Just want to apologize for my last blog. I was very upset. I'm over it now, thankfully.
I have a 5 (almost 6) year old stepson but we don't have custody. Joe and I began dating when Z was 6 months old, so he doesn't remember life before me. I've had a little practice with babies, but not infants. I wouldn't hold Z til he was 8 or 9 months old. I've never been around kids as I was the youngest of 2 and my cousins were all older than me.
I am in my third trimester with my first child. My pregnancy has been relatively easy (except for that sciatic nerve pain early on) and I'm doing well. I started out a size 18 so my doctor didn't want me to gain more than 25 lbs, if possible. I am midway through week 29 and have gained 14 lbs. I am obsessed with my weight (always have been, even when I was a skinny size 3 in high school) but now that I'm pregnant I really want this baby to be healthy. I've not over-indulged in junk food or anything and much of my pre-prego fat has gone away. I've commented frequently that "This baby is better than lipo!!" because my belly has rounded out front and I've noticed slightly slimmer areas elsewhere. So that part is good.
I've passed all blood tests, no major weight gain, no excessive swelling of feet or hands (thankfully), and I seem to be doing well. I haven't been overly bitchy, but I have been clingy. If I have a mood swing, it's more of a sadness and nervousness. I try to keep these to myself because I know I over-analyze and worry about things that are ridiculous.
My due date is May 13th, but my u/s says May 1st and my mom said both my brother and me came 2-3 weeks early. I'm nervous about having a vaginal delivery. I have heard about the "poop bag" and that really grosses me out. I also wonder if I will stretch out so much that I won't ever be able to enjoy sex again. (Sorry if TMI) I really want to breastfeed but have heard that having large breasts can really complicate that.
Sometimes I sit in the nursery and enjoy the serenity of it. I love the decor and I am very comfortable in there. Occasionally my husband will come in and sit in there with me and we don't have to say anything. I'm really proud of what we've accomplished together. We've endured a lot of adversity and we've made it through with a nice house, a baby we have created together (that I can't wait to meet), and each other. I am thankful for all of this, as I consider myself very lucky. I wanted to be pregnant for so long and now that I am, I love it. I guess I'm one of the few that enjoys being pregnant. (My neighbor says the 3rd trimester will change that. ha!) I enjoy knowing that there is a life growing inside of me and that I am responsible for it.
Today I am just exhausted. The last week or so I've just wanted to do nothing but sleep. I'll pass up food for a comfy bed and a quiet, dark room. A friend of mine who had a baby almost 3 months ago said the third trimester will be a very trying time, but it's all worth it in the end. Can I just sleep through it? Let me hibernate for the next 2.5 months and I'll be ready when Bayley makes her grand entrance. But no, I have to go to work. My job isn't stressful, but it's that I have to sit in a brightly lit office and be awake. And sit upright.
Sorry for the long post. I don't really have anything to say. I'm just surprised I stayed awake this long and could focus on getting something done. And I have 74ish more days until the REAL work comes.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
I HATE our joke of a legal system.
I am so mad I can't see straight. I'm shaking and I'm bound to make up some cuss words. So if you don't want to read some MAJOR CUSSING and COMPLAINING, then just stop now. Seriously.
You were warned.
So some asshole stole my purse in December, two weeks before Christmas. The cops told me there was nothing they could do because it wasn't worth their time to track down a purse snatcher. I filed a police report, closed my checking account, cancelled debit cards, put fraud alerts on my credit reports, etc. We changed all the deadbolts on our house and bought the Club for our cars. Yes, he possibly had my car keys too. He dumped my purse in the trash in the men's restroom in the building where I worked. The housekeeper said he was about 5'7" or 5'8", black and had weird eyes. There has been a rash of thefts here where I work. It's someone who doesn't work here but knows what they're doing. And apparently knows that no one will bother to come after them.
The next morning, the fraud dept at the bank calls us to ask if we'd tried to use our debit card. No, it was stolen. Duh. So the guy had tried to use it at a gas station and it was denied. No one wanted to see the video surveillance of the guy at the gas station. I asked and was told by the police that the bank would have to request it. And the bank said it wasn't a big deal. TO THEM, maybe.
A month later we get a letter from a collection agency for a check that was written to a grocery store we never shop at in a town we definitely never shop in for groceries. They said if we didn't write the check, we should send in a copy of the police report and an affadavit of forgery from the bank. I did. And then I get another nasty letter from them saying they're going to turn us into the police if I don't submit the documents. HELLO! I DID! They didn't take care of it and instead turned it over to a police department several towns away for violation of the hot check law. I didn't know this until yesterday afternoon when I get home from work and there is a letter in the mail stating that there is a WARRANT OUT for my husband FOR HIS ARREST. They don't tell you what check or anything, just that it's a Hot Check violation. So I call and call and call at 6pm and finally talk to someone. They said, "Bring that documentation to the police dept and they can talk to him."
So Joe misses work today to go "talk" to them. Apparently, providing all that isn't enough. He had to fill out paperwork and THEY TOOK HIS FUCKING PICTURE LIKE HE WAS A FUCKING CRIMINAL!!! Then he was scheduled to go to COURT in April for an arraignment. This means he says "Hey, I'm not guilty." Then they schedule ANOTHER FUCKING COURT DATE. Is THIS why our court systems are SO FUCKING BACKED UP?!?!? And THIS is how we SPEND OUR TAX DOLLARS?!!?!?!? Give me a freaking break.
So the second court date is for Joe to provide handwriting samples and whatever other bullshit the judge feels necessary. Then the judge decides if Joe is guilty or if the case will be dismissed. That probably won't happen til months later. Bayley will have been born by then and we'll have to celebrate her birthday in court. No wonder these jerkoffs steal purses all the time. No one cares enough to DO something about it.
And to top all of this off, he's missing at least 3 days of work for it and those are days he could be using to take care of Bayley this summer until my cousin can watch her. So now we're going to be out that money for daycare that we can't afford.
I know I need to calm down because I'm very pregnant. I don't need my BP to spike and hurt the baby. But I'm just SO sick and tired of stupid shit happening to us. We're good people who rescue animals, pay our bills, help recycle and clean up the environment, take care of our families and friends when they need something, and we work hard for what we get and take care of it once we have it. We are good neighbors and we watch out for all the kids in the neighborhood when we're outside. We help people out when we can, although we don't make a lot of money so paying our bills takes up most of our money. But we DO help by lending a hand or our time. And THIS is how we are repaid. I just deleted a bunch of things that we go through because it has NOTHING to do with this check thing and I was just venting. I'm tired of all the stupid bullshit that happens to us. Pure and simple.
I realize I'm probably over-reacting because of my hormones. Joe called me to check on me and I couldn't stop crying. He kept saying, "Honey, it's okay. We'll get through this. It's not a big deal. At least I got out of work for the rest of the day to go paddle (kayak). " It SO sucks. And I feel like a big blubbering baby for sitting here at my desk crying. I know things could be MUCH worse and I'm thankful I at least have what I do have. I'm very fortunate. I'm just pissed. And apparently Bayley feels badly for me cause she has finally stopped kicking me in the ribs.
You were warned.
So some asshole stole my purse in December, two weeks before Christmas. The cops told me there was nothing they could do because it wasn't worth their time to track down a purse snatcher. I filed a police report, closed my checking account, cancelled debit cards, put fraud alerts on my credit reports, etc. We changed all the deadbolts on our house and bought the Club for our cars. Yes, he possibly had my car keys too. He dumped my purse in the trash in the men's restroom in the building where I worked. The housekeeper said he was about 5'7" or 5'8", black and had weird eyes. There has been a rash of thefts here where I work. It's someone who doesn't work here but knows what they're doing. And apparently knows that no one will bother to come after them.
The next morning, the fraud dept at the bank calls us to ask if we'd tried to use our debit card. No, it was stolen. Duh. So the guy had tried to use it at a gas station and it was denied. No one wanted to see the video surveillance of the guy at the gas station. I asked and was told by the police that the bank would have to request it. And the bank said it wasn't a big deal. TO THEM, maybe.
A month later we get a letter from a collection agency for a check that was written to a grocery store we never shop at in a town we definitely never shop in for groceries. They said if we didn't write the check, we should send in a copy of the police report and an affadavit of forgery from the bank. I did. And then I get another nasty letter from them saying they're going to turn us into the police if I don't submit the documents. HELLO! I DID! They didn't take care of it and instead turned it over to a police department several towns away for violation of the hot check law. I didn't know this until yesterday afternoon when I get home from work and there is a letter in the mail stating that there is a WARRANT OUT for my husband FOR HIS ARREST. They don't tell you what check or anything, just that it's a Hot Check violation. So I call and call and call at 6pm and finally talk to someone. They said, "Bring that documentation to the police dept and they can talk to him."
So Joe misses work today to go "talk" to them. Apparently, providing all that isn't enough. He had to fill out paperwork and THEY TOOK HIS FUCKING PICTURE LIKE HE WAS A FUCKING CRIMINAL!!! Then he was scheduled to go to COURT in April for an arraignment. This means he says "Hey, I'm not guilty." Then they schedule ANOTHER FUCKING COURT DATE. Is THIS why our court systems are SO FUCKING BACKED UP?!?!? And THIS is how we SPEND OUR TAX DOLLARS?!!?!?!? Give me a freaking break.
So the second court date is for Joe to provide handwriting samples and whatever other bullshit the judge feels necessary. Then the judge decides if Joe is guilty or if the case will be dismissed. That probably won't happen til months later. Bayley will have been born by then and we'll have to celebrate her birthday in court. No wonder these jerkoffs steal purses all the time. No one cares enough to DO something about it.
And to top all of this off, he's missing at least 3 days of work for it and those are days he could be using to take care of Bayley this summer until my cousin can watch her. So now we're going to be out that money for daycare that we can't afford.
I know I need to calm down because I'm very pregnant. I don't need my BP to spike and hurt the baby. But I'm just SO sick and tired of stupid shit happening to us. We're good people who rescue animals, pay our bills, help recycle and clean up the environment, take care of our families and friends when they need something, and we work hard for what we get and take care of it once we have it. We are good neighbors and we watch out for all the kids in the neighborhood when we're outside. We help people out when we can, although we don't make a lot of money so paying our bills takes up most of our money. But we DO help by lending a hand or our time. And THIS is how we are repaid. I just deleted a bunch of things that we go through because it has NOTHING to do with this check thing and I was just venting. I'm tired of all the stupid bullshit that happens to us. Pure and simple.
I realize I'm probably over-reacting because of my hormones. Joe called me to check on me and I couldn't stop crying. He kept saying, "Honey, it's okay. We'll get through this. It's not a big deal. At least I got out of work for the rest of the day to go paddle (kayak). " It SO sucks. And I feel like a big blubbering baby for sitting here at my desk crying. I know things could be MUCH worse and I'm thankful I at least have what I do have. I'm very fortunate. I'm just pissed. And apparently Bayley feels badly for me cause she has finally stopped kicking me in the ribs.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
No More Arctic Sponge Baths!
Yay for hot water!! I got home yesterday around 5:30, thinking Joe and his dad would have the water heater installed and running. Not so much. The pipes that lead to the water heater were not welding together correctly or something. Long story short, Joe's dad left around 9pm and said we could use it last night and this morning, but to let him know if they're still leaking this afternoon. I was too exhausted to take a hot shower or a warm bath last night. We put Z to bed (sponged his dirty face..ha) and Joe took a shower. I just went to bed. Sooo sleepy. This morning Z got his bath and I got my warm shower. Too tired to take a hot one. I was pretty groggy.
Yesterday when I got home it was effin cold!! So I changed out of my not so warm work clothes and put on the comfiest pjs I had: red and pink striped fleece pj pants, a red fleece pullover, pink and white striped fuzzy socks, and red fluffy slippers. I walked into the garage and Joe hugged me and said, "You look like a pregnant candy cane." hahah. I think his descriptions of me are cute and most women say, "I'd kick him for calling me that!!" but I think they're cute. I guess because I know he's not being mean -- it's his way of telling me I look cute. It's like him calling me "my little pregapotamus." I get a good laugh out of that one.
Last night I was getting Z's homework out of his backpack and noticed his coat was REALLY heavy. I had wondered why he didn't want to wear it while he was outside, but I just put more layers on him. Anyway, there is a large zippered pocket in the back of his coat and I opened it up to find two things of glue in there. WTH?? Why would he bring home glue? I gave them to Joe and he asked Z why there were two things of glue in his coat. Z immediately started crying and said he didn't know. Of course not. So I'm stifling a laugh and Joe has this confused look on his face like "why glue??" Anyway, we told him to take it back to his teacher first thing in the morning and apologize for his mistake, that we KNEW he wasn't stealing (semi-stern look) and he wouldn't do it again (turn head so he won't see you laugh).
He also said a friend tore up his "good note" so I had to email his teacher to ask about that. Each day they bring home a good or bad note...and for a few weeks he was tearing up his bad note and dispensing of it before he got home. He ended up being grounded for a week because his behavior was OUT. OF. CONTROL. at school AND at home. Well, as out of control as a 5 year old knows how. ha.
Is this the same kid that brought home the glue??
If you have kids, do they bring home odd things?? Or are they trying to be sneaky now?
Yesterday when I got home it was effin cold!! So I changed out of my not so warm work clothes and put on the comfiest pjs I had: red and pink striped fleece pj pants, a red fleece pullover, pink and white striped fuzzy socks, and red fluffy slippers. I walked into the garage and Joe hugged me and said, "You look like a pregnant candy cane." hahah. I think his descriptions of me are cute and most women say, "I'd kick him for calling me that!!" but I think they're cute. I guess because I know he's not being mean -- it's his way of telling me I look cute. It's like him calling me "my little pregapotamus." I get a good laugh out of that one.
Last night I was getting Z's homework out of his backpack and noticed his coat was REALLY heavy. I had wondered why he didn't want to wear it while he was outside, but I just put more layers on him. Anyway, there is a large zippered pocket in the back of his coat and I opened it up to find two things of glue in there. WTH?? Why would he bring home glue? I gave them to Joe and he asked Z why there were two things of glue in his coat. Z immediately started crying and said he didn't know. Of course not. So I'm stifling a laugh and Joe has this confused look on his face like "why glue??" Anyway, we told him to take it back to his teacher first thing in the morning and apologize for his mistake, that we KNEW he wasn't stealing (semi-stern look) and he wouldn't do it again (turn head so he won't see you laugh).
He also said a friend tore up his "good note" so I had to email his teacher to ask about that. Each day they bring home a good or bad note...and for a few weeks he was tearing up his bad note and dispensing of it before he got home. He ended up being grounded for a week because his behavior was OUT. OF. CONTROL. at school AND at home. Well, as out of control as a 5 year old knows how. ha.
Is this the same kid that brought home the glue??
If you have kids, do they bring home odd things?? Or are they trying to be sneaky now?
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Icicles in My Hair.
I got home last night and hubby said our water heater was leaking. We have to get a new one. Ever tried to boil water on your stove to add to FREEZING @$$ COLD water in the bathtub? It DOES NOT CHANGE THE TEMPERATURE AT ALL!! I couldn't even put my feet in the water without them freezing off. So I had to lean my big ol' 7 month pregger self over the tub and wash my hair with a cup. I about DIED. So then I didn't have time to heat any water for a warm sponge bath after I recovered from the shock of washing my hair in Arctic-temperature water, so I had to use that same EFFIN COLD water.
Thankfully my hubby works 5:30am to 2pm and doesn't have class today, so he will be shopping for a new water heater with his dad who will be helping him install it today. I just looked online and they are $300 at the minimum!!! So much for saving our stupid tax refund for daycare this summer. Hmph.
And to add salt to my wound... I am going to the doctor today to find out I've gained a million pounds (or so I feel like).
I think I'm going to eat my second Lean Pocket of the morning. I've earned it! heh.
Thankfully my hubby works 5:30am to 2pm and doesn't have class today, so he will be shopping for a new water heater with his dad who will be helping him install it today. I just looked online and they are $300 at the minimum!!! So much for saving our stupid tax refund for daycare this summer. Hmph.
And to add salt to my wound... I am going to the doctor today to find out I've gained a million pounds (or so I feel like).
I think I'm going to eat my second Lean Pocket of the morning. I've earned it! heh.
Monday, February 25, 2008
I'm a Beeyotch.
Was sick all weekend and felt like crap. Sinus/allergy stuff...and couldn't take anything but Sudafed and Benadryl. Feel better now, though. Thank goodness. Now hubby is sick. :(
I was at Target checking out on Saturday and had an odd conversation with the cashier.
Cashier: Oh, someone must be pregnant!
Me: Yeah, me.
Cashier (with funny look on her face): You don't look pregnant.
Me: Yeah, guess you need to see my belly.
Cashier: I saw you walk up... you don't look pregnant. Really.
Me (laughing): I'm 7 months and I feel like a hippo. But some of this baby stuff is also for a baby shower I'm going to tomorrow.
Cashier: Well, you really don't look pregnant. How funny!
I smiled as I left until I realized she must think I was just FAT. I've made no secret of my being overweight before getting knocked up, so it's not like I am tiny elsewhere.
At least no strangers have tried to touch my belly yet. I think I'd take them out if they did.
I almost came unglued Sunday evening. Joe took Z to the bathroom at Hastings and left me to rent his movies for him. My purse was stolen back in December so I didn't have my membership card. I gave her my license and my old account came up from when I lived in Fayetteville, going to school. The account was suspended so she was updating my info. She mouthed off when I wouldn't give her my work number. I said, "I'm sorry, I work for the state. And they don't like us to give out our work numbers." She was probably in her 40s and was "In Training" and R O L L E D H E R E Y E S at me. SERIOUSLY!! She said, "I worked for the state for 10 years. Where do you work?" I told her and she just smirked. I said, "Well, I'm sorry, but I'm not giving out a work number for a late video." Then she says I have late charges on two movies I've never even heard of...from 2004!!! I said, "I won't pay those late fees, as I've never heard of those movies. You can delete this account and I'll just have my husband come rent these movies on his account. They're for him anyway." She then calls a manager. My husband and Z walk up about that time and he doesn't ever remember renting those movies either. So we're waiting and waiting and waiting. She then reaches over her register to tickle Z and say, "Well, you didn't confess!!" He sort of laughed but you could tell he was a little uncomfy. I almost came U.N.G.L.U.E.D. I do NOT appreciate strangers (especially RUDE ones) touching my stepson. I held my tongue and went to the restroom to avoid making any snide remarks. I came back and she STILL hadn't finished with my husband. I grumbled, "We're late (for the baby shower) so I'm going to the car." I huffed out and Joe and Z followed a few mins later. (*()*W#&%R#@
I think I'm getting bitchy. Heh.
I was at Target checking out on Saturday and had an odd conversation with the cashier.
Cashier: Oh, someone must be pregnant!
Me: Yeah, me.
Cashier (with funny look on her face): You don't look pregnant.
Me: Yeah, guess you need to see my belly.
Cashier: I saw you walk up... you don't look pregnant. Really.
Me (laughing): I'm 7 months and I feel like a hippo. But some of this baby stuff is also for a baby shower I'm going to tomorrow.
Cashier: Well, you really don't look pregnant. How funny!
I smiled as I left until I realized she must think I was just FAT. I've made no secret of my being overweight before getting knocked up, so it's not like I am tiny elsewhere.
At least no strangers have tried to touch my belly yet. I think I'd take them out if they did.
I almost came unglued Sunday evening. Joe took Z to the bathroom at Hastings and left me to rent his movies for him. My purse was stolen back in December so I didn't have my membership card. I gave her my license and my old account came up from when I lived in Fayetteville, going to school. The account was suspended so she was updating my info. She mouthed off when I wouldn't give her my work number. I said, "I'm sorry, I work for the state. And they don't like us to give out our work numbers." She was probably in her 40s and was "In Training" and R O L L E D H E R E Y E S at me. SERIOUSLY!! She said, "I worked for the state for 10 years. Where do you work?" I told her and she just smirked. I said, "Well, I'm sorry, but I'm not giving out a work number for a late video." Then she says I have late charges on two movies I've never even heard of...from 2004!!! I said, "I won't pay those late fees, as I've never heard of those movies. You can delete this account and I'll just have my husband come rent these movies on his account. They're for him anyway." She then calls a manager. My husband and Z walk up about that time and he doesn't ever remember renting those movies either. So we're waiting and waiting and waiting. She then reaches over her register to tickle Z and say, "Well, you didn't confess!!" He sort of laughed but you could tell he was a little uncomfy. I almost came U.N.G.L.U.E.D. I do NOT appreciate strangers (especially RUDE ones) touching my stepson. I held my tongue and went to the restroom to avoid making any snide remarks. I came back and she STILL hadn't finished with my husband. I grumbled, "We're late (for the baby shower) so I'm going to the car." I huffed out and Joe and Z followed a few mins later. (*()*W#&%R#@
I think I'm getting bitchy. Heh.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Evil Breastpump.
Yesterday my breastpump that I "won" (heh) on eBay had arrived on my doorstep. My hubby got home before me so he figures that since MY name is on the box HE can open it. What if it had been a gift for him? Nosey butt. Anyway, how does he decide to tell me it has arrived? He called me and said, "Hey, I pumped my breasts but only got a cup." GROSS.
And when I got home, I looked through the stuff and was overwhelmed with all the pieces and attachments and what goes where. Good lord. I mean, it's used so it's not all in original packaging but everything was VERY clean and sterilized and they gave me extras of things. Stuff that didn't come with the pump, even. And I'm not sure if an "instruction manual" exists, but it has something to that effect. It's this pretty big booklet but then I realize 1/3 is in Spanish and 1/3 is in French. The first 1/3 is all I need to look at. I read over it and felt REALLY stupid. I mean, I was a good student in school... like a million years ago. So now I feel really dumb and overwhelmed. I took it all back to the nursery and left it there. I figure with the lights out and the door closed it won't look at me, all menacing and such.
And when I got home, I looked through the stuff and was overwhelmed with all the pieces and attachments and what goes where. Good lord. I mean, it's used so it's not all in original packaging but everything was VERY clean and sterilized and they gave me extras of things. Stuff that didn't come with the pump, even. And I'm not sure if an "instruction manual" exists, but it has something to that effect. It's this pretty big booklet but then I realize 1/3 is in Spanish and 1/3 is in French. The first 1/3 is all I need to look at. I read over it and felt REALLY stupid. I mean, I was a good student in school... like a million years ago. So now I feel really dumb and overwhelmed. I took it all back to the nursery and left it there. I figure with the lights out and the door closed it won't look at me, all menacing and such.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Fumbling around Red-Faced.
Have you ever gone to pay for something and your card was declined for whatever reason? Or you didn't have the cash to pay for it? And they don't take checks? That happened to me today. Very embarassing. Cafeteria at work. I set my things aside, saying I'd be right back and rushed down to my desk to realize I don't have that cash stash anymore. AAAHHH.
At least I wasn't standing in line at the grocery store with a VERY FULL basket of groceries with twenty people behind me.
I was half watching American Idol last night while cooking dinner and I must say that the guy with the dreadlocks has the cutest face. Seems a little nerdy, but as long as he sings and plays guitar and doesn't make goofy jokes I'm okay with him. He looks a lot like John Travolta in the face. I missed several of the guys in the middle. I did see the Jailhouse Rock Sanjaya Wannabe. Ugh. Not another season with a beautifully-coiffed tinkerbell. I don't mind a feminine guy or a gay man... but this guy just makes my skin crawl. I missed the kid who had the vocal cord problems before his audition, the one Simon says "has it." He's SO cute. I just wanna pinch his cheeks. My husband who will tell you AI is gay and he never watches it... was hooked last night. Sucker. And he even moved to another chair at the dinner table so he wouldn't miss anything.
At least I wasn't standing in line at the grocery store with a VERY FULL basket of groceries with twenty people behind me.
I was half watching American Idol last night while cooking dinner and I must say that the guy with the dreadlocks has the cutest face. Seems a little nerdy, but as long as he sings and plays guitar and doesn't make goofy jokes I'm okay with him. He looks a lot like John Travolta in the face. I missed several of the guys in the middle. I did see the Jailhouse Rock Sanjaya Wannabe. Ugh. Not another season with a beautifully-coiffed tinkerbell. I don't mind a feminine guy or a gay man... but this guy just makes my skin crawl. I missed the kid who had the vocal cord problems before his audition, the one Simon says "has it." He's SO cute. I just wanna pinch his cheeks. My husband who will tell you AI is gay and he never watches it... was hooked last night. Sucker. And he even moved to another chair at the dinner table so he wouldn't miss anything.
Being sick sucks.
Today I feel like poo. My throat is raw, sinuses are draining, nose is congested, and my face hurts from the pressure. My doctor said I need to try OTC saline nasal spray first. Then if that doesn't work, she will call in Flonase for me. If I get a temp of 101 or greater, she will call in an antibiotic.
I took Benadryl (which I take every night for allergies) and OTC Zyrtec last night....and 5 hours later woke up and had to take another round of Benadryl. I slept okay, but woke up all icky feeling because meds had worn off again. Bayley (have I introduced her name yet?) is apparently enjoying her rest...because she's kicked very little this morning. She kicked a few times to let me know she was okay... so I'm not worried yet.
I guess I'll crawl back under my rock. :(
I took Benadryl (which I take every night for allergies) and OTC Zyrtec last night....and 5 hours later woke up and had to take another round of Benadryl. I slept okay, but woke up all icky feeling because meds had worn off again. Bayley (have I introduced her name yet?) is apparently enjoying her rest...because she's kicked very little this morning. She kicked a few times to let me know she was okay... so I'm not worried yet.
I guess I'll crawl back under my rock. :(
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Uhhh... got tagged.
So, Jen tagged me for the Book Meme?? I have no idea what this means...and I've never been tagged before... so here goes.
Here are the Rules:
1. Pick up the nearest book (of at least 123 pages).
2. Open the book to page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the next three sentences.
5. Tag five people & post a comment here once you post it to your blog, so I can come see.
Okay... uh...
The book is Pediatric Education for Prehospital Professionals.
"Activated chracoal begins working immediately. It absorbs the ingested toxins in the stomach and small bowel and reduces bloodstream absorption of the toxins. Even a swallow may help, so it is usually worth the effort to get a child to at least try it if the risk assessment indicates possible toxicity. "
Gosh, that was fun. Just goes to show just how much FUN and INTERESTING reading materials I have nearby. I mean, it was either that book or Principles of Internal Medicine. So really, I spared you. You're welcome.
Um... I'll tag Courtney, Piper, Steph, Shawna, and Amy.
Here are the Rules:
1. Pick up the nearest book (of at least 123 pages).
2. Open the book to page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the next three sentences.
5. Tag five people & post a comment here once you post it to your blog, so I can come see.
Okay... uh...
The book is Pediatric Education for Prehospital Professionals.
"Activated chracoal begins working immediately. It absorbs the ingested toxins in the stomach and small bowel and reduces bloodstream absorption of the toxins. Even a swallow may help, so it is usually worth the effort to get a child to at least try it if the risk assessment indicates possible toxicity. "
Gosh, that was fun. Just goes to show just how much FUN and INTERESTING reading materials I have nearby. I mean, it was either that book or Principles of Internal Medicine. So really, I spared you. You're welcome.
Um... I'll tag Courtney, Piper, Steph, Shawna, and Amy.
Whiney Butt.
President's Day rocks. Well, it would've been G R E A T had Z not been acting all whiney all day. His mother had to work so she brought him by Sunday night so I wouldn't have to get up early Monday (thank you!!). He was fine Sunday night. He played with Joe and was in a good mood. He was in bed by 9:00 (30 mins past his normal bedtime) and got up at 8am Monday morning. Joe had school stuff all day so he left and it was just Z and me. I fixed Z breakfast and we were off to a good start. Then the whiney kid made his appearance. ALL DAY. Just to mention a few: using the remote in his room to turn the volume ALL THE WAY UP and then back down. The first two times I attributed this to an accident, as he was probably trying to change the channel and accidentally hit the volume. No big deal. Annoying, but I let it pass. The third time, he left the volume all the way up and I stormed in his room, took away the remote, turned the volume down, and told him if he tore up that tv his Daddy would be very upset. He mouths off a little so I said, "Fine, no more tv. It's a privilege, not a right. And now it's gone." It's an older big screen tv so if something blows up on it, we're out a huge monster tv. And that's Joe's tv. So Z tears up and I am the meanie pants.
A little later he goes outside to play with his friends and then comes back less than ten minutes later. His friends were in one of their backyards and they were picking up toys, etc. Z came home because he didn't want to help. I told him to go back over there because with his help they could finish faster and then play. Z moped back over there. A little later, they're playing out in my front yard and are yelling for another little girl to come play with them. Apparently she isn't hearing them or is confused... so they're telling her to turn around. Then one kid yells, "YOU'RE UGLY!!" and I look out the window and that kid's mom was standing on her front porch and I'm sure heard it. So then Z chimes in, "AND STUPID TOO!!" I was so mad I had to stand there and calm myself down before I opened the door and told him I had better not ever hear him say anything like that again. I told him that he had to apologize to her. He pooched out the bottom lip. When he went outside the first time, I told him he is to not have ANYONE inside. He cannot come in and out, and no friends. I was tired and wanted some peace and quiet. He understood. Next thing I know, I am turning him and his friends away THREE TIMES from jumping on the trampoline in the backyard. Mainly because they all marched into the house and started being rowdy. On the FOURTH time, I was a little annoyed and then they let our Siberian Husky out. I was M A D. This dog, Makana, will NOT come to me...and basically I either have to wait for someone to grab him and call me or wait until he decides to come home and lay at the front door. This is a big deal because huskies do not have that "sense of danger" and they can get run over by a car. The other problem is that he's beautiful and sweet and generally well-behaved so people are tempted to keep him. I told Z to go to his room and that he was grounded until Makana came home safe and sound. An hour later, some neighbor's kids call and say that they have him. I go to get him and they said "he got away. He's down the street." Repeat this three times. Finally, my husband calls and someone has called him and they have him on a leash. I pick him up and they said, "Wow, he's a great dog. If you ever want to get rid of him.... " I laughed. Then I get home and Z is asleep. He slept for F O U R H O U R S. When he finally gets up, the first words I hear are, "I'm hungry." So I fix him something to eat. About 20 mins later, I check on him thinking he must be done. Nope. He's playing with his food. In another 10 mins, he's eaten two more bites but still playing. I tell him he has 10 minutes to finish and then I'm throwing it away. I mean, it was a hot dog and a fruit cup!! Seriously. So he starts sniffling and I just walk away. I come back in 10 minutes and he has a few bites left so I stand there until he finishes them. I watch him take his plate to the sink and then tell him he can go play outside. He plays for a little bit, then comes back for the night and sees me watching tv. A commercial for Deal or No Deal comes on and he says, "What channel is that on? I am going to watch it in my room." I tell him, "No sir. Your tv privileges are suspended until your Daddy says otherwise." He whines and goes to his room. I'm the meanest stepmonster alive.
So when Joe comes home, Z is all bubbly and excited but Joe is tired from school all day and tells Z he needs to " have a chat" with him. They go to Z's room and I make dinner. I guess Joe told him to get over the whiney phase because he's not going to get video games back, to take care of Joe's stuff because if Z breaks it Z will be in B I G T R O U B L E, and blah blah blah.
I texted my neighbor who has 3 kids, the youngest of which is Z's age, and asked her how long this whiney phase lasts. Her response? "At least another 16 years! hahahahah!!" She told me before that all her kids went through the whiney phase during kindergarten. I hope it ends soon because Z is testing my patience. I was so good, though. I am determined to not use my pregnancy as an excuse to be cranky. So I calmly tell him he's in trouble and why... and that he'll explain himself to his Daddy when he gets home. That always works. Well, usually.
This morning I had to take him to my Father-in-Law's house because Z is out of school today too and my FIL is going to watch him. Z was so excited that he nearly tripped twice getting out of my car and getting to the front door. It was cute. I just hope he doesn't drive them nuts today.
Sorry to rant about yesterday... but I was SO PROUD of myself. I was always very calm and had the "sorry, but" attitude. I never even LOOKED annoyed. :) At least not to him.
Now today I have sinus crud....and my ears hurt. And I can't take anything. :( I may stop at Walgreens on my way home and ask the pharmacist to give me sumpin for my misery that won't hurt the behbeh. I guess now *I* am the whiney-butt. sniff.
A little later he goes outside to play with his friends and then comes back less than ten minutes later. His friends were in one of their backyards and they were picking up toys, etc. Z came home because he didn't want to help. I told him to go back over there because with his help they could finish faster and then play. Z moped back over there. A little later, they're playing out in my front yard and are yelling for another little girl to come play with them. Apparently she isn't hearing them or is confused... so they're telling her to turn around. Then one kid yells, "YOU'RE UGLY!!" and I look out the window and that kid's mom was standing on her front porch and I'm sure heard it. So then Z chimes in, "AND STUPID TOO!!" I was so mad I had to stand there and calm myself down before I opened the door and told him I had better not ever hear him say anything like that again. I told him that he had to apologize to her. He pooched out the bottom lip. When he went outside the first time, I told him he is to not have ANYONE inside. He cannot come in and out, and no friends. I was tired and wanted some peace and quiet. He understood. Next thing I know, I am turning him and his friends away THREE TIMES from jumping on the trampoline in the backyard. Mainly because they all marched into the house and started being rowdy. On the FOURTH time, I was a little annoyed and then they let our Siberian Husky out. I was M A D. This dog, Makana, will NOT come to me...and basically I either have to wait for someone to grab him and call me or wait until he decides to come home and lay at the front door. This is a big deal because huskies do not have that "sense of danger" and they can get run over by a car. The other problem is that he's beautiful and sweet and generally well-behaved so people are tempted to keep him. I told Z to go to his room and that he was grounded until Makana came home safe and sound. An hour later, some neighbor's kids call and say that they have him. I go to get him and they said "he got away. He's down the street." Repeat this three times. Finally, my husband calls and someone has called him and they have him on a leash. I pick him up and they said, "Wow, he's a great dog. If you ever want to get rid of him.... " I laughed. Then I get home and Z is asleep. He slept for F O U R H O U R S. When he finally gets up, the first words I hear are, "I'm hungry." So I fix him something to eat. About 20 mins later, I check on him thinking he must be done. Nope. He's playing with his food. In another 10 mins, he's eaten two more bites but still playing. I tell him he has 10 minutes to finish and then I'm throwing it away. I mean, it was a hot dog and a fruit cup!! Seriously. So he starts sniffling and I just walk away. I come back in 10 minutes and he has a few bites left so I stand there until he finishes them. I watch him take his plate to the sink and then tell him he can go play outside. He plays for a little bit, then comes back for the night and sees me watching tv. A commercial for Deal or No Deal comes on and he says, "What channel is that on? I am going to watch it in my room." I tell him, "No sir. Your tv privileges are suspended until your Daddy says otherwise." He whines and goes to his room. I'm the meanest stepmonster alive.
So when Joe comes home, Z is all bubbly and excited but Joe is tired from school all day and tells Z he needs to " have a chat" with him. They go to Z's room and I make dinner. I guess Joe told him to get over the whiney phase because he's not going to get video games back, to take care of Joe's stuff because if Z breaks it Z will be in B I G T R O U B L E, and blah blah blah.
I texted my neighbor who has 3 kids, the youngest of which is Z's age, and asked her how long this whiney phase lasts. Her response? "At least another 16 years! hahahahah!!" She told me before that all her kids went through the whiney phase during kindergarten. I hope it ends soon because Z is testing my patience. I was so good, though. I am determined to not use my pregnancy as an excuse to be cranky. So I calmly tell him he's in trouble and why... and that he'll explain himself to his Daddy when he gets home. That always works. Well, usually.
This morning I had to take him to my Father-in-Law's house because Z is out of school today too and my FIL is going to watch him. Z was so excited that he nearly tripped twice getting out of my car and getting to the front door. It was cute. I just hope he doesn't drive them nuts today.
Sorry to rant about yesterday... but I was SO PROUD of myself. I was always very calm and had the "sorry, but" attitude. I never even LOOKED annoyed. :) At least not to him.
Now today I have sinus crud....and my ears hurt. And I can't take anything. :( I may stop at Walgreens on my way home and ask the pharmacist to give me sumpin for my misery that won't hurt the behbeh. I guess now *I* am the whiney-butt. sniff.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Peeves...
I am a pretty laid back person and tend to let things just roll off my back. I put up with a LOT of crap from people and don't generally let things bother me. I also don't take things at work personally. Like I said, I'm usually pretty easy-going. However, this morning on my way to work, someone really pissed me off in traffic. They cut me off in the fast lane to get in front of me. There was barely a car space between me and the person ahead of me. They didn't signal...just moved over. Scared the #$%# out of me. So I got irritated. I went around them and did the same thing. AAAaaargh. Road rage. It's stupid. But don't piss off a prego woman who hasn't had any caffeine for the morning and hasn't had breffas. Then I started thinking about things that just really annoy the hell out of me. So here goes:
- People who cut you off in traffic just to get that extra car space in front of you. ESPECIALLY WITHOUT SIGNALING.
People in the left lane who go just as slow as the person in the right lane, blocking you from passing. - People who (literally) drag their feet and make that shluff shluff shluff sound with their shoes.
- Smacking.
- Unreasonable people.
- Stupid people. Or people that are book smart and have NO common sense.
- People who SCREAM at their kids in public.
- People who let other people watch their kids for them, instead of doing it themselves. (I worked in a doctor's office and patients would bring their kids with them, then leave them out in the waiting room while they were back seeing the doctor. The kids would jump on chairs, scream and run around the waiting room. )
- People who abuse "the system" and have fifty kids, no job, get welfare, no desire to do anything for themselves, and expect everything for free.
- "The race card."
- People who think the world owes them something.
- Greediness.
- Vindictive people who use their kids as leverage and don't really give a #$%^ about being a parent, but want the child support check.
- Know-it-alls.
- The person who has to "one up" you with every story you tell.
- "Poor pitiful me" people who ALWAYS have a million problems that they could fix if they'd get off their @$$.
- People who complain but won't do anything to fix it. (Um, good example: don't gripe if you don't vote! And... if you hate your job that much, get another one!)
- People who don't say "thank you," or "please."
- People who don't apologize or admit they were wrong.
- People who whine or complain to you everyday but never ask how you're doing. Or if they do, they don't hear you and interrupt you in the middle of your answer to complain some more.
- People who dress VERY inappropriately in public for attention. (Women who let their boobs hang out or wear clothes 5 sizes too small, people who wear shirts with profanity on it in BIG LETTERS)
- Snotty attitudes.
- Invasion of personal space. Especially people who are smelly and/or dirty.
- People who think it's okay to touch you or your 5 year old stepson, even though you've never seen them in your life.
- People who get irritated when you ask person above to please not touch me/him.
- Vandalism or trashing of public restrooms.
- Solicitors showing up at my house. And especially when you say "no thank you" and they keep pushing.
- When I'm OBVIOUSLY not in the mood to talk, and someone just keeps on, asking me questions, etc.
Um... I just realized I am going ON and ON... I could probably think of many more. heh. So feel free to add your own.
Maybe I'm just pissy. :)
Thursday, February 14, 2008
My Valentine.
I read a really cool blog this morning... and I am going to be a copycat. In "honor" of valentine's day, I thought I'd share a little history & what makes my marriage to Joe work. (Thank you, Erin !!)
We are just normal people who both work full-time jobs for too little money, who bicker over the dumbest things. I had had a crush on him back when I was 13 and he was 15. I thought Joe was the CUTEST guy I'd ever met and I was NOWHERE near his league. He dated barbie look-a-likes and I was just the quiet, studious, average girl-next-door. We knew each other, but he ran around in a different circle of friends than me because he was 2 years older. As the years went by, I just watched him from afar. He ended up moving to Georgia and I moved upstate to go to college. I loved my life up there and one night online I found him and we began "chatting." We became good friends and over the years, we shared stories of our lives and we heard about who the other was dating, etc. He had moved back home by this time and within the span of a couple of years his mother passed away, his best friend passed away, and Z was born.
Joe's relationship with Z's mother was new when she became pregnant. They moved in together so Joe could be the responsible father and take care of his child. They quickly learned that they were not a compatible couple and had huge arguments and would go a week at a time without speaking. Joe and I emailed, IMed, and talked on the phone. Shortly after Z was born, Joe was looking for another place to live. He wanted to come visit me at school to just "get away" for the weekend. Joe was the only one who took care of Z and often I'd see him online at 3am (I was up doing my homework online) and he was up because Z was hungry, wet, etc. So after 6 months of this, Joe came up to see me. We had been friends for years and neither of us expected anything to happen. But how it did!! That whole weekend was magical. We each filled a void in each other that neither of us expected. He read me his poetry, I introduced him to Norah Jones (this was just before she had become so widely known), and we'd just talk about everything. My dog Baleigh LOVED him and she didn't even LIKE men. When he left, I was sad to see him go but I didn't feel any strings attached. He had his life back home that included an ex-girlfriend and a son.
Once he returned home, he realized how much he hated his life and needed a change. But with an infant to take care of, it wouldn't be easy. We kept in touch and he told me how happy I had made him. He had made me happier than I had been in a LONG time, but I didn't want to be his rebound. We made plans to see each other the next month on Valentine's. I came down and stayed in a hotel. We went swimming in the hotel's pool, went to the movies, went shopping, out to dinner, and just talked. We were SO different, but we were looking for the same thing: stability. We made plans to see each other once a month. At the end of 4 months, he had moved out and into his own apartment. He and his ex were constantly arguing about Z and she took Z with her. It was UGLY. Joe was devastated that he no longer could see his son everyday and his relationship with Z's mother was nothing short of hostile.
Once he had his own apartment, I came down to visit him every week. This was the end of the semester and I was not taking summer classes. Just working full time on the weekends. Thursday night through Sunday morning. I worked the 3rd shift at a hospital as a phlebotomist. I would get Baleigh, pack my bags, and drive to see him during the week. I'd drive back up Thursday afternoon and go back to work. This went on for a couple of months. During one weekend I was in a car accident and my car was totalled. What did Joe do? He loaned me his "spare" car!! It was a Saturn and a 5 speed. He taught me how to drive it and trusted me to go back to Fayetteville (where I went to school). Fayetteville is ALL HILLS. This is not a good scenario for a newly able to drive a standard driver. But he loaned me his car so I wouldn't have to bum rides. This still just blows my mind.
Finally, we decided that I'd move down there. This was a BOLD move on my part because I'd always sworn I'd NEVER give up my life at school for a GUY unless I had a RING on my finger. And I had never LIVED officially with a boyfriend. I was 25 years old and this was C R A Z Y!!!
Long story short, I moved in and drove back up to my job every weekend. I did this for about 4-6 weeks. I finally got a job at a hospital down here and I bought a 1999 Blazer in excellent condition from his brother. His brother's son wanted a truck instead and they sold it to me for what they owed on it. Not a penny more. This car has been wonderful to me. Still is.
So this whole time Joe and I weren't telling his family that we were dating or had moved in together. But you know, parents aren't dumb. I remember I raised my eyebrows when he once slipped and called me "honey" in front of his dad and stepmom. They never acted any differently but they knew. His family had been telling him all this time that he needs to work things out with his ex because otherwise he'll never see Z. My parents were AGAINST my dating Joe because he was a single father and I had a good life in Fayetteville. Well, that's what THEY thought. I was broke, miserable, lonely, and all I had to keep me from being completely depressed was Baleigh. She was my life for the longest time. Friends were all against it, because they said I was taking too much of a risk and I'd end up getting hurt.
One of his brothers was diagnosed with Lou Gherig's disease. It's an awful neurological disease that basically robs you of all mobility and ends up suffocating you. Danny (Joe's brother) was a musician, worked with his hands carving figures out of wood, building things, and he owned his own moving company. Danny had an extra vertebrae in his back and a doctor told him that this is what made him physically stronger than the average person. Danny could pick up a refridgerator and move it by himself!! So while Danny was nearing death, Joe whispered to him that he and I were getting married. Danny smiled his approval. When I first met him, he told me within half an hour, "I like you. You're responsible, smart, and not like the other bimbos that Joe brings home." HAHA. Danny was not one to mince words. And he told you what he thought. I liked that. Danny had raised two beautiful, smart, and respectful kids. I really admired him. Tracy (Joe's sister) had never spoken a word to me during the times I had been around. I referred to her as the Ice Queen behind her back to Joe. The rest of his family was very friendly and wonderful. When Joe went to Tommy (his other brother) and Tracy and told them we were getting married, Tracy smiled really big and said, "You know, I'm so glad because you are smart, have your head on your shoulders and you're not like the bimbos that Joe has brought home before." HAHAHAHA. So Danny and Tracy were very much alike! Tommy smiled and they all hugged me.
Within a few months of my meeting Danny, he passed away. So Joe has now lost his mother, his best friend, and one of his brothers. I remember at the funeral, when the family goes to sit in one room and then at the end stand up at the front, mourners can extend their condolences. Well, Joe insisted I sit and stand with the family. Although I was hesitant, his other brother, his dad, and his sister insisted I be with all of them. I was very touched that they had accepted me into their family.
During all this time, Joe was fighting for custody of his son. He and his ex were NOT getting along and Joe was not seeing Z on a regular basis. We kept our relationship quiet and Z was too young to report to his mother that I was in his life. I wouldn't hold Z until he was about 7 months old. I was too scared, because I had NEVER been around a child before. I was the youngest in my family and had never been around little kids or babies. It was uncharted territory with me. So I knew that Joe was part of a package deal. And how lucky was I to get a cute little boy as the other part of the package!! Z and I bonded. He giggled at me all the time and I learned how to change poopy diapers. YUCK. I don't miss that. I remember Z's first birthday party at our apartment .... it was Joe's parents and us. We had cake and ice cream and opened presents.
Well, to speed things up a little... we ended up getting married 1.5 years into our relationship. We got married at his parents' house in their big yard surrounded by 50ish members of our families and friends. It was a Hawaiian-themed wedding and very relaxed. I asked people to wear Hawaiian-themed clothing instead of dressing up. It was so much fun! I had friends drive down from Fayetteville to see us get married. It was wonderful. After everyone left, we cleaned up and had to go to McDonald's to eat because we hadn't gotten any food at the wedding! I remember the cashier saying, "DAAANG. Look at that BLING!!" My ring was very shiny and pretty and caught his attention. hah. So then we drove to our honeymoon destination in the middle of nowhere (we got lost a few times because of bad directions) and got into the cabin in the middle of the woods. It was mostly glass windows and had a huge boulder forming one wall in the bathroom. Very cool. We brought our stuff in, was getting settled and I wanted to get in the jacuzzi tub. The water wouldn't turn on. So Joe spent the next couple of hours with the owner of the cabins trying to fix the water pump so we could have water. The cabin was $150 a night and we were NOT going to "rough it" for the night! I fell asleep on the futon in the main room and Joe came to wake me up later....and we had water!! Yay!! We ended up leaving the next morning and went to the same hotel where we had spent Valentine's that second month together. We had a great time going to movies, window-shopping, and just hanging out. Very low key.
When we returned, he decided to tell his ex that we were married. He had never mentioned us dating, so when he met her at Sears to get Zach, I was in the car. He showed her his ring and said, "I'm married." She was with her mother and STUNNED. But at least we were finally out in the open. No more sneaking around.
We have now been married 3.5 years and couldn't be happier. He's my best friend and my soulmate. We're VERY different but have the same goals in life, same sense of humor, and it just works. People that see us out and about always say, "You two are married?? To each other??" They just can't believe it. He was Mr. Playboy and I was the Girl Next Door. (Not to be confused with Hugh Hefner and his 3 girlfriends.)Hehehe. You know, like the Classmates.com ad that shows the football player married to the nerd? Okay, well, he was REALLY cute and I was sorta average cute. Not GORGEOUS. But he was popular and I had a small group of friends. He was the barely average student who was always surrounded by girls. I was the smart kid who took all the AP classes and did my homework, had a job, and was responsible.
Joe and I have been through custody battles, family deaths, we bought our first house, and my precious Baleigh passing away. We even went to court when his ex accused me of abusing Z and got a restraining order against Joe. Joe went a month without seeing Z and had to go to DHS offices to see Z for the first time. Joe had it on camera... Z rushing in screaming, "Daddy!" and hearing Joe getting choked up in the background. Joe stood by me the entire time, as did his family. We went to court and it was NASTY. There was obviously nothing against us, but the judge was mad at Joe for not following up with the abuse investigation. Our lawyer had told us NOT to contact DHS because "that's what guilty people do." She didn't stand up for us in court and Joe got railroaded. One more victory for his ex.
So through all this drama and much more, we have stayed together...and we are a team. When obstacles appear, we tackle them together. It took us more than a year to get pregnant, and now I'm 27 weeks!! This is OUR first child and he has been incredible. He works a full time manual labor job outdoors as a landscaping supervisor during the day, then goes to school full time in the afternoons and evenings. He spends time with his son and still manages to make time for his hormonal wife. :)
Erin's post talked about how she and her hubby shared duties and it was pretty evenly distributed. I was impressed. I would like to say that Joe and I split duties evenly, but we don't. After all, he works AND goes to school and I just work. I usually try to take care of the house, paying the bills, getting Z fed and bathed, I figure out dinner, and I take care of our dogs. (I even tutored him through two algebra classes -- which was HARD because he has a mental block with math and I love it. He's impatient and I'm patient. He doesn't want to study, I want to study a little every night.) Joe comes home after his very long day and eats, lays on the couch, then falls asleep. On the weekends, he is usually busy doing projects around the house (the latest was building and installing cubbies in our closet). Sometimes he goes paddling with his kayaker buddies, sometimes he bike rides with friends in the neighborhood at a local trail, other times we go shopping around town or just drive around, looking at houses. But what I DO know...is that he's my other half and we work together to keep our household running, our bills paid, and we still love each other as much - if not more - than the day we got married.
So this valentine's day, we'll go out to a nice dinner (where he has a giftcard..haha!) and then we'll go home and be thankful to have made it through another year together. He doesn't buy me roses (he says they're not practical, they'll just die), we don't spend a lot of money on gifts (cause we're always broke from bills or something), but do tell each other "I love you" and we're still a little lovey dovey even though our "newlywed" status is gone. The greatest gift he can give me is growing in my tummy, and we have what we were both searching for so many years ago: stability. That's all I need.
I love you, Joe!
We are just normal people who both work full-time jobs for too little money, who bicker over the dumbest things. I had had a crush on him back when I was 13 and he was 15. I thought Joe was the CUTEST guy I'd ever met and I was NOWHERE near his league. He dated barbie look-a-likes and I was just the quiet, studious, average girl-next-door. We knew each other, but he ran around in a different circle of friends than me because he was 2 years older. As the years went by, I just watched him from afar. He ended up moving to Georgia and I moved upstate to go to college. I loved my life up there and one night online I found him and we began "chatting." We became good friends and over the years, we shared stories of our lives and we heard about who the other was dating, etc. He had moved back home by this time and within the span of a couple of years his mother passed away, his best friend passed away, and Z was born.
Joe's relationship with Z's mother was new when she became pregnant. They moved in together so Joe could be the responsible father and take care of his child. They quickly learned that they were not a compatible couple and had huge arguments and would go a week at a time without speaking. Joe and I emailed, IMed, and talked on the phone. Shortly after Z was born, Joe was looking for another place to live. He wanted to come visit me at school to just "get away" for the weekend. Joe was the only one who took care of Z and often I'd see him online at 3am (I was up doing my homework online) and he was up because Z was hungry, wet, etc. So after 6 months of this, Joe came up to see me. We had been friends for years and neither of us expected anything to happen. But how it did!! That whole weekend was magical. We each filled a void in each other that neither of us expected. He read me his poetry, I introduced him to Norah Jones (this was just before she had become so widely known), and we'd just talk about everything. My dog Baleigh LOVED him and she didn't even LIKE men. When he left, I was sad to see him go but I didn't feel any strings attached. He had his life back home that included an ex-girlfriend and a son.
Once he returned home, he realized how much he hated his life and needed a change. But with an infant to take care of, it wouldn't be easy. We kept in touch and he told me how happy I had made him. He had made me happier than I had been in a LONG time, but I didn't want to be his rebound. We made plans to see each other the next month on Valentine's. I came down and stayed in a hotel. We went swimming in the hotel's pool, went to the movies, went shopping, out to dinner, and just talked. We were SO different, but we were looking for the same thing: stability. We made plans to see each other once a month. At the end of 4 months, he had moved out and into his own apartment. He and his ex were constantly arguing about Z and she took Z with her. It was UGLY. Joe was devastated that he no longer could see his son everyday and his relationship with Z's mother was nothing short of hostile.
Once he had his own apartment, I came down to visit him every week. This was the end of the semester and I was not taking summer classes. Just working full time on the weekends. Thursday night through Sunday morning. I worked the 3rd shift at a hospital as a phlebotomist. I would get Baleigh, pack my bags, and drive to see him during the week. I'd drive back up Thursday afternoon and go back to work. This went on for a couple of months. During one weekend I was in a car accident and my car was totalled. What did Joe do? He loaned me his "spare" car!! It was a Saturn and a 5 speed. He taught me how to drive it and trusted me to go back to Fayetteville (where I went to school). Fayetteville is ALL HILLS. This is not a good scenario for a newly able to drive a standard driver. But he loaned me his car so I wouldn't have to bum rides. This still just blows my mind.
Finally, we decided that I'd move down there. This was a BOLD move on my part because I'd always sworn I'd NEVER give up my life at school for a GUY unless I had a RING on my finger. And I had never LIVED officially with a boyfriend. I was 25 years old and this was C R A Z Y!!!
Long story short, I moved in and drove back up to my job every weekend. I did this for about 4-6 weeks. I finally got a job at a hospital down here and I bought a 1999 Blazer in excellent condition from his brother. His brother's son wanted a truck instead and they sold it to me for what they owed on it. Not a penny more. This car has been wonderful to me. Still is.
So this whole time Joe and I weren't telling his family that we were dating or had moved in together. But you know, parents aren't dumb. I remember I raised my eyebrows when he once slipped and called me "honey" in front of his dad and stepmom. They never acted any differently but they knew. His family had been telling him all this time that he needs to work things out with his ex because otherwise he'll never see Z. My parents were AGAINST my dating Joe because he was a single father and I had a good life in Fayetteville. Well, that's what THEY thought. I was broke, miserable, lonely, and all I had to keep me from being completely depressed was Baleigh. She was my life for the longest time. Friends were all against it, because they said I was taking too much of a risk and I'd end up getting hurt.
One of his brothers was diagnosed with Lou Gherig's disease. It's an awful neurological disease that basically robs you of all mobility and ends up suffocating you. Danny (Joe's brother) was a musician, worked with his hands carving figures out of wood, building things, and he owned his own moving company. Danny had an extra vertebrae in his back and a doctor told him that this is what made him physically stronger than the average person. Danny could pick up a refridgerator and move it by himself!! So while Danny was nearing death, Joe whispered to him that he and I were getting married. Danny smiled his approval. When I first met him, he told me within half an hour, "I like you. You're responsible, smart, and not like the other bimbos that Joe brings home." HAHA. Danny was not one to mince words. And he told you what he thought. I liked that. Danny had raised two beautiful, smart, and respectful kids. I really admired him. Tracy (Joe's sister) had never spoken a word to me during the times I had been around. I referred to her as the Ice Queen behind her back to Joe. The rest of his family was very friendly and wonderful. When Joe went to Tommy (his other brother) and Tracy and told them we were getting married, Tracy smiled really big and said, "You know, I'm so glad because you are smart, have your head on your shoulders and you're not like the bimbos that Joe has brought home before." HAHAHAHA. So Danny and Tracy were very much alike! Tommy smiled and they all hugged me.
Within a few months of my meeting Danny, he passed away. So Joe has now lost his mother, his best friend, and one of his brothers. I remember at the funeral, when the family goes to sit in one room and then at the end stand up at the front, mourners can extend their condolences. Well, Joe insisted I sit and stand with the family. Although I was hesitant, his other brother, his dad, and his sister insisted I be with all of them. I was very touched that they had accepted me into their family.
During all this time, Joe was fighting for custody of his son. He and his ex were NOT getting along and Joe was not seeing Z on a regular basis. We kept our relationship quiet and Z was too young to report to his mother that I was in his life. I wouldn't hold Z until he was about 7 months old. I was too scared, because I had NEVER been around a child before. I was the youngest in my family and had never been around little kids or babies. It was uncharted territory with me. So I knew that Joe was part of a package deal. And how lucky was I to get a cute little boy as the other part of the package!! Z and I bonded. He giggled at me all the time and I learned how to change poopy diapers. YUCK. I don't miss that. I remember Z's first birthday party at our apartment .... it was Joe's parents and us. We had cake and ice cream and opened presents.
Well, to speed things up a little... we ended up getting married 1.5 years into our relationship. We got married at his parents' house in their big yard surrounded by 50ish members of our families and friends. It was a Hawaiian-themed wedding and very relaxed. I asked people to wear Hawaiian-themed clothing instead of dressing up. It was so much fun! I had friends drive down from Fayetteville to see us get married. It was wonderful. After everyone left, we cleaned up and had to go to McDonald's to eat because we hadn't gotten any food at the wedding! I remember the cashier saying, "DAAANG. Look at that BLING!!" My ring was very shiny and pretty and caught his attention. hah. So then we drove to our honeymoon destination in the middle of nowhere (we got lost a few times because of bad directions) and got into the cabin in the middle of the woods. It was mostly glass windows and had a huge boulder forming one wall in the bathroom. Very cool. We brought our stuff in, was getting settled and I wanted to get in the jacuzzi tub. The water wouldn't turn on. So Joe spent the next couple of hours with the owner of the cabins trying to fix the water pump so we could have water. The cabin was $150 a night and we were NOT going to "rough it" for the night! I fell asleep on the futon in the main room and Joe came to wake me up later....and we had water!! Yay!! We ended up leaving the next morning and went to the same hotel where we had spent Valentine's that second month together. We had a great time going to movies, window-shopping, and just hanging out. Very low key.
When we returned, he decided to tell his ex that we were married. He had never mentioned us dating, so when he met her at Sears to get Zach, I was in the car. He showed her his ring and said, "I'm married." She was with her mother and STUNNED. But at least we were finally out in the open. No more sneaking around.
We have now been married 3.5 years and couldn't be happier. He's my best friend and my soulmate. We're VERY different but have the same goals in life, same sense of humor, and it just works. People that see us out and about always say, "You two are married?? To each other??" They just can't believe it. He was Mr. Playboy and I was the Girl Next Door. (Not to be confused with Hugh Hefner and his 3 girlfriends.)Hehehe. You know, like the Classmates.com ad that shows the football player married to the nerd? Okay, well, he was REALLY cute and I was sorta average cute. Not GORGEOUS. But he was popular and I had a small group of friends. He was the barely average student who was always surrounded by girls. I was the smart kid who took all the AP classes and did my homework, had a job, and was responsible.
Joe and I have been through custody battles, family deaths, we bought our first house, and my precious Baleigh passing away. We even went to court when his ex accused me of abusing Z and got a restraining order against Joe. Joe went a month without seeing Z and had to go to DHS offices to see Z for the first time. Joe had it on camera... Z rushing in screaming, "Daddy!" and hearing Joe getting choked up in the background. Joe stood by me the entire time, as did his family. We went to court and it was NASTY. There was obviously nothing against us, but the judge was mad at Joe for not following up with the abuse investigation. Our lawyer had told us NOT to contact DHS because "that's what guilty people do." She didn't stand up for us in court and Joe got railroaded. One more victory for his ex.
So through all this drama and much more, we have stayed together...and we are a team. When obstacles appear, we tackle them together. It took us more than a year to get pregnant, and now I'm 27 weeks!! This is OUR first child and he has been incredible. He works a full time manual labor job outdoors as a landscaping supervisor during the day, then goes to school full time in the afternoons and evenings. He spends time with his son and still manages to make time for his hormonal wife. :)
Erin's post talked about how she and her hubby shared duties and it was pretty evenly distributed. I was impressed. I would like to say that Joe and I split duties evenly, but we don't. After all, he works AND goes to school and I just work. I usually try to take care of the house, paying the bills, getting Z fed and bathed, I figure out dinner, and I take care of our dogs. (I even tutored him through two algebra classes -- which was HARD because he has a mental block with math and I love it. He's impatient and I'm patient. He doesn't want to study, I want to study a little every night.) Joe comes home after his very long day and eats, lays on the couch, then falls asleep. On the weekends, he is usually busy doing projects around the house (the latest was building and installing cubbies in our closet). Sometimes he goes paddling with his kayaker buddies, sometimes he bike rides with friends in the neighborhood at a local trail, other times we go shopping around town or just drive around, looking at houses. But what I DO know...is that he's my other half and we work together to keep our household running, our bills paid, and we still love each other as much - if not more - than the day we got married.
So this valentine's day, we'll go out to a nice dinner (where he has a giftcard..haha!) and then we'll go home and be thankful to have made it through another year together. He doesn't buy me roses (he says they're not practical, they'll just die), we don't spend a lot of money on gifts (cause we're always broke from bills or something), but do tell each other "I love you" and we're still a little lovey dovey even though our "newlywed" status is gone. The greatest gift he can give me is growing in my tummy, and we have what we were both searching for so many years ago: stability. That's all I need.
I love you, Joe!
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
What If....
Whew. I took off work yesterday because the day before I was EXHAUSTED. And then yesterday morning I could barely open my eyes. So I took the day off and SLEPT. Like, more than 12 hours. I eventually got up and did some laundry, dusting, and light cleaning. Then I layed down and relaxed ALL DAY. I feel a lot better. I guess I just needed the rest.
So... now that I'm back to my "original" due date... I'm 27 weeks. Bayley is kicking a LOT this morning.
I got an email from our HR people asking me to stop by and get my FMLA paperwork and we'd discuss how much time I can take off versus how much time I have accrued. I have a lot of time saved up between sick and vacation, so I"m not sure why this makes me nervous. HR is just thorough. So why am I worried?
Also, I keep wondering how the %$#@ I am going to afford daycare for 2 months while Tracy can't watch Bayley. I mean, she can watch her SOMEtimes...but not EVERY day of the week until after school starts. So this is making me worry. What if I can't get into the daycare here at work? What if it's full? What if it costs WAAAAY too much? What if Tracy decides she can't/doesn't want to watch Bayley even after school starts? I can't afford a full time daycare! What if, what if, what if. Enough to make me crazy.
So now.... my next "worry" or "concern" is that I won't get the stroller I registered for, a carseat for our other vehicle, or a highchair. It's REALLY BEYOND ridiculous. I mean, if my prego friends were "worrying" about this stuff, I'd tell them to relax... it will all work out. People will show up to your shower, you'll get gifts, and if you don't get EVERYthing you NEED, you will find a way to purchase it. No big deal. So. I need to take my own freakin' advice.
I wish I could win the lottery I don't play because they don't offer it in my state. That would rock. Why is money such a stressor?
But hey, I am functioning on more rest today. YAY!
Oh...one more thing. Does anyone have the problem of DUST. EVERYWHERE. EVERYDAY. Even after you dust? How the $%#@ does so much dust accumulate in my house? We change the filter monthly, and blah blah blah. So I stopped using pledge on everything. I use it on our table and stuff...but now I use those Swiffer Dusters or whatever they're called. AMAZING. I love it. I don't mind dusting now. Of course, I need a box of 5 for the week. Sheesh. They should give me money for mentioning their product. Then maybe I could afford daycare. In a few months.
So... now that I'm back to my "original" due date... I'm 27 weeks. Bayley is kicking a LOT this morning.
I got an email from our HR people asking me to stop by and get my FMLA paperwork and we'd discuss how much time I can take off versus how much time I have accrued. I have a lot of time saved up between sick and vacation, so I"m not sure why this makes me nervous. HR is just thorough. So why am I worried?
Also, I keep wondering how the %$#@ I am going to afford daycare for 2 months while Tracy can't watch Bayley. I mean, she can watch her SOMEtimes...but not EVERY day of the week until after school starts. So this is making me worry. What if I can't get into the daycare here at work? What if it's full? What if it costs WAAAAY too much? What if Tracy decides she can't/doesn't want to watch Bayley even after school starts? I can't afford a full time daycare! What if, what if, what if. Enough to make me crazy.
So now.... my next "worry" or "concern" is that I won't get the stroller I registered for, a carseat for our other vehicle, or a highchair. It's REALLY BEYOND ridiculous. I mean, if my prego friends were "worrying" about this stuff, I'd tell them to relax... it will all work out. People will show up to your shower, you'll get gifts, and if you don't get EVERYthing you NEED, you will find a way to purchase it. No big deal. So. I need to take my own freakin' advice.
I wish I could win the lottery I don't play because they don't offer it in my state. That would rock. Why is money such a stressor?
But hey, I am functioning on more rest today. YAY!
Oh...one more thing. Does anyone have the problem of DUST. EVERYWHERE. EVERYDAY. Even after you dust? How the $%#@ does so much dust accumulate in my house? We change the filter monthly, and blah blah blah. So I stopped using pledge on everything. I use it on our table and stuff...but now I use those Swiffer Dusters or whatever they're called. AMAZING. I love it. I don't mind dusting now. Of course, I need a box of 5 for the week. Sheesh. They should give me money for mentioning their product. Then maybe I could afford daycare. In a few months.
Monday, February 11, 2008
I'm a Bittyhole.
Today is cranky day. I'm tired, hot, and nothing I've eaten today tasted good...and I feel icky after eating it. So I got some fruit at a little convenience stand here at work...and it was okay. Didn't have much taste to it. Also got some ice cream. Tasted okay, cooled me off a little...but still not quite doing it for me. I think I just need to go home to my bed, curl up under the covers and get some sleep.
A lady here at work gets on my nerves. She's nothing but nice... but I don't know why she bothers me so much. And I don't mean just today. This morning she was all chatty and kept asking me questions. I didn't want to be rude, so I gave simple answers. I was really thinking, "LEAVE ME ALONE." Ugh. I'm a bittyhole.
A lady here at work gets on my nerves. She's nothing but nice... but I don't know why she bothers me so much. And I don't mean just today. This morning she was all chatty and kept asking me questions. I didn't want to be rude, so I gave simple answers. I was really thinking, "LEAVE ME ALONE." Ugh. I'm a bittyhole.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Good and Responsible. Or Something.
So... I'm trying really hard to be good and responsible this year. I've decided that since I'm about to be a "real" parent (aka not just a stepmonster) I need to act like a "real" adult and be responsible. So that means I need to keep the checkbook balanced daily, pay the bills on time or figure out a better budget, saying NO to projects or eating out when we really need to use the money on bills, and I'd really like to get back on a cleaning "schedule" (clean certain rooms on certain days...not including general tidying up). I know I'm a nerd, but since I've been pregnant, I feel like I'm not myself. I no longer remember anything.. I have to use sticky notes for EVERY minor thing. Once I get home from work, I don't want to pay bills, organize ANYthing, and definitely don't want to touch laundry. My brain is scattered. I have become forgetful. And I have no desire to do anything but warm the couch and then eventually go to bed.
SO.
Today I have balanced the checkbooks, created an online registry at Target, began working on a task at work that I dread, and I think it all has to do with the fact that my new ergonomic keyboard came in!!! WOO HOO!! No more burning arms.
NOW.
Tonight when I get home, I shall take a nap, go out to dinner with my boys (Joe and Z, since we have Z this weekend) and work on some laundry. Hubby is going to a fishery because every Friday one of his classes goes on a "trip" and last week they did the same thing. He isn't happy about going, but it will hopefully give Z and me time to take quick naps before Joe comes home growling that he's hungry. :)
This weekend we'll hopefully be working on our closet since we had to give up our "spare" bedroom (now the Nursery). Now we are putting "cubbies" or shelves into it and making it all space-efficient and stuff. I love my handy hubby. :)
OH. Got my car back this morning. YAY!! I only spent $200, but have learned that my air compressor has a leak and now I need to either cough up another $400 or find one in a junkyard for cheaper. Another reason I'm glad I'm married... Joe will take care of this for me. :)
So anyway... now that I'm being productive, I think I'll research the pres candidates so I can figure out who to vote for in November. (Hint: it WON'T be democratic -- so send your hate emails now!)
SO.
Today I have balanced the checkbooks, created an online registry at Target, began working on a task at work that I dread, and I think it all has to do with the fact that my new ergonomic keyboard came in!!! WOO HOO!! No more burning arms.
NOW.
Tonight when I get home, I shall take a nap, go out to dinner with my boys (Joe and Z, since we have Z this weekend) and work on some laundry. Hubby is going to a fishery because every Friday one of his classes goes on a "trip" and last week they did the same thing. He isn't happy about going, but it will hopefully give Z and me time to take quick naps before Joe comes home growling that he's hungry. :)
This weekend we'll hopefully be working on our closet since we had to give up our "spare" bedroom (now the Nursery). Now we are putting "cubbies" or shelves into it and making it all space-efficient and stuff. I love my handy hubby. :)
OH. Got my car back this morning. YAY!! I only spent $200, but have learned that my air compressor has a leak and now I need to either cough up another $400 or find one in a junkyard for cheaper. Another reason I'm glad I'm married... Joe will take care of this for me. :)
So anyway... now that I'm being productive, I think I'll research the pres candidates so I can figure out who to vote for in November. (Hint: it WON'T be democratic -- so send your hate emails now!)
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Tracy is the BEST!!
So... I met with my beautiful, thin cousin today for lunch and let me just say how incredible it is to have "grown up time" with someone you grew up idolizing!! I always looked up to her and she never knew it. So funny.
Anyway, her name is Tracy and she and her husband have been married for 12 years. She is 9 years older than me and they were unable to have any kids. It's a shame because she is WONDERFUL with kids and watches her neighbor's kids. She actually has helped raise them. I love her SO much so Joe and I decided to ask her and her husband Randy to be Bayley's godparents. Not so much for the religious aspect, but as secondary parents. They were touched, thrilled, and moved that we'd ask that... but it just seemed the natural thing to do.
So we met for lunch today to discuss Bayley's needs after she's born. After I return to work from maternity leave, Tracy will keep Bayley. During the summer we're going to have to make different arrangements, as keeping a newborn and two young school-aged children will be a challenge. Newborns can't play kickball or go swimming. Tracy is very active with the kids so I can appreciate her asking if other arrangements can be made for summer. The other big thing is that she said she does not want payment for this. She's so excited to take care of another newborn that she considers that payment enough. I said, "We are going to PAY you SOMEthing!!" She said no, just provide diapers and such and that was just fine. She is SO excited about all of this.
Yes, I'm thrilled because right now we are on a tight budget, paying off all our debt (minus our house) over the next 12 months and Bayley falls right into the middle of it. So I guess I'll just have to shower Randy and Tracy with giftcards to resturants, stores, etc. I don't know. I'll figure something out, as I don't want her to feel taken advantage of.
So... anyway. That's a good problem to have, so I'm not complaining. I'm very blessed and lucky to have such a wonderful person to help me.
Anyway, her name is Tracy and she and her husband have been married for 12 years. She is 9 years older than me and they were unable to have any kids. It's a shame because she is WONDERFUL with kids and watches her neighbor's kids. She actually has helped raise them. I love her SO much so Joe and I decided to ask her and her husband Randy to be Bayley's godparents. Not so much for the religious aspect, but as secondary parents. They were touched, thrilled, and moved that we'd ask that... but it just seemed the natural thing to do.
So we met for lunch today to discuss Bayley's needs after she's born. After I return to work from maternity leave, Tracy will keep Bayley. During the summer we're going to have to make different arrangements, as keeping a newborn and two young school-aged children will be a challenge. Newborns can't play kickball or go swimming. Tracy is very active with the kids so I can appreciate her asking if other arrangements can be made for summer. The other big thing is that she said she does not want payment for this. She's so excited to take care of another newborn that she considers that payment enough. I said, "We are going to PAY you SOMEthing!!" She said no, just provide diapers and such and that was just fine. She is SO excited about all of this.
Yes, I'm thrilled because right now we are on a tight budget, paying off all our debt (minus our house) over the next 12 months and Bayley falls right into the middle of it. So I guess I'll just have to shower Randy and Tracy with giftcards to resturants, stores, etc. I don't know. I'll figure something out, as I don't want her to feel taken advantage of.
So... anyway. That's a good problem to have, so I'm not complaining. I'm very blessed and lucky to have such a wonderful person to help me.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Scams, Drama, and Ice.
My purse was stolen from work (not by co-workers) two weeks before this past Christmas. My purse was thrown into the men's bathroom trashcan but my wallet, my keys, and checkbook were gone. We're not sure if my keys were taken or if they just ended up in the trash compactor. My husband had to come to my work and bring me a key to my car so I could drive home. We called our banks and credit card companies, etc. When we got home, we put our "mean" dog Deejay in the house and went to get new locks for the house. My handyman hubby changed ALL the deadbolts on our house and we got the Club for our vehicles. I didn't sleep well that night because I was terrified someone was going to break into our house. We filed the police reports, etc. and have only had one collection letter about a check written to a grocery store. We haven't heard anything else since. Until today. Some lady called my husband and said that she was attacked and mugged the SAME DAY and near the place of attack, she found some of my stolen documents (social security card, etc. ) and would like to return them. She explained where she lived and where she worked. My husband even called her place of employment and verified that yes, she works there but was out today. I barely caught all of the conversation because I was running into work and the reception in my office is terrible. So we hang up and I begin to over-analyze. I decide that I think this is a scam and I do NOT want him to call her back to arrange a meeting time. I want to know why she did not turn my documents in to police and why she is JUST NOW getting to us. She had apparently searched for us on the internet and eventually found out where my husband worked. Now, I keep thinking... this a lot of work for a good samaritan. I don't mean to be so suspicious, but HELLO -- I'm 6.5 months pregnant and I don't want another scam! I know the extreme is that two guys would show up, beat up or kill my husband for his wallet and then I'd have to raise this child by myself. (TOLD YOU I over-analyze.) I've also heard of scams where they arrange to meet you and then instead of meeting you, they go to your house and rob you.
:: pulling hair out ::
So what to do?
I called the PD in my town and asked them to drive past my house to make sure no one was breaking in. I let them know that NO ONE was home and there should be NO activity. Then I called the PD of the city I work in and let them know what happened. They don't seem overly concerned, of course, but told me that I could arrange to have them meet me but have a police officer with me. So I will let my husband do that... WITH A POLICE OFFICER. And of course if I have some protection with me at home. Protection being a cop, of course.
******************
Okay, I must move on.
So yesterday, I left work early to run several errands and my last one was to get my oil changed. I go to one of those wonderful places where you drive up and stay in your car and they change your oil from below. So I have my driver's side window rolled down so they can tell me when to turn my car on and when to shut it off, etc. As I'm pulling out, my window won't roll up. The other windows work. And the locks work. So I'm guessing the motor has burn out on the window. I'm NOT happy. I get home and tell my hubby we need to move the pool table, table hockey, and foosball tables because I need to park my car in the garage because it's supposed to STORM all night. Those massive thunder/tornado storms in the news that killed 12-13 Arkansans? Yep, those storms. Well, we got a neighbor to help us move some things around and I BARELY got my car in. Then I had to get out. They were laughing at me saying I'd have to "pull a Dukes of Hazzard" to get out of the car. So I glare at them, open the door as far as I can, and turn sideways. I have to stand on my tippy toes to get my belly over my door handle and scooch out. They are laughing but are surprised I get out. Jerks.
Anyway, the mechanic I use is wonderful and is the step-father of a friend of mine, so I trust him. He fixed my heater and is looking into my A/C to see why that isn't working. (That was what my original appt was for.) So far my bill is around $140 and he hasn't fixed the A/C yet. Sheesh. When it rains, it pours. :(
Okay, I MUST end on a HAPPY NOTE. Well, a funny one. Last night Joe was sitting on the couch eating Cherry Garcia and Z decides to run up and start bugging Joe to wrestle with him. (The same thing he did that time he threw the massive tantrum.) So Joe is pushing him away and finally just grabs Z with one arm and holding him down while he munches on his ice cream. Z is laughing and screaming and squirming around... so I get a piece of ice and hand it to Joe. He puts it down Z's pants and Z stars screaming, "It's COLD!!! It's COLD!!" and Joe finally lets him up and Z is laughing and grabbing the back of his pants, dancing around. Z's laughing really hard and then he just stops, looks at us, then poots. Ugh. Then he says, "Well, that should warm it up."
:: pulling hair out ::
So what to do?
I called the PD in my town and asked them to drive past my house to make sure no one was breaking in. I let them know that NO ONE was home and there should be NO activity. Then I called the PD of the city I work in and let them know what happened. They don't seem overly concerned, of course, but told me that I could arrange to have them meet me but have a police officer with me. So I will let my husband do that... WITH A POLICE OFFICER. And of course if I have some protection with me at home. Protection being a cop, of course.
******************
Okay, I must move on.
So yesterday, I left work early to run several errands and my last one was to get my oil changed. I go to one of those wonderful places where you drive up and stay in your car and they change your oil from below. So I have my driver's side window rolled down so they can tell me when to turn my car on and when to shut it off, etc. As I'm pulling out, my window won't roll up. The other windows work. And the locks work. So I'm guessing the motor has burn out on the window. I'm NOT happy. I get home and tell my hubby we need to move the pool table, table hockey, and foosball tables because I need to park my car in the garage because it's supposed to STORM all night. Those massive thunder/tornado storms in the news that killed 12-13 Arkansans? Yep, those storms. Well, we got a neighbor to help us move some things around and I BARELY got my car in. Then I had to get out. They were laughing at me saying I'd have to "pull a Dukes of Hazzard" to get out of the car. So I glare at them, open the door as far as I can, and turn sideways. I have to stand on my tippy toes to get my belly over my door handle and scooch out. They are laughing but are surprised I get out. Jerks.
Anyway, the mechanic I use is wonderful and is the step-father of a friend of mine, so I trust him. He fixed my heater and is looking into my A/C to see why that isn't working. (That was what my original appt was for.) So far my bill is around $140 and he hasn't fixed the A/C yet. Sheesh. When it rains, it pours. :(
Okay, I MUST end on a HAPPY NOTE. Well, a funny one. Last night Joe was sitting on the couch eating Cherry Garcia and Z decides to run up and start bugging Joe to wrestle with him. (The same thing he did that time he threw the massive tantrum.) So Joe is pushing him away and finally just grabs Z with one arm and holding him down while he munches on his ice cream. Z is laughing and screaming and squirming around... so I get a piece of ice and hand it to Joe. He puts it down Z's pants and Z stars screaming, "It's COLD!!! It's COLD!!" and Joe finally lets him up and Z is laughing and grabbing the back of his pants, dancing around. Z's laughing really hard and then he just stops, looks at us, then poots. Ugh. Then he says, "Well, that should warm it up."
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
I'm a Crybaby.
I guess I am experiencing hormones and locked hips. Hips, not lips. :(
Looked at a picture of my sheltie Baleigh that passed away in August 07 and I started crying. I miss her so much. I know only true dog lovers will understand... but she was my BABY for almost 8 years. I felt like she knew me just as well as I knew myself, if not better. It was always comforting to come home, because she was always there to greet me. She was so familiar, so loving, and so predictable. I really, really miss her.
So I'm hoping no one noticed when I kept grabbing kleenex and wiping my eyes. If so, no one said anything. Thankfully.
As for my hips... well, if I sit down for any extended period of time I have trouble getting up and walking around. It's like my hips are locked and it's very painful to move. Eventually I can waddle it out, but it definitely takes time. Last night Joe and I took the poochies for a walk around the block and it helped a lot. But not long after getting home, they hurt again. I don't know what else to do. :(
And I was just standing in front of my boss' desk a moment ago and I felt very light-headed. Three times. And once since I've sat back down.
Going my my original due date, I am 26 weeks today. Only 98 days to go of being prego. Well, 98ish.
So anyway... I am leaving work early today. Have to go by the bank to make a deposit, get a copy of my police report (back when my purse was stolen two WEEKS before CHRISTMAS), get an oil change, and go vote. Tomorrow morning I have to drop my car off at the shop because it's not heating or cooling. It blows lukewarm air. We think it just needs the stuff flushed and new coolant poured in. I hope that's all it is. So... today and tomorrow are busy days. I kind of like days like these because I feel oh-so-productive. Last night I paid several bills and ran errands while Joe was in class. It was one of those productive evenings. We pulled back into the driveway at the same time and then I wanted to go to Quizno's for dinner. I'm lazy. What can I say.
Alrighty...rambling now... so off to be productive!
Looked at a picture of my sheltie Baleigh that passed away in August 07 and I started crying. I miss her so much. I know only true dog lovers will understand... but she was my BABY for almost 8 years. I felt like she knew me just as well as I knew myself, if not better. It was always comforting to come home, because she was always there to greet me. She was so familiar, so loving, and so predictable. I really, really miss her.
So I'm hoping no one noticed when I kept grabbing kleenex and wiping my eyes. If so, no one said anything. Thankfully.
As for my hips... well, if I sit down for any extended period of time I have trouble getting up and walking around. It's like my hips are locked and it's very painful to move. Eventually I can waddle it out, but it definitely takes time. Last night Joe and I took the poochies for a walk around the block and it helped a lot. But not long after getting home, they hurt again. I don't know what else to do. :(
And I was just standing in front of my boss' desk a moment ago and I felt very light-headed. Three times. And once since I've sat back down.
Going my my original due date, I am 26 weeks today. Only 98 days to go of being prego. Well, 98ish.
So anyway... I am leaving work early today. Have to go by the bank to make a deposit, get a copy of my police report (back when my purse was stolen two WEEKS before CHRISTMAS), get an oil change, and go vote. Tomorrow morning I have to drop my car off at the shop because it's not heating or cooling. It blows lukewarm air. We think it just needs the stuff flushed and new coolant poured in. I hope that's all it is. So... today and tomorrow are busy days. I kind of like days like these because I feel oh-so-productive. Last night I paid several bills and ran errands while Joe was in class. It was one of those productive evenings. We pulled back into the driveway at the same time and then I wanted to go to Quizno's for dinner. I'm lazy. What can I say.
Alrighty...rambling now... so off to be productive!
Monday, February 4, 2008
I'm a Walking Cliche'
This weekend I was feeling pretty tired. I took 2 hour naps on both Saturday and Sunday. Joe was awesome. Saturday we picked up Z's bed and it took Joe and our neighbor T THREE HOURS to put it together. I slept through two of them. Joe said, "Wow, I didn't realize how tired you were." Sunday I fell asleep and he came back to check on me after 2 hours and I was awake, but too tired to get up yet. He snuggled up to me and then Fletcher jumped on the bed and snuggled with us. Very sweet and cozy. :)
So Sunday, I brought my mom over to see the kids rooms and she was impressed. I took her home and on my way back, I called Joe and said, "I'm almost home. Be ready when I pull up and bring a pickle, please." He said, "Okay," like it was an everyday request. hehe. So I pull up (we're headed to Lowe's to get some stuff) and he comes out with a small jar of pickles for me. I find this really funny. So anyway, on the way to Lowe's I can't get to the bottom two pickles as they are stuck in the bottom of the jar. I look over at Joe helplessly and he takes the bottle, pulls out his pocket knife, and stabs one of the pickles. He hands it to me and I giggle. I mean, he acts like none of this is out of the ordinary. Or maybe I'm just retarded and find something so trivial funny. As we walked through Lowe's, I'm eating a pickle and I saw a few people turn to look at me and grin. Yeah, yeah, I'm a walking cliche. Prego woman eating pickles. Joe doesn't know why Ben & Jerry's hasn't made pickle flavor ice cream. I've not been eating ice cream often, but pickles...yes. :)
My mom bought us a few things from Babies R Us... I'm so excited! We got a few bibs, a box of newborn diapers, a diaper genie ii, and a refill! Yay!!
So I don't know why I'm feeling so overwhelmed right now. Hormones, I guess. But today I started crying at my desk because I think about our debt/bills, if anyone will throw us a shower, the delivery/water breakage, etc. See...none of it is worth worrying about... but for some reason I just want to curl up and cry. So my friend Courtney says that OF COURSE SHE is giving me a shower... but I feel weird EXPECTING it. I'm ridiculous. I need to get over myself. But you know, once Courtney gets married and has babies, SO MANY PEOPLE are going to OWE her for all she's done for them. Good lord, I think of all the people she's done stuff like this for. Anyway...
Ohh. I have the pic of my 25 week u/s. I changed my baby ticker back to 25 weeks instead of 27 just because my doctor is more educated than me. :) Annnd... I tried to scan the u/s pic but it doesn't show up well. So then I took pictures of it...and they were blurry because of the shine of the paper. So here is another pic... little blurry, but better than nothing. :)
She likes to hold her arms up under her chin. Such a cutie!!
So Sunday, I brought my mom over to see the kids rooms and she was impressed. I took her home and on my way back, I called Joe and said, "I'm almost home. Be ready when I pull up and bring a pickle, please." He said, "Okay," like it was an everyday request. hehe. So I pull up (we're headed to Lowe's to get some stuff) and he comes out with a small jar of pickles for me. I find this really funny. So anyway, on the way to Lowe's I can't get to the bottom two pickles as they are stuck in the bottom of the jar. I look over at Joe helplessly and he takes the bottle, pulls out his pocket knife, and stabs one of the pickles. He hands it to me and I giggle. I mean, he acts like none of this is out of the ordinary. Or maybe I'm just retarded and find something so trivial funny. As we walked through Lowe's, I'm eating a pickle and I saw a few people turn to look at me and grin. Yeah, yeah, I'm a walking cliche. Prego woman eating pickles. Joe doesn't know why Ben & Jerry's hasn't made pickle flavor ice cream. I've not been eating ice cream often, but pickles...yes. :)
My mom bought us a few things from Babies R Us... I'm so excited! We got a few bibs, a box of newborn diapers, a diaper genie ii, and a refill! Yay!!
So I don't know why I'm feeling so overwhelmed right now. Hormones, I guess. But today I started crying at my desk because I think about our debt/bills, if anyone will throw us a shower, the delivery/water breakage, etc. See...none of it is worth worrying about... but for some reason I just want to curl up and cry. So my friend Courtney says that OF COURSE SHE is giving me a shower... but I feel weird EXPECTING it. I'm ridiculous. I need to get over myself. But you know, once Courtney gets married and has babies, SO MANY PEOPLE are going to OWE her for all she's done for them. Good lord, I think of all the people she's done stuff like this for. Anyway...
Ohh. I have the pic of my 25 week u/s. I changed my baby ticker back to 25 weeks instead of 27 just because my doctor is more educated than me. :) Annnd... I tried to scan the u/s pic but it doesn't show up well. So then I took pictures of it...and they were blurry because of the shine of the paper. So here is another pic... little blurry, but better than nothing. :)
She likes to hold her arms up under her chin. Such a cutie!!
Friday, February 1, 2008
New Due Date, or Not New Date... That is THE Question
My doctor sent me an email saying that I should stick with my original due date of May 13th. I know this is awful, but I really don't want to. I like being a little further along. It just feels right. Like I have anything to compare it to. For quite some time now, I have felt like I am experiencing things a little too "soon" ... like, a few weeks ahead of schedule. Don't get me wrong, I know everyone is different and blah blah blah... but dangit, I like my new due date!!!
So anyway, yesterday my husband lets me know that he was unable to pick up our nursery furniture because the guy there had to leave instead of help Joe load it into his truck. I was not happy with this news, but said whatever. On my way home, I'm thinking this is a little strange but don't think much about it. Then I remembered Joe asking me, "You're coming straight home after work, RIGHT?" I said, "Uh, yeah. Except for that strip club I was going to stop at for a job application." Whatever, dood. So then I'm thinking about this a little more and thinking he's lying... but I'm really great at over-analyzing and decide to just wonder until I get home. I pull up and can see furniture boxes on the side of the house. I get in and he has assembled the furniture and put the new bedding on it for me. HOW SWEET!! He just wanted to surprise me. So I took pictures. :)
Hubby tired after all the work and surprise. :)
As you can see, we still have a few things to figure out what to do with... the tv will probably go on top of that computer armoir for now. No, we won't leave it in the floor. :) And there is a shelving unit that goes with the dresser/changing table, but we don't have it yet. When it's on, you can't really use it as a changing table. So that will come later. We'll probably purchase it and keep it in the attic until ready to install.
.
Fletcher(and you barely see Makana) looking in on us. They know they're not allowed in, but they like to sit right outside the door and watch everything. That picture by the door...we can't decide if it will go in the nursery or not. I got it at Kirkland's because I LOVE it. We'll see.
Joe said, "You know, I don't know if it's ironic or just plain sad... but now OUR bedroom is the one that sucks." haha. Our bedroom has new furniture too, but we still have the plain concrete floor and the closet is still under construction for adding the cubbies and another bar for clothes. And we want to repaint our bedroom a darker color and repaint the trim. We'd be able to do it all if we won the lottery that we can't play because they don't offer it in our state. :) I told him that it keeps things interesting when we're always doing projects.... slowly. :)
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