Easing into 40

For my 40th birthday the pilot planned a trip of a lifetime for us. All 3 of us went to Paris, France. It was incredible 99% of the time. Turning 40 in a foreign country and being on a trip of a lifetime made it really easy not to feel old. Everything in the city we saw was absolutely beautiful. But for fun I'll focus on the 1% that wasn't so great. When we arrived I had not slept in 24 hours, I couldn't sleep on the flight because I was so excited. I booked a super shuttle and lets just say they were less than super. Once the driver picked us up he told us he had 2 more people to pick up. 30 minutes later he found them and he kept receiving text messages about picking up more people to fill the shuttle. After 1 hour of driving in circles around the same terminal I thought I was going to lose it! He picked up one last person and finally left the airport. Had I not just flown for 11 hours and been up 24 I might've been less annoyed.
We booked the Eiffel Tower at 10:30 pm the first night. When we were standing in line a french woman slapped her husband in the face very hard! (we actually laughed about this later) At first we were all kind of stunned, he walked away for a moment and then went right back to her. I guess Parisians are passionate! Once we got to the 2nd level their were quite a few couples making out in the corners. I guess that's what happens in Paris in the spring time!
Before we left we put the global plan on the pilot's phone, we didn't think it made sense to spend $80 to have both our phones on the plan for 4 days. Looking back I probably would've splurged on that extra $40 to be able to call the pilot. We lost each other at the Mona Lisa in the Louvre. Worst place to lose somebody. The first hour I wasn't worried but then I really couldn't find him or my son. A museum worker let me use his phone but as soon I spoke with the pilot I had a feeling we were going in opposite directions. I didn't realize you could walk behind the painting of the Mona Lisa. So I finally just went to the exit. I couldn't call him again and 45 minutes later they both finally walked out of the exit. My son was in tears, he thought he lost his mommy. And the pilot didn't look too happy either. So we left the Louvre and decided to have lunch and restart. Every meal we had there was amazing so that really helped our moods. Then we went to Musee D'Orsay which had so many paintings we recognized. And it was a much smaller museum.
I do have to mention the macarons, they are the most amazing cookies I've tasted in my life. I bought them and ate them every day!!! On the very last day the pilot went on a morning run, he returned with 20 macarons. I love him!! We had only 5 to take home before he bought those. I was happy to carry them on the flights home. We shared them with friends and family, they only lasted a day and a half.
I truly enjoyed this amazing vacation and other than the very minor moments that things didn't go exactly planned it was easy just to restart and move on.
Turning 40 isn't so bad, I'd highly recommend doing it on vacation!

Wednesday Night Wine Tasting

Several weeks ago I received an invite from a friend about a wine tasting party. The invite contained many of my favorite things; wine yes, chocolate yes, cheese absolutely! and dinner served afterwards, yes and double yes. My first obstacle was that the pilot was not going to be home so I would have to find someone to watch our son. I decided not to take any chances and hired a real babysitter. He is 8 now and never really had a babysitter since I'm usually home or have friends he can stay with. He was very excited about having a babysitter. Next step, dress to impress. Now you have to understand I wear yoga clothes everyday and my fanciest outfit is usually jeans and a sweater. I don't even think I dress up this much for the pilot. But it's wine tasting with women, it sounded fancy and I wanted to look nicer than usual. I put on my dark jeans, black top, cute banana republic jacket, and new jewelry. I did my make up and made sure the curls were looking extra curly.  Now I'm thinking to myself I don't get out very much. Anyway, the party did not disappoint, I learned some new things about wine and had a great time. Did you know if you lick a lemon before you drink wine it completely changes the taste of the wine?? Crazy, I know. Although I think if you were to lick a lemon before eating anything it would change the taste, right?? Also if you pair the wine with the right foods it taste even better! I have to admit that I had a grudge against red wine since a Fray concert in 2012 but after trying several tonight I may be able to drink it again. Oh Hello red wine its been so long, maybe we can be friends again. But I must take baby steps because as I learned at the concert, too much of a good thing isn't such a good thing.
To be honest I was having such a good time I didn't want to leave but the babysitter had to be paid and it was a school night. When I got home she told me for the first hour and half I was gone they just talked. My son asked her at one point "So, do you live around here". Then he told her he believed in Santa and the Tooth Fairy but wasn't so sure about the easter bunny. His argument was how did his parents know where the eggs were if the easter bunny hid them. He has a pretty good argument.
If you ever find yourself invited to a home wine tasting party, just say yes! And I did sign up for the wine club but I am truly looking forward to getting 2 bottles of wine a month in the mail. What a nice surprise that will be.....

Letter to Jimmy Kimmel

Dear Jimmy,
Several weeks ago I watched the best episode of The Bachelor I've ever seen. What made it the best was you. You planned the perfect date for this couple, sending them to Costco with your grocery list was brilliant. Everybody needs enough ketchup to fill up a hot tub, you nailed it. I appreciated the "amazing" jar you presented to all the girls. I thought for sure it would be the "journey" jar, since I'm positive that word is said at least a dozen times if not more per episode. By the way what did you do with all those dollars the girls put in the jar? During the date you dared to ask the tough questions. Really every date on this show needs you, no one wants to ask tough questions. Like "Hey how do you like making out with 20 girls? or Does anybody really want to live on a farm in Iowa with no outside contacts?" I wanted to mention I have a hot tub in my backyard. You are welcome to eat wings in my hot tub anytime. Speaking of which the hubby and I would love to have you as a third wheel on a date anytime. After 20 years of marriage I'm sure you'd have some tough questions we could answer. Thank you for making a ridiculous show more entertaining to watch. I had a permanent  smile/laugh on my face when you were on screen.

Sincerely,

Jody

January mini goals

Last year we sat down as a family and made goals for each month for the entire year. It was fun but the way I work is I like to figure out what I'm going to do on a daily basis. So this year we decided to set goals for each month. If something doesn't work we can make new ones for the next month. Here is what we have so far:

1. 2 meals a week from a cookbook we own (1 made by me, 1 made by the pilot)
2. Game night with music (no phones or distractions)
3. Yoga together one night
4. Daddy and son time
5. Wahoo's Fish Taco on Thursdays (kids eat free on this night)

My son was very excited about planning this with us. Especially the going out to eat on Thursdays. We were successful this week. Sunday night we played Skipbo and Jenga. I did a yoga flow for my son on Wednesday, last night we ate at Wahoo's, and tonight Daddy & son are working on a truck model together.
I wanted to share this to possibly inspire something new you'd like to to do. Either alone or with your family. Mini-goals are easy and attainable. You could also make financial, health, or exercise goals one month at a time. Even easier, make them one week at a time.
These are fun goals for us and I look forward to the new ones we will set in February.

Looking back and looking forward

I have to say 2014 was a wonderful year for our family. We had fun adventures and enjoyed doing new things together. As a family we zip lined for the very first time in San Juan Puerto Rico. We drove 500 miles on the Pacific Coast Highway in California. We hiked at The Dupont State Forest park in North Carolina. I ran my first 10k in August. My son did his first triathlon. The pilot did his annual 100 mile bike ride as well as a sprint triathlon. The pilot and I just celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary. I'm incredibly thankful for this life of ours. I have to say our happiness is not just luck. We have been blessed and I thank God every day for this life we have.
This morning my son went to kids yoga. Before we left he had me try on a bracelet he made and told me he was giving it to his yoga teacher! Anytime he does something thoughtful he really makes my heart swell. I truly love that he is learning how to think of others before himself.
Even with all the adventures, my favorite moments are simple ones. A couple weeks ago the 3 of us were cuddling together watching a movie. Our little pug Mugsy was also laying on us, it felt like paradise.
Going into 2015 I'm excited to see what the New Year will bring. I finally feel grounded and have a sense of who I really am. Leaving work several years ago was the best decision I ever made. My environment was toxic and I was becoming somebody I didn't really like. Now I'm focused on my family and the life we have together. Encouraging my son to try new things and not to worry about failing but just trying. So in that same spirit I'm going to try something new as well. It doesn't start till May but I'm hoping this is a new career change for myself. I'll share more details when the time comes. The pilot has always wanted me to find something to do in life that I love and I think it has finally happened.
Just like last year we plan on sitting down together and making family goals. In March the pilot is running the New York 1/2 marathon and the plan is for my son and I to go to support the pilot. In April, when I turn 40, we are going out of the country to a place we've never been. In May I will start training for this new career.  Lots of positive things and if their are bumps along the way I know I have God and my family & friends for support.
Happy New Year friends and family, Hope its a great one!!!!!!!

9:30 am Church Service

I may have mentioned in the past I have an issue with parking and parking lots. Especially our church, any time I've tried to go at 9:30 am there is no parking. You have to park at the rec. center or school and they shuttle you to the church. Or you can park in the residential area near the church but its a good 5 minute walk. Since I know this about myself I like to go at 11 am, because I'd rather not go into church in a bad mood before I even get in the building. Why am I bringing this up you ask?? Well, the pilot told me last week he'd like to go to the 9:30 service. I thought I was prepared, I was ready at 9:15 and my son was ready as well. However the pilot was getting into the shower at 9:15 am, not the best way to start. We get in the car at 9:28, when we get there he drops us off. I try to take my son to class but they only have a special discipleship class for his age group, which of course he is not signed up. I have several different adults try to direct me but no one is able to find the right class. I'm agitated that we're late, I'm irritated they don't have a class for my son, so I grab his hand and walk quickly upstairs. I text the pilot and tell him I want to go home! Yes I'm crazy, but you have to understand I knew this was going to happen and the pilot wanted to go anyway. So he meets us and gives me his keys and says I can go home but he is staying. WHAT??? First of all I have my own set of keys so why give me yours and second of all, What? I couldn't leave with my son watching so we all went into the service. The pilot held my hand, and that made it a little better. I finally calmed down and ended up really enjoying the service. I'm very happy the pilot didn't listen to me and glad he can deal with my crazy side.
Fast forward to yesterday, I told the pilot I wanted to leave the house at 9:15 am for church. Guess what? We left at 9:12 am, got a parking spot, and all was right with the world. Their are grocery stores I won't go to because of there parking lots. This is an issue for me and I really wish I could get over it but I'm crazy. Do you have any irrational things that drive you crazy? I hope so, because I'd hate to think I was the only one....

Research and Yoga pants

Its been a while since I've written a blog, but this morning after an incident I had to write. I signed up for ingather research and was selected to join a discussion on Woolite. I truly enjoy these experiences because I get first insight on what the next campaign that these companies are pursuing. I also get paid for 2 hours of my time which really is the best part. And I will probably use my hard earned research money to buy yoga clothing.
At the beginning of the discussion I did mention that I wash all of my workout gear in Woolite and I stated I'm a stay at home mom. So the group knew I did yoga and therefore wear yoga clothing. One participant stated she HATED that women wear yoga pants at Target or in public. Her question was "Did these women just workout or are they going to workout?" When she was done yammering I mentioned that I go to Target wearing my yoga pants. And I wanted to ask her why does she care?? I will say I mentioned pajamas in public was a little frustrating but I don't believe I used the word hate. That is a pretty strong word to use, its just yoga pants. I know our society as a whole has gone more casual but what somebody else is wearing is their choice. I wasn't aware that Target had a dress code. Next time I'll wear my heels & tiara.
I have my own opinions and the lines I try to not cross but I'm not hurting anyone. I also got the feeling that the same woman did not have much respect for stay at home moms. She mentioned she didn't want to see a mom in the ad because they just throw everything in the wash and don't care about what happens to their clothes. REALLY? Did you not just hear me say I'm a stay at home mom.  Wouldn't you think that stay at home moms care more about their clothes because they might be on a budget? Yes I'm sarcastic and I admit to that but there is a difference between being sarcastic and just being mean. No matter what you choose to do in life at least respect those around you and the choices they've made for their own life. It may not be what you would do but thats the great thing about America we have the freedom to choose.
In the end I got my check, cashed it, and I will never have to see this woman again. But I'm sure I will see someone like her again who is thinking the same thing. And you know what, Yes I did just workout and yes my butt looks great in my yoga pants!!!