Potty Training Madness

Am I crazy to be potty training Austin already? He is not quite 2-years-old, but he is fully capable of going pee in the potty whenever I take him over. The major problem, is that he doesn't tell me beforehand, and so we have had our numerous accidents on the floor and in his undies....I don't know if potty training has ever been a good experience for anyone! I am watching him like a hawk all day long so I can avoid any more accidents, which really gives me a workout!

I figured I have nothing else to do for now (again, no friends, no activities, no hubby, no house to decorate, etc...you get the idea), so I might as well give this potty training thing a shot! I really have nowhere to go these days, and so I can dedicate myself to it. It has to be done, either now or in a few months, why not???

This is day #4 and I have yet to really feel like we are getting anywhere! I am giving it a full week before I go crazy and just go out and buy more diapers. His little butt is so small though, he doesn't even fill out his new big boy undies...although I love looking at his cheeks run freely from side to side!

I put up a "Hello Kitty" sticker on the back of the lid with step stool, and he is to reach for "el gato" to help make his aim a little bit better...

I better go and make sure he is not hiding in some corner to do his thing! Any sugesstions? Between blogging and potty training, I think this will be an "indoor day" for all of us...aka we will be going insane by noon!

Social Butterfly

Who knew that going to my 10 year Hillcrest High School Reunion would be so rewarding and fulfilling? I have always considered myself to be "outgoing," but sometimes I feel like I am more of a mellow mama these days (due to the fact that I have yet to make any friends in El Paso!). So, for me to go out and actually socialize, communicate, relate, understand, and BLAB away at old strangers and acquaintances for hours was very enjoyable! I told Jared to stay home for this trip simply b/c I knew that he would not enjoy the fake and cheesy conversations that happen between strangers' spouses. I felt sorry for the spouses that were there b/c I didn't want to talk to them either! Michelle Clark (my friend since 8th grade) and I hooked up so that we could make our appearance together. We were a bit nervous to be honest, not knowing what to expect or even what to wear! We were sure to put on dabs of perfume and pretty make up to hide any insecurities that might arise during this "back to the future" adventure. We walked in, we put on our name tags, and then I told myself, "let the games begin!"


From 6:30pm until 12:00am I did not stop talking and socializing like a little busy butterfly! We were the last ones to leave, and only b/c they were putting up the tables and giving us mean looks at the restaurant. I was amazed and relieved at how 10 years of maturity really does affect a high school teenage population. A lot of the "popular" (or so I thought during 1997) people were there, but this time around (in 2007), it didn't matter one dang bit! I talked to those people, realized their own experiences were normal and enjoyed learning about what kind of people they had become as well.

There were no boundaries or lines between popularity and losers this time around. You were who you were and that was it! Another thing I learned was just how much the guys DID NOT MAINTAIN ANY SORT OF HIGH STANDARD! They were either fat or bald! No joke! There are a few exceptions to this rule (and if you are one of those guys reading this now, know that I probably mean YOU), but I was amazed at how the guys just seemed to let themselves go. Perhaps their wives are to blame, b/c they need to take on that role of preparation if their hubby is not intuitive to fashion trends.

When Jared goes to his reunion next year, I know that special efforts will be made into making him continue to look like a hottie! The gals on the other hand, DID look beautiful and fit! What is wrong with that picture? There were a few gals who had some baby weight to lose, but that is a great excuse. What about those guys with the double chins or lame tapered pants? No excuses! (There were two good looking guys, but they happened to be single and perhaps even gay or metrosexual for sure).

I secretly wanted those "popular" girls that I knew back then to all of a sudden be ugly ducklings, just for my own sense of security. Did not happen. But, that's okay b/c I know that in my own way, I also wanted to look my best and let others know that I am doing my best to still be "posh" if you will! Utah girls still are beauties.

I felt the need to tell all the people I talked to just what good memories I had of them back in the day. Some people I admitted to having innocent crushes on, others I related funny classroom stories, and others I just wanted to thank for being good friends to a peon like me. It felt so good to just gab away for hours with no restrictions or limitations. I think being out of state has given me an appreciation for those that I no longer see.

I really was interested in what people were doing with their lives and how they got to where they were now. I don't see people at the grocery store, on the streets or at parties now. So, this was my one opportunity (for at least another 10 years) to really just fill my bucket with good ol' Hillcrest memories.


I am off to bed, I didn't get to bed until 3:30am! My kids were up and ready to go at 7:00am...Yikes! That was obviously another "no no" for a mama b/c today I felt like I had a hang over (obviously I don't drink) and I was a walking and irritable zombie for my kids. Do read on to learn about our plane ride and enjoy the pics of Abuela Guzman and the grandbabies enjoying their visit together in SLC....

Emergency Door Scare!!!!!

I spread my wings and came back to UT this weekend for my Hillcrest High School 10 year reunion!!! hoo-ray! I am just glad people actually showed up, b/c it would've been a long trip from El Paso with two toddlers in tote for nothing!

One major incident that happened on our way to SLC from El Paso....get ready for laughter! We had a layover in Phoenix, so things were hectic as I was pushing the double stroller around with a carseat strapped on, having Wesley walk alongside me as Austin hung out in front, and racing to get from one terminal to another. This is of course during the late afternoon hours and of course Austin DID NOT take a nap all day long (you get the idea). We started boarding for the second plane, and Wesley was pretty excited about the avion azul y blanco (white and blue plane) and when it was going to go up into the air. As we arrived by the pilot cockpit, the pilots were sweet enough to let Wesley talk into the microphone, push buttons, eat some of their chips and look through the windows. I thought to myself, "what a friendly crew! This will be a great flight!" Think again...

On the previous flight, they asked us to draw the shades down on the windows (who knows why??). Wesley thought that was a pretty important task. We got on the plane and started heading for Aisle 9. I was guiding little Austin into the aisle, trying to be as quick as possible since you know how close people tend to stand behind you and breathe down your neck (as if they are in a hurry themselves). I wasn't even into the aisle when I looked up and saw the EMERGENCY EXIT DOOR completely come OFF!!!! Wesley had scooted over to the panel, where he saw the window and thought he would try "closing" the shade just like we had on the other plane! He pulled down the emergency red handle and the door came toppling on top of him! What the heck! I rushed over to see if he was okay, and he was just crouching underneath the door, as it had half landed on the seat next to him.

The stewardess immediately came running over to where we were and put her body beneath the door to prop it up against the plane. I was mortified by what my innocent three-year-old had done, but at the same time, grateful that he hadn't done this during flight! What a nightmare! People started freaking out, the had to stop boarding the plane, called the pilots, had the mechanics come rushing over to fix it, and everyone kept looking at us to figure out who the naughty little boy was that had done this monstrosity! The ridiculous thing is, is that Wesley is not the rambunctious type at all...he was simply trying to "close" the window. To this day, he still doesn't know that he did anything wrong!

Eventually, things did calm down. But, that is not to say that I had some weird on-lookers give me some stares and I had a stern stewardess come and talk to me later on warning me about what a "million dollar problem" that would've been if the emergency slide had come undone as well. To think that a toddler could pull that door OFF out of the socket though! What a scare.

On a lighter side, I did enjoy flying with the UTAH National Guard troops who were coming back to UT for 4 days (they were training in TX) before heading off to Iraq for a year. It was an emotional ride as we saw them meet up with family members, and received applause individually as they stepped through the airport. I met a super nice soldier named Romeo. Boy do I like that name. Anyone else agree with me???

The Posh Mom Life

Calling out all Posh Moms out there!!! What is a Posh Mom?? Let me give you some info:
The posh mom is the new breed of mother-hip, savvy, and sensational. A sophisticated parent who is not reading books on child-rearing 101, she’s more interested in info that’s geared for her modern ways (juggling lunch dates and play dates, commuting and carpooling, me-time and mommy-and-me time). She is devoted to her kids and her guy but true to herself. She was fabulous before kids—at work, at home, at a cocktail party—and she still is, doing it all with style, smarts, grace, and seemingly without effort. She is all about “the best” in everything for herself and her family. And every mom wants to be her. The Posh Mom Life is the fun, fabulous, and fashionable place for her—to live, love, laugh, and learn with style.

Does this sound interesting to you hot mama's out there??? It definitely caught my attention yesterday. It was a non-typical Sunday afternoon where I was not interested in spending time with my kids (again!!!). I seem to be spending TOO much "Quality one on one" time with them these days as a single mom stuck in a small apartment. So, I checked myself out and headed over to the Barnes 'N Noble across the street. This is not something I would normally do, but I needed to just get some fresh air...boy was it a treat for me to escape into books, educating myself once again on things I enjoy (cooking, pictures of far away places and self help stuff)...and just feeling the freedom that comes from being amongst strangers and frappacinos! I discovered this book: The Posh Mom Life and instantly loved it!! It comes from two mamas that are hip and fresh, at the same time realistic with things they want for their families and kids. It is the opposite of anything Frumpy or Boring.

I read about 60 pages (will go and buy it later this week), and the info it gave me motivated me to be a better (cuter) and energetic mother for my boys. I want to be the one to take care of myself (even if it means wearing dangly earing and bangle bracelets to Wal-Mart), wear cute jeans (instead of throwing on a pair of pajama bottoms when running out the door), and actually apply some pefume just for fun! Afterall, who else can enjoy the beauty of treating yourself to a little "dazzle" if you can't? I want to take a bubble bath with peach scent candles and warm fuzzy towels just for kicks, not b/c I am trying to romance anyone:) I want to be an energetic and bubbly mother who looks strives for inner and outer beauty. Can anyone relate to these goals??

So, all you mamas out there, check out the book, as well as the website:http://blog.poshmom.com/articles/home and let me know what you think about it! Tell me your posh mom goals!

DirectBuy is open!!!

Today is the GRAND OPENING of our store, DirectBuy of El Paso, TX. Finally, a year and a 1/2 later, we have put together a beautiful showroom and it is full of not only gorgeous furnishings, but we had a lot of people show up for their tours. We are very excited to be making this step! Jared is working 9am-10pm these days, so we don't see much of him. I try to keep the boys busy with swimming, walks, going shopping (Wes is going to preschool and conveniently needed some school clothes), and of course just being cooped up in our apartment...

More will come as soon as we get our computer up and I can download some of the pics....but, even the break room for employees has a custom designed kitchen full of stainless steel appliances and cream colored custom cabinets...nicer than anything we have in our apartment by far.

I will be going to my 10 year anniversary next week in my homeland of Utah...I look forward to driving down my streets where I used to play and hopefully reuniting with some of my old friends.

Anyway...
'Til next time

THE ONLY WHITE GIRL AROUND

Now that I have been here in El Paso for two weeks, I definitely feel like I know the area better. I still don't feel like I am actually in "Texas" though. I suppose my images and thoughts of TX used to be somewhat altered b/c I have always envisioned lots of cowboys, BBQ sauce and beans, the large TX state flag being flown everywhere and perhaps a few tumbleweeds blowing along the road. As far aw El Paso is concerned, those stereotypes of TX are simply not true.

Thus I can begin to explain what my feelings are about the diversity here. I knew a border town would bring in a lot of Mexicans, but I suppose I just wasn't prepared for my latest experience at the local YMCA. (Not to mention that last night I went to the mall to go shopping and relax from a long babysitting day...7 kids to be exact...and I bought a dress that will go with some black leggings that I am so excited about! Anyway, every store I went into, they had Spanish music playing and granted it was a Friday night, but the place was packed with ENTIRE Mexican families taking strolls, novios besando and just lots of Mexcian teeny boppers everywhere. I was the minority).

So, the YMCA....most of you know that my aerobic teaching instruction goes back to my roots at the Chandler,AZ YMCA where I got started with cycling, water aerobics, etc. There are so few facilities here for exercise, that the EL Paso YMCA seemed very inviting. I figured I could get a job there part time teaching classes a few days a week, enjoy the membership perks and still get a good work out. My first impressions can be summed up in one word, "ghetto." I don't feel like I am one to judge anyone or any place to be a certain standard, but this YMCA was very old in design (way too many hallways connecting from room to room), and even the cardio room seemed to be inside a closet. Not too motivating to go sweat off a few pounds!

I was still feeling optimistic though...wanting to take a tour and see what I can offer as an instructor. I was told to come back that evening for a class and to talk to the main aerobic instructor during her class.

"Rhythmic Step." That name alone should have told me I was in trouble. I guess I was too cocky b/c I figured I could keep up with whatever the class was to offer. I have taken so many step classes, that I feel very comfortable with whatever rocking horse/ L Step/ Around the World/ Turn Step pattern that she'd give me. BOY WAS I WRONG!!!!

I walked into the class, running to be on time. But, this is El Paso (Mexico) where everything is always a few minutes late. That gave me some time to check out the other gals taking the class. One thing that I love about Mexicans is their sense of style. Whether they are going out to eat, shopping at the store, or working out...they are dressed to impress! We are talking about full make up, hair done right, bright colors and shoes/accessories to match it all. I saw hot pink shirts, one gal was dressed completely in a peach toned top/bottom, and one Abuela had on a lime green headband to match her lime green scrunch socks and lime green Nike Shox!!

The class got started with Margarita (the aerobic director whom I was to meet afterwards) talking to everyone in Spanish and moving her hips like she was at a club. Before I knew it, everyone was joining along with her "Arriba!" and "Vamanos!" cheers. I was still optimistic....that soon left me...

I immediately recognized that I was the ONLY WHITE GIRL in the class of 20. Not only that, but I was the ONLY WHITE GIRL not singing along to whatever Spanish boy band was now accompanying us on our workout! Talk about feeling out of place!

Margarita obviously did not think to take her steps slow b/c she was off and dancing away with her "rhythmic" step faster than I can say "hot tamale." I could not keep up with her if I had sat down and taken notes. She was dancing her step class away with moves and steps I had never even heard of. The problem was, was that I was the ONLY WHITE GIRL that was NOT keeping up!!! Everyone else had the moves down like they were a second language to them. I kept fumbling, tripping, jumping and spinning at the wrong time. I was completely mortified of my results. So much for being an aerobic instructor! I kept thinking of my past co-workers at the gym and if they would've been able to keep up with Margarita.

I tried not to look too much like a fool, but I had already been spotted by all and I knew that it was no use in trying anymore. Margarita made the mistake to NEVER TEACH THE STEPS, but instead showed them one time to remind the members of the move...and then left her step to walk around the room and watch everyone else! I didn't know who to even follow! At that point, I just did a lot of knee lifts to keep my heart rate up, even though everyone else was doing mambos and crazy jumps (don't forget that they are all still singing along!).

Margarita kept on yelling out, "Eva Eva!" I figured it was a girl from the class who obviously knew her stuff and she was cheering her on.I kept looking for Eva, but never could spot her out.Was it the lime green grannie or the hot pink mamacita? Turns out, Eva Eva was a dance/step move! I just had to laugh at myself b/c I was so ignorant with this whole experience. I wanted to just put my step away and leave.

I couldn't leave though, especially b/c Margarita might be my future boss??? What would her first impressions be of an instructor like myself who can't even keep up? Not only that, but do I speak Spanish or English to her? That seems to be one of my main issues here as well. I can't assume all speak English here b/c they don't! I think it will be a variety of Spanglish while I am here and hopefully not too many people will question why I have such a foreign accent. It is fun to hear it so often, especially amongst the little ninos... A lot of Mexcians also look fair skinned and blond, so you never really know!

Back to Margarita (unfortunately!). We did talk after the class, in English. She didn't seem too interested in my past experience, but wanted to know my availability and if I was certified. At this point though, I have yet to hear from her (it's been several days), and now that I think of my Y experience, it was nothing like I had hoped for like in AZ. I guess it's hard b/c I have high expectations (coming from such great facilities), and I don't want to settle for what is such a big thing to me.

I have gone running a few times here, huffing and puffing up the mountainsides. I love the weather here (anything is better than a Phoenix summer), but I know that I need to start getting things figured out so I can feel normal again! There is one more place to check out...EP Fitness...I will let you know how it goes!

For now, I am staying away from Margarita...

Rainy Day

`Monsoon season is here and it is hit and miss with the weather. Yesterday I had been bribing Wes all day about going swimming. He had to eat all his lunch, take a good nap, behave, etc. Well, we headed out to go swimming around 4pm. It was overcast, but that is typical these days. Just as we were crossing the lawn to the pool, it started to trickle rain. Wes doesn't understand too well why we can't go swimming with the rain. But, I told him as soon as it stopped, we would hop in.

Keep in mind that this was after a long preparation of goggles, towels, lotion, sandals, water, toys, cups, keys, etc...and getting both boys to follow me to the pool in the apartment complex. We arrived at the pool and it started to rain pretty hard. We waited under the gazebo area and my instinct told me it would be a bad day if we waited any longer.

Before I knew it, it suddenly was POURING SHEETS OF RAIN!!! Both boys started to cry and I tried to cover up Austin's bare back with my bag as we RACED towards our apartment. Poor Wes had a hard time keeping up and just started crying. We arrived at our door and waited there for a good 10 min to see if it would let up. Of course it did not. We opted to play with our toys in the bathtub instead. The boys were good sports, although I was looking forward to swimming to get some of their cabin fever energy released!

Better luck next time. Still no internet access (I am on the floor of my neighbor's house) and no access to my camera downloads...but, will post pics soon.