Whew! Nothing like a week of fine hotel living to make you wish you had the money for your own staff. There is no feeling better to the new mom than the feeling of walking into a freshly made up room that she didn't have to make up. This was I last week. A week of living in the Hyatt Grand Manchester in, not Manchester England, but in San Diego California.
Ah San Diego. My spiritual home. "God's Naval" as my mom likes to call it. John, Maia and I went for an IEEE (read: major work related geek fest) conference and stayed for Comic Con (read: major fantasy/sci-fi/comic book geek fest). It was wonderful. While I didn't party as hard as some moms I know (well, their kids are older) I did manage one night of unabashed drinking at the best sushi joint in the state. Sake and beer to the point of singing Social Distortion along with two guys in a pick-up as I crossed the street while John strolled the baby in weird circles through a small park. That night we fed the baby a bottle, I pumped and threw out the breast milk. I even had a small hangover. In a way, it made me happy.
The days in the beginning of the week were long and filled with daytime TV. No Internet. I didn't want it. I wanted Oprah and Law and Order. I don't have television, as most people know it, so it's a treat to have a remote and watch whatever the networks put out there. And commercials. I don't miss them so much but I like how I feel slightly disturbed after watching them. I also had a cabana day by the pool. Tuesday afternoon is a good time for the pool. The cabanas were sparsely populated and Maia and I had a lovely time hanging out in a chaise lounge and ordering the pool boy around. Well, I ordered the pool boy to bring me a pineapple daiquiri. Maia just smiled and napped and ate her own food.
Wednesday Maia and I headed to one of my very favorite spots in the world, La Jolla Cove. The last time I was there I was pregnant and not far from delivery. John and I just strolled along the edge of the coast talking about the new life we were about to have. This time, I got to stroll with that new life and show her the ocean for the first time. We spent some time sitting on a large expanse of green lawn overlooking the cove that is a favorite place for divers and kayakers. I wonder if she'll remember any of that in her subconscious, and if she dreams of the ocean now?
Thursday through Saturday were spent at the convention center, and those days are entries in their own rights. Highlights? Neil Gaiman, Peter S. Beagle, Ray Bradbury and Joss Whedon. The Joss is the best story, at least for Maia. There are pictures of her first encounter with stardom up on the picture site. Too cute baby!
This week we've been settling back into the groove of things. Maia is keeping me jumping. She does everything in clusters. Today, after a week of not napping and staying up late, she's zonked out. I may pay for it tonight, but I've taken advantage of it this afternoon by doing laundry and picking up the living room...somewhat. I'll share more stories. I hope this nap thing lasts for a couple of days...but for now, my vacuum cleaner misses me.
Friday, July 28, 2006
Tuesday, July 4, 2006
I Really Need...
...to blog more. Sorry. I hope to better perfect one-handed typing in the future.
The 4th of July is my very favorite holiday. I look forward to it like a kid looks to Christmas. The combination of food and fire just makes me happy. Today, I have a piece of pork just a few ounces smaller than my daughter on the grill and a red-white-and-blueberry star shaped Jell-O mold in the fridge. The Fourth makes me crave nostalgia food...hence the Jell-O.
Tonight, we will try to bust out the 20lbs of fireworks smuggled back from our trip to Louisiana. Did I ever mention that John and I almost rented a car to fill with fireworks for the trip home? That plan was under serious consideration...but sanity prevailed and we made due with shipping them UPS ground. Somehow they made it past the state line, so big booms here we come. I, of course, have a large stock of "girly" fireworks: ground blooming flowers, tanks that spit sparks, hen laying eggs, star balls, and sparklers. The sparklers excite me. They are the magnesium ones with metal sticks to hold on to...the ones that look like little stars are popping off when lit, not just a stream of light. The sparklers we can get here, where they are legal, are really lame. I am always disappointed with them. I hope the Louisiana sparklers are the ones from my youth. When it was OK to run around with flaming sticks and you might burn yourself if you weren't careful. "Safe and Sane" give a false sense of security in the firework world. I'd rather experience the joy of mastering the dangerous with my fire. But that's just me. Again waxing nostalgic.
Happy Fourth!
The 4th of July is my very favorite holiday. I look forward to it like a kid looks to Christmas. The combination of food and fire just makes me happy. Today, I have a piece of pork just a few ounces smaller than my daughter on the grill and a red-white-and-blueberry star shaped Jell-O mold in the fridge. The Fourth makes me crave nostalgia food...hence the Jell-O.
Tonight, we will try to bust out the 20lbs of fireworks smuggled back from our trip to Louisiana. Did I ever mention that John and I almost rented a car to fill with fireworks for the trip home? That plan was under serious consideration...but sanity prevailed and we made due with shipping them UPS ground. Somehow they made it past the state line, so big booms here we come. I, of course, have a large stock of "girly" fireworks: ground blooming flowers, tanks that spit sparks, hen laying eggs, star balls, and sparklers. The sparklers excite me. They are the magnesium ones with metal sticks to hold on to...the ones that look like little stars are popping off when lit, not just a stream of light. The sparklers we can get here, where they are legal, are really lame. I am always disappointed with them. I hope the Louisiana sparklers are the ones from my youth. When it was OK to run around with flaming sticks and you might burn yourself if you weren't careful. "Safe and Sane" give a false sense of security in the firework world. I'd rather experience the joy of mastering the dangerous with my fire. But that's just me. Again waxing nostalgic.
Happy Fourth!
Saturday, June 24, 2006
By the Way...
There are new pictures posted for those who know where they are.
E-mail me if you haven't seen them yet. At some point in time, I'll learn how to link from Blogger to other sites. Or perhaps I'll find out what Flicker is all about.
In any case, enjoy.
E-mail me if you haven't seen them yet. At some point in time, I'll learn how to link from Blogger to other sites. Or perhaps I'll find out what Flicker is all about.
In any case, enjoy.
Baby Wearer
Maia was three weeks yesterday. I have been going through phases of staying in all day with her or trying to do too much with her. For the past while, errands have meant loading her into the car seat, then either balancing the car seat on a shopping cart (a scary task for the one-handed Mom out alone!) or pulling the *light* stroller in and out of the trunk. What a hassle for short errands. I'd tried out the sling at home...but was still feeling wary about using it in public. I'm a new Mom...everything is a bit weird right now.
Wednesday I attended a "New Mommy" group at the hospital where we delivered. All the moms had the kids in their travel systems...car seats and strollers. The hall to the auditorium looked like a stroller warehouse. I was no exception. I had just settled onto the floor with Maia, having unhooked her and pulled her form the car seat, when in walks the slingin' momma. She had a beautiful pink floral ring sling wrapped around her 5-month-old girl. Both mom and baby looked great. She was casual as she unslung the baby and got set up on the floor. The baby was happy as a clam and mom had the easiest time settling in. I was watching with envy.
Later that evening at my regular La Leche League meeting one new mom in the group asked for a sling demonstration. I knew I had to get going on the slinging. I have a wonderful sling...long...full on pockets...purple to boot! I just needed a reason to get comfortable with it. All these other moms with slings, coupled with the ever-increasing desire within myself to get out more pushed me over the uncomfortable edge. I was ready to sling, or die trying.
Yesterday I needed to run three quick errands. Pharmacy. Target. Whole Foods. All in separate locations. Each stop would require a seperate car seat-stroller exchange. I didn't want to be gone for four hours to run three quick errands. It was time to break in the sling. I waited for Maia to go into her afternoon sleepy mode. I had her eat, changed her and loaded her into the car seat. I then realized that sling life would be easy if I put on the sling before I got into the car. Who would even notice the fabric while I was tucked into the car myself and it would save tons of time if I wasn't taking on and off the sling. After all...convenience is the watchword here. All slung up we went off to pick up mom's prescription. I found a parking place near the door with and empty space next to me so I would have some room to maneuver the baby into the sling. Carefully, I pulled sleepy Maia up and out and opened the sling. Something must have been in the air because she slid right in and into a perfect sling position. Her legs were crossed, her back was supported and her little head was peeking up and out but cradled by fabric. She was perfect and I was ecstatic.
The women at the pharmacy loved the sling. They thought it was very clever. Target went just as well for us. It was so nice to be able to go in and just pick up the couple of things I needed and run out again. The sling's pockets are deep and big, so I was able to put my wallet, phone, keys, and a burp cloth for Maia in them. Another bonus: No bag to lug around with the baby.
Whole Foods, which is a logistical nightmare akin to Trader Joe's as far as tight aisles and shopping carts go, was made much better by the sling and a small cart: a weird, small, cart that seems to have been made for the elderly--or moms with small children riding on their chests. Gotta love the upper-crust hippie store.
I am feeling so much more confidant with the sling. John and I are going to go out this afternoon, and I plan on slinging it again with Miss Maia. I have to finish the padded sling now; I didn't quite get to it before she was born. And I now am on the lookout for some beautiful floral print fabric of my own for a new sling...the fun never ends. It also doesn't hurt that when we got home, there was a package for Miss Maia setting on the porch. It seems that everyone wants us to sling together because inside the package was a wonderful hip carrier--for when she's a little bit bigger.
I may never put her down. :)
Wednesday I attended a "New Mommy" group at the hospital where we delivered. All the moms had the kids in their travel systems...car seats and strollers. The hall to the auditorium looked like a stroller warehouse. I was no exception. I had just settled onto the floor with Maia, having unhooked her and pulled her form the car seat, when in walks the slingin' momma. She had a beautiful pink floral ring sling wrapped around her 5-month-old girl. Both mom and baby looked great. She was casual as she unslung the baby and got set up on the floor. The baby was happy as a clam and mom had the easiest time settling in. I was watching with envy.
Later that evening at my regular La Leche League meeting one new mom in the group asked for a sling demonstration. I knew I had to get going on the slinging. I have a wonderful sling...long...full on pockets...purple to boot! I just needed a reason to get comfortable with it. All these other moms with slings, coupled with the ever-increasing desire within myself to get out more pushed me over the uncomfortable edge. I was ready to sling, or die trying.
Yesterday I needed to run three quick errands. Pharmacy. Target. Whole Foods. All in separate locations. Each stop would require a seperate car seat-stroller exchange. I didn't want to be gone for four hours to run three quick errands. It was time to break in the sling. I waited for Maia to go into her afternoon sleepy mode. I had her eat, changed her and loaded her into the car seat. I then realized that sling life would be easy if I put on the sling before I got into the car. Who would even notice the fabric while I was tucked into the car myself and it would save tons of time if I wasn't taking on and off the sling. After all...convenience is the watchword here. All slung up we went off to pick up mom's prescription. I found a parking place near the door with and empty space next to me so I would have some room to maneuver the baby into the sling. Carefully, I pulled sleepy Maia up and out and opened the sling. Something must have been in the air because she slid right in and into a perfect sling position. Her legs were crossed, her back was supported and her little head was peeking up and out but cradled by fabric. She was perfect and I was ecstatic.
The women at the pharmacy loved the sling. They thought it was very clever. Target went just as well for us. It was so nice to be able to go in and just pick up the couple of things I needed and run out again. The sling's pockets are deep and big, so I was able to put my wallet, phone, keys, and a burp cloth for Maia in them. Another bonus: No bag to lug around with the baby.
Whole Foods, which is a logistical nightmare akin to Trader Joe's as far as tight aisles and shopping carts go, was made much better by the sling and a small cart: a weird, small, cart that seems to have been made for the elderly--or moms with small children riding on their chests. Gotta love the upper-crust hippie store.
I am feeling so much more confidant with the sling. John and I are going to go out this afternoon, and I plan on slinging it again with Miss Maia. I have to finish the padded sling now; I didn't quite get to it before she was born. And I now am on the lookout for some beautiful floral print fabric of my own for a new sling...the fun never ends. It also doesn't hurt that when we got home, there was a package for Miss Maia setting on the porch. It seems that everyone wants us to sling together because inside the package was a wonderful hip carrier--for when she's a little bit bigger.
I may never put her down. :)
Saturday, June 10, 2006
I'm Still Here!
It's been almost a month now, I know. My first excuse is finals.
Finished them. Yeah! Still waiting for grades to be posted. It takes forever for the grades to be recorded to our SJSU accounts. Why can't they figure out a faster way? Let teachers post directly for their rosters? There has got to be a better way. I hate waiting for the final grade to come down the pipeline.
My second excuse is. Well. I haven't really been in a writing mood since school finished. I needed a brain break and some time to get the finishing touches done on the baby room. It's still not "perfect" but at least it's set up and workable.
Which is good for my final excuse.
Our baby girl was born on June 2, 2006 at 4:15 PM. Maia Evelyn weighed 7 lbs 14oz and was 19.5" long. She's a dear heart. And very time consuming. And well worth every moment we get to spend with her.
We've had family in and out for the past week, and we've had some bumps on the parenting road already. I'll be sharing the details...but for now, the wiggle worm wants to be changed and fed and cuddled and loved, and I am only too happy to comply.
Finished them. Yeah! Still waiting for grades to be posted. It takes forever for the grades to be recorded to our SJSU accounts. Why can't they figure out a faster way? Let teachers post directly for their rosters? There has got to be a better way. I hate waiting for the final grade to come down the pipeline.
My second excuse is. Well. I haven't really been in a writing mood since school finished. I needed a brain break and some time to get the finishing touches done on the baby room. It's still not "perfect" but at least it's set up and workable.
Which is good for my final excuse.
Our baby girl was born on June 2, 2006 at 4:15 PM. Maia Evelyn weighed 7 lbs 14oz and was 19.5" long. She's a dear heart. And very time consuming. And well worth every moment we get to spend with her.
We've had family in and out for the past week, and we've had some bumps on the parenting road already. I'll be sharing the details...but for now, the wiggle worm wants to be changed and fed and cuddled and loved, and I am only too happy to comply.
Friday, May 19, 2006
Thank You Mid-West
I awoke to overcast skies and a brisk breeze. When I left for school, it was about the same. Sometime in the late morning it sprinkled. A cool spring sprinkle. It was a perfect jeans and t-shirt day. I even wore a sweater this evening. Thank you mid-west for sending your rain out here, if that's where it came from. It has been unbearably hot in usually temperate Northern California for the past two weeks. This last week was the worst...hitting the mid 90's on Mother's Day as my mom toiled, painting the soon to be master bedroom of my house.
The weather has only been made less bearable by the large furnace residing in my mid-section. All I have to say is "Thank you Lord" for allowing me to deliver in early June. I could not handle being this big and hot any later in the summer, for sure.
In other news, I took two of my three finals today. I didn't realize how stressed I have been until I finished the last final of the day, the final I considered the toughest and the one worth a good majority of my grade in the class. I have been worrying about "making it through finals" from the beginning of the semester. I have been worried about not completing this round, and wasting these past months because I didn't get to the final. For the past couple of weeks, I have added to my stress by worrying about the actual finals...you know...doing well and getting good grades.
It had become so part of my routine, I didn't notice. Any tiredness, any mood swings, and kind of not normal feeling I have been chalking up to the end stages of pregnancy. I think I was worried about school, as much as anything else. I came to this realization as I left the classroom. I felt good. I felt good about the test, I knew what I was saying, I identified the passages, I knew the vocabulary, I wrote a decent essay. Suddenly, I realized I felt lighter. Physically lighter. I smiled, and it felt so very good. There was no tiredness left in my body. I have been recently coming home and sleeping for about two hours every afternoon. I could not be motivated to do anything. Today, I took the scenic route to light rail and simply enjoyed the walk. The air was clean, the day still cool and breezy. I was happy. I am happy.
Everything looks good right about now. I hope the cool weather stays for a bit. I have one more test on Wednesday, but I'm ready for it. Then, a couple of blissful weeks waiting for baby. Suddenly, the fact that our old roommate still has a room full of stuff here doesn't seem like a big deal. We'll get resettled when we can. It doesn't seem so scary that the house needs a good cleaning...I have some time now and energy to do it. And if not, well, that's what Mom is for after the baby comes. I am now looking forward to a summer adjusting to the demands of new parenthood. It doesn't seem as daunting as task as it did a week ago, when I absolutely melted down in a store because they didn't carry the "right" brand of baby bottles. I have just about made it through the semester. I have almost completed my goal of getting one more year of school in before baby. I am a few classes away from my bachelor’s degree...and now I feel as though I have the luxury of finishing at my leisure. I have proved that I can handle university.
It's a good feeling right now; one I hope doesn't soon go away.
The weather has only been made less bearable by the large furnace residing in my mid-section. All I have to say is "Thank you Lord" for allowing me to deliver in early June. I could not handle being this big and hot any later in the summer, for sure.
In other news, I took two of my three finals today. I didn't realize how stressed I have been until I finished the last final of the day, the final I considered the toughest and the one worth a good majority of my grade in the class. I have been worrying about "making it through finals" from the beginning of the semester. I have been worried about not completing this round, and wasting these past months because I didn't get to the final. For the past couple of weeks, I have added to my stress by worrying about the actual finals...you know...doing well and getting good grades.
It had become so part of my routine, I didn't notice. Any tiredness, any mood swings, and kind of not normal feeling I have been chalking up to the end stages of pregnancy. I think I was worried about school, as much as anything else. I came to this realization as I left the classroom. I felt good. I felt good about the test, I knew what I was saying, I identified the passages, I knew the vocabulary, I wrote a decent essay. Suddenly, I realized I felt lighter. Physically lighter. I smiled, and it felt so very good. There was no tiredness left in my body. I have been recently coming home and sleeping for about two hours every afternoon. I could not be motivated to do anything. Today, I took the scenic route to light rail and simply enjoyed the walk. The air was clean, the day still cool and breezy. I was happy. I am happy.
Everything looks good right about now. I hope the cool weather stays for a bit. I have one more test on Wednesday, but I'm ready for it. Then, a couple of blissful weeks waiting for baby. Suddenly, the fact that our old roommate still has a room full of stuff here doesn't seem like a big deal. We'll get resettled when we can. It doesn't seem so scary that the house needs a good cleaning...I have some time now and energy to do it. And if not, well, that's what Mom is for after the baby comes. I am now looking forward to a summer adjusting to the demands of new parenthood. It doesn't seem as daunting as task as it did a week ago, when I absolutely melted down in a store because they didn't carry the "right" brand of baby bottles. I have just about made it through the semester. I have almost completed my goal of getting one more year of school in before baby. I am a few classes away from my bachelor’s degree...and now I feel as though I have the luxury of finishing at my leisure. I have proved that I can handle university.
It's a good feeling right now; one I hope doesn't soon go away.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Lazy Girl
I always miss my train...by seconds, I might add...when I try and catch one from the downtown station. I have no idea why this is, but my guess is that the universe knows that I hate waiting the 15 minutes for the next train at this station. Why do I hate it so much? Well...there is no shade there and it's over 80 F out today. There is no place to sit and I'm tired. There are very smelly people all over the place. Really. Don't laugh. The street kids bother me, not personally bother me...but their presence bothers me. Too many folks hang out there and smoke. That just about covers it.
Fortune would have it that there was a train right after the one I missed...it just wasn't going where I needed to go. But, it does stop at the other station where I could comfortably sit in the shade away from smelly, smoking people. So I got on. And rode about a mile. And got off. And sat and waited for my train to arrive. I was very happy and comfortable eating my crackers in the shade.
Yes, I know that this qualifies for some kind of weirdness. I don't care. I got to sit.
Fortune would have it that there was a train right after the one I missed...it just wasn't going where I needed to go. But, it does stop at the other station where I could comfortably sit in the shade away from smelly, smoking people. So I got on. And rode about a mile. And got off. And sat and waited for my train to arrive. I was very happy and comfortable eating my crackers in the shade.
Yes, I know that this qualifies for some kind of weirdness. I don't care. I got to sit.
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
A Collection of Small Things
I got to meet the latest baby to join our circle yesterday. He's Little D, the son of my former employer. He's adorable, with tons of black hair, just like his Momma. I was honored to be able to attend his Bris Milah, the traditional circumcision preformed on the eighth day after birth. While most people would cringe, it was a beautiful ceremony that connects the new son of the family with all of his male relatives, back to Abraham. Little D was well behaved, he cried a bit during the procedure, but after a good feeding he went to sleep and seemed just fine. Seeing it preformed, and seeing the reaction of a real baby, has cemented in me our decision to have our son circumcised, if and when we have a boy baby.
In other tradition news, I was showered on Sunday by my friends and family. It was lovely. While I missed those who could not make it, those who did were a wonderful collection of old family friends, Aunts, cousins and close friends. We spent most of the time just chatting and enjoying each others company...and of course eating the spread put out by Mom and Sister M (my Mom's best friend and like family to us), who hosted at her lovely home. Little Baby T received some thoughtful and adorable gifts and our playroom library has been well stocked. Just perfect for the English major's baby. I mentioned to John in passing how much fun I was going to have reading to the baby, and he gave me a look and said, "I'm going to enjoy reading to the kid just as much." He loved the big collection of fairytales from around the world we received. Our kid won't need TV at this rate...
My diapers arrived. A box filled with little cloth coverings and poly/nylon wraps. It doesn't look like a $450 box...but it is. The company included a FAQ all about washing and caring for our cloth investment, so now we're both thinking about buying new detergents just for diaper washing. And kidlette clothes washing. Our laundry room is going to fill up...good thing we got the pedestal stand underneath the new washing machine. At least we'll be able to keep it somewhat organized.
Speaking of organized, I have found the last two pieces of furniture to complete the nursery. And, they came as a set. I found a posting on Craigslist (online for sale ads that are community specific and free to post. I love Craigslist...we've purchased all of our baby furniture for pennies on the dollar from the site) for a glider rocker and a changing table. The rocker doesn't have an ottoman, but I'm cool with that, if I need foot support I'd like a small footstool. It has the big plush cushions and it's red in color. Perfect for the room. I love color, but was becoming resigned to either a denim blue (yuck) or beige (boring). The only catch is, they're located about an hour north of us. So, yes, we're driving out there on Saturday. But, it's a super deal, worth the gas. And we might even get to get an IKEA trip in. Oh joy!
John is in Fishkill, NY for the next couple of days...leaving me with my homework and not much else. Maybe, just maybe, I'll get some housework done. I have been slacking off big time on that! I should. I'd also like to get my padded sling sewn. That won't take too long, and I need to adjust my unpadded sling as well...cut some tail off and make pockets.
I have my 36-week appointment tomorrow. I'm on the weekly visit schedule now. All my teachers know I'm expecting at this point...I told the last two today. I only have to make it through to the 25th of this month then the kid is welcome at any time. Ideally, I'll get a week to rest and finish up home projects, but, as long as school is done...everything else can wait.
Speaking of schoolwork, it's time to get some homework done and then...load the dishwasher. Small things add up in the long run.
In other tradition news, I was showered on Sunday by my friends and family. It was lovely. While I missed those who could not make it, those who did were a wonderful collection of old family friends, Aunts, cousins and close friends. We spent most of the time just chatting and enjoying each others company...and of course eating the spread put out by Mom and Sister M (my Mom's best friend and like family to us), who hosted at her lovely home. Little Baby T received some thoughtful and adorable gifts and our playroom library has been well stocked. Just perfect for the English major's baby. I mentioned to John in passing how much fun I was going to have reading to the baby, and he gave me a look and said, "I'm going to enjoy reading to the kid just as much." He loved the big collection of fairytales from around the world we received. Our kid won't need TV at this rate...
My diapers arrived. A box filled with little cloth coverings and poly/nylon wraps. It doesn't look like a $450 box...but it is. The company included a FAQ all about washing and caring for our cloth investment, so now we're both thinking about buying new detergents just for diaper washing. And kidlette clothes washing. Our laundry room is going to fill up...good thing we got the pedestal stand underneath the new washing machine. At least we'll be able to keep it somewhat organized.
Speaking of organized, I have found the last two pieces of furniture to complete the nursery. And, they came as a set. I found a posting on Craigslist (online for sale ads that are community specific and free to post. I love Craigslist...we've purchased all of our baby furniture for pennies on the dollar from the site) for a glider rocker and a changing table. The rocker doesn't have an ottoman, but I'm cool with that, if I need foot support I'd like a small footstool. It has the big plush cushions and it's red in color. Perfect for the room. I love color, but was becoming resigned to either a denim blue (yuck) or beige (boring). The only catch is, they're located about an hour north of us. So, yes, we're driving out there on Saturday. But, it's a super deal, worth the gas. And we might even get to get an IKEA trip in. Oh joy!
John is in Fishkill, NY for the next couple of days...leaving me with my homework and not much else. Maybe, just maybe, I'll get some housework done. I have been slacking off big time on that! I should. I'd also like to get my padded sling sewn. That won't take too long, and I need to adjust my unpadded sling as well...cut some tail off and make pockets.
I have my 36-week appointment tomorrow. I'm on the weekly visit schedule now. All my teachers know I'm expecting at this point...I told the last two today. I only have to make it through to the 25th of this month then the kid is welcome at any time. Ideally, I'll get a week to rest and finish up home projects, but, as long as school is done...everything else can wait.
Speaking of schoolwork, it's time to get some homework done and then...load the dishwasher. Small things add up in the long run.
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Dr. D Says
I went in for my regular check-up this morning with Dr. D. Everything is groovy so far. My blood pressure is good, no (extra) swelling, and even my jump in weight is nothing to worry about.
It came time to check the baby's heart rate and our little wiggler wouldn't sit still. Dr. D had a reading going, when *swoosh* the kidlette moved and she had to start over again. After Dr. D finally got her reading, 168 beats/min, she looked at me and said, "You're having a girl, right?" I just said, "I don't know..." She answered, "I think you're having a girl, this baby acts like one."
So, Dr. D has weighed in on the "Girl" side of the argument.
In other baby related news, John and I have settled on our prospective names. Girl and boy. It's been a challenge, but we're both happy with the results. You'll have to ask me in person if you want to know what they are...
It came time to check the baby's heart rate and our little wiggler wouldn't sit still. Dr. D had a reading going, when *swoosh* the kidlette moved and she had to start over again. After Dr. D finally got her reading, 168 beats/min, she looked at me and said, "You're having a girl, right?" I just said, "I don't know..." She answered, "I think you're having a girl, this baby acts like one."
So, Dr. D has weighed in on the "Girl" side of the argument.
In other baby related news, John and I have settled on our prospective names. Girl and boy. It's been a challenge, but we're both happy with the results. You'll have to ask me in person if you want to know what they are...
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Random Thoughts on a Sunny Day
Today as I walked from class to the English Society Tea I passed the following happenings:
International Student Fair--Complete with food booths ranging from fresh crepes to shish-ke-bob and a stage where Muslim rappers were performing.
Student Protest--They staged a walkout and picket line to protest fee hikes across the Cal Sate system.
Science 2 BBQ--I'm not sure who the Science 2 students are...but the BBQ sure smelled good.
I also got flashed from across the street while waiting for my train home by a woman who just didn't understand how short her skirt was as she sat, knees open, at the bus stop. That was before she dropped her cell phone and did some weird contortionist moves to pick it up from behind her seat. That gave me a view I can only describe in terms of my birth class. She was ready for the side laying one leg up pushing position...but I'm not her OB/GYN.
In other news, the shirts were off everywhere as the pasty skinned begin to work on their summer tans! It's about 77 F outside and sunny as can be. The first thing I did when I got home was to flip on the fan and trade my t-shirt for a tank top. Yikes, I hate being sweaty. I should get used to it, it's not going to get any better any time soon.
My cold has been replaced with the discomfort of allergy nose...dry then runny...and itchy eyes and a sore throat. I'll ask the doc tomorrow if there's anything I can take for it. On the "plus" side, my sense of smell has climbed up again to the level it was when I first got pregnant. It had been dormant for a while. Today in class I was so grossed out by the smell of my classmates bad coffee. Ick. It could get ugly as everyone gets sweaty.
All in all, so far, not a bad day. Even with the creeping allergies. I hope the sun decides to stick around. Things are much more appealing that way.
International Student Fair--Complete with food booths ranging from fresh crepes to shish-ke-bob and a stage where Muslim rappers were performing.
Student Protest--They staged a walkout and picket line to protest fee hikes across the Cal Sate system.
Science 2 BBQ--I'm not sure who the Science 2 students are...but the BBQ sure smelled good.
I also got flashed from across the street while waiting for my train home by a woman who just didn't understand how short her skirt was as she sat, knees open, at the bus stop. That was before she dropped her cell phone and did some weird contortionist moves to pick it up from behind her seat. That gave me a view I can only describe in terms of my birth class. She was ready for the side laying one leg up pushing position...but I'm not her OB/GYN.
In other news, the shirts were off everywhere as the pasty skinned begin to work on their summer tans! It's about 77 F outside and sunny as can be. The first thing I did when I got home was to flip on the fan and trade my t-shirt for a tank top. Yikes, I hate being sweaty. I should get used to it, it's not going to get any better any time soon.
My cold has been replaced with the discomfort of allergy nose...dry then runny...and itchy eyes and a sore throat. I'll ask the doc tomorrow if there's anything I can take for it. On the "plus" side, my sense of smell has climbed up again to the level it was when I first got pregnant. It had been dormant for a while. Today in class I was so grossed out by the smell of my classmates bad coffee. Ick. It could get ugly as everyone gets sweaty.
All in all, so far, not a bad day. Even with the creeping allergies. I hope the sun decides to stick around. Things are much more appealing that way.
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
42 Days and Counting...
It's gone from 40 weeks down to about 40 days. Time flies when you're having a baby.
John and I attended our childbirth class last Saturday. We did the intensive one day eight hour session...that ended up being about nine hours. Our instructor loved the topic, has been teaching classes and acting a professional doula and is currently six months pregnant. Great combination for a class...but it was hard to condense the information.
It was a different experience than what I thought it would be. I was prepared to be frightened by everything we didn't know yet...but it turns out I should be more scared of what everyone else didn't yet know. Was I really the only woman there who already knew (and practicing) what Kegel's are? I thought, foolish me, that most people in this day and age and in this area, would have read up on the basics and would be looking for some specifics from the class. Not so. In Santa Clara County only about 10% of all expecting women attend a birthing class. I wonder what the other 90% do? I know it's an option, but I thought most people would want to know what to expect when the big D-day arrives. I do. Also, Santa Clara County has the highest rate of epidural use in the nation at 98% of births. I'm not judging, because I am so willing to accept the epidural, but I'm at least going to try other things before the feeling in my legs is taken away. That idea kind of bothers me. Laugh all you want mom's who have been there...but we all have our own ideas about labor and how we would like it go.
John and I left thinking that for most couples there that day, this was the only preparation they would do. That's fine...it's at least some preparation. We had breathing techniques explained, comfort measures practiced and some alternative labor positions presented. I like the over-the-side-of-the-bed-squat-bar position. Sounds kind of kinky doesn't it? What was reassuring was the knowledge that John and I are preparing ourselves as much as we can. I think that will make a world of difference when the time comes. It will hopefully allow us to have a sense of control over what is happening...control in that we understand what is going on and what our options are. I will say, John was the best husband there. But, I might be biased.
Six more weeks...give or take. It's getting kind of scary. Yesterday I was bone tired and not feeling very peppy. I had a classmate look at me and go..."You look like you're done with being pregnant and ready to have a baby." Yesterday I might have felt that way...but today I'm just ready to make it through to finals. Yup. I have one month of school left, and only a couple weeks of actual instruction to go. My biggest concern is: What have I learned this semester? Lot's about stars, literature, and even something about myself. It's all kind of a jumble right now mapped out in papers and projects. I'll do all right. Keep your fingers crossed for the next 42 days...
John and I attended our childbirth class last Saturday. We did the intensive one day eight hour session...that ended up being about nine hours. Our instructor loved the topic, has been teaching classes and acting a professional doula and is currently six months pregnant. Great combination for a class...but it was hard to condense the information.
It was a different experience than what I thought it would be. I was prepared to be frightened by everything we didn't know yet...but it turns out I should be more scared of what everyone else didn't yet know. Was I really the only woman there who already knew (and practicing) what Kegel's are? I thought, foolish me, that most people in this day and age and in this area, would have read up on the basics and would be looking for some specifics from the class. Not so. In Santa Clara County only about 10% of all expecting women attend a birthing class. I wonder what the other 90% do? I know it's an option, but I thought most people would want to know what to expect when the big D-day arrives. I do. Also, Santa Clara County has the highest rate of epidural use in the nation at 98% of births. I'm not judging, because I am so willing to accept the epidural, but I'm at least going to try other things before the feeling in my legs is taken away. That idea kind of bothers me. Laugh all you want mom's who have been there...but we all have our own ideas about labor and how we would like it go.
John and I left thinking that for most couples there that day, this was the only preparation they would do. That's fine...it's at least some preparation. We had breathing techniques explained, comfort measures practiced and some alternative labor positions presented. I like the over-the-side-of-the-bed-squat-bar position. Sounds kind of kinky doesn't it? What was reassuring was the knowledge that John and I are preparing ourselves as much as we can. I think that will make a world of difference when the time comes. It will hopefully allow us to have a sense of control over what is happening...control in that we understand what is going on and what our options are. I will say, John was the best husband there. But, I might be biased.
Six more weeks...give or take. It's getting kind of scary. Yesterday I was bone tired and not feeling very peppy. I had a classmate look at me and go..."You look like you're done with being pregnant and ready to have a baby." Yesterday I might have felt that way...but today I'm just ready to make it through to finals. Yup. I have one month of school left, and only a couple weeks of actual instruction to go. My biggest concern is: What have I learned this semester? Lot's about stars, literature, and even something about myself. It's all kind of a jumble right now mapped out in papers and projects. I'll do all right. Keep your fingers crossed for the next 42 days...
Thursday, April 20, 2006
James is the Best Cat Ever
I was inspired this morning to sew. I had the fabric, I had the plans and I have been thinking on this project for weeks now. I made my very first ring sling for the baby. Nothing fancy, just some nice woven fabric, bright purple brushed aluminum rings and a very long tail. I'm fairly pleased with how it turned out. So pleased in fact, I think I will attempt to make a padded sling next with the fabric I didn't end up using and the extra rings I ordered. Why not?
I needed to try on the sling. I've never worn one before, and I was wondering how it would really feel. As there is a lack of babies in the house at this very moment I wondered how I could simulate the weight of a small child across my shoulders. A-ha. I do have a 10lb cat wandering around...but the sun is out and last I saw, he was outside enjoying it. Still musing with the empty sling strapped across my back and chest, I turned as the soft click of the cat door announced the arrival of my dear, sweet victim.
James headed straight for the clean folded laundry on the bed. That was my excuse. Tightening the inner "pouch" of the sling I waltzed into the bedroom and picked up my fur baby in the cradle hold. Gently holding him in one arm and opening the sling with the other, I placed him inside. At first, I thought he was going to bolt for dear life. His little head poked out the top and he turned to face me and let out a plaintive "mew". I simply cradled his back and adjusted the sling until he was snug, but not suffocated. He relaxed. I let go of his backside and started to walk around the house. He poked his head over the side and to watch from this new angle as I walked. It was great. Very comfortable. I felt his warm little body and could tell he was very secure. He must think I'm crazy.
After about 10 minutes of jouncing around, I thought I had better not push my luck with his patience. I didn't want claw marks on my new sling, after all. I walked back to the bedroom and gently got him into my arms and out of the sling. I'm amazed at how easy it was to get a good hold on him coming in and out of the sling. I put him back on the bed and he curled right up again for a nap, no worse for the wear.
My only regret is that I don't have a picture to share of James all snug in the baby sling.
I needed to try on the sling. I've never worn one before, and I was wondering how it would really feel. As there is a lack of babies in the house at this very moment I wondered how I could simulate the weight of a small child across my shoulders. A-ha. I do have a 10lb cat wandering around...but the sun is out and last I saw, he was outside enjoying it. Still musing with the empty sling strapped across my back and chest, I turned as the soft click of the cat door announced the arrival of my dear, sweet victim.
James headed straight for the clean folded laundry on the bed. That was my excuse. Tightening the inner "pouch" of the sling I waltzed into the bedroom and picked up my fur baby in the cradle hold. Gently holding him in one arm and opening the sling with the other, I placed him inside. At first, I thought he was going to bolt for dear life. His little head poked out the top and he turned to face me and let out a plaintive "mew". I simply cradled his back and adjusted the sling until he was snug, but not suffocated. He relaxed. I let go of his backside and started to walk around the house. He poked his head over the side and to watch from this new angle as I walked. It was great. Very comfortable. I felt his warm little body and could tell he was very secure. He must think I'm crazy.
After about 10 minutes of jouncing around, I thought I had better not push my luck with his patience. I didn't want claw marks on my new sling, after all. I walked back to the bedroom and gently got him into my arms and out of the sling. I'm amazed at how easy it was to get a good hold on him coming in and out of the sling. I put him back on the bed and he curled right up again for a nap, no worse for the wear.
My only regret is that I don't have a picture to share of James all snug in the baby sling.
Saturday, April 15, 2006
Conversation
Husband: (from floor) I can't get up.
Ever More Pregnant Wife: (from bed) Welcome to my world.
Ever More Pregnant Wife: (from bed) Welcome to my world.
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Happy Monday!
The litany of small trials that made my morning yesterday:
Woke up on time...actually got out of bed too late.
Ants attacked the kitchen cabinets.
Went to catch my train to school. As I just reached sidewalk over crossing to the train pulled in...As I ran to the top of the stairs hollering "Wait!" the train pulled away.
It began to rain while I was sitting at the station waiting for the next train.
There were no seats for me on the train.
I had just enough time to walk-at a hustle, with a stitch in my side from running-the five city blocks to campus and get to class on time.
Deciding I needed a small chocolate pick me up for my frustrating morning, I stopped at the vending machine for some peanut M&M's...my package of M&M's got STUCK IN THE MACHINE. I just stood looking at them...hanging there...taunting me.
I spent another .75 to release the original package of M&M's from vending machine bondage.
On the plus side...I still have an uneaten package of peanut M&M's in case today doesn't go well.
Woke up on time...actually got out of bed too late.
Ants attacked the kitchen cabinets.
Went to catch my train to school. As I just reached sidewalk over crossing to the train pulled in...As I ran to the top of the stairs hollering "Wait!" the train pulled away.
It began to rain while I was sitting at the station waiting for the next train.
There were no seats for me on the train.
I had just enough time to walk-at a hustle, with a stitch in my side from running-the five city blocks to campus and get to class on time.
Deciding I needed a small chocolate pick me up for my frustrating morning, I stopped at the vending machine for some peanut M&M's...my package of M&M's got STUCK IN THE MACHINE. I just stood looking at them...hanging there...taunting me.
I spent another .75 to release the original package of M&M's from vending machine bondage.
On the plus side...I still have an uneaten package of peanut M&M's in case today doesn't go well.
Friday, April 7, 2006
Note from the kitchen...
The brownies will be out of the oven in five minutes. If you can make it here in ten, they'll still be warm.
This is what happens when I'm left alone all day and it starts to rain. Again.
This is what happens when I'm left alone all day and it starts to rain. Again.
Lost and Found
Sorry about the two-week break in writing. I've been in my head lately and needed to kind of zone in and away. And then I got sucked into My Space. But that's another story altogether.
The most important happening, and the one that has turned into a catalyst of sorts, is that I have been found. I didn't even know I was lost. In the process of being found, I have made a new friend from an old one and discovered that I might not be as alone in the world as I (sometimes) like to think I am.
Background...(It's a writer's convention that in this case must be followed. Jumping in epic style "in the middle" would just make no sense. It becomes important to the story as a whole, I promise)...I spent the first 1/3 of my life living a semi-gypsy lifestyle. My dad wasn't military; he worked for Bechtel, which is a very large engineering/construction firm. Perhaps you've heard of them? No? They were getting contracts in the Middle East before Halliburton was a household name...Fortunately; Dad worked the domestic side of things. He was a project management accountant. He would be sent to new sites across the United States to help manage the army of construction, union, and contract workers needed to build VERY LARGE THINGS.
The average time on a job was two years. About every two years, from the time I was 2 until I turned 9, my family up and moved to a new place. A new state. Somewhere in the Mid-West. I have three siblings. None of us were born in the same state. I was talking to my mom the other day, and she mentioned how annoying it was to have delivered under four different OB's...she knew what was going to happen (very fast, easy births...lucky...no wonder she had four of us) but each new doctor wouldn't believe her until the baby popped out hours ahead of when the ob said it would. But I digress...
When I was about 5 we landed in Robinson IL. I remember the house, it was one of my favorites...two stories, fireplace, big living room and a bedroom with a view of the street below. I found a ceramic miniature pig toy that the previous owner had lost. I took it to be some kind of omen and the pig was my talisman for a while. The street, in my mind's eye, was idyllic. It was the kind of dreamy, Mid-West town street with large trees and wide lanes that Hollywood would film on. I had a tricycle there...I think...it was a lovely place to be. I had a baby brother at the time. But he was 1 at the most. I ruled the roost and would begin my school career at Lincoln Elementary in the fall.
Best of all, there were playmates on our street. Right across the street lived the girl who would be my best friend for my short stay: Dea. We fell into a natural little girl friendship. She was a year younger than I, but sharp as a tack and could keep up with any and all of my mental imaginations...often beating my ideas out with her own. What I remember best are the games of dress-up we used to play and the long intricate games of "Heidi". She had the best "Clara chair" and we would argue over who got to be the bossy invalid that Heidi, the good girl, eventually saves from herself. Dea would win; by virtue that it was her chair after all...being the bossy one is always the most fun.
I ran away to live with Dea once when my mom wouldn't let me have my own way. We watched Strawberry Shortcake and by the time it was over, I was ready to go home. The shortest running away in history, but also the most fun. Speaking of Strawberry Shortcake...Dea saved the day at my 6th birthday party. She was the only girl who had the very rare "Orange Blossom" doll that would complete the table setting at my themed party. She very graciously loaned me the doll. That was the best party of my childhood. My dad even dressed up as the Purple Pie man of Porcupine Peak. I couldn't get mom to agree to dress as Sour Grapes, the female "bad guy", but having the Pie man there was treat enough.
I remember hunting fireflies in her back yard on warm summer nights.
I remember she had much older siblings, and how cool I thought that was, being that baby brothers aren't that interesting.
For some reason I also have a memory of her tied in with an eight-track player and tapes...but my memory is sketchy at best. That is my problem.
You see, I left. And part of my coping with leaving is to forget. I have only scattered memories of my early childhood...like most children. I thought I was normal in this respect. I have better memories than my siblings. Of course, I am older than they are. But over time...my pictures of Dea faded in to the other places I was. I have one photograph of us together, but I can hardly remember the little girl I was...much less the girl she was. Across the years, I would think of her. I asked mom about how to find people, if I could go back to Robinson to look for her one day. I foolishly thought I could send a letter to our old address and ask the new owners to deliver it to "Dea across the street"...I couldn't even remember her full name anymore. Our last move, from Michigan to California, all but erased my life in the Mid-West. We had to pack light, and any trace I might still have had of Dea was gone. Except for that one photograph.
It was rather a surprise when I checked my news list-group-filler e-mail box a couple of weeks ago and found a message from Reunion.com. From Dea. How many Dea's are there in the world...who would even know to look for me? Stunned, I replied that I was indeed the one and only Valerie Kesweder (maiden name folks...distinctive...yes...memorable, I didn't think so...) and how the heck was she after 20+ years?
So, the reunion of a friendship began. If by some weird chance my family had stayed in Robinson...I believe Dea and I would have stayed friends. She is still wicked sharp...funny...imaginative. She's a writer. A wife...a military wife at that. A mother of two young boys. An independent thinker. A painted and pierced lady. A home baker with a new food processor. A computer junkie. A graphic designer. A thinker. A friend. And now she is the traveling gypsy and I am the spot-bound girl. She didn't leave that same street until college...and has now lived across the US.
I am scared and thrilled by this new friendship in my life. Scared by the immediacy and the connection I am feeling across years with nothing but notes and pictures to fill the gaps. Thrilled, because connection is something I crave, but something I am only just now learning to nurture. So far, it's e-mail and My Space and the occasional on-line chat...I am happy with that. It's amazing to me to have been found by a girl I loved as a child and begin to understand, and perhaps love, the women we have both become.
The most important happening, and the one that has turned into a catalyst of sorts, is that I have been found. I didn't even know I was lost. In the process of being found, I have made a new friend from an old one and discovered that I might not be as alone in the world as I (sometimes) like to think I am.
Background...(It's a writer's convention that in this case must be followed. Jumping in epic style "in the middle" would just make no sense. It becomes important to the story as a whole, I promise)...I spent the first 1/3 of my life living a semi-gypsy lifestyle. My dad wasn't military; he worked for Bechtel, which is a very large engineering/construction firm. Perhaps you've heard of them? No? They were getting contracts in the Middle East before Halliburton was a household name...Fortunately; Dad worked the domestic side of things. He was a project management accountant. He would be sent to new sites across the United States to help manage the army of construction, union, and contract workers needed to build VERY LARGE THINGS.
The average time on a job was two years. About every two years, from the time I was 2 until I turned 9, my family up and moved to a new place. A new state. Somewhere in the Mid-West. I have three siblings. None of us were born in the same state. I was talking to my mom the other day, and she mentioned how annoying it was to have delivered under four different OB's...she knew what was going to happen (very fast, easy births...lucky...no wonder she had four of us) but each new doctor wouldn't believe her until the baby popped out hours ahead of when the ob said it would. But I digress...
When I was about 5 we landed in Robinson IL. I remember the house, it was one of my favorites...two stories, fireplace, big living room and a bedroom with a view of the street below. I found a ceramic miniature pig toy that the previous owner had lost. I took it to be some kind of omen and the pig was my talisman for a while. The street, in my mind's eye, was idyllic. It was the kind of dreamy, Mid-West town street with large trees and wide lanes that Hollywood would film on. I had a tricycle there...I think...it was a lovely place to be. I had a baby brother at the time. But he was 1 at the most. I ruled the roost and would begin my school career at Lincoln Elementary in the fall.
Best of all, there were playmates on our street. Right across the street lived the girl who would be my best friend for my short stay: Dea. We fell into a natural little girl friendship. She was a year younger than I, but sharp as a tack and could keep up with any and all of my mental imaginations...often beating my ideas out with her own. What I remember best are the games of dress-up we used to play and the long intricate games of "Heidi". She had the best "Clara chair" and we would argue over who got to be the bossy invalid that Heidi, the good girl, eventually saves from herself. Dea would win; by virtue that it was her chair after all...being the bossy one is always the most fun.
I ran away to live with Dea once when my mom wouldn't let me have my own way. We watched Strawberry Shortcake and by the time it was over, I was ready to go home. The shortest running away in history, but also the most fun. Speaking of Strawberry Shortcake...Dea saved the day at my 6th birthday party. She was the only girl who had the very rare "Orange Blossom" doll that would complete the table setting at my themed party. She very graciously loaned me the doll. That was the best party of my childhood. My dad even dressed up as the Purple Pie man of Porcupine Peak. I couldn't get mom to agree to dress as Sour Grapes, the female "bad guy", but having the Pie man there was treat enough.
I remember hunting fireflies in her back yard on warm summer nights.
I remember she had much older siblings, and how cool I thought that was, being that baby brothers aren't that interesting.
For some reason I also have a memory of her tied in with an eight-track player and tapes...but my memory is sketchy at best. That is my problem.
You see, I left. And part of my coping with leaving is to forget. I have only scattered memories of my early childhood...like most children. I thought I was normal in this respect. I have better memories than my siblings. Of course, I am older than they are. But over time...my pictures of Dea faded in to the other places I was. I have one photograph of us together, but I can hardly remember the little girl I was...much less the girl she was. Across the years, I would think of her. I asked mom about how to find people, if I could go back to Robinson to look for her one day. I foolishly thought I could send a letter to our old address and ask the new owners to deliver it to "Dea across the street"...I couldn't even remember her full name anymore. Our last move, from Michigan to California, all but erased my life in the Mid-West. We had to pack light, and any trace I might still have had of Dea was gone. Except for that one photograph.
It was rather a surprise when I checked my news list-group-filler e-mail box a couple of weeks ago and found a message from Reunion.com. From Dea. How many Dea's are there in the world...who would even know to look for me? Stunned, I replied that I was indeed the one and only Valerie Kesweder (maiden name folks...distinctive...yes...memorable, I didn't think so...) and how the heck was she after 20+ years?
So, the reunion of a friendship began. If by some weird chance my family had stayed in Robinson...I believe Dea and I would have stayed friends. She is still wicked sharp...funny...imaginative. She's a writer. A wife...a military wife at that. A mother of two young boys. An independent thinker. A painted and pierced lady. A home baker with a new food processor. A computer junkie. A graphic designer. A thinker. A friend. And now she is the traveling gypsy and I am the spot-bound girl. She didn't leave that same street until college...and has now lived across the US.
I am scared and thrilled by this new friendship in my life. Scared by the immediacy and the connection I am feeling across years with nothing but notes and pictures to fill the gaps. Thrilled, because connection is something I crave, but something I am only just now learning to nurture. So far, it's e-mail and My Space and the occasional on-line chat...I am happy with that. It's amazing to me to have been found by a girl I loved as a child and begin to understand, and perhaps love, the women we have both become.
Friday, March 24, 2006
Spring Break! Woo-Hoo?
I woke up this morning, well, it was about three AM when this realization hit me, to the fact that the sniffles I have been fighting have turned into a full-blown cold. It was bound to happen sometime. I got the kind of achy-almost sick thing back in December, but nothing came of it. Spring is usually worse for me. There are so many more hacking and coughing students packed into too hot rooms with too cold temperatures outside for it to not happen. So, here I am on the cusp of Spring Break (one week...no classes...three papers and catch up work to do...) hacking away with the stuffed up runny nose. Great. I check the "What to Expect..." pregnancy Bible and yes, what I have is progressing as a normal cold. What I can do about it? Sleep, eat healthy, drink extra fluids (I'm already drinking at least 64 oz a day!) and have some chicken soup. If it doesn't clear up within the week, call the doctor for more suggestions. Thanks.
But, it is the Friday before Spring Break...the last day of classes for me and I didn't want to ditch out (again) on yoga. So...I made poor John rush through his morning, I hustled out the door and scrambled to the gym only to find the class locked out of the yoga room. After about five minutes of waiting the PE admin announced that class was canceled. This must be some kind of Karmic payback for missing class when I really wasn't sick...just lazy.
Two hours to kill before astronomy.
Astronomy was fine...except for the sniffling and coughing on my part. Not the best frame of mind to learn about HII clouds and H2 molecules and that space is not empty. It's like the ocean...only the water that fills everything in at different temperatures and pressures is this gas and dust stuff...Inter-Stellar Matter...yes, very interesting stuff.
In any case, I'm home now and happy to be here. I need to run the dishes from last nights dinner with Miss V. That was so much fun! We hadn't had a good catch-up chat since December. She brought a divine ruhbabrd tart from the restaurant where she works...super yum. I made sea food paella and brought out the last bottle of Spanish wine. John and Miss V enjoyed that..although I admit to having half a glass with dinner...it was the last bottle! Dinners are always nice, I only wish I was feeling better.
I plan on taking the weekend slow. I already canceled some tentative plans I had with my Mom...which is sad...but my goal tomorrow is to sleep in and rest and run some small errands with John. Then sleep some more. I know, the exciting life I lead, but in the end it will make me feel a whole bunch better. So I can tackle all those papers next week.
But, it is the Friday before Spring Break...the last day of classes for me and I didn't want to ditch out (again) on yoga. So...I made poor John rush through his morning, I hustled out the door and scrambled to the gym only to find the class locked out of the yoga room. After about five minutes of waiting the PE admin announced that class was canceled. This must be some kind of Karmic payback for missing class when I really wasn't sick...just lazy.
Two hours to kill before astronomy.
Astronomy was fine...except for the sniffling and coughing on my part. Not the best frame of mind to learn about HII clouds and H2 molecules and that space is not empty. It's like the ocean...only the water that fills everything in at different temperatures and pressures is this gas and dust stuff...Inter-Stellar Matter...yes, very interesting stuff.
In any case, I'm home now and happy to be here. I need to run the dishes from last nights dinner with Miss V. That was so much fun! We hadn't had a good catch-up chat since December. She brought a divine ruhbabrd tart from the restaurant where she works...super yum. I made sea food paella and brought out the last bottle of Spanish wine. John and Miss V enjoyed that..although I admit to having half a glass with dinner...it was the last bottle! Dinners are always nice, I only wish I was feeling better.
I plan on taking the weekend slow. I already canceled some tentative plans I had with my Mom...which is sad...but my goal tomorrow is to sleep in and rest and run some small errands with John. Then sleep some more. I know, the exciting life I lead, but in the end it will make me feel a whole bunch better. So I can tackle all those papers next week.
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
You've Waited so Long forThis...
Yes folks, I ran into the older brother of the infamous Boom Box Girl (check the October 05 archives as I don't know how to link ya'll there from here) from San Jose State. I was waiting at the Santa Clara Light Rail station...note: En-route to this very station yesterday the following conversation between two grad student-looking guys was overheard by yours truly-"Yeah, Santa Clara is closer to where I'm going, but I won't get off there, it's just so, you know, ghetto." It is a bit downtown if you know what I mean, but geeez, I don't have any problems walking to campus from there, and I'm six and a half months pregnant. Get a grip guys, your college is the middle of a freakin' city....where was I?
Right, waiting at the light rail station when the sound of really loud Latin pop music began to drown out the construction noise. Not a small feat, the construction is involving jack hammers right now. And yet, the Latin pop music was winning the battle of the airwaves. I had to look to see who could be making such a distinct impression upon my day. Who should appear but a very large Latino man in full leather biker gear riding a very big very, very, very, yellow (think Tweety bird yellow) three-wheeled motorcycle. The entire back side of the motorcycle over the two back wheels was one large casing for speakers. His head was well below the speaker line, making the perfect rolling sound stage. He cruised around the block at least two times before my train got there. You go biker man.
Other than that, I have a cold and am beginning to feel pretty miserable. Which figures, because Spring Break is next week. I have at least two papers to write, and if I was a good girl, I'd get four done, plus small writings I'm behind on. As it is, I hope to feel better and sew more baby stuff. I ordered rings today to make myself a simple sling carrier. If I get wacky, I may try to make a padded pouch carrier as well. Go mama.
And this is what I've made you all wait so long to read about. Ha. I love blogging.
Right, waiting at the light rail station when the sound of really loud Latin pop music began to drown out the construction noise. Not a small feat, the construction is involving jack hammers right now. And yet, the Latin pop music was winning the battle of the airwaves. I had to look to see who could be making such a distinct impression upon my day. Who should appear but a very large Latino man in full leather biker gear riding a very big very, very, very, yellow (think Tweety bird yellow) three-wheeled motorcycle. The entire back side of the motorcycle over the two back wheels was one large casing for speakers. His head was well below the speaker line, making the perfect rolling sound stage. He cruised around the block at least two times before my train got there. You go biker man.
Other than that, I have a cold and am beginning to feel pretty miserable. Which figures, because Spring Break is next week. I have at least two papers to write, and if I was a good girl, I'd get four done, plus small writings I'm behind on. As it is, I hope to feel better and sew more baby stuff. I ordered rings today to make myself a simple sling carrier. If I get wacky, I may try to make a padded pouch carrier as well. Go mama.
And this is what I've made you all wait so long to read about. Ha. I love blogging.
Tuesday, March 7, 2006
You Might Have Forgotten
I am really still in school and doing things not related to getting ready to have a child. Don't laugh, really I am. Today was a big day in school for me, I had my first mid-term and I got back my first paper in career writing. I can't complain about either, really.
It was miserable today. Weather wise. It was pouring rain when I had to leave for class which is not a great motivator. Neither was the fact that I'd been bopping around in the house in pj's all morning enjoying the quiet house. Or the fact that I had to go take a test. I always hate the first test of the semester in any class, and I really hate it when we have only two tests that count for a whole lot of grade. And of course I had to go early and buy a blue book. For some reason, the only times I've been in the student store to purchase supplies...no matter what...it's been raining. No kidding. Last semester too. Weird.
So, I get to class mildly damp and settle in for one last review of my notes. I'm glad I got there early, because it was a full house. As my teacher walked in she commented: "Boy, there must be a test or something today, because the classroom hasn't been this full since the first day." The test, all in all wasn't too bad...but we'll see if I write enough on the passages for full credit. It took me the entire period to finish. That hasn't happened in a long time. I was rushing at the end to write down the last few definitions. Note to self: I think I'll start with the definitions first next time, and spend less time reviewing the test as a whole.
Next stop was the bathroom. But you didn't need to know that.
Then on to my career writing class to pick up my paper. I didn't have to attend class today, the Newsletter team is editing, and I'm on the Writing Life team...so we were free to stay away. I did want my paper, and because my two classes are in the same building, and this one is on my way out even, it was silly not to go. Did I mention that I really wanted to see my paper?
This assignment was to interview a writer of our choosing and write a profile of them. It's been ages since I've done a formal interview. I chose to write on a fellow blogger and freelance writer: Manic Mom. Check her site out at http://www.manicmommy.blogspot.com. The interview was great fun and I enjoyed the write up. Even the peer review process was helpful. Our professor expects us to come to class having already read and commented on our group's papers. This allows us real time to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each individual paper. It was a new experience, and one I actually learned from. I think my paper got better from the suggestions. Not perfect, but better.
When all was said and done, I got a B+ which I am very pleased with. Our professor is notorious for being a very tough grader. She made some very good points about where my paper "lost it" and if I made her corrections, it would be an even better piece. But, woo-hoo for a solid start in her class. She also suggested I write a piece for The Writing Life about freelance writing. I think I will, from my research last semester and this interview, I think I could do a pretty good job with it. Good things all around. I feel pretty good about the class so far, and if I can maintain a solid B I will feel as though I have done a good job. I have set the goal of no punctuation errors for my next piece of writing...sloppy sloppy girl that I am. ;)
Now...I really must get back to work on my paper about the subtle Christian themes that run through selected Old and Middle English works. Blah. Sometimes it's not all that much fun to be a writer.
It was miserable today. Weather wise. It was pouring rain when I had to leave for class which is not a great motivator. Neither was the fact that I'd been bopping around in the house in pj's all morning enjoying the quiet house. Or the fact that I had to go take a test. I always hate the first test of the semester in any class, and I really hate it when we have only two tests that count for a whole lot of grade. And of course I had to go early and buy a blue book. For some reason, the only times I've been in the student store to purchase supplies...no matter what...it's been raining. No kidding. Last semester too. Weird.
So, I get to class mildly damp and settle in for one last review of my notes. I'm glad I got there early, because it was a full house. As my teacher walked in she commented: "Boy, there must be a test or something today, because the classroom hasn't been this full since the first day." The test, all in all wasn't too bad...but we'll see if I write enough on the passages for full credit. It took me the entire period to finish. That hasn't happened in a long time. I was rushing at the end to write down the last few definitions. Note to self: I think I'll start with the definitions first next time, and spend less time reviewing the test as a whole.
Next stop was the bathroom. But you didn't need to know that.
Then on to my career writing class to pick up my paper. I didn't have to attend class today, the Newsletter team is editing, and I'm on the Writing Life team...so we were free to stay away. I did want my paper, and because my two classes are in the same building, and this one is on my way out even, it was silly not to go. Did I mention that I really wanted to see my paper?
This assignment was to interview a writer of our choosing and write a profile of them. It's been ages since I've done a formal interview. I chose to write on a fellow blogger and freelance writer: Manic Mom. Check her site out at http://www.manicmommy.blogspot.com. The interview was great fun and I enjoyed the write up. Even the peer review process was helpful. Our professor expects us to come to class having already read and commented on our group's papers. This allows us real time to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each individual paper. It was a new experience, and one I actually learned from. I think my paper got better from the suggestions. Not perfect, but better.
When all was said and done, I got a B+ which I am very pleased with. Our professor is notorious for being a very tough grader. She made some very good points about where my paper "lost it" and if I made her corrections, it would be an even better piece. But, woo-hoo for a solid start in her class. She also suggested I write a piece for The Writing Life about freelance writing. I think I will, from my research last semester and this interview, I think I could do a pretty good job with it. Good things all around. I feel pretty good about the class so far, and if I can maintain a solid B I will feel as though I have done a good job. I have set the goal of no punctuation errors for my next piece of writing...sloppy sloppy girl that I am. ;)
Now...I really must get back to work on my paper about the subtle Christian themes that run through selected Old and Middle English works. Blah. Sometimes it's not all that much fun to be a writer.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
