Dylan is getting his first tooth! Very exciting...except now I have to break him of the habit of biting my chin when he's excited. That was cute and now it's not so cute anymore.
Dylan also went on his first swing ride this weekend, and is a little adrenaline junkie. He laughed and laughed until Grant swung him too high and then he stopped laughing, and looked a little sick. Leave it to dad to push a little to hard! :)
As Dylan is only 8 months old, this was also his first Thanksgiving. So, he had his first bites of turkey, sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes and gravy and biscuits. Even without teeth he chowed down.
I am so thankful this Thanksgiving to have Dylan in my life. Having a baby has opened me up to viewing the world minute by minute, as it goes by, instead of constantly planning ahead. When I'm out with Dylan, I always take the time to have him smell a new flower, feel the wet grass or watch a seagull fly around (he thinks that is really funny). These times are priceless.
I'm also thankful for my wonderful, supportive family and my great job. I am blessed to have so many caring people in my life and to have security at work when so many other people are living through hard times.
Speaking of hard times, I read that a WalMart worker got run over by an over-anxious crowd of shoppers. I don't shop at WalMart anyway and this just confirms my desire to avoid that store. Not only does it underpay workers and add to our taxroll by making sure that they all qualify for government health care (instead of providing them affordable, or hello you make enough money WalMart, free health care), but I can't stand the WalMart culture. If anyone reading my blog has ever been in a Walmart in northern Cal. you'll know what I'm talking about. Tweaked out, spandex and looney-toon shirt wearing, teeth missing, yelling at their children loosers. 'Nough said. I can't stand to ever go in another WalMart after shopping in the one in Oroville. I have seen people on their worst behavior in that store. I can't believe what low prices can do to people.
Grant and I watched a documentary about WalMart a couple of years back and if you shop there, I highly suggest you check it out. There's a Web site about the movie: http://www.walmartmovie.com/. It may not change your mind about taking advantage of its low prices, but at least you can see what your hard earned dollar is supporting.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
No Deletion Allowed
Well, for my one (or two) loyal readers, I have some news...blogspot does not allow, or as they put it, does not have the function for blog deletion. The alternative is to go through every blog and delete it individually and then delete my personal information. I have no time to write a blog, let alone delete each one, one at a time! So, I'll just try to write during my spare time and see where it takes me. I hate to have things floating around in Internet land, but so be it!
Speaking of spare time, I am still pumping at work! I have made it five months now (Dylan is a bit over 8 months) and let me tell you, it is not the pinacle of motherhood. I HATE pumping at work. I have to walk across campus to the lactation room (I do have my own office, but I am paranoid of someone peaking in) three times a day. I have to attach myself to a machine and try to relax when all I can think about it the press release I have to write, the marketing proposal I have to finish, the ad deadline that is a day away, the virtual tour that's never going to get done...etc., etc. Over the past couple of months, I've pumped less and less and so Dylan has to get a bottle of formula once a day. It was that or be a slave to my pump at home as well. I decided my freedom from those sucking horns was more important than Dylan getting three full bottles of breast milk each day.
I have tried to not give myself a hard time about the formula bit, but it's difficult not to have "formula guilt." I'm already working away from home, meaning Dylan is left with a care provider. Then, on top of it, my body has failed to produce what he needs, which makes me feel even more like a terrible mother. Now, I find out today that there's some terrible chemical that's used to strip paint off cars and manufacture metal that's been found in a sample of U.S. formula. Great.
Send me to bad mom jail.
Can't anyone make clean baby products anymore? We have toys painted with lead, bottles made with toxic chemicals, cribs that collapse, blankets that suffocate, and now baby formula tainted with other bad stuff.
It's a full time job keeping up with all these recalls! What's next? I shuddder to think of what else I now have to worry about.
Speaking of spare time, I am still pumping at work! I have made it five months now (Dylan is a bit over 8 months) and let me tell you, it is not the pinacle of motherhood. I HATE pumping at work. I have to walk across campus to the lactation room (I do have my own office, but I am paranoid of someone peaking in) three times a day. I have to attach myself to a machine and try to relax when all I can think about it the press release I have to write, the marketing proposal I have to finish, the ad deadline that is a day away, the virtual tour that's never going to get done...etc., etc. Over the past couple of months, I've pumped less and less and so Dylan has to get a bottle of formula once a day. It was that or be a slave to my pump at home as well. I decided my freedom from those sucking horns was more important than Dylan getting three full bottles of breast milk each day.
I have tried to not give myself a hard time about the formula bit, but it's difficult not to have "formula guilt." I'm already working away from home, meaning Dylan is left with a care provider. Then, on top of it, my body has failed to produce what he needs, which makes me feel even more like a terrible mother. Now, I find out today that there's some terrible chemical that's used to strip paint off cars and manufacture metal that's been found in a sample of U.S. formula. Great.
Send me to bad mom jail.
Can't anyone make clean baby products anymore? We have toys painted with lead, bottles made with toxic chemicals, cribs that collapse, blankets that suffocate, and now baby formula tainted with other bad stuff.
It's a full time job keeping up with all these recalls! What's next? I shuddder to think of what else I now have to worry about.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Responsible Blogging
I have failed to blog responsibly. I just don't have enough time in the day to sit down and write this blog! I have to say, I started with the right intentions...but now I'm pretty disappointed in myself! :) I am also working on a middle school book, and that's taking up my night time me time. It's been in my brain for a long time and now that Beth is 11, it's the perfect time to capture on paper what I've been storing up in my cranium.
Anyway, don't be surprised if you come back here in the next couple of weeks and discover--gasp--that the blog is gone. I don't like having out-of-date info hanging out on the Internet never-never land, so I may just pull the plug entirely.
I guess that will make me a recovering blogger.
Anyway, don't be surprised if you come back here in the next couple of weeks and discover--gasp--that the blog is gone. I don't like having out-of-date info hanging out on the Internet never-never land, so I may just pull the plug entirely.
I guess that will make me a recovering blogger.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Parental Parade
Being a parent is fun but is also full of worries. Dylan is one of the happiest babies I've ever met, and of course, I'm his mother, so I think he's perfect, but still, he's pretty happy! He is so full of life and love. Today I put up a baby gate to keep him confined to the living room because he is crawling and already pulling himself up! Crazy baby! He's been in the "baby could possibly be doing" stage of What to Expect the First Year almost every month. He already knows how to make mamma proud.
He had his 6 month check up on Friday and has only gained about a pound and a half in the past 2 months. So, he has to go in for a weight check up in 6 weeks. I feel like a terrible mother. The doctor wants me to feed him more solids. Most babies are just starting solids, now Dylan is supposed to eat them 3 times a day plus nurse! I guess he's just like Beth, who has an endless stomach. Still, I can't help but thinking I should have been force feeding him more often.
I guess as parents you never stop worrying that you've done a good enough job. I know my parents still worry about my brother and I even though they have done tremendous jobs with us. My parents have made lots of sacrifices so that my brother and I could have good lives, and for that I will always be grateful.
So, whether you be 6 months, or 31 years, as long as you have loving parents, or parental figures, there will always be someone out there who worries about you. It can be annoying, but it's nice to know you have someone out there who loves you so much.
He had his 6 month check up on Friday and has only gained about a pound and a half in the past 2 months. So, he has to go in for a weight check up in 6 weeks. I feel like a terrible mother. The doctor wants me to feed him more solids. Most babies are just starting solids, now Dylan is supposed to eat them 3 times a day plus nurse! I guess he's just like Beth, who has an endless stomach. Still, I can't help but thinking I should have been force feeding him more often.
I guess as parents you never stop worrying that you've done a good enough job. I know my parents still worry about my brother and I even though they have done tremendous jobs with us. My parents have made lots of sacrifices so that my brother and I could have good lives, and for that I will always be grateful.
So, whether you be 6 months, or 31 years, as long as you have loving parents, or parental figures, there will always be someone out there who worries about you. It can be annoying, but it's nice to know you have someone out there who loves you so much.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
The election is upon us
Well, the election is upon us. And, I really don't care. Which is depressing, because usually I am a person who cares a lot about politics and our country. But, I am so sick of the same-old-same-old. It saddens me.
I used to be a political science major and was really into politics. I remember being a democrat in high school and not being able to wait to vote. My 12th grade history teacher told class one day, "You're all democrats now, but wait until you make your own money. Then you'll be republicans." I thought, "Ha! He's wrong." But, I did swing to the extreme right for a while when I declared myself a libertarian, eschewing all government except that which is necessary. That viewpoint was strengthened when I was a reporter; I saw so many bad things done by people on welfare/government assistance that it really turned me off to government, and to people in general. Despite working 60 hours a week for pennies, I was not eligible for any assistance and subsided off top ramen for 2 years. Boy, I was thin back then. I remember one point when I though, "Wow, I actually like being hungry." Crazy me. But boy, did I look good! :)
After joining the Sheriff's Office I switched over *gasp* to the Republican party. I saw we needed more government than just the bare essentials. Working for the sheriff's department I saw even more bad things then as a reporter, which permanently turned me off to Northern California.
George Bush was elected. And then, reelected, gasp, despite the fact that I, even as a new recruit into the Republican party, couldn't stand the man. What a fool! During the governor's election I started getting calls from all these republicans about all these issues I didn't agree with them on--gay marriage, for example. Who cares who gets married? Get over the phobia already! So, I switched to independent and am still one.
So, I decided to give this election a chance and watch the debates. Obama and McCains was boring. Bidens and Palin's was a little more interesting. I am really leaning toward voting for Obama because I agree with him on so many more issues than McCain. However I have to express my utter disappointment that he is anti-gay marriage (as said by Biden) when everything he says in the past says that he is pro. Now, gay marriage isn't something I am going to die on the cross for. But, I thought Obama was campaigning on the whole "change" ticket, and turns out, the man isn't for changing one of the biggest civil rights issues of our day. Turns out, he's just another politician, willing to sacrifice his own opinion to get votes, to parade himself as one man to some and another to the rest. Disappointing.
I complained to my husband, who said, "This is why I never vote." Maybe he has a point after all.
Speaking of politics, Beth lost the election and was devestated. Turns out, the girl who won promised to bring candy back. The district has a no-sweets policy, so the chances of this happening are slim to none. Beth declared, "It's not fair! She lied! There's no way candy can come back." Poor Beth, learning the tough lessons of politics at such an early age.
I used to be a political science major and was really into politics. I remember being a democrat in high school and not being able to wait to vote. My 12th grade history teacher told class one day, "You're all democrats now, but wait until you make your own money. Then you'll be republicans." I thought, "Ha! He's wrong." But, I did swing to the extreme right for a while when I declared myself a libertarian, eschewing all government except that which is necessary. That viewpoint was strengthened when I was a reporter; I saw so many bad things done by people on welfare/government assistance that it really turned me off to government, and to people in general. Despite working 60 hours a week for pennies, I was not eligible for any assistance and subsided off top ramen for 2 years. Boy, I was thin back then. I remember one point when I though, "Wow, I actually like being hungry." Crazy me. But boy, did I look good! :)
After joining the Sheriff's Office I switched over *gasp* to the Republican party. I saw we needed more government than just the bare essentials. Working for the sheriff's department I saw even more bad things then as a reporter, which permanently turned me off to Northern California.
George Bush was elected. And then, reelected, gasp, despite the fact that I, even as a new recruit into the Republican party, couldn't stand the man. What a fool! During the governor's election I started getting calls from all these republicans about all these issues I didn't agree with them on--gay marriage, for example. Who cares who gets married? Get over the phobia already! So, I switched to independent and am still one.
So, I decided to give this election a chance and watch the debates. Obama and McCains was boring. Bidens and Palin's was a little more interesting. I am really leaning toward voting for Obama because I agree with him on so many more issues than McCain. However I have to express my utter disappointment that he is anti-gay marriage (as said by Biden) when everything he says in the past says that he is pro. Now, gay marriage isn't something I am going to die on the cross for. But, I thought Obama was campaigning on the whole "change" ticket, and turns out, the man isn't for changing one of the biggest civil rights issues of our day. Turns out, he's just another politician, willing to sacrifice his own opinion to get votes, to parade himself as one man to some and another to the rest. Disappointing.
I complained to my husband, who said, "This is why I never vote." Maybe he has a point after all.
Speaking of politics, Beth lost the election and was devestated. Turns out, the girl who won promised to bring candy back. The district has a no-sweets policy, so the chances of this happening are slim to none. Beth declared, "It's not fair! She lied! There's no way candy can come back." Poor Beth, learning the tough lessons of politics at such an early age.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
My life as a 10 year old
Well, howdy loyal readers. I know I haven't posted in two months... the baby, Beth, the hubby and work are the main focus of my life, which means I have been neglecting all my friends!
Beth is running for Student Body President... my little drama queen is going to make name for herself in politics! I'm so proud! Her campaign strategy is really unique and ingeniuos. She has promised crazy sock day (who wouldn't like crazy sock day), hippie day (ah, I remember those times myself) and wants to institute a monthly, school-wide vote on what is the best lunch. The lunch winner will then be served again on an upcoming Friday! What great ideas! If only someone was this creative at my work. Good food and fun games make us all happy!
Beth has been practicing her speech in front of the mirror, the dog and the baby. It reminds me so much of me at age 10. I too gave a speech in front of the entire school. I was a finalist in the 5th grade speech contest. To commemorate the event, my mother bought me the ultimate in '80s fashion: a puffy paint, neon shirt and a matching spandex skort. When it was my turn to speak, I got through one full minute before completely freezing. I looked out at the crowd, silent for about 20 seconds. I spotted my mother in the back row...she was crying. Then I saw this really cool sixth grader who mouthed, "You can do it!" What a wonderful, cheesy '80s movie moment. But it's true, which makes it all the better.
Well, I finished that speech and got third place (in other words, last place). I was teased for months by the class bully, who called me a hippie, which at the time really angered me. She also called me dog, which sucked and made me cry.
You can believe Beth is practicing her speech in front of the mirror, the dog and the baby. I won't be crying for her next Wednesday. This little know-it-all is going to knock everyone's socks off and get elected. And, if she doensn't, I'll have to make her consoladation prize better than the on my mom got me... a training bra.
Beth is running for Student Body President... my little drama queen is going to make name for herself in politics! I'm so proud! Her campaign strategy is really unique and ingeniuos. She has promised crazy sock day (who wouldn't like crazy sock day), hippie day (ah, I remember those times myself) and wants to institute a monthly, school-wide vote on what is the best lunch. The lunch winner will then be served again on an upcoming Friday! What great ideas! If only someone was this creative at my work. Good food and fun games make us all happy!
Beth has been practicing her speech in front of the mirror, the dog and the baby. It reminds me so much of me at age 10. I too gave a speech in front of the entire school. I was a finalist in the 5th grade speech contest. To commemorate the event, my mother bought me the ultimate in '80s fashion: a puffy paint, neon shirt and a matching spandex skort. When it was my turn to speak, I got through one full minute before completely freezing. I looked out at the crowd, silent for about 20 seconds. I spotted my mother in the back row...she was crying. Then I saw this really cool sixth grader who mouthed, "You can do it!" What a wonderful, cheesy '80s movie moment. But it's true, which makes it all the better.
Well, I finished that speech and got third place (in other words, last place). I was teased for months by the class bully, who called me a hippie, which at the time really angered me. She also called me dog, which sucked and made me cry.
You can believe Beth is practicing her speech in front of the mirror, the dog and the baby. I won't be crying for her next Wednesday. This little know-it-all is going to knock everyone's socks off and get elected. And, if she doensn't, I'll have to make her consoladation prize better than the on my mom got me... a training bra.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
My blog is boring
Yes, my blog is boring. But here is one that's not:
http://lovelylisting.blogspot.com/
Enjoy!
http://lovelylisting.blogspot.com/
Enjoy!
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Heat Wave!
It is freakin' hot here today. Like melt the skin off your body hot. Phew. Thanks Silent H for the TV show suggestions. Grant and I tried to watch Weeds, which I liked but he didn't. We'll have to get your suggestion a shot.
I finally got my board! I waxed it this morning! Hooray! Dylan laid on it too, check out the photo below... tre cute! :) Dylan is such a little heart breaker. He is so cute and smiley it kills me. Today Grant bought an easy-up so tomorrow we're all heading down to Cardiff... hope to get there before the crowd. I'm a little worried to have the baby there for more than an hour, but we've got to do it sometime and I don't want to go all summer without spending a couple of days at the beach.
I'm back at work, which is nice. I'm only working 32 hours a week and of that I spend about 6 hours in route to or in the lactation room. Pumping at work is hard work. I'm super lucky though to work for a place that gave us our own room so I don't have to pump in my office, and my friend in the toilet stall.
I miss teaching my Palomar class. The 18 year olds always kept me on my toes. Word around the campfire is that one, maybe two, full time teaching jobs may open in my discipline at my college. I am definitely going to apply and am going to ignore how competitive those positions are; in the words of Stuart Smalley, 'I'm good enough, I'm smart enough and, gosh darn it, people like me'.
Tonight Grant and I celebrate 5 years of being married! I can't believe 5 years has passed. Grant still leaves his coffee cups all over the house and never puts away his toiletries (though since the advent of the man basket at least half of them are housed in one location). I still mapquest our life and do a piss poor job of loading the dishwasher. But now that we are so used to each other these have just become other enduring traits that, while annoying, we each find rather charming. I know grant won't read my blog because he thinks it's dorky, but happy anniversary Senior Muffin Head, I love you!
I finally got my board! I waxed it this morning! Hooray! Dylan laid on it too, check out the photo below... tre cute! :) Dylan is such a little heart breaker. He is so cute and smiley it kills me. Today Grant bought an easy-up so tomorrow we're all heading down to Cardiff... hope to get there before the crowd. I'm a little worried to have the baby there for more than an hour, but we've got to do it sometime and I don't want to go all summer without spending a couple of days at the beach.
I'm back at work, which is nice. I'm only working 32 hours a week and of that I spend about 6 hours in route to or in the lactation room. Pumping at work is hard work. I'm super lucky though to work for a place that gave us our own room so I don't have to pump in my office, and my friend in the toilet stall.
I miss teaching my Palomar class. The 18 year olds always kept me on my toes. Word around the campfire is that one, maybe two, full time teaching jobs may open in my discipline at my college. I am definitely going to apply and am going to ignore how competitive those positions are; in the words of Stuart Smalley, 'I'm good enough, I'm smart enough and, gosh darn it, people like me'.
Tonight Grant and I celebrate 5 years of being married! I can't believe 5 years has passed. Grant still leaves his coffee cups all over the house and never puts away his toiletries (though since the advent of the man basket at least half of them are housed in one location). I still mapquest our life and do a piss poor job of loading the dishwasher. But now that we are so used to each other these have just become other enduring traits that, while annoying, we each find rather charming. I know grant won't read my blog because he thinks it's dorky, but happy anniversary Senior Muffin Head, I love you!
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Suggestions
Not much new here... I'm on the final countdown to return to work. I surfed today, the water is nice; 68... my new board should be in next week.
Grant and I are out of TV shows... we are waiting for the next season to come out on netflix for The Wire, Dexter, Big Love and The Shield. Any suggestions for good TV Shows?
I have lost interest in the presidential race. All I seem to be able to think about now is how to make money. I should have been a slum lord.
Grant and I are out of TV shows... we are waiting for the next season to come out on netflix for The Wire, Dexter, Big Love and The Shield. Any suggestions for good TV Shows?
I have lost interest in the presidential race. All I seem to be able to think about now is how to make money. I should have been a slum lord.
Monday, May 12, 2008
hallelujah and happy mother day
I have officially joined the mother's club. I find myself talking a lot about baby poop lately and that is very scary. I think my next post after this one will have to be non baby-related post. Having a baby definitly does change your view of the world. I have been talking about baby poop to all who are interested. I've learned the difference between yellow and green baby poop. Very interesting stuff. My friend, Kory, has on her blog site that sufermommy used to be a great debater. I'm glad that is in the past tense because lately all I've been debating about is what type of baby sling is the best and when the best time for the baby to have his own crib is. I need to catch up on life outside of my front door!
Yesterday was mother's day and I had a great day. I had my first cadillac in a year! Yum. My dad is a master at margaritas. I didn't surf, but I have no one to blame for that but my brother! :) He left my wetsuit in my grandma's car (I left it at my parent's house last year) so I didn't get it until yesterday afternoon. My entire family told me there was no way it would fit. So, I proved them wrong (check out the photo, what a dork!). Using my mad contortionist skills, I not only got into the wetsuit, but I zipped it up and was able to take it off! Now I have to have someone watch Dylan so I can get in the water!
I am going into work on Thursday for a photo shoot for next year's ads, schedules, etc. It will be Dylan's first time with the nanny. I am nervous, but I know they'll do just fine. I'm glad to go back to work, I like the challenge of work but Dylan is my most important job so it's hard not to feel guilty. Luckily, I have one more month before I'm back 32 hours a week, so we stil have plenty of time to spend together.
Yesterday was mother's day and I had a great day. I had my first cadillac in a year! Yum. My dad is a master at margaritas. I didn't surf, but I have no one to blame for that but my brother! :) He left my wetsuit in my grandma's car (I left it at my parent's house last year) so I didn't get it until yesterday afternoon. My entire family told me there was no way it would fit. So, I proved them wrong (check out the photo, what a dork!). Using my mad contortionist skills, I not only got into the wetsuit, but I zipped it up and was able to take it off! Now I have to have someone watch Dylan so I can get in the water!
I am going into work on Thursday for a photo shoot for next year's ads, schedules, etc. It will be Dylan's first time with the nanny. I am nervous, but I know they'll do just fine. I'm glad to go back to work, I like the challenge of work but Dylan is my most important job so it's hard not to feel guilty. Luckily, I have one more month before I'm back 32 hours a week, so we stil have plenty of time to spend together.
Monday, April 28, 2008
I like big butts and I cannot lie
Not much new here... my best friend visited this past weekend and was a great help with the baby; so I was able to answer a lot of e-mails and pay bills, etc. I have been focused on trying to loose the baby weight, especially b/c I want to fit into my wetsuits. I'm down 23 pounds... just 6 more to go. Unfortunately, I haven't lost any weight the last week. I have a feeling these 6 pounds aren't going to melt off... I'm actually going to have to work hard to get them gone for good. While I'm at it, I might as well try to loose the 10 I've gained over the past 4 years of marriage.
What is it with guys and dieting? Grant decided to go on a diet and has cut out beer and cookies and lost 6 pounds right away. And, he only drinks about 2-3 beers a week! How does that work? Once, Grant went on a diet and didn't tell me. I noticed that he was really thin and said something to him. He said, "oh, I've been on a diet for the past month." I hadn't even noticed! And, he hadn't said anything. That's the difference between men and women. When I'm on a diet everyone knows, especially my family since I force them to suffer through the chocolate withdrawals and strip the cupboard of all foods that they like so that I won't be tempted! :)
I'm on my surfing countdown. I'm really hoping to get out this weekend. My noserider isn't finished, but I've got my egg and 9 footer... I'll probably start back on the longboard and leave the egg for this summer, it's a fun board. People keep asking if I'm afraid of the shark attack. Of course I'm scared of sharks, but they are always there, whether we know it or not. you can't stop doing something you love because of fear. Anyway, for those scared of sharks, you have a greater chance of dying in a car accident on the way to the beach than getting bit by a shark. That being said, my heart goes out to the family of the man who died. He was the father of my brother, Casey's, good friend and i know his family is devastated.
Gotta run, Dylan is awake!
What is it with guys and dieting? Grant decided to go on a diet and has cut out beer and cookies and lost 6 pounds right away. And, he only drinks about 2-3 beers a week! How does that work? Once, Grant went on a diet and didn't tell me. I noticed that he was really thin and said something to him. He said, "oh, I've been on a diet for the past month." I hadn't even noticed! And, he hadn't said anything. That's the difference between men and women. When I'm on a diet everyone knows, especially my family since I force them to suffer through the chocolate withdrawals and strip the cupboard of all foods that they like so that I won't be tempted! :)
I'm on my surfing countdown. I'm really hoping to get out this weekend. My noserider isn't finished, but I've got my egg and 9 footer... I'll probably start back on the longboard and leave the egg for this summer, it's a fun board. People keep asking if I'm afraid of the shark attack. Of course I'm scared of sharks, but they are always there, whether we know it or not. you can't stop doing something you love because of fear. Anyway, for those scared of sharks, you have a greater chance of dying in a car accident on the way to the beach than getting bit by a shark. That being said, my heart goes out to the family of the man who died. He was the father of my brother, Casey's, good friend and i know his family is devastated.
Gotta run, Dylan is awake!
Friday, April 18, 2008
Pretty Fly for a White Guy
My poor baby is so white. I think he got Grant's Scottish/Irish coloring. I'm pretty white myself, but I tan before I burn while Grant either burns or gained 1,000 new freckles. I have to keep him out of the sun at all times. What is this going to do for his future in surfing?
Speaking of surfing, I ordered a new surfboard for myself and I'm hoping it will be finished by the time the doctor gives me the clearance to excercise on May 1. I'm so excited to go surfing again, but nervous to leave Dylan behind when I get in the water. I guess I'll have to get used to that considering I'll be back to work June 9. So far I haven't left him for more than 45 minutes when I went to the store one day when Grant was home.
Not much is new here. The days are flying by and I'm having fun with Dylan. He's growing up all ready and has gained so much weight. He's now my little pork chop!
Speaking of surfing, I ordered a new surfboard for myself and I'm hoping it will be finished by the time the doctor gives me the clearance to excercise on May 1. I'm so excited to go surfing again, but nervous to leave Dylan behind when I get in the water. I guess I'll have to get used to that considering I'll be back to work June 9. So far I haven't left him for more than 45 minutes when I went to the store one day when Grant was home.
Not much is new here. The days are flying by and I'm having fun with Dylan. He's growing up all ready and has gained so much weight. He's now my little pork chop!
Monday, March 31, 2008
What I've learned the last two weeks
Since I have a few minutes, I thought I'd share what I've learned over the last 16 days of being a mom.
First, I never understood how stay at home moms could have messy homes. I mean, you're home all day, what else do you have to do but pick up after yourself, right? Well, I've learned that staying at home with an infant is a recipe for a messy home. Now, my house is still really clean by most people's standards (plus, I have a maid come every two weeks, so it better be), but still, the clutter is beginning to pile up. I try to pick up/start a project and the baby cries. He's hungry, needs changing, wants to snuggle, etc. Or, I just want to sit and cuddle with him. After all, that's what babies need most! So, I've just learned that just because you stay home all day you aren't going to have a house cleaner than those who work. In fact, it's more likely your house will be more disheveled than that of moms who work.
I've also learned what it's like to love someone so much you would die for them. I have only known my son for 2 weeks, but I already feel that way. Case in point, today, I feel when I was holding him. Now, what went through my head, was, oh my god, I'm going to hurt the baby. So, instead of chucking the baby like I would if I had been carrying the laundry basket and landing on my hands, I maneuvered so that I landed onto both of my knees onto the hard, cold tile. Luckily for me my knees have sustained major damage from years of snowboarding so they're pretty tough. But my right knee is now swollen and doesn't look pretty. The baby was okay, he just sat there and smiled at me! So, it made everything okay.
Finally, having a baby has made me closer to my daughter (who is not mine biologically). She calls me mom and now I know what an important title that is and I feel very lucky that she decided herself to make me her mom.
any other parents learn a thing or two once they had their first baby? I'd love to hear about it!
First, I never understood how stay at home moms could have messy homes. I mean, you're home all day, what else do you have to do but pick up after yourself, right? Well, I've learned that staying at home with an infant is a recipe for a messy home. Now, my house is still really clean by most people's standards (plus, I have a maid come every two weeks, so it better be), but still, the clutter is beginning to pile up. I try to pick up/start a project and the baby cries. He's hungry, needs changing, wants to snuggle, etc. Or, I just want to sit and cuddle with him. After all, that's what babies need most! So, I've just learned that just because you stay home all day you aren't going to have a house cleaner than those who work. In fact, it's more likely your house will be more disheveled than that of moms who work.
I've also learned what it's like to love someone so much you would die for them. I have only known my son for 2 weeks, but I already feel that way. Case in point, today, I feel when I was holding him. Now, what went through my head, was, oh my god, I'm going to hurt the baby. So, instead of chucking the baby like I would if I had been carrying the laundry basket and landing on my hands, I maneuvered so that I landed onto both of my knees onto the hard, cold tile. Luckily for me my knees have sustained major damage from years of snowboarding so they're pretty tough. But my right knee is now swollen and doesn't look pretty. The baby was okay, he just sat there and smiled at me! So, it made everything okay.
Finally, having a baby has made me closer to my daughter (who is not mine biologically). She calls me mom and now I know what an important title that is and I feel very lucky that she decided herself to make me her mom.
any other parents learn a thing or two once they had their first baby? I'd love to hear about it!
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Dylan's Birthstory... Gotta hurry!!!
My labor was interesting! Not at all what I had expected or planned for! But everything turned out so well. On Friday the 14th at about 4:30 I felt wet in bed but didn't think anything of it. By noon I had changed my underwear about 5 times and figured I better call the hospital because there was no way I had gone to the bathroom that many times! :) Palomar was full, so I had to call Zion. The nurse I talked to told me to come in to see if my water had broken. Grant and I got there at 2 and sure enough, my water had broken. I was having contractions but not feeling anything. By 3 I was only dilated to 1.5. The midwife recommended that I be induced to avoid infection to the baby. So, at about 5 I was induced with pitocin. I didn't start feeling contractions until 7. Grant and I had our ipod playing and were singing and having a good time. Then, the contractions got stronger. I ended up getting an epidural at about 11. By 3 I was dilated to 9 and the epidural was finished. By 3:30 I was ready to push. This was the hard part! I pushed for 3 hours! The baby was making progress but wasn't clearing my pelvis. I was doing great pushing, I could feel the contractions because the epidural was wearing off. But, I wasn't making much progress. The midwife recommended a vacuum extraction. I agreed and within 2 minutes 10 people were in the room! Three contractions later the baby was born! He is so perfect! He weighed in at 7 pounds, 1 oz and is 19 2/3 inches long.
Grant and I couldn't be happier! The baby looks a lot like Beth, who is so excited to meet him! She had her 4th grade field trip to Sacramento on the 15th and 16th and is at her mom's/grandma's house until the 29th.
All is well here and I am up to talking if anyone wants to call. But, I'm trying to nap when the baby does. Grant is off this week and has been a huge help! Plus, grandma (my mom) is over ever day cooking and helping with the house work.
Guess what? For those of you who don't know, Dylan was born on my birthday! The best birthday present in the world!
Grant and I couldn't be happier! The baby looks a lot like Beth, who is so excited to meet him! She had her 4th grade field trip to Sacramento on the 15th and 16th and is at her mom's/grandma's house until the 29th.
All is well here and I am up to talking if anyone wants to call. But, I'm trying to nap when the baby does. Grant is off this week and has been a huge help! Plus, grandma (my mom) is over ever day cooking and helping with the house work.
Guess what? For those of you who don't know, Dylan was born on my birthday! The best birthday present in the world!
Friday, March 7, 2008
The evolution of my belly
Here is the evolution of my belly:
6 weeks:
37 weeks (a whole 2 weeks ago, so I'm even bigger now!):
How big do you think this baby will be? Any guesses? I'll let you know who's right once he makes his grand entrance!
6 weeks:
37 weeks (a whole 2 weeks ago, so I'm even bigger now!):
How big do you think this baby will be? Any guesses? I'll let you know who's right once he makes his grand entrance!
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Discovery and Ownership
When Grant and I were in New Zealand we heard this great song on the radio. We laughed because the first line talked about how the singer knew this guy was checking out her "bum." We had already picked up some New Zealand/English slang, like "afternoon bonker," which to this day we still use (and try to do occasionally, sorry, mom, my one faithful reader).
So, when I got home I searched high and low for this artist. I couldn't remember her name so I searched for the lyrics I could remember. I finally found out her name was Kate Nash. I found the song Grant and I heard on myspace and added it to my myspace page. At the time only about 1200 other people had added this song to their page. I felt like Columbus, discovering the new world! After a while, I took the song off. Being in marketing, I do like to keep my page relatively fresh! :)
Now, I heard this song on TV! I actually heard it on Grey's Anatomy. I also heard it on an advertisement for some MTV show that I don't watch. And, it's also been used in a television cell phone ad. It's being used everywhere! Plus, her myspace hits are not in the bizzilions (or something like that).
I feel like I made this discovery, personally. What a funny feeling to have! Like, I own the "discovery" of Kate Nash in America since I was one of the few Americans to hear the song abroad and bring it back to share with my friends. Us Americans are so silly.
Anyway, here it is. I still think it's a sweet song and I dedicate it to all my friends who have felt like she does in the song!
So, when I got home I searched high and low for this artist. I couldn't remember her name so I searched for the lyrics I could remember. I finally found out her name was Kate Nash. I found the song Grant and I heard on myspace and added it to my myspace page. At the time only about 1200 other people had added this song to their page. I felt like Columbus, discovering the new world! After a while, I took the song off. Being in marketing, I do like to keep my page relatively fresh! :)
Now, I heard this song on TV! I actually heard it on Grey's Anatomy. I also heard it on an advertisement for some MTV show that I don't watch. And, it's also been used in a television cell phone ad. It's being used everywhere! Plus, her myspace hits are not in the bizzilions (or something like that).
I feel like I made this discovery, personally. What a funny feeling to have! Like, I own the "discovery" of Kate Nash in America since I was one of the few Americans to hear the song abroad and bring it back to share with my friends. Us Americans are so silly.
Anyway, here it is. I still think it's a sweet song and I dedicate it to all my friends who have felt like she does in the song!
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Decimal me this
What is so hard about decimals? Beth cannot seem to comprehend them, no matter how they are explained to her. I have tried all different forms of learning... kinesthetic, visual and audio, but none of it works. I am more frustrated than she is. How do teachers put up with this? When students at the college level consistently fail, they have the freedom to explore other options, ie, drop the class. But when a 10 year old can't understand how to round a decimal to the nearest 10th, what is the answer? She is already in tutoring, or now it's called "after school learning." As a college teacher, I find I lack the patience to work with someone who "has to" get it. If anyone has any decimal suggestions, send them my way.
On an unrelated topic, my mom keeps sending me Barack Obama e-mails. She is convinced that he is going to ruin the world if he wins. She keeps sending this photo of him not salluting the flag.
I looked this up on "truth or fiction" and found out that it is not a doctored photo. His campaign says that sometimes he does and other times he doesn't place his hand on his heart. I find this odd. He must be very immune to peer pressure. I have to say the pledge twice a month at board meetings, and I would never think of not putting my hand over my heart. It would be wierd to be the only one in the room that isn't making that patriotic gesture. To add photographers on top of it would make it even more difficult to stand there with my hands at my side. Though, granted, they were singing the national anthem in this photo, so maybe he's safe on a techincality. Or, maybe he's a true "free thinker" and is demonstrating that he is not confined to the traditions of our country.
Well, I just can't believe that he does not salute the flag. I mean, come on, the man is running for president. You have to at least fake patriotism! Though, it obviously doesn't matter much since he is doing well in the primaries. So, I don't think this anti-Barack e-mail spam that I keep getting is making that much of an impact on voters. But, it does have me curious as to why a presidential nominee would admit (through a spokesperson) that he doesn't always salute the flag (nor will he wear a flag lapel pin, but that's for another post). So, I did a google images search to see if I could find some photos of him saluting the flag. I found lots of him standing in front of the flag, but only two others of him actually with his hand over his heart, one of which his head is cut off, so I can't really tell if it's him. Here is the one photo I found:
Now, look, what could be more patriotic then saluting a flag in a nearly empty school cafeteria next to a boot-wearing, balding white dude?
Okay, well, enough of this post. I don't know what I'm really getting at anyways. I guess I'll watch the democratic convention and see if he does it then. In the meantime, I have to research the other e-mails my mom has sent, including that he is a closeted Muslim who, like Pinky and the Brain, wants to take over the world!
On an unrelated topic, my mom keeps sending me Barack Obama e-mails. She is convinced that he is going to ruin the world if he wins. She keeps sending this photo of him not salluting the flag.
I looked this up on "truth or fiction" and found out that it is not a doctored photo. His campaign says that sometimes he does and other times he doesn't place his hand on his heart. I find this odd. He must be very immune to peer pressure. I have to say the pledge twice a month at board meetings, and I would never think of not putting my hand over my heart. It would be wierd to be the only one in the room that isn't making that patriotic gesture. To add photographers on top of it would make it even more difficult to stand there with my hands at my side. Though, granted, they were singing the national anthem in this photo, so maybe he's safe on a techincality. Or, maybe he's a true "free thinker" and is demonstrating that he is not confined to the traditions of our country.
Well, I just can't believe that he does not salute the flag. I mean, come on, the man is running for president. You have to at least fake patriotism! Though, it obviously doesn't matter much since he is doing well in the primaries. So, I don't think this anti-Barack e-mail spam that I keep getting is making that much of an impact on voters. But, it does have me curious as to why a presidential nominee would admit (through a spokesperson) that he doesn't always salute the flag (nor will he wear a flag lapel pin, but that's for another post). So, I did a google images search to see if I could find some photos of him saluting the flag. I found lots of him standing in front of the flag, but only two others of him actually with his hand over his heart, one of which his head is cut off, so I can't really tell if it's him. Here is the one photo I found:
Now, look, what could be more patriotic then saluting a flag in a nearly empty school cafeteria next to a boot-wearing, balding white dude?
Okay, well, enough of this post. I don't know what I'm really getting at anyways. I guess I'll watch the democratic convention and see if he does it then. In the meantime, I have to research the other e-mails my mom has sent, including that he is a closeted Muslim who, like Pinky and the Brain, wants to take over the world!
Friday, February 15, 2008
You are the weakest link!
Today I received a great video clip of an old crusty anchor and an old crusty reporter having it out live on TV. Well, they didn't really "have it out." But, their verbal exchange was shocking and at the same time, funny. You can watch it below.
Part of having a job like being a reporter, or even being in PR/marketing, is that there are so many people who are keeping an eye on you at all times. It's not like being in sales, when you're being watched by the company you work for and the company you are selling to. As a reporter, you are watched by everyone who has that TV on and that means you are subject the criticism of hundreds, even thousands of people. In PR/marketing, I am watched by the entire company (not just my bosses) as well as the community, and the reporters, who then take what I say and disseminate it back to the community. This can be stressful, especially now that I'm at a college where I have to be extra careful about word choice and grammar. (There are English instructors reading what I write!)
This past week has been very stressful because I've written a lot that has been sent out to each and every one of the 800+ people who work on campus plus all our media reporters as well as all the readers of our web site. I've put careful thought and consideration and worked with many many people on these press releases, newsletters and web announcements. But, I'm still a bundle of nerves that there are people out there criticizing the work or thinking they could do it better. I guess it's just part of human nature to be sensitive about your work.
I have to say, though, that after this week I've received a lot of positive feedback from collegues, which has made me feel so lucky to work where I do. At the Sheriff's Office, my first internal newsletter was red inked and hung on the walls of the Sheriff's substation with some not-so-nice comments. My first live shot at KRCR was critized by other reporters, who felt that stripping me of whatever small dignity I had left after going live would make me stronger (and, in the long run, it did, but it also made me like them less). Long story short, even people with the thickest skin need a pat on the back now and then, especially the ones who you don't think need it!
`
Part of having a job like being a reporter, or even being in PR/marketing, is that there are so many people who are keeping an eye on you at all times. It's not like being in sales, when you're being watched by the company you work for and the company you are selling to. As a reporter, you are watched by everyone who has that TV on and that means you are subject the criticism of hundreds, even thousands of people. In PR/marketing, I am watched by the entire company (not just my bosses) as well as the community, and the reporters, who then take what I say and disseminate it back to the community. This can be stressful, especially now that I'm at a college where I have to be extra careful about word choice and grammar. (There are English instructors reading what I write!)
This past week has been very stressful because I've written a lot that has been sent out to each and every one of the 800+ people who work on campus plus all our media reporters as well as all the readers of our web site. I've put careful thought and consideration and worked with many many people on these press releases, newsletters and web announcements. But, I'm still a bundle of nerves that there are people out there criticizing the work or thinking they could do it better. I guess it's just part of human nature to be sensitive about your work.
I have to say, though, that after this week I've received a lot of positive feedback from collegues, which has made me feel so lucky to work where I do. At the Sheriff's Office, my first internal newsletter was red inked and hung on the walls of the Sheriff's substation with some not-so-nice comments. My first live shot at KRCR was critized by other reporters, who felt that stripping me of whatever small dignity I had left after going live would make me stronger (and, in the long run, it did, but it also made me like them less). Long story short, even people with the thickest skin need a pat on the back now and then, especially the ones who you don't think need it!
`
Monday, February 11, 2008
I'm on a Mexican Radio
I want to take a second to write about my frustrations with San Diego radio.
First of all, I understand that radio stations don't make as much money as they once did and have the need to syndicate to make up for lost revenue. After all, it is a business. But, I've been listening to the same radio station since I was a kid and now the DJ that's been there for 11 years has been let go after an "extended vacation" so that they can syndicate Adam Corolla, who in my opinion doesn't have much of anything good to say. Now I know that most of the men out there would disagree, but for us women, why do I want to listen to another talk show that focuses of boobs and beer? I'd much rather have back the Thursday craigslistjunk finding sessions or some good discussions about surfing. Can't San Diego have anything that is just "ours." Why do we have to keep copying LA? IF I wanted to listen to some bigoted LA person, I'd move to LA and be around those people all the time. 91x plays music right now in the morning, which is nice, so at least they haven't totally gone down the drain (yet), but I still miss some intelligent talk.
So, wanting to listen to some intelligent talk in the morning, I switched over from 91x to NPR (I may have lost the music but at least was moving to something that I could learn from). Sometimes I even switch back and forth between the music and the talk (gasp, I do this while driving!). This morning I learned that the 4 day 1 hour membership drive must only be on work days because I swear it started last week and I thought it would be over today. So, I've been avoiding NPR for almost a week now because I can't stand their membership drive. This has made me cranky because now I can't get news in the morning. I get it that you need money but for Christ's sake, do you have to bring it up so often? Plus, they ask for the money in that whiney, soft, "I'm so academic" voice that just drives me up the wall. I WILL NOT GIVE YOU MONEY UNTIL YOU SPEAK LIKE A NORMAL HUMAN BEING. I want to tell the morning DJ that her soft, psuedo-academic voice makes me want to attack her through the radio. If you need money, be persusasive. Give me some good reasons. Appeal to my selfish need to feel that I am part of something bigger than myself. And also, NPR obviousy doesn't make as much as they should be with their membership drives or else they wouldn't have them so often. So, BE CREATIVE. Find a new way to raise money! Here's a good NPR angle: pick up some illegal immigrants on Encinitas Blvd. and have them wash some Minute Men cars (the Minute Men hang out with their homemade signs in front of Home Depot on El Camino Real) and let the general public pay to watch what ensues in the wash. Then, ditch the soft academic voice and voice it over WWF style!
Onto the next radio station. Grant listens to KPRI in the monring. Now, I don't know this DJ personally at all, but I think he must hold a mirror up to himself while talking. He LOVES himself. He thinks he is so funny and witty. But he is annoying. I don't care about what he cares about. Just play some music and SHUT UP. Radio is a changing medium. People don't have time for pointless blubbering. We are on the move. I want to hear traffic and music. Maybe if something unusual is going on with the weather, fill me in. I also don't want to hear news stories from you. I know you read everything straight from the paper or from the AP Wire. I can do that myself. Plus, your commentary on the news stories is worse than the TV anchors and weathermen's commentary. And that's just pathetic.
Speaking of reading straight from the paper, this is a problem I encounter at work. A lot of radio and TV stations take the newspaper story and rewrite it. Now, when I was a reporter I have to admit that I did the same thing. However, I NEVER ran a story without confirmation first. So, if a story was run, say, about a college, I would call the college PIO and confirm the accuracy of the story. Most of the time, surprise, something in the paper is not accurate. Then you book a quick on-camera interview, which takes maybe 30 minutes, write up a VSOT and are good for part of the day. When I did radio news, I did the same thing, but it was even easier because everything is over the phone. No need to go drive somewhere to shoot someone. But, apparently, this rule does not apply to San Diego radio stations, who rewrite the things that the newspaper has gotten wrong and then broadcast it out into the world. Then, all those unsuspecting listeners, who have no idea that their favorite DJ is NOT a reporter, just some lazy dude who doesn't want to pick up the phone, get upset over stories that are factually incorrect.
Well, hopefully tomorrow will be better. The NPR radio membership drive will be over, unless they found a new way to calculate time, and at least I can listen to some news that has not been recycled. I have also decided to spend more time updating my ipod so that I can be one more person that helps to further degrade the quality of radio.
First of all, I understand that radio stations don't make as much money as they once did and have the need to syndicate to make up for lost revenue. After all, it is a business. But, I've been listening to the same radio station since I was a kid and now the DJ that's been there for 11 years has been let go after an "extended vacation" so that they can syndicate Adam Corolla, who in my opinion doesn't have much of anything good to say. Now I know that most of the men out there would disagree, but for us women, why do I want to listen to another talk show that focuses of boobs and beer? I'd much rather have back the Thursday craigslistjunk finding sessions or some good discussions about surfing. Can't San Diego have anything that is just "ours." Why do we have to keep copying LA? IF I wanted to listen to some bigoted LA person, I'd move to LA and be around those people all the time. 91x plays music right now in the morning, which is nice, so at least they haven't totally gone down the drain (yet), but I still miss some intelligent talk.
So, wanting to listen to some intelligent talk in the morning, I switched over from 91x to NPR (I may have lost the music but at least was moving to something that I could learn from). Sometimes I even switch back and forth between the music and the talk (gasp, I do this while driving!). This morning I learned that the 4 day 1 hour membership drive must only be on work days because I swear it started last week and I thought it would be over today. So, I've been avoiding NPR for almost a week now because I can't stand their membership drive. This has made me cranky because now I can't get news in the morning. I get it that you need money but for Christ's sake, do you have to bring it up so often? Plus, they ask for the money in that whiney, soft, "I'm so academic" voice that just drives me up the wall. I WILL NOT GIVE YOU MONEY UNTIL YOU SPEAK LIKE A NORMAL HUMAN BEING. I want to tell the morning DJ that her soft, psuedo-academic voice makes me want to attack her through the radio. If you need money, be persusasive. Give me some good reasons. Appeal to my selfish need to feel that I am part of something bigger than myself. And also, NPR obviousy doesn't make as much as they should be with their membership drives or else they wouldn't have them so often. So, BE CREATIVE. Find a new way to raise money! Here's a good NPR angle: pick up some illegal immigrants on Encinitas Blvd. and have them wash some Minute Men cars (the Minute Men hang out with their homemade signs in front of Home Depot on El Camino Real) and let the general public pay to watch what ensues in the wash. Then, ditch the soft academic voice and voice it over WWF style!
Onto the next radio station. Grant listens to KPRI in the monring. Now, I don't know this DJ personally at all, but I think he must hold a mirror up to himself while talking. He LOVES himself. He thinks he is so funny and witty. But he is annoying. I don't care about what he cares about. Just play some music and SHUT UP. Radio is a changing medium. People don't have time for pointless blubbering. We are on the move. I want to hear traffic and music. Maybe if something unusual is going on with the weather, fill me in. I also don't want to hear news stories from you. I know you read everything straight from the paper or from the AP Wire. I can do that myself. Plus, your commentary on the news stories is worse than the TV anchors and weathermen's commentary. And that's just pathetic.
Speaking of reading straight from the paper, this is a problem I encounter at work. A lot of radio and TV stations take the newspaper story and rewrite it. Now, when I was a reporter I have to admit that I did the same thing. However, I NEVER ran a story without confirmation first. So, if a story was run, say, about a college, I would call the college PIO and confirm the accuracy of the story. Most of the time, surprise, something in the paper is not accurate. Then you book a quick on-camera interview, which takes maybe 30 minutes, write up a VSOT and are good for part of the day. When I did radio news, I did the same thing, but it was even easier because everything is over the phone. No need to go drive somewhere to shoot someone. But, apparently, this rule does not apply to San Diego radio stations, who rewrite the things that the newspaper has gotten wrong and then broadcast it out into the world. Then, all those unsuspecting listeners, who have no idea that their favorite DJ is NOT a reporter, just some lazy dude who doesn't want to pick up the phone, get upset over stories that are factually incorrect.
Well, hopefully tomorrow will be better. The NPR radio membership drive will be over, unless they found a new way to calculate time, and at least I can listen to some news that has not been recycled. I have also decided to spend more time updating my ipod so that I can be one more person that helps to further degrade the quality of radio.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Caught with your pants down
Has anyone else noticed that the media loves to run unflattering photos of Hillary Clinton? I'm fully expecting to see one soon that catches her with her pants down. I wonder if she always makes terrible faces or if the media really just thinks it's funny to make her look like a mouth breather.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Equality
Is there such a thing as gender equality? Now that I'm pregnant, I have become more dependent on my husband for those "manly" things that I can't do myself. For example, Grant has to get things down from tall shelves, especially heavy things, to prevent the possibility of falling. If it's over 20 pounds, he has to lift it from the trunk of my car. Picking up dog poop? It's definitely a man's job now. As is cleaning the toilet (gag).
However, along with his increasing responsibilities, I've noticed he has been dishing some of his former "female" responsibilities onto me. I've been cooking more and doing the dishes. And, I don't think he has done laundry himself since I have become pregnant. Shopping for the baby? He's definitely not interested. Decorating the baby's room? He did the paint and installed the closet organizer (after much nagging on my part)... the touch up, well, I guess that is left to me (after not being done for 2 months).
There are some things that make gender "equality" impossible (such as opening pickle jars) for many of us. Other things, I think, have gotten better. I'm very blessed to have a husband who normally does his fair share of chores, does not spend all our money on his interests, and who is supportive of my career. He is kind and respectful. I hope that all my friends find the same type of support and equal partnership in their relationships.
Grant sent me the following clip, which made me laugh and made think about the way "equality" is defined in our relationship. The clip is a lot more interesting, by the way, than my sappy post. Enjoy!
However, along with his increasing responsibilities, I've noticed he has been dishing some of his former "female" responsibilities onto me. I've been cooking more and doing the dishes. And, I don't think he has done laundry himself since I have become pregnant. Shopping for the baby? He's definitely not interested. Decorating the baby's room? He did the paint and installed the closet organizer (after much nagging on my part)... the touch up, well, I guess that is left to me (after not being done for 2 months).
There are some things that make gender "equality" impossible (such as opening pickle jars) for many of us. Other things, I think, have gotten better. I'm very blessed to have a husband who normally does his fair share of chores, does not spend all our money on his interests, and who is supportive of my career. He is kind and respectful. I hope that all my friends find the same type of support and equal partnership in their relationships.
Grant sent me the following clip, which made me laugh and made think about the way "equality" is defined in our relationship. The clip is a lot more interesting, by the way, than my sappy post. Enjoy!
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
These are a few of my favorite things...
I like it when it's sunny.
I like being around smart people.
I like it when my husband brings me coffee in bed.
I like payday.
I like it when people post comments on my blog.
I like presents.
I like surfing and snowboarding.
I like to laugh.
I like getting a pedicure.
I like nice wine.
I am in a good mood today and am grateful there are so many things out there that I like. I notice that a lot of blogs talk about things people don't like (including mind) and I thought it would be a nice change to talk about what I do like.
Of course, this blog isn't just blubbering about what I like. I read an article last week about a study that showed that people rated wine based on the price, rather than the taste. For example, they gave people the same wine but just changed the price. People rated the wine with the higher price as better! The full story is below.
This makes me question some of the things I like. Have I been sucked into a high-price mirage? Can a 20 dollar pedicure really be as pleasurable as a 40 dollar one? Is a Coach purse truly worth more than one from Target? Can I trust my own likes? I think I am going to focus on experiences more than products this year. The experience of riding a wave, of drinking a great cup of coffee (sorry, but the vanilla creamer is worth the price), of watching a sunset, of being with my family. Those are things that are worth it, no matter what the price!
With wines, does price = pleasure?
Researchers at the California Institute of Technology and Stanford University published a recent study showing that people were more likely to prefer a wine they thought was expensive, versus the same wine labeled at a lower price. Even their brains reacted differently; they registered more activity in an area of the brain related to pleasure when they thought they were drinking a $90 bottle of wine than when they drank the same stuff labeled at $10.
But here's the kicker: When they didn't know the price of the wines, they preferred the least-expensive one.
Keep that in mind when you're shopping for wines. Don't automatically equate high price with high quality. It's true that many pricier wines are superb, and that the world's very best wines never cost $5 or $10. But in Consumer Reports blind wine tests, in which our expert testers know neither the label nor the price, some relatively inexpensive wines earn the highest Ratings. Conversely, some $20 or even $30 wines garner mediocre scores.
I like being around smart people.
I like it when my husband brings me coffee in bed.
I like payday.
I like it when people post comments on my blog.
I like presents.
I like surfing and snowboarding.
I like to laugh.
I like getting a pedicure.
I like nice wine.
I am in a good mood today and am grateful there are so many things out there that I like. I notice that a lot of blogs talk about things people don't like (including mind) and I thought it would be a nice change to talk about what I do like.
Of course, this blog isn't just blubbering about what I like. I read an article last week about a study that showed that people rated wine based on the price, rather than the taste. For example, they gave people the same wine but just changed the price. People rated the wine with the higher price as better! The full story is below.
This makes me question some of the things I like. Have I been sucked into a high-price mirage? Can a 20 dollar pedicure really be as pleasurable as a 40 dollar one? Is a Coach purse truly worth more than one from Target? Can I trust my own likes? I think I am going to focus on experiences more than products this year. The experience of riding a wave, of drinking a great cup of coffee (sorry, but the vanilla creamer is worth the price), of watching a sunset, of being with my family. Those are things that are worth it, no matter what the price!
With wines, does price = pleasure?
Researchers at the California Institute of Technology and Stanford University published a recent study showing that people were more likely to prefer a wine they thought was expensive, versus the same wine labeled at a lower price. Even their brains reacted differently; they registered more activity in an area of the brain related to pleasure when they thought they were drinking a $90 bottle of wine than when they drank the same stuff labeled at $10.
But here's the kicker: When they didn't know the price of the wines, they preferred the least-expensive one.
Keep that in mind when you're shopping for wines. Don't automatically equate high price with high quality. It's true that many pricier wines are superb, and that the world's very best wines never cost $5 or $10. But in Consumer Reports blind wine tests, in which our expert testers know neither the label nor the price, some relatively inexpensive wines earn the highest Ratings. Conversely, some $20 or even $30 wines garner mediocre scores.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
futbol americano
Today we watched the Chargers game at one of my friends' homes. In the spirit of full disclosure, this was the first game I've watched all season! And now that the Chargers have lost, it is the last game I will watch this season. Grant and I spent some time talking with a guy from England at the game, who had some interesting commentary on American football, including:
-how it's the only sport where fat people are considered athletes (Though Grant countered that sumo wrestling also idolizes fat people. However, after a quick discussion, they agreed that sumo wrestling cannot be considered a sport.)
-how it's a lazy sport (Why throw the ball when you could kick it?)
-how the cheerleaders are less interesting when they have to wear parkas (Poor things, it's freezing outside!)
-why wear pads and helmets? Rugby players go without. There is not enough blood in football.
I always appreciate meeting people from other parts of the world and learning new perspectives. Next time I want to skip out of watching a game, I have four new reasons to give besides just having a headache! :)
-how it's the only sport where fat people are considered athletes (Though Grant countered that sumo wrestling also idolizes fat people. However, after a quick discussion, they agreed that sumo wrestling cannot be considered a sport.)
-how it's a lazy sport (Why throw the ball when you could kick it?)
-how the cheerleaders are less interesting when they have to wear parkas (Poor things, it's freezing outside!)
-why wear pads and helmets? Rugby players go without. There is not enough blood in football.
I always appreciate meeting people from other parts of the world and learning new perspectives. Next time I want to skip out of watching a game, I have four new reasons to give besides just having a headache! :)
Thursday, January 10, 2008
My favorite 2007 e-mail forward
Thanks for all the Emails! As we close out 2007, let me thank all of you for all those emails this past year.......
I must send my thanks to whoever sent me the one about rat shit in the glue on envelopes because I now have to use a wet towel with every envelope that needs sealing. Also, I now have to scrub the top of every can I open for the same reason.I no longer have any savings because I gave it to a sick girl (Penny Brown); who is about to die in the hospital for the 1,387,258th time. I am now broke but that will change once I receive the $15,000 that Bill Gates/Microsoft and AOL are sending me for participating in their special e-mail program .
Or from the senior bank clerk in Nigeria who wants me to split $7 million
with me for pretending to be a long lost relative of a customer who died in the States.I no longer worry about my soul because I have 363,214 angels looking out for me, and St.Theresa's novena has granted my every wish. I no longer use cancer-causing deodorants even though I smell like a water buffalo on a hot day. Thanks to you, I have learned that my prayers only get answered if I forward e-mail to seven of my friends and make a wish within five minutes.
Because of your concern I no longer drink Coca-Cola because it can remove toilet stains. I no longer can buy gas without taking a man along to watch the car so a serial killer won't crawl in my back seat when I'm filling up I no longer go to shopping malls because someone will drug me with a perfume sample and rob me. I no longer answer the phone because someone will ask me to dial a number for which I will get a phone bill with calls to Jamaica , Uganda , Singapore and Uzbekistan ..Thanks to you, I can't use anyone's toilet but mine because a big brown African spider is lurking under the seat to cause me instant death when it bites my ass.
And thanks to your great advice, I can't even pick up the $5.00 I found dropped in the car park because it probably was placed there by a sex molester waiting underneath my car to grab my leg. If you don't send this e-mail to at least 144,000 people in the next 70 minutes, a large dove with diarrhea will land on your head at 5:00pm this afternoon and the fleas from 12 camels will infest your back,causing you to grow a hairy hump. I know this will occur because it actually happened to a friend of my next door neighbour's ex-mother-in-law's second husband's cousin's beautician. By the way... a South American scientist after a lengthy study has
discovered that people with low IQ who have infrequent sexual activity always read their e-mails with their hand on the mouse. Don't bother taking it off now, it's too late!
I must send my thanks to whoever sent me the one about rat shit in the glue on envelopes because I now have to use a wet towel with every envelope that needs sealing. Also, I now have to scrub the top of every can I open for the same reason.I no longer have any savings because I gave it to a sick girl (Penny Brown); who is about to die in the hospital for the 1,387,258th time. I am now broke but that will change once I receive the $15,000 that Bill Gates/Microsoft and AOL are sending me for participating in their special e-mail program .
Or from the senior bank clerk in Nigeria who wants me to split $7 million
with me for pretending to be a long lost relative of a customer who died in the States.I no longer worry about my soul because I have 363,214 angels looking out for me, and St.Theresa's novena has granted my every wish. I no longer use cancer-causing deodorants even though I smell like a water buffalo on a hot day. Thanks to you, I have learned that my prayers only get answered if I forward e-mail to seven of my friends and make a wish within five minutes.
Because of your concern I no longer drink Coca-Cola because it can remove toilet stains. I no longer can buy gas without taking a man along to watch the car so a serial killer won't crawl in my back seat when I'm filling up I no longer go to shopping malls because someone will drug me with a perfume sample and rob me. I no longer answer the phone because someone will ask me to dial a number for which I will get a phone bill with calls to Jamaica , Uganda , Singapore and Uzbekistan ..Thanks to you, I can't use anyone's toilet but mine because a big brown African spider is lurking under the seat to cause me instant death when it bites my ass.
And thanks to your great advice, I can't even pick up the $5.00 I found dropped in the car park because it probably was placed there by a sex molester waiting underneath my car to grab my leg. If you don't send this e-mail to at least 144,000 people in the next 70 minutes, a large dove with diarrhea will land on your head at 5:00pm this afternoon and the fleas from 12 camels will infest your back,causing you to grow a hairy hump. I know this will occur because it actually happened to a friend of my next door neighbour's ex-mother-in-law's second husband's cousin's beautician. By the way... a South American scientist after a lengthy study has
discovered that people with low IQ who have infrequent sexual activity always read their e-mails with their hand on the mouse. Don't bother taking it off now, it's too late!
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Ring in the Drama!
New Years Eve was fun for us... we ended up doing the Hornblower excursion, complete with dinner and dancing. At midnight we saw the great fireworks show over the city, from the boat. It was a lot of fun and a nice, romantic way to spend our last childless new year eve.
However, the evening was not without drama. My best friend avoids making any plans on "high expectation" nights like new years because of the "inevitable" letdown. Well, I was able to witness this letdown first-hand with two separate, but equally intoxicated and humorously wicked couples.
The first was in line for the boat. The woman behind us looked like she came right out of Playboy. She was really attractive, fake boobs, fake blond hair, etc. Her boyfriend was not as attractive, but isn't that almost always the case? Grant tells me they are in a 415v, code for a verbal altercation (the neat thing about us both knowing codes is that we can talk about other people when they least suspect it!). Anyway, the fight was pretty bad. She didn't want to go on the cruise (no cheap trip, either, tickets were nearly 200 bucks a piece). She wanted to hang out with her friends. So, she ditched him. Poor guy went back to the counter to see about getting a refund, but they don't do refunds, so he was out of luck. Grant noted, you always pay with women like that.
The second encounter was with the drunk white-trash couples sitting next to us. First of all, both women were in their 40s and somehow managed to squeeze into ill-fitting 1990 satin prom dresses. Not a pretty sight. One of the husbands text messaged his ex-wife before dinner and all shit broke loose. His current wife got up and threw her chair and had a major meltdown. I watched with great amusement, but the older gentleman on the other side of their table was not amused. He told the husband, "can't you make your wife shut the fuck up?" Wow, that was great, especially because the guy looked like an old British dude from an Agatha Christy novel; not the one you'd expect to be starting a confrontation with a drunk white trash dude 30 years his junior!
The guy, although highly annoyed (at this point the wife had thrown about 4 tantrums) said, "Hey, what do you want me to do, throw her off the boat?" At which point Grant said, "Yeah, that would be great." Ha. I had to remind Grant that he was on a date and that starting a fist fight would land him in the brig...For a moment though, I think he was excited about the possibility of knocking someone out. Well, those two ended up fighting somewhere else on the cruise ship and we had a nice, peaceful evening.
One thing I learned about dancing pregnant (I haven't danced since I was 5 months) is that my belly is big and I bounce off my partner. Grant, of course, thought the bouncing was funny, so he purposely stuck his belly out so that I would repel off of it after every turn. After a while, I felt like a teatherball and we went upstairs to watch the city from the top of the boat. I think that was Grant's plan after all!
Next new year eve I am planning on returning to our tradition of doing nothing. Maybe renting a drama rather than watching it live. And definitely having some champagne!
However, the evening was not without drama. My best friend avoids making any plans on "high expectation" nights like new years because of the "inevitable" letdown. Well, I was able to witness this letdown first-hand with two separate, but equally intoxicated and humorously wicked couples.
The first was in line for the boat. The woman behind us looked like she came right out of Playboy. She was really attractive, fake boobs, fake blond hair, etc. Her boyfriend was not as attractive, but isn't that almost always the case? Grant tells me they are in a 415v, code for a verbal altercation (the neat thing about us both knowing codes is that we can talk about other people when they least suspect it!). Anyway, the fight was pretty bad. She didn't want to go on the cruise (no cheap trip, either, tickets were nearly 200 bucks a piece). She wanted to hang out with her friends. So, she ditched him. Poor guy went back to the counter to see about getting a refund, but they don't do refunds, so he was out of luck. Grant noted, you always pay with women like that.
The second encounter was with the drunk white-trash couples sitting next to us. First of all, both women were in their 40s and somehow managed to squeeze into ill-fitting 1990 satin prom dresses. Not a pretty sight. One of the husbands text messaged his ex-wife before dinner and all shit broke loose. His current wife got up and threw her chair and had a major meltdown. I watched with great amusement, but the older gentleman on the other side of their table was not amused. He told the husband, "can't you make your wife shut the fuck up?" Wow, that was great, especially because the guy looked like an old British dude from an Agatha Christy novel; not the one you'd expect to be starting a confrontation with a drunk white trash dude 30 years his junior!
The guy, although highly annoyed (at this point the wife had thrown about 4 tantrums) said, "Hey, what do you want me to do, throw her off the boat?" At which point Grant said, "Yeah, that would be great." Ha. I had to remind Grant that he was on a date and that starting a fist fight would land him in the brig...For a moment though, I think he was excited about the possibility of knocking someone out. Well, those two ended up fighting somewhere else on the cruise ship and we had a nice, peaceful evening.
One thing I learned about dancing pregnant (I haven't danced since I was 5 months) is that my belly is big and I bounce off my partner. Grant, of course, thought the bouncing was funny, so he purposely stuck his belly out so that I would repel off of it after every turn. After a while, I felt like a teatherball and we went upstairs to watch the city from the top of the boat. I think that was Grant's plan after all!
Next new year eve I am planning on returning to our tradition of doing nothing. Maybe renting a drama rather than watching it live. And definitely having some champagne!
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