend some time with friends last night. We went to a local dive bar that I haven't been to in months, and it was just what I needed. I knew Charley was safe at home with her Grammy, and I never go too crazy, but I took the opportunity to have a drink, sing some karaoke, and bond with my girlfriends. After singing an off-pitch version of JoDee Messina's, 'Bye Bye,' I walked off the stage, just to hear a voice screaming, "Lindsey! Lindsey!" I looked over and saw the mother of one of the girls I was supposed to have a private lesson with at 9:00 this morning. She said, "I was messing around on my phone, when I looked up and told my friends, 'I think that's my daughter's gymnastics coach!'" Awkward? Nah. I thought it was awesome. She mentioned that she might not have her daughter at the gym on time. Needless to say, at the end of the night, I knew she wouldn't be making it to the gym at all. And I was right. Ha! One of my friends brought her boyfriend to the bar, and I asked him at some point in the evening if it intimidates him to meet friends she's known since she was 5. He said, "Not at all!" I thought that was awesome. It made an impression, because I'd asked the question after four of us who had gone to school together sang a round of "The Ghost of John," at the bar. That might be embarrassing to some, but to me it's wonderful. Singing ridiculous Halloween songs we learned in elementary school reminds me of how long these friendships have been in tact. I love that! Most people don't keep in touch with their elementary school friends, and I feel lucky that I do. The evening couldn't have been much better.

I worked all day yesterday, and then again all day today. Working weekends can be exhausting, because, let's face it, everybody needs at least one day off. But today was a special day for some of my gymnasts. I coach a recreational team, and they had their first performance today. They came into the gym, dressed in their matching leotards, with a nervous excitement racing through them. I remember the first time I got those nervous butterflies! It was a gymnastics performance for me, as well. Those butterflies are a scary, but wonderful feeling. I wasn't quite sure how it would go, because these girls have never performed in front of a large group before. They did an INCREDIBLE job. I was so proud. Today, even though I was slightly exhausted (okay, still majorly exhausted), was a reaffirming day for me. I've had people say positive things about my coaching, which is very complimentary, and I really appreciate hearing it. But there's nothing like watching kids that you've trained perform, and do so well!  It's like seeing the fruits of your labor! They all rose to the occasion, and as much as they impressed their families and friends, they impressed me. Sure, there were some falls here and there, and the nervous butterflies got to the kids a little bit on beam. But as I stood there watching them perform, I felt a real sense of accomplishment. They've come a long way in a short time, and I can only hope that they are as proud of themselves as I am of them. It was a great way to spend a Sunday.

So, summed up...The week started off rough, but I was so lucky to have a wonderful, albeit busy, weekend! Here's to another busy week!

Minnesota Nice: It Truly Does Exist!

It's been another busy week in my world. Between Charley's broken leg, preparing for the bus to be revealed, working at the gym, and planning the National Gymnastics Day event, it's been a little bit crazy. But it's been a really good week, too! While I haven't been sleeping well, because Charley hasn't been sleeping well with her cast (poor girl, the thing weighs 6 pounds), it's been very productive. I've also gotten a few reminders that the concept of MN nice really does exist. Have a toddler with a broken leg, and you'll see the best out of people.

Charley broke her tibia just over a week ago, and since her injury, we've had to make some adjustments. For example, going to the grocery store is no treat. Last Saturday, just after the injury happened, instead of running to the store to get groceries, I took Charley to one of my favorite restaurants, Hazel's NE. It's one of those quaint little places where everybody is really friendly, the food is great, and it just has a positive vibe. As I sat down with Charley in her temporary splint, the chef looked out from behind the counter, and asked, "Oh my gosh! What happened?" I explained the story to him, and we chatted for a bit. He talked about having his first child about 8 weeks ago, and the lack of sleep, etc. Then he stopped himself, and asked if Charley would like a free caramel roll, because he would love to buy her one. It was such a nice gesture! When I got my bill after breakfast, I noticed that they didn't charge me for my coffee, or Charley's juice, either. I left the restaurant on such a positive note, and Charley did, too! Since then, my lucky little munchkin has gotten spoiled rotten everywhere we've gone. People look at her and send her free cookies, brownies... our freezer is stocked with gifted baked goods. Perfect evidence of MN nice!

Speaking of Charley, she's adapted to her cast pretty well. Aside from the poor sleep habits, she's figured out how to get from one place to another, and even climb up on the couch. She's not happy to be so dependent, but she's figuring out how to get what she needs. I'm hoping the next week passes quickly, though, because we're both struggling with the lack of sleep. On that note, I think the next week will fly by...Partially because Charley starts preschool next week! I'm so excited for her. We went for a tour last Friday, and she bawled when we left. She kept telling me to leave. Now, as much as that should make me sad, it actually thrilled me a little bit. Charley has been my sidekick, and pretty much attached at the hip since she was born. She has gotten exposure to other children primarily at the gym, and she loves going there. I'm just so excited that she is going to get the stimulation she needs, but I really can't provide for her right now. I'm looking forward to having a little bit of time to myself to focus on the business as well. I think it will be positive for both of us. I admit, I will probably  cry like a baby when I drop her off, but I know it's a necessary move for a variety of reasons.


So, it's about time for a little business update. We finally got the wall padding finished, which was a relief. I'm actually pretty proud. Blair and I worked really hard, and I think we did a good job with the walls. I only cut myself once! If you know my family, that's pretty good, considering how long I was working with a razor. For someone who can do back flips, swing on bars, and leap on beam, I'm surprisingly clumsy in my day-to-day activities. Don't believe me? Next time you see me, check out my shins. They're completely bruised from me running into the side of my bed...EVERY night. I know where the bed is, but the frame is low to the ground and has ridiculously sharp corners! I turn out the light, go to get in bed, and it never fails...I smack my legs. Maybe I should consider purchasing a lamp... Anyway, back to the topic. Business update. We had an incredibly exciting week, outside of finishing the bus. We booked our first clients on Thursday, and we had a National Gymnastics Day event today. It was kind of like our grand opening. It was fun! The kids who came on the bus had a great time, and really seemed to like what it had to offer. It felt amazing. So much time has gone into putting the bus together, it was really nice to watch people enjoy it! I think this was a great kick off for us, and I can't wait to really promote the bus this week.

I'm looking at the clock, and I know it's time for bed. I'm looking forward to another good week!

Broken Bones and Kicks to the Face: One of Those Weeks!

So, I'm not going to lie, this week kind of sucked. It's not like I had any trouble with the business, or anything. That's actually going quite well. We're almost done installing the wall padding, and we've found a parking spot for Gus the Bus. But it was a bit of a rough week! It all started on Monday, when I was stuck at home all day, waiting on my marriage license to be delivered to my door, so I could fix my DMV issues once and for all. Of course, the delivery didn't come until about 3:45, so any DMV business had to be put off until Tuesday. Tuesday morning, I loaded Charley up in the car, bright and early, and finally got everything taken care of at the DMV. I'm officially a Minnesota driver again. Phew!

Tuesday really wasn't a bad day, it was just busy. Prior to finding a place to park the bus, it had been in front of my house, and with that, I found myself trying to set things up in there quite a bit. I'm a busy-body, what can I say? Wednesday wasn't a terrible day, either, but it was one of those days where nothing really fell into place. I found myself scrambling for a sitter, trying to find someone to drive with me to park the bus... It was a bit of a mess. Thank goodness one of my girlfriends came through, and I got it all taken care of. But I don't like to do things last minute, so I was a little bit annoyed with myself for putting someone out! Wednesday at gymnastics was great. The girls I'm training for an in-house competition worked really hard, and had a good workout. The other group I coached had a good practice, too. I was really pleased with how the workout was going, until the last 5 minutes, when I was spotting a girl on bars, and got kicked in the face. It wasn't one of those, "foot slipped off the bar, and barely hurt," kind of kicks. The girl intentionally kicked her feet off the bar, but did it while I was explaining the skill to the rest of the group, so I was totally blind sided. Ouch! That pretty much summed up my Wednesday.

Thursday was actually a really good day. Charley and I spent the day over at my dad's house, and I got a lot of paperwork done. I really felt productive! Charley and I went with my boss, Brian, over to Wolfe Park, to check out the location for National Gymnastics Day. The space is great. I'm hoping we have a great turnout, because the location is amazing, and the activities are going to be a lot of fun. I taught a private lesson, too, and then went over to a friend's house with Charley. Charley got to play with her little girlfriend, and I got to have some girl talk, myself. That was really relaxing, and I haven't had a chance to relax much in recent weeks.

Then came Friday. Friday the 13th. Fitting, isn't it? I knew it was going to be kind of a packed day, because Blair and I were planning to install the wall padding on the bus, once and for all. Then, I knew I had to go into work at the gym for a few hours. I was supposed to work with the girls' team tonight, which I was really looking forward to, even though it meant I would be working until 8. I was looking forward to it, though! Well, anyway, the day started off on a bit of a bad foot. Charley screamed and threw a complete tantrum, because she wanted to wear her One Direction pajama pants all day. After a long, drawn out battle, I decided it wasn't worth the fight. So, she wore the pants with a mismatched flower shirt. Lovely. Then, Charley went to play with a friend, whose family I adore. Charley jumps in with those kids, like she's part of the family, and I feel so lucky that we both have friends like that. Anyway, I'd been gone for about an hour and a half, when I got a phone call. My friend said Charley had fallen, and hadn't bounced back the way she normally would. Apparently, she tripped, and when she stood up she was limping. She cried, and cuddled with my friend for awhile, but then appeared to be fine, other than the fact that she wouldn't put weight on one of her legs. I was concerned, because a couple of weeks ago, Charley had been complaining that her leg hurt, and SLIGHTLY limping, but it had gone away. I wondered if there was more to it. So, I headed home to check it out. I was surprised to find that the leg that appeared to be injured was NOT the same leg Charley had been limping on last week. And watching her try to put weight on it, then cringe, told me there was something wrong.

So, I put Charley in the car, and headed to Urgent Care. After filling out the paperwork, and sitting for a few minutes, Charley was called back into the exam room. A physician's assistant came into the room, and asked what had happened. She looked like she couldn't have been any older than 25, but she was great with Charley. After listening to her symptoms, she decided we should get an X-ray of Charley's full leg and ankle. Sure enough, a quick glance at the X-ray showed a hairline fracture on her tibia. Poor kid! No wonder she kept saying, "Ow! Ouch!" Splinting the injury definitely was not an enjoyable experience for anyone. Charley was very still while the splint was being applied, but she was sobbing, saying, "Mommy, I want to play with you. " When everything was finished, Charley calmed down, and only cried because she couldn't wear her 'sparkle shoes.' From there, we went and picked up one of my friends, and got dinner. It struck me around 5:00, that I hadn't eaten since breakfast, and that fact probably hadn't helped my rocky emotional state. Then we went and got Charley a wagon, which she is incredibly excited about being pulled around in. This kid's easy to please, sometimes! Ha! After picking up the wagon, we went for ice cream, and then returned home. Now, Charley is sleeping peacefully, and I'm finally sitting down, for the first time since I woke up
.

Throughout this afternoon and evening, I was really touched at the support everybody offered. I called my boss around 2pm, and told him I wouldn't be able to make it to work at 4:30, because I had to take Charley for X-rays. He assured me he'd have it covered, but also told me to alert one of the other directors. So, I let her know and she took care of it. Within an hour of letting my boss know, I'd received several texts from co-workers, asking how Charley was feeling and wishing her well. I was really impressed, and it reminded me why I love my job, and love the sport of gymnastics. As a gymnast and as a coach, I've always felt a sense of family in the gym. Ask any gymnast, and they'll tell you their gymnastics friends were more like sisters than friends. It's just how we are. We spend a lot of time together, and become very close. The same rule applies to coaches, in most of the gyms I've worked in. I've never felt like just an employee. I've always been an extension of a family, and that's a really special thing that I think is unique to specific sports, and gyms, and I'm lucky to be part of the Kenwood family. I was very impressed, and incredibly grateful to my co-workers today.  My friends were very supportive as well, offering assistance, and trying to help. I'm truly surrounded by amazing people, and I think that's easy to take for granted sometimes. But I certainly didn't take it for granted today. I appreciate everyone who reached out via text or phone call, or even on FB, checking on Charley. She'll be fine. Kids get hurt! That was always my parents' approach, and it's one thing that I feel very strongly about. Things happen. Kids trip, kids fall, they even break bones once in awhile. But I'd rather let Charley live an active life, run like a 2 year old, and experience the occasional injury, than keep her in a bubble because there's a risk of getting hurt! She's a toddler, and she got her first big boo-boo doing what toddlers do...Running! And I secretly blame her One Direction pants that she fought so hard to wear today. They're a little long, and I wouldn't be surprised if she tripped on them! Anyway, she's fine. She's sleeping soundly, and I'm hoping it lasts all night. Fingers crossed!

On that note, I'm ready for this Friday the 13th to be over, and the weekend to begin! Here's to a better next week.

What Does Your "Type" Say About You?

I haven't really been writing two days in a row, but a topic has come up in conversation several times the last few days that has really made me think. Anybody who knows me well, knows that I'm very self reflective. I make decisions every day, sometimes good decisions, sometimes bad decisions. But regardless of whether they are positive or negative, I think about all of the things I do, and consider why I do them. Anyway, this just leads into the discussion of what type of man I tend to go for (STOP READING, DAD!) and why I think I am drawn to a particular type.

I said a long time ago that I'm drawn to military men, cops, firefighters, etc. I'm not really sure why. I think it's the fact that I have a strong personality, and it takes a very particular type of man to challenge me. And I like being challenged. I'm also driven towards men with strong work ethics, and guys who are handy around the house. I think part of why those traits are so important to me, is because those are things I was lacking in my last relationship. For the last few years of my marriage, I wasn't challenged, and I'm not going to be ex-bashing here, but his work ethic was lacking. I like a guy who has goals, and wants to better himself. Not because I asked him to do it, but because he wants to do it for himself. That's a very attractive quality. I like men who are sarcastic, who give me a hard time, but also make an effort to show me they care. Genuinely nice guys, who have a little bit of an edge, but a softer side, too, that not everybody gets to see.  Physically, I usually go for the tall, dark and handsome look. Men who are athletic, and usually have a baby face and some facial hair. Not gross, long facial hair, but I like the look of a little facial hair or stubble on a man. I also look for chemistry. There HAS to be chemistry.

 As I self-reflect, I think about the things I have had in my past relationship, and the things I didn't have. I think much of my dating history since my divorce is based around that. As humans, when a relationship doesn't work with a person with certain traits, we naturally seek to avoid those traits in our next relationships. As I've explored this whole dating world, I've actually written a list of things I'm looking for in a man. Things like being a good father, challenging me, treating Charley as his own, stability without being boring, etc. are on my list. But as the months have progressed, that list has changed dramatically, because I've learned something from each person I even went on a date with. Some had traits that I was looking for, others showed me things that I maybe thought I wanted, but came to realize I didn't want at all. So, long story short... I think we have "types" based on past experiences. We learn about what we want, what we don't want, and what we can tolerate.

This whole topic came about, because in conversations with a few different girlfriends in the last week or so, there's been discussion about whether or not a person's physical type actually matters. I've come to the conclusion that it really doesn't. I mentioned earlier that I go for the tall, dark, and handsome type. Well... From my experience, the man I had the most chemistry didn't fit that description at all. He's a good looking man. But not really my type. And for some reason, he's the one I've compared everybody else to, because that chemistry couldn't really be denied, and it's not easy to replicate. Now, when I say this guy isn't physically my type, I was still physically attracted to him, and he IS my type in terms of personality. He definitely presented a challenge, and I enjoyed our back and forth banter. Clearly a connection can impact  a lot of things, and override any potential typical "physical" types. One of my best girlfriends recently met a man, kind of in an unexpected way. He was going to help her with school, and it cracked me up, because she called me and let me know that she had met a guy who she had a weird connection with, but she wasn't sure she was physically attracted to him. "It's not that he's not good looking," she stated, "but he's not the type of guy I usually go for." Sure enough, they have gone on several dates, and she's found that she's got more chemistry with him than she had with almost any man she's been with! Another friend recently started dating an adorable tall, slender guy, with a baby face. They are so cute together. But again, he's totally not her typical type. She usually goes for big, burly men, with facial hair, and flannel shirts. Basically, typical MN men. And sure enough, she's happier than she's ever been, with someone who's totally not the type she goes for. One more girlfriend told me the other day, that she always thought she wanted someone sweet and romantic, who treated her like a princess. But as she's gotten older, she's realized that she's not sure she DOES want that. At this point, she wants a great man, but not necessarily someone who serenades her in the car. And the guy she compares every man to was, yet again, physically not her type at all. There's something to be said for chemistry. If it's there, it's there. If it's not, it's not. I've gone on dates with several men who were 100% my type. And I had no interest, because there was no chemistry!

All of this was running through my head while I was driving today, and out of the blue, Hunter Hayes' song, I Want Crazy, came on the radio. How fitting! There are a couple of lines in the song that completely describe what I'm feeling.
I don't want good, and I don't want good enough.
I want can't sleep, can't breathe without you love. ....
.... It doesn't make sense to anybody else, who cares if you're 
all I think about. I've been across the world and I know now,
it ain't right, if you ain't lost your mind.

I don't want just another hug and a kiss good night, 
catching up calls, and a date sometimes. ...
... We're the kind of crazy people wish that they could be.

I seriously could've written these lyrics. The idea of really falling in love is scary. Super intimidating. It means I'd actually have to be vulnerable and risk getting hurt. But I really do want that. Head over heels, totally dedicated, can't stop thinking about you love. Some people might judge me, and tell me that I'm setting my standards too high. That real love isn't like that. Well, I know love isn't perfect. I don't expect perfection. But I want that connection that nobody really understands...maybe that I don't even understand...but it's there, and it feels right.

Speaking of listening to music in the car, I am notorious for singing in the car. I apologize to any of my passengers, it's just a habit. I tend to pick up musical lyrics pretty quickly, and when I connect to a song, I have no shame in busting it out. I was driving by Lake Calhoun today, and One Direction's song, Kiss You, came blaring through the speakers. I cranked the music up, and sang along at the top of my lungs, shimmying and dancing the whole time.  I looked to my right and left, and neither driver seemed to be paying any attention, so I kept on singing. Then I glanced across at the other side of the street, and a guy, who looked to be about my age, was laughing hysterically as I belted out one of many boy band tunes on my phone. I just nodded, smiled at him, gave him a little wink, and kept on singing. As a kid, I think I would've been like, "That chick is CRAZY." But   I don't care! I'll sing proudly and make a fool of myself for the rest of my life. It's fun for me, and I apparently have a knack for entertaining my fellow drivers. You're welcome for that, MN drivers. So that brings me to a question. What is your, 'rock out in the car,' song? I tend to sing along to any boy bands, Lady Antebellum (watch out when Long Gone comes on...it can get loud), Zac Brown Band, and lately, Luke Bryan's That's My Kinda Night. Is there a song you belt out, without caring if anyone is watching?

On that note, goodnight!

Worst Birthday Ever... But a GREAT Birthday Week!

So, I suppose it's not unusual at this point that I'm writing on a Friday night. That seems to be what my Fridays have turned into. The evening is the only opportunity I have to relax, and kind of think about my week. This week was CRAZY.  And when I say crazy, I mean crazy. I really didn't have a chance to slow down at all. That's not a bad thing! But now, I'm tired. 

Monday was Labor Day, so I really did take the day off. I went to my friends' house and grilled out. It was nice to hang out with some friends, and take a few minutes to socialize. God knows I need socialization! Outside of two-year-olds, that is! Anyway, it was a nice day, and after grilling, I went over to my dad's house for a few minutes where I got my birthday present (Apple TV= AMAZING gift!). Charley was super-tired and crabby though, so the visit was short-lived. Then came Tuesday…..

Tuesday was my actual birthday. I'm usually not one of those people to celebrate my birthday for weeks. I know some people have birthday-weeks/months, but ever since I was a kid and my dad told me I had to wait until his birthday passed (August 22), before talking about mine, I really haven't been that type. This year I feel like it's been my birthday FOREVER. Anyway, Tuesday actually WAS my birthday. And the majority of the day was a train-wreck. Last week, I began my quest to get my MN driver's license. I've had my NV license since moving back, because I absolutely hate the DMV, so I put it off. When my birthday rolled around, I got up bright and early, and got to the DMV with my license, looking to officially be a MN driver again. And, more importantly, to officially return to my maiden name. The lady at the DMV informed me that because my MN license is more than a year expired, I'd have to take the written exam, which that location didn't offer. Seriously? I've been driving for 15 years. I never imagined I'd have to take the written exam again! So, I went to DMV location number two, where they offer the written exam. At that DMV, they informed me that I needed my original marriage certificate, issued by the state with a raised seal, to take the test. I had my marriage certificate. But a copy apparently isn't good enough. They also told me I needed another form of ID, such as a passport. Seriously? First of all, I didn't need the original marriage certificate to get my divorce, so the fact that I need it for my license is ridiculous. Secondly, how many hoops were they expecting me to jump through, all in the name of getting a license? The second location's staff was incredibly rude, as well. Ugh. So, I went home, dug through my paperwork, found my passport, found a copy of the marriage certificate signed by the pastor, and went to yet ANOTHER location, Eagan, which is nowhere near my house, and finally took the written test.  I passed. Phew! But they still wouldn't give me my license without a specific version of my marriage certificate. So, I had to overnight the stupid document, just to return and get my license the next day. At the Eagan location, of course. Needless to say, spending my birthday in 3 different DMVs was not exactly how I'd intended to spend the day. It's okay, though. I was born after 11 pm on the 3rd, so I decided that for this year, I would think of Wednesday as the first day of my thirties. And Wednesday was a much better day! On Wednesday, I didn't have that much to do, other than go to the gym and work in the evening. I was pleasantly surprised when I got  text from one of my girlfriends, asking me to walk around the lake with her. I left the gym instantly, and headed to the lake. I'd much rather walk three miles, than ride a stationary bike for 45 minutes. It was a super hot day, but we had a great conversation and got some exercise in at the same time. Definitely an improvement over Tuesday. 

I love this picture. My hair is ridiculous, but I don't care.  I'm making "pretty fingers." After 26+ years in gymnastics,  it's not even intentional anymore. You just can't take the gymnast out of me. Ha!

Thursday was a huge day for me. I got my bus! Blair and I drove out to Monticello, and picked up Gus, the Big Blue Bus! It kind of looks like a Smurf on steroids. It's awesome. I was so nervous! I was legitimately afraid, when I moved the gear into drive. But surprisingly, it's not that hard to drive. The mirrors are awesome! I felt like I could see everything! It is amusing that my feet don't touch the ground when I'm in the driver's seat, though. Ha! The rest of my day included going to the gym for a preschool open gym time (in the bus of course), then I waited for one of my friends to pick up Charley, so I could drive the bus to go pick up the mats. That was a trick! I drove the bus from St. Louis Park, to Coon Rapids, to do that, and I faced what I imagine will be everyday battles. Some side streets are impossible to drive down, when people are coming from the opposite directions, and I was slightly embarrassed when they looked at me like, "Who the heck is that chick driving a giant blue school bus?!" I'm sure I'll get a lot of that…. When I got to the loading dock area to get my mats, of course I had to go to customer service, before I could pick up all of my boxes. I surveyed the area, it looked like it circled around, so I just pulled that big bus right up to the front of the building…only to realize that the 'circle' ended up at a locked gate. Crap. In a car, I would've made an awkward u-turn and driven right out. But I was in a school bus. So, what'd I do? I backed Gus up, basically across an entire parking lot, praying that the mirrors worked, and I didn't forget to check EVERY angle. It was rough. But I did it, and then breathed a sigh of relief. After that debacle, I went to my friend's house, in the bus, to have a playdate with Charley, and I didn't get home until nearly 8:00. It was a LONG day. But a great day!

Today, I walked out of my house, and saw a giant bus parked there. It's a little intimidating! I found a place to park it, but I can't drop it off until tomorrow, so it'll be the neighborhood eyesore for one more day. A couple of my friends checked it out, and thought it looked great. One just looked at me and was like, "That thing is HUGE! I can't believe you actually own an enormous bus." Well, that makes two of us. I can't really believe it either. But it's true! I met a high school friend at the lake today, and went for a walk. Twice around the lake in one week is a lot for me! It's really a lot for Charley. But my friend has a son Charley's age, so they kept each other entertained, as we caught up. It was really nice to catch up and realize that we have a lot more in common than we probably ever thought. We gossiped, and chatted, and had a few laughs about life, relationships, even just what we were up to earlier in the day! While we walked, she mentioned my blog, said she reads regularly, and asks if it's therapeutic for me. My response? "Absolutely!" Honestly, as much as I like to entertain my friends and family, I write this for me. It's kind of a nice way for me to keep track of how my life has grown and changed over the last few months. And shoot, if people get a laugh out of my journaling, then great! All the better.

On that note, I'm sure everybody is tired of the marathon-blog, so have a good weekend! And to those of you who wished me a happy birthday, thank you! Your messages made the day a little more tolerable as I waited in line at the DMVs!

Other People's Kids Say Embarrassing Things, Too? Plus: State Fair Stories

Well, I can't believe it's the last day of August! I've been so busy this summer, I haven't really had that much time to enjoy it. This last week was no exception! Last weekend was fantastic. On Saturday night, I went out with my high school girlfriends, and we had a great time. I haven't been able to spend much time with them lately, so having the chance to go out dancing with my girls was so much fun! I was in a great mood all week, because I'd actually had a night off from being Mommy! It was definitely needed, and I definitely appreciated the break.

In the last two weeks, a lot of progress has been made in terms of the bus. The interior is finished, it's finally getting painted, vinyl prints were ordered, the mats arrived, and t-shirts came in. LOTS of progress. Things are beginning to come together, and we are finally getting some advertising done! Charley has been a great advertisement for GO! Gymnastics. I gave her a t-shirt the day it came in, and I've had to fight her NOT to wear it, ever since. Basically the only clothes she will take off her 'gymnastics shirt' for are a swimsuit, and her Disney Princess shirt. And it's not like she just asks to wear it. She screams bloody murder when I try to take it off of her! I had to give her two shirts, so I can wash one while she's wearing the other. I've been doing a ton of laundry, but I suppose I should ride this phase out while it lasts! On another note, the bus was supposed to be done last week. And it's not. But I think that's to be expected in any construction-related industry, right? Two weeks actually means a month? That's my thought! It should be finished this week, though, and everything will be together well before National Gymnastics Day.

Sunday I taught several private lessons, which kept me pretty busy. On Monday, I finally made it to the gym to work out, which has been difficult the last few weeks. It's not that I don't want to go. I do! It's my only break! But between working at the gym, and getting everything together with the bus, it can be impossible to make it to the gym while the childcare center is open. Anyway, I went to the gym on Monday, proudly sporting my GO! Gymnastics shirt. As I was working out, I noticed a good-looking guy watching me. I've seen him there before, but never noticed him looking at me. I DID notice that there wasn't a ring on his finger. But I didn't think much of it, and just figured he was reading my t-shirt, trying to figure out what it was for. So, I finished my weight lifting and left to get Charley.  He must have left just after I did, because Charley and I passed him on the stairs, and he laughed at some comment Charley made (go figure). I smiled and said something to the extent of, "Always something with a toddler!" I don't remember. But anyway, there was a bit of an exchange. As I walked Charley to the car, and started to get her buckled in, I noticed him walking out with his daughters. They looked like they were about 5 and 7, or somewhere in that range. He was chatting with them, and as they walked in our direction, I heard one of his daughters say, loudly, "But Dad, I can SMELL that you farted!" His face turned all different shades of red, and he glanced in my direction. I could almost hear him asking himself, "Did she hear that?" Ummm...yes I did. And it was hilarious. It's a good thing I had my head down, buckling Charley in, because otherwise he would have seen my eyes well up with tears as I tried to hold in my laughter. It was so funny! I've decided to share this story, because I've told it to several people, and as I've verbally repeated it, and Charley has noticed people laughing in response, she's picked up the phrase. I even heard her tell Oscar, "Oscar, I can smell that you farted!" I'm so nervous that she's going to drop that bomb on me in public! My fingers are crossed that she forgets...soon!

Saving this photo forever...

So, that was Monday. The rest of the week was spent doing planning for the preschool program at KGC, National Gymnastics Day, and of course, getting everything lined up to launch the bus in September. Charley and I got to squeeze in a little playdate, too, with one of her best friends! I didn't have as many private lessons scheduled as usual (which was intentional), and I definitely got a lot done, but got to have some fun, too. On Wednesday, Charley and I went to the MN State Fair with my sister, Kelsey. It's a family tradition to go early...like 6:30 a.m. early...and we stuck to that tradition this year. Honestly, it was one of the best visits to the State Fair that I've had in years. We beat the crowd and the heat, and got to explore the fair while it was relatively quiet. Charley absolutely had a blast. She loved riding the rides, particularly the cars. She has a strange obsession with driving a car. Anyway, after riding 3 different cars, it was time for us to leave that part of the fair. She wasn't happy about it. She threw a mini-tantrum, hit me, and earned herself a little time out. This gave me (well, technically Kelsey), the opportunity to capture the best time out picture ever. After her time out, Charley was suddenly in much better spirits, and ready to explore the rest of the fair. She is a funny kid like that. She knows when she needs a time out, and typically recovers quickly.

Apple pie...the breakfast of champions!

We went back to the fair today, with my dad, Scott, and Kelsey, and again, had a great time. Charley and I didn't stay long, but I'm really glad we went. We got to see a few things we missed out on last time, and have some nice family time. It was nice. It was also nice that my mom and Mark took Charley to lunch this afternoon, and gave me some time to run errands. It's definitely faster to get things accomplished without a toddler by my side. Although, I love having my little toddler by my side! This afternoon, we met with one of my good friends for an early Happy Hour. It's not a normal part of my daily life, but it's a holiday weekend, right? We had a great conversation, Charley was amused and entertained for an hour, and I got to relax. That's my kind of afternoon!

Now, going into the next week, I've got a lot to look forward to. It's FINALLY going to be my 30th birthday, which I've been more excited about than dreading, probably because I know my 30s will be at least as exciting as my 20s, the bus will be finished, I'll take on more of the preschool load at the gym, and I'll get a chance to promote my new venture. It's a lot, but I know everything will settle in soon. For now, I'm going to relax on the couch, and wish everybody a happy and safe Labor Day weekend!

"It's Mommy's Birthday!"...Not

Ok, this entry is going to be short, because I blogged yesterday, but Charley did something today that I thought was worth sharing. Definitely laugh-worthy. So, I've determined all of the birthdays right now have Charley a little bit confused. Last week, my nephew and sister had their birthdays, and today is my dad's birthday. My birthday is in just over a week, but I'm going out to celebrate my birthday with friends this weekend. Needless to say, there's been a lot of birthday talk around the house lately.

Well, today I had a private lesson with two great girls. They've been best friends since they were toddlers, their families are close, and they're just fun to coach.  I meet with them several times a week, and Charley adores both the girls, and one of their moms, 'Miss Mary.' For most of my private lessons, I arrange child care for Charley. But Miss Mary loves to play with Charley, so when I teach the girls, Charley usually comes along. Today, Miss Mary took her to Byerly's to look at the lobsters in the lobster tank, and keep her amused during the girls' lesson. Well today, while they were there, Charley told Miss Mary that it was MY birthday. "It's Mommy's birthday!" she exclaimed. "She's 30!" Now Mary is aware that I have an upcoming birthday, but she doesn't know the date. So, she went with it. She told Charley they should get me a present! Charley spotted something, and she said, "That's it! A present for Mommy!" Mary questioned her a little bit, but she insisted. What was this incredible present I just had to have? A yellow pepper. Ha! I do eat a lot of peppers, so it's great. I'll put it on my salad tonight. But how funny!

So, they get back to the gym with about 10 minutes left in the lesson, and Charley came running right at me with a bouquet of flowers, squealing, "Happy Birthday, Mommy! I bought you flowers!" Ha! Imagine the look on my face as the other coaches gave me quizzical looks, like, "Is it your birthday?!" Ummm, no, it is not my birthday. But the way Charley broadcasted it, I'm sure everyone believed her! The gesture was so nice, though, and much appreciated. I'm very lucky to have several 'Miss Mary's' in my life. With all of Charley's enthusiasm about my birthday, imagine my surprise when we stopped at my dad's house, she refused to tell HIM happy birthday. Typical!

My "Un-Birthday" Presents from Charley and Miss Mary. I'm a lucky Mom!

Progress and Pre-30th Party!

Phew, it's been a crazy couple of days! Charley finally got over her virus, or whatever it was, but then my dad got sick, and had to have his gall bladder taken out. Thank goodness the surgery went well, and he's healing and resting at home, but ugh! He was planning to be out of the country for a birthday trop next week, and now he isn't going to get to go. He's thrilled, as I'm sure you can imagine. All of the sick family stuff happened during the busiest birthday time in my family. My sister and nephew share a birthday on the 17th, my dad's birthday is tomorrow, and mine is on September 3. All of that, and the bus is coming together, I've been working more at the gym...Basically, I've been the Energizer Bunny for a couple of days, but even with the craziness, it's getting REALLY exciting. This bus will be done within a week, and then it's a matter of getting out there and making things happen! It's a little (or a LOT) intimidating, but so exhilarating at the same time!

Last weekend, my mom volunteered to watch Charley on Saturday night for a few hours, and I actually got to go out for a little bit! That was the first time in several months that I've gotten a night off. It was great! I met up with a girlfriend, and my little sister tagged along for a little bit. It was her 21st birthday, and even though she'd partied it up with her friends the night before, I didn't think it was right to stay in on her big day! So she came out, got a free birthday Kamikaze, gossiped about The Real Housewives for a bit (we all agreed that Gretchen might be the most annoying housewife ever) and then she headed home. My friend and I hung around for a bit, chit chatting, and laughing at the karaoke that was going on behind us, before heading home before midnight. You know you're almost 30 and a parent when going home at 11:00 feels like it's been a party night!

Speaking of almost 30, YES, I'm almost 30. It's crazy, because when I was younger I had my life totally planned out. I'd go to college, get a job, get married, have kids, and be totally stable in my adult life when I turned 30. Well, I accomplished many of those things. I went to college, got a job, got married, had a kid. I also lived in 3 different states, drove across the country with a toddler and a dog, got a divorce,started dating, and ALMOST got business up and running before my 30th birthday. So, I accomplished part of my bucket list, and even a few things that weren't on the list! Now I have to start thinking toward my 30s and what I want to accomplish during those years. I'm trying not to plan too much, though, because I just want to let life happen and see where it leads. It's all starting this weekend, when I go out with my girlfriends and really let loose for a night. I can't wait! We're going dancing, and  we're going to party like we're nowhere near 30. Although, I wouldn't be surprised if I'm home before bar-close! Ha- That won't happen if Rena has anything to say about it!

On another note, I had one of my friends over the other night for dinner and a little bit of trashy TV watching. I know I mentioned the Real Housewives earlier, and it really is my guilty pleasure. However, I'm not ashamed to say that I block out an hour every week to catch up with the OC ladies. Their lives are so dramatic and ridiculous, that they make my life seem fairly normal! Anyway, it was nice to have a visitor! I had a couple of my friends over last week, which was great, but Charley wouldn't go to sleep while they were here. This week, she went to bed early...she actually fell asleep on the couch, which meant I got to have an adult conversation for the first time in a long time! They say people come into your life for a reason, and I definitely believe that's true. I'm enjoying getting to know some new friends. Friends that have no motives, other than to be friends. I just say that, because when I was doing the online dating thing, and meeting new men, nobody went into it looking for friendships. They went into it looking for dates and everything that goes along with those. It's been good for me to make more female friends, who can relate to my parental struggles (oddly enough, Charley is NOT the only strong-willed 2-year-old on the planet). I'm trying to figure out how I can spend more time with all of my girlfriends, because I've been so absorbed with work lately, I haven't found my balance yet. Maybe that will be my goal for the first month of my 30s. Try to find a balance, time for friends, and time for myself. I might have to schedule it in, but I actually like that as a goal!

I'm jumping around a little bit today, but I figure I've written enough of the philosophical nonsense for one night, and I thought I would talk a little bit about the bus! GO! Gymnastics is almost ready to launch, and the bus is currently in progress. It's crazy that it's happening so quickly! So far, the seats have been removed, the flooring installation has started, painting is underway, all the major mats, games, and supplies have been purchased, the Web site is in the works (I can't WAIT to see the progress on that), business cards have arrived, t-shirts have been ordered....There are so many things to do, but we're making progress! Now of course, something had to go wrong. The people who were going to pad the walls for us came in with a ridiculously high quote, so we have to go to plan B (honestly, more like plan G at this point) for the wall padding. Everything else seems to be falling into place, though. At the same time, though, in a matter of a week, I will be driving around the Twin Cities in a giant, blue, school bus. I'm actually frightened by that thought...Ha!

Alright, back to work. I've got e-mails to send, and flyers to design before bed. More soon!

Jean Shorts Stigma and a Sick Kiddo!

The last week has been incredibly busy. Actually, the whole summer has been pretty busy, but as things are coming together with the bus, my time seems to disappear at an incredibly fast rate. Anybody who saw my FB post about a ridiculous ladder purchase, likely can tell that my plate is pretty full right now, getting things started with GO! Gymnastics. It's been mostly phone calls and meetings in my life lately, but I've managed to get some quality Charley-time in, too, which is my favorite kind of time.

Seal show at the zoo!

Last Sunday, Charley and I went to the Como Zoo with my friend Kim. I totally prefer the Minnesota Zoo, but Como is so close to where I live, and it's free! It's just so easy to make a day of it at Como with my little monkey. Anyway, we had a great time, looking at animals and wandering through the various exhibits. It was nice to catch up with Kim, too, because we've both been busy lately and hadn't had a chance to chat much. One of my favorite moments of the day was when Kim pointed out a guy to me. "Look, a single dad! He's good looking, no ring on his finger..." I looked, and saw who she was talking about. He was a decent looking guy, but as we walked more in his direction, we both simultaneously said, "But he's in jean shorts." Ha! What is it with women and guys in jean shorts? I think there's a very specific type of guy who wears jean shorts. Any time I see a guy in denim shorts, I think of my friend Brandon, from KU. Brandon and I were pretty good friends for a long time. He was a good looking guy, and generally had a decent sense of style. But once during the first week of school, he made the mistake of wearing jean shorts. That was when everybody on our floor was getting to know each other, and (sorry guys) but every guy on the floor got a nickname. Creepy Joe, Big Larry, and, of course...Jean Shorts Brandon. Ha! He wasn't thrilled with the nickname. "One time!" he would complain,"I wore jean shorts ONE TIME!" Sadly, once you've been given a nickname, it's hard to lose it. I still call him Jean Shorts Brandon, when he comes up in conversation. Anyway, back to the guy at the zoo... there is a stigma associated with jean shorts, and they're a total turnoff. I just thought it was funny that it hit Kim and me at the same time!

Monday was a packed day. Charley and I met friends for coffee, then returned home, where she played with her little buddy Sawyer for most of the day. I did some housework, LOTS of bus-related paperwork, and even had time to play with the kids. It's wonderful, because Sawyer lives just a few doors down. The kids played at Sawyer's house for awhile, then came over to our house for a bit. They got plenty of playtime, and both moms got a little bit of a break. Woohoo! The one negative to Monday's playdate was the fact that Sawyer got sick on Tuesday. I read his mom's post about a sick kid on Tuesday, and braced myself, because I knew it would hit Charley, too. It was just a matter of time.

Tuesday night, a couple of my girlfriends came over. It was like Charley knew they were coming. She's gotten so good at going to sleep lately, that I didn't rush home from the gym to put her to bed. Well, Tuesday, she decided she didn't want to go to bed. She'd have her eyes closed, and breathe heavily, but the minute I left the room, it was, "Mommy! Mommy, where are you?" Anyway, it was clear that she would not go to sleep while they were over, so I gave in, and let her be "Party Charley." She was wide awake and mostly well-behaved, except for the time I caught her sneaking chocolate covered pretzels. It was my own fault, leaving them within her reach! Ha! It was great to catch up with the girls, although it would have been nice if I hadn't been halfway in mommy-mode while they were here. Oh well, next time she will be asleep!

Sick Charley, snuggling her baby.

Sure enough, Charley spiked a fever yesterday afternoon, and has been a total crab ever since.
It's really hard when Charley gets sick, because she's not exactly at the point where she tells me what's wrong. She knows she doesn't feel well. But she doesn't tell me what hurts. She fights taking Tylenol, but feels much better after she's had some. Most of all, she doesn't know what she wants when she's sick. Generally, I work all day on Fridays, teaching private lessons. When Charley got a fever yesterday, I canceled all of my lessons for today. She woke up crabby, but was excited to go over to my dad's house and play with his dogs today. Charley had some medicine before we got there, and by the time we got settled in, she had a sudden burst of energy. She requested food (which she really didn't do at all yesterday), and seemed to be feeling a little bit better. Around 11, she started looking groggy, and said she wanted to ride in the car. Charley is notorious for having a hard time falling asleep, and it's frustrating for both of us. She gets it from me, so I can relate. Anyway, sometimes the motion of the car helps soothe her to sleep, so I was more than happy to take her for a ride. Sure enough, we got in the car, and what did she do? She started screaming for Oscar (our dog). "I want to go see OSCAR!" she wailed, at the top of her lungs. I was worried the cop in the car next to me would hear her and pull me over! I drove for about 10 minutes before I finally gave up, and went back to my dad's house, so she could see Oscar. We got inside, and what do you think she did? "I want to ride in the car!!!!" she screamed. I wasn't falling for that one again! I stuck it out with the crying for about 10 minutes, and she fell asleep. The poor kid has been in an out of sleep since about 4:30 this afternoon, but I'm hoping she will feel better in the morning. Charley kind of forced me to slow down the last couple of days, although I've been doing a lot of computer work, because I'm not great with the whole relaxing thing, and I think I needed it. I'm rocking some awesome black circles under my eyes right now. That's not a good look on anybody! Ha!

As much as Charley has been difficult today, because she doesn't feel well, she totally made my heart melt. She woke up briefly, and said, "Mommy, I need you." "What do you need, honey? Are you hungry? Do you want some water?" I asked. "I need my mom," she replied. She's such a little smuggler, she just wanted to cuddle, and I never turn down the chance to snuggle! It was so sweet. She's still warm tonight, so I decided to find a sub for gymnastics tomorrow. I hate when people knowingly bring sick kids to the gym, and I'm not going to be one of those parents! I am hoping to go out with one of my girlfriends tomorrow night, though, so I'm hoping Charley feels better so I don't have any guilt about taking a few hours to myself!

In totally unrelated news, I've started getting a LOT of orders in for the bus. Not the mats (of course), but other equipment, like a climbing rope, holds for the rock climbing wall, little hand and footprints, business cards, etc. I've also started planning an event for National Gymnastics Day, so this whole business thing is starting to become real! More news on that in the upcoming week. The bus should be finished next week!

First Phone Call!

I know the last couple of posts have been focused on work, so I will try to keep that to a minimum today. Things are moving along well, and I got my first phone call on my work phone yesterday! I was so excited and a little bit nervous. I cleared my throat, and in my best, 'peppy gymnastics coach voice,' I said, "Hello, this is Lindsey at GO! Gymnastics. How may I help you?" I waited anxiously. "Rita McCann?" said the voice on the other end. Ugh. Wrong number. What a let-down! It was almost as big of a let-down as the voicemail I received on the business line. Again, I saw that there was a message, and immediately got excited. I called in to listen to the message, and got to listen to a woman named Debra asking for information on how to get a new trash can. I've called wrong numbers before, but if the greeting on the voicemail sounds as though it has nothing to do with what I need, I hang up. I don't leave a message! Oh well, two let-downs, but at least they provided some entertainment.

I was talking to my friend Kellie the other day about what I've been up to, and how I've been worn out from working so hard and so much. I honestly need to learn how to delegate. I'm sure Kellie and Janine are laughing to themselves as they read that statement, because as much as I HATE when people micromanage, I definitely have a way I want things done. Getting my business organized is no exception. I WANT to delegate. But I have a hard time doing it. It's like in high school when I was assigned group work, and always ended up doing the work myself, because I wanted it done my way. That doesn't mean my other group members wouldn't have done a great job. It just wasn't my vision. I'm REALLY trying to let go, especially because I do trust the quality of work that my partner in crime produces. She really is good at getting things done, and done well. Definitely something I need to work on...

Okay, moving on. Charley has been hanging in there as I've been going from one point to the other, but today, she finally lost it. We didn't even do much, but she was totally crabby. I'm sure parents will be able to relate to the fact that it's SO hard to get things done with toddlers around. My house is disorganized, I'm trying to get things accomplished, and sometimes it's impossible, because she's always pulling things out of drawers, and asking for my attention. Of course she wants attention! She's two! I've been looking into childcare options, for both of our benefits! Anyway, we went to Target, and it started out great. I had her totally distracted by the Disney Princess Band-Aids. But at some point, she decided she wanted to get out of the cart, and she was going to make the entire store aware of that. Ugh. It was especially fun when she dropped to the ground outside of my car, in the parking lot, screaming and crying. Awesome parenting moment. I had to document it. See the picture below!

After the meltdown subsided, Charley was actually fairly pleasant for the rest of the evening. She cracked me up when she pretended she was ordering from the drive through. She looked at me, and asked, "Do you want a cake pop?" "Sure!" I replied. She turned her head away, and said, "I'll have a cake pop, and two Equal packets." Ha! Two Equal packets? Someone's been listening to my order at Starbucks. She just forgot the iced coffee with soy part of the order. I was pretty impressed, though!

Last week I made a comment about wearing 'meeting clothes,' and spending too much time in my gym clothes. I do wear gym clothes a lot, but in my defense, I spend a lot of time in the gym! Whether it's at work, or at the Y, those are generally the only places I need to dress for, so hey, gym clothes work! Anyway, I went to a business meeting the other day with someone who had a bunch of contacts for me, as I go forward with the gym bus. I wore a skirt, which actually is not that unusual for me, but I suppose I haven't worn many skirts lately. Anyway, when I dropped Charley off at my mom's house, I'm fairly certain everybody thought I was going on a date, not a business meeting, because I'd straightened my hair, and put on a skirt. In any business, the way you look and the way you present yourself makes a difference, so I always make a point to look my best when I go into meetings! I got a lot of questions though, so I imagine they thought I was lying. I honestly had a meeting! I have a list of contacts to prove it!

In other news, we had a storm here in Minneapolis a couple of days ago, and my mom reminded me to plug my computer into the surge protector. So I did. My TV, too. But when I woke up yesterday, I turned on the TV to find that the screen wouldn't work, but the volume would. Awesome. Just what I need. A broken TV. It's as though I actually have extra money to spend, even though I'm starting my own business. Ummm....not so much! Charley wasn't happy that she didn't get to watch Sesame Street, and her morning routine was disrupted. I was able to distract her with the iPad, though. Phew! When I got home from work, I thought I would give the TV another shot. Much to my surprise, it worked! I was relieved. But I also felt like Joey and Chandler in the Friends episode where they got free porn. I'm afraid that if I turn it off, it won't turn back on! I'm a little bit skeptical, but I WILL turn it off tonight. Fingers crossed!

Alright, that's all for now. More soon!