Too Much

Too cute

2008-06-22T23:47:00.004-05:00

No time for words, just great pics:

Brand new

Sleepy baby

Baby burrito

Bathtime

Too real!

2008-06-13T20:06:00.003-05:00

She's here! From dad:

"Zoey Virginia was born at 1:42 pm on Wednesday June 11th, 2008.

She was 8 pounds 3 ounces, and 20 inches long.

Mother and baby are in perfect health and doing wonderfully.

Dad will need to be heavily medicated for some time to come."

Everything is going very well and we are very much in love with her.
I'll be back with more pictures and stories as soon as I can.

Too late...

2008-06-09T22:16:00.006-05:00

Look at this:

No days left--baby has 27 minutes or we all lost the birthday game!

I guess it goes with my procrastinating nature that this baby is not here yet. I am not complaining though--I feel GREAT, my last day of work was Friday, there is shopping and projects to finish up, I am enjoying my naps and snacks, and I want this baby to be well cooked and ready. Since I have passed my goals of 36 and 39 weeks and my hoped for birthdays of June 7 or 9, I am now holding out for June 16. Last week OB said baby is "beautiful" on the non-stress test, measured exactly at 39 weeks 5 days, my blood pressure and weight is perfect and the heartburn is gone. Our next OB appointment is Thursday afternoon and she did say bring my bags (hee hee, they have been in the car since May 1!) just in case we do decide that I need to go on over to the hospital, but otherwise there is no cause for concern and she is not talking about inducing anytime soon. I am far too comfortable and ready according to my friends to be anywhere close to delivery. My husband swears he is going to mess up the house and not do the laundry just to give baby a kick start!

Watch this space though...you never know when a baby might appear!

Too excited!

2008-05-27T19:26:00.006-05:00

If you read here yesterday you saw my lament about the IKEA crib that we still don't have and baby is two weeks away, but I'm OK with it. Really I am. But I want it, badly. Last week I even went to the website and printed out a picture and taped it to the wall in the nursery. I have been checking the website for a couple of weeks now and it still says "In Stock: NO." I'm afraid it is going to be discontinued and I will have to start all over with a search and still not be happy with what I settle for. This morning I finally added the IKEA site to my daily clicks and of course it said no, but that didn't keep me from refreshing every 30 minutes, so I reluctantly spent some time googling cribs to see what else is out there. So frustrating!

After lunch I was taking a break and decided to refresh one more time before signing off... "In Stock: YES." WHAT?! Two hours ago it was out of stock, and had been for months! OK, breathe--how many, how soon can I get it, should I leave work, who do I know up there (IKEA is about 90 minutes away), what if it's a computer glitch? Refresh 16 more times--OK, it's true. At 4 PM IKEA confirms that they have 19 cribs in stock. 19!! After not having any for so long. Wait--I am 38.5 weeks pregnant and not supposed to travel out of town, although my husband wants to go get it tonight. My mom is a bit excited about it, so numerous phone calls, e-mails and discussions later, my parents, 90 minutes from me, drive up there, buy it and drive home. So it is still not here, but close enough. They are awesome for doing that!

So here it is, the final piece to go in the IKEA nursery:

Worth all that drama, right?

Too cool nursery

2008-05-26T22:45:00.010-05:00

We had decided long ago if we ever did have a baby their room would be bright but neutral, and no cutesy theme. I had this plaid fabric from IKEA (you'll see a theme here) that I have hung onto for about 12 years, knowing one day I would find the perfect use for it. So it became the inspiration for the room.

Before, when it was a messy office/dumping space:

Now, looking into the room. I love the way the light comes in even with the curtains down.

C. painted the walls and ceiling (I hate white ceilings) yellow over Christmas break, we installed a ceiling fan, my mom and aunt made the curtains, and family passed down furniture (I love that they are family pieces used by other babies and kids). The dots were a complete after-thought, just something I found while online, but they probably turned out to be my favorite thing that we did.

The changing table is our pack and play, set up in place of a crib for now, with my bear from when I was a baby wearing a size 0 Kissaluv cloth diaper and Proraps cover.

We stalked the rocker for 3 months and had given up when it fell into our laps one day after a particularly rough OB appointment, so we knew it was meant to be ours. We named it Baby Chairry--it looks just like the smaller version from Pee-Wee's Playhouse. If only it were green...

C. picked out the floors mats. Our whole house is hardwoods which we love, but knew we needed something warmer and softer for this room. So we looked at rugs, carpets and finally settled on these mats. I am not much of a plastic/rubber/synthetic person, but love that these are made from recycled rubber, non-toxic and can be easily washed. I am sure that will be the most important thing eventually. ;)

The books, stuffed animals and some of the toys we already had from teaching and collecting, so it was just natural that they go in a baby's room. A few times we saw really great themes that we loved, like Dr. Seuss murals and bedding ($425 for a quilt?! Umm, no.) and Sesame Street curtains and rugs, but always went back to the yellow and green, with a few favorites here and there.

I guess our theme could be called IKEA though, completely by accident! Of course the fabric, plus the buckets and vases on the dresser, fish mobile, green mirror and several toys all came from IKEA, and there is still a wooden shelf and hooks to put up if we need them.

And eventually an IKEA crib. Two trips up there and still out of stock. We have been told they will be there in June, but others are having trouble finding any cribs in stock, right now only 2 California and one Utah store have them. Rumor in England is that they are discontinuing these models. So I am not holding my breath, but will wait it out since baby will be in a co-sleeper (the blue bed in the first picture) in our room the first few months anyway.

So what do you think? Especially the lampshade--I am not sure I like the dots on there as much as I do on the walls.

Anything look odd or missing? We still have some things to do, like put together like the swing, strip the half table, add a basket liner and get a pail for diapers. You can see more pics and some other details here: Nursery

Too much fun!

2008-05-25T23:12:00.004-05:00

So close now, and to keep me going at work the predictions have started. Family has their own ideas too, so wanna play along?

Some background in case it makes guessing easier: this is our first baby, due date is technically June 9, but early on was June 4, June 7 and as of right now I am measuring about a week ahead on the ultrasound. Baby was predicted at 6 pounds 13 ounces, give or take 1/2 pound either way at the 5.16.08 ultrasound. C and I were both 8 pound + babies.

Co-worker #1 said May 23. Nope :)
Co-worker #2 says Tuesday.
Co-worker #3 says June 3 or 21.
C's mom says this week.
On Thursday my dad said 9 more days.
C says 39 weeks, 9 pounds with a huge head. Thanks honey. ;)
I say June 7, middle of the night and yeah, a big baby. If I get to pick though, I want to hold out until June 16.

Comment with date, weight and anything else you wanna guess. Winner gets...I dunno, maybe the first babysitting job? ;)

Too long

2008-05-25T22:05:00.009-05:00

...since I wrote here! WOW--February 21 was 3 months ago! I guess I have been a little busy. A lot has happened since then so I'll make this one quick (well, as quick as I know how to be) and come back with details later.

~Baby is still cooking, healthy and growing. I was 2 cm at my last appointment and baby is head down, so things are moving along. Today we are 38 weeks, OB has actually tabled the plans for induction at 39 weeks because everything is going so well and I finish work June 6 unless baby decides to come earlier. My sub for the summer starts on Tuesday, so I get to spend these last two weeks in the office and being with the kids. Off my feet for the most part--I like that. My boss really is awesome.

~Some very minor complications that make me uncomfortable, but all in all a much smoother pregnancy than any of us thought it would be. Acid reflux is miserable--so much coughing that I have a hard time catching my breath sometimes. But a new medication seems to be kicking in and the past 3 days have been almost normal. Otherwise, typical swollen feet, achy legs, sore hips, painful back. I had to finish swimming about 2 weeks ago because it was just too risky for me to be in the water with the coughing episodes making it hard to breath. Still doing some light yoga, but mostly concentrating on my labor exercises, breathing and Hypnobirthing relaxation.

~Showers were wonderful, carseat is installed, bags are packed and nursery is completely done. I will post some shower and nursery pics in the next few days. It is interesting to see the finished nursery compared to the sketches and plans I made in the beginning. Very, very happy with how it all came together. In the beginning I was very specific about how little and what types of baby stuff we wanted and happy to say I was able to stick very close to that plan. I know it will happen eventually, but as of yet our small house is not taken over with baby stuff. It feels just right.

~Having some contractions on and off this past week, but nothing notable. Spent today cleaning the kitchen, not what I would call nesting but "necessitating" since I can't remember the last time I did a really deep cleaning in there. It felt good, but I am paying for it tonight. I even sent C to bed early in case this sore back and on and off twinges turn into something. There has been a prediction for me to go on Tuesday, so maybe....

~Oh yeah, and somewhat unrelated, but we lost our laptop, the Original Baby, in March. It was a terrible, horrible, scary feeling when I went to log on and it was gone, stolen right off my desk at work. LMPD detectives actually worked (and apparently are still looking as of last week) on finding it, but I know it is a lost cause and so we just had to get a new one. Worst part is every belly picture, journal entry, web post and e-mail about baby was on there, so a whole lot of history is lost. I tried not to be too sad about it, but yeah, it really, really sucked.

Be back soon with a little game to play!

Too...MUCH!!!

2008-02-21T20:26:00.004-05:00

Wanna hear about my day? I know you are just dying for an update... :) It's a long one, and not even all about baby for once.

Up at 6 AM as usual, with only about 4 hours of sleep, as usual. Stupid cough and stupid hips and stupid pillows and stupid wrist... Difference today is I don't get to eat breakfast, but have to still take meds that make me woozy. Today is the day I get to drink glucola for the gestational diabetes test and be poked in the arm. Fun!

Off to work at 7, make 50 sandwiches for lunch, slice 48 oranges for snack and then drive across the river. Still a bit shaky--I miss my banana and peanut butter and milk! Everything is ready in case my appointment takes longer than we expect so someone else can serve lunch. They take me first for the appointment and while I am in there she comes to get my blood. The good thing about this set-up is I am distracted so I don't even notice the needle. Glad that is over. So OB and I talk for a good long time and here is where we are:

~Gained 7 pounds, which she is happy about since it is a steady, even gain and I am still under the max recommended.

~Blood pressure was 173/65, low normal and great since I have a history of slightly high BP.

~Down to 500 mg Metformin, since I am having some occasional dizzy and lightheaded moments, mainly when I don't eat enough or am really, really active.

~Albuterol prescription for the cough, Benadrly for sleeping. These two recommendations alone were worth the appointment.

~Fundal measurement is 24 cm, exactly what it should be, heartbeat is steady and strong and baby is closer to the surface which means good growth.

~And biggest news: we have deadline date. She is concerned that I may develop some complications, mainly due to age and blood pressure, and since baby is growing exactly as it should and very healthy, she expects we can safely deliver between 36-39 weeks. She won't take the baby before 36, but if I don't go on my own before 39, then we will induce. I don't really like that idea, but a healthy mom=healthy baby, and while I am not one for planning when to deliver, it will probably reduce my stress level if I have a deadline by then. She does not want me traveling after 34 weeks either, so that works perfect with my plan to do nothing but veg the last month.

It is 9:30 AM when I am done and I joke with the office staff that I was kinda hoping the ice storm that is coming would be here by now so schools would start closing and I can go on home instead of back to work, but no such luck--it's just bitter cold. Drive back to work and as I am pulling into the parking lot, the county announces that they are sending kids home beginning at 10 AM. YES!!! We are part of college campus and also have a contract with the school system, so our director usually gets to make her own best decision about what to do and who to follow--best case is she can close for either or both systems. So I serve lunch at 10:45, we close to families at 11, so after spending 30 minutes at Walgreens, we are home by 12:30. This was a good, crazy mixed-up day!

Good, cause I am tired. T.I.R.E.D. Maybe it was the not eating, or how rushed the morning was, or the culmination of not sleeping well at night, so I nap at about 2:30 PM. At 4 PM, I wake up practically screaming. The worst charley horse I have ever had in my life. I massage, I stretch, C. massages, reminds me to relax--I can't. Then I start breathing. Now the pain did not go away, and actually it still hurts 5 hours later, but I kinda went into this zone where I could handle it and began to relax. So our childbirth class and the relaxation CDs and hypnobirthing reading does work. C. joked that if I can't handle this, what about a baby--I reminded him we actually get something out of that pain, this only gave me a sore leg. He agreed. Besides, my mantra for childbirth is "This is not painful."

Stop laughing.

So I roll over and doze off again. I hear the rain and ice hitting the windows and dripping on the front porch. Then...hmmm, that one sounds odd. And then, what was that on my head? OH NO!! Our bedroom ceiling is leaking, onto the bed and lamp! We put down towels and C finds the leak in the attic and puts a bucket there. But it is dark outside, in the middle of an ice storm, and the roof is covered in ice, so there is nothing else we can do. We had a tornado in our area about 3 weeks ago that took off a corner of our roof, opposite the leak area, and that was all the damage we had found, but obviously there was more, as the roof has never leaked before and this is the first real rain we have had since then. We have a settlement from the insurance company and a repair guy coming to do the corner next week, but we have to start over tomorrow. ARGGG. Maybe they will replace the whole roof though.

As good as the day was for the most part, and the OB appointment seems so long ago now, I am done with this day. So now I am on the couch, eating Reese Cups, watching "My Name is Earl" with my husband. I told ya, I am just like Britney...

Too...redneck?

2008-02-08T10:27:00.001-05:00

Just call me Britney.

Yesterday was very long day, not bad, just a lot to do. C. had to stay late at work, then we went straight to a baby class across the river. I was very sure to eat several times in the afternoon, so much that C. teased me about leaving a bag of Cheetos in the staff room. Not mine, but now I had Cheetos on the brain. So when we got to the class, I checked out the vending machines, but no Cheetos. I had water with me but by the time we got out of class 2 hours later, I was starving. We had planned a quick run to Sam's and I got some chicken salad at the Wal-Mart next door for dinner, since it was already 8 PM and I was not making anything when I got home. And there in the line, the Cheetos were staring at me. Somehow they jumped in my bag. While waiting for C. to finish, I opened them up, right in the Wal-Mart lobby. Did I mention my feet are bigger so I am leaving the laces loose? So there I am pregnant, almost barefoot, scarfing Cheetos in front of a Wal-Mart. I don't even like Cheetos that much, and tossed half the bag on the way home, and now I have heartburn.

At least my thong wasn't showing...

Too busy!

2008-02-05T12:58:00.001-05:00

22 weeks!

Wow, I can't believe I last updated here in December--that was over a month ago. I feel like January went by sooo slowly, but then ago, that last post wasn't that long ago in my mind.

A few quick hits then some details:
~ The baby room is painted! Bright sunny yellow with full bookcases and baskets and drawers--how did I already get so much stuff?! I haven't even gone crazy shopping yet. We still have some rearranging to do and one more piece of furniture to get and the curtains made and ceiling fan hung and I have yet to decide on which crib or a crib at all, but otherwise it really is a baby room. I'll post some pictures when it is done.

~So it is good that we stuck with yellow, orange, and green colors, since baby was very uncooperative at our ultrasound. Yah for me--I don't want to know, but boo for C.--he really wants to know. He is convinced that since we didn't see any hanging parts it is a girl. Actually, he is convinced it is a girl because it was stubborn and lazy, like it's mom! We get to try again in 2 weeks, and if he knows you will have to drag it out of him--I'm not talking. Otherwise the ultrasound was great: baby is measuring exactly on target, all the parts that are supposed to be there are there, heartbeat was very strong, umbilical cord was working and fluid levels were perfect.

~I finished with the physical therapist in January, but not before I developed carpal tunnel. So now I get to wear a brace when I sleep--let me tell you how much fun that is! It does help, but I am hoping my joints go back to normal this summer. One of the reasons I finished with therapy is because I am swimming and doing yoga and strength training at the Y. I love it. Love, love, love. I had to sit out for a few days last week and I really missed it. The water and the stretching is making a huge difference in my energy and sleep, and my back feels so good all day.

~We started childbirth classes last week. There are only four couples in our group, and so far, so good. Even C. walked out after 2 hours--that he actually participated in--and said "not bad." We have 2 classes this week, so it may be a little more overwhelming, but I am glad we are starting a little earlier than the norm, in case we want to do another session somewhere, or complications come up.

~Which they almost did. A call from my OB last Thursday that she wanted me to see a kidney specialist sent me into bit of a tailspin. She wanted me to get the earliest possible appointment, so I freaked a little bit more. Then when the earliest was March 10, I said no way--if there is a reason I need to be there, see me now. Can you imagine--something might be wrong with me or the baby and they are willing to wait 6 weeks?! So between my OBs office and the specialist, they worked it out for Monday afternoon. All weekend I was told not to do anything special or different, but yeah, bedrest couldn't hurt and would ease my stress and blood pressure. Of all the things that can go wrong in a pregnancy, I have this irrational...fear, I guess it is, of having to go on bedrest, and I really thought we were over that hump after week 4. I think it is because I am such a go-go-go, controlling kind of person that having to let others do it, miss work, stay home does not settle well with me. I would do it, of course, but not very quietly. So anyway, the appointment Monday was GREAT! I really liked the doctor and he saw nothing in my labs or history that indicated a problem at this time. I am still high risk, and may yet develop pre-eclampsia, which is what my OB was leaning towards as opposed to kidney disease, and will be monitored more closely (like ultrasounds every 4 weeks now--one plus is getting to see the baby more often). But for now, keep eating healthy, KEEP EXERCISING--yah, I was so glad to hear that, take my BP and vitamins regularly, put my feet up often and call him if anything changes. I was so relived--I will do anything I have to do to keep this baby cooking as long as possible, but getting to keep my life as normal as possible will def help me to not stress out--I really believe a happy mom makes a happy baby. Cause we know there soon will be no "normal life" as we know it.

That's all the craziness for now. I think my next post will not be about baby stuff--I do have other thoughts in my head I'd like to share. Oooooo, maybe I will give you a preview of my next organizing job....

Too cool!

2007-12-30T16:50:00.000-05:00

We are 17 weeks today and I finally feel really pregnant, not just cranky and irritated and whiny for no reason. I have a little bit of a baby belly and people I don't know are beginning to recognize that I am pregnant. Maternity clothes are a beautiful thing--if I ever have to feel a waistband again it will too soon!

I had a Physical Therapy and OB appointment on Thursday, leaving my warm house full of sleeping people at 7:10 AM!! I was looking forward to it, but that was way early on a vacation day. The therapy was good, the massage was great and I got to spend some time wandering the aisles of Target by myself and starting our baby registry between appointments. (And is it just me, or does after-Christmas clearance not seem as exciting for past couple of years?)

They got me in a little early at the OB, which was a good sign, and my stats were great: normal blood pressure, clear urine and I have gained 6 pounds total. They took blood for the quad screening test, which should be back sometime next week, and a liver blood test. Funny, I asked for both, but I have not once thought or worried about the results since that day. I guess that is a good thing. So she asks me if I am feeling any movements yet, and I told her there has been some fluttery feelings that I can't really tell the difference between muscles stretching or gas pains, so no, not really. We listened to the heartbeat--WHOOSH WHOOSH, WHOOSH WHOOSH--and made an appointment for another ultrasound in four weeks. We should be able to see the gender then, but hmmmm, I'm not sure whether we will actually find out or not.

So after I get home, we head out for shopping and lunch with my niece and nephew, to Gattiland, of course. We spent the whole afternoon there, then after a dinner snack, bath and bedtime, I stretched out on the couch to relax and read e-mails. All of a sudden my stomach starts cramping. It made me squirm a little and I wondered if I overdid it with all of the activity. But it passed and I forgot about it for a few minutes. I didn't feel it when I walked around, but every time I was still it came back. After about an hour of this, I suddenly realized--it's not my stomach, it's the baby!! Real movements, not like kicks, but as if something is gently pushing and moving around in there. This goes on most of the night whenever I am still. It was very, very cool!

I do think this baby is going to be a bit of a troublemaker: the day I tell the OB there is no real movement, he or she decides to start acrobatics in there. HA, we'll show them who's the boss here!

Too gross.

2007-12-01T00:05:00.000-05:00

I hate green beans. As I sit here tonight, restless and agitated, I kept scratching something on my arm, thinking it is a bug bite or a scratch. It's on the back of my arm, so it's not like I can really see with some contortions, so I am trying to ignore it. Then I go to the bathroom and look in the mirror. It's greenish, looks like a very bad mole--what in the world?! I get out a washcloth, thinking it is paint from school, although I wasn't around during art today, but who knows. I rub and it comes off on the cloth. It is a piece of green bean. We had green beans for lunch today. I hate green beans. I cursed those little seeds all during clean up this afternoon, how they stick to everything and get in every crevice, and now they have followed me home?! Ewww. And how it got on my arm is freaky--I guess when I ate with the kids today someone touched me. Ewwww again.

Maybe I don't want a kid after all. They tend to like green beans and have sticky hands. Maybe I will just have to teach them to like forks and spoons at an early age...

I promise every blog will not be about food. Or kids. Or gross stuff. But I just had to make you as grossed out as I am.

Too amazing!

2007-11-30T08:20:00.000-05:00

It's a wonder what a little food will do for you!

I spent most of Thursday with various doctors and technicians, after feeling really crappy all week. After returning from Thanksgiving, I slept most of Saturday, and was just whiny on Sunday. I couldn't even get myself enough together to meet a good friend that was in town for lunch. (Waves to kdf!) Even a quick trip to Home depot Sunday wore me out. I figured I had overdone the holiday a bit, even though it was truly the easiest, most relaxing, fun holiday I can remember in a long time. Monday I came home with a headache, the only one since getting pregnant, and I usually get them often. But I didn't really think anything was wrong. But I took a nap and slept it off; still it lingered. By Tuesday morning at work I was chilled, shaky, dizzy, lightheaded and nauseous and my boss had to take over while I rested and then went home. I felt better after sleeping all day, missed work Wednesday along with other staff so we just figured something was going around. I felt so bad Wednesday night that I considered the ER late in the evening, but decided to sleep some more and decide in the morning. Soon after breakfast on Thursday, I gave in. I headed to the hospital, then my new Dr. worked me into her schedule (LOVE HER!). They took lots of fluids from me, did a whole history and vital stats before diagnosing slight dehydration with anemia and hypoglycemia. Among other things, I have to up the water (how am I going to do more than my 80 oz. already?!) and Gatorade, reduce the Metformin and EAT MORE! That just cracks me up.

I have not been dieting, of course, and really haven't been tracking the types and amounts of food, but I have been aware of it and thought I was doing OK. Apparently this baby is a blood-sucking, energy-zapping, food-stealing, water-guzzling vampire. Everything I put in goes right to the baby first, then I get leftovers. Which is fine by me, but there wasn't enough for both of us. After I got back to work, I ate tuna, crackers, nuts, cheese, biscuits and applesauce, and immediately perked up. WHO KNEW?! Of course, within the hour, I had heartburn, bad. I know that happens in pregnancy but figured I was just lucky. No, there wasn't enough in there to cause the heartburn. Now there is, so Tums will be my best friend. So me, the girl that got lectures from doctors and worked so hard to lose weight and ate only the right kinds of food, is now being told to eat whatever appeals to me that I can keep down and will enjoy enough of. And lots of it!

Now for the best part: She couldn't find the heartbeat on the little doppler in the office, which in my mind I knew not to worry about but she knew I was stressed, so she sent me to the ultrasound tech. YAH! Or oh no--did I want to get bad news by myself now? After about a 10 minute wait that seemed like forever, I saw the little bean. Or the big jumping bean, I should say. It was flipping and bouncing and moving all around, with a strong heartbeat of 158. I had no idea I was so stressed about it until I felt that relief wash over me. The tech was awesome and made me feel very comfortable. I go back for a longer scan next Thursday to get measurements, dates and look for any developmental issues, so I get to see the baby again in week. WHEEEEEE!

So I guess you want to see too, huh?

Awww, it's Baby ET

TOO MUCH!!!!!

2007-10-22T23:35:00.000-05:00

After wishing and hoping for years, thinking it would never happen and we would just deal with it, Thursday was the day! We were so excited and went back to work with big smiles on our faces.

Here's the proof:

We're having a baby!! YAH!
They even gave it a label--this office so knows me.

And yes, there is only ONE baby in there.

So that last blog I wrote, the one where everyone thought I was teasing, which totally was not my intention as I really WAS excited about our new steps and it did seem like we had waited forever, the one where I needed to get onto bed.....

Heeee hee!

We are in our 8th week, and after a touch and go weekend at the very beginning, all is well now. The heartbeat was really strong at 125 bpm, measurements are accurate for the age and I am not having any problems. Well, other than extreme tiredness, muscle pain, nausea, and aversion to every thing that smells, I am fine. And glad for it all. So far I am surprised by everything and nothing--how tired I feel, how excited everyone is for us, how wonderful C. has been, how quickly my body changes, how supportive work is, and how freaked out I am!! I mean really, really flipped here--we really did want this, but now there is no turning back. All my years as a nanny, all the time spent in classrooms, all the kids we have known.....we have no idea what we are in for, do we?

Too great!

2007-09-14T22:51:00.001-05:00

Yeah, yeah, I haven't been here in forever--I'll get to the details later.
But for now, we have some news!

After wishing and hoping for years, thinking it would never happen and we would just deal with it, yesterday was the day! C. was so excited and I went to work with a big smile on my face.

Here's the proof:

We're getting new steps!! YAH!

Right now it is just a pile of rocks, eventually to be just boring rebar and concrete and gray steps, but they will be straight and solid.

I can't believe I am this excited about walking on concrete...
I must be old now.

OK, OK on to the other news. The past 5 months have been a crazy roller coaster in my life, our life.

Knowing my part-time-but-pays-like-full-time job was coming to an end June 30, I started a full-time job in a classroom on May 1. First time I worked full-time 5 days a week in 3 1/2 years--it was quite a shock to my system! I loved the kids, but it turned out to not really be what I was looking for and I left in July...

And went back to my old position. Remember the post about the job I had asked for and wanted and was created just for me? Well, it had not been approved by the time I needed to find something full-time, and we did not think it would ever be approved anyway, but on July 30, it was! I was a student teacher at this college, left to work for the school system; came back as a lead teacher, left to go to a private school; came back as the part-time cook, left to take a full-time position. I think I will stay forever this time. I love it--I am cooking with the kids everyday, teaching in the classroom, doing some trainings, being an admin assistant as needed--it is everything I planned for it to be and hoped for in a job!

The rest of my summer was spent on the road and in concert. I saw Clay Walker, The Police, Alison Krauss, Counting Crows, Earth, Wind and Fire, Switchfoot and of course, Clay Aiken. Nine times. Stop rolling your eyes--you all should be so lucky! Texas was exciting, Ohio was silly, North Carolina was emotional, Florida was interesting, and they were all fall-out-of-your-seat hysterical. But I am glad to be home, as much as I love traveling and seeing all my friends, this fall I have other good stuff to do, and I kinda have to be home to make it happen. ;)

Like FINALLY getting on with this baby-making thing! Stop here if you don't want to know all about it, cause I have no problem talking about it. And everyone seems to want details.

In January, I was given a mandate of 30 pounds lost by July and take Metformin and BCPs to get insides sorted out. Check--I lost 27 pounds by June 30, and although I had some tough days, I remembered to take the drugs regularly (and that is a big deal for me). So she gave us the green light to go for it: continue working out and losing weight, stay on the Met and vitamins, begin temping, eating, drinking (or not) and thinking pregnant, and check back with her in 3 months. She even said if I needed a night out of drinking and partying one last time, to do it now. How perfect--I was getting on a plane to Texas 3 days later (and yeah, I took her advice to heart :) ). But while on vacation, she called with some news: I had never had chicken pox and needed a vaccine before getting pregnant. Two shots, 30 days apart, and after the last shot, there was a 30 day waiting period before getting pregnant. Grrrr! So back on the BCP, just practicing with the temping, and more waiting. On top of that I had pretty much stopped losing weight even though I was working just as hard, and had just re-started the job. August was a really, really, REALLY tough month--lots of worries and tears and stress--I just wanted to move on, one way or the other. We had a lot of head-work to do, so it ended up being a good time to take a break from everything.

So now it is September 15 and we are starting over. The doctor says I am in the best place right now for this to happen for us: weight is good, food is good, meds are good, timing is excellent *wink wink* and attitude is really good. If we are not pregnant by the end of the year, some other discussions will have to happen, but I feel so different this time around, I don't think that will be an issue. And if it is, we'll cross that bridge when it comes.

So I guess I should go to bed, eh?

Too good!

2007-05-08T21:09:00.000-05:00

Haven't been here in a while--lots going on in my life, and one day I will catch up, but in the meantime...

I don't usually blog about American Idol, although I am watching, and after tonight, I just had to go find the ultimate performance of a Bee Gees song. Not only is it my all-time fave BG song, it is my all-time fave AI performance by my all-time fave contestant.

Take that Jordin!

Too - hmm, too what?

2007-03-15T21:45:00.000-05:00

Who cares?!

DUKE LOST!
In the first round!

DUKE LOST! Ha ha ha ha ha haaaa haaaa haaaaaaa!

Duke lost.
Duke lost.
Duke lost.
Duke lost.

I can go to bed happy now. Heh, I can DIE happy now.
Don't really care what happens with Kentucky tomorrow, now cause

DUKE LOST!

Apparently I'm not the only one: Poetic Justice

Too silly...

2007-03-15T13:42:00.000-05:00

What is the big deal?!?!

I just finished watching a romp 'em stomp 'em basketball game that had several highlights, numerous stellar plays and some outstanding teamwork. The complete routing of Stanford wasn't bad either. And what was the closing comment: "Rick Pitino returns to Lexington." What the .....?! Of all the things they could have focused on, the comentator chose that very minor, insignificant piece of trivia. WHY is this such a big deal?

I grew up in Lexington, and although I never had a desire to attend the University of Kentucky, I have always been a big Wildcat fan. Family dinners and holiday celebrations revolved around when the UK game was on, blue and white were the traditional colors of a baby's first onesie and the roads were usually deserted on Saturday afternoons. I moved to Louisville as a young adult and attended the University of Louisville for my bachelor's degree, cheering for the Cards unless they were playing UK. So I know all about the rivalry, and have friends and co-workers that are die-hard haters of each team (luckily I married a UK fan, but it wouldn't have been a deal breaker like some I know). UK had many good years with Pitino, but he moved on to coach the Boston Celtics in 1997. When Pitino came back to the area to coach Louisville, one would have thought the world had ended for many Wildcat fans. I thought Pitino was a great coach for UK, and I was even considered for a job with the Pitino family when they left for Boston, so I guess I liked him well enough, but I didn't boo-hoo when he left. Nor did I hate him when he came to Louisville. And even as a Widcat fan that FULLY SUPPORTS Tubby Smith, I don't feel like a traitor for saying that Pitino is probably the greatest college coach working right now, and I hope Louisville goes really far in this tournament.

Am I not normal? Am I supposed to have this hatred for all things red and black? Am I wrong for actually liking that Pitino is leading Louisville to a quality program? I am not a coach, player, or sportswriter, so maybe I am considered dumb about this, but I just don't get it. I am just a casual sports fan that likes to support those close to me and be proud of my local teams. There are so many interesting, inspiring stories that naturally come out of the NCAA tournament, that I hate to see some long ago drama brought up again. Hey, CBS--you are the only one talking about it.

Now if Clay Aiken starts coaching for UNC, maybe I will have to change my teams...

Too fun

2007-03-09T08:55:00.000-05:00

Something new and fun...a little bit about me. Thanks to YSRN at the Thistle Hut for the inspiration--her pictures are awesome too!
(And no, there was not a Clay Aiken option, in any category.
I checked. Twice.)

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

Too happy!

2007-03-08T08:54:00.000-05:00

I have been pretty frustrated this week with the weight loss, or lack of it. I stepped on the scale Sunday to see that I had gained 6 pounds over night. OK, OK, we ate at Tumbleweed, but I was pretty good--ordered chicken and veggies and brought more than half of it home and even walked when we got home late, even though I didn't feel like it. So I weighed again throughout the day--still up. How can one gain 6 pounds in one day?

I struggled with how to track myself when I started this plan in November, at first just going by how I felt and how my clothes were fitting. No way did that work--not concrete enough and no immediate feedback. So I decided to weigh myself once a week, same time, day and clothing. That was OK, but a big gain or staying the same was more disheartening than a big loss was motivating--a week was too long. What works for me is everyday. I thought maybe it would discourage me to not see it going down every day, but nope. If it doesn't move down or stay the same, I know to make some changes, either pushing myself on the exercise or reviewing what I ate the past few days.

So this week I continued to step on the scale as soon as I got out of bed. Monday morning: still up. GRRRRR! Tuesday morning: down 1 pound. I ranted to my friends. Wednesday morning: down 1 more. Getting better. This morning: down 4 and a half pounds!

I met my first weight loss goal! YAH!!! Whoo Hoo!!
*. *:*.*throws confetti*. *:*.*

It was a small goal--10 pounds--but I am two weeks and one day ahead of the date I set for myself. My husband stopped for breakfast this morning and asked me if I wanted something, and for one brief, fleeting moment, I thought "I deserve a reward--one thing won't hurt me." And no sooner was that thought out there than another replaced it: "You are going to reward yourself for all that hard work with FOOD?!?! So no, I didn't get anything icky for breakfast--stuck with my yogurt, pineapple, cereal and water. And I liked it, really--I doubt an apple pie would have tasted that good.

Next step: 5 pounds in the next 3 weeks. I know I can do this!

Too cool!!!!

2007-03-06T13:09:00.000-05:00

Whoo hoo!!

Gold star!

WOW!!

Good job!

(Can you tell I'm a teacher?)

The Bubel/Aiken Foundation badge is number one on Six Degrees now! Can we keep it there the rest of the month? The top six badges on March 30 will receive an additional $10,000 donation from Six Degrees. $10,000 would go a long way to helping fund these very worthy programs. If you haven't donated your $10 yet, please consider doing so.

Just click on the badge on the sidebar.

And if you want to read more, go to the The Bubel/Aiken Foundation website.

And thanks to everyone that has already donated!

Too good

2007-03-03T23:42:00.000-05:00

not to post about!

You may notice a new link on the sidebar that goes to The Bubel/Aiken Foundation through Kevin Bacon's site Six Degrees and administered by Network for Good.

The BAF was started by Clay Aiken and Diane Bubel, the mother of a child with autism that Clay worked with in college. Their mission is:

Creating communities where ALL children can learn, live, and play together. The Bubel/Aiken Foundation will serve to bridge the gap that exists between young people with special needs and the world around them. We will support communities and programs in creating awareness and opportunities for full inclusion where barriers break and doors open. It is our goal to create an environment for children where inclusion is embraced. (www.thebubelaikenfoundation.org)

The top six badges on March 30 will receive an additional $10,000 donation from Six Degrees. TBAF is currently number 5, and we would love to see it stay there for the next 4 weeks. Can you help? Click below to be taken to the Network for Good site and make a minimum $10 doantion.

Too excited! Too wonderful! TOO MUCH!!

2007-03-02T20:09:00.000-05:00

I was coming here to update my crazy busy week and a big decision I made but whatever...LOOK!

03/02/07 : Tour News Alert!
Clay Aiken summer 2007 touring plans are close to being confirmed with dates that start in July all across the U.S. Keep your eyes peeled to clayonline.com for show announcements in the coming days, along with on sale and fan club presale information. Get your oil changed, and calculate those frequent flier miles...the summer tour will be here before you know it!

Whoo hoo! I am so ready for a full tour of all his songs, not just Christmas. And to hear him talk. And to see him smile. And waste all my money on the road.

Of course I will probably be starting a new full time job in July. One that I asked for, begged for, and was created just for me. Think the kids can feed themselves for a couple of months?

This was my favorite thing about his last summer tour: spending the night on the sidewalk with all friends, running across that huge field and then my mouth hanging open as I heard him sing "Back for More" the very first time. (One of umm, several, ahem more times in the next 36 days.)

"Back for More" did not make the album and he looks a bit different now, but that song and him on stage still blows me away every time!

Too crazy

2007-03-02T00:29:00.000-05:00

This is a short one: Anyone out there walked a mini-marathon? Trained for it in only 8 weeks? After formerly being a total slob and doing no exercise? Ever started one and not finished it?

Am I asking for trouble?

Too cool!

2007-02-25T12:56:00.000-05:00

One more pound down since Monday! I am completely surprised about that, since I had such a bad stressful week and was so lazy on my 4 days off. So a total of 7 pounds lost and 1.5 inches off my waist in 6 weeks--about what I hoped for. I have a goal of 10 pounds lost by March 23, and not only do I think that is very doable, but I think I can even kick it up a notch. I am going to an event out of town at the end of March and I would love to lose 10 pounds before that. Plus it's getting to be spring here, so I am always more active when the weather is nice.

Someone recommended a new site this morning

It is a lot like the Weight Watchers Online site except it keeps track of the nutrition values, not points (hatesss Points). And it's free. I really like it since it has almost everything you eat already in there, and if not you can add an item once and then it is always there.

Today I have to clean the kitchen, finish putting my recipe file back together and fold 7 baskets of laundry from last week. And plan a presentation for Wednesday, fill out a job application, answer 4 work e-mails, enter 19 grant orders and format a mass mailing. Vacations really throw me of my regular routine! But first I am going to walk 4 miles on the treadmill and watch UK stomp on Vandy!

Oh yeah, and I'm crossing everything I have for Jennifer Hudson on tonight's Oscar's!

Too bad!

2007-02-23T15:44:00.001-05:00

My husband is in so much trouble!

You know what time of year it is, right? That season when strangers tease you as you enter the store, neighbors ring your doorbell at odd times, co-workers accost you in the hallway?

Yep, Girl Scout cookie time. Yesterday the "cookie mom" at work brought in all the boxes that had been ordered by our staff. We all talked and laughed about how many boxes she had, how hard she was working, how late she stayed up organizing orders, how "bad" we all were for even ordering them, and all the while I was snickering inside "I'm not bad. I didn't even order any. I wasn't even tempted. I am so strong."

So this afternoon I was in the staff room and my husband comes in and says "Try these." It was an opened box of the sugar free brownie bites, so I thought OK, it is sugar free and small, and maybe it will be a good alternative if I am looking for a chocolate fix. They were not bad, but not really worth the calories and fat either. But then he says, holding up a bag, "And these are MINE!" He had 2 boxes of thin mints and tagalongs in there! And he proceeds to leave the room.

WHAT? He is on a strict no-caffeine diet, and we just got finished not buying all that junk at the grocery.

And for the record, I have always hated Girl Scout cookies. Small, overpriced boxes filled with bland, waxy coated cookies. But as I continued working, the boxes were mocking me, calling my name, daring me to open the lid. I couldn't stand it! So I had two Somaos--mmm...peanutbutterandchoclateandcookiecrust. A few minutes later he came back in and opened the box himself, and I had another. Damn him.
Now I am thirsty, and what goes better than milk with cookies.
But we only have 2% here.
Oh well, one glass won't hurt me.
Oh look, there is extra milk left in the glass.
Two more cookies should finish it off...

OK, I'm feeling sick--I have got to get out of here--this is too much! Since the laptop battery is dying, I pack up and head to the car to recharge. On my way out, someone is filling the candy tin...and there are Sweet Tarts in there. Sour, tiny, pure sugar and they jump into my hand.

Apparently I'm not really that strong. Little bitty cookies can knock me out cold, and candy does a jig as I fall.

But I am strong enough to kick my husband's ass when he gets home tonight. He better hope the cookies add a little extra padding.

Too long

2007-02-20T21:42:00.000-05:00

...at the store! Between yesterday and today, I have spent more time at the grocery store than I ever dreamed was possible. Four hours to read labels, count portions, compare prices, debate nutrition...enough to drive me crazy. And did ya know good for you food is waaaay more expensive? I could have gotten 3 boxes of Crunchy Sugary Floaties for the price I paid for my one small box of Kashi Go Lean Crunch, and we spent almost $8.00 on grapes, instead of a $2.00 bag of chips. But now we have lots of good food, stuff even my husband will eat, and I got to hear Clay singing over the loudspeaker. Yeah, I stopped in the middle of the aisle to listen.

What. The store was loud.

Don't tell me you have never done that.

While I was there, I stocked up on my new favorite thing:

Suave Radiant Brunette Shampoo

I have tried them all: Bed Head, Pantene, John Freida, Tresemme and yeah, they got my hair clean but this one actually does what it says. Every morning it looks like I have just left the salon: shiny, deep, layered color, and so soft. Smells good too!

And finally, one more pound down! WHOO HOO!
ahem...I was hoping for more as much as I worked last week, but at least it was a loss.

Too many

2007-02-18T17:16:00.001-05:00

...doctor's appointments. And since I have another one next week, I thought this would be a good time to look back on where I am and what we are trying to do.

I have a medical condition that runs in my family and I have always known having children may be difficult, but I didn’t really think it would be that hard—I know lots of people with this condition that had children with relative ease. But after 3 years of trying, it’s not happening for us. Last summer we finally decided to take a more aggressive approach—time, money and health is eventually going to run out on us. So I made an appointment and the earliest time that was available was November 17--the day I was invited to go to New York and see Clay on Regis and Kelly, of course—and waited.

Friday, November 10: Bloodwork and tests for the appointment on Nov. 17—6 vials! I felt like I should have eaten a whole cow to replenish myself after that, but I didn’t.

Friday, November 17: Internist appointment, and guess what—I had a migraine. So no progesterone shot like planned, but she did read the bloodwork and more referrals were needed. I also went on labetalol for the migraines, as I was having them too frequently.

Tuesday, November 21: Met with nutritionist to discuss food plans, decided to try cutting out white stuff, with the occasional indulgence.

Friday, December 15: A progesterone shot to get me started. But there will be no more—I had a very bad reaction, and almost missed my vacation in Michigan the next week.

Wednesday, December 27: First endocrinologist appointment. She pescribed 2000mg of glucophage for PCOS.

Thursday, December 28: Internist and fasting bloodwork for the endo. No migraines in a month and I’ve lost 5 pounds.

Wednesday, January 3: Started doing 30 minutes yoga and 15 minutes of hand weights each day.

Tuesday, January 9: Test results: no diabetes or thyroid problems. But yes to insulin resistance and APLS, which I knew, but they wanted to see for themselves. Glucophage will help with the IR and the labetalol may help with the APLS, but we will treat that when I get pregnant.

Thursday, February 1: First fertility specialist appointment. She took a very detailed history including height (I grew an inch since high school!) and weight, talked for a long time about all the options and wants to be conservative. She is not concerned about my age or history, that weight loss along with the glucophage will be the best chance of a successful pregnancy. If we are not pregnant by July, then more aggressive intervention will be discussed. Also did a full pelvic exam—OUCH!

Friday, February 2: Started back on exercise bike 60 minutes a day. Will alternate with the treadmill at work when I can.

Friday, February 9: Test results: no ovarian, cervical or uterine cancer—THAT'S GOOD! Also a personal trainer came to the house and gave me advice based on the equipment we have here and at work. The plan is 60 minutes on treadmill 3 days a week, 60 minutes on bike 2 days a week, 30 minutes on 4 alternate days of yoga or balance ball, and hand weights anytime I am watching TV.

Wednesday is a follow-up with the endocrinologist, I’m sure there will blood taken and lots of questions, but basically it is to make sure the gluco is doing what it needs to be doing.

Overall, I am very happy with the plans—the weight can’t come of quick enough and July can’t get here soon enough, but I need to practice patience, I guess.

Off to visit the bike!

Too happy!

2007-02-12T18:48:00.000-05:00

How awesome were those Grammys?! I was so hapy for the Dixie Chicks I cried. Really. Real tears, tissues, runny nose and everything.

Whoo hoo! 2 more pounds gone since Friday! I was so frustrated when I weighed myself after all the work I did last week and the scale didn't move. I blamed it on my Super Bowl gluttony and making so much of my favorite snack at work that there were leftovers all week. Truth is I was not that bad, and the work just had not caught up with me yet.

I missed the treadmill today as I spent my afternoon in the classroom, so it was the bike for me when I got home. Have I told you I hate that bike? Well, I do. But I discovered a new way to kill my thighs--it's all in the placement of the feet. Ouch!

Off to make dinner and swoon over Jack for the next two hours.
gah, what a great day!

Too funny!

2007-02-10T12:02:00.000-05:00

Oh yeah, and apparently I have GROWN an inch! I can't remember the last time I had my height measured, but I'll take it. :)

Too young...

2007-02-09T22:26:00.000-05:00

to be home on a Friday night, typing on the computer. Tonight I cleaned out and organized my cookbooks. Tomorrow I am sorting our tax info. Yesterday I updated our emergency numbers and address books.
I am so old. And so boring.

But as long as I am taking inventory, here is what else I did this week:
Monday: stationary bike for 55 minutes, yoga for 30 minutes
Tuesday: yoga for 30 minutes, weights for 10 minutes
Wednesday: treadmill for 55 minutes, yoga for 1 hour, weights for 10 minutes
Thursday: treadmill for 30 minutes, balance ball for 30 minutes, yoga for 30 minutes
Friday: balance ball for 30 minutes, stationary bike for 45 minutes, weights for 10 minutes

And ding dang it--the scale didn't move! I feel great, I am sleeping better than ever and have tons of energy during the day, but wow, that is frustrating. grrrrr! Next week I better have lost twice as much...

On a much happier note, I got some most excellent test results back today. One that I didn't even know was being run. That's how all doctor's should do it--take what they need, don't tell you about it, run the test and then let you know you're OK. That way you don't have time to worry about it. Woo wee...that would have been tough if I had been thinking about it all week!

Too excited!!

2007-02-05T00:17:00.000-05:00

So I went to a new doctor on Thursday, and we now have a plan! Not just hoping and trying and wishing, but steps and methods and a timeline for getting pregnant. Whoo hoo! It’s just what I was wanting, what we were wanting: low cost, easy to implement, non-invasive and effective. I have heard these things worked for a lot of people, and didn’t doubt it, but it was so good to hear it from a professional. I was amazed that before she even did any exams or tests we sat and talked in her office, listening to me give full answers and letting me ask questions of my own. It’s a good thing, cause I wouldn’t have liked her nearly as much after the exam – that was painful!

And of course it will work by the summer, because that is when I am supposed to start a new job and hit the road to see Clay.

Y’all can thank me when tickets go on sale…

Too bad :(

2007-02-03T23:30:00.000-05:00

I have to get back on the bike. Ding dang it, I hate that bike. Pedaling or elliptical, I hate it. Bor.ing. Repetitive. Tedious. And it usually makes my butt hurt. Not like the yoga that I have come to love, that makes me hurt in a good way and I feel so good afterwards that I scrub the kitchen floor. I thought I was doing so well, doing the right thing, and I was starting to see results – 4 pounds lost in 3 weeks! – but I was told to do more aerobics and less strength. Yea, yea, makes sense. But I love my yoga! And I hate that bike. But I am a good little patient, so off to the dungeon I go. Thank goodness for TiVo…

Too long

2007-02-03T13:12:00.000-05:00

WOW! It was May the last time I blogged. Unbelievable!

I decided to revive this since there are lots of things going on in my life, and some people have wanted to come along for the ride, so this is the place. This won't be a pretty blog or a huge blog or a ranked blog -- there are lots of people that can do that much better than I -- but it will be my story and hopefully a bit entertaining as I take you with me to Clay Aiken concerts, culinary delights, Target road trips, doctors appointments, TV marathons and housekeeping adventures. I am hoping to lose lots of things and gain some others along the way.

Look at this!!

2006-05-31T14:12:00.000-05:00

I am a Google ho. I use it for everything from searching to shopping to menu planning to maps. While others talk up their faves and how much they like such-and-such search engines, I just smile and keep clicking on that cute little blue rectangle.

So I was thrilled to see this zeitgeist:

Gaining Search Queries: Week Ending May 29, 2006

1. clay aiken
2. taylor hicks
3. danica patrick
4. famke janssen
5. indy 500
6. rebecca romijn
7. memorial day
8. juggernaut
9. ghost rider
10. dixie chicks
11. ellen page
12. kimberly dozier
13. hugh jackman
14. coco
15. katharine mcphee

Look who's number one! No offense to Taylor, whom I really like and would have voted for if I was a voting kinda person, but... hee hee.

Technorati tags: Google, Clay Aiken, zeitgeist

2006-05-28T12:31:00.000-05:00

It's been a crazy couple of weeks around here, from visiting family out of town, my job's fiscal year end, the school's closing program, and general spring madness. Oh yeah, and plenty of couch potato time. :::sob::: Jack is gone, for a whole year, and who knows where they are taking him! But did you 24 freaks see this:

"Want to catch up on Season 5?
FOX will air the entire season, 2 hours at a time.
Fridays 8/7c starting June 16th"

Whoo hoo! Even though I have seen all of this season and have it download on my laptop, that is just too much pretty to pass up on my TV. Guess our summer date night will have to move to Saturday...

And because of being out of town, I didn't see the 2-night finale of "Grey's Anatomy." And still haven't seen it--iTunes doesn't have it and it doesn't stream on ABC.com. What's up with that? Yeah, yeah, I know there are other ways to download it, but good grief that is a lot of crap to go through for 3 hours one time. And like I want all that spam coming my way.

And who else had a Clay hangover Thursday morning? How cool was this guy Wednesday night? Wanna see a repeat of what is absolutely the best TV moment of the year, scoot over to the Clay Blog.

My favorite reaction is from Ace and TJ, DJs at 98.1 out of Charlotte, North Carolina. You NEED to hear this!

And after listening to Ace and TJ, watch this metamorphasis of Clay from AI2 to this week...nice, very, very nice.

Technorati tags: 24, Grey's Anatomy, Clay Aiken, Ace and TJ

What Mom isn’t getting for Mother’s Day, or how Clay Aiken makes you spend money.

2006-05-13T19:20:00.000-05:00

Lots of money.

Today was a very good day. First stop: Target for mom’s day gifts. What’s this? The wireless headphones I wanted last fall? And they are on clearance? WHOO HOO! In the cart they go. (Shut up. It’s not like mom needs headphones.) Next stop, Circuit City to buy a camera. After months of research and harassing friends and family for advice, this is my newest camera D30 Maybe if I buy a new camera that will encourage Clay to release some tour dates. What? I am just as delusional as the next person. (Fine. I bought it just in time for the visit to mom’s tomorrow.) Across the river to another Target for my nephew’s birthday present, and while I am at it, I throw in some blank CDs. No, not for all those pictures I’ll be sharing with mom, but for the hard drive that is groaning and moaning under so many concert videos and mp3s. Finally I stop in the card section. Yes, something actually for mom -- that’s the reason we went out after all. I found the perfect card for her:

Front is three scenes of a cartoon mom and young daughter using "talk bubbles."
First scene:
Daughter: Tongue piercing?
Mom: NO!
Second scene:
Daughter: Tattoo.
Mom: NO!
Third scene:
Daughter: Run off to follow a pop star?
Mom: NO!

Hilarious!!! In that I didn’t ask my mom the first time I ran off to follow a band, and I usually ignored her when she told me “no” it describes our relationship so well on so many levels. She’ll love it. Maybe she will frame it like she did my card from two years ago...

So in summary, a great shopping day.
Wireless headphone for listening to cellcerts, for me...Check.
Digital SLR for taking concert pictures, for me...Check.
Blank CDs for mp3s, for me...Check.
Mother’s Day card, for mom...Check.
Works for me!

Technorati tags: Mother's Day, Clay Aiken, Target, shopping

eww eww eww! Why did I even ask?

2006-05-11T22:59:00.000-05:00

I was liking this Random Question thing, so I passed some on to others.

From: xxxxxx
Date: 2006/05/11 Thu AM 12:13:31 EDT
To: yyyyyy
Subject: Random Question

From my blog:

"You're trapped in a well with a goat and a slinky. Describe how you
will escape."

On May 11, 2006, at 3:35 PM, yyyyyy wrote:

That's easy! You use the slinky to disembowel, and decapitate the goat. Take the goat's intestines
and tie them to the goats horns. Use the goats intestines and horns as a grappling hook. Toss the
grappling hook up to the top of the well and climb out.

I think I'll stop now.

LOOK!

2006-05-10T22:38:00.000-05:00

This just came up in the Random Question:

Random Question:
If mud is dirt plus water, what is clay?

No monkey! It really said that!
I have my ideas -- anyone else wanna take a stab at it?

It's raining here

2006-05-10T06:15:00.000-05:00

I wanna stay home. Instead, I am sitting in my car, waiting to go into work at 7:30 AM. So not a morning person. I used to stay home everyday and work from there, and while sometimes lonely, the huge benefit of having my own time and space was worth it. I took this third/fourth job last fall to help out an old boss doing something I love, then added hours in the winter to pay for my trip to Disney World. I keep it cause I love money and to kill time while waiting for a Clay Aiken tour this summer. Now they have come to depend on me--demmit! How did that happen?!

I reallly wanna go back home.

The 4-day weekend

2006-05-08T22:59:00.000-05:00

We have a dungeon. It's my deep, dark secret, literally. It's where we keep all the decorations and tools and appliances and empty boxes. We also keep the kids down there. Except we don't have kids. Just classrooms. Preschool classrooms. And we like to have our own stuff for teaching. So much stuff people say we should have our own school. (They should stop though--it's never gonna happen.) And as a highly organized, extremely compulsive person, I have shelves lining the walls, perfectly sized boxes with labels and a spreadsheet of what's down there. But that doesn't mean I have put them to any use--I am perfectly content with opening the dungeon door and letting whatever it is roll down the steps. C. goes down there every day to use the stationary bike while he plays video games--he can pick up the pile. (And it just so happens that the washer and dryer are down there and I don't do laundry, so he gets to do that too!) Anyway, I digress...

I refuse to call it a basement. Basements are places that are somewhat finished, clean, orderly, liveable--this one does not fall anywhere in my scale of liveability. But this past week we had a 4-day weekend, thanks to Derby being a holiday in our city, and I decided it was time to tackle the dungeon. After all we have only lived here 3 1/2 years. Wednesday, I put it on my calendar, and C. said "Good for you!" Thursday, when I talked about it, C. said "Great idea!" Friday, I made a list and C. just rolled his eyes. Saturday, I slept late and then had to get lunch and watch the Derby. By then he said "You're not going to do it, are you?" Well, that is a challenge alright, so Sunday morning, bright and early -- OK, noon, but that's early for me! -- I opened the door and stepped into the abyss.

Footsteps behind me...Dang it! C. is not supposed to be helping me. This was my time, I have a stack of DVDs waiting for me. Boston JBT? Front row Joyful Noise? GMA Concert Series? As soon as C. took a break, I practically ran for the DVD player. Aaahhhh, the only thing that could help me through this drugery was that Voice. Unplug, switch on, plug in, wrong cord, new cord, remote control, dead batteries, hands shaking--there really is a reason it's called Clack. Fi.nal.ly.

9 hours later, my nails are broken, my feet are aching, and there are 10 tons of recycling in the back yard, but we can see the floor and I got to spend all day with Clay. Maybe my husband was onto something--quiet, dark, cool, alone with your favorite hobby...maybe the dungeon will turn into a real basement if I spend a little time down there each day. ;)

Day 1

2006-05-07T19:41:00.000-05:00

I'm just here for the music, specifically Clay Aiken, Dave Matthews, Alison Krauss, U2, and Led Zeppelin. And Bonnie Raitt, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Prince and Sarah McLachlan. And Motown--always Motown. But yes, I love Clay Aiken best. What do I do? Teach, lead, organize, play, cook and coordinate--I have about a zillion jobs! No really. Right now I have four jobs I love and all let me do different things everyday. But golly, that can stress a person out, so now I have a place I can vent. Welcome to my chaos!