sorry, pretty doesn't come in your size

I'd love to slap the person that designed bras. I've heard that it was a man. I've been perusing websites for the past week in search of new OTSBH (Over the shoulder boulder holders) for my girls and I've only come up with the following: sorry, pretty doesn't come in your size; nursing bras; this bra will cost you an entire day's pay; nursing bras; sorry that bra size doesn't EXIST; nursing bras... did I mention that the majority of bras in my size are NURSING BRAS?? And since when is a size DDD SUPER large??

I did manage to find bras at a stunning $16.00/piece at www.lanebryant.com over the weekend. Unfortunately for myself, I waited until my lunchbreak today to order said bras and they are no longer $16.00/piece. I knew it was too good to be true. Also, when I got to the point of "Thanks for your order" it has "We invite you to shop our sister sites" which is lovely that they are attempting to promote more sales for partner stores. I'm all for that. But don't you think a site for PLUS SIZED women SHOULDN'T be promoting a site for FOOD {although it is a lovely site: www.figis.com}?? Of course, it does help keep them in business!

♥berlin™

war part I

The bait is set. Only a few minor casualties {trap snapped twice on Eli's hand} in the process of setting the traps. Now we just sit and wait... and wait. I said the war was on but since seeing more little droppings in the kids room and in my closet it's soooooo on. I also heard something chewing in the wall or under the floor while sitting on the couch in the living room reading to the kids.

I'll keep you posted.

♥berlin™

and then there was war

Oh. no. it. didn't.

I've been bugging and bugging Eli to discard of the {dead} {frozen} mouse for weeks now. He finally got rid of it today.

While lying on my bed this evening checking my email, I hear it.

CHEWING. In the ceiling once again.

FUCKER - YOU TOO SHALL DIE.

This means war - Bring on the peanut butter {salmonella is optional}.

♥berlin™

missing candles...

Nana & Pop-Pop - Christmas 2004
Pop-Pop & Caleb - February 2006

Andrew & Gayle's Wedding - July 2006

Happy Birthday Pop-Pop

miss you...

♥berlin™

New Year's checklist

In leiu of making a New Year's resolution this year {which lasts for a max of 5 seconds} I decided to make a "to do list". I decided to post it on here because 1. I can't lose it like a piece of paper and 2. If it's in my face all the time, the likelihood of me doing it is a smidge better.

So here goes everything {or nothing}:

berlin™'s 2009 get-off-your-ass-and-do-this-shit list

1. Write in KB & GiGi's baby books - the kids are now 3 and 1 1/2, I think it's past due.
2. Organize recipes in binder and possible start cooking again
3. VACATION {I'm sooo hitting the beach for a week this year}
4. VACATION {I need time off without the kids - Casinos anyone?}
5. VACATION {I haven't figured out where this one is going yet - maybe Michigan}
6. Down-size on "crap". I've lived here for over 2 years now; longest running in my book so I'm sure I've acquired the most crap living here.
7. Move. I'm looking for a nice place with 3 bedrooms that has A/C, washer/dryer, and a dishwasher and I can afford. If I cannot find said place, I'll settle for 2 bedrooms.
8. Obtain a new-to-me car. Only standards being: it has a trunk that opens, reverse lights that work, a radio/cd player that stays closed without the use of folded up paper, and the insides are all intact.
9. Lose 50 pounds. Oh yes I said 50. Nothing like setting your standards high eh?

I believe that is a fairly good start. Anything more and I may just be setting myself up for failure. Of course, looking back at the big ticket items on the list, I may be doing that anyway. Will keep you posted.

♥berlin™

for your dining pleasure

While dining out at Applebee's this evening, I realized several things:

• My taste in restaurants needs to grow up - I need a place with extremely high backs on the booths because I don't like watching other people eat.
• If your teeth are black, I know you're happy you still have them, but please PLEASE do not consistently grin with your mouth open
• Keep your voice down in a public restaurant; i.e. if I wanted to know about some girl staying at Frank's place and wearing Frank's pants, I'd pull up a chair at your table to be part of your conversation
• I don't claim to be an extremely high tipper but I generally leave more than the standard 15% so please don't have me pay the bill, say you'll be right back with the dessert to go and then start sweeping the floor around me leaving me to wait another FIFTEEN minutes until I call your attention and you apologize for desserts that are already in to go cups when you put the order in. I WANT 5% OF MY TIP BACK.
• Any of the above said *could be* a bit distorted as I had 2 ultimate long island iced teas and they still seem to do the trick of getting me pretty tipsy quickly. I still reserve the right to stand by my word - in my head, it's legit.

♥berlin™