Cha Cha Changes

It's been an exciting few months in the McGee house to say the least, and the changes continue.

Let me start at the beginning...

Four years ago Denny and I were getting ready for our Big Day and I was also making plans in my mind for another big endeavor, grad school!  I had been in the hospitality and events industry at that time for about 3 years and I was starting to wonder what opportunities existed outside of the world of Heads in Beds. 

Denny and I said I Do in August, and in November we said I Do to grad school.  It was half the excitement of our wedding and twice the cost so I'm not sure what we were thinking (perhaps we were still drunk off Balashi beer from our honeymoon in Aruba). 
<><>

Y-U-M!!

Denny and I pushed each other through the program one class at a time.  Finally after 2 1/2 years of very little sleep, gallons of coffee, hours of work and 4 Gigs of my jump drive, we graduated, celebrated and returned to normal life aka sleeping more than 4 hours a night.

Double Hooray!

Since then this little piece of me has still been wondering what else is out there.  Not that I haven't loved my time working with some amazing people in the crazy hospitality world, but I been full of curiosity.  I felt like Columbus wondering if the world really was round.  I just had to find out!

So, I did.  And in just a few days I'll say good-bye to the hospitality world after almost 7 years.

I am SO thrilled to announce that I accepted a Business Development role at the UB Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership.  It wasn't necessarily on my To Do while 6 months pregnant, but I have come to find out that life rarely listens to any one's game plan.  And when opportunity Knocks - you open the door, invite it in and serve it iced tea.

I have worked with the UB CEL team in the past, and I am joining an amazing team!  They have been 100% supportive (and informed) about Beanette from Day 1, which makes one more change during this time of my life way less stressful.   The really rewarding part of my new role is that my work at UB will help local business leaders grow their entrepreneurial spirit and ultimately help business in Buffalo thrive. 

I'm really happy and I feel like I found my little place in life.  So here's to another change in one of the most exciting years of our life!  Oh, and go Bulls!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

PS  I'm not the only pregnant woman taking on a new role.  Yahoo recently hired a new CEO due with a Baby Boy this October.  Cheers to brave women trying to have it all while in maternity pants.  To weigh in on this from a Mommy point of view, click here!

~~~~~~~~~

Our June Bug

  ~~  June 23, 2012  ~~

A date that we will always remember.  A day that we thought we be a lot different.
Today is June 23, 2012 and we are here.  I was wondering how it would feel to get to this day but it's not too bad. 

Eight months ago today we found out we were going to be parents!!  We were having a baby!!  Exciting and crazy and overwhelming.  It was finally our turn!  We felt we were patient and we did it right... got our degrees, got married, bought a house,  got more degrees, had good jobs.  It was finally time to make our family a family of three!  It was October 23, 2011 and within minutes I looked at the calendar and figured out June 23, 2012 would be the day we might welcome our baby.  A sweet little June Bug!  Even if if he or she didn't arrive on that day, we knew the day would symbolize a pretty big milestone. 

We bought baby clothes, made our lists of names, told our families and pinched ourselves.  It's amazing how many dreams can play out in your mind over the course of a few weeks.  And it was all becoming real.  We could not wait to decorate the room, meet our little one and spend our lives enjoying every second of a sweet baby. 

As quickly as we found out the good news, we realized something wasn't right.  An awful trip to the hospital in the middle of the night, a few tests, some agonizing days of waiting, and our worst fear was confirmed.  We lost our June Bug.  We always knew it could happen, but being naive we didn't think it would happen.  The medical explanations didn't make much sense and certainly didn't help to heal two broken hearts.  Denny became my rock and he supported me when I couldn't support myself. 

Despite feeling totally lost, we realized how lucky we were to have so much love and support.  Tremendous, unconditional support.  Our families, friends, neighbors and co-workers wrapped their arms around us and helped us get by.  And we slowly did.  The good thing about life is that the sun will continue to rise every day.  Eventually we noticed this. 
  
Saturdays were normally  the toughest because I always seemed to wake up thinking Today should have been 14 weeks, or Today could have been spent preparing for our baby.  That and a day without a busy schedule often means the most time to think about things.  But we eventually let go of the would haves and should haves.   It took a while, but slowly the journey didn't seem just so dark anymore.

Four months and two days after the first round of good news, we found out that we were very lucky.  We got good news again!!  We were a lot more cautious and much more nervous, but this time was different (as shown by my growing belly). 

Today we are in a good place.  It has been a bit bittersweet but we have taken this day to relax and enjoy each other.  We are really lucky to be able to focus on a sweet baby girl arriving in about three months.  We have each other and we have an added appreciation for the miracle of a new baby.  We will never take this experience for granted, and we will never underestimate how important it is to share our story with friends and family. 

One reason I really wanted to write this post is to thank all the friends and acquaintances came to me and told me their story of loss (I still hate the word miscarriage and avoid writing or saying it as much as possible because it seems so cold and clinical).   I was astounded at how common it is to lose a baby, yet it seems to be something that is not commonly discussed.  I found a lot of strength knowing that it wasn't a road I was walking down alone and I think that if talking about it helps even one person feel better, it is absolutely worth it.  

Ironically our sweet baby girl is due October 2, just 13 days before Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, a day created to provide support for anyone who been down this road.  It brings me peace to know that perhaps the Beanette will have a an extra little angel watching over her in life, not just on October 15, but everyday. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~

(On a side note, I always thought that our first baby would be a boy, and maybe he was.  About 90% of the people I talked to that lost a baby went on to have a baby girl right after their loss.  It makes me wonder if that is why we are now filling our house with pink.... )

A Little Hotel Humor

My favorite joke about working in hotels...


Whenever I have groups that need 2 beds, but phrase it to me that they want a room with "Two Queens," I always have to resist the urge to put this on the contract:

We are pleased to offer your group accommodations with Two (2) Queens

 

~~ Hope everyone has a Super Duper Thursday!! ~~

Little Kicks & Big Steps

Memorial Day weekend is here, hooray!!  Summer is arriving and so is the McGee Staycation.  Denny and I both have the next week off of work to relax, work on the Beanette's room and enjoy this beautiful weather.  We are SO excited and ready to relax!!

But before I chat too much about 10 days of no alarm clocks, I should acknowledge some big events this past week.  For the first time, I felt the Baby Girl move!!  I'm 21 weeks and and I was starting to worry since all the books say you should feel it between weeks 16 and 20, but she is officially fluttering around and I can feel it!  Denny kept telling me not to worry because it was possible that she is lazy like us, and his dad instincts one again prove to be correct (about not worrying, not about her being lazy).  Plus according to our nurse practitioner the Beanette is a bit lower, which can make it harder to feel her moves.  Apparently she decided on seats directly behind the dugout versus sitting in the nosebleed section.  Smart girl!

Feeling our little girl kick inside me has inspired me to get my legs moving, so next year I'm officially committing to running either a half marathon or be part of a 4-person marathon team (if anyone is interested in being part of a marathon team, let me know!).  Running a half marathon was my goal this spring (if we didn't first get good news), so now I've decided to hit the Reset button on my goal.  I realize this is a big committment to announce it on a blog because all my readers will now be able to hold me accountable... so if both of you could do your best to get me moving once Beanette arrives I would greatly appreciate it.  It might be a long journey to get to the finish line, but I'm glad to have a little pink bundle of joy (and her cute Dad) to give me some extra motivation. 

Speaking of getting moving, I better head across the streets.  Our awesome neighbors are hosting their Annual Memorial Day bash and the party is in full-swing.  Wishing everyone a wonderful and relaxing Memorial Day!

To Do Lists

Speaking of my favorite things, nothing puts me in a better mood than a great weekend To Do list (yes, I realize that proclaiming this via a blog is the equivalent to wearing an I'm a Geek t-shirt), but it's the truth and I'm proud to admit it!

Let me clarify that not all to do lists are the same.  From 10 PM Sunday to 5 PM Friday, I live my life by check marks.  If I can get 8-12 checks on my Work or Home to do list (both separate lists) in a day, I view it as a success.  The lists are packed with tiers of organization, sub-lists and categories: To Do, To Send, To Buy.  They go on and on.  This week I was so focused on getting a lot done that I actually found "Relax" on my Home To Do list in Denny's handwriting.  My husband's a smart man so I took his advice.  Thirty minutes of DVR later I placed a check mark next to the Relax Box.  One more item, done!

But the weekend To Do lists have a sense of fun and excitement to them because these lists actually include things I want to accomplish.  Last weekend, I had "Host our reveal party" as an item.  Giant Check!  This weekend my To Do list includes "Pick paint samples for the Beanette's room," "Work on her registry," and "Pick up her crib"... talk about fun!

Tonight I'm actually going out on a limb and not even bothering to write anything down, but it doesn't stop me from formulating a To Do list in my head.  It starts in about 2 minutes with "Post to blog, check!" "Pick up pizza," "Eat it on couch next to hubby," and "Relax!"

So, with that being said, it's time to run!  I've got an order to pick-up and a weekend to enjoy!  I hope you all do the same. 

TGIF!!

Some of my Favorite Things

Sorry friends, this isn't the Oprah episode in which I shower you with gifts.  It's just a blog post from an emotional Mom-to-be having a not fantastic day. 

I try to always give 100% in all I do, often 150% or more.  I'm not tooting my own horn, it's just how I was raised.  But with one aspect of life lately, the results have not matched the efforts, which has been causing me tremendous frustration and concern.  I keep trying new ways and and new approaches but the results keep coming up short. 

I try not to be down and out about the little(ish) things in life especially when so many big things in life are really good right now, but somedays I can't help it .  I think this makes me human, right? 

But whenever I'm worried about how things will work out, I look to my favorite little figurine given to me by a friend who knew me since I was in diapers.  Take a look...
 

H-O-P-E

What a great little word! 

Four little letters that help me to keep a postive outlook and help me to keep focused on brighter days.  When I recieved this gift it was during a major heartbreak Denny and I experienced last year.  We kept Hoping things would get better and it did.  Now we are 20 weeks away from meeting a little pink bundle of joy aka proof that Hope turns to good things.   

With this situation I'm experiencing I know it will all work out because it always does.  If life's all about learning and growing, maybe this bumpy road I'm on is a journey to make me a better person.  But at the end of the day (or sometimes, the middle of the day), I glance at this little Hope figurine on my desk and I'm reminded that it's best to think of sun even when stuck in a rainstorm with a broken umbrella.      

So, here's to Hope and good thoughts!  And I hope that each have your little piece of Hope that you can think of when life get you down.    

Favorite Day of the Week

Thursday is a GREAT day of the week!  It is my weekly version of Christmas Eve... it is the realization that Friday is about to come down the chimney and leave wonderful gifts under the tree: sleeping in, catching up on DVR, seeing friends and just being able to unwind! 

I'm always filled with motivation at both work and at home on Thursday.  Thursday is the final lap of the weekly To Do list.  I pick up the pace knowing that the 5PM Friday finish line is just around the bend.  At home, I always get motivated to do stuff whether it's cleaning for weekend visitors or packing for weekend travels.  

But it hasn't always been that way.  As a child of the 80's my favorite day of the week was Friday, thanks to to four little letters: T-G-I-F.  I'm not talking about the Thank God it's Friday acronym; I'm referring to the awesome TV line-up that kicked off every Friday night at 8:00 sharp. 

Two full hours of goodness: Joey's hilarious humor "Cut It Out", Uncle Jesse's super cool attic apartment, Steve Urkel's awesome dance, Not the Mama, and the blooming love of Corey & Topanga!    Yes, please!

Shortly after DJ Tanner went to college, Steve Urkel became Stephan (what was up with that anyway?), and Corey & Topanga fell in love, Thursday stepped up as my favorite day of the week.   It may have been the added knowledge that I was gaining as I entered the 90's or it could have been the influence of the good old boob tube.  Six Friends and the staff of County General Hospital of Chicago came into my life and I fell madly in love.  I was infatuated with Rachel's hair and I had a huge crush on Dr. John Carter. 

       

As the millenium came and went, Thursday continued to be my favorite day of the week.  During three and a half out of my four years at OU, Thursday was my Friday because I strategically planned no Friday classes.  Absolute brilliance!  Plus Thirsty Thursdays meant fishbowls at the Pub and Quad night at the Junction.  Just writing this post makes me miss the ladies of 15 NC, sigh. 

Now that I'm a bit older and perhaps wiser, Thursday is still my favorite day.  Who doesn't enjoy a weekly trip to Scranton?  

I might not be hanging out with my Friends at Central Perk or hanging out with my friends at The Pigskin anymore, but I love knowing that the weekend is getting here soon.  By tomorrow at this time, everywhere you look there will be a weekend, a heart and a hand to hold onto.  Chity Chi bob botta.

TGIF everyone, have a great weekend!

The Good

For those of you who don't know me well, I'm a very sensitive person.  I still recall being 4 years old and getting yelled at in K-Mart by the grumpy check-out lady (think Velda from Troop Beverly Hills) and then feeling my chin quiver uncontrollably. 

I had trouble getting rid of stuffed animals as a kid because I worried that they would be sad to leave their home.  And to this day, I cry during any commercial involving puppy dog eyes, baby faces or wedding scenes. 
Don't get me wrong, I can handle hang up after hang up when cold calling, but when it comes to people that know me I can't seem to take my heart away from the matter.

Recently my sensitive side has been on overload due to some tough (and perhaps unnecessary) feedback and it's been affecting me big time.  It may also be due to the pregnancy hormones, but it seems unfair to be down and out during such a special time in our lives... so this post is dedicated to all the good things (big & little) in our world:

• The Bean (nickname for Baby McGee)!!  Hooray for the little one joining us in October
• A closet full of baby hangers waiting to be filled with outfits
• Sunny days in March
• A cute little guy named Ryan who is about to turn 1!
• Two cute guys in Washington, PA who taught me how to be an Aunt
• Our new shoe organizer (hooray for no more out-of-control shoe piles)
• The premiere of a new season of Giuliana and Bill
• A four-day work week
• A recent call from the OU phon-a-thon
• A long chat with with a fellow Dragon and Bobcat
• Words with Friends
• Sleeping with the windows open (not tonight but it did happen about 10 days ago)
• A new recipe for mini-pepperoni rolls
• An OU reunion in a few weeks
• A snuggly cat named Lex
• Knowing that golf season is just around the corner (even if I'm only driving the cart this year)

This list doesn't even begin to touch the good things going on in our lives so it's time I say see-ya to the quivering chin!!  What good things are going on in your worlds?