Bagster

Bagster is a great resource for Do-it-Yourself'ers like we are.   One of these days I'll get a complete album of the renovations we've been working on loaded up here but in the meantime, today is a good day because two bags and a few thousand pounds (!) of demolition debris has been removed from our driveway. 

It's a simple concept.  Pick up the bag at any Home Depot or Lowe's.   Fill it as you would a dumpster and when you're ready for it to go, simply call or fill out the online order form. A garbage truck will come and pick up your Bagster bag(s) (ours came the next day)*.  We had so much taken out of the house that we needed two bags.  They do offer a multi-bag pickup discount, so if you anticipate more than one bag and you have the room, it's worth it to wait and call for both bags to be picked up at the same time.  Also, I googled "Bagster Online Coupon" and found a $20 off promo code via retail-me-not.  (that site has great online coupon codes, always worth checking!) 

* Just be sure to check out the "rules" for collection.  Your driveway has to be a minimum size and there are some other details on the site.  It cost us about $300 for both bags and pick-up. 

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Product Review: Chi Hairdryer & Clarisonic

I bought this over the weekend.  Note: if you're in the market for this product check out your local Marshalls or TJ Maxx.  I always see them there and bought mine for $70, $30+ cheaper than Amazon or Overstock.

Anyways, I just wanted to report that I am a very happy customer.  It's expensive but it really does dry my hair considerably faster than my old dryer, which not only helps my rushed morning routine but also must be healthier for my hair.  And it's light weight and easy on the arm!   I would definitely recommend this product.

 And speaking of products, I've been meaning to write that the Clarisonic face brush that so many reviews rave about was a total let down for me.  I didn't notice any change in my skin from using it and I find it to be a waste of time.  Save your $$.   

Structure

And on this Monday morning, as has been the case for several Monday mornings this summer, I found myself --- dare I say it, looking forward to heading into work.   For as long as I can remember I have worried about work/life balance when the time came for motherhood.  Actually, at 22 I chose a job that would be best cut out for motherhood, while still bringing home a nice paycheck.  My job path is not particularly glamorous or intellectually challenging, yet it isn't entirely bad either.  I work in a great place with people that treat me well.  Our benefits, financial and otherwise, have helped us get to a place that I feel extremely proud and secure and I have a defined and marketable skill set.

But something else is happening recently.  Between the pregnancy and my husband's recovery from surgery, I have started to look forward to this quiet little space where I spend my weekdays.  I like the routine of it.   I like knowing what to expect, and knowing that I am valued and good at it.  I like the pace --- where once I found it tedious and boring, these days I'm feeling gratitude for the time in the morning where I can make my coffee, read a few of my favorite blogs, gather some thoughts here on this space, and start my workday.   I used to daydream of how I could find a job that would give me flexibility to enjoy more of the summer --- but you know what, the summer is hot.  And after a sticky humid weekend, my cool office seemed like just the right place to be.  

So - what am I trying to say here?   Just a note to my younger self, I suppose.  I spent countless hours worrying whether the career path I chose would allow me the family balance that I know I need.  And just recently, as my belly grows and life becomes increasingly busy, I think that I did make the right choice.  I like the predictability and structure of what I do.  I like being part of a talented team.  I like coming to work and being productive. 

And that's it.  For now, I'm content. And that feels really good.  For now, my head isn't going in a million directions wondering how I got here and whether it was right or wrong.   For now, I'm just enjoying this unique time in my life and soaking it in - a sincere and true gratitude for where I'm at and nothing more.

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Serena and Lily Onesies

I know they're overpriced and you can find plenty of similar things for half the cost, but I might have to splurge and buy a few of these for Baby C.   They're so sweet and everyone raves about Hanna Andersson.

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May I Suggest

Thanks H, for sending along some tunes for Baby C and I.   This one got me a little weepy this morning. Right on. 

MAY I SUGGEST 
From: New Non-Fiction (2001)
Copyright © Susan Werner

May I suggest
May I suggest to you
May I suggest this is the best part of your life
May I suggest
This time is blessed for you
This time is blessed and shining almost blinding bright
Just turn your head
And you’ll begin to see
The thousand reasons that were just beyond your sight
The reasons why
Why I suggest to you
Why I suggest this is the best part of your life

There is a world
That’s been addressed to you
Addressed to you, intended only for your eyes
A secret world
Like a treasure chest to you
Of private scenes and brilliant dreams that mesmerize
A lover’s trusting smile
A tiny baby’s hands
The million stars that fill the turning sky at night
Oh I suggest
Oh I suggest to you
Oh I suggest this is the best part of your life

There is a hope
That’s been expressed in you
The hope of seven generations, maybe more
And this is the faith
That they invest in you
It’s that you’ll do one better than was done before
Inside you know
Inside you understand
Inside you know what’s yours to finally set right
And I suggest
And I suggest to you
And I suggest this is the best part of your life

This is a song
Comes from the west to you
Comes from the west, comes from the slowly setting sun
With a request
With a request of you
To see how very short the endless days will run
And when they’re gone
And when the dark descends
Oh we’d give anything for one more hour of light

And I suggest this is the best part of your life.

And here's a clip of it being covered by Red Molly.

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Alone Time

Last night I woke to your dad laughing.  I had fallen asleep early and he had his hands on my belly, as he loves to do.  You were kicking and turning non-stop and your dad felt every movement.  He said "shhh, you're going to wake your mom" but you'd respond with a double-kick.   He was sure that you felt him there.  My boys --- playing alone together for the very first time.   

Emerson

"The world makes way for the man who knows where he's going...." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

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