An Elephant Never Forgets

I am apparently no elephant (in more ways than one).

I feel like lately I forget all sorts of things.  It could be that I have crammed too much into my brain over the last nine months, and my memory is revolting.

You would think I would be a pro at packing by now, I do it every week.  But I think I am actually digressing.  A few weeks ago I cleaned out my "Bathroom Bag." It holds everything I need to get ready, and then some.  It was getting heavy so I cleaned it out.  When I got done I was so proud of myself because it was so lite.  Until I got half way to Wichita and realized it was so lite because I forgot to pack my straightener and hair dryer.  Although, I do have to say this forgetfulness turned out good, because the new ones I picked up work much better.  Last week I managed to forget all of my jewelry (except for my wedding rings), socks, and my favorite flip flops.  I felt naked without jewelry all week.

I month ago I was filling out some health questions and I completely forgot to mention that my mom had breast cancer.  I guess in my mind since my mom was never sick, and never had chemo, she also never had breast cancer.  She did have a double mastectomy, which I guess my brain just lumped in with some of her other surgeries.  I have no explanation for this laps in memory, and feel kind of bad about it.

If it wasn't for Facebook, I would not remember any of my friend's birthdays.  I always remember my family's birthdays, not that I always remember to send anything.  I am working on remembering my in-laws' birthdays.  And Will and I have not had our 1st wedding anniversary yet, so neither one of us has had the opportunity to forget that one.

Don't even get me started on internet passwords.  Why does absolutely everything on the internet have to have a password?  I try to use some of the same passwords, I know it is not as safe, but I can't remember 3,572 passwords.  Our health insurance alone has 3 different user id and password combos.  Today I forgot the password to our copier in the office. Luckily I found the small piece of paper I had scribbled it on from the last time I forgot, and had to call the company to find out what it was.

I know I could be more organized, but let's face it, at 30 my personality is not going to magically change to a Type A organized person.  I like my piles and my mess, and for the most part I am keeping it all together.  At least that's what I let everyone think.  ;)

Dear Scale,

It's me, Jordan.

I have been away from you for almost two weeks now.  I was hoping that when we are reunited this weekend, that you could show me a little love.  Be kind to me when I hold my breath and wait for the magic number to appear.

The last week and a half, I have been a lot more active, taken the dogs on several long walks, and been eating healthy meals at home almost every night.

Please reflect a little of my hard work in the number that you present me with this weekend.  I need the encouragement to keep making healthy strides in the right direction.

Sincerely Yours,
Jordan

P.S.  I also have a little Ladies Vegas trip coming up in three short weeks, can you help me out?

Art Snobs

Cooper and Derby just do not appreciate art.  Now, I do realize they are dogs, and the concept of "Art" may be a little beyond them, but they don't have to be scared of it.

This morning I took the dogs for a walk in downtown Wichita and encountered a sculpture on the street. This one to be exact.

Cooper and Derby were not a fan of this work.  They both had their fur all bristled up.  They walked as far away from the sculpture as they could, and they kept watching it as they walked by like it was going to suddenly attack.

I have been trying to learn what makes fine art.  I am not artistic at all.  My brother got all of the art genes in our family.  He is a fantastic ceramics artist.  According to many in the art world, his work is really good.  I am just lucky to have free art in my home (even if I do get some of the "reject work").

Check out my brother, Alex Beam-Ward's website. www.alexbeamward.com

Here are a few photos of his work.

That is made of ceramics, not wood and metal.

Ladies Night(s)

I have been lucky enough to have three ladies nights in a row this week.  After many "not so good for me" meals and a case of wine, here is what I have learned.

What kind of curtains should go in my kitchen.
Where the best decorating stores are in KC.
How to best clean my bathroom.
How to best seduce my husband.
What to do with woman we don't care for.
What to not use a Groupon for.
How to deal with difficult in-laws (not mine).
What new golf clubs I should buy.
How to hit the perfect drive.
Who is currently pregnant and not pregnant.
How to pack for a cross county move.
How to deal with crazy bosses (again not mine).
What you need to plan a great party.
How to try an get pregnant.
How to try and not get pregnant.

and. . .

World Peace.

Women always find the solution for World Peace at a ladies night, or at least peace in their world.

My liver and I will now be recovering from our case of wine.

Amazon Woman

I have been on the hunt for some cute, summery espadrilles for several weeks.  I have found tons of really cute shoes that I would love to own. . . here comes my problem. . . they all have 4 inch heels or higher.  I am already a tall woman, 5'9".  Not like freakishly tall, but definitely above average.  If I wear shoes that have 4 inch heels or taller that makes me 6'1" or taller.  That takes me from above average, right to Amazon Woman height.

I have always loved being tall.  I am not ashamed of being tall.  When I was in pre-school I was one of the tallest in my class (pretty much the tallest all through elementary school).  My mom asked me once if I was okay with being so tall, I said yeah, it was great because I was the only one in class that could reach the paper towels.  Being tall has always had it's ups and downs.  I have always had a hard time find pants that are long enough.  And men sometimes have a hard time with a woman being taller then them (luckily my husband is a full inch taller then me).

But back to the shoes.  What happened to 2 1/2 inch heels being the norm?  Even shoes that aren't espadrilles have huge platforms in them.

How do you even walk in shoes like these?  I have tried on shoes like these in the store, and they always make me laugh.  I tried them on next to my mom who is 5'6", and the top of her head came to my shoulder.  I don't mind, that if in heels, I am a little taller than my husband.  But towering over him and everyone else in the room is a little embarrassing.

I know they do still make some espadrilles and heels in lower heights.  I do own a few pairs.  But lately I feel like the lower (normal) heels are in more matronly styles, or look old lady to me.  All of the really fun, sexy heels seem to only come in the 4 inch heels and higher.  And why wear heels, if not to feel a little sexy?

I will continue my search for perfect pair.  Hope you have enjoyed the view.

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to my amazing, wonderful, awesome husband!  He makes me smile and laugh everyday.  I hope he has a wonderful birthday.  There are so many who love and admire him.  You would not believe the number of people who have contacted me because they want to do something special for his birthday.  He deserves every bit of the celebration!

Happy Birthday Will!

My Boys

I was going through my phone the other day, and noticed that I take a lot of pictures of our dogs.  I though I would share a few.  Yes, I am that crazy dog lady.

Sunning themselves on the deck.

"Where are you going to sleep?"

My Derb-Derb

Shhh, Cooper is sleeping.

Brothers make great pillows.

"Hi Mom!"

"Squirrel!"

Nice lip Cooper.

So exhausted after playing at Wyatt's house.

"It's okay to be on the furniture, right?"

Coop D - O Double G

Life is more fun with your tongue out.

As you can see, pretty much all our dogs do is sleep.