Monday, December 31, 2007

RAMBLING: Balls Dropping and Promises Made

It's time to usher in a New Year! And while 2007 held a lot of great memories for me, there are many I'm ready to move on from. I'm not one for resolutions, but I do usually try to make little promises to myself. No one is perfect, we're all striving to do better in one way or another, and to me resolutions should be our acknowledgments of where we fall short and come with a plan to make it all better.


I thought maybe if I put them on paper and let the world see them, I might hold myself more accountable to them. So, here goes:

  • Count to Five More Often -- I have a SHORT fuse and I need to make it a bit longer. I am very proud of some of my recent methods of remaining calm in the face of stress. I only hope to make those methods even stronger in 2008.
  • Stop and Smell the Roses -- I don't take the time necessary to revel in life sometimes. I have an amazing daughter and husband and I need to enjoy every second with them. I hope in 2008 to slow down just a tad and enjoy life's moments more.
  • Be More Selfish -- For some people being more selfless is a common resolution, but I'm already pretty selfless. I put myself just about last on every priority list. I need to learn to say no and do what I need to do for ME a little more!


I also aim to blog a bit more. I had great intentions when I started this site. And while I've been better about updating it then any other site I've ever had, it's still not something I do often enough. I hope everyone has a safe and happy new year!



Onward and Upward,
Bronwyn

Tuesday, December 25, 2007

RAMBLING: Meet My Mini Me -- Ms. Chatterbox

Someone flicked a switch for LLB and she talks up a storm now. And I mean CONSTANTLY. Mommy sit here, Mommy for you, Mommy bless you ... the list goes on. The way she says Mommy could literally melt my heart and she's truly the most loving little girl.

She's at that point though where when she points out something, whatever it may be, you must acknowledge what she's saying OR else she will repeat it over and over until you do. Sometimes it's quite painful, really.

But I love seeing how her brain has developed and how she's able to put together sentences and statements now. For instance, just last night we were driving home and my husband said something quite silly, I laughed at him, he laughed, she laughed her fake "I'm laughing because everyone else is" laugh and then said "FUNNY" with complete sarcasm. We died. We asked her if she was saying "funny" because were honestly shocked she said it and she said, "You're FUNNY!" Watching her understand and process things is the most amazing part.

Doesn't This Thing Have a Mute Button?,
Bronwyn

Saturday, December 22, 2007

RAMBLING: Baby Fever And Not the Temperature Kind

I have baby fever. I feel like everyone around me is pregnant and if not planning on being pregnant soon. I have been doing a stroller piece for the Celebrity Baby Blog and some of them come with amazing-looking bassinets. Not to mention all the new baby products that come out everyday.

I THINK I want another baby. But I don't KNOW if do. And that's where I sit. I thought LLB would be an only child when I got pregnant with her. I'm an only child, and initially thought I would not have an only child and then just before becoming pregnant realized the "benefits." I'm a working mom, say what you want about that, but I LOVE what I do and I LOVE my child, too. I feel like I have the best of each world. I knew that being a working mom meant my attention was already slightly split and having more then one child would mean even more division. This wasn't an idea I liked.

I decided early on, that even IF we wanted another baby we would wait until LLB was 2. I wanted to wait until 2 for a couple of reasons. If you haven't figured it out, I'm a fairly high strung individual. I'm just wired that way. I'm slightly OCD and always computing something in my brain. I wanted to see what my sweet girl would be like at the terrible 2s before I decided to have another. I also wanted to see what I was like dealing with her. Could I handle her? On a good day yes, on a bad day I feel like a terrible mom.

I like that right now I can focus all my energy and passion and ... EVERYTHING on her. I also am not sure I can handle the "stress" of another baby. I love my husband dearly but he's not much help and lord knows with 2 kids I would need his help. We live in a VERY small house, hubby reminds me everyday that people have multiple kids in 1 bedroom apartments all the time. I'm not that kind of person. I don't just decide to have a baby to have a baby, I plan, I lay it out and a 2 bedroom house with 4 inhabitants is not in my plan.

I also know that my baby fever is a result of my baby becoming a full fledged toddler. She's not my sweet, little, cuddly baby anymore. And I need to make sure that I don't decide to have another because I'm hoping to "rewind" time. It doesn't work that way.

Also, LLB was a DREAM baby. Seriously, we were extremely lucky, I think the only problem we had with her prior to 15 months was that she didn't sleep through the night (I'm talking about 10-12 hour stretches) until sometime around 9-12 months. That was it. I know the chances of baby #2 being as good are minimal, I'm not that lucky.

My pregnancy wasn't bad but it wasn't a dream, I had Gestational Diabetes and was VERY uncomfortable at the end. I also became very antsy, I'm an instant gratification person and waiting for the baby to appear was killing me. I'd hope with baby #2 this wouldn't be the case, but who knows.

Lastly, how often can you "tempt" fate. I saw a baby at Best Buy yesterday who was disabled, a beautiful little girl, and she made my heart leap. I was always worried that LLB would have some sort of disability, and I don't know if I can trust that baby #2 wouldn't have something wrong with it. This sounds incredibly vain, I know, I promise I don't intend it that way. I am seriously not cut out to handle a special needs child, and I think it takes a lot of personal insight to know that about yourself and openly admit it. I admire those parents who raise above the disorders and raise amazing kids. I just don't think I could.

Sorry for the brain dump, but all this leads me back to... when do you know you want another? Does it just click one day? UGH! I know that I have approx a year to make this decision, as I don't want them too far apart. After 2008 I think this shop will close down.

Baby, Baby, Baby,
Bronwyn

Friday, December 21, 2007

Thursday, December 20, 2007

RAMBLING: Visions of New Computers Dance in My Head

The hubby offered to buy me an iMac I've been eying for Christmas. I want it badly, but I have a PowerBook and a PC that runs pretty well. I'm becoming more and more used to Macs but I still have some issues on them and overall can work twice as efficiently on a PC. I'm a computer nerd, I know how to fix many problems that arise and I get asked for help all the time. When it comes to the Mac I don't feel like an expert.

But as a result I have no idea what I WANT for christmas. My list is pretty dismal and even what's on my list will be hard to get. Here's what I have:


Beverly Hills, 90210 Season 3 DVD
I didn't buy it the day it came out because I figured it was an easy XMas Bonus, so it better be under my tree. I'm an addict, what can I say?


UGG Dakota Slipper
These look absolutely comfy and would be so cute with basic outfits. I love that my feet would be warm without the whole boot, overheating my poor ankles and legs.


UGG® Australia 'Cardy' Classic Boot
The crochet UGG has slipped under my radar, I wasn't sure I wanted them. Considering they would look colossal on my size 9 feet. Then I saw these! I'm in love. Too bad they're practically sold out EVERYWHERE.

See, I told you it was a sad list. I'm truly at the point in my life where it's like what do you get the person who has EVERYTHING and if she doesn't have it, she buys it for herself!?!?! The good news is, the hubby can do no wrong. As long as he puts thought into it I love everything he gets me.

What is on YOUR list for Christmas? Do share!

Santa Baby,
Bronwyn

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

RAMBLING: It's Elmo Time -- UPDATE

LLB loved Sesame Street: When Elmo Grows Up. She sat still the ENTIRE time. And even said hello and goodbye to some of the characters as they walked on and left the stage. I've never seen her so captivated by something and I was shocked at how well she behaved.

Needless to say I'll be getting us more tickets to Sesame Street shows. I'm not sure she's ready for The Wiggles yet.

Growing Up Is Fun to Do,
Bronwyn

Sunday, December 16, 2007

RAMBLING: It's Elmo Time

Today we are taking LLB to see Sesame Street Live: When Elmo Grows Up. I think she's going to love it. Elmo has been a recognizable character for her for some time now. But just in the past few weeks she's become OBSESSED. She'll bring me the remote and "demand" Elmo. The joy of a DVR is that I have the show set to record everytime it's on, so there's always a couple of episodes stored up.

This is the ONLY show that she really has any interest in. And she will request that I fast forward through parts that don't involve our little red, furry friend. So all in all she prob only watches like a 1/2 hour of the show, if even.

I am sure she won't sit still, but the price was CHEAP and I figured it was worth trying and seeing how she does. I'll let you know how the show went later. Just wish us luck!

That's Elmo's World,
Bronwyn

Saturday, December 15, 2007

RAMBLING: Greetings From the Other Side

You might be wondering what the heck I mean by that. I can't recall how much I've discussed this on here, and rather then search I'm just going to fill you in. I was laid off from my job at AOL back in October. It was nothing personal just a change in direction, but it truly did rock my world.

I've been with AOL since 2001!!!!! That's a long time, and I started as an intern, so my ENTIRE career has been at AOL. My professional identity is wrapped in their walls and I truly feel a sense of loss right now. The good news is I feel a slight sense of relief today as I type this. Friday, the 14th was my last day, as I was kept around on a transition team for 2 months to help tie up a project.

I didn't blog at all this week because when I wasn't finishing that project I was slightly depressed and I needed to refocus and recenter. The good news is I'm back. I don't know officially what's next with me. As I find out I'll clue you all in. But right now I'm just looking forward to the holidays with my family and a little "down time."

I'll have more time then ever to blog, so expect to see me posting on here quite a bit more and of course on my other sites as well. I'll miss AOL but I know this is what's best and that there is something BIG out there waiting for me.

I've Made the Jump,
Bronwyn

Friday, December 7, 2007

ATW: Round-Up Week of December 3

Yeah, I suck at doing this weekly. But hey this was a good week, I got a lot of bylines! Check them out.


Get Clickin',
Bronwyn

RAMBLING: Jav-ahhhhhhhhhhhhh!

Hello, my name is Bronwyn and I'm addicted to coffee. Please raise your hands if you feel the same way. My love affair with coffee began at a Starbucks in Alexandria when I was a senior in high school. I remember when it opened. Back then I only went a couple times a week and Frappuccinos were my beverage of choice. Then in college I discovered the White Chocolate Mocha and fancy lattes became my forte.

Now as a grown adult I usually prefer a simple cup of joe to any fancy latte, though that doesn't stop me from ordering one now and then. I've tried just about every fancy latte that Starbucks has ever put out. And while I know that Starbucks isn't the best coffee in the world I have a true brand affinity for them.

Now to the problem, I would drink coffee all day long if I could. Not because of the caffeine but coffee is my social drink. I love to meet people for coffee, run to get coffee with people, even just make people a cup of coffee. Everything about the routine is social and it really soothes me.

And lastly, my shopping angle kicks in. After all my first addiction IS shopping. Have you seen their new personalized gift cards. Too bad I change my drinks every 3 days, because they babies are ADORABLE! This is where my photographic memory comes in handy and several of my friends will be getting them with their fave drink on it!

Lattes All Around,
Bronwyn

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

RAMBLING: Hot Holiday Toys

I have a day job... it pays the bills, well it will until December 14, but I will get into that some other time. My day job is probably the coolest one on the planet. I do content for KOL, AOL's kids service. If you've never been to the site, check it out, among my responsibilities are KOL Style, KOL Jr and KOL Toy Time, which brings me to the subject of my post.

Every year on KOL Toy Time we publish a Hot Holiday Toy list. All the products in each age group are selected by yours truly and come with my personal recommendation on them. So if you're still at a loss for what to give that hard-to-please kid in your life here are my faves!

http://kids.aol.com/hot-holiday-toys/toys-for-ages-9-12
http://kids.aol.com/hot-holiday-toys/toys-for-ages-6-8
http://kids.aol.com/hot-holiday-toys/toys-for-ages-under-6
http://kids.aol.com/hot-holiday-toys/video-games

Here's the breakdown:

Toys for Ages 9-12
Bratz Life Game by MGA
Dream Life Superstar by Hasbro
Girl Tech Video Journal by Radica
Hannah Montana/'HSM2' DVD Board Games by Mattel
Jenga Girl Talk by Hasbro
Tamagotchi Connection V4.5 by Bandai
Technic Motorized Bulldozer by LEGO
The Game of Life: Twists and Turns by Hasbro
Tyco R/C Tri-Clops Mutant by Mattel
UB Funkeys by Mattel

Toys for Ages 6-8
Barbie Girls by Mattel
Bratz Adventures in Learning Globe by MGA
Eyeclops by Jakks Pacific
Hannah Montana In-Concert Pop Stage and Dolls by PlayAlong
HyperDash by WildPlanet
Monopoly Junior Disney Channel Edition by Hasbro
Nerf N-Strike Disk Shot by Hasbro
Pixel Chix Roomies by Mattel
Spotz Maker by Zizzle
Tranformers Movie Ultimate Bumblebee by Hasbro

Toys for Ages Under 6
Candy Land Castle Game by Hasbro
Care Bears 25th Anniversary Bear by PlayAlong
Clickstart: My First Computer by LeapFrog
Crayola Beginnings First Marks by Binney-Smith
Easy Link Internet Launch Pad by Fisher-Price
Furreal Friends S'Mores Pony by Hasbro
Hooked On Phonics Talking Smart Sticks by Zizzle
Little Tikes Play Smarter Cook N Learn Kitchen by MGA
Playskool Made for Me Digital Music Player by Hasbro
TMX Friends Ernie and Cookie by Fisher-Price

Santa Claus Is Coming to Town,
Bronwyn

Monday, December 3, 2007

RAMBLING: Juicy for Juicy

Sadly I have to admit that I'm EXTREMELY impressionable. It's quite pathetic. My current "dilemma" is simple really, I want a Juicy Charm Bracelet. The sad part is that for at least 2 years I've scoffed at them. Mainly because they are HUGE, the links on the bracelet are twice the size of a normal one and the charms are VERY big. Though I never said they weren't cute. Some of the charms have some super-cool features, like the 2007 Special Edition Gingerbread House that opens from the bottom to show a dog. So stinkin' cute!



It's not very expensive though once you add in all the charms I want, it ain't cheap. But I've certainly asked hubby to spend a pretty penny on Tiffany & Co. in the past. My problem is this, first of all I feel like I'm jumping on the bandwagon. All of a sudden, something I've snubbed in the past is on my drool list. And second of all, I have a MILLION charm bracelets. Well not a million, but I have the silver heart tag bracelet, a bracelet with bug charms (both from T&Co.), a charm bracelet I've had since I was a child with all sorts of cute charms on it and another one that hubby gave me as a push present with baby shoes on it. Two of them have no extra charms on them but the ones they originally came with and yet I want more.

You might be saying, buy the Juicy charms and add them to your existing bracelets. That's not an option. All of my bracelets are sterling silver, my metal of choice, and the Juicy ones are gold colored :-\. Secondly, if I load this thing up with Holiday Charms what will I do the rest of the year around? I can't break the thought of it though. I think about it all the time. And this usually means I will succumb to the pressure.

Charmed, I'm Sure,
Bronwyn

Saturday, December 1, 2007

Rambling: Time for a Transition

LLB is starting to try to climb out of her crib. All I've caught her doing so far is getting her leg up on the bar of her crib. But I'm sure she could pull herself up and over if she really tried. She's not ready for a big girl bed though, so I'm a little at a loss here...

Do I wait until she falls? Do I wait until she does it regularly? Right now it's maybe once or twice a week that she does it. We have a full size twin in her room. I do not want to do a toddler bed, so what do I do about that? She can get off the twin bed with no problem, but not sure she's ready to sleep on it.

I thought we would wait until she was closer to 3 for this, didn't think that I'd be worrying about it before she even turned 2. UGH Anyone have any advice?

Spider-Man Is My Baby's Daddy,
Bronwyn