Leadership Training

As part of that big $200,000 grant my NPO got I am getting a bunch of leadership training. I was worried this would be like a MBA review class, but it is really great since it is solely focused on NPOs. I never had a non-profit management course which now I realized should really be included as a core course for business majors- just because it is not-for-profit doesn't mean it isn't business (I think I am going to look more into this issue). It's really neat that we will see the same people over and over for all the trainings. The first training is in LA. So not too far from the house, but too far to actually commute. I miss Savannah and Brian. I am so glad I can look as her cute little videos. My next couple work trips will be further away (North Carolina, Atlanta, Minnesota)- hopefully the family will come too!

Although I am in a cool hotel room it sucks coming back up to my room with a load of school work to do (I am procrastinating with blogging). I have been working on a special project with my sister-in-law Stephanie and I much rather work on that instead of read about Marx and Weber! I am taking three classes right now- Critical Pedagogy, Theories Framing and The Art and Science of Teaching Higher Education.

Lastly, just finished Outliers by Malcom Gladwell and all I can say is AMAZING. Next is Game Change by John Heilemann and Mark Halperin.

My Baby can Read

My parents bought Savannah the My Baby Can Read program before she was born. We have followed the program on schedule with the videos, books and flash cards. She really loves the entire program.

Here is a video of her progress at 13 months.

Something else that is fun... I finally got prescription sun glasses. My black frame regular glasses have been in the shop for two weeks getting repaired. Savannah snapped them in half so I have been struggling for a couple weeks (bad timing since the semester started three weeks ago... I tried getting through it with by taping my glasses and then I realized I looked like a total dork so I made an eye appointment). When I went in to get them fixed they retested my eyes. The Kaiser doctor told me that I was starting to develop specific type of lines or wrinkles around my eyes that are indicating I am not protecting my eyes in the sun (since turning 25 I feel that I am getting nervous of looking older so this was very disturbing news). I thought this was going to be a sales pitch for me to buy an expensive new pair with lenses that fade in the sun. I told him since I wear my regular glasses all the time I don't switch to sunglasses since it hurts my eyes without prescription. As I thought he then suggested those lenses in my regular glasses that tint in the sun. I explained that I didn't feel that it would be a good look on me (since he was wearing a pair and seemed jazzed to tell me about how 'cool' they were it was the nicest way I could think of saying I don't like them ). The doctor said that then prescription sunglasses were medically necessary and so my insurance covered it. I was SO happy. They even covered my favorite brand COACH! I have been wearing them for a couple days and LOVE them. I can feel such a difference- I get a lot less eye pain/head aches when driving during they day.

A bunch of Randoms!

Savannah is using straw cups (not sippy cups- ask Brian he will explain the medical reason behind that). I love the way her little lips pinch together around the straw. She had a little difficulty in the beginning with keeping the milk in her mouth after sucking it up the straw. It would just fall out on her shirt. She went shirtless for a couple days.

Grandma and Grandpa (he prefers Savannah to call him Grandfather... still can't tell if he is joking or not) just got back this last week. They brought lots of gifts. Black leather boots and a black leather briefcase for me and Brian's going to his gifts this weekend when we go to Palm Spring but he already got a whole bag of CHUNKY Kit Kat Bars (not sold in US). Savannah got tons of stuff including a Brazilian Bikini which is simply a hat and bottoms... no top. A good purchase for someone learning how to use a sippy cup not such a good purchase for the WHITEST baby in the world who needs as much skin covered as possible. The hat is perfect though. Mom flew to Dallas just a day after getting back because Peter is VERY sick. He had to take more than a week off of work. My Mom has been taking care of him by making homemade chili and chicken noodle soup. She make the most delicious soups.

This was one of the new dresses from Luann's Dress Shop. The three of us girls went shopping last month at the half off sale and of course Grandma bought 15 dresses for Savannah. They are beautiful hand made outfits. Savannah also got 6 pairs of shoes to match. I will be posting pictures of the dresses as she grows into them. We call this one the Jacquie O dress. It comes with a jacket that is SO adorable.

Just a cute picture of the little girl.

The picture of the shoes were included for Grandma Jane... who LOVES shoes more than any human being can love shoes. Even though Savannah is very tall she still has small feet for her height.

Her hair is growing so much. We are still not sure if it is going to be curly or go straight. She has straight on top and curls at the ends.

Pictures of the Dallas trip that never got up on the blog. We spent SO much time with Uncle Will. It was really nice for Will and I to get to know each other. There was a lot of laughter and tears (Savannah was sick and I was a mess). Will is really sweet, caring and tons of fun.

We tried a new hair style on her with the clip on top. She wasn't a big fan.

Taking a Break from all the Dallas traveling.

Peter recently purchase a gorgeous condo. Of course it is spotless. While we were there Peter made me eat just like him... totally organic with salmon and chicken. I am not kidding when I say I actually lost 5 pounds while I was there. Peter keeps his house totally in order, eats perfectly healthy, works out daily and dresses like a GQ model. Is it obvious I idol my big brother.

At one point while we were in Dallas Savannah got so sick the nurse hotline said to call 911. I was a mess but Will kept it all together. While the paramedics were evaluating Savannah I looked up and saw Peter reporting live on TV. It was a weird moment and if I wasn't a basket case I would have taken a picture.

Peter and Will gave Savannah those pink leopard shoes. So cute.

If I ever moved to Dallas I would want to live on this street. Can you imagine every time you had to confirm your address you would say, "1521 Lover Lane..." It seems so neat.

We feed the fish while in Dallas. Savannah loved it. (That animal in the bottom left-hand corner is a statue. They had them all over the park and would scare the heck out of me.)

Savannah loves to smile for pictures!

New Shoes! (Thought Grandma would appreciate this photo)

Savannah loves touching the keys of our laptops just like Mommy and Daddy. I set up SesameStreet.com for her to watch videos. She loves it. She talks to the screen and gets so excited that at times she actually touches the screen. She also gets a chance to show off her dancing skills.

1. I love it when she hugs me because she makes me feel that I am her mommy. She hugs really tight, barriers her head into my neck and doesn't want to let go. Sometimes she even clinches my shirt to really make her point she doesn't want to stop hugging.

2. She no can say "no" "ball" "teeth" Mom"

3. When she sees a picture of a tiger she growls.

4. When I walk into the front door and she sees me she squeals.

5. I love her laugh. Any time I make pig noises or kiss her stomach she erupts in laughter.

In this video clip Savannah just started picking up the idea that she could be the one who does peek-a-boo.

Free Tax Days

At work I have developed a partnership with Legal Aid and United Way. Together we are offering FREE tax preparation, FREE tax preparation software, FREE e-filing for both state and federal with direct deposit returns. SERIOUSLY! Today we prepared taxes for California residents all day. I even did my own. We are still offering the free tax preparation software (like turbo tax) the link is:

https://secure.icanefile.org/eic2009/welcome.aspx?caller=1218

Since the program is developed by non-profits at the very end of the program it asks if you would like to make a donation. Everyone says no, so don't feel bad. Just take advantage of this awesome program!

House

I enjoy watching TV after going and going all day. It's such a numbing and relaxing feeling. I look forward to playing something saved on the DVR after Savannah goes to sleep. Tonight I watched House. The show tonight was about Cuddy's life- almost a day-in-the-life-of type plot. Usually the show focuses on House, the main character, but it showed it from Cuddy's view. Although I don't have to face the major issues she deals with I really connected with her story. Mainly from the prospective of being a women in the workplace. I don't want to come across as a bra-burning feminist, but why is it so different and difficult for women than men.

It's no secret that women make less than men (about 70-80 cents for every dollar), but it is how we are treated that upsets me the most. Especially when you are in some type of authoritative position it is obvious women are not equal. The changed attitude is noticeable from people above and below a women boss on the corporate ladder. A great example at my work is about the 3 directors (Natalie Lorhenz- the Director of Counseling, myself- the Director of Education and Jim Moll- the Director of Operations). At work everyone addresses and refers to Jim Moll as "Mr. Moll". As for Natalie and myself it is simply "Natalie" and "Kelly". It's not like I want people in the office to formally address me by name , but it is clear that female directors are 'different' than male directors. I hate how we are perceived as less intelligent until we can prove ourselves. I can recognize that every business-related conversation I have with men or women for the first time I need to qualify my opinion with my experience or my education. It bothers me how men feel they can bully women with their tone of voice or body language. Lastly, I hate how women are labeled as 'emotional' to the point that it is more difficult to handle positions of power. Come on... it's not like we cry every time something goes wrong. I wouldn't say women are 'emotional' because frankly it's degrading. Sensitive maybe better language, since it can be looked at as a good quality. But yes, women do cry in the workplace but it's most likely due to being overworked, under appreciated and seriously under paid and it just comes to a head when we are being belittled by a man.

Wow... TV can really get the mind thinking. What a rant!

25 Years Old

Saturday was my birthday and it really was the best birthday ever- well besides my Chuck'e'Cheese surprise party when I was in second grade. It all started with an EARLY morning birthday wake up call from my Mom and Dad. They are in South America and I miss them so much. They have been gone for weeks and I can't wait until they come home. When I was in Preschool we learned a birthday song that my Mom still sings to us every year.


Today, Today, Today, Today
Today is some body's Birthday
It's not the Pickle, it's not the Pear
It's not the Elephant or the Bear
Today, Today, Today, Today
Today is _____'s Birthday.


It is a small tradition, but my Mom sings me that song every year. It makes my birthday so special.

After my Mom called Brian got up with Savannah so I as able to sleep in until 9 am. After we got up and got dressed we went to Kimmie's Cafe in Brea. I really like their Country Style French Toast. It is definitely my favorite breakfast. While sitting there I figured that based on an average life expectancy of 80 years old that I have lived 31.25% of my life already- a harsh reality.

After I depressed myself a little thinking how old I am getting we went to the Brea mall. I had a bunch of gift cards and got some new makeup, a couple new shirts and a really cute head band from jCrew (I really love that store). Since it was my birthday I chose everything we did and Brian had to quietly and patiently go along with it. Even when Nordstrom was testing make-up on me for 30 minutes he had to stand there. I could tell that inside he was dying. We took Savannah over to see the puppies. On the way over Brian got me an Auntie Ann's pretzel and being the little piggy I am I asked for it to be double dipped in butter (my Mom always ordered it this way which makes me think about what Savannah will pick up from me). Brian's response to my order was, "I am pretty sure that the extra butter just decreased your life expectancy." Brian is still amazed about my horrible eating habits.


That night we went to the Yard house for dinner and went to the early showing at the IMPROV. We had a really good time and even ran into old friends from Nordstrom. When we came home Brian gave me a foot massage and we watched 'Temple Grandin' on HBO. Brian has read all of her books on Autism. It was an amazing movie. The night ended with some SNL and listening to all the "Happy Birthday" voice mails left by family and friends. It made me feel really loved that people took time to call or text.

He is the Greatest!

I am amazed by Brian's abilities. His schedule is so packed and I really don't know how he can get it all done without a nervous breakdown.

A typical day starts at 4:30 when he wakes up and gets ready for work at Tait. He is a project manager for an enviromental system company and goes to different sites to inspect their underground fuel tanks to ensure they are running properly and not leaking fuel into the soil/ground water. The job is very flexible, but he has to drive to sites in Los Angeles. Then he shoots back home from LA, changes into nicer work clothes and then rushes over to a Fullerton elementary school for his Speech Language Pathology fellowship that starts at 7:30am. He runs programs with children with special language/hearing needs. After that he is home by 10:30 am. At this point Brian gives me a kiss and I am off to work. During this time Brian plays with Savannah (if she naps Brian is happy to do the same since he has already been up for about 8 hours). Then by 12:30 Karen shows up to watch Savannah. Brian then runs over to the Tait office in Orange to try to get more hours. It usually is paperwork and meetings. After he gets everything done he goes to school. He usually gets there an hour early so he can get on top of reading or studying for an exam. His classes start at Chapman at 4:30 usually goes until 10 pm. When he gets home he grabs a bite to eat, but pulls out his lap top to enter in the paperwork of the sites he inspected that morning. Then pulls out the iron to get his clothes ready for the next day. After all of the going and going all day long he gives me a kiss, tells me how pretty I am and he is in bed by 11:30 pm.

He is such a wonderful Husband and Dad! Only another year and a half of this crazy schedule. He sacrafices a lot for our family and Savannah and Iare so lucky to have him.

Savannah's Sitter

This semester Brian and I have all of our classes on the same nights. So we had to hire a babysitter to come in two -three days a week. My Mom and Dad still want to watch Savannah on Mondays after they return from their trip, but having a back up for them is good. It's a lot to ask my parents to drive in from Palm Springs, but they love spending time with Savannah. My Uncle Larry (a Bishop who has strong connections with the LDS employment office) had three people contact me and set up interviews. When Karen came over to meet us for the first time Savannah immediately was drawn to her, and she was not that way with the other two. Karen is really sweet and it's a bonus that she is a nurse. She comes to our house and makes us feel very confident to leave Savannah with her. Brian and I were nervous about a permanent sitter since Savannah has only been watched by my Mom, Dad and my Aunt Caroline. There has been a couple times when she went to some of our friends houses, but she is used to being at home with Brian and I most of the time. It seems like Savannah had a really good time yesterday with Karen. It is so nice to come home to see smiling Savannah, her toys are all picked up and the kitchen is spotless. I come home from school at 7:45 and Brian comes home at 10:15. After Savannah goes to bed I unwind by watching The Bachelor until Brian comes homes (he hates the show so it really works out that he stays at school longer).