Goodbye 2015...

Another year has come and gone.


As with everything, some are good and some are bad.  2015 falls in the lower bucket for me.  There were a lot of changes at my job that directly affected me.  Finances continued to rear their ugly heads in the worst way.  I really struggled with my health and fitness.  There were some moments of depression.  There was no motivation to do anything and I let things get way out of control.


Over the past week I did some serious thinking on how things were going.  I turn 40 in June and, while I've never really been concerned with the number, I feel a lot older than that.  I really don't feel like I'm having fun with life.


So I'm making some changes.


"Change" is my word to live by in 2016.  More on that later.


The first change was getting back into blogging and really putting some heart and soul into it.


The second change... well... we'll get to that in good time :)


So I leave you with this...


I hope you and your family have a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year!




~AKO

Happy New Year!

I hope everyone has a safe, fun, and happy New Year's Eve celebration!

I had to work today and, of course, just as I was getting ready to leave around noon I get hit with an escalation!  It never fails.  I don't think I've ever really been able to take advantage of early release over the past few years.  When I finally left around 1:30pm, I realized I had actually forgotten my driver's license in the jacket I went running in last night...  OOPS!  On top of that, because I could give a Graduate level course in procrastination, it expired today so I had plans to go to the nearest DMV near my workplace and just get it done.  Well, since I had left my license at home, I had to drive all the way back home - 40 minutes - to get it.  Since my day was going awesome when I got home... yep... you guessed it... my license was in my wallet the whole time!

So now it is almost 2:45pm.  After quickly checking to make sure {thankfully!} the DMV was open until 5:30pm today, I ran out to try and get at least one thing accomplished today.  The DMV is only 15 minutes away so I can do this!

BTW... Marshall did not have school today and Freddy currently isn't working.  They were BOTH still in their pajamas when I got home!  At least the dishes were done!  LOL!

At the DMV, the receptionist asks me for my 6 points of ID to check in and get my number.  WHAT???  Being the first time that I've renewed my license in New Jersey, I thought you only had to do that when you got a new license.  Nope!  Every time!  Luckily I had my military ID in my wallet so the combination of that and my current license satisfied the 6 points of ID {whew!}

They were only on number 68.  While waiting, I heard the security guard say that if they don't get to your number by 5:30pm, then you have to come back another day.  That would NOT be cool.  So I sat.  Played a couple games of Soda Crush.  Played a couple games of Cookie Jam.  Checked Facebook.  Played some more Soda Crush.  Finally, after almost an hour, they called my number!  I found out that I received the last number to guarantee service before they closed up for the day.  And, apparently, everyone now gets a new picture when they renew licenses, so after I went to the first counter where all she did was check my IDs again, I had to wait in another line to get my picture taken.  Another 30 minutes later and I walked out the door with a brand new license in hand.  I vowed, like I do every time, not to wait to the last minute next time.  But pretty sure I will!

Now to start my New Year's Eve celebration!!  Or, as we like to call it, relaxing in the living room doing nothing!  Yep, we're pretty low key so for the past couple of years we have just stayed in and had our own little celebration to welcome in the New Year.

I'm working on some plans for 2015.  We had a pretty crappy 2014 and we have both vowed to make 2015 better and make it our year.  But more on that later.

For now, we wish you health and happiness in 2015!

~AKO

Goodbye 2013!

As the evening has progressed, I've been seeing a lot of posts on Facebook about how 2013 was a great year or was the best one yet.  I can't say that I share those same feelings for 2013.  Over the past few weeks all I've been thinking is that I can't wait for 2013 to be over.  The year was ok, not stellar, but ok and I think the end of September was really the turning point that sent the rest of the year spiraling downward.  I wasn't even in the mood to put up any of my holiday decorations for 3 of my favorite holidays - Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas!  Without going into too much detail, there have been some struggles both at work and at home.  Just about every day that I tried to take off during the last 3 months, I ended up working part or all of the day due to issues that dragged me in.  There have been a lot of changes at my job that have been putting a lot of strain on my department.  I was never really able to get into the mindset to get my eating and fitness in order.  I've been putting off researching and starting the preparations for our upcoming deployment.  My Aunt and Grandmother passed away in September and October.  Freddy had 2 cousins pass away in August and November.  Freddy had to miss Marshall's birthday for the 2nd year in a row and missed his first Halloween trick or treating due to a 3 week training for his deployment.  The week before Christmas we had to say goodbye to our Hadley way too early and Marshall's fish died while we were away for the holidays.

Needless to say I'm pretty happy to close the door on 2013.

I will be spending a lot of tomorrow just trying to come up with a game plan for 2014.  I have some ideas and I am eager to make 2014 about me.  I have never really focused on me on a large scale before but that's what I'm going to do.  My motto for 2014 is going to be "About Me in 2014" and I can't wait.

But, until then I hope you enjoy the last 20 minutes of 2013… at least on the East Coast :)  Whether you had a great 2013 or can't wait for it to end, I hope you have a happy and healthy 2014!

~AKO

Marshall's First New Year's Eve

When I say his first New Year's Eve, I really mean the first New Year's Eve where Marsh was semi-aware that something was happening.  I never followed up on how our New Year's Eve celebration went after our lovely day at the ER!  We had decided to let Marshall stay up as long as he could.  I was surprised he actually made it to midnight!  Since my roast plans were a bust, we just ordered a couple pizza and ate the chips and salsa for snacks.

We ended up watching a mixture of Nick Jr. and the Law & Order: Special Victims Unit marathon most of the evening.  I know... wild and crazy!!  At 10:00pm we turned it over to Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve and had many conversations about the fact that we had no idea who most of the people were.  I guess that's a sign we're getting old!  Although I thought it was a great touch to have MC Hammer out on stage for us oldies.  I wish I would have had my video camera out because Marshall went crazy during the Gangham Style performance.

A few shots from the evening....

You can obviously see in the background of every shot why we call Marshall "destructor"!  When we got close to midnight, Marshall helped us count down from 10 and shouted "Happy New Year!"

~AKO

Happy New Year's Eve!

I had big plans for this years New Year's Eve...  Roast in the crock pot for dinner, holiday lights at the zoo, and yummy snacks to watch the ball drop...

Well, it didn't quite pan out that way.  As I was cutting potatos this morning to throw in the crock pot, I managed to slice my thumb wide open with a paring knife.  We managed to stop the bleeding after about 30 minutes.  Once we assessed the damage after the bleeding stopped, we knew right away it was going to need stitches :(

So we spent 4 hours in the ER today and came out with 5 stitches.  Marshall passed out in the car while we were waiting for my prescription to be filled so we decided just to stay in tonight.  Our wild and crazy evening now includes pizza and possibly an NCIS marathon before we watch the ball drop.

Hope everyone has a safe New Year's Eve!

~AKO

Happy New Year and 2011 Goals

Marshall enjoyed his first new year with a bottle and a nap! Now we're ready to cheer on the Michigan Wolverines in the Gator Bowl. No Spartan Green in this household!





We rang in the new year cozy in our living room with the Back to the Future trilogy. Marshall was asleep by 10:30pm and we didn't make it much past 1:00am. With the new year beginning, I've put together my list of goals for 2011, along with some background. These are in no particular order. Whenever I address something related to these goals I'll add the label "2011 Goals".

1. Become PMP certified

The PMP is the official Project Management Professional certification. It follows the Project Management Institute's (PMI) documented Project Management Body of Knowledge, which is a 400 page book. You need to have 35 hours of PM training in addition to documented 4500 hours of leading projects. It also costs $400 just to sit for the test. I've been saying that I'm going to take this test for the past three years now. I took the first step a few months ago and joined the PMI, which is $119 per year. I've been a Project Manager for 8 years now so I definitely want something to show for it. In addition, while my employer does not require it, there are some that do and I would hate to be overlooked for a job because I am not PMP certified.

2. Start my Masters Degree

My employer reimburses a lot of the cost of a Masters Degree program as long as it pertains to my job. I figure it would be stupid to not take advantage of this while I can. I'm thinking of pursuing a Management Information Systems degree, but I haven't decided yet. I hope to start classes in the fall.

3. Read at least 50 books

This is pretty self explanatory. I used to read all the time and it has fallen by the wayside the past few years. I have a lot of free time with the need to take public transportation. Maybe I'll break down and buy a Kindle :)

4. Organize and get rid of the clutter

We took the first step here and rented a storage unit yesterday. We have too many things that we can't really get rid of but that we don't use regularly. If we had a house I would just store this stuff in our basement or garage. Plus, we have a growing pile of baby supplies that need somewhere to live. So, over the next 2 - 3 weeks, we are going to reorganize our apartment, get rid of the clutter, and put what we don't use daily in storage temporarily. Along the way I'll be getting rid of stuff that we don't need or use anymore. When I cleaned my closet 4 months ago I ended up with 4 garbage bags of stuff that went to GoodWill. Oh...and I got a label maker for Christmas :)

5. Start process of buying a new home

2011 will be the year for us! I know the home buying process can be lengthy so as long as we have actively started the process I will be satisfied. Of course, closing on that house this year would be an added bonus.

6. Lose 30 lbs

I think this is a reasonable goal for 12 months. It won't put me at my goal weight but it will have me on my way. My first goal is to lose the last 15lbs of baby weight and then go from there. I plan on using Weight Watchers again and will post my progress each week whether it is good or bad.

7. Start my photography business

I think photography will always be a hobby for me so I'm planning to start with an Etsy shop and see how that goes.

8. Finish the following cross-stitch projects: Marshall, Tigers, Pistons

These projects would have been completed before Christmas had Marshall not arrived early. So I plan to finish them up this year... hopefully by June at the latest.

9. Join and become active in a parenting group

I'd like to make some other friends with small children this year and what better way than to join a parenting group.

10. Complete 30 day workout challenge in the WII Active

I LOVE my WII Active. I've started the 30 day workout challenge a few times and never finished it. Something always seems to come up and I never get back to it. I would like to complete it at least once this year.

11. New mattress

Our mattress is 10 years old. 'Nuff said.

12. Weekly Task Lists

I don't know why I've never incorporated this at home since task lists rule my day at work. At the beginning of the week I'm going to write down what needs to be complete and add to it as things come up. If something doesn't get done it will just be moved to the list for the next week. I'm hoping this will help get my personal life a little more organized.

13. Cook 3 nights a week

We spend too much money eating out. Period.

14. Start scrapbooking projects: Wedding, Putties, Honeymoon, Marshall

I don't plan to have these all completed by the end of the year, but I would at least like to have them started.

15. Marshall's baby book

I've been collecting stuff for his book and it is all laying in a pile. All I need to do is just sit down and get it done.

16. Track and organize finances

A couple years ago a made a spreadsheet to help get my credit cards paid off. It really helped to see everything all in one place so I'm going to try and do something for all of our bills. I haven't decided if I'm going to creat my own or find something online to use.

17. Photograph more

I want to take more pictures this year. I especially want to make sure we don't miss anything while Marshall is growing up.

18. Bake More

I would like to start baking more. I have all the cool Pampered Chef supplies so I just need to start using them.

19. Take better care of myself.

I need to start taking some time out for myself. Even if it is just a few minutes.

20. Make family plans at least 2 weekends per month.

I want to make sure we are getting Marshall out and involved in activities whenever possible. This could include just getting out and going to the park for a day.

I hope everyone makes the best of 2011!

~AKO

Happy New Year's Eve!

Hope everyone has a fun and safe New Year's Eve tonight! Our big plans include staying in and trying to stay awake to watch the ball drop. Grandma Marshall is driving our new car out today from Michigan so we will all ring in the new year together.

1. What did you do in 2010 that you'd never done before?

Well, I had a baby :)

2. Did you keep your new year's resolutions and will you make more for next year?

I didn't really make any because I know I never keep them. I've decided to write down some realistic goals for 2011. I'm hoping if I write them down they won't fall by the wayside.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Besides me :) I did have a good friend have a beautiful daughter in June.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

Fortunately, no.

5. What countries did you visit?

Just the good old USA.

6. What would you like to have in 2011 that you didn't have in 2010?

A little more organization. Oh... and more money wouldn't hurt either.

7. What dates from 2010 will be etched in your memory, and why?

3/06 - My brother got married in Key West.
3/13 - I found out I was pregnant.
3/14 - I told Freddy I was pregnant.
10/30 - Our little baby boy was born.

8. What was your biggest achievement of this year?

There was the whole having a baby thing :)

9. What was your biggest failure?

I think gaining the extra weight before I got pregnant was my biggest failure.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Nope.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

My little Nikon S4000 to keep in my purse.

12. Where did most of your money go?

Bills and rent :(

13. What did you get really excited about?

Marshall's first Christmas and our trip home to Michigan.

14. What song will always remind you of 2010?

Good Night by Black Eyed Peas. I know it actually came out in 2009, but they played it all the time in 2010.

15. Compared to this time last year are you a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer?
a) Happier
b) Fatter
c) Poorer

16. What do you wish you'd done more of?

My craft projects.

17. What do you wish you'd done less of?

Sitting around in front of the TV.

18. What was your favorite tv program?

How I Met Your Mother

19. What was the best book you read?

Is it going to be sad to say I really didn't read too much in 2010? That's why one of my goals for 2011 is to read at least 50 books.

20. What did you want and get?

My baby boy.

21. What did you want and not get?

A house.

22. What was your favorite film of 2010?

I'm not much of a movie person but I did enjoy The A-Team.

23. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I turned 34 this year. The night before Freddy and I went to the Mets/Tigers game. It was about 100% humidity and my feet and ankles swelled up like balloons for the first time during the pregnancy. The day of I took off from work and we had a nice dinner and went to see The A-Team.

24. How would you describe your personal fashion concept of 2010?

How about a lack of... I hope to do better in 2011.

25. What kept you sane?

My putties.

26. What political issue stirred you most?

Pretty much anything Obama did. I was especially irritated by the Credit Card reform.

27. Who did you miss?

I miss my family everyday.

28. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010.

Nothing really turns out the way you planned.


I'll be posting my 2011 Goals tomorrow to keep me honest.

Be safe out there!

~AKO

New Year... New Look

So over a month since my last post... Well, now that I've gotten things in order I can post more often again. I thought since we were starting a new year I would change the look a little here. I also started my "52 Weeks of the Olveras" blog. My plan is to post once a week with some photos that illustrate how that week went. We'll see how successful it is :) The link is in my sidebar to the right.

The past month has been quite busy and hectic that I've barely had time to think. Here's what's been going on over the past month...

We moved!! Yep, we made the jump over the Hudson River to New Jersey. Let me tell you that travelling for an hour with three cats in carriers is not pleasant. At one point I thought they were trying to harmonize with each other. We're in a quieter neighborhood now with a permanent parking spot. We're still renting so we're hoping to save up enough money to buy a place in a couple of years. Not sure where just yet, but it is on the horizon. It took the kitties a few days to get used to the new digs but now they've claimed it as their own.











I got very addicted to "Bejeweled Blitz" on Facebook. Very dangerous :)

We celebrated Christmas in our new home. I was worried I wouldn't be able to put up my decorations in time with the move but I got them up! This was the first year that Hadley and Harley didn't try to pull the tree over. I think they are finally growing up! Even though this was supposed to be our year to go to Michigan for Christmas, we decided to stay in NYC. My brother is getting married in March in Key West in March so we wanted to make sure we were able to make it down. We'll be driving so I'm sure we'll have some cool pictures when we get back. Anyway, here are a couple shots of our Christmas decor.







I got back on track with Weight Watchers. I lost about 20 lbs on WW back in 2006 and another 10 lbs before our wedding. Unfortunately I've gained it all back and then some. I've been back on track the past three weeks. Yes I started again the week before Christmas. I felt I had to in order to make sure I didn't go crazy over the holidays. I was still up 0.6 on my Tuesday weigh in after Christmas, but this is the first time the gain has been less than a pound after the holidays. I was then down 2.4 last week. I'm taking a different approach this time and focusing on smaller mini-goals rather than the final goal. My first mini-goal is to lose 10lbs before St. Patricks Day. I'll continue to report my progress here and, when I get brave enough, post some before and afters. Let me tell you I've seen some not too flattering "before" pics from the holidays :(

Freddy volunteered to go to Germany for 3 weeks to help the 133rd in March :(

We welcomed in 2010! My mom and her travel buddies were in town for New Year's this year and decided to brave the elements in Times Square. I've been sick off an on the past few weeks so I decided to not spend 6 hours standing in the rain that night. They had a good time and we got to spend some time together. And, with that I'm documenting my New Year's resolutions for 2010. At the end of the year we'll take a look back and see how many I was able to move forward with :)
--> Earn my 10% key chain from WW.
--> Start training for a 5K.
--> Earn my PMP (Project Management Professional) certification.
--> Start experimenting with photo editing.
--> Take more photos of our day to day.
--> Complete my Wedding scrap book.
--> Start my Kitty scrap book.
--> Start cross stitching again.

I hope everyone has a safe, healthy, and happy 2010!

~AKO