Update on estrogen and everything else

Mom ACTUALLY drove down this weekend on her own and made it with only one minor setback. On her way down, she got off on exit 275 from 75 instead of getting on I-275. She called and started freaking out but was able to make her way back to the interstate. For those who know her well, this was no small task. I honestly thought when my sister backed out she wasn't going to come(she gets lost and turned around in Tallahassee). So, I was proud of her that she came and went pretty much unscathed. Of course, she can't believe she has 1,000 miles on her car now...lol. Don't think I have mentioned how jealous I am of my mom's new ride. I will say "ride" because she got a 2009 completely loaded and pimped out black mustang..it is hottttt! I told her to get two but somehow that didn't happen. She is lucky a car seat doesn't adequately fit or I would have been begging to take it. Even more so than I have been. Why, when I was in school and my mom had to pick me up, did she not have this car? I keep asking myself that:) I am so bad about taking my camera or video camera(we got this for Christmas) when we go places. I HAVE got to be better about this. This past Saturday we went to Crabby Bill's on the beach and had lunch then went down to the water and let Reis run around and chase the birds. I could have gotten some really great pics because it was so pretty but of course, I forgot. We had a great weekend, drama free and I am glad she came.

Am I the only one that sat and watched the TV yesterday ALL day? No matter who you voted for, I don't think you can deny how moving everything was. It does feel like a sense of calmness and a "new day" has come. We'll see how he handles the pressure and responds, but I thought it was neat to watch. I told Alan it would be our luck that this takes place shortly after we left DC, but he said you couldn't pay him to get in all that mess. I still thought it would have been cool to be there. Although, I'm not too sure I could have handled the cold or crowd.

I am headed to Gainesville on Friday, minus one little man, to celebrate Mary Beth's b-day. Oh, how I am excited. Reis is starting to pitch fits, ball up his fists, and slap me when he doesn't get his way. Some days, it is enough to make me want to run and hide but then the next day, he is the sweetest thing. It got quiet for a minute while I was writing so I went to look for him and this is what I found. He was relaxing on the floor with Monkey.

The estrogen is coming

And oh, how Alan is thrilled. My mom and sis are coming for the weekend and Alan said he may dabble in the moonshine on the top of our fridge to cope. He's only kidding...I hope. My mother(am not sure if she reads this anymore, she's not the most computer savvy) is determined to "branch out" and be more spontaneous so she has decided "she is coming darlin." Well, for the past 2 days I have gotten calls saying one minute I am coming and then another saying it's gonna be cold...I can't leave the cat...I need to watch over the house...let the pipes drip and make sure they don't explode. It is the funniest thing. Maybe I am wrong but all of my childhood and every winter I heard when it's cold, "you gotta run the faucet just a little so things don't freeze or burst." Does anybody else do this? After all, it is Florida for Pete's sake. I never did it when we lived in Virginia but you can bet your bottom dollar my parents would call when they heard about a "cold spell" to make sure we did this. Don't wanna wake up for work the next morning with no hot water(this was mainly from my father). Anyway, today my mother is coming but then again it is only Tuesday.

Doing some life and future pondering

I think I may go back to school and get my teaching certificate. I was initially looking at a program at USF that only required 15 hours but evidently that does not grant you a license or certificate. I am a little lost with the whole process so I may make an appointment with a guidance counselor to review my available options. What got this bug up my you know what was someone telling me about the Florida Virtual School where students go strictly online. From what I can tell, you basically need your BA degree and teaching certificate. I definitely need some classes and training because if I was put in a classroom now or made to do lesson plans I think I might have a panic attack. But now, I think I might go back and get my certificate in elementary education. I am thinking about long term and maybe trying to finish and have my clinicals all timed out to when Reis could start school. Hence being at the same school as my son. I know it will take a big commitment or at least 27 credit hours to complete but I just think that when Reis starts school I might get a little bored being here. There are only so many days one can sit by the pool and sip margaritas...am only kidding. I have a degree and feel somewhat like I am wasting it. The good thing with elementary education is that I could teach in the school system or online up to 6th grade. I don't know, just a little brain rattling going on today.

No longer living out of a suitcase

The traveling circus(aka The Suskey family) is back from Christmas vacation, unpacked and taking it easy. Why is it that you are home for a week and a half but still feel rushed and never get to see or hang out with everyone you wanted or intended to? I feel like a slacker mom for not posting pics of Reis' Christmas but the truth is we were back and forth between 3 sets of parents and never in one place long enough for it to feel like Christmas. But do not fret, the little guy did not lack in toys. They are all over the house. I really need to unload about half of his room so I can put all the new stuff away. Do kids really need so much crap?

I was able to escape for a night and hang with the girls so that was nice.

They broke ground on our townhouse a couple of days ago so it should be done in 6 months. We meet with the builder in a couple of weeks to make sure everything is on schedule. Oh, how nice it will be to have a little yard or grass for Reis to play in. He is starting to want to run around and be a little boy. Plus, I am way tired of stairs. Hope everyone had a great holiday:)

Winter Wonderland 2

Some more pics from the zoo...


Some giraffes in the dark

Stinky penguins

The reindeer chowing down before a hectic work week

Reis was about to bust a move here to the Christmas music. He likes to get his groove on:)

Winter Wonderland

We took Reis this past Saturday to the Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa where they were having their annual Winter Wonderland. The lights and decorations were neat but I guess I didn't think about it being dark and not being able to see the animals...because you couldn't. Oh well, at least we tried and I think Reis had a good time...except for seeing Santa. Apparently, he is not a big fan.

A light display with some crazy music

The carousel

The fam with the only Santa Reis liked

I hate this pic of myself but Reis' reaction is priceless. Is it bad that I thought it was pretty funny?

Our new purchase

Well, Alan and I figured we'd bought a house so we needed a little boat to tootle around St. Pete with. So, we decided on this little diddy...HAHA. In my dreams, this is docked in the port at Alan's office and belongs to Microsoft co founder, Paul Allen. I couldn't resist taking a picture. It's not like everyday you see one of these little ole things. I told Alan that his chore this week was to work on an invite for us to come aboard. It will be kind of neat come Superbowl time because this is where all the other "fancy" yachts will be docked as well. Maybe Alan can work us onto Diddy's yacht for a Superbowl party...wishful thinking...lol