Meetin' in the ladies' room

Sorry, fellas, unless you are into reading about feminine hygiene issues, this post is not for you. This morning, girls, I had one of those dreadful moments when I realized that I was a) out of tampons and b) on day two of my period. As some of you may know, I am very, very choosy about my tampon brand of choice. Organic cotton, no bleach, no toxins. No rayon, no nitro/poly/hyrdo-whatever. When it comes to caring for my body, I try to go as natural as possible. If I wouldn't eat it, chances are I also wouldn't rub it onto my skin, drop it into my eyes, smooth it into my hair, or dust it onto my face. I believe you are all fully aware of my disdain for antiperspirants, and my occasional-at-best use of Tom's of Maine Honeysuckle Rose deodorant which I love because it smells like Fruit Loops.

Anyway, there I was, on my way to the office, debating whether to make myself 20 minutes late by going to Whole Foods, or whether to stop at a drug store along my route and purchase some unsavory brand and suffer through the rest of the day. Due to the fact that I can't exactly explain to my (male) bosses that I am late because of an organic cotton tampon run, I chose punctuality. All this responsibility seems to be turning me into a grown-up, which is fine as long as it doesn't make me old.

Work was work, cake was good

Much excitement today, people. I almost left for work without putting on my shoes. I'm wearing the shirt I wore to Jeana's engagement party, which is a black wrap with flowy, elbow-length sleeves that have some cherry blossom-looking embroidery on the front... only today I'm wearing a fitted black longsleeve underneath... and this description is helpful to about three of you, tops. So let's just say it's a pretty cute item. Way too adorable to pair with sock monkey slippers. I was actually walking out the front door when, fortunately, I took notice of this near-disaster. *whew!* A fast change into my tan boots, and we were off. I don't know where my mind was, but it was most certainly not on my footwear.

At work, I caught up on my emails, performed some directorial duties, and started some billing. Dropped my computer off at the Apple store on lunch, then finished up billing and did some layout for the company website. More of the guys from the office went to Toy Fair today, so it was rather empty.

This evening at home, there was a ruckus between the children. Screaming, hitting, pushing and shouting ensued over which was the rightful owner of a bowl of Cheerios. They were Nico's, but if you ask Livi she would say (baby hands on baby hips) that's just plain false. Oh, and tonight I was informed that the one leftover piece (which I ate last night) of my sister's famous flourless chocolate torte was labeled with some type of revolutionary invisible "Property of Herb" sticker. I will be hearing about it for the next four years, minimum.

It's No Fair for me, thanks.

On this fine President's Day, I was scheduled to be in NYC for Toy Fair. Olivia, however, has decided to continue running her weekend fever, thus stranding me at home. But wait, the day won't be completely void of excitement -- I'll be shelling out cash for a visit to the pediatrician, while at the same time missing out on a full day's pay. You see? Even when I'm not directing the art, I'm still multi-tasking!

Since I'm not going to Toy Fair, here's what I had planned on doing with the guys from the office today:

1. Scoping out new and interesting toys, design, and ideas
2. Meeting some new people and engaging in professional chit chat
3. Finding a good spot to go out to lunch
4. General stomping around, laughing, and enjoyment of a free day in the city

After I get back from taking the baby to the doctor, I plan to dull my professional pain by purchasing some new underwear online. That seems fair, doesn't it?

This makes me happy

My beloved sister has asked me and her other blog buds to write a list of five random things that make us happy. Here is mine:

1. Affection from my kids. Namely, squeezy hugs from Livi, and when Nico puts his hands on my face and kisses me on the cheek.

2. dsw.com and urbanoutfitters.com.

3. Being awake after midnight, especially with Frank.

4. Watching European and South American soccer (rather, football and futbol) with my family.

5. Driving too fast, especially in nice weather with the moonroof open.

Aaah, yes. Those are some good-timing things, as far as I'm concerned. I'm enjoying myself this early morning... last night I fell asleep on the sofa and woke up around 3am. I bought some shoes online, finally. Shoes are one thing of which I'm badly in need. I have three pair. Not just three pairs of shoes that fit, or a bunch of shoes and I only really wear three of them... no. I outgrew all my shoes, and now I only own three pair, two of which are sneakers. Luckily I am in love with my tan boots or I'd really be in some heinously un-cute territory. Said boots were purchased some time around Christmas of 2004 (from urbanoutfitters.com) and were a tad large on my feet until I was pregnant with Nico. They've barely left me feet since then. With spring approaching, though, it's time for some new kicks.

I've come to the harsh realization that I am no longer a high heels girl. I love to look at them, I love to try them on, but I would never get through the day in them at this point in my life. Between the kids, the back pain, and the constant walking to and fro in the new, larger office space, I can't even look at anything that's not called "flat" or "skimmer". My new highest height is "kitten heel". So, meow to that.

Yes, alive!

I have been a bad, bad blogger these past couple of weeks. Toni, you really made me smile with your last comment. Thanks :D I guess I've been so busy with work... up early, out the door early, and not home until after 6 most nights. By the time the kids are asleep, all I feel like doing is communing with myself. The next two days at the office hold the promise of extreme busy-ness. Tonight I am making heart-shaped rice krispie treats for Nico's class Valentine's party. Then I have to shower, which, to be honest, is at the bottom of the list of things I feel like doing.

I will mention that working outside the home again has done wonders for my sanity and sense of self. The catch is that I have next to no time to accomplish anything. I often put my lunch hour to good use, but outside of that it's a bit limited unless I want to run errands by the light of the moon.

All in all, all is well. Hope you're all having a super week. Anyone have good plans for getting your love on this weekend? Valentine's isn't the most celebrated of La Rivera's holidays, mostly due to hubby's aversion to "bullshit Hallmark crap". This does not stop me from hoping for flowers. I'll let you know how that goes.

Feel the burn

Long story short, I splurged on a spectacular new flat iron and I am in love with said styling tool.

Short story slightly extended, I now know the reason my stylist uses a fine-tooth comb to hold the sections of hair as she runs her flat iron through my locks... it makes the hair so hot that you can burn yourself for reals unless you take a 15-second break between passes. Yowza!