11/27 p.m. Miss Malon

Rant: My choir teacher, Miss Malon, used to smile when she was saying something rude or cutting or condscending. She did it all the time and I loathed it. But I also became adept at picking it up in other people. I need to thank Miss Malon.

See, Miss Malon didn't know that she was preparing me for my adult life. A family member does this to me all the time. Smiling while eyeing my shapely (:-) figure and asking me if I have chosen an eating philosophy for my 5-month old daughter. Smiling while she tells me she'd like me to cancel my lunch plans and join her for her birthday meal since her daughter lives in Chicago and can't make it. All smiles. All the time. But where's the real? The same as with Miss Malon, why not just say what you mean to say?

Not (nice, tight smile) "Raymee, your solo was pretty sharp today." (smile widens) "Why don't you go practice where you're not bothering the rest of the group?" (smiling still?)

Not (sickly sweet smile) "I really like it when you wear your hair down." (smile tightens but enthusiasm increases) "Isn't it nice to make yourself look put together sometimes?!"

I'm onto you. Like I like to say, you can't fuck a fucker. Back it up.

11/25 lunchtime

Today, I am sitting around being super in-love with my little Milabird. Being her mommy is the best ever! Motherhood is all about perspective but the views pretty good from up here :-)

As I lay little baby down for a quick nap, I'm getting ready to head into oatmeal cookie and pecan pie land. Thanksgiving is imminent. Gobble Gobble!

xoxo

11/24 a.m.

I've been asking my friends to FaceBook me and tell me what they are thankful for. Lots of good answers - healthy families and friendship are tops, as they should be!

This year, I am wildly aware of how blessed I am and how thankful I should be - a happy, healthy, gorgeous baby girl, my loving, adorable and inspiring husband and a family that shows and gives love easily.

I am also a big believer in the power of female friendship. I love and adore my girlfriends - they are my sisters. Without them my days would be long and bland. Each of their stories is woven into my daily life and I am truly grateful. You know who you are! Your mother loves you!

11/23 p.m. being right is tight

i really love being right. today i have been right about several things and it pleases me! i got to be right in the following situations with a client, my husband, my husband again (BONUS), my cousin and in response to something the universe tossed my way.

it doesn't happen everyday, people. it's not bragging when it is a near miracle.

11/23 p.m.

I am dreading Christmas/Hanukkah shopping this year. I just want to buy everything online from Etsy. My dad and David's dad are the barriers there -not sure what I'll find on Etsy to make them happy :-) A monogrammed scarf perhaps?

But perhaps I'm dreading shopping b/c I've been reluctant to tell my family what I'd like to receive. I want to ask for gifts from the universe this year. I love new cookbooks, movies, music and nightgowns but what I'd really like is some motivation and some gumption to get my ass in gear. I'd also like to ask for a wee bit of courage to stop worrying about everyone else all the time and some short-sightedness (yes, SHORTsightedness) to keep me from looking too closely at the big picture. One foot in front of the other...today is what counts!

11/21 a.m.

i was awake this morning way before the baby. seems be a trend lately. it's funny how i dread work all week but then on saturday morning those last few, overlooked items on my to-do list come spilling out of me and i'm driven to get caught up.

more and more i want to put my pr work aside and work to build david's company/brand. every good idea i have seems better spent on david but i always worry if this little family can handle total collaboration :-)

cross your fingers as we continue along this path towards entrepreneurial domination. xoxo