I had a back assessment on Tuesday up at the hot site, where the ergonomics assessor was trying very hard NOT to look unimpressed with the "standard" chair there. We agreed that a small lift for the laptop I will be using, and a wrist rest for the keyboard there.
Tomorrow I get another assessment at my desk down here at my "normal" work station, so they can look at the chair I'm in, see what I need in the way of assistance ergonomics-wise, and send in yet another report. Should be interesting.
Neither of my bosses are pleased with me at all, and I'm pretty sure they're looking at any way possible to make my life miserable until I end up getting out of here to another position outside the call center. I'd go sooner, but I'm wanting to wait until after Elizabeth is born to attempt to move around job-wise.
Meanwhile, I have been throwing myself in the pool every other day during the week. This seems to be helping, at least short-term, and allows me the ability to be back-pain free for at least a few hours. I think Elizabeth also likes it, because unlike when I walk normally, she doesn't kick at all when I'm walking in the pool. Afterwards, she's more active, but it's more of a bumping, moving, squirming active, not a violent kicking active. This makes *me* happy, at least. *chuckle*
I got curious and weighed myself last night after walking in the pool. I've lost a pound... So, the total weight loss/gain for this pregnancy is: -15 lbs so far. I have two more months to go, and I'm pretty much eating whatever I want. I'm *so* glad I haven't gained a crapload of weight like my sister did... It was one of my biggest fears. Apparently even 3 times a week for 20 minutes in the pool is enough for me to balance out what I need to for now. Helps that I think Elizabeth got daddy's metabolism.
Anyway, it's almost time for me to log into day 9 of 10. One more day after today, and I'll get to have 2 days off. Yippee me!
~M
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Oy...
My back is semi-ok... At least, for about 12 hours after I get out of the pool. Then it goes back to it's now-normal pain issues.
Had my ergonomic assessment today. My boss is *none* too pleased with me for insisting on a different chair and making a "big deal" out of the situation "just because the chairs are uncomfortable".
They denied my time off for physical therapy appointments that I put in 3 weeks in advance - just like they requested that I do. So, went to my union rep. Going to be filing for OMLA, and once that's approved, there will be no more issues with it whatsoever. Another thing my boss is *none* too pleased with. Waah, I say - wah!
~M
Had my ergonomic assessment today. My boss is *none* too pleased with me for insisting on a different chair and making a "big deal" out of the situation "just because the chairs are uncomfortable".
They denied my time off for physical therapy appointments that I put in 3 weeks in advance - just like they requested that I do. So, went to my union rep. Going to be filing for OMLA, and once that's approved, there will be no more issues with it whatsoever. Another thing my boss is *none* too pleased with. Waah, I say - wah!
~M
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Is it can be nap tiem naow? (warning, whining)
I have not been sleeping well over the past few days. Partly due to stress, partly due to pain in my hip, and partly due to baby.
I am about ready to fall asleep on my desk, regardless of the pain that smacking my head against the keyboard would entail. I pretty much just don't care...
Think I'm going to sleep in tomorrow, if at all possible.
Currently, I am feeling the muscles twitch in my legs - commonly referred to as Restless Leg Syndrome. It comes on when I need more sleep, and can get really annoying the longer I go without sleeping. Normally it culminates in me curling up into a ball in bed and simply attempting to breathe normally enough to calm everything down. If I don't end up getting there, I usually have the overwhelming urge to simply cry in frustration from the twitching, because I can't get it to stop any other way.
All I want to do right now is go home and sleep. I am not looking forward to the next 2 hours.
FYI - my christmas list has been updated yet again... Happy holidays.
~M
I am about ready to fall asleep on my desk, regardless of the pain that smacking my head against the keyboard would entail. I pretty much just don't care...
Think I'm going to sleep in tomorrow, if at all possible.
Currently, I am feeling the muscles twitch in my legs - commonly referred to as Restless Leg Syndrome. It comes on when I need more sleep, and can get really annoying the longer I go without sleeping. Normally it culminates in me curling up into a ball in bed and simply attempting to breathe normally enough to calm everything down. If I don't end up getting there, I usually have the overwhelming urge to simply cry in frustration from the twitching, because I can't get it to stop any other way.
All I want to do right now is go home and sleep. I am not looking forward to the next 2 hours.
FYI - my christmas list has been updated yet again... Happy holidays.
~M
Friday, November 23, 2007
The bestest turkey ever!
At least, that was the general consensus of everyone who came over last night and had dinner at our house.
The brine made the difference, I think. The breast meat was pretty much just as tender as the dark was, and just as juicy.
There was much ooh-ing and ahh-ing over the mashed potatoes and gravy, and apparently Angst and Fred both adored the cornbread stuffing. Everyone was pretty happy with it all, though we all agreed that, due to both the cranberries and the sweet sausage, next time I make it I will use the italian sausage, hold the cranberries, and add more sage to it. I think that will make a really nice, savory dressing, rather than a sweet one.
If you're wondering how to make a perfect turkey, let me share with you the secret to perfection...
BRINE (This is enough for a 14-16 lb turkey, or 2 avg ducks):
The software:
1 gal chicken stock
1 c kosher salt
1 c sugar
1 lg onion, quartered
2 oranges, quartered
1 Tbsp each: rosemary, thyme, sage, dried
12 cracked peppercorns
**1 gal ice water**
The Hardware:
2 gal stockpot
1 strainer
5 gal plastic bucket, CLEANED
Heat all ingredients (less the ice water) in stock pot until boiling and all granules dissolved. Remove from heat, place in fridge to cool completely. Once cooled, strain all solids out.
Take thawed turkey from fridge. Remove neck and giblets from the cavity, and rinse turkey in a clean sink. Pat dry, then place breast-down into plastic bucket. Pour brine over turkey, then ice water over turkey. If necessary, place heavy brick or 8 lb dumbbells into plastic ziplock bags and place on turkey to hold down.
Leave in a cold place for 8 hours.
ROASTING:
The Software:
1 orange, quartered
1 lg onion, quartered
1 bunch fresh herbs: Thyme, Sage, Tarragon
3 Tbsp canola oil
salt & pepper
The hardware:
1 roasting pan large enough to hold turkey without sides touching, lined with foil
1 flat rack to place turkey on
2 layers foil (to cover turkey breast)
1 thermometer (able to be left in turkey through roasting time)
Pre-heat oven to 500 degrees (yes, really). Remove turkey from brine and place onto roasting pan. Pat dry, and salt and pepper inside of cavity. Place orange, herbs and onion into cavity. Oil the outside of the bird, then salt and pepper it.
Place into heated oven on lowest rack for 30 minutes AND NO MORE. If you notice at 20 minutes that it looks very dark brown, remove turkey and go on with the rest of the instructions... Here:
Turn down oven to 375. Place thermometer into meatiest part of breast. Cover breast completely with foil. Place back into oven and close door. Remove once the internal temp hits 161-163 degrees. DO NOT OPEN OVEN CONSTANTLY OR BASTE IT! Leave it alone, let it roast.
At the point it hits 161 - 163 degrees, turn off heat, remove turkey, and place under loose covering. DO NOT REMOVE THERMOMETER YET. Let it rest for 15 minutes, and don't peek. It's still cooking, and will hit 166 degrees - trust me.
Serve with all the side dishes and trimmings that you want.
~M
The brine made the difference, I think. The breast meat was pretty much just as tender as the dark was, and just as juicy.
There was much ooh-ing and ahh-ing over the mashed potatoes and gravy, and apparently Angst and Fred both adored the cornbread stuffing. Everyone was pretty happy with it all, though we all agreed that, due to both the cranberries and the sweet sausage, next time I make it I will use the italian sausage, hold the cranberries, and add more sage to it. I think that will make a really nice, savory dressing, rather than a sweet one.
If you're wondering how to make a perfect turkey, let me share with you the secret to perfection...
BRINE (This is enough for a 14-16 lb turkey, or 2 avg ducks):
The software:
1 gal chicken stock
1 c kosher salt
1 c sugar
1 lg onion, quartered
2 oranges, quartered
1 Tbsp each: rosemary, thyme, sage, dried
12 cracked peppercorns
**1 gal ice water**
The Hardware:
2 gal stockpot
1 strainer
5 gal plastic bucket, CLEANED
Heat all ingredients (less the ice water) in stock pot until boiling and all granules dissolved. Remove from heat, place in fridge to cool completely. Once cooled, strain all solids out.
Take thawed turkey from fridge. Remove neck and giblets from the cavity, and rinse turkey in a clean sink. Pat dry, then place breast-down into plastic bucket. Pour brine over turkey, then ice water over turkey. If necessary, place heavy brick or 8 lb dumbbells into plastic ziplock bags and place on turkey to hold down.
Leave in a cold place for 8 hours.
ROASTING:
The Software:
1 orange, quartered
1 lg onion, quartered
1 bunch fresh herbs: Thyme, Sage, Tarragon
3 Tbsp canola oil
salt & pepper
The hardware:
1 roasting pan large enough to hold turkey without sides touching, lined with foil
1 flat rack to place turkey on
2 layers foil (to cover turkey breast)
1 thermometer (able to be left in turkey through roasting time)
Pre-heat oven to 500 degrees (yes, really). Remove turkey from brine and place onto roasting pan. Pat dry, and salt and pepper inside of cavity. Place orange, herbs and onion into cavity. Oil the outside of the bird, then salt and pepper it.
Place into heated oven on lowest rack for 30 minutes AND NO MORE. If you notice at 20 minutes that it looks very dark brown, remove turkey and go on with the rest of the instructions... Here:
Turn down oven to 375. Place thermometer into meatiest part of breast. Cover breast completely with foil. Place back into oven and close door. Remove once the internal temp hits 161-163 degrees. DO NOT OPEN OVEN CONSTANTLY OR BASTE IT! Leave it alone, let it roast.
At the point it hits 161 - 163 degrees, turn off heat, remove turkey, and place under loose covering. DO NOT REMOVE THERMOMETER YET. Let it rest for 15 minutes, and don't peek. It's still cooking, and will hit 166 degrees - trust me.
Serve with all the side dishes and trimmings that you want.
~M
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Excitement already?!
Well, sort of... It was an adventure, at least.
For those who don't know, let me give you a bit of background about our fabulous transit system. Most times, it really *is* fairly fabulous. It runs (sometimes off times, but it does run), and gets me, for the most part, to work and back home again on time. HOWEVER - there are occasions, such as holidays and Sundays, when the bus doesn't begin to run until after 7am.
This becomes a problem when one must make a trip downtown for work, but has no vehicle. The last few times, I've relied on the local cab company to take me to the nearest transit center, where I can catch the one thing that *is* running at 5:30am - the MAX: our lightrail system.
By and large, the cab company I use is great. It arrives in a reasonable amount of time, and the drivers are, normally both polite and friendly. If they don't know where they're going, or don't recognize the name/address, they will ask if I can direct them. This isn't a problem for me, either. I may not have a vehicle, but I know how to drive, and where I'm going.
This morning, being Thanksgiving, the busses were on the holiday/Sunday schedule, which meant that I was going to have to head over to the transit center. So, I called the cab company and waited for them to arrive.
It didn't take the driver long to get there. However, I had this hinky feeling that all was not right with the gods of travel. I gave him my destination name "Beaverton Transit Center", and he nodded, then pulled out onto the main drag. The next thing I knew, we were headed onto the local highway, going right past the exit he would have needed to GET to said transit center. He passed by two more exits, and I knew then that he had NO idea where we were going - or it was an imposter bent on kidnapping me for horrible purposes...
I asked him where we were headed, and why we were going this way. He pointed to the off-ramp which lead to another highway, this one heading perpendicular to the one we were on (and heading further away from the destination I had originally requested), and muttered something about Transit Center. I said no, that's not the way to the Beaverton Transit Center. That one is behind us, and we passed by all the exits to get there already. He pointed up toward where there was, indeed another transit center, nearby where we'd pulled off (further away from my house, but would still do the purpose).
I tell him, as he begins to pull out, to go ahead and go there, since I need to go to work. He takes the other ramp, and pulls out onto the highway rather than the off-ramp, and starts driving again. At this point, I'm thoroughly confused. It's obvious he speaks very little english and doesn't know his way around Beaverton, but he is unwilling to take direction from me, unwilling to ASK for directions, and is basically doing his own thing. And the meter tab is getting higher the further we go.
He pulls off on the next exit, about 3 miles from where we pulled onto this highway. He then starts driving back toward Beaverton, and calls someone on his cell phone, presumably to ask for directions. I know exactly where we are, since I used to work and drive down this road. It goes past the front entrance to Nike's campus, and then over to where I used to work, at Stream. He's not slowing down as we get to the road he should be taking to get to the transit center, either.
"Take a right," I tell him.
"Oh! *NOW* you know the way?" he glances into the mirror at me, an annoyed look on his face.
"I've known the way since we pulled out of my driveway. *YOU* didn't. You never asked me."
Sulking from front of cab ensues.
"And," I add, "I'm not paying $26 for a cab ride that should only have cost me $7-$8, thank you."
More sulking, then "Ok, ok. I fix, I fix... (pause) For the second time!" He then starts trying to figure out which road to turn onto from the main drag to get to the transit system.
"Next one, take a left" I tell him.
There's construction on that street, so it's split with cones - he tries to pull onto the wrong side... so I point out he has to go to the other side. Then he drives down the road attempting to pull into any and every driveway he can find, trying to look like he knows where he's going.
He finally finds the bus portion of the transit center and pulls in there. He turns off the meter, clears it, and writes $7 onto the charge slip. I decline to give him ANY tip at all, and get out of the cab, pissed.
I still cannot believe how insane this morning went. In comparison, walking the 12 blocks from the MAX tracks to work was a delightful and easy trip.
~M
For those who don't know, let me give you a bit of background about our fabulous transit system. Most times, it really *is* fairly fabulous. It runs (sometimes off times, but it does run), and gets me, for the most part, to work and back home again on time. HOWEVER - there are occasions, such as holidays and Sundays, when the bus doesn't begin to run until after 7am.
This becomes a problem when one must make a trip downtown for work, but has no vehicle. The last few times, I've relied on the local cab company to take me to the nearest transit center, where I can catch the one thing that *is* running at 5:30am - the MAX: our lightrail system.
By and large, the cab company I use is great. It arrives in a reasonable amount of time, and the drivers are, normally both polite and friendly. If they don't know where they're going, or don't recognize the name/address, they will ask if I can direct them. This isn't a problem for me, either. I may not have a vehicle, but I know how to drive, and where I'm going.
This morning, being Thanksgiving, the busses were on the holiday/Sunday schedule, which meant that I was going to have to head over to the transit center. So, I called the cab company and waited for them to arrive.
It didn't take the driver long to get there. However, I had this hinky feeling that all was not right with the gods of travel. I gave him my destination name "Beaverton Transit Center", and he nodded, then pulled out onto the main drag. The next thing I knew, we were headed onto the local highway, going right past the exit he would have needed to GET to said transit center. He passed by two more exits, and I knew then that he had NO idea where we were going - or it was an imposter bent on kidnapping me for horrible purposes...
I asked him where we were headed, and why we were going this way. He pointed to the off-ramp which lead to another highway, this one heading perpendicular to the one we were on (and heading further away from the destination I had originally requested), and muttered something about Transit Center. I said no, that's not the way to the Beaverton Transit Center. That one is behind us, and we passed by all the exits to get there already. He pointed up toward where there was, indeed another transit center, nearby where we'd pulled off (further away from my house, but would still do the purpose).
I tell him, as he begins to pull out, to go ahead and go there, since I need to go to work. He takes the other ramp, and pulls out onto the highway rather than the off-ramp, and starts driving again. At this point, I'm thoroughly confused. It's obvious he speaks very little english and doesn't know his way around Beaverton, but he is unwilling to take direction from me, unwilling to ASK for directions, and is basically doing his own thing. And the meter tab is getting higher the further we go.
He pulls off on the next exit, about 3 miles from where we pulled onto this highway. He then starts driving back toward Beaverton, and calls someone on his cell phone, presumably to ask for directions. I know exactly where we are, since I used to work and drive down this road. It goes past the front entrance to Nike's campus, and then over to where I used to work, at Stream. He's not slowing down as we get to the road he should be taking to get to the transit center, either.
"Take a right," I tell him.
"Oh! *NOW* you know the way?" he glances into the mirror at me, an annoyed look on his face.
"I've known the way since we pulled out of my driveway. *YOU* didn't. You never asked me."
Sulking from front of cab ensues.
"And," I add, "I'm not paying $26 for a cab ride that should only have cost me $7-$8, thank you."
More sulking, then "Ok, ok. I fix, I fix... (pause) For the second time!" He then starts trying to figure out which road to turn onto from the main drag to get to the transit system.
"Next one, take a left" I tell him.
There's construction on that street, so it's split with cones - he tries to pull onto the wrong side... so I point out he has to go to the other side. Then he drives down the road attempting to pull into any and every driveway he can find, trying to look like he knows where he's going.
He finally finds the bus portion of the transit center and pulls in there. He turns off the meter, clears it, and writes $7 onto the charge slip. I decline to give him ANY tip at all, and get out of the cab, pissed.
I still cannot believe how insane this morning went. In comparison, walking the 12 blocks from the MAX tracks to work was a delightful and easy trip.
~M
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Mmmmm, tasty!
Thanksgiving Menu 2007
Oven-Roasted Turkey
Brined for 8 hours, stuffed with aromatic herbs, onion and orange, then roasted to juicy perfection
Roasted Garlic Smashed Potatoes
Sweet-roasted garlic, combined with peeled, cooked potatoes and smashed with butter and milk. Seasoned delicately with salt and pepper
Sausage & Cornbread Stuffing
Cornbread, maple syrup sausage and cranberries fill out this fabulous stuffing. Onions, carrots, celery and fresh sage round out this dish
Fresh Jellied CranberriesSweetened fresh-cooked cranberries in gelatin, with a hint of orange zest
Buttered Green Beans
Green beans seasoned with butter, salt and pepper - clean flavored and fresh
Desserts and drinks provided by guests
Oven-Roasted Turkey
Brined for 8 hours, stuffed with aromatic herbs, onion and orange, then roasted to juicy perfection
Roasted Garlic Smashed Potatoes
Sweet-roasted garlic, combined with peeled, cooked potatoes and smashed with butter and milk. Seasoned delicately with salt and pepper
Sausage & Cornbread Stuffing
Cornbread, maple syrup sausage and cranberries fill out this fabulous stuffing. Onions, carrots, celery and fresh sage round out this dish
Fresh Jellied CranberriesSweetened fresh-cooked cranberries in gelatin, with a hint of orange zest
Buttered Green Beans
Green beans seasoned with butter, salt and pepper - clean flavored and fresh
Desserts and drinks provided by guests
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Thanksgiving...
So, yes, Fred and I are hosting our annual Family & Friends Thanksgiving. It'll be on Turkey day, so if you don't have plans and would like to come out to celebrate with us, feel free to do so.
It's BYOB, and will be the traditional gnosh of Turkey, roasted garlic smashed potatoes, gravy and green beans. Also, if you want a dessert, bring that as well, since I'm not going to stress myself about it.
Since I work that day, I won't be home until around 4:30-ish. This means that dinner will most likely be around 6:30 or 7-ish. If you'd like to come early and hang out, please feel free to watch me hustle around the kitchen getting the turkey in the oven and the potatoes ready to be boiled for smashing...
I will most likely stick in an old favorite movie and have that playing in the background for everyone's enjoyment. So far, we have Raistlin and Corey coming by. I heard that Angst would like to join in the festivities as well, and is more than welcome... Anyone else who would like to come along, please just drop a line and let me know. There should be plenty. I have a 16 lb turkey, and can do upwards of 10 lbs of potatoes without breaking a sweat.
~M
It's BYOB, and will be the traditional gnosh of Turkey, roasted garlic smashed potatoes, gravy and green beans. Also, if you want a dessert, bring that as well, since I'm not going to stress myself about it.
Since I work that day, I won't be home until around 4:30-ish. This means that dinner will most likely be around 6:30 or 7-ish. If you'd like to come early and hang out, please feel free to watch me hustle around the kitchen getting the turkey in the oven and the potatoes ready to be boiled for smashing...
I will most likely stick in an old favorite movie and have that playing in the background for everyone's enjoyment. So far, we have Raistlin and Corey coming by. I heard that Angst would like to join in the festivities as well, and is more than welcome... Anyone else who would like to come along, please just drop a line and let me know. There should be plenty. I have a 16 lb turkey, and can do upwards of 10 lbs of potatoes without breaking a sweat.
~M
Friday, November 16, 2007
Discworld quiz results
 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Which Discworld Character are you like (with pics) created with QuizFarm.com | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| You scored as Gytha (Nanny) Ogg You are Nanny Ogg! A talented witch, able to make yourself at home wherever you are, and insist that Greebo is just a big softie. You enjoy drinking, a lot, and singing about a hedgehog. You have a huge family, and get your daughters-in-law to do most of the housework. You are kind and gentle, and help put people at ease.
|
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Pobrecita!
Our dear feline baby is having allergy issues. I'm assuming that it really *was* an upper respiratory infection that she had when she got to us, but some of the symptoms simply haven't gone away - such as the sneezing, and the watery/mucus-y eyes. The poor dear is miserable, and allows me to wipe her face off once or twice a day with a warm, damp cloth... Which shows how truly miserable she is, since normally such things would *not* be tolerated by a cat.
So - today I went online and ordered some homeopathic anti-allergy meds. Since we have no idea whether she could be allergice to dipenhydromene or chlorphentermine (and chlorphentermine is *NOT* recommended for use in cats), I'm going to try the "safe" stuff first. There were 6 reviews from people who said that it worked wonders on their cat, and described the exact same symptoms that Jazzy has been having. So, I figure, while it's a little more expensive than the Rx stuff, I am more willing to try it, since it has very little in the way of side effects listed or mentioned by owners. And, no drowsiness, either, which is a good thing.
I also got another tub of catnip. I'm hoping that, if we can get her nose and eyes cleared up, she will feel LOTS better and be up to exploring a bit more. I'm also considering getting something called "Feline Calmer", which apparently is a pheremone scent for cats that gets them more comfy in their new home or with a new situation. If Jazzy is still skittish by December, I will pick some up and see how she does with it. I don't want her feeling like she has to live under the bed for the rest of her life - she loves people, she's just not sure of how they will treat her, poor baby.
~M
So - today I went online and ordered some homeopathic anti-allergy meds. Since we have no idea whether she could be allergice to dipenhydromene or chlorphentermine (and chlorphentermine is *NOT* recommended for use in cats), I'm going to try the "safe" stuff first. There were 6 reviews from people who said that it worked wonders on their cat, and described the exact same symptoms that Jazzy has been having. So, I figure, while it's a little more expensive than the Rx stuff, I am more willing to try it, since it has very little in the way of side effects listed or mentioned by owners. And, no drowsiness, either, which is a good thing.
I also got another tub of catnip. I'm hoping that, if we can get her nose and eyes cleared up, she will feel LOTS better and be up to exploring a bit more. I'm also considering getting something called "Feline Calmer", which apparently is a pheremone scent for cats that gets them more comfy in their new home or with a new situation. If Jazzy is still skittish by December, I will pick some up and see how she does with it. I don't want her feeling like she has to live under the bed for the rest of her life - she loves people, she's just not sure of how they will treat her, poor baby.
~M
Sunday, November 11, 2007
What, back again?!
Yes, indeed... But really, it's only because I have to write this down while it's still occurring to me to do so.
See, the lucious Lil and I work together. And since she was called in for graveyard, she decided to bring in the baby shower pressie for Fred and I that she hadn't been able to get to us prior (she had to work on the 3rd... stupid scheduling).
So, I come in yesterday and see this very large bag on my desk. Curious, I set everything down, get frozen dinner in freezer and set up my lunch, then open the bag to find...
A really lovely baby blanket she had crocheted in 3 different shades of purple, and white as a base color. It's a zig-zag pattern, that has a really nifty pattern in it - the purples sort of flutter down into the white, and back up again.
The other part was the snoopy diaper bag I'd been wanting - and when I saw Lil next, she told me the story that went along with it, which is super funny (ok, well, it's super funny to me.):
See, my brother (whom she has been "living in sin" (as she puts it) with for the past 8 years), is not so hot on babies - or on pregnant women, for that matter. It's not that he necessarily dislikes them, he'd just rather not be around a person who is so totally ruled by hormones and estrogen that it feels like a mini-hurricane of emotion just to step close to them. I accept and understand that. I can hardly stand myself lately at times for just that reason.
In any case, he decides to brave Babies R' Us in order to gain one diaper bag, and scratch it off my baby shower list. Not only that, but apparently he braved the larger of the two in the area - alone! Lil said he reported afterwards that it was an extremely surreal experience, and he never wanted to go through that ever again. *chuckle*. The worst part, apparently, was having the diaper bag mistaken for a baby (WTF? I cannot see this, but apparently I'm not so far gone as the clerk at the store was). In typical fashion for him, he grinned, picked it up, and shook it in front of the horrified clerk - apparently she realized pretty quickly it wasn't a baby.
I damned near died laughing when I heard that. It's just so... him.
Seriously, though, it took a buttload of guts and love for him to traipse that far out of his normal shopping area, and into a store designed purely to give him the willies just with their advertisements of happy small babies and baby toys (not to mention the interesting torture devices they sell to moms under the guise of helping them through the first years).
Hugs to you, little brother! I promise not to sic Elizabeth on you while she's ill. *wink*
~M
See, the lucious Lil and I work together. And since she was called in for graveyard, she decided to bring in the baby shower pressie for Fred and I that she hadn't been able to get to us prior (she had to work on the 3rd... stupid scheduling).
So, I come in yesterday and see this very large bag on my desk. Curious, I set everything down, get frozen dinner in freezer and set up my lunch, then open the bag to find...
A really lovely baby blanket she had crocheted in 3 different shades of purple, and white as a base color. It's a zig-zag pattern, that has a really nifty pattern in it - the purples sort of flutter down into the white, and back up again.
The other part was the snoopy diaper bag I'd been wanting - and when I saw Lil next, she told me the story that went along with it, which is super funny (ok, well, it's super funny to me.):
See, my brother (whom she has been "living in sin" (as she puts it) with for the past 8 years), is not so hot on babies - or on pregnant women, for that matter. It's not that he necessarily dislikes them, he'd just rather not be around a person who is so totally ruled by hormones and estrogen that it feels like a mini-hurricane of emotion just to step close to them. I accept and understand that. I can hardly stand myself lately at times for just that reason.
In any case, he decides to brave Babies R' Us in order to gain one diaper bag, and scratch it off my baby shower list. Not only that, but apparently he braved the larger of the two in the area - alone! Lil said he reported afterwards that it was an extremely surreal experience, and he never wanted to go through that ever again. *chuckle*. The worst part, apparently, was having the diaper bag mistaken for a baby (WTF? I cannot see this, but apparently I'm not so far gone as the clerk at the store was). In typical fashion for him, he grinned, picked it up, and shook it in front of the horrified clerk - apparently she realized pretty quickly it wasn't a baby.
I damned near died laughing when I heard that. It's just so... him.
Seriously, though, it took a buttload of guts and love for him to traipse that far out of his normal shopping area, and into a store designed purely to give him the willies just with their advertisements of happy small babies and baby toys (not to mention the interesting torture devices they sell to moms under the guise of helping them through the first years).
Hugs to you, little brother! I promise not to sic Elizabeth on you while she's ill. *wink*
~M
Attend the tale...
For those who may have lived under a rock, or not kept up with the times and popular movie releases, you may not be aware that Tim Burton’s latest creation, the adaptation of Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd, will be let loose as of December 21st – just in time for Christmas.
If you aren’t already aware of the background of the story, or if you simply don’t like musicals and have shied away from Sweeney Todd because it is in that genre, I assure you, you are missing out. After all, as Johnny Depp pointed out when signing onto the project “How many chances do you get at a musical about a serial killer?”
The character of Sweeney Todd, at least the one re-created by Stephen Sondheim, is the epitome of the anti-hero. Not only is he wronged by society repeatedly, he gives way to letting go his own humanity and the sheen of civility that keeps most all human beings in check, subsequently following through with base human instincts of revenge and personal justice.
The basic premise of the story is simple. A young successful barber, Benjamin Barker by name, is married to a lovely young woman named Lucy. They have a small child, barely a year old, and life is good. However, a judge covets Barker’s wife from afar and hatches a plan with his sergeant (known as the Beatle) to arrest Barker on trumped up charges and deporting him to Australia for life. As this leaves Lucy without a protector and with a one-year old child also to take care of, the judge hopes that this will cause Lucy to turn to him for assistance – which he will give, in the way of marriage. One thing leads to another and when we next see anything, it’s a much changed, harsher-looking, darker Barker, now sailing home under then name Sweeney Todd, attempting to find his lost wife and child and somehow get his life back in order… As well as contemplating getting even with the judge.
It is discovered that Lucy is nowhere to be found, and his child is being raised by the judge himself as his ward. It is then that Todd’s mind, fragile as it was when he arrived back in London, shatters. Not only was he taken from his life by corrupt forces, but when he comes back to attempt to reclaim it somehow, he finds it impossible – and the corrupt judge has taken his daughter from him as well, and raised her almost as his own.
Todd decides then and there that he will exact full revenge on the judge and the Beatle, and make sure that anyone getting in his way of doing so will suffer the same fate. Obviously, this is not a happily ever after musical, but instead one that will fulfill an audience’s lust for blood, vengeance and an insane justice.
There are interesting side quirks to Todd, throughout the play. He slides from almost pure madness, to cold calculation, to almost perfect sanity, depending on his mood and the situation. There are also times when dark humor bubbles up and takes over, causing the audience to groan with bad puns and laugh with his witty comebacks. While we can see that he no longer has the mental capacity to function in society properly, we cannot help but sympathize with the situation: how many of us have wanted to simply let go of our personal self-limiting based on right and wrong and simply go after someone for what they’ve done to us, real or imagined?
Sweeney Todd is, as I mentioned, not a happily-ever-after play. Not even close. Happily-ever-after would be that he was saved at the last minute prior to being shipped off in the first place, rejoined with his family, and the judge, found to be corrupt, was placed on the boat in Todd’s spot.
Another happily-ever-after scene would be him coming back after being shipped off, finding that his wife and daughter had somehow managed to make their way through the years waiting for him, and finding that the judge had been executed for repeated corruption.
No, instead, he knows instinctively that his decision to seek revenge upon both the judge and the Beatle will not end happily – it will have satisfaction, but no happiness. Todd carries with him an air of resigned acceptance that, once he has fulfilled his revenge, he will die, most likely horribly.
It is an interesting character, and one that I have repeatedly enjoyed watching bloom across the screen and stage each time. I cannot wait to see Johnny Depp and Tim Burton’s adaptation of it. The previews look insanely wonderful, and I will be there opening night come hell or high water…
“Attend the tale of Sweeney Todd…
He served a dark and a vengeful god…
What happened next, well that’s the play
And he wouldn’t want us to give it away!
Not Sweeney!
Not Sweeney Todd!
The Demon barber of Fleet… Street!”
If you aren’t already aware of the background of the story, or if you simply don’t like musicals and have shied away from Sweeney Todd because it is in that genre, I assure you, you are missing out. After all, as Johnny Depp pointed out when signing onto the project “How many chances do you get at a musical about a serial killer?”
The character of Sweeney Todd, at least the one re-created by Stephen Sondheim, is the epitome of the anti-hero. Not only is he wronged by society repeatedly, he gives way to letting go his own humanity and the sheen of civility that keeps most all human beings in check, subsequently following through with base human instincts of revenge and personal justice.
The basic premise of the story is simple. A young successful barber, Benjamin Barker by name, is married to a lovely young woman named Lucy. They have a small child, barely a year old, and life is good. However, a judge covets Barker’s wife from afar and hatches a plan with his sergeant (known as the Beatle) to arrest Barker on trumped up charges and deporting him to Australia for life. As this leaves Lucy without a protector and with a one-year old child also to take care of, the judge hopes that this will cause Lucy to turn to him for assistance – which he will give, in the way of marriage. One thing leads to another and when we next see anything, it’s a much changed, harsher-looking, darker Barker, now sailing home under then name Sweeney Todd, attempting to find his lost wife and child and somehow get his life back in order… As well as contemplating getting even with the judge.
It is discovered that Lucy is nowhere to be found, and his child is being raised by the judge himself as his ward. It is then that Todd’s mind, fragile as it was when he arrived back in London, shatters. Not only was he taken from his life by corrupt forces, but when he comes back to attempt to reclaim it somehow, he finds it impossible – and the corrupt judge has taken his daughter from him as well, and raised her almost as his own.
Todd decides then and there that he will exact full revenge on the judge and the Beatle, and make sure that anyone getting in his way of doing so will suffer the same fate. Obviously, this is not a happily ever after musical, but instead one that will fulfill an audience’s lust for blood, vengeance and an insane justice.
There are interesting side quirks to Todd, throughout the play. He slides from almost pure madness, to cold calculation, to almost perfect sanity, depending on his mood and the situation. There are also times when dark humor bubbles up and takes over, causing the audience to groan with bad puns and laugh with his witty comebacks. While we can see that he no longer has the mental capacity to function in society properly, we cannot help but sympathize with the situation: how many of us have wanted to simply let go of our personal self-limiting based on right and wrong and simply go after someone for what they’ve done to us, real or imagined?
Sweeney Todd is, as I mentioned, not a happily-ever-after play. Not even close. Happily-ever-after would be that he was saved at the last minute prior to being shipped off in the first place, rejoined with his family, and the judge, found to be corrupt, was placed on the boat in Todd’s spot.
Another happily-ever-after scene would be him coming back after being shipped off, finding that his wife and daughter had somehow managed to make their way through the years waiting for him, and finding that the judge had been executed for repeated corruption.
No, instead, he knows instinctively that his decision to seek revenge upon both the judge and the Beatle will not end happily – it will have satisfaction, but no happiness. Todd carries with him an air of resigned acceptance that, once he has fulfilled his revenge, he will die, most likely horribly.
It is an interesting character, and one that I have repeatedly enjoyed watching bloom across the screen and stage each time. I cannot wait to see Johnny Depp and Tim Burton’s adaptation of it. The previews look insanely wonderful, and I will be there opening night come hell or high water…
“Attend the tale of Sweeney Todd…
He served a dark and a vengeful god…
What happened next, well that’s the play
And he wouldn’t want us to give it away!
Not Sweeney!
Not Sweeney Todd!
The Demon barber of Fleet… Street!”
Christmas is coming...
So, there has been a request for a Christmas list from me… So, here it is, in no particular order:
• New sweaters that fit (my current ones are getting threadbare and really old)
• Silk button-down shirts
• Strawberry jug planter with culinary herb seeds or starters
• New doumbek (a LOT on the extravagant side, but there ya go)
• Soundtrack to the 1982 Sweeney Todd (Starring Angela Lansbury and George Hearn) AND
• Soundtrack / DVD to “Into The Woods”
• Quilting tools (mat, rotary cutter, square and T-bar, that type of thing)
• MP3 player, 3-4G format... Again, a lot on the extravagant side...
• Queen size 2-3" thick foam mattress pad for the bed. It wants comfort.
I can’t think of anything else that I really want at the moment that is something at least technically feasible…
~M
• New sweaters that fit (my current ones are getting threadbare and really old)
• Silk button-down shirts
• Strawberry jug planter with culinary herb seeds or starters
• New doumbek (a LOT on the extravagant side, but there ya go)
• Soundtrack to the 1982 Sweeney Todd (Starring Angela Lansbury and George Hearn) AND
• Soundtrack / DVD to “Into The Woods”
• Quilting tools (mat, rotary cutter, square and T-bar, that type of thing)
• MP3 player, 3-4G format... Again, a lot on the extravagant side...
• Queen size 2-3" thick foam mattress pad for the bed. It wants comfort.
I can’t think of anything else that I really want at the moment that is something at least technically feasible…
~M
Slow, but getting there...
I'm still in a blah stage, but I have some ideas now on how to make sure things get better - not to mention how to deal with stuff while I'm out of work.
First of all, an old friend of mine is on her way to Bend to visit some friends. While there, she's offered to come up and help me get some of the house together (caulking, planting, and doing the windows). So, there are three major things I don't have to worry about at this point.
Also, I woke up this morning with a better idea on how to make it through the weeks that I'll be out of work, and (hopefully) make sure that I can pay bills and such while sitting on my proverbial butt getting to know Elizabeth. One of the (a-hem) nice things about having a student loan is that occasionally you can place them on a hiatus. So, I will do so in December, and talk with them to have it go through March. I will then put aside that money ($310 per month) into the household checking account, and that should cover all the bills and rent necessary to be taken care of until I'm back at work.
Also, tax time will help out as well, since we file online normally, and can usually get everything within 3-4 weeks of filing - which means by mid-March, we'll have a fairly nice check coming through which will also help out with bills.
I've decided not to worry about the holidays. They will come whether I worry or not, and worry will only make it more stressful and upsetting. Rather, I will focus on doing nifty small projects for all of my friends as gifties, which will (hopefully) keep my hands filled on the bus to and from work, and even some at work, if they have no projects for me to do.
Speaking of work, as of the 26th, I will be on permanent days, from 9am to 5pm, Monday through Friday. This means two things: Fred and I will *finally* be able to have days off together, and as of Elizabeth's birth, both of us will need to be fighting with the State of Oregon about the child support Fred is paying, so we can pay for adequate daycare for Elizabeth. I had considered going with Kinder Care, but they want over $600 per month to take care of her for two or three days a week, which we simply cannot afford right now or in the near future - and that's with my work discount.
SO - we are hopeful to do three things with the upcoming situation... Get a 3-bedroom on the first floor of our apartment complex (it's an extra $50 a month, but that covers water usage for a washer/dryer), and get someone reliable and trustworthy to move into the 3rd bedroom as a roommate to help defer costs so we have a bit more for daycare. We have an idea for someone, and she has stated she would be more than happy to move in with us once we have a place. The third thing is to talk with another friend of ours, who does daycare out of her home, and find out what we can work out with her for cost each month. As she's going to be breast-fed, and I will be supplying the milk, bottles, and diapers, I am hoping we can work out something there...
I'm still short-tempered about most things, especially the repeated stupidity of one of my co-workers (who, inexplicably, was pointed out by a lead as the "best" operator on the floor during evenings to one of the new gals) and by some of the people who are calling in, but I have a feeling that this too shall pass. I hope. Otherwise, I may just have to start a low-impact kick-boxing routine (once my physical therapist ok's it) in order to beat my frustrations out. It's either that or I'll be out of a job for beating my frustrations out on the co-worker; while satisfying, it would not bode well for me.
So, that's my plan so far. Rikki got us signed up under her new job at LA Fitness, for less money per month than the "employee discount" rate at the gym and spa my work has. It's easy to get to, has a salt-water pool and jaccuzi, all the cardio equipment you could possibly want, free weights, and classes that are included in the price of the monthly fee. There's also day-care on-site, too. After I get my physical therapy stuff taken care of, and am cleared for mild exersize, I'm so heading over there and plopping myself into the pool. Just a mild swim should do wonders for my back. Ah, weightlessness, how I love thee...
~M
First of all, an old friend of mine is on her way to Bend to visit some friends. While there, she's offered to come up and help me get some of the house together (caulking, planting, and doing the windows). So, there are three major things I don't have to worry about at this point.
Also, I woke up this morning with a better idea on how to make it through the weeks that I'll be out of work, and (hopefully) make sure that I can pay bills and such while sitting on my proverbial butt getting to know Elizabeth. One of the (a-hem) nice things about having a student loan is that occasionally you can place them on a hiatus. So, I will do so in December, and talk with them to have it go through March. I will then put aside that money ($310 per month) into the household checking account, and that should cover all the bills and rent necessary to be taken care of until I'm back at work.
Also, tax time will help out as well, since we file online normally, and can usually get everything within 3-4 weeks of filing - which means by mid-March, we'll have a fairly nice check coming through which will also help out with bills.
I've decided not to worry about the holidays. They will come whether I worry or not, and worry will only make it more stressful and upsetting. Rather, I will focus on doing nifty small projects for all of my friends as gifties, which will (hopefully) keep my hands filled on the bus to and from work, and even some at work, if they have no projects for me to do.
Speaking of work, as of the 26th, I will be on permanent days, from 9am to 5pm, Monday through Friday. This means two things: Fred and I will *finally* be able to have days off together, and as of Elizabeth's birth, both of us will need to be fighting with the State of Oregon about the child support Fred is paying, so we can pay for adequate daycare for Elizabeth. I had considered going with Kinder Care, but they want over $600 per month to take care of her for two or three days a week, which we simply cannot afford right now or in the near future - and that's with my work discount.
SO - we are hopeful to do three things with the upcoming situation... Get a 3-bedroom on the first floor of our apartment complex (it's an extra $50 a month, but that covers water usage for a washer/dryer), and get someone reliable and trustworthy to move into the 3rd bedroom as a roommate to help defer costs so we have a bit more for daycare. We have an idea for someone, and she has stated she would be more than happy to move in with us once we have a place. The third thing is to talk with another friend of ours, who does daycare out of her home, and find out what we can work out with her for cost each month. As she's going to be breast-fed, and I will be supplying the milk, bottles, and diapers, I am hoping we can work out something there...
I'm still short-tempered about most things, especially the repeated stupidity of one of my co-workers (who, inexplicably, was pointed out by a lead as the "best" operator on the floor during evenings to one of the new gals) and by some of the people who are calling in, but I have a feeling that this too shall pass. I hope. Otherwise, I may just have to start a low-impact kick-boxing routine (once my physical therapist ok's it) in order to beat my frustrations out. It's either that or I'll be out of a job for beating my frustrations out on the co-worker; while satisfying, it would not bode well for me.
So, that's my plan so far. Rikki got us signed up under her new job at LA Fitness, for less money per month than the "employee discount" rate at the gym and spa my work has. It's easy to get to, has a salt-water pool and jaccuzi, all the cardio equipment you could possibly want, free weights, and classes that are included in the price of the monthly fee. There's also day-care on-site, too. After I get my physical therapy stuff taken care of, and am cleared for mild exersize, I'm so heading over there and plopping myself into the pool. Just a mild swim should do wonders for my back. Ah, weightlessness, how I love thee...
~M
Friday, November 09, 2007
Failing to launch...
I guess I’m going to just chalk it up to the baby blahs… It’s possible that the weather has something to do with it, too, but this whole “downer” feeling started before the bad weather hit here.
It seems to be all I can physically and mentally do just to get out of bed right now. All I honestly *want* to do is lay down and cry about absolutely nothing at all. I have no idea why, and can’t give a specific reason, but that’s what I want to do.
I don’t feel good about myself – not about how I look, or what I’m doing around the house (or lack thereof , what with my back being buggered up lately), or even how I’m feeling about everything – which just makes for an insanely vicious cycle to fall downward into. Logically, I know that this is just a phase and I’m sure to bounce out of it sooner or later. I just feel so empty, though. Like there’s wind whistling through my soul and I can’t seem to find a warm spot for it to be in.
I am filled with doubts about my own ability to take care of Elizabeth, myself, Fred, the house in general. I can’t stop thinking that somehow, when Elizabeth arrives, I’m going to be so hopelessly backed up in chores and bills that I won’t be able to ever catch up again, and we’ll be booted out of the apartment because we won’t be able to afford it.
I doubt my own attractiveness – and while most would say “well, of course, that’s to be expected”, it’s not something that *I* expected. I can’t say that I’m surprised too much about it, considering my changing shape (though not weight), and the lack of energy for anything… But it still is something I am now dealing with along with everything else.
I feel like a failure because I can’t do everything that is needed to be done at home – and I don’t feel comfortable asking for help because everyone I know works so hard – I don’t want to bother them. I am normally so self-sufficient, and the further along I get in the pregnancy, the harder it is for me to do everyday stuff – and the harder it is to admit that I can’t do them.
I have so much to do, and I just can’t find the energy to do any of it. I need to have the bathtub re-caulked, the baby room and dining room windows need cleaned and sealed off for the winter, all of my plants need re-potted, and I have a planter for the crocus memorial for Shady, but haven’t gotten around to doing that, either.
I’m dreading the holidays because I am already so stressed out and frazzled with everything I’m not doing (or not able to do), and everything that isn’t happening (or isn’t being made to happen) – I can’t imagine going through with everything. Work is a pseudo-haven for me, if only because it’s mostly brainless and I don’t have to think… It’s a double-edged sword, though, since because it’s mostly brainless, I find myself starting to stress all over again about what is and isn’t happening, what I can and can’t do anymore, and how much of a failure I feel like.
I hate failure – and I hate feeling this way… I just don’t know how to fix it.
~M
It seems to be all I can physically and mentally do just to get out of bed right now. All I honestly *want* to do is lay down and cry about absolutely nothing at all. I have no idea why, and can’t give a specific reason, but that’s what I want to do.
I don’t feel good about myself – not about how I look, or what I’m doing around the house (or lack thereof , what with my back being buggered up lately), or even how I’m feeling about everything – which just makes for an insanely vicious cycle to fall downward into. Logically, I know that this is just a phase and I’m sure to bounce out of it sooner or later. I just feel so empty, though. Like there’s wind whistling through my soul and I can’t seem to find a warm spot for it to be in.
I am filled with doubts about my own ability to take care of Elizabeth, myself, Fred, the house in general. I can’t stop thinking that somehow, when Elizabeth arrives, I’m going to be so hopelessly backed up in chores and bills that I won’t be able to ever catch up again, and we’ll be booted out of the apartment because we won’t be able to afford it.
I doubt my own attractiveness – and while most would say “well, of course, that’s to be expected”, it’s not something that *I* expected. I can’t say that I’m surprised too much about it, considering my changing shape (though not weight), and the lack of energy for anything… But it still is something I am now dealing with along with everything else.
I feel like a failure because I can’t do everything that is needed to be done at home – and I don’t feel comfortable asking for help because everyone I know works so hard – I don’t want to bother them. I am normally so self-sufficient, and the further along I get in the pregnancy, the harder it is for me to do everyday stuff – and the harder it is to admit that I can’t do them.
I have so much to do, and I just can’t find the energy to do any of it. I need to have the bathtub re-caulked, the baby room and dining room windows need cleaned and sealed off for the winter, all of my plants need re-potted, and I have a planter for the crocus memorial for Shady, but haven’t gotten around to doing that, either.
I’m dreading the holidays because I am already so stressed out and frazzled with everything I’m not doing (or not able to do), and everything that isn’t happening (or isn’t being made to happen) – I can’t imagine going through with everything. Work is a pseudo-haven for me, if only because it’s mostly brainless and I don’t have to think… It’s a double-edged sword, though, since because it’s mostly brainless, I find myself starting to stress all over again about what is and isn’t happening, what I can and can’t do anymore, and how much of a failure I feel like.
I hate failure – and I hate feeling this way… I just don’t know how to fix it.
~M
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Recouping...
So, in the aftermath of sorting everything out from the baby shower, I'm finding it easier to come up with the list of things that we don't have - it's shorter. LOL.
*Diaper pail
*bottles (preferably the ones with the pouches, or the ones that are bent)
*bottle sterilizer
*bottle warmer
*large diaper pins (fabu for keeping little booties together in the wash)
*diaper bag (or fabric to make such)
*boppy pillow (or fabric and stuffing to make such)
I'd still like to get a play-mat, but that can wait until after Elizabeth is born, so there's no major hurry on it.
In other news, while I got the chair I needed to work up at the hot site, I have been restricted to no more than 5 lbs lifting due to the back strains that I've gotten - and also no major stretching or bending. I've been referred to physical therapy, but will have to wait until next week for them to schedule an appointment for me (if the insurance covers it). Meanwhile, I'm taking lots of hot baths, sitting up straight, and attempting to gently stretch everything without straining it further. The up-shot, I don't have to carry a lot of pretty much anything. The down-shot, this means that Fred will be doing a lot more, poor thing.
Speaking of, Fred has been a total rock for me, and I am so lucky to have him. I let him know the restrictions and he was fine with them. He has apparently had visions of me doing something to cause premature labor and having the baby pop out then pop back in again... The visual is amusing, but I can understand his concern.
So, tonight I get a nice hot bath, and then possibly some lotion, and then snuggles from both Fred and Jazzy. Jazzy has decided that I'm just the most wonderful human in the world. This morning she got a lonesome attack and got up on the bed to snuggle with me at 3:30 in the morning (something she normally never does). She still shies away from Fred (probably something to do with men in general and her past), but is getting used to him. In about a month or so, she should be mostly adjusted to the house and sounds going around in and next door to it.
Other than that, nothing much going on - just work and home stuff, as usual.
~M
*Diaper pail
*bottles (preferably the ones with the pouches, or the ones that are bent)
*bottle sterilizer
*bottle warmer
*large diaper pins (fabu for keeping little booties together in the wash)
*diaper bag (or fabric to make such)
*boppy pillow (or fabric and stuffing to make such)
I'd still like to get a play-mat, but that can wait until after Elizabeth is born, so there's no major hurry on it.
In other news, while I got the chair I needed to work up at the hot site, I have been restricted to no more than 5 lbs lifting due to the back strains that I've gotten - and also no major stretching or bending. I've been referred to physical therapy, but will have to wait until next week for them to schedule an appointment for me (if the insurance covers it). Meanwhile, I'm taking lots of hot baths, sitting up straight, and attempting to gently stretch everything without straining it further. The up-shot, I don't have to carry a lot of pretty much anything. The down-shot, this means that Fred will be doing a lot more, poor thing.
Speaking of, Fred has been a total rock for me, and I am so lucky to have him. I let him know the restrictions and he was fine with them. He has apparently had visions of me doing something to cause premature labor and having the baby pop out then pop back in again... The visual is amusing, but I can understand his concern.
So, tonight I get a nice hot bath, and then possibly some lotion, and then snuggles from both Fred and Jazzy. Jazzy has decided that I'm just the most wonderful human in the world. This morning she got a lonesome attack and got up on the bed to snuggle with me at 3:30 in the morning (something she normally never does). She still shies away from Fred (probably something to do with men in general and her past), but is getting used to him. In about a month or so, she should be mostly adjusted to the house and sounds going around in and next door to it.
Other than that, nothing much going on - just work and home stuff, as usual.
~M
Sunday, November 04, 2007
Whoof!
Well, the baby shower and visit with Mom is over with. I ran around so much and did so much walking that my calves hurt now. *chuckle*
Mom arrived Thursday night, and we had a nice time cooking and eating in. Then we woke up fairly early Friday and dragged Fred around with us while we headed to the bank, then to the other bank, then over to Lowe's, then to Si Senor to have lunch, and then Winco - and THEN back home. Afterwards, we put away groceries and relaxed until dinner, which was 3 bean chili and quesadillas.
Saturday we woke up early again and headed over to Powell's while Fred did laundry. On the way over we dropped off the sewing machine at my work to my co-worker, Christina, who has been patiently waiting for it to arrive.
Powell's is evil, and I should *NEVER* be allowed in there with *ANY* sort of money at all - it will be gone! I got 3 new books for our Terry Pratchett series collection, and I picked up a little something for Fred for his stocking, and a little something for Lyse for *her* stocking. We then headed back home and got some lunch, and waited for everyone to get ready for the baby shower.
The baby shower was a great time. I got to see Ang' and Slasher, who brought their little one with them (the elder was with other family that day), and Courtney and Ace came with Courtney's parents, Gail & Steve. The Hippie Hamster of Doom dropped by, and of course, the gal who put it all together, Raistlin, was there, too. I got to briefly say hello to Dark Winged Fae, before she had to hie off to a book signing with a friend, and I also had a friend from work come by as well.
The snackies were good, the company fabu, and the kid made out like a bandit. I will have a full list probably tomorrow, along with thank you's to everyone - I need to have time to go through everything and label who gave what, so I can get out the thank you cards to them as quickly as I can (while I still have a brain that functions).
After the shower, Mom and I dropped Fred off home to do some things, then headed over to Babies R' Us for some further shopping excitement. We got a lifetime crib (goes from crib, to toddler bed, to full-size), a mattress for it, a car seat that, according to the box, should fit the baby until she's at least 4, and some sheets and a mattress pad for it. We also got a 5 year baby book, which is adorable. We looked at some rockers, and Mom is going to see whether she still has her old one to hand over to me for a bit.
We had dinner at the Mandarin Palace, then did a bit of karaoke and I wimped out early. Fred and Mom didn't actually get to bed until around 1 am or so, as they were chatting about music and things. This morning we headed back out to Babies R' Us to pick up the crib. I now know that Fred is not to be allowed in the baby toy aisle - though sometimes it is amusing... We went ga-ga over a few "girlie" outfits, and then hooked up the crib to the top of the Pathfinder and headed back to the apartment, where Raistlin met us and helped get the darned thing up the stairs.
It's been a weekend... I'm wondering when I get to have a nap. LOL. I am only hoping at this point I will be able to get through tonight, and tomorrow I will give myself a nice, long, indulgent hot bath after I do my chores.
~M
Mom arrived Thursday night, and we had a nice time cooking and eating in. Then we woke up fairly early Friday and dragged Fred around with us while we headed to the bank, then to the other bank, then over to Lowe's, then to Si Senor to have lunch, and then Winco - and THEN back home. Afterwards, we put away groceries and relaxed until dinner, which was 3 bean chili and quesadillas.
Saturday we woke up early again and headed over to Powell's while Fred did laundry. On the way over we dropped off the sewing machine at my work to my co-worker, Christina, who has been patiently waiting for it to arrive.
Powell's is evil, and I should *NEVER* be allowed in there with *ANY* sort of money at all - it will be gone! I got 3 new books for our Terry Pratchett series collection, and I picked up a little something for Fred for his stocking, and a little something for Lyse for *her* stocking. We then headed back home and got some lunch, and waited for everyone to get ready for the baby shower.
The baby shower was a great time. I got to see Ang' and Slasher, who brought their little one with them (the elder was with other family that day), and Courtney and Ace came with Courtney's parents, Gail & Steve. The Hippie Hamster of Doom dropped by, and of course, the gal who put it all together, Raistlin, was there, too. I got to briefly say hello to Dark Winged Fae, before she had to hie off to a book signing with a friend, and I also had a friend from work come by as well.
The snackies were good, the company fabu, and the kid made out like a bandit. I will have a full list probably tomorrow, along with thank you's to everyone - I need to have time to go through everything and label who gave what, so I can get out the thank you cards to them as quickly as I can (while I still have a brain that functions).
After the shower, Mom and I dropped Fred off home to do some things, then headed over to Babies R' Us for some further shopping excitement. We got a lifetime crib (goes from crib, to toddler bed, to full-size), a mattress for it, a car seat that, according to the box, should fit the baby until she's at least 4, and some sheets and a mattress pad for it. We also got a 5 year baby book, which is adorable. We looked at some rockers, and Mom is going to see whether she still has her old one to hand over to me for a bit.
We had dinner at the Mandarin Palace, then did a bit of karaoke and I wimped out early. Fred and Mom didn't actually get to bed until around 1 am or so, as they were chatting about music and things. This morning we headed back out to Babies R' Us to pick up the crib. I now know that Fred is not to be allowed in the baby toy aisle - though sometimes it is amusing... We went ga-ga over a few "girlie" outfits, and then hooked up the crib to the top of the Pathfinder and headed back to the apartment, where Raistlin met us and helped get the darned thing up the stairs.
It's been a weekend... I'm wondering when I get to have a nap. LOL. I am only hoping at this point I will be able to get through tonight, and tomorrow I will give myself a nice, long, indulgent hot bath after I do my chores.
~M
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