Pokeeno!

I am not really sure what it even means and when I try to explain it to people I just say "it's like Bunko." That's a lie because I have no idea how to play Bunko but people are way more familiar with it and don't ask anymore questions. Really, it's Bingo with a deck of cards, but when you tell people you play Bingo, you automatically get looked at like an old lady. Listen, after 2 hours of "socializing" before playing, you can't expect much from anyone and I didn't start this tradition. It was started long before I was even....well apart of the neighborhood of course. Don't judge, these ladies are awesome. It all starts with a volunteer in the neighborhood to host and either bring 10-1 dollar bills or sometimes we play with a gift around 10 dollars in value. Money is more fun because we play more rounds and who doesn't love a wallet full of ones? Ha. So I hosted last night, which I love doing. I had a little issue with getting the email out and yes I still blame my "baby brain." I wonder how long I will get away with that? Normally, we all bring a dish but I didn't want anyone to have to bring anything and mostly because of my non-diagnosed OCD :). I like to plan, know what I have to serve, and everything has a place. I seriously woke up at 8 am and started "preparring" for the party, which starts at 7pm. See what i mean? Brownies in the oven, smokies prepped, veggies washed, a delicious cheese tray from Gateway Market, and Greek dip in the making ( recipes to follow.) Yes, my child was sleeping which makes it so much easier to get my crazy on.

At 7pm the ladies start arriving and I just put my baby down to sleep. I told the ladies she would be up in an hour because she doesn't sleep that long and of course she made me look like a liar. Two and a half hours later she made her debut. They were all excited to meet her. During her "nap" there was a lot of catching up to do with the ladies and as the napkins state below, " We do not gossip, we distribute vital information." But really, you do not want to miss Pokeeno night or you will be the topic :) Kidding. Good wine, good food, and great company, I am not sure why we don't do it more often!

After a lot of laughs, yelling Pokeeno, and one win under my belt, the ladies left. Until next time, we will pick right back up where we left off. Another successful Pokeeno at the Chinese house!

And then...

Well today was one of those days where I asked my self, and then what? I have been employed since I was 14 and today I said goodbye to my beloved job, turned in my badge, cleaned out my lockers, and walked away from 8 amazing years with amazing people. The reasoning was actually quite simple but that doesn't make it any easier to do. It may not be forever, and it's not like I won't ever get to see them, but it feels like that right now. And then what.. People ask me, why are you sad? Well, I am sad because I worked hard to get a degree, to get that job, I enjoy what I do, and I have known nothing different than to work. I also have a strong independent side, I love the feedback from people other than my loved ones at home, and its an adult "break". Don't get all huffy about me saying going to work would be a "break." Trust me, my work is NOT easy and when I say break I am talking about the kind you get when you are around friends, your support system. My co-workers and I didn't even know what the word "break" meant sometimes. Right ladies? Staying at home isn't easy either, they are just different types of work. Mother's breaks are usually in between naps and during that time you hurry up and get things done around the house before they wake up again! So no one really ever gets a "break." Whatever work you decide to do, whether it is staying home or going back to your job, it is a very important job.

The work I do at home as a wife and mother is something I enjoy and don't see it as work most days, even though it is. I love making dinner, rocking the baby to sleep, doing laundry, and running errands. Seriously, what could be better than taking care of the ones you love? Trust me when I say that I am so beyond excited and blessed to spend each day with my growing daughter and I look forward to each morning with her sweet smile and the "talks" we have. I would cry if I missed any part of her growing up and can't imagine not being there with her. But again, I am allowed to say that I am sad that I am leaving my outside job for another more important job in my life. Staying at home isn't for everyone and really dislike that there is so much judgment in the world about these 2 topics of working and staying at home. To each as own.

So as I drive away from the my second home, I look back in my review mirror and see a beautiful sleeping baby, shed a few tears, and I couldn't be any happier than I am right now. I am looking forward to many playdates, memories, and fun with my loves. You don't get to ever take time back, so right now we will live each day to it's fullest. As we drive home, I will put her down in her baby bed to sleep, and then ask myself, and then what? Well, throw in another load of laundry of course :)

Blogging Resolution

I have been wanting to jump on this whole blog bandwagon for a long time now and I just haven't found the right time for it. I swear I have 3 or 4 different blogs out in space with maybe 1 post on each of them, but I am starting fresh and sticking to it! I especially wanted to blog now after having my first baby. Horrible timing is what I am sure most of you readers are thinking right now, but I got so tired of people telling me that my life was over because I now had a child and leaving the house was impossible. Well, I guess this is to prove to them that life can exist after baby, it just might require more lists and wine. So what is this blonde going to write about? Well, whatever comes to mind that day or week.  Sit back and follow along as I write my way through this year. Food, events, travel, fashion, and  baby are just a few things of the things to get me started.

Enjoy!