Big City! Baby

Email a Scrapbook.

noreply@blogger.com (amanda) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 03:55:00 +0000

Today, while wasting time on Facebook, I came across this post and it got me thinking. Wouldn't it be great to have an email address that is simply your name, rather than several numbers afterwards, or some random handle? (Perhaps if you have an less typical name, you already have this, but let me tell you- there's thousands of Amanda Wallace's, so it's not something I'll ever have.)

Anyway, to further the actual post, I thought, what a fabulous idea! B has a baby book and a journal (that I started when I found out I was pregnant and it's not yet full), but I'm pretty terrible at really updating it. I have this blog, but I'm not so great at keeping it updated either. What I am great at? Anything on my phone. Total convenience at my fingertips. So I opened an email account for B and lo and behold, he already has several messages from our family, with stories and thoughts... I plan to send pictures and thoughts whenever the urge strikes and with it all being at my fingertips, it'll be so easy! I'm actually pretty excited about this. I think it's brilliant, and of course, in this age of email and social media, why not grab that email handle while you still can? I already couldn't just use his full name (or nickname and last name), I had to add a middle initial!

Work Schmurk.

noreply@blogger.com (amanda) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 02:55:00 +0000

Gosh, only a few days in and I already failed. After what seemed like a super busy weekend, I realized last night at about 11:45 that I hadn't blogged yet. What a bummer.

Weekends go by more quickly now, when I work the entire thing. For anyone who doesn't know, last Spring I went back to work. I started out going full-time, which was terrible. The job itself wasn't too terrible- I was a manager at a department store that I'd worked at before... with my bachelor's degree in Apparel Merchandising, Design, and Production, this is basically right up my alley- for the midwest anyway. But I was working constantly, at all hours. My mom essentially lived with us for about 8 weeks, on and off, to care for B. We soon realized this was not conducive to anyone's life and I stepped back from the management position into a part-time position. I now work two nights a week and normally one weekend day. Occasionally though, like this past weekend, I work both days, which really stinks. No time with the Hubs, no time with B... no time with friends or anything. However, since B just informed us that we are going to Disney World!, the extra money will be helpful!

Most of the time I don't mind my job. It's nice to get out of the house, talk to other people, catch up with the ladies I work with. Also, I work in the shoe department. I've never owned so many shoes! This is certainly appealing! However, when B looks at me and says "no Mama, don't go to work. Stay here with meeeee...." it breaks my heart a little bit. But I know how good it is for him and the Hubs too- they get some quality time together. However much it sometimes sucks, I know how blessed I am. I'm lucky to have these two (three if you count that giant puppy, who is snoring at my feet right now) and how wonderful my life is... work and all.

...just a few photos from the past couple weeks or so... i love instagram!

Almost too late!

noreply@blogger.com (amanda) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 05:34:00 +0000

Going back to work stinks... Vacation is awesome.

On another note it's 11:33pm and I just realized that I hadn't blogged yet. Nor have I started my column that's due on Monday. Whoops!

Sent from my iPhone

Fill in the Blank Friday

noreply@blogger.com (amanda) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 22:33:00 +0000

In order to maintain a steady 28 (or 29!) days of blogging, I'm resuming a little Fill in the Blank Friday! It's always nice when other people come up with your topic...

1. If money wasn't an issue, the first thing I'd cross of my life list is a vacation for my family. If you're my Facebook friend you know that we'd be hitching a ride to Disney World, like, today. Immediately. But that my friends, takes money. Then I'd pay our houses off. and cars. and B's college education. Is that too much to ask? (At least I didn't mention future kid's college educations!)

2. Chips on a sandwich? Mustard as my only condiment? My dislike of ketchup? is something I like that other people think is weird.

3. If my life were a movie right now, the title would be Just keep swimming... just keep swimming...

4. Three things I am looking forward to this month are Valentine's Day/ work trip to Minneapolis (We're tagging along with the Hubs) , blogging again and the end of the month because one of my best friends is getting married at the beginning of March!

5. My favorite song to sing in the shower is non existent. I really don't sing in the shower.

6. If I found out that the production of Sephora's clear brow mascara was ending this month, I'd go out and buy as much as I could tomorrow.

7. One thing I'll never grow tired of is watching the Hubs and B together- wrestling, trains, singing... doesn't matter. love it all.

Thanks to Lauren at The Little Things we Do for supplying the questions! Doing Fill in the Blank? Link up on her blog!

Today I Love

noreply@blogger.com (amanda) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 03:01:00 +0000

Right now I'm loving...

Needtobreathe ... I love this cd. I've been listening to it constantly while painting... and driving... and breathing.

Disney World! B wants to go so badly and we want to take him...
Planning will commence now.

The iPhone Foursquare app... mostly because the Hubs and I have made it in to a challenging game- who can check in first when we're together, who checks in more often, etc. Unfortunately for me, I go to the same places every week and any time I go somewhere else, I tend to forget to check in. Oh well, it's still pretty fun!

Daily Seeds From Women who walk in Faith. I picked up this devotional at MOPs last week when we had a phenomenal couple of speakers (seriously, awesome.) and am so happy I did. It's so easy to get through and really encouraging.

Ready and GO!

noreply@blogger.com (amanda) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 21:26:00 +0000

It's February 1st... Generally this time of year is cold... snowy... and we're feeling some serious cabin fever. This year is not the case. This year it's been sunny and 45 degrees or warmer this week. Today it's a blustery (no, just kidding... a little chilly though!) 40 degrees. Like I mentioned yesterday, I've been doing some projects throughout our house. Our main floor bathroom is painted as well as B's room. While I'm excited to reveal pictures, neither one is put back in order, so those will have to wait.

Instead I'll thrill you all with some pictures from the past month or so...

Enjoying the glorious January weather and train tracks leftover from his 3rd birthday party!

Target stickers rock. As do the cookies. As does Target.

Play place at a mall

Popcorn and a movie in a hotel (on a business trip with Daddy)

Morning Hot Chocolate

Visiting the Grant house in Galena, Illinois... Impressive 15 pound bible on the table.

Wrestling with daddy...

Painting sneak peek... Here's B's room!

my new favorite recipe - Sour Cream Chocolate Banana Bread

Train table at the local car wash...

And also, as several of you have pointed out, yes there are 29 days in February of this year. Consider it a bonus - you can miss one day and you can still be rocking the 28 days of blogging!

So Long January...

noreply@blogger.com (amanda) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:36:00 +0000

Tomorrow is February first... is anyone thinking about doing 28 days of blogging? I'd actually forgotten all about it, but as luck would have it, I remembered this morning! Perfect timing, right? What's also perfect timing is how I'm spending this last week of January and the first week of February doing some minor... or major... changes to our house. Guess what most of my topics will be in the first few days of February? You got it- the changes in the house! I'm pumped! But I better get to work or I'll have no finished products to show tomorrow!

See you in February!

Catching up ... is hard to do.

noreply@blogger.com (amanda) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 21:31:00 +0000

Can you guys believe the gorgeous weather we're having around the midwest? Seriously, 50 degrees and sunny in January! I for one am loving it... but am also waiting for the snowstorms to hit. Preferably while it's still technically winter. Perhaps this is because I was totally prepared, with snow boots and snow pants for myself- not just B.

I'm working on a Christmas post, as well as little man's 3rd birthday post, but my motivation is severely lacking. Working mom sucks. So does busy at home mom. The busy just never ends, so I'm trying to work around it, but only so many things can get done!

To entice you to check back (as I know, I've been a horrific blogger this past year), here's a shot of the birthday boy himself from this week:

Hmm... also, maybe come February will anyone want to do 28 days of blogging again? Maybe that'll get me into the swing of things again...

No pants dance.

noreply@blogger.com (amanda) — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 20:00:00 +0000

Is it just me or is it really hard to wear leggings in public? I think maybe it's just me... I always feel like I'm missing my pants.

Is that weird? I think I'll try to get over that, cause they're soooo comfortable!

Welcoming MOPS

noreply@blogger.com (amanda) — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 18:43:00 +0000

Today we ventured out to join one of our local chapters of MOPS. My mother in law has been telling me to join since before B was born, but I was always a little skeptical, mostly because of the name = Mothers of PreSchoolers. It always made me stop and wonder if my kid was actually supposed to be in preschool. But when I heard that two of my dear friends were in this particular group and it didn't interfere with my pilates schedule, I immediately wanted to sign up.

We came, we participated. We conquered.

I'm so happy with how well B did. It's two hours and fifteen minutes of him in a playroom with other two year olds, without me! Last year, 20 minutes at the Y was impossible. Two years ago, an hour and half of bible study was hell. But this year? Pure golden. I really, truly enjoyed the small break to interact with other moms and I really liked the moms in my small group. B was so happy when I went to his room- he'd been playing with trains, snacking on goldfish, and coloring- what more could he (or I) want?!

I'm so thankful for my group of mom friends that I have here and I'm always happy to find more to get involved with. To find out more about your local MOPS- check out MOPS International... it's awesome, trust me!

It's been awhile...

noreply@blogger.com (amanda) — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 19:08:00 +0000

Well blogger land, it's been awhile. Months, actually. A lot of things have changed, as they do in life and in the lifetime of a child... To begin with, updates on Mr. B-man...

He is fully potty-trained... well maybe not fully. I gave in and got pull-ups for night time. He's been dry though for the past three mornings, so we're definitely getting there. He doesn't wear them at naptime or any other time, so I'm pretty pleased with the success. It took about a week, back in May and then there was an accident here and there, but mostly just success.

We are slowly getting into TotSchool at our house. Sloooowly... I'll get better about planning in advance and getting real themes down. So far it's mostly painting and stuff, but we're at least working on something a few times a week!

His favorite thing to ask is "what's her/his name?" All the time. In line at Target, at the library, everywhere. And then when that person says "My name is Bob (or whatever), what's yours?" he buries his face in my shoulder and won't say anything. Some would say that's the smartest thing he could do!

B has had his hair actually cut twice. It's all boy and super cute.

He's SO obsessed with trains. Any and all trains, it's a little out of control. They're totally taking over our house and this Saturday we're going to actually ride on Thomas. He doesn't even know, but I know he's going to be SO excited.

... I could go on and on, but then honestly, I'd probably never finish and post this. So in order to get back on the blogging wagon, I'll post now and be done. This way I'll keep things for the next post :) I really will be back soon! with pictures!

We love to Potty

noreply@blogger.com (amanda) — Mon, 16 May 2011 19:14:00 +0000

... So, I have promised friends of mine that I'm not going to be that mom that makes my facebook status "So proud of my big boy for pooping on the potty!" or something similar. And I'm totally not. I am not that mom.

I am, however, the mom that will blog about it. At least to say this... B started potty training last week, basically of his own accord, and he's doing fabulously. As I wrote in a review post, we have the Baby Bjorn potty and have had it for months. B wasn't interested really at all, but a couple weeks ago we picked up some Thomas and Friends big boy underwear, as well as some "same as daddy's" fruit of the loom kind of underwear (same colors for those who are really curious). Last week, he said he wanted to use the potty and ever since, he's been all over it. He hasn't worn diapers in days and he only wears pull-ups at nap time, overnight and occasionally for longer car trips. He even uses the restroom at stores and uses his potty in the back of the Jeep or Grandpa's truck (baseball games have proven to be much easier than I had imagined).

I'm not pushing him, but am asking him regularly if he needs to use the bathroom. He isn't afraid of it and I'm so happy that he's so successful at it!

Also, in reference to weaning... B did fabulously with that as well. After about a week, he never mentioned it again. He points and laughs anytime he catches me changing my shirt ... apparently now that there's no more milk, boobs are hilarious.

I know I've been absent... hoping to come back to blogging more regularly one of these days.

Weaning... The journey begins...

noreply@blogger.com (amanda) — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 02:40:00 +0000

Last night we began the process of weaning B. We were down to only bedtime nursing sessions & it had been this way for quite awhile. Originally I had been planning to allow B to self-wean, but honestly, it just doesn't seem like that's ever going to happen. He is perfectly fine when I'm not around - he doesn't even ask for "mama milk". He goes to sleep perfectly fine without anything & he sleeps in, almost always. At our house, he won't sleep past 7:30, & rarely does he sleep longer than 7am.

So, because he was away from me each night this weekend (although Saturday night, I kissed him goodnight & left him with his GG right as he was getting ready to take a bath & go to sleep) & he will be again this next weekend (Hubs & I are heading to Chicago for a couple days), I thought this might be a good week to go for it. Last night, we tried a couple different things. First, I helped get him ready for bed, just like normal. I then kissed & hugged him good night & left the room. He did okay until Hubs laid him down & he really realized that he wasn't getting mama milk. We let him cry for a few minutes, but then Hubs took him another of his lovies (we call them ghost puppy). He then asked me to come up & give B another kiss good night. I talked to B about it & explained that he was a big boy now & that mama won't be able to have milk for much longer... He laid down & cried for a minute or two & went to sleep. He slept til 6:50am.

Tonight, we did the same bedtime routine, but read a couple extra books. He only asked for mama milk once & we explained to him again. I kissed & hugged him & then left the room. Hubs laid him down. B cried for a minute & has been asleep ever since. So far, success (knock on wood!)

I know this is a controversial subject... on one hand, people will ask why in the world I'd still be nursing a 26 month old. Well, to that I say, the WHO recommends 2 years. (And also, screw you. Harsh? Maybe, but don't judge breastfeeding (or formula feeding for that matter) mothers.) Then of course, there's the mamas who will disagree with my choice of weaning B before he self-weans. Well, to that I say this... It's sort of gotten to the point where I don't like breastfeeding anymore. I don't want to continue until I hate it. I would never want to look back on this (wonderful) experience & remember that I hated it in the end. Also, when B nurses, he is constantly asking to switch sides- my assumption is that he's not getting milk out, so he tries the other side. And, since I know how well he sleeps when I'm not there, I know it's just a comfort thing, rather than a need. Obviously, I will be comforting him for the rest of his life, so I'm not concerned that he will feel uncomforted by the lack of breast milk.

I will update as the week continues, but so far, so good. For this, I'm extremely happy... but I'll say that once it's all done, I know I will be sad. Breastfeeding is an amazing experience, completely worth the time, energy & pain. I am so proud to have made it this far & I hope, with any future children we may have, I'll be able to do it again...

Wordless Wednesday - who knew?

noreply@blogger.com (amanda) — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 14:07:00 +0000

Wine fits in the cup holder of our Honda Accord!

Competition Thrives

noreply@blogger.com (amanda) — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 02:25:00 +0000

It's March!!! YAY! For some reason I'm convinced that now that it's March, the sun will shine each day & it will be at least 39 degrees- what I call vest weather. I hate winter coats. It honestly doesn't matter what they look like, how trim they are, or anything - I hate wearing them. So March = vest. (Yes, I realized this a very hopeful outlook & in fact, I'll be freezing if I refuse to wear a winter coat, because here in Iowa, it is still winter, but I like to be hopeful so let's go with it, shall we?)

Wanna know something? I'm an extremely competitive person. Just ask my husband how I like to lose - at anything. Board games, arguments... doesn't matter - I like to win & I like to be right. So right now, Hubs & I have this weird competitive thing going on with this silly Facebook game- College Town (I actually had to look it up, because I didn't even know the name. But does that matter? Nope, I still want to win!). Anyway, my competitiveness with Facebook games started with Sorority Life. My real-life sorority sister was always sending me crap & kicking my butt. She was on something like, level 157, while I was on level 4. So I decided to go for it & for a few short weeks I was constantly trying to update my Life. Now, Hubs got me started on this College Town thing & we are each constantly trying to update. It's so ridiculous. But as long as I know that, it's still healthy right? Plus, it makes me care less about what's actually being posted on Facebook. And truthfully, I sort of despise the book (as that same sorority sister just referred to it as the other day in a text). Plus, competing with my husband is kind of fun, especially when I win!

If you're interested... here's my latest column: Women's Edition March

28 days of blogging finale

noreply@blogger.com (amanda) — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 04:19:00 +0000

Well, the 28 days of blogging adventure is over. It has come to a close. I didn't succeed at blogging everyday, but I did pretty well. I learned how to mobile blog, I blogged when I didn't want to, I blogged when I had nothing to write about.

As for my March personal challenge... I think I'm putting it on hold. I want to participate in the summer edition, I believe. And for March, I'd like to just challenge myself to wear more of my clothes. It's so easy to just throw on yoga pants & a t-shirt/sweatshirt, or to just keep them on after pilates, rather than actually get dressed... I have so many tops that I love & yet, I never wear them, because I feel that they'll be wasted on a normal day. What I'm realizing is that they're actually wasted just hanging in my closet. So I'm challenging myself to expanding my daily wardrobe & then, perhaps, when summer rolls around, I won't be as terrified of the 30 for 30 challenge (seriously, I'm a little terrified).

So will I blog tomorrow? Maybe... probably. It's a habit now, even if I didn't do it everyday- I knew when I wasn't getting it done & it was simply because I couldn't get to the computer & I didn't want to just post a picture from my phone.

Also, I'm very proud of my friends who tried & completed the challenge... Alisha, KC, Abby, Janelle... Did I miss anyone? I'm so glad that you joined me & all kicked my butt. Way to go! Thanks for being amazing friends for the past, what, 4 years? And joining me on blogger & everything. You are all awesome women & I love keeping in touch through our blogs.

...

until tomorrow... (and Happy March! Does this mean Spring is just around the corner?)

A whole lotta nothing...

noreply@blogger.com (amanda) — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 04:20:00 +0000

Just a myriad of random knowledge about our weekend:

B is still sickly. Ugh. Turns out sick two year old, especially after a week and a half, is not fun. Not one bit.

I went to Sam's Club for, something like the second time ever in my life, today. With the Hubs. And my mother in law. And it was awesome. We got, like 25 pounds of m&ms today. Who doesn't need 25 pounds of m&ms? And also 4 bottles of wine.

Parenthood rocks. I mean, the show (not that I don't love parenthood). It rocks. And I love Minka Kelly, even if she cheated on Jason Street with Tim Riggins (any idea what show that's from?) and now helped Crosby cheat on Jasmine. I still love her.

My mom was here this weekend, which resulted in a little shopping. Yay! Look at these lovelies:

(I love me some scarves)

The month is almost over and I haven't picked out anything for my 30 for 30. I'm almost positive I'm already failing this challenge, before it's begun.

I applied for an additional freelance writing job. It could be amazing so fingers crossed that I get it.

CSN Stores Winner!!!

noreply@blogger.com (amanda) — Sat, 26 Feb 2011 16:04:00 +0000

Random.org has spoken! Comment #52, who is Lisa, is the winner!!

Lisa, I'll send you an email. Please respond within 24 hours for the information. Thanks for participating everyone!

Party on a Friday Night

noreply@blogger.com (amanda) — Sat, 26 Feb 2011 03:33:00 +0000

We're out for the night... Rare occurrence for sure... :)

Italian Tortellini Soup Recipe

noreply@blogger.com (amanda) — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 14:09:00 +0000

I had this soup at a friend's house a month or so ago & then tried it at home a couple days ago- delicious!

ITALIAN TORTELLINI SOUP

IN OLIVE OIL SAUTE:

1 C. DICED CELERY

1 1/2 C. ONION DICED

3 CLOVES OF GARLIC

ADD THE FOLLOWING & SIMMER FOR 45 MIN. :

1 1/2 LBS OF ITALIAN SAUSAGE *(COOKED)

6 C. CHICKEN BROTH

3 T. SUGAR
2 BAY LEAVES
1/2 t. THYME
1/2 t. OREGANO
1/2 t. PARSLEY
1 CAN TOMATO SAUCE OR TOMATO PUREE
2 CANS DICED ITALIAN TOMATOES

(I tried the sausage two different ways- with 1/2 of it I squeezed it out of the packing & broke it up. With the other half, I cooked it first & then cut it up. Make sense? It obviously didn't affect the taste in any way, but it looked prettier (if that's possible) cooked & then cut.)

AT THE END ADD 1 PKG (FROZEN) CHEESE TORTELLINI. HEAT TIL SOFT.

*YOU CAN ALSO USE 1/2 HAMBURGER INSTEAD OF ALL SAUSAGE...THE MORE SAUSAGE YOU USE THE SPICIER IT IS :) (I actually did this, simply because I had extra hamburger in the fridge & needed to use it. It could've been a bit spicier, but was still delicious!)

Serve with cornbread to make it extra yummy!

and also... don't forget to enter for the CSN Stores giveaway- you can literally buy anything!

Mama/Baby Style vol. 1

noreply@blogger.com (amanda) — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 14:12:00 +0000

I'm so excited to start this portion of my blog. Fashion is something I've always loved, even if I'm not the first to run out & buy the trendiest thing the day it's out. I've let myself get into the 'mom funk' - I wear pretty much the same thing everyday- a fitted tshirt, sweater & jeans. I often scour fashion magazines & live vicariously through the pages... I generally use accessories to dress up more, but I'm ready to 'get back to my roots' of experimenting & having fun. I'm definitely one of those people who feels better when I'm dressed & have at least attempted to do something to my hair (even if it's just a brushed ponytail!) And if you can't enjoy the way you dress, what can you do?

Mama - shirt: H&M, sweater: Target, jeans: D9 via Von Maur, boots: Target (clearance!), jewels: Cookie Lee

Baby - sweater: The Children's Place, shirt: Target (clearance!), jeans: Carters, shoes: Converse All-Stars, hat: BabyGap

No shots together... We ran a couple errands this morning & came back for lunch, when B seemed to get hit by the bug. He's got a low fever & super rosy cheeks... poor little man asked me to put 'football jammies' on for naptime & didn't want to take them back off...

I'm just impressed with myself for keeping jeans on all day!

30 for 30 Remix Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (amanda) — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 23:47:00 +0000

I recently found a new blog to follow & I'm obsessed. Like, check it 3 times a day even though she only posts once a day- kind of obsessed. And inspired. I took pictures for my very own 'Mama- Baby Style' post (check back tomorrow, since I have to upload pictures). I've wanted to start for awhile, but either A) am wearing yoga pants or B) don't have a camera and/or mirror while I look reasonably cute.

Anyway, I'm also gearing up for my next self-challenge. I know, I know, I already failed February's, but you know what? I'm still going for it. So the next challenge- 30 for 30 remix! Check out Kendi's bog for more details, or stay tuned. I'll be selecting my items this week & (gulp) not shopping for clothing at all in March. (maybe this would've been better with 28 days in February!)

At least now I'm excited to shake up the monotony of March!

Under the weather

noreply@blogger.com (amanda) — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 01:51:00 +0000

This house is under the weather... Or rather, the hubs is & I'm suspecting that B may be as well. I'm hoping he was just tired, but I won't hold my breath.

Lucky for me, I feel fine, but there's something about a sick husband & a lazy day that makes me start to feel sick, even if I know I'm not. Cross your fingers that B stays healthy! And hopefully, Hubs is on the mend...

Cookies 101

noreply@blogger.com (amanda) — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 03:24:00 +0000

Ingredients pre-measured into smaller bowls makes it easier for those little hands....

Stirring with both hands is more sufficient....
Who doesn't love Valentine's cookies 5 days later?

They're pretty in their own way :)

One really cute kid ... and chef. Love him.

Fill in the Blank Friday

noreply@blogger.com (amanda) — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 02:39:00 +0000

Once again, it's a good day to steal ideas from Alisha :)

1. I am a wife, a mama, a daughter, sister, aunt. Grand-daughter, cousin, niece & friend. Of course I am also a hilarious, trendy, wine drinking, former fashion major who wears yoga pants daily.

2. The bravest thing I've ever done was give birth with no drugs? Question mark because women do it every day so how brave is it? Your call.

3. I feel prettiest when my hair is down & done. Straight or curly- doesn't matter, as long as it's done. And when my face is clear. Preferably with a tan.

4. Something that keeps me awake at night is my horrific bed. ask again after tomorrow night & it'll be a new answer (happy face for a new bed!)

5. My favorite meal in the entire world is crab legs.

6. The way to my heart is through a Coach bag. Okay, not really, but it'll get you close. You got jokes, you're in. As long as they're nice & not tacky. Then you get a swift kick in the butt.

7. I would like to learn to knit. learn to crochet. give birth again. buy a new house. redecorate said house. get a hobby that doesn't involve the computer. blog more. write more. wow, this list is endless.