CouponMom.com

Tonight my husband's Aunt calls me. I was surprised to see her number come up because although she's one of the sweetest most loving people in the world, I don't hear from her too often. She wanted to wish me a belated birthday and also tell me about a new website she found that was saving her lots of money. I had a pretty rough day, but she thought enough to call me so I thought to listen.

I think this new website may be my new obsession.

The website (as per the title) is CouponMom.com. She's been on a few television shows like Oprah and the Today Show so her site isn't a scam. She's the real deal ya'll. My Aunt claims she saves almost half on her grocery bills now and yesterday she bought $40 worth of things from CVS and only owed .80 after ringing everything up.

I logged on after doing a few monotonous things to see what it was all about. I clicked into my area and the store I frequented. I was surprised to see a lot of the savings that was listed was things I use. It was items that I frequently buy like meat, toilet paper, pasta noodles, etc., I did a mock purchase of what I could save and found that I would save 47% on my bill with items I regularly use. I could then go to another section in the website, select the coupon and print them out. If you are REALLY a person that wants to see how much you save (and you're a freak list maker like me), you can track your savings as well.

I'm in.

Check it out and let me know what you think!

Differences of Russia and the USA

Russian culture is something that fascinates me. I love the music, the food, its people and even the language(though I am a horrible student at some of the pronunciations). Learning its culture is something that I am enraptured with. There is something about my husband's roots that just boggles my mind when I find out new things here or there, like their crazy superstitions or how differently they do things. I have found so many different things by either experiencing them, hearing stories or reading about how different the Russian culture is vs. the USA.

Want to know how different we really are? Read on.

Russian Superstitions

• Drinking cold drinks, especially with ice can make you sick. Russians will ask you twice if you really want your soda, juice or water chilled. (My mother in law never wants ice in her drinks, but I always ask to kid with her.)
  
• Sitting on a cold floor could ruin your reproductive organs. If a child sits down, a Russian adult will pick that child up to keep them from becoming unhealthy. And lord help you if Russian grandmothers (babushki) catch you letting your kids sit down on a cold floor. (I laughed when I heard that one). American Girls in Moscow even wrote of a famous incident relating to this superstition also arose in 1985 as Ted Turner was preparing for the Moscow Goodwill Games. The stadium he constructed that was to host a majority of the events had concrete seats--and he was accused of secretly plotting to make Russian women infertile.

^These Babushki would surely yell at you

• Whistling in the house is bad luck, it means you'll throw away money.
• If you sneeze it is a sign from your guardian angel. At the moment when you sneeze, you must pay attention to your last thought, as the sign will indicate that this is the truth.
• Before leaving on a vacation or journey, you must sit down for a moment in silence before leaving your house.
• Tea will keep you healthy and cure illnesses. (I certainly agree that tea does provide lots of relief especially when I am having a sore throat, but curing illnesses?)

• Almost every dacha (country house) has some sort of decorative cross in front; if you don't have one, your home will be plagued by sorrow and bad luck.
  
• Avoid being cold at all cost. Russians believe wearing tights for girls is a must in most weather to keep them from getting sick. I think there are a lot of over dressed kids from time to time. I thought this was amusing since we mostly think Russia is cold...even though they have warmer climates and how much this is a daily mission.
  
• Do not buy anything for the baby until it is born. Could you imagine going out and getting a crib, clothes, etc., especially during Soviet times at the last minute? Even worse, expect your husband to know what to get?
• A rainy wedding day is good luck and means you'll be wealthy.
• It is bad luck to greet anyone or say goodbye over a threshold.

Differences in Russia vs. USA

• In Russia the flu vaccine is called something completely different. They call them "flu jabs". They must think we're nuts when we say things like "I'm going to get shots today."
• During Soviet times many professions were celebrated. While the US has them, they are often overlooked as being "Hallmark" inspired holidays. One such holiday is Teacher's Day. On this holiday in Russia students will bring their teachers apples, flowers, candy, etc., and recite sincere poems that tells the teacher how they are thankful for them.
• Did you know the "got your thumb" thing where you put your thumb between your index and middle finger to tease young kids that you "got their nose" is the equivalent of sticking your middle finger at someone in America?

• It is VERY taboo (and should be in the US more so as well) for Russian men to curse as a woman. You'll look highly uneducated.
• Dress is very different from Russia vs. the US. Russians no matter the profession tend to dress up. It is very common to see even nannies wearing stockings, heels and have their make up and hair done.
• Birthdays are a much bigger deal in Russia then in the US. Instead of the insincere "Happy Birthday" from Americans alike because they feel compelled to say something when its your birthday, Russians REALLY celebrate it. You'll get cards of "Wishing you much happiness". If the local markets you frequent know its your birthday, you could also get a nice praise or a small token like a flower if you happen to pass by his/her shop on the way home.
• Following the birthday theme, it is very common for small children to toast the birthday girl or boy and wish nice things such as happiness, they grow tall or have great success in life. Could you ever imagine as a small child doing this to your peers?
• Children's independence in stories is an American thing. Harriet the Spy, Ramona, Tom Sawyer, Finding Nemo are all American inspired individualistic characters. There is no Russian equivalent. Russian stories emphasize family or groups of friends.

• Parents will widely think that team sports such as soccer is not appropriate for their girls. It is find to learn them, but you will not find an after school sport such as a girls softball team too often.
• Russians call World War II, The Great Patriotic War and are also astounded to hear that Americans believe they won World War II. I can see why they are a bit shocked as they lost 23 million vs. the US lost 418,500. While our lost was obviously great (I had a Grandfather and an Uncle that fought in that war and survived), every family in Russia lost someone in that war. While on the home front citizens faced rations and women going to work, Russians lived in bombed out basement shelters and stories of boiling leather bound books just to eat something isn't unheard of. Russians were told by Stalin that if Nazi's were to come to burn/destroy/kill everything so nothing is left in case they ended losing the war. Imagine burning your house, your city down to make sure you are of no aide to Nazi's? However, instead of saying who won what, that perhaps it was a collaboration of countries getting together?
• Most Russians will have a country house/cabin or otherwise known as a Dacha. There they will plant enormous gardens to essentially help feed their families throughout winter. These types of gardens became commonly popular in the soviet era. Think of the US and our victory gardens, except lasting even until present time after a world war.
  
• Russian children have learned to regard the police as corrupt and dishonest, certainly not here to help us, and definitely not heroes.
• Russians celebrate Victory Day (end of World War II). 20% of the population of Russia died during this war. During this holiday, huge celebrations honoring all the veterans occurs throughout Russia. Youtube it...it will blow your mind. I have never seen anything like it in the US.

• The first day of school is a national holiday, called "Day of Knowledge". Posters and signs all over Russia is congratulating everyone one their first day of school.On the first day of school (Sept 1), Russian children will typically have first of the year celebrations. Typically 11th grader (seniors)will escort new 1st graders coming into school. The first graders will be announced one by one and then at the end the 11th graders will give their designated 1st grader a bell and the children will ring them announcing the start of the new school year. Can you imagine seniors here doing such things for a first grader?
• Russian seniors will have a "Last Day Ceremony" with the entire school involved, even first year students. They will then have their exams following graduation. Once they have their exam results THEN they apply to the universities. Not before.
• Russians also must choose their major and stick with it when applying to a university. Unlike American universities where you can switch majors easily or use some general credits to a different major, a university student in Russia is very concentrated in whatever specialty they choose.
  
• In Russia it is common to see vending machines selling alcohol. Could you imagine
  the scandal if there were vending machines like that in the US?
• On March 8th Russia celebrates International Woman's Day. All women are celebrated young and old with small gifts like flowers or chocolates. It is common for men to take our their ladies to eat. It is sort of like Mother's Day in the US but all women partake in it. (I personally love this holiday).
  
• Children in Russian orphanages "age out" at age 16.
• Russians really don't celebrate December 25th as most of the faithful are Orthodox and Christmas for them lands some time usually in January. New Years is the BIGGEST holiday for them and they will put up trees just for New Years. From what I learned/read they usually work December 25th to gear up for the several day holiday after New Years. The Orthodox are truly appreciative because there is not a big commercial hoopla. Instead the Orthodox Christmas is truly a religious holiday.
  
• Russians do celebrate Easter much more then Americans, but more suitably right for religious reasons, the Easter bunny does not exist there. Before Lent they will celebrate Maslenitsa, "Pancake Week." Essentially they eat lots of blini the week before Lent starts. Russians during Lent also tend to give up more then most Americans. They will not only shun meat or chocolates sweets but also dairy, and any fats entirely.

• Depending on the household you live in America it could be house to house rule, but in Russia general rule of thumb is to leave your nasty outside shoes by the door or coat closet and have a separate set of indoor shoes. This prevents tracking in the winter cold's dirt, grime and salt into homes, schools, hospitals, etc.,
• Teenagers do not hold jobs in Russia.
• Wearing fur is not taboo in Russia as it is in America. Russians don't get the big deal of wearing them.
  
• Even though getting a prescription for antibiotics is law, it is very easy to get antibiotics in any pharmacy in Russia just by asking it. Draw back, you have to add water to the powdery prescription yourself and hopefully you put the right in because if you don't you either water it down or don't add enough.
• Russia does not push media pop culture like the US does. (Think of how much Toy Story there is out there right now? Although I love the story and so does my son, we have toys, sheets, blankets, juice boxes and even mac and cheese! However, they do have Hannah Montana in Russian.)
  
• For most Russian kids, the Tooth Fairy, Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny does not exist.
• A salad in Russia does not mean it has anything to do with lettuce. It could be a mixture of thing from meat to veggies. (My husband's favorite "salad" could be either Winter Salad or Herring Salad...neither contains lettuce.)
  

• Russians do not celebrate Halloween. No scary decorations or fun costumes as the Russian government considers Halloween to be Satanic.
• Maple syrup, Worcestershire, zip loc bags, Peanut Butter,Ginger Ale and corn on the cob (this type of corn is used to feed farm animals) is not readily available in Russia. It can be found, but its rare and/or pricy.
• Healthcare.
• Speaking of healthcare, it is not uncommon to have vets come to your house and perform surgery on your pets.
• Not 100% sure if its an Orthodox church thing, but if you want to visit churches in Russia, ladies must wear a head scarf.
• Russians are encouraged to have children, their maternity care is wonderful. (I remember my mother in law telling me the first year she was paid to stay home, and that there was also a 24/7 day care where you could drop off your kid for FREE. So if you had to work or wanted to go out, there was a place they could go and had their own bed. American Girls in Moscow writer blogged "one region of the country, Ulanovsk, went as far as to give everyone the day off from work on September 12th--so that they can stay home and procreate, aiming for a big batch of babies born around "Victory Day" in May--the main national holiday. People whose babies are actually born on the holiday receive all kinds of prizes.")
• Unfortunately adoption is not big in Russians. There is a stigma that Russian children that aren't "yours" or that there may be something wrong with them. They don't want children that have special needs, which is why Russian orphanages are spilling with beautiful children looking for homes.

• Phone bills in Russia are not like US phone bills. If you make international calls, it requires two separate bills. The international phone bill usually require you to pay the bill in person at a phone office. Plus average citizens of Russia don't have land phones capable of calling overseas! Therefore there is a phone area you can go to to make international calls, but you have to stand in long lines and hope the person you are trying to reach is home when you call. Most Russians opt to use internet connections to make international calls because of the enormous hassle.
• The US is made up of immigrants. Russians (although do have immigrants) are amazed by this.
• Russian children do not find it endearing to be called "pumpkin" and find it rather insulting being called an orange vegetable with slimy insides. While American kids may think its embarrassing if their parents call them that out in public or in front of their friends, they aren't insulted.
• Can I dare say that Moscow traffic may be worse then Northern Virginia traffic?
• It is very common in Russia to see signs in public restrooms asking for people to throw their toilet paper into the trashcan instead of the toilet. (Not sure the reason on this...maybe bad sewer systems? In any case I now know why my husband's stepbrother used to do this. Thankfully I never saw it, but I remember my husband reaming him out for it.)

• You can tell a Russian vs. an American by what shoes they are wearing. Russians will buy the latest style and sacrifice style over comfort while Americans generally go for efficiency and comfort. (I remember my Mom telling me this one about how she easily noticed foreigners by their shoes but I am sure it wasn't by style or brand.)
• Various medications that are legal in the US are illegal in Russia. For example A.D.D. is a recognized disorder in Russia, but it is not treated. Ritalin is illegal in Russia.
  
• Muscovites (residences that live in Moscow) will plan their holiday time around when the hot water is shut off, not by just warmer weather. The water is generally cut off for a week or two to check the pipes around the city. (Could you imagine if you didn't know about this?
  
• Russians (as well as most of the world) follows the metric system. (My husband still thinks its stupid that America did not and has not yet adapted to this.)
• D.C. Metro system vs. Moscow metro system...Moscow is far better and so beautiful!

• Children in Russia have their Father's first name as their middle name. If the child is a boy, the middle name will end in either -evich, or -ovich. If the child is a girl, the ending will be -ovna, or -evna. For example if the Father was named Boris the sons middle name would be Borisovich and if he had a daughter her middle name would be Borisovna.
• Russian adults are called by their first and middle names when talking to them. A simple greeting would be "Hello Sasha (nickname for Alexander) Borisovich."
  
• Russians always try to bribe or bargain with you when purchasing things. (Now I know why my husband is the way he is, but we've gotten a lot of discounts that way. Doesn't hurt to ask or try right?)
• Bedtime is different for children in Russia vs. the United States. Children tend to get home later and nap more in Russia. My husband's favorite show when he was little was Spokoynoy Nochi, Malyshi! (Good Night, Children), which is still one of the most popular children television shows and it airs around 9 PM.
• Very common for Russians to cut their yard with a sickle. Could you imagine trimming your yard with one?
  

• Russian families tend to space their children further then American families.
• The term "pioneer" in the U.S. means something completely different in Russia. Americans associated a "pioneer" as those that traveled and settled in the West. The term "pioneer" in Russia is a member of the communist youth organization.
• In Russian movie theaters don't have you choose a seat where you'd like once you're in the theater, you buy a seat like if you were you going to a play in a theater or see a game in the arenas.
• It is very common in Russian cities to still hitchhike.

What Russians or Newly Immigrated Russians Think of the USA

• When my husband' mother immigrated here, she was told by another Russian that clothes were so cheap here, that Americans never clean their clothes. Americans will throw out their clothes and buy new ones. I guess when you compare to Moscow prices to the average US prices...its partially true.
• Russians are amazed that pay phones (if you can find one now days) have phone books and are surprised the phone books aren't stolen.
• My husband and his Mom both remember when they got to the US about how rich this country was because they had lights on the roads (aka reflectors).
• Store like Target, Walmart and K-Mart are AMAZING to most Russians. My husband's Mom remembered how "
  

Patience

I am a lot of things. I am a Mom, a wife, a daughter, a sister, a friend, and a Aunt. I am also very loving, loyal, honest, generous, shy when I'm in a new place, very outgoing when I am comfortable, sensitive, a fantastic multi-tasker and a decent baker. What I am not though is patient.

I was always in a hurry for the next thing. When I was growing up I couldn't wait for elementary school, then I couldn't wait to middle school, then high school and then finally college. Once I met the man of my dreams I couldn't WAIT until we got married then when I felt that little twinge of wanting to a be a Mom, I couldn't wait for that either (thankfully it happened quickly). Once I had my son I couldn't wait to see him roll over, to crawl or walk. Then I got to a point where I couldn't wait to hear him talk since his speech was a bit delayed causing very stressful issues at home, his school,and even friends and family's houses.

Now as I see my little baby growing up so quickly, I want to slow down time. I am gaining patience in his sometimes frustrating toddler antics. I remember to count to ten when he's throwing a tantrum (it really does work). I marvel at his little personality emerging. He's such a fun and cool person! However, I have gotten a little sad when he lately has been wanting to do things by himself like put on his shoes and his clothes. I know its a help to me, but it means my baby is growing up. I know he can't be a baby forever, but I have certainly learned and gained more patience in that area of my life. I want to soak it up for everything its worth and enjoy the present. I've honestly learned the true meaning of the little poem below (it still makes me tear up).

“Cleaning and scrubbing can wait for tomorrow,
For babies grow up, I’ve learned, to my sorrow.
So quiet down, cobwebs. Dust, go to sleep.
I’m rocking my baby, and babies don’t keep.”

While I am gaining patience in regards to my son, I am still not patient in other areas of life. I am a planner by nature. I want to know when things are going to happen and how quickly I can resolve the not so fun things in my life. Discovering we owe a huge bill this past month that we didn't know about...was very daunting and very unnerving. It is working itself out, but I want to pay down all of our bills and debt and its taking forever. We are knocking things down (i.e, my car last month was paid off), but paying things off is a very slow and tedious task. There are just other areas in my life that I wish I had more patience for!!!

I am trying to learn to have more patience. I am praying to God and counting to ten when things frustrate me. I've seen a little of God's warm hand touching my shoulder and helping me. I did get a 6% raise yesterday (still waiting for the paper work to clear so knock on wood). I am thankful I have a husband that can calm me down when I am frazzled. I am thankful for my beautiful, healthy and loving son. I would just like to be more thankful for patience. Can I have some please?

...Now I have the Guns N' Roses song in my head...

..."It'll work itself out fine
All we need is just a little patience..."

Silliness

Yesterday I decided to have a slumber party with my son, Zaichik. Typically I don't sleep with my son unless he's sick (its just easier), but his sweetness in asking me to lay down with him after we said his prayers was just something this softy of a Mom could not resist. I reward good behavior and his behavior really has been wonderful lately, so it was another reason to give my son a once in a blue moon treat.

Once I told Zaichik we could have a slumber party, he was THRILLED. So much so that he took great care in making sure I had adequate blankets (yes my three year old tried to cover me up) and held my hand to make sure I wouldn't slip away. I was soaking up the moment (as was he) until I was reminded I indeed have an "all boy" child. BRRRRRRRRRP! My son has passed gas rather loudly. A moment passed by as we both paused in silence, he then turned to me and said "EWWWW Mama!!!!". WHAT?????? I decided to play along (despite the late hour) and call him out on it "Ewww Zaichik!!!!" He giggled his little boy giggle and we went back and forth like that for a good few minutes...until we were busted. My husband came in the room wondering what was going on and at such a late hour. We both giggled and I explained to him what was going on. He smiled, kissed us goodnight and went back to bed. I felt like a little kid at a sleep over and a parent coming in to tell us to "quit it". HAHA!

The sleep over was uneventful after that. We both passed out and slept through the night for the most part (minus a few checks to see if Mama was still in the bed). I was thankful though to get some sleep and that I wasn't kicked all night. The whole gas blame was hilarious. My son cracks me up.....what a stinker.

Anyone Heard Of These?

I was an extensive reader when I was little. I often got in trouble reading in class and sometimes had notes sent home to my Mom. I just couldn't put a book down once I got into it. I LOVED reading about different characters and places. However, I WISH I had the Magic Tree House series when I little!

I love history and love diving into books that are based around history. These series are a mix of fiction & nonfiction about two children who find a Magic Tree House and learn how the books can transport them to magical lands and worlds. How neat is that? They are easy chapter books and something I will certainly be looking into once my son gets a bit older.

Have you heard of them? Any reviews you'd like to give?

Great Farm/Fun Waterpark/Loudoun Fun Bounce

Last week my son turned three. As I have done in every birthday past, I took the day off to spend with him. Since his birthday fell on a Thursday, I decided to make a long weekend full of birthday fun and boy did we have a great time! I won't go into the niddy griddy of every birthday festivity, but I wanted to share a few great things we did to celebrate his birthday that would be fun to do with your own children just in case you haven't heard about it.

On Thursday last week my son and I headed off to Great Country Farm. It was a rather warm day, but man oh man there was plenty of things to do! The admission price isn't so bad and if you are a frequent visitor ( if you live close enough I totally would take up the offer) you could get a Fan of the Farm pass, which essentially is a seasons pass. There were hay rides, produce you could pick on your own (this time of year there was blackberries, peaches and apricots), a outdoor moon bounce, animals to feed, and a couple of nice play areas. My son loves play houses right now and loved nothing more then go from house to house as there were several of them! We didn't get to see everything but I was later told there is a corn bin and some really big slides. Both my son and I were completely pooped after that. I recommend bringing a change of clothes for your kid and even perhaps for you...we were also quite dirty, but dirty in my book equals lots of fun!!!

The following day we headed out to day 2 of our birthday extravaganza to Volcano Island Waterpark. The admission to the water park was not bad and it was perfect for young kids to play in. If you are a large water park enthusiast, this place is not for you. There are three separate areas, a 1 1/2 foot play area that has various buckets that dump water and a small kiddo slide. The second play area is not a pool, but more of a fountain play area for kids that may be a little timid to get into a pool. The third play area is a large pool that has a nice ramp (my son LOVED walking up and down the ramp), has a slide in a shallow area, another slide in a four foot deep area and then two nice size tube slides at the far end of the pool. The pool was clean and the snack bar was decent enough for a pool side lunch or snack. I will certainly be returning there again!

Lastly, and this is something to plan ahead, we had my son's third birthday party with all his friends and family at the Loudoun Fun Bounce. The price again was reasonable once you add up how much it actually costs to have a kid birthday party. They provide things like juice, plates, napkins, invitations, and a few various items. However, it was nice to have some extra plates and cups. I would also highly recommend bringing bottled water, something I accidentally forgot. I believe every kid had a good time and I think most of the adults did too!

If you have any great places or things to do with your kids please share!!!!

Tomorrow

Tomorrow my son will be turning THREE. I can't fathom that three years has passed by so quickly in literally a blink of an eye. Three years ago this day I was expecting to go into Loudoun Hospital to induce my son (blood pressure issues) at 7pm. I considered it lucky because the date was 7/7/2007 at 7pm. How neat was that? My husband thought there was an inkling of a chance that I could push out my first baby in less then five hours. While some are lucky to be able to have fast labor/deliveries, I laughed. I was just glad that I was going to finally meet my son.

My gorgeous, beautiful son arrived at 1:40pm on July 8th. He weighed in at 6lbs 5 oz and was 20 inches long. He was the most beautiful thing I ever saw and I never seen my husbands eyes marvel at the wonder and miraculous moment in seeing the birth of his son. If I had to describe his facial expression it would be like a young child seeing the wonder of Disney World for the first time. So much was going through his head. We teared up a bit but couldn't take our eyes off this miracle we created. My husband had his son, his legacy as he calls him. My husband desperately wanted at least one son in the worst way. I was just glad to have a healthy baby in my arms.

I remember watching the beauty of my son for the first hour when grandparents, my sister and my brother in law made it to our room. I know they said congratulatory things, wanted to help, but I honestly can't recall anything except to just look at my son in that first few hours. His eyes were wide open and aware of everything around him. He was ready to go...much like he is now. He's always rearing to go and do something. Once I got home, the first week was hard on me as I am sure it is hard on any new mother recuperating. We didn't have any help, which was a surprise to both of us, but my husband as always pushes through and took care of a newborn (he never cared for a baby in his life) and me at the same time. I am to this day impressed he took on the job so seamlessly.

My sons baby little hands and tiny baby giggles have grown into a full fledged kid, running, jumping, learning his manners (his "thank you" is to die for) and laughs at the silliest things. He is so independent and such a little firecracker. While he looks like his Dad quite a bit, he certainly has gained the wild personality I had as a child. I "get" him. It sounds weird to say because Moms should "get" their children, but with so much of the same personality shared between us, I don't try to tone down his excitement or enthusiasm like I think a lot of parents would had they not "got" their kid. I remember those same feelings, so I do my best to direct them in a positive way.

I am thankful to God for my son. He is the handful of handfuls, but I don't know what I would do if I had a timid child. How boring it would be! He's full of personality and full of life. I marvel at the miracle he is. How special he is. Knowing that I was gifted to raising this child to love God, to love people and to excel in life is just a huge but awesome responsibility. I hope I can live up to being the Mom he wants me to be. I love him so very much. I just can't believe my baby is growing up so quickly. Happy Birthday little man. Your Mom loves you so very very very much.

Moving?

While I like staying at home a lot of times, especially during big
winter storms, I am a person usually on the move during the weekends.
Ask my husband how much of a motor butt I am and feel the NEED to get
out of the house. Of course its nice staying home from time to time
and hardly do anything, but those times are rare. I also find myself
wanting to move and if it wasn't for being so close with each of our
parents, I think we would...given the opportunity.

Don't get me wrong, I don't dislike this town or the rush, rush of
everything. I obviously wish there was less traffic, less rush, but
there are nice perks like seeing live hockey games, endless stores to
shop at and museums right around the corner. I just feel the need to
explore and often feel at home at places in places I have
never lived at or even been to. It just feels right. I am not saying
I want to hunker down in another town for the rest of my life and feel
settled. I may just want to live there enough to throw myself into
culture of where ever I am at. I swear if I didn't know my family history so
well, I would swear I had gypsy blood, but I don't. They fascinate me
though.

Two random places I currently want to LIVE (yes live not travel to) is
Miami and Moscow. Random and totally opposite right? Miami is a
frequent vacation spot for my husband and I. He lived there before he
immigrated to the United States and we love it. We almost did move
there, but life happened and we didn't. Its still on our minds though.
We love that like the NOVA area you can be as busy as you want or as
laid back as you like (if you lived a little further out). The main
draw is the warm, beautiful weather and the gorgeous beaches. I also
LOVE palm trees. Nothing comforts me more then seeing
palm trees sway softly in a ocean breeze. Miami just fits with me.

I also would love to live in Russia for a while. I am not set on
living in Moscow, but living in a city rich with historical events and
a culture would be pretty cool. My new favorite blog American Girls
In Moscow is just fascinating to me. Having two Americans girls
growing up in Moscow, learning their culture and the HUGE differences
in what Americans life vs. Russians life is very interesting to me.
For example something as simple as car bumper stickers is a huge
cultural thing. In Russia, bumper stickers are rare and the author
wrote how Russians visiting the US would have a little culture shock
seeing cars with "my kid is an honor roll at...." or "University of
...." or even political bumper stickers. It just isn't a thing that
Russians do. Maybe thats why my husband is against them? : ) Don't
get me wrong though, I don't want to live in Russia for the rest of my
life, I just want to experience it for a while. I want more then a
vacation there.

I was raised to appreciate culture and maybe thats my draw to living
and exploring other places. Although I have seen and done a lot, my
husband has seen and done so much as well. Think about this, he is
the only peer that I know that immigrated to the United States. He
has lived in a communist socialist country for most his childhood and
immigrated to the country as a pre-teen. He then learned a WHOLE other
culture in the way of doing things (even as small as totally different
food), plus another language and because he moved to Miami he got to
be pretty fluent in Spanish as well. I am amazed by that and feel
proud of the strength, courage that it took for him and his family to
get immersed in culture. I just have desire to do the same. I want to
learn. I am not afraid of new cultures or discovering new things that
I think many people just want to stick to their old ways of doing
things or what feels completely comfortable to them. I want to learn and the best way you can learn is by living.

If you could move ANYWHERE, even just temporary, where would you go?

Old Photos

Over the last six months or so I have been slowly scanning in old photos of my husband and I in our younger years. Some of the photos were when we were in high school and some of them were when we just started to date. I've come to realize....I need to wear make up more often. HAHA!

I know I've changed in the last ten years. I know that even though I am still short, I know longer have the 110lb body. I'd like to lose more weight, but overall am comfortable with the way I look. I just get annoyed about my closet thinking otherwise. I still have one sexy pair of jeans (a must in any woman's closet) and a few tops that you wear when you don't have a baby hugging your hip. I just look at myself, think of the girl I was a few years ago that would DIE if I was seen out in public with no make up on and laugh. I am obviously more comfortable in my own skin. I don't fret on what others think of me as much or really care that the guy down the hall thinks I'm "hot". I only have one man to impress, and well I've already won him over. However, sometimes I think as a Mom I need to do a little bit more for me. I think something is said when you put on a new sexy shirt, primp your hair a certain way or put on a new shade of lip stick that makes you skip to a more sassier beat. My want in having a sassier beat doesn't always have the time, but I think more often that maybe this Mama should wake up earlier or take the time to feel that way more often.

I am happy with the way I look. Times have changed from those old photos of worrying what everyone else was thinking, as it was the reason why I always wore make up out in public and dressed cute 99% of the time. Its what every kid our age in their teens. I just want to do it more for me this time. I'd like to have a little new swagger in my step when I walk and give myself that own positive energy of looking great when I put the extra effort. As a hard working Mom, I think I owe it to myself. Why the hell not?

What makes you feel sassy? ; )