Little Girl Manicures

Today on the Today show they were asking Moms at what age is to young to get spa services like manicures and pedicures at a salon. As a Cosmetologist I see alot of very young girls getting manicures. The youngest probably being 3 years old. Even though I am in this business I think regular manicures and pedicures for very young girls is a little much. I think there is nothing wrong with the occasional special mani/pedi or using it as an award for getting good grades or something of that matter. As I was telling this to my husband he asked, "so you won't do B's toes and fingernails?" I thought about it for a second and said no I am sure I will but for her I don't think it will be as big of a deal its just what Mommy does for a living. She is just 14 months old and we've already used "piggy paint" but I don't see the harm in that. As a parent I think one of the hardest things we have to do as parents is not give our children everything. Not that we should deprive them but if we give them certain special things as very young girls, what will they have to look forward to as they grow up. The bar will constantly have to be raised. I was in high school before I had my fist manicure and I had to pay for it out of my own pocket. I am not dissing any parents on what they decide to do or not do, to each is own I just thought this was a interesting topic that I can really relate to. 

The Railroad Life

The daily life of a railroad wife. Recently I googled railroad wife and was surprised by the sites that came up. Some blogs, some "support groups", even a facebook page. When you work as a conductor/engineer for the railroad you are on call 24/7, you don't get holidays off nor holiday pay. Its a great job don't get me wrong but like most good jobs it comes with its down falls. You live by your phone and how many times out you are, you don't make plans, you miss birthdays, cook outs even the occasional Christmas or Thanksgiving. There are weeks you spend more time in crappy hotel beds than in your own. You get little to no sleep because if you sleep the time you are supposed to you miss out on all your family time home. When you are married to a conductor/engineer for the railroad you deal with all these things just on the other side. You do alot of things without your spouse and answer the question, "wheres Eric?" way to much. If something is going to go wrong it almost always happens when Eric is out of town so you learn to just handle it. You learn railroad lingo, I know what DH stands for, I can tell you what a Z train is, I know what a EOT is and the list goes on. I have a love-hate relationship with the railroad. To them my husband is a number not a person but the railroad has allowed us to build a house and allowed me to work part time so I can be home with our daughter. I am so grateful that Eric can do this job because its not for everyone. Its hard work mentally and sometimes physically. It's not for every wife either and some days are harder than others but at the end of the day its our life and I thank God everyday that he continues to bless us with the ability to make it work.

Coming Back??

I have been on blogging hiatus for the past 2 years but after some thought I think Id like to come back. I may have no followers right now and that's okay, I will blog if for no other reason than for myself. I really enjoyed looking back at my own post and remembering the events that I was talking about. Having a husband that works for the railroad, a very busy daughter and a part time job myself surely I'll have a funny story here or there. 

Our Ice Day

Living in Illinois you never know what kind of weather you may get. Currently we are getting a pretty bad ice/snow storm. We have a little bit of ice and now its sleeting and we are supposed to get snow soon. Fortunately we still have power so I am actually enjoying not having to leave the house and not feeling to guilty for eating and being lazy. Eric on the other hand is having a little cabin fever already and left to get get us fountain sodas at the gas station. So far today I've read, snacked, read, watched tv, facebook and now blogging a little. Really couldn't have asked for a better "ice day" as Eric is calling it. Hope everyone stays safe, and warm.

Can we stop eating out?

Last night as Eric and I were eating out for the second time in one day I asked him, "do you think we could go a whole 7 days with out eating out?" I honestly do not think we could last. He would have to eat out when he's out of town for work and I thought I could give my self lunch with the girls on Wednesday but other than that no eating out together. No McDonald's breakfast, no picking up something for supper on the way home, two guilty pleasures I do a few times a week. We haven't decided if we are going to attempt this challenge because we both hate to loose. I know to some people this seems crazy to not be able to go one week with out eating out but for us it would be a real challenge. It would be good for my waistline and our wallet so tonight when Eric gets off work I guess we will decide if we are going to take on this challenge, I'll keep you posted!!!

Back from Blogging vacaction???

Where does the time go? I had no idea I hadn't blogged in so long. I know it had been awhile but 9 months, Wow! I am surprised I have any followers left. Thanks for sticking around. I have no real reason for not blogging, to much tv or I don't know I guess not enough brain power to sit down and actually write something. The other day at lunch with the girls at work we started talking about journalling and it got me to thinking about how much I enjoyed blogging so I thought I'd give it another shot. So here goes...

Vacation Day 4

Today was our final day at the beach. It was actually the best weather day we've had so far. Our day started like the previous one, coffee and breakfast on our balcony. After that we went to Sea Breeze Winery. It was a little early for wine tasting but we wanted to get to the beach asap! We sampled some really good wines and then made our purchases and we were on our way. We literally could not wait to get to the beach and soak up the sun! It was so nice just relaxing, reading a book and drinking some Coronas. I felt like we could have been in a Corona commercial. Even though we've been here before we weren't able to get into the ocean because it was to cold but not this time! It was cold but not unbearable. It was pretty cool actually being out in something that big and powerful. Eric said he wished he would have gotten to see some fish, I on the other hand was pleased with the lack of wild life. After a few hours at the beach we made our way to the condo pool and sat there for awhile also. All and all it was a really great last day because we just chilled out all day. I am ready to get back home but will miss the beach on ocean!

Vacation Day 3

Day 3 has definitely been my favorite day so far! We woke up and had coffee and breakfast on our balcony over-looking the beach. I would love for each of my days off to start like that at home. I love just sitting and sipping my coffee and relaxing. After breakfast we decided to take a walk on the beach. We picked up a few shells and then decided to take it easy for a little bit in some lounge chairs. The best and most exciting thing we did today was rented jet ski's for dolphin and Shell Island tour. It was so cool, I cant even come up with words. To be in the Gulf of Mexico on a jet ski is like nothing I've ever done. We seen dolphins that would swim up by you, it was amazing!!! Shell Island is totally reserved so there is nothing on it but wild life and tons of Shells. It was beautiful! I cant believe we actually missed it last time we were here. I'm telling you we both LOVED it!!!! After our tour we came back to the condo and cleaned up and went to Pier Park again. I really like it there, its fun just to walk up and down the streets. We ended up at Margaritaville again and had "loaded LandSharks". What is that you ask well I'll tell you....Its a landshark beer with a shot of tequila in it with a lime! It was yummy!!! Our night ended with a nice soothing dip in the hot tub. We had a great day today and hopefully tomorrow will be as great!

Vacaction Day 2

Day 2 Vacation to Panama City Beach.

After a really good nights sleep at the Country Inn and Suites in Dothan, Alabama we hit the road to Panama City! We stopped at the Florida state line and got some tourist information so we could start planning our day. When we arrived in Panama our condo wasn't ready yet so we decided to get some lunch at Sharkys Bar and Grill. We were able to sit outside and eat so that was really nice. My only problem is I HATE birds and even though they did not come to close they were close enough. After we were stuffed we headed to Pier Park to do some shopping! We got a few souvenirs and I got a henna tattoo! Haha, yep I sure did! I know I'm 27 years old but I don't care, I thought I could try it on for size and see if I would like a real one! We got lost a couple of times looking for stuff but not really that big of deal. When our room was finally ready we checked in and of course hit the beach. We were able to relax for a little bit and enjoy the ocean. Before we knew it, it was time to eat again!! We ate at Jimmy Buffets Margaritaville! It was a really cool atmosphere and the food was great!!! Before we came back to the condo we forgot we needed something at Wal Mart so we thought we'd stop and pick up one little thing(coffee filters;very important), however I noticed they had a whole big section of souvenirs things!!! Who knew you could buy souvenirs at Wal Mart!!!??? Anyway our $2 coffee filters turned into $45 just like that! After a full day we were ready to get back to the condo and just relax with our Corona's and that's just what we did.

I thought it would be fun if Eric guest posted on my blog about his version of our vacation. We did something like this on our honeymoon and it was really funny! So heres Erics version....

It was a really long drive down here but now that we are in our condo it is well worth it and relaxing. I think the Pier Park mall sucked. The girls on stilts at Margaritaville were different and we ordered way to much food and I couldnt even eat everything I ordered and that never happens. I also should have bought one of the expensive blenders they had there. Thats all I have to say about that I am looking forward to the things we are going to do the next few days.