This Week or "Why I have been banned from Press Releases"

This last week was a very busy but wonderful week for me. There's just a lot going on both here at home and at work. Let's review...shall we?

Monday, I had an interview and assessment for a NEW JOB. It went really well and I was able to find out a lot about the company. It is appealing to me for many reasons...the biggest reason being that in as little as a year I could be telecommuting from my own home office (home office provided by the company). That means that when TW starts kindergarten, I will be able to do what I have ALWAYS wanted to do...which is be here the second he gets home.

Tuesday, I drove (like a woman possessed) to Mount Vernon to meet Dad for dinner. I love getting to spend time with my family, even if it is only for a meal...and Tanner LOVES to hang out with Papa. Those two are silly together and a lot of fun to watch. MY PARENTS SPOIL MY CHILD. He adores them.

Wednesday and Thursday were kind of quiet. Although Thursday I helped write my very first (and last) press release. This week we closed on the Howsmon's building in Joplin. Whenever we close on a project like that, we always issue a press release to the appropriate news media. Janet used to do that. But Janet left us--so Chyna and I tried to muddle through it. She did the majority of the work and used me as her word placement, grammar and pretty word person. You can read parts of this press release in today's issue of The Joplin Globe . You will not, however, read my BEST contribution to the piece. It got booted...and then I think I was banned from ever writing a press release again. Chyna needed a quote for the article from "Matt". We were kind of making jokes about it and she came up with "We are really cool and we think Joplin is really cool so it is a natural fit" I came up with "We think Joplin is off the heezey and we can't wait to rock this mother out." It was deemed unworthy for the press release. But you all know that MY quote is WAY better than what ended up in the paper. What can I say, my company has no sense of humor. Nazis!

Friday, I had a second interview with United Health Group. It was a phone interview, which I hate. But I took the time to prepare and again did well and have another interview scheduled for Wednesday evening at 6:00 pm. YIPPEE!!!

Today, Tanner and I are just chilling. He is building a castle with some blocks and playing with the puppies and I am...well blogging. Did you catch that??? I said "puppies". For those of you who haven't heard yet, we ended up keeping the chihuahua. Erma loved him! But Wayne could not be persuaded to keep him. Bummer--but somehow when Jeremy said "let's buy my Grandma a puppy", I knew this was going to happen. He is a cutie though, and when my boys look at me with their big blue eyes and they pout, I can't turn them down. And they BOTH do this frequently. I am such a sucker.

Tanner just informed me that he wants to play outside, so I am off to get dressed and have some fun in the sun with my favorite little guy. Check back later for pics of our day.

Can we keep him??

Today, we bought a Chihuahua. Technically, he is not ours. He is a birthday present for Jeremy's Grandma Erma. Of course there is a chance that tomorrow when we drive to Preston to deliver him that she rejects him and he returns home with us. But how can you reject this little cutie???

Jeremy decided he wanted to name him Rocky, because it looks like he has two black eyes. I suggested we call him Balboa, if that was the effect he was really after. Tanner said, "Let's name him Freddy!" Then I remembered he's not really ours to name...so for tonight he is just "puppy". Kinda cute isn't he?? At nine weeks old, he weighs in at just over a pound, and he is a little spit fire. For the last hour or so, he's been growling at Daisy and the cats (if you can call it growling). It is TOO adorable.

As you can see, Tanner loves him already. We made sure to tell him up front that this was not OUR puppy...I'm not entirely sure he was listening. But for now we are all enjoying having him in our home. Tomorrow will be a sad day.

So for those of you I haven't told yet, Monday I have a job interview at 2:30. I wasn't really actively looking for a job, but I happened on this one and I think I would really enjoy it. So send lots of prayers my way. It is really past time for me to leave where I am, and this could be the start of a new chapter. I am putting it in God's hands though. And speaking of God, he wants me to be in church tomorrow and Shelly and I have decided to go to the EARLY service so Jeremy and I can get an earlier start to his grandparent's house, so I am signing off and heading for bed. Sweet Dreams.

T-Ball Tanner Style

The sun was out today, and Tanner and I took full advantage of it. He kept missing the regular t-ball, so he switched it up a little and played t-ball "Tanner style".

Thumbs Up, Mom!

How can you resist that grin???

It was nice to be outside in the warmth...I did a few videos today also. My intention is to post them even though you can hear me wheezing in the background. Thanks to those of you who called to make sure I was feeling better. I love you too!

DING--Round Two!

Thank you to whomever decided to pass what can only be called "the world's ickiest cold" back to me. It wasn't bad enough the first time!

Tonight, I feel worn...and yucky...and sorry for myself. SIGH! As a matter of fact, I am going to go and crawl into my warm, cozy bed, bury my head underneath my pillow, and let the NyQuil carry me off into dreamland. To the doctor who invented NyQuil...BLESS YOU! To the man who decided Kleenexes would be even better with lotion...YOU ARE WONDERFUL! To all of you who know exactly the ickiness of the cold I am speaking of because you too have had it...I REALLY feel for you. Being sick stinks! Let's boycott it! Yeah, I know. It's crazy talk--that's the NyQuil kicking in ;o)

Sweet Dreams all. I have high hopes that the next time I am here in blog land that I will be able to breathe from both nostrils. Ah the power of positive thinking. XOXOXO

In Like a Lion

March is here!! THAT means Spring is almost here...and I L-O-V-E Spring time. But as the saying goes, March came in like a lion this year. At 4 am on March 1st, tornado sirens were wailing here in Springfield letting us know that severe weather season was back. Since I am the responsible one, I padded out of my warm comfortable bed (after having been jumped on by a terrified four year old) and into the living room to monitor the storm on the radio. An hour later, satisfied that we were completely out of harm's way, I crawled back into bed. I predict many more of those storms this spring. We'll see if my intuition is correct.

Last night was terrific! My beautiful friends Sara and Steve came to visit us for the evening. A year and a half is WAY too long to go without seeing your best-est buddy. I miss her already. I FINALLY got to meet Barron, whom I simply adore. I'd kiss his sweet little cheeks a million more times if I could. Tanner adores Steve and thinks he is the coolest guy ever...maybe even almost as cool as Daddy. I wish you all could have seen those three boys playing with the Nerf guns and rough housing. It was too funny. After Sara and Steve's departure today, we crashed hard. There is nothing quite as satisfying as a long afternoon nap. Especially when it is cloudy and cold outside.

Now, we are simply relaxing. Jeremy is watching some bull riding ( huge eye roll at my husband's redneck ways), and I am surfing the web, downloading some tunes and editing some photos. Outside, I can hear the March wind howling...but inside 404 East Morningside, it is calm and quiet and toasty warm.

Tonight, I will SLEEP

Today, I finished my audits. There was a magnificent sense of completion. I love knowing that I started this gi-normous project and did all of it, without help from anyone. For the last three weeks, I have dreamed of numbers and missing invoices and computer crashes...but tonight I will sleep well. Speaking of work related stuff, Janet quit today. She walked out in a huff after having said what the rest of us would like to say to our boss. Chyna, Lisa and I helped her carry her things out to her car, wishing that we were packing up our desks too. GOOD FOR HER!

Tanner and I had a nice weekend. Saturday he helped me bake cookies. He really enjoys being my little helper. Then we just kind of lounged around. I also got to see Jeremy this weekend. He has been working so much that we just kind of pass each other on a daily basis. Sara, he did mention that he would stay home so he could see you this weekend. I think he likes you more than me ;-)

And since I am talking about people who are liked more than me...Everyday when I pick Tanner up from Carol's house we have a ritual we go through. As I am buckling him in his car seat, he always asks me, "Who's your favorite boy?" I say, "Tanner." Then I ask, "Who's your favorite girl?" And he says "Mommy." We've been doing this for a long time now...it's just a habit. Today, we got all the way to me asking him who his favorite girl was and he said "Dixie." Aunt Dixie has stolen his heart with one phone call. No one else matters now. I am fairly certain that if you called to talk to him and didn't have a sweet southern accent he might hang up on you. Sorry.

Well, Jeremy just walked in the door which means I have about an hour to talk to him before I go to bed, so I am off to visit with my hubby. Night night.

It's Happening!!

I think that I am getting old. I am mildly disturbed by this. I don't feel old, but apparently there are signs that indicate that I am no "spring chicken". Let me give you a few examples of what I mean.

1. Three years ago, the magazines I received in the mail were trendy and up to date...Cosmo, Vogue, Shape. Today, I received something called "Midnight Velvet" that showcases gaudy dresses, jewelry, and shoes. Everything in the magazine has beads on it or shoulder pads...I kid you not. And I have looked through it three times.

2. A cute guy called me ma'am today. Yup. I was so shocked I couldn't respond...I think he assumed my silence meant I was hard of hearing since he repeated what he had just asked me...only louder.

3. I have used Flex-All more than once this week. I suspect Jeremy thinks I have made a poor choice on some new perfume.

4. My last pair of shoes were purchased from an orthopedic store...they go with nothing and I wear them with everything.

5. I am empathetic to the plights of "The Golden Girls".

6. We are planning our five year anniversary trip, and I suggested seeing a Gospel show and a trip to a museum.

7. I am constantly looking for ways to get more fiber in my diet.

8. I have been watching movies...on Lifetime.

9. I enjoyed them.

10. And last but certainly NOT least, this morning an eighty year old woman with road rage and steel blue hair cut me off and used some inappropriate hand signals because I was going too slow.

It is official, I am pathetic and have no life outside my family and work. I am out of touch with the world around me...I am NOT fun. SIGH!!! I need a pick me up. Perhaps a visit from a friend, or a night out on the town. Sara, if you don't come see me, I may be doomed. I'll give you directions. We can go get Chinese food. Steve and Jeremy can go play pool and we'll do young, hip girly things. That is...if my hip isn't broken by then. SAVE ME!

Ah, L'amour!! Happy Valentine's Day everyone!!! I hope that each one of you is lucky enough to be with the one you love today.

Jules

February Fun!

Since fun is what I am all about lately, there was plenty to be had today if you were with the Bradshaws. I got to sleep in this morning--which for me is GREAT fun and almost unheard of. Jeremy and Tanner got up this morning and had some play time and Mommy snored the morning away. I got up at ten and got us ready for the noon service of church.

Tanner has been very reluctant to leave Mom's side and hasn't wanted to go to Children's Church. Today Shelly and I convinced him that he would have much more fun there...so with minimal tears, he went. Today's service was as good as the rest of them, and was the last sermon in "The Winning Hand" series. Next week we start a series called "Help." I am really looking forward to it.

After church, the Bradshaw family and Shelly went to Chuck E Cheese for lunch. It was Tanner's reward for being so super good all week long. Not that he isn't ALWAYS a perfect angel...but this week he was extra special perfect. It was very comical to watch the afternoon play out. Tanner ate his pizza and ran off to play in the jungle gym and left us adults to figure out how to get rid of eight bazillion tokens. Shelly and Jeremy fought off six year olds and played games until they were sick of them. I supervised Tanner and about eight other seemingly parentless children in the play area. One little boy, who looked to be about three came up to me and asked me if I had seen his Mommy. I wanted to cry. After three and a half hours we had finally had enough and left. Tanner had a great time...and I think Jeremy and Shelly did too. Kids at heart those two.

Currently, I am all tuckered out. Jeremy and Tanner have crashed on the couch, and I think I am going to head for bed early this evening. But NOT before I ask for volunteers to drive to Springfield on Memorial Day weekend. I need a babysitter...so if any of you know ANYONE who might be willing to spend some time with an incredibly cute and cuddly four year old who just happens to think that his Nana and Papa are the best in the whole wide world, let me know. We can make a deal.

Just Tanner

Chillin' In the Fort!

Tanner Loves Cirrus


Please sir, May I have some more?

I AM sitting!!



Sweet Dreams, Angel of Mine.

Everyone say a prayer for my tired, sick boy. Look how raw his nose is! Poor little man! I think he needs some of Nana's soup.

Winter Wedding

Today, Jeremy's younger cousin Kayla got married. Since the batteries in my camera died, I do not yet have any actual pictures of the wedding, but it was very nice. Kayla and Kurt had the ceremony at Drury Chapel (which was FREEZING). It was one of those short but sweet ceremonies that wedding guests everywhere have come to love. Jeremy and I got a good laugh at the minister's expense. It was very obvious that he had just met the couple (I think he was included with the chapel rental). And he had the bad habit of pausing.....in between.....his words. Tanner was on his best behavior, even though he was having the hardest time sitting still. He was also having a bit of a problem understanding why he wasn't the center of Kayla's attention. But Jeremy and I promised him a party at a Castle if he would behave...and we delivered.

The wedding reception was at Pythian Castle, and I have to say, it was wonderful. I am DEFINITELY going back soon to take a tour of the place. They occasionally have Murder Mystery dinners there, and I am more than ready to take part in one. Anyone care to join me?? It would be a blast. Anyway, back to the reception. Tanner thought it was the coolest thing in the world that he got to go to a castle and dance with girl in pretty dresses. Jeremy and I just sat back and watched him in action. He's a lady killer that one. SIGH. What am I going to do when he gets in school?

So since I was at the wedding today, that means I missed the Auto show and consequently Pedro. Sorry Dad. But I wanted you to have a little something anyway...so enjoy!!! And for the rest of you who may not be as into Napoleon Dynamite as Dad is...sorry. I love you all, and will be back soon.

I am a Red-liner

Have you ever sat in church and realized that the minister was speaking directly to you??? Of course you have, we all have. Well today, I discovered that I, Juli Bradshaw, am a red-liner. Today's sermon was titled "Know When to Hold 'em, Know when to fold em." In summary, it was all about how red-liners (people who are in danger of taking on too much and are never able to enjoy the moment because they are always thinking about what could happen tomorrow or the next day) need to let go and realize that God's purpose for our life does not include being stressed out all the time, but to have a beautifully balanced life centered on Him.

It really spoke to me...especially since I am not doing so great a job at remembering my word for the year...FUN. It made me wonder how many moments I have missed because I was caught up in something stressful going on at work or home. How many times have I only half listened to Tanner or Jeremy because I was thinking about all the bills I had to enter or because I was still trying to figure out why a loan wouldn't reconcile? I don't know an exact number, but it's really too many. Well, enough is enough. I FOLD! Sometimes losing a hand, can be a good thing! Oh and for the record, the praise and worship team sang "The Gambler" as we were all leaving...I thought it was a nice touch.

F-R-E-A-K-I-N-G OUT!

Tanner and I are home alone right now...as we typically are on Saturday nights. I don't usually mind being home alone, but tonight I am a bit freaked out. I keep hearing strange noises coming from one of the vents in the living room. Actually, it's the one right next to the computer. I can't believe I am even sitting here right now. If my instincts are correct, then I have a mouse. Let me say that again for those of you who dismissed it as NOT BEING A BIG DEAL. I HAVE A MOUSE! A tiny, furry rodent with big beady eyes and a long skinny tail is in all liklihood sitting in my vent right now....watching me, and waiting for the opportunity to scurry across the floor. Which, as you know, would only cause chaos. I am twenty seven years old, but let me paint a picture of what it might look like here if I actually were to see this mouse. Picture me, standing atop whatever piece of furniture happened to be closest (probably the couch), with whatever weapon I had available (if I had to guess an empty water bottle) being waved menacingly toward the offensive creature. I would most likely be jumping up and down on one leg and shrieking. Do you have a good mental image going? I know it might be silly to be afraid of a little mouse, but for whatever reason, they frighten me. When Marianne and I were in college and living at the Park, we had a mouse in our apartment one night. We completely freaked out and lured it onto the balcony with a slice of pizza. Then we shut the door and watched it as it tried to claw its way back in. I am guessing it was trying to seek revenge for being ousted. I still get the creepy crawlies when I think about it.

So you were all apparently tired of my Monday post and felt I had been neglecting you this week. I apologize. We've had a busy week here...still kind of dull, but busy. Jeremy got the yard cleaned up...which basically means he got to buy a chainsaw. He called me at work on Wednesday from Home Depot giggling because he had found one that he NEEDED. I couldn't really tell him no. Well, I could have...but then his grandmother would have had to loan us her chainsaw...and that means that she would actually have to come to the house...and THAT, my friends, is the only thing I fear worse than the mouse. I worked late a few nights this week. Michele and I haven't even started the 1099's or the W-2's that HAVE to be done next week. So on the nights that I wasn't working late I was in bed by 9 or 9:30. I am just very tired right now. I need to take a LONG nap...in a tanning bed or on a beach. I keep telling myself Spring will be here soon.

Gotta run. I just remembered that I have movies due back tonight and Jeremy doesn't want to go back out "into the freezing cold" since he just walked in the door, so I will have to go. I will update you all again very soon--and next time with pictures!!!

Another Monday has come and gone. Today was very quiet at the office and I got a lot done. Still not enough, but I felt like I had accomplished a great deal as I was crossing the last item off of my list. I even had time to rock out to some tunes while I was working.

I am really loving Pink's new song "U + UR Hand". It's another one of her angry girl songs...and Sara, you know how I adore angry girl music. It's probably because I grew up in the ghetto and was very under privileged. All those times that I had to take care of my seven siblings because my parents weren't around...Oh wait, that wasn't me...

Things are a bit slow around the Bradshaw ranch right now...nothing exciting in the least is going on. Although, last night, I almost C-H-O-K-E-D Jeremy. He didn't necessarily do anything wrong...I was just REALLY annoyed with everything yesterday. We were watching An American Haunting and he just didn't get it...and I absolutely abhor having to explain movies to people. It drives me bonkers. Anyway, the discussion ended with him STILL not getting the movie and me hatefully forbidding him to ever watch anything rated above a PG ever again. I might have overreacted. The movie wasn't even that good. I'll apologize later, and he'll probably forgive me.

Tanner and I had a good time this weekend. We rented some movies for him to watch and played with his new doctor set. He soooo didn't want to go back to Carol's this morning after being at home for a week. But I convinced him that he would have a lot of fun with his friends and told him he could take his Backyardigan's DVD. I am NOT above bribery people. I won, and he had a great time but was glad to get home for some cuddle time with Mommy. Or was it the other way around???

Well friends and family, it is currently 10:20, and I am fading quickly. Time to go and get some beauty rest. Sweet dreams to all of you, and don't forget to tune in for American Idol tomorrow night.

Buddies

Jeremy and Tanner have spent a LOT of time together this last week. Jeremy was home Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday with him while I was working. Carol is STILL without power...poor woman! Typically Jeremy works from 10 to 9 (or later) on Friday nights, but without a babysitter we've had to rearrange our schedules a little. So I worked an earlier schedule today so he could go in and work for a while tonight, and then he has to work Sunday to make up the rest of the hours. Tanner was NOT happy when Daddy left for work tonight. He sulked for about an hour and asked every ten minutes or so if Daddy would be home soon. It's official. Mommy is chopped liver and Daddy is the coolest guy in the whole wide world. But don't worry, I am already scheming of ways to win back Tanner's affection this weekend. Since Jeremy is working Saturday and Sunday I have 48 wonderful hours with my little boy. There will be forts and cartoons and dancing and LOTS of hot chocolate. With another snow storm coming through we might as well have all the fun inside that we can. This time, we have fire wood, and propane, and all things that we might need to stay warm. So wish us well and say a prayer for everyone here in Southwest Missouri who is still without power (HONDO!!!). I'll check in again soon.

We Made It!

Well everyone, the storm is FINALLY over and the Bradshaw's made it through. It was pretty miserable at times. When the temperature in your house is forty degrees, you haven't showered in days, and you can't move more than ten feet from each other without freezing, you tend to get a little testy. Tanner was bored out of his mind, and Jeremy and I were worried about keeping him warm...so needless to say there were a few tense moments, but the power is back on now, and the house is registering a FABULOUS 70 degrees. Tanner is sitting on the couch looking at some books and listening to his Backyardigans CD. I am at home today, since Tanner's babysitter is still without power.

This morning, I heard that there were 30,000 city utilities customers that hadn't yet been restored. There have been crews working around the clock to get everyone back up. The National Guard has been going door to door checking to make sure people are making it OK. I have heard that President Bush is allowing FEMA to come in to aid in the cleanup (which means that by August or so everything should be back to normal :o)!!!). Everyone is working so hard to help out...and I am incredibly grateful.

Aside from the limbs we will have to clean up (the picture above is a view from my front porch) and the one small hole in the roof, we're no worse for the wear. Thanks everyone for the prayers and the support. You are the most awesome family and friends a girl could have!

In the Daylight...

We made it through the rest of the night without too many more big limbs crashing down to the ground. But the daylight revealed a huge mess that will inevitably get bigger before it's all over with. Wave two and three are still to come!

Currently we still have power (obviously, since I am blogging). But there are 50,000 City Utilities customers who aren't so lucky. So today, while there seems to be a break, I am cooking enough food to get us through the weekend. You know, stuff that doesn't taste bad cold. Hey, if the power stays on, at least all I will have to do is reheat and eat!! I hope all of you are weathering the storm well. Stay warm!!!

The Ice Man Cometh

Um...the winter storm is here. With a vengeance. It is currently 3:25 a.m. on Saturday Morning and I am WIDE awake people! Oh come on, you know what it takes for something like THAT to happen. Well, my wake up call came in the form of an enormous branch crashing down on the roof directly above my bed. I spent some time on the front porch for a little while and it sounded a somewhat like the fourth of July outside. You can hear snapping, crackling, and popping from miles away. If I still have power tomorrow I will share some pictures with you. Our yard already looks like a war zone and they're saying it's only going to get worse. Actually, they are saying that this is the worst ice storm in 25 years. I guess we'll just have to see how it plays out. Well, I should probably try to get some more sleep...Tanner won't care if I have been up half the night. I just wanted to give you all a status update in case I can't check in later. Nighty Night all!

What Happened to the Pineapple Under the Sea???

Spongebob is on my ceiling. I'm not kidding. Apparently he has fled Bikini Bottom and is seeking solace above my love seat. Take a look.

He's been there all day and has managed to not come crashing down to the hardwood and what would ultimately be his death. Well, perhaps he hasn't been there all day. I think Tanner chucked him up there sometime just after noon...but still that's a LONG time.

So, if you have been expecting a phone call from me and haven't gotten one, don't fret. I am fine...better than fine, actually. But for the last week, my cell phone has been MIA. I found it at around three o' clock this afternoon wedged between some couch cushions. I also came across four dollars in change, a pair of scissors and a tangerine (you win a prize if you can tell me who I borrowed that bit from). I was so happy to find it. I learned that I CAN function without my cell phone--but that I never want to have to do it again. I do not have a single phone number memorized for anyone I actually call, however, I remember phone numbers of people I haven't spoken with in years. My theory is that seven or eight years ago, my brain filled up with all the information that it could hold and since then it has not been accepting any NEW information. Instead, I make lists of things I need to know and keep them in an easy to find spot. And of course phone numbers go in the phone. I can't tell you how many times I said, "I have to call my Mom and tell her that..." and now that I have my phone I can't remember what I wanted to say.

Also, to my father whom I love very much, for some reason I can't send you instant messages anymore (sniffle)--I think my MSN is possessed. I have tried to answer you every time you have talked to me this week, and I keep getting a "this message could not be delivered to the recipient" error. I tried re-adding you as a contact...so we'll see what happens. But I am not ignoring you.

Well people, it's time to say adieu for now. But I will be back a bloggin' soon, and I will DEFINITELY be calling.