His first sentence!

We've been working with our son to speak two-words sentences with minimal results. Well yesterday our son spoke his first complete sentence (4 words without prompting) when he said "I want more milk!" I was so proud of him.

Of course he also somehow opened the bathroom door, took 2/3 box of kleenex, dropped it all into the toilet & flushed. By some miracle, it did not clog. Although it was clean toilet water, it still felt gross to take out the kleenex by hand & wring it out before tossing it away.

Then he told me he had to go potty. Unfortunately he just before his diaper was taken off. Although he did manage to go pee-pee in the toilet all by himself for the first time on May 26th! The first step in a long process!

Today we enjoyed playing with the neighbors in some nice weather.

Wedding day

After outdoor photos were taken, we headed over to the reception. Our son fell asleep thirty seconds after we left the church! When we arrived, our baby-sitter took over & waited in the car while I set up the bouquet holders at the head table & minature bears by the seating cards. After three drinks, I started to de-stress & enjoy myself. Overall it was a great day & evening! We were so proud to be involved in.

After the reception closed down, four of the bridesmaids' decided to jump into the pool in their dresses! They sure enough did too! Then while we went to bed, some other people went to party in a hotel room until 2:30 am. Before going to bed, my hubby had to find & remove all of my 52 bobby pins from my hair. Not bad really. I truly expected at least 80.

The next morning I only had to condition my hair twice instead of using half the bottle because I didn't have much hairspray in my hair. Since the hair dresser had used my natural curl, all she needed to use was mousse & gel which is no big deal in the shower. This was such a relief!

We then joined some family & friends in the hotel restaurant for a post-wedding breakfast. They even kept the breakfast buffet open for us beyond 11 am since we had 30-40 people in our party alone.

We then picked up our son & his tux at my folks where he had stayed the night before. (They picked him up at the reception when the babysitter was done at 10 pm.) We then picked up more tuxes at my in-law's place & returned them all to After Hours. We chilled a bit there while our son played by the tot play area, shared some dippin dots with us & then rode the merry-go-round with Daddy.

As we headed over to my sister's for a Memorial Day BBQ with family & some family friends, this terrible but brief thunderstorm rolled in. Somehow we lucked out & it stopped raining long enough for us to get inside without getting wet! We ate, had some fun & went home to bed.

Here comes the bride!

At the church, we set up in a nice bridal room in the basement. There were two private bathrooms, small carpeted room with an entire mirrored wall, make-up mirror & sink. We all put our dresses on, got my sister-in-law ready, took some photos & started the ceremony. Meanwhile, the maid of honor delivered the bride's wedding gift to the groom which was a jar of red gum balls. The note said something about "Marriage means never getting the red gum ball." This is because the groom always gives the bride the red gum balls.

The bridal party then lined up outside the church as the grooms' party & approx 175 guests waited inside the chapel. The music started & one by one we started to walk down. My sister-in-law started to tear up therefore my eyes were tearing as I took my turn walking down the aisle.

This was my first time as a bridesmaid & I have to say it's a lot like walking down the aisle as a bride in the sense that you don't really get the chance to look at all the people. You're more concerned about walking the right speed. Plus I had to focus on not crying. Yup it's true. I know you're all in shock. LOL

Then our son then walked down the aisle with my mother-in-law. He didn't want to take the pillow initially but then did very well walking down. At the front, he went to our baby-sitter for the day for the day (who was worth every penny & I definitely recommend if you're in the wedding party!). After a minute the babysitter walked back down the aisle with him where they played downstairs during the ceremony.

When my sister-in-law & her father appeared & started to walk down the aisle, I started to cry instantly. You know those silent cries where you chest heaves for a few seconds? That was me. I got it under control just as quickly but cried silent happy tears throughout the ceremony. It was amazing watching someone I have viewed as my little sis for over seven years get married on her own. I was proud to stand by her side.

As they said their vows, it was so appropriate that my sister-in-law could see her brother (also my hubby) & to see so much love in the groom's eyes as he stood there watching my sister-in-law & then said his vows. The minister did a fantastic job of course. He was the same one who baptised me when I was young, married my hubby & I, renewed my parent's vows at their renewal ceremony, meets our toddler son & now he was married my sister-in-law. He's funny & sentimental. I love how it all ties together.

Early risers

Sat evening I stayed at my folks so I could get to my hair dresser's appointment at 8 am. Everyone was nervous because I'm a perpetually late person & I was the first bridesmaid to get my hair done. So if I was late, then everyone else would run late & I refused to be the domino that caused this effect on my sister-in-law's wedding day.

At this point, I would like everyone to know that we arrived early for every wedding event this weekend! We have finally proved that it can be done! Now back to the appointment...
So I got to the hair dresser's early with no problem. After using my natural curls to pin my hair up, I was done after an hour! Record time ladies & gents! I hung around taking photos as everyone's hair turned out great & the bride then received make-up. She's like me where she doesn't need make-up & looks young naturally. The make-up artists made her look like a movie star! Especially her well-defined eyes!


Then it was back to the house where the bridesmaids' did their make-up, lunch was served by my in-laws, everything (including dresses) packed up in the car & then off to the church while my father-in-law, hubby & son changed into their tuxes.

Rehearsal dinner

Saturday evening was the rehearsal dinner at a local hungarian restaurant. The atmosphere was very fun & elegant. Each person had a side choice (cucumber salad or beef & vegetable soup), five delicious entrees to choose from & two desserts (apricot crepes & another item). The grooms' family used their own wine which they are hoping to market at stores soon.

Now anyone who knows me, knows how finicky I am about food. It's something I've been trying to change but I just can't help it. Frankly it's very frustrating for me. Anyway I had the cucumber salad which my hubby didn't think I would eat but it smeeled yummy so I tried it. This was the reaction... "Yay! She likes it." LOL

Next was the beef goulash (probably which I mis-spelled) which I was told we should have with 'schpetzel'. The beef was yummy but the schpetzel was some kind of small mushy egg noodle. The noodles did not go well but I was a tropper & tried it. The desserts were yummy but the apricot dessert ruled!

After dinner, everyone mingled, took pictures & tried on this heavy shepard's coat. The restaurant owner was so cool.

Mid-afternoon beauty

Sat morning I met my sister-in-law & the other bridesmaids' with doughnuts in hand at my mother-in-law's home. There we all traveled to the nail salon where they took us to a semi-private room. With sunlight streaming through big windows, we ate a dining table with our snacks on the buffet table while everyone received manicures & pedicures. All I got was a reverse french manicure but I had fun! It was my sister-in-law's first pedicure & she definately seemed to enjoy it.

Wedding festivities

As I've said before this weekend went very well. L&A's wedding went off without any problems & everyone had fun! I will fill you in on the details in the next few posts...

The wedding rehearsal was Friday night & our son didn't get cranky until the end which was amazing consider the rehearsal didn't start until 8:15 pm. Everything was planned efficiently then & practiced twice.

What color are you?

This made sense!

 

***You Are Royal Blue***

People find you difficult to understand. In fact, you often find it hard to understand yourself.
You think so much that sometimes you get lost in your own thoughts!

What Color Blue Are You?
http://www.blogthings.com/whatcolorblueareyouquiz/

Keys to your heart

I took this quiz & this was the result.  Not sure if I agree with all of it but I highlighted what I thought was definitely true.

 

***The Keys to Your Heart***

You are attracted to good manners and elegance.

 

In love, you feel the most alive when your partner is patient and never willing to give up on you.

 

You'd like to your lover to think you are stylish and alluring.

 

You would be forced to break up with someone who was emotional, moody, and difficult to please.

 

Your ideal relationship is lasting. You want a relationship that looks to the future... one you can grow with.

 

Your risk of cheating is zero. You care about society and morality. You would never break a commitment.

 

You think of marriage as something precious. You'll treasure marriage and treat it as sacred.

 

In this moment, you think of love as something you thirst for. You'll do anything for love, but you won't fall for it easily.

 

What Are The Keys To Your Heart?
http://www.blogthings.com/keystoyourheartquiz/

Happiness forever

Many of you have been reading about how my sister-in-law was getting married this weekend to her beau after 9.5 years. Everything this weekend was amazing. It turned out great & we are so happy for her. I do have a couple funny stories to tell later today after I scan through the many photos that we took this weekend. It was wonderful to see it happen! Our son was adorable & stole the show during the dancing at the reception!

What's my name?

Things have been so crazy this week!  I've been trying to get everything ready on our end for my sister-in-law's wedding this weekend.  The schedule starts tonight with the wedding on Sunday.  I was at the doctor's office & when they asked my name, I had to pause!!!  That's how busy I am thinking of everything I need to do.  I know for a fact my sister-in-law is busier being the bride (because I've been there) but I never imagined it being this busy as just part of the wedding party.  Will update you after this weekend!  Have a good one!  Be safe!

Reconsidering our position

Recently our mortgage went up quite a bit after we found out the bank wasn't taking enough out for taxes. Once we arranged that, UP IT WENT! We have always been very fortunate but like many people with families, we are struggling. Once we get used to this adjustment, we'll be okay but it's very unsettling and depressing when it happens.

I felt awful about our situation until I saw someone whose water was turned off because they hadn't paid their bill in several months. The worker felt awful & gave her some time to call the company to try and work things out with the company. It appears they've fallen on hard times and rumor is that maybe the marriage is in trouble as nobody has seen the husband around for quite a few months. There are kids involved & we know the wife is still living there. Although the house is for sale now, so hopefully that will turn things around for them & give them a new start. Again this is all speculation. Whatever their situation is, I sincerely hope things turn around for them soon.

So even though we're struggling now, I'm thankful we can pay our mortgage, utilities & groceries. It definitely puts things in perspective.

Moments of clarity

The other night when the rest of they sky was black, I saw the most mystifying skyline with moonlight breaking through some lone clouds. So I grabbed my camera & captured the image. (I will upload it later as the server is having issues now.) It reminds me of moments when you're reminded of something out of the blue, like how precious life is.

That happened to me this weekend when I learned the mother of one of my friends (whose family I've known forever) had surgery recently for skin cancer. The surgery was successful & she says she's doing fine. Still it took me back because she & her husband are about the same age as my folks. It suddenly occurred to me that something other than a car accident could happen to them now. I don't consider mid-50's old but your body definately starts taking a toll. I would be devasted if anything like that ever happened. I really don't know how I'd deal with it.

Now I'm 31 years old. Does that mean I only have 20 or 30 years before my body starts giving me life issues? Man... I better get going & have some fun! Just kidding. :-) I'm really not worried about it at all. Just an observation & curiousity as to how I'm suddenly twice the age I remembered myself to be? LOL

Still sniffling

Our son & I can't get rid of these darn sniffles & sore throats. I'm not worried about being contagious anymore but I still want to be careful with the newborns in the neighborhood. Toddlers at least have some immune system now but not so with little ones.

Friends & showers

Sunday our friends, K&J, came over with their son.


While K & I went to a mutual friend's baby shower in the area, our sons played at the house & park while the daddy's got some "man time".

After K & returned, we all got to visit together. I couldn't believe that it's been a month & half since we've seen them. The two boys seem bigger each time we see them... which makes sense as they are growing boys! LOL Still it amazes me how quickly our boys are growing up.

J entertains his son & our son. (above)

K's son spends some time tickling with his Mommy. (below)

Now maybe we'll be able to plan that camping trip sometime for an adult weekend!

My first real elephant!

Saturday my son & I went to the zoo with my parents. There our son saw & recognized his some of his favorite animals. We saw elephants, giraffes, zebras, camels, lions and wolves. H e was fascinated by the real elephant & did not want to leave him. He stuggled to get his new hat off but managed to kept it on most the time. He looked so cute in it! The new merry-go-round opens next weekend & looks amazing! So many different animals! Noticed they put the ostrich we suggested on. We hope they also put the platypus on too!

At the end of the day, my parents bought our son four new animals which he loves dearly. They are part of his growing collection of durable animals he plays with. He now has an elephant, rhino, camel, lion, zebra, giraffe, seal, chicken, goat, dinasaur, bunny, turkey, duck & dog. There's probably a few more I'm missing but that's most of them. He does pretend play with the animals & it usually keeps him occupied for at least 15 minutes which is great during meals. Our son has them sing, kiss, play, talk, fall down, dance, march & jump. That evening when we got home, we spent time with daddy.

Then after he went to bed, my hubby & I lined up all his animals & people on the coffee table for him to see when he first came down. His reaction was total amazement... "Ooooh!"

Move those hips!

Last night my Aunt A & Uncle K joined me last minute to see my friend's band. D put together a group with great talent & energy! They're called "Send in the Drones". Sorry but I don't have any pictures as my hubby had to take the camera for work. The music was fantastic though! It was fun hanging with my aunt & uncle though. They're the coolest.

Afterwards I stayed at my folks place where our son had just woken up (2:30 am) so he went to bed with me. After fidgeting for an hour, he finally went to sleep with me. Then he did something unusual & woke up at 7:30 am. Yeah... I could definately use more sleep.

I feel much better in general though after getting a night out. Thanks Mom & Dad! I really needed it!

Who you gonna call?

I'm going to see a friend's new band & was calling my friends to see who could join me. It's funny how no matter how many friends you have, as you get older it gets harder to get together. Life just keeps you busy with family & work. It's even harder to plan last minute things too. So I'm going alone but I know I'll have fun once I get there & that I'll get out of my shell. (You mean, I have a shell?) Yes it's true, being a stay at home mom I've developed a bit of a shell. Perhaps not noticeable to other but it's there nonetheless.

Anyhow, Sunday we're getting together with some friends who we haven't seen in months. An impromptu BBQ of sorts! Perhaps we'll even get a fire (in the fire pit please!).

Meetings

Tonight we had C (babysitter for wedding) & her fiance over for dinner which went well. Our son loved them & got along well as we expected him to. It's always nice to know for sure. She was very nice when she baby-sat at our wedding. She's grown up so much & getting married herself May 2007. It's nice to see she's turned out as well as we thought she would. She'll do a great job with our son for the wedding... no doubt!

Something missing

I think every person has a friend they've lost because the friendship was ended for some unknown reason. I have that type of someone & think of her often. We were friends since junior high. She was even in my wedding & then... no more contact. I'm not sure why & I never will know. I contacted her a year or so ago but she didn't seem to want anything to do with me. Again, I'll never know why & as much as I hate to admit it, it haunts me.

For the most part, I've moved on. We both grew up & changed. We used to be the type of friends who could go a year without talking & it would still feel like old times when we did. Part of me wonders if it something I did, but you can't re-trace every past action or decision.

I know she was getting married in 2004 (to the guy I encourage her to date when she was on vacation with my family). I know that she probably graduated in Spring 2004 with a PhD degree. Someday she may have kids & I won't be there. Someday she may have problems & I won't be there to help her. She'll never know my son either.

I wish I could continue to share my life with her, but she's made that choice & I have to live with it. Maybe she'll read this someday & know I still think of her each day (like I always have). She will always be a sister of my heart...

Family of love

Our most recent family photo, as of this week anyway. :-)

My new favorite picture of my son & I!

It's a dud!

That impending storm they were talking about yesterday? Other than winds, it was a dud. It sure looked otherwise for a while.

So this was the end result!

Meet my people...

When you're a stay at home mom with a toddler, you can't be picky who you talk to.

A sense of peace

Last night I was exhausted & fell asleep on the sofa. My hubby dragged me upstairs where I promptly crashed into bed. Our son woke up twice during the night (which is uncommon). First time he was soaked & needed changing. Second time he had a nightmare & screamed when I put him back down. I was so tired that I couldn't even keep my eyes open enough to read consistently to him. Therefore I was so crabby this morning. No patience whatsoever. After breakfast, we picked up groceries & dropped off the remains of the garage sale items at Salvation Army.
On the way home, I noticed how amazing the clouds (see above picture) looked. It was so peaceful. Clouds are like humans I think. They can give you so many emotions by just being there. They can change without notice becoming dangerous & threatening. Today though... it gave me the sense of peace I needed so badly. The clouds below reminded me of fingers reaching down from heaven. What do you think?

Snacktime

As we get ready for having a snack, our son made himself comfortable by getting the remote control & pushing the DVD button to watch the aquarium video. That's basically a virtual aquarium. Then he settles down with crackers & juice. I've already got a button man on my hands.

Well I better get ready. We're going to get a pretty nasty storm here. They're talking 70 mph winds.

Attention Moms!

Our photos from Mother's Day are up in our family website gallery. We have photos with my grandmother & both our families. We even have a picture of our wonderful waiter from Outback. Click on the link to the right. Check it out in the gallery & enjoy! Feel free to post comments or funny captions. We get a kick out of it (as long as you're not spam).

Change is Constant

Every few months or so I get used to our son's schedule only to have him mix it up on me. That's what happening now. For the past few months he's been starting his 2 hour naps around 12:30-1 pm. This week (partly because he's sick), it's changing to 11:30 am. My mother-in-law once told me that whenever you grow accustomed to your child's schedule, they change it on you. That has certainly been true since the get-go.

I found though that no matter how things change, whether they be your child's schedule, the frequency of how often you see friends as you get older, or how you change yourself, that you need to live in the moment while preparing for the future. Doing the two at once can be tricky sometimes but that's how I'm wired. I enjoy the moments with my son & hubby knowing that tomorrow will always bring something different to marvel at.

Songs in your head

Don't you hate it when you have a song in your head? For two days now I've had this children's song from the kids show "Between the Lions". It's actually a great show that concentrates on reading using music & pronunciation. It's definitely started helped our son with some of his own pronunciation. Anyhow, yesterday I got one of the songs in my head & it's been repeating since. It goes like this...

"Look, look
See see
Coming down the lane
Here comes Scot
Here comes Dot
Here comes Chicken Jane!"
(Our son says 'bachs' here like the chicken does)

It's pretty but come on! Enough already...

Your attention please...

Evidently this server (for my blog) is having some issues with posting & identifying some pictures & not others. For that reason, I am adding more pics to our gallery. Hopefully this will be resolved soon.

That's what he is!

You know that you are in trouble with a mischevious imp & future prankster when he comes to give you a hug good night... only to pour his evening milk over your head. It's even worse when his Daddy & I can only laugh about it & he smiles...

I don't think he took my "no" seriously.

Stop for a moment

"Flowers grow out of dark moments." by CORITA KENT, Moments of 1984

Being a mom

Some days being a stay at home mom is great! Our son was so happy to take a pictures with me. Then he went & turned off the computer on me. (sigh)

No blues for me!

As you can see... I was feeling much better as of Mother's Day. It was nice to feel like myself again. Besides my hubby was feeling very icky Sat, Sun & Mon. In fact, he was sick he spent most of the day in bed on today.

Birthdays & Holidays

Sunday evening we spent time at in-law's home where we celebrated father-in-law' birthday & Mother's Day for my mother-in-law. Our son was tired so he zoned on the sofa while watching Ice Age.

He was very tired!!!

He was very upset to be left out of singing happy birthday to my father-in-law & I so he helped us blow out the candles. Then all was good in the world.

Making music!

Our son enjoyed dancing to my sister-in-law's music while she played the piano last Sunday.

Let me play too! How the boy loves his music...

My sister-in-law gave him some new friends who evidently felt they should be playing the piano with our son & sister-in-law. LOL

Between houses

After having a late lunch with my family for mother's day, we headed over to my in-law's house to spend the evening with their family. On the way there, my hubby & son both took a much needed nap. How cute!!!


My mom gave my sister & I these beautiful flowers for our yards. I can't wait to plant them. They're so pretty to look at. Makes you just love beauty!

Our traveling pharmecy for sick people... meaning my hubby at the moment!

No update yet...

Hope everyone had a good Mother's Day!

Hey matie!

For mother's day, we met my family at Outback Steakhouse. It is our restaurant of choice for special occasions. My parents' had babysat our son overnight the night before which they loved even if he did get up earlier than usual. Our son was overtired & a terror during the meal. My hubby insisted on taking care of him even though he felt like utter... doggy poop. I kept offering to take him but my hubby insisted since it was Mother's Day. It was really sweet.

Say goodnight Gracie!

After spending the afternoon with us, my nephew, T, gives our son a kiss goodnight before leaving.

Our son wishes Mommy a happy mother's day with a kiss! I'm so lucky to have him!

Pavement fun!

Part of having my family's gene is knowing where to have fun wherever you are... even in a parking lot! Eveybody march!

Mommy & Grandma C swing our son! Lift those legs! I think we have a gymnast-to-be.

Now it's Grandpa to swing our son with Grandma! They love to have fun with their grandkids.

Grandma time

Sat evening we had dinner with my Grandma for Mother's Day. This is part of my family's clan. Those who know us can see more pictures of mother's day in our family website's gallery.

Sick & awake

Yep... it's 1:30 am & this cold makes me feel miserable. Can't sleep so I'm watching TV while my hubby is doing game stuff. Fun times... at least my son's sleeping through the night.

Punk'd

Our son was such a punk today. Both of us have colds & aren't feelings well. So when I went to give him his medicine he spit it out all over. The red-purple medicine got over the floor, his clothes, my clothes. I was not happy and you know what that say... If mama ain't happy then nobody's happy.

Of course afterwards, my hubby called when I was still pissy & I ended taking out on him. I felt bad & apologized afterwards. It's not always roses being a stay-at-home mom. That is for sure!

After midnight...

Last night my hubby was terrific & went to the store late at night to pick up some milk, eggs & cereal for this morning. We had run out of milk & I had a craving for cereal. Wasn't that sweet?

Bored out of my skull...

I have different things I can do but nothing I really want to do at this moment. I suppose I could blame it on the fact that it's been raining all day & night but that would be a cop-out. My hubby's doing his own thing so here I am...

Today my brother, J, called me to wish me a happy belated birthday. As we talked it occurred to me how much we've grown up. When you're kids, it's hard to imagine no competition between you & your siblings. Yet there is none now. Actually it's pretty cool.

I also received a mother's/birthday card in the mail from my brother, R & my sister-in-law, N. It was so sweet. Not to mention there were a few AMC tickets in there. I will definitely enjoy a night out using those. Maybe a date night & then a night for me to see a suspense movie. R&N are always so thoughtful!

Today was rather successful in Freecycle. Clothing, exercise equipment, pet supplies, beauty supplies, women's accessories, candles, box of housewares & decor, a radio, roller blades & a boat ladder were all picked up today. Tomorrow I'm expecting a few items to be picked up. Hopefully this weekend I'll have our garage back & can start to get things in order again. Cross you fingers boy & girls!

Well I guess I better tackle the laundry that's waiting for me upstairs. That's when I get to watch my tv shows upstairs. I'm just not really in the mood for tv. Maybe I'll listen to Miss Saigon soundtrack instead...

Feed me Seymour!

Okay here's an example of my cooking. Yes it turned out okay except I forgot that our oven bakes quicker than the designated baking times. So it was a little more than golden brown but still good... lucky for us!

Aren't my birthday flowers from my hubby pretty? They make a beautiful centerpiece for our kitchen table. Although we need to move them now to make room for dinner.


I'm ready to eat Daddy!
Daddy dishes out dinner to our son. Eat up boy!

You're so much fun!

When I went to get our son after his nap today, I found he had taken his pee-pee out of his diaper (keeping the diaper on still) & peed all over himself, the sheets & crib. Afterwards he insisted on sitting on the toilet for five minutes with me going "bye bye" (otherwise known as out of the room). When I would ask if he was done, he'd say "No. Bye bye." When he finally did get off the toilet, he threw such a fit. Heaven forbid the boy puts a diaper! "Mom, don't you know I was born naked? That's how I want to stay." Of course, he didn't get his way because I'm the parent... plus I'm bigger & stronger than him. LOL For a while at least...

Then my son & I danced & played to music. We have such fun together. See?

The important questions...

Why can't I have chocolate?


Why do I have only two of these when I will always need three?

Why can't anyone hear me?

Puff of air

Time for a picture with Daddy! Wait, I have to sneeze! Too late..

Giddy-up!

We found our son's rocking horse which was stored in my in-law's basement when we initially moved. Our son was thrilled & learned how to use it immediately.

All done! Our son poses with Mommy
Our son says cheese with Grandma J.

Open says me!

Our son found cabinets to open with his favorite pots & pans. Considering how he likes to mix things, it would be pretty awesome to have a chef for the son. Imagine that mother's day meal! He certainly won't get that from me! LOL

Are you chicken?

Yesterday we joined my father/mother-in-law for dinner yesterday so my hubby could use their scanner. Later he finally hooked up ours! I figured it was for decoration after sitting by our desks for over a year. ;-)

My father-in-law breaks out the chicken for dinner while mother-in-law starts prepping the table. Time to help out!

Our son decided he'd rather play with his new toys than eat. Can't say I blame as I have no appetite when I'm sick either. I'm sure I'll get my turn too soon! LOL Grandma found this at a garage sale for $0.50! He loves the animals.


My hubby & his father discuss computer business. Never did unerstand that jargon! Still don't 14 years after being with my hubby. I did learn that SMS means a short messenger service. Ironically, those are my initials & when I talk, it's anything but a short message!