Interesting

As I was wasting time on the internets today, I came across this article on Slate.com about gender and politics. I found it extremely interesting and worth reading up more on some of the referenced articles.

Now I have never been involved in politics, but have been in a leadership position at my old job. When I was promoted, there were a number of men who were upset about having to report to a woman. Especially a woman who was younger than them. So I find what some men have to say about Hillary Clinton not surprising. It doesn't matter if you agree with her politics or not, but calling her a bitch just sounds ignorant. You would never hear any of the male candidates called a similar derogatory name. Why does a woman who speaks her mind and is forceful and passionate about issues always labeled a bitch by those who disagree? Yes Clinton is a polarizing figure, but I think that even if a different woman was running there would be the same name calling.

Ok, I know I went on a tangent away from the point of the article. That's just what the article made me think about.

This is not a post for or against Hilliary Clinton, just my thoughts on gender relations.

Ugh, Christmas Shopping

Now I officially have to start shopping for Christmas gifts. I think this year I will do most of my shopping online, as usually DVD's and books are cheaper at Amazon than anywhere else. Plus it is so much easier to sit on my ass and click away then to go to the stores. Last week I did brave Toys R Us, but was really turned off by the lack of interesting toys for a 9 month old baby. Most of them were loud, annoying, big, and expensive. I really want to limit the amount of battery operated toys, as we are tearing through batteries due to the baby monitor and crib mobile. Plus I am a little worried about all the possible lead in the plastic toys. Especially since Mia puts everything in her mouth.

I did find this great online store, Oompa Toys that sells beautiful Haba brand toys. They are mostly wooden and made in Germany so no lead worries there. The prices are great and I have already picked out a few things. Actually there were so many cute toys that I am going to have to restrain myself!

Congratulations to Mark and Dana on the birth of Caroline Monet, she is just beautiful!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!!

Job Offer (Updated)

Last week I received a job offer from a company that supplies lab equipment to quarries and construction materials labs like where I used to work. I turned it down because I really don't want a full time job right now. Plus it would mean a 20 plus minute commute one way. Well, the company emailed me and said that if I only wanted to work 20 hours a week they might have an opportunity for me. They also indicated that they would be flexible and I know those jobs are almost impossible to find.

I have such mixed feelings about working. On one hand I love staying home and spending time with Mia. But I also really miss working and having the independence of my own money. I wish this offer came a year from now, then I would definitely take it. Part of me feels that if I turn this down, when I am ready to work there won't be anything out there. Especially since my job experience is in such a narrow field (construction and mining geology).

The guy offered to even meet me in Hilliard (he lives here also) and to discuss the job with me and B.J. Gaaahhhhh! I don't know what to do! This situation will require alot of thought and discussion.

Update: I am going in for an interview on the 7th. I figured, what the hell, if it doesn't work out at least they can keep me in mind for the future. Basically it all comes down to money. I am not going to work to just pay daycare, that is dumb. So, I guess I need to find out how much daycare will cost. I am still conflicted, hopefully the interview will help me make up my mind.

Ohio State 14, Michigan 3

The title says it all. OSU's defense owned Michigan, and nobody could stop Beanie Wells. Great game. Go Buckeyes!!!!

Worst Football Weekend Ever

What the hell? Ohio State lost. The Cleveland Browns lost. The New York Giants lost.

Michigan lost too, so at least I feel a tiny bit better. Bucks vs Blue this weekend, Go OSU!!

Zune!

B.J. and I just bought our Christmas gift for each other, we are going to share a 30GB Zune! Well we may buy another one if we like it since they are on sale at Buy.com.

We decided on a Zune instead of an Ipod since we could get 30GB for $99. No way could we find an Ipod with that amount of memory for that cheap. I can't wait until it gets here!

Side note: I know we are way behind the times as this is our first Mp3 player. Unless you count my car which can play Mp3 CD's.

Busy, Busy, Busy

Last week was crazy busy, sorry for the lack of blogging. B.J. had the week off of work and we had plenty of home improvement projects going on. We got a late start since Monday we had to take Mia to the doctor, she had a weird bacterial infection on her head. There were small crusty bumps that oozed, they were gross, so her doctor wanted us to bring her in. She is all better now, we had some ointment and washed her head with an anti-bacterial soap. She did develop a cough and runny nose a few days later. No fever so I don't think it was anything serious, she was very crabby though, so I didn't get anything done the first few days.

Tuesday B.J. and I went to dinner for our anniversary (3 years!). Luckily our babysitter was available during the week. We went to McCormick & Schmick's and had some delicious seafood. Also some killer desserts!

We got a new front door, one with a window, and that needed to be painted. Twice. Two different colors. The first one was too bright a green, you could see it from down the block! It was like a beacon calling us home, and also a bit embarrassing. Now it is a nice forest green color. We also installed a new eco-friendly inside light above the door. That was a huge pain to put in, but it will save us money on our electricity bills.

B.J. waterproofed our privacy fence, luckily we were able to borrow a sprayer from a guy he works with. If we had to hand brush it, it would have taken a month! My big project was painting the kitchen. It is now no longer bright yellow, but now a nice shade of light cream. We just need to replace all the light fixtures and get a new refrigerator. That will have to wait since yesterday we ordered a new dining room table and chairs. All in good time, no need to fill up the credit card before Christmas.

On Saturday Anne came down from Ann Arbor to hang out for the weekend. We went to see Dashboard Confessional in concert at the Newport. Fantastic show! Sunday my parents came over and we all went to lunch at Scrambler's, which was delicious.

That's about it, this week is much more relaxed. I still need to finish painting one wall of the hallway between the living room and the kitchen, but I ran out of paint. I think that will wait until the weekend. I think this is the longest post I have ever done, so I will stop boring all of you. Have a great week!