i was SO excited at back-to-school shopping, as i found really inexpensive glassware. i've had my sons doing dishwasher duties, and the price of that help is a high degree of attrition in glassware. i needed more glasses, and cheap is always good!
except this time, b/c cheap meant pressed-glass, and these not only break easily, but also SHATTER easily. maddening! my OLD dishes survive short falls, but these do not. never again! i may just give these away (to someone without children) so i can buy some safer ones.
dagnabit, i thought i had a solution! as with most solutions, it was only temporary. *bleagh*
Saturday, October 06, 2007
Friday, October 05, 2007
where i've been
i just noticed i hadn't posted in days; further, hadn't had much to say. this is highly unusual for me. (surprise!)
i came down with the family cold finally on Friday last. it's been through the family, and now it's my turn. i'm AMAZED to be feeling better today. i cannot remember the last time i caught a cold and cleared it on my own without it becoming bacterial/infected and needing treatment with antibiotics. let's hear it for immune systems!
i've had the putrid sore throat that makes you want to scream, but you know that will only hurt worse, so you don't. i think LaLa has that; she gets fussy, and cries and cries. then i give her Tylenol and she feels better. she's not too stuffy and we've had the vaporizer running most of the time. i'm sure that helps both of us.
i'm so stoked that i'm getting well without getting much worse first. this cold is bad enough without becoming bacterial/bronchitis/sinus infection/all of the above!
i came down with the family cold finally on Friday last. it's been through the family, and now it's my turn. i'm AMAZED to be feeling better today. i cannot remember the last time i caught a cold and cleared it on my own without it becoming bacterial/infected and needing treatment with antibiotics. let's hear it for immune systems!
i've had the putrid sore throat that makes you want to scream, but you know that will only hurt worse, so you don't. i think LaLa has that; she gets fussy, and cries and cries. then i give her Tylenol and she feels better. she's not too stuffy and we've had the vaporizer running most of the time. i'm sure that helps both of us.
i'm so stoked that i'm getting well without getting much worse first. this cold is bad enough without becoming bacterial/bronchitis/sinus infection/all of the above!
Thursday, September 27, 2007
wild hair
so, i got a wild hair up my butt. grabbed my good scissors and whacked my hair.
it had gotten really long, but it was stringy at the ends, damaged, and falling out postpartum. so i whacked off a good 6-8 inches, but it's still below my shoulders. i actually like it. did a good job, except the center of the back comes to a point; someone else will have to trim that. may run next door after the bus gets here...
i pulled it forward over each shoulder and lopped it off even, so it would curve in the back. then i pulled small chunks out and gave it some texture, chin length and longer. it's about as long as jennifer garner wears hers (see 13 going on 30). and it feels so much healthier!
i think i managed to do this without leaving any major holes, too. i've done this about two other times in my life; both times i was majorly depressed/stressed, and wasn't happy with the results. this time i planned, instead of reacting. and i'm happy! i just couldn't find time to go get it done, so i did it myself!
it had gotten really long, but it was stringy at the ends, damaged, and falling out postpartum. so i whacked off a good 6-8 inches, but it's still below my shoulders. i actually like it. did a good job, except the center of the back comes to a point; someone else will have to trim that. may run next door after the bus gets here...
i pulled it forward over each shoulder and lopped it off even, so it would curve in the back. then i pulled small chunks out and gave it some texture, chin length and longer. it's about as long as jennifer garner wears hers (see 13 going on 30). and it feels so much healthier!
i think i managed to do this without leaving any major holes, too. i've done this about two other times in my life; both times i was majorly depressed/stressed, and wasn't happy with the results. this time i planned, instead of reacting. and i'm happy! i just couldn't find time to go get it done, so i did it myself!
Friday, September 21, 2007
oh hell
LaLa has been growing, sleeping all day to do it. finally slowed down her feeding to every three hours all day, so i've gotten a nice break where i could get something done - not BFing constantly and she's asleep to boot!
today, she's hungry again. it was fun while it lasted... two whole days with less than constant demands. *sigh*
today, she's hungry again. it was fun while it lasted... two whole days with less than constant demands. *sigh*
Thursday, September 20, 2007
his eyes will never be the same
last night, #1 son came into my bedroom (through the closed door) without knocking, exactly 10 seconds too late to scar him for life, but too soon to prevent seeing some nudity he'd rather not have seen.
it was bound to happen eventually. and that's what i told him. i also recommended knocking on the door if shut.
haven't bitched DH out yet, but have been nagging for FIVE YEARS for him to switch the bedroom doorknob (on which the lock doesn't work) with the bathroom doorknob from the master bath (which lock DOES work). instead, he placed a doorstop in the doorjamb (which apparently did NOT work, either), and proceeded to give me a massage.
repercussions? well, i threw my clothes on (remember, it was after the important stuff), and went to the boy. "you couldn't sleep?" "no." "and now you never will again!" (see subheader, i.e., inappropriate sense of humor.)
the child didn't freak out (and this is the one who does NOT want to know the facts of life, determined not to know), but he definitely won't come in without knocking any time soon!
it was bound to happen eventually. and that's what i told him. i also recommended knocking on the door if shut.
haven't bitched DH out yet, but have been nagging for FIVE YEARS for him to switch the bedroom doorknob (on which the lock doesn't work) with the bathroom doorknob from the master bath (which lock DOES work). instead, he placed a doorstop in the doorjamb (which apparently did NOT work, either), and proceeded to give me a massage.
repercussions? well, i threw my clothes on (remember, it was after the important stuff), and went to the boy. "you couldn't sleep?" "no." "and now you never will again!" (see subheader, i.e., inappropriate sense of humor.)
the child didn't freak out (and this is the one who does NOT want to know the facts of life, determined not to know), but he definitely won't come in without knocking any time soon!
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
odd little bits
4th-grade humor:
If there is H2O on the inside of a fire hydrant, what is on the outside?
K9P
and a couple special ones from Eddie Izzard:-There's two positions in snowboarding. One is looking cool and the other is DEAD!
-There was Pope John if you remember, now there is Pope John Paul. The next Pope's gonna be John Paul George and we can see where they're going.
something right
you know you're doing something right when your child - who "doesn't like to sing" - comes home from church singing the hymns. seeing your kids happy is one of the great joys of life!
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
going organic
but first, a rant. b/c you love me.
it all started with Quaker and Sam's. i get hooked on a breakfast cereal and eat it daily for literally YEARS before i change. i was on Special K vanilla almond for the last several years. after baby, i bought some Quaker granola. sam's carries it in big boxes. or i should say, USED to carry it. last week when i went to get it, really anticipating it, there was none.
i was so damn mad. it's crunchy and sweet and virtuous all at the same time. there are days when i eat it for lunch, too. i honestly was so mad i'm about ready to quit sam's. except their squishy chickens are the best in the biz.
so i went home and went to myfamily.com, where my family keeps in touch. it works fabu for us - everybody is as close as a click, even the brother who lives in Japan. honestly, i hear from him as well as i did when he lived 5 miles from me. my mother had posted recipes for granola that SHE used to make when i was a kid, as well as my grandmother's recipe (dad's mom), that we had when we went to her house (rarely, long trip, broke family).
the ingredients are mostly mass-market, except "rolled wheat." couldn't find it at the supermarket. asked mom (via myfamily) where to get it, and she said the health food store, dummy.
so i took a trip to Whole Foods. this is an awesome store! their prices for organics are often less than the supermarket's for chemicals and preservatives. grains available in bulk, 69c/pound. bought up a bunch of grains for my granola and went home to try it out, see if it was worth making my own. also picked up some organic milk, as it was cheaper than supermarket and only a little more than sam's.
making granola is seriously about the easiest recipe i've ever made. you stir up your grains (oats, wheat flakes, wheat bran, wheat germ, etc.), heat up your liquids (oil, honey, water, brown sugar, vanilla, salt) to dissolve the sugar, combine the two, and bake in the oven. they stir together easily, not like some stiff doughs. cleanup is a breeze. it's a bit messy b/c you have to stir on the cookie sheets multiple times. but i have homemade, organic granola, at minimal effort.
the best part is, i'll be saving tons on metamucil! all that bran is impossible to resist!
i still shave my armpits, though.
it all started with Quaker and Sam's. i get hooked on a breakfast cereal and eat it daily for literally YEARS before i change. i was on Special K vanilla almond for the last several years. after baby, i bought some Quaker granola. sam's carries it in big boxes. or i should say, USED to carry it. last week when i went to get it, really anticipating it, there was none.
i was so damn mad. it's crunchy and sweet and virtuous all at the same time. there are days when i eat it for lunch, too. i honestly was so mad i'm about ready to quit sam's. except their squishy chickens are the best in the biz.
so i went home and went to myfamily.com, where my family keeps in touch. it works fabu for us - everybody is as close as a click, even the brother who lives in Japan. honestly, i hear from him as well as i did when he lived 5 miles from me. my mother had posted recipes for granola that SHE used to make when i was a kid, as well as my grandmother's recipe (dad's mom), that we had when we went to her house (rarely, long trip, broke family).
the ingredients are mostly mass-market, except "rolled wheat." couldn't find it at the supermarket. asked mom (via myfamily) where to get it, and she said the health food store, dummy.
so i took a trip to Whole Foods. this is an awesome store! their prices for organics are often less than the supermarket's for chemicals and preservatives. grains available in bulk, 69c/pound. bought up a bunch of grains for my granola and went home to try it out, see if it was worth making my own. also picked up some organic milk, as it was cheaper than supermarket and only a little more than sam's.
making granola is seriously about the easiest recipe i've ever made. you stir up your grains (oats, wheat flakes, wheat bran, wheat germ, etc.), heat up your liquids (oil, honey, water, brown sugar, vanilla, salt) to dissolve the sugar, combine the two, and bake in the oven. they stir together easily, not like some stiff doughs. cleanup is a breeze. it's a bit messy b/c you have to stir on the cookie sheets multiple times. but i have homemade, organic granola, at minimal effort.
the best part is, i'll be saving tons on metamucil! all that bran is impossible to resist!
DH is thrilled about the idea of drinking organic milk all the time, so i may be saying sayonara to sam's most of the time. fewer hormones in our lives can only be a good thing, right?
i still shave my armpits, though.
Monday, September 17, 2007
a great big weird survey
1-The phone rings. Who do you want it to be? Lana said Ed McMahon, and i gotta stick with that answer.
2-When shopping at the grocery store, do you return your cart? no, i make my 10-year-old do it!
3-In a social setting, are you more of a talker or a listener? talker
4-Do you take compliments well? no, but i give them liberally
5-Do you play Sudoku? i particularly like the A-Z ones (25 across by 25 down). little bit obsessive...
6-If abandoned alone in the wilderness, would you survive? it's a lot more likely now than it was a few months ago.
7-Do you like nipple rings? no, they freak me something fierce
8-Did you ever go to camp as a kid? went to school camp, Clear Creek, loved it except for the coming home part. generally love camping any time they have TOILETS. will not squat over a trench for anyone.
9-What was your favorite game as a kid? Monopoly
10-Could you date someone with different religious beliefs than you? that's about all the dates i ever had... DH and i started in the same place (none), and have reached the same place regarding faith now, so it's all worked out.
11-Do you like to pursue or be pursued? i like to be pursued, but my nature is to pursue.
12-Do any songs make you cry? where were you when the world stopped turning?
13-Are you continuing your education? trying damn hard!
14-Do you know how to shoot a gun? innit like a camera? point and shoot?
15-If your house was on fire, what would be the first thing you grab? kids, purse, keys - don't hafta grab hard drive like alana, b/c i bought a fire safe and stick backups of my photos in there.
16-Do you think more about the past, present or future? mostly present; too busy to think about other stuff!
17-Favorite children's book? Princess Picky.
18-What color are your eyes? green
19-How tall are you? 5-5
20-Have you ever taken pictures in a photo booth? yes
21-Where was the furthest place you traveled today? ooo, i went to the grocery store around the corner - my exciting life.
22-Do you like mustard? just a little bit
23-Do you look like your mom or dad? mom, but dad's eyes (hopefully just appearance, not function; he's blind beyond joking)
24-How long does it take you in the shower? 15-20 minutes
25-Can you do splits? never could
26-What movie do you want to see right now? Bourne
27-What did you do for New Year's? don't remember... not much, i was PG.
28-Do you think The Grudge was scary? didn't see it
29-Do you own a camera phone? no, and no desire to
30-Was your mom a cheerleader? no
31-What's the last letter of your middle name? e
32-How many hours of sleep do you get a night? 6-8, but i nap on 6 days
33-Do you like care bears? um, no
34-What do you buy at the movies? tickets
35-Do you know how to play poker? yup, love it!
36-Do you wear your seatbelt? it became a law the year i got my license, so i never went without it
37-What do you wear to sleep? whatever i have on
38-Is your tongue pierced? yuck - did a speech on how hazardous that is in college a couple of years ago, at my last failed attempt to finish my degree.
39-Do you like Liver and Onion? i used to LOVE them but rarely eat them after taking anatomy and learning how the liver works. eeewwwww.
40-Are you in love? i fell in love again this June, you should try it!
41-Do you like funny or serious people better? oh, funny, definitely - the ones who think i'm funny are the MOST fun!
42-Ever been to L.A.? hadta visit Alana there
43-Do you steal or pay for your music downloads? no, i don't download
44-What do you and your parents fight about the most? religion and politics if i dare bring them up - mostly i pretend they don't exist and we're all happier.
45-Are you a gullible person? i prefer to be gullible to cynical, but i can't always choose.
46-Do you need a boyfriend/girlfriend to be happy? um, the last time i didn't have one i was 20. i like to think i'm mature and balanced enough to be happy without a SO.
47-If you could have any job (assuming you have the skills) what would it be? B&B owner - it's a great fantasy, doubt i'd really like it.
48-Are you easy to get along with? _I_ think so. _I_ get along GREAT with me!
49-What is your favorite time of day? mornings - time for granola!
50-Would you rather sleep alone or with someone? SLEEP - alone.
51-Would you give up the one you love/care for the most to become immortal? stupid question - what kind of life would it be hating yourself for your choice?
52-What animal are you most like? a human
53-What kind of tea do you like the most? peppermint
54-Do you laugh at peoples' stupidity? yes
55-Do you feel guilty for doing so after you're done laughing? only if they caught me
2-When shopping at the grocery store, do you return your cart? no, i make my 10-year-old do it!
3-In a social setting, are you more of a talker or a listener? talker
4-Do you take compliments well? no, but i give them liberally
5-Do you play Sudoku? i particularly like the A-Z ones (25 across by 25 down). little bit obsessive...
6-If abandoned alone in the wilderness, would you survive? it's a lot more likely now than it was a few months ago.
7-Do you like nipple rings? no, they freak me something fierce
8-Did you ever go to camp as a kid? went to school camp, Clear Creek, loved it except for the coming home part. generally love camping any time they have TOILETS. will not squat over a trench for anyone.
9-What was your favorite game as a kid? Monopoly
10-Could you date someone with different religious beliefs than you? that's about all the dates i ever had... DH and i started in the same place (none), and have reached the same place regarding faith now, so it's all worked out.
11-Do you like to pursue or be pursued? i like to be pursued, but my nature is to pursue.
12-Do any songs make you cry? where were you when the world stopped turning?
13-Are you continuing your education? trying damn hard!
14-Do you know how to shoot a gun? innit like a camera? point and shoot?
15-If your house was on fire, what would be the first thing you grab? kids, purse, keys - don't hafta grab hard drive like alana, b/c i bought a fire safe and stick backups of my photos in there.
16-Do you think more about the past, present or future? mostly present; too busy to think about other stuff!
17-Favorite children's book? Princess Picky.
18-What color are your eyes? green
19-How tall are you? 5-5
20-Have you ever taken pictures in a photo booth? yes
21-Where was the furthest place you traveled today? ooo, i went to the grocery store around the corner - my exciting life.
22-Do you like mustard? just a little bit
23-Do you look like your mom or dad? mom, but dad's eyes (hopefully just appearance, not function; he's blind beyond joking)
24-How long does it take you in the shower? 15-20 minutes
25-Can you do splits? never could
26-What movie do you want to see right now? Bourne
27-What did you do for New Year's? don't remember... not much, i was PG.
28-Do you think The Grudge was scary? didn't see it
29-Do you own a camera phone? no, and no desire to
30-Was your mom a cheerleader? no
31-What's the last letter of your middle name? e
32-How many hours of sleep do you get a night? 6-8, but i nap on 6 days
33-Do you like care bears? um, no
34-What do you buy at the movies? tickets
35-Do you know how to play poker? yup, love it!
36-Do you wear your seatbelt? it became a law the year i got my license, so i never went without it
37-What do you wear to sleep? whatever i have on
38-Is your tongue pierced? yuck - did a speech on how hazardous that is in college a couple of years ago, at my last failed attempt to finish my degree.
39-Do you like Liver and Onion? i used to LOVE them but rarely eat them after taking anatomy and learning how the liver works. eeewwwww.
40-Are you in love? i fell in love again this June, you should try it!
41-Do you like funny or serious people better? oh, funny, definitely - the ones who think i'm funny are the MOST fun!
42-Ever been to L.A.? hadta visit Alana there
43-Do you steal or pay for your music downloads? no, i don't download
44-What do you and your parents fight about the most? religion and politics if i dare bring them up - mostly i pretend they don't exist and we're all happier.
45-Are you a gullible person? i prefer to be gullible to cynical, but i can't always choose.
46-Do you need a boyfriend/girlfriend to be happy? um, the last time i didn't have one i was 20. i like to think i'm mature and balanced enough to be happy without a SO.
47-If you could have any job (assuming you have the skills) what would it be? B&B owner - it's a great fantasy, doubt i'd really like it.
48-Are you easy to get along with? _I_ think so. _I_ get along GREAT with me!
49-What is your favorite time of day? mornings - time for granola!
50-Would you rather sleep alone or with someone? SLEEP - alone.
51-Would you give up the one you love/care for the most to become immortal? stupid question - what kind of life would it be hating yourself for your choice?
52-What animal are you most like? a human
53-What kind of tea do you like the most? peppermint
54-Do you laugh at peoples' stupidity? yes
55-Do you feel guilty for doing so after you're done laughing? only if they caught me
Thursday, September 13, 2007
HEALTH QUESTION & ANSWER SESSION
Q: I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life; is this true?
A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that's it... Don't waste them on exercise. Everything wears out eventually. Speeding up your heart will not make you live longer; that's like saying you can extend the life of your car by driving it faster. Want to live longer? Take a nap.
Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables?
A: You must grasp logistical efficiencies. What does a cow eat? Hay and corn. And what are these? Vegetables. So a steak is nothing more than an efficient mechanism of delivering vegetables to your system. Need grain? Eat chicken. Beef is also a good source of field grass (green leafy vegetable). And a pork chop can give you 100% of your recommended daily allowance of vegetable products.
Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake?
A: No, not at all. Wine is made from fruit. Brandy is distilled wine, that means they take the water out of the fruity bit so you get even more of the goodness that way. Beer is also made out of grain. Bottoms up!
Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio?
A: Well, if you have a body and you have fat, your ratio is one to one. If you have two bodies, your ratio is two to one, etc.
Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program?
A: Can't think of a single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No Pain = Good!
Q: Aren't fried foods bad for you?
A: You're not listening... . Foods are fried these days in vegetable oil. In fact, they're permeated in it. How could getting more vegetables be bad for you?
Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle?
A: Definitely not! When you exercise a muscle, it gets bigger. You should only be doing sit-ups if you want a bigger stomach.
Q: Is chocolate bad for me?
A: Are you crazy? HELLO Cocoa beans! Another vegetable. It's the best feel-good food around!!
Q: Is swimming good for your figure?
A: If swimming is good for your figure, explain whales to me.
Q: Is getting in-shape important for my lifestyle?
A: Hey! 'Round' is a shape!!
Well, I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had about food and diets. And remember:
"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways - Chardonnay in one hand, chocolate in the other - body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming, "WOO HOO, What a Ride!"
Q: I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life; is this true?
A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that's it... Don't waste them on exercise. Everything wears out eventually. Speeding up your heart will not make you live longer; that's like saying you can extend the life of your car by driving it faster. Want to live longer? Take a nap.
Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables?
A: You must grasp logistical efficiencies. What does a cow eat? Hay and corn. And what are these? Vegetables. So a steak is nothing more than an efficient mechanism of delivering vegetables to your system. Need grain? Eat chicken. Beef is also a good source of field grass (green leafy vegetable). And a pork chop can give you 100% of your recommended daily allowance of vegetable products.
Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake?
A: No, not at all. Wine is made from fruit. Brandy is distilled wine, that means they take the water out of the fruity bit so you get even more of the goodness that way. Beer is also made out of grain. Bottoms up!
Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio?
A: Well, if you have a body and you have fat, your ratio is one to one. If you have two bodies, your ratio is two to one, etc.
Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program?
A: Can't think of a single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No Pain = Good!
Q: Aren't fried foods bad for you?
A: You're not listening... . Foods are fried these days in vegetable oil. In fact, they're permeated in it. How could getting more vegetables be bad for you?
Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle?
A: Definitely not! When you exercise a muscle, it gets bigger. You should only be doing sit-ups if you want a bigger stomach.
Q: Is chocolate bad for me?
A: Are you crazy? HELLO Cocoa beans! Another vegetable. It's the best feel-good food around!!
Q: Is swimming good for your figure?
A: If swimming is good for your figure, explain whales to me.
Q: Is getting in-shape important for my lifestyle?
A: Hey! 'Round' is a shape!!
Well, I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had about food and diets. And remember:
"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways - Chardonnay in one hand, chocolate in the other - body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming, "WOO HOO, What a Ride!"
Monday, September 10, 2007
happier now
cute kid stories!
we watched Chicago last night. LaLa has discovered musicals, and the boys have seen it before so aren't scandalized by its reprobate nature.
at bedtime, i was still singing "the gun, the gun, the gun, the gun, oh yes, they both reached for the gun, for the gun." Tyler (#2 son) says "That's the problem with Chicago; it's got so many great songs, you can't get them out of your head." He's right! however, i'm thrilled they've supplanted the songs that WERE running through my head... [you're just jealous b/c the voices only talk to ME!]
and LaLa has this adorable habit. you burp her, and after she burps, she plants her pointy chin on your shoulder and swings her head back and forth rapidly. she's a bobble-head! especially to music.
i've got her hooked on 7 Brides for 7 Brothers already! #1 son's first favorite movie, he named his kitten Milly.
we watched Chicago last night. LaLa has discovered musicals, and the boys have seen it before so aren't scandalized by its reprobate nature.
at bedtime, i was still singing "the gun, the gun, the gun, the gun, oh yes, they both reached for the gun, for the gun." Tyler (#2 son) says "That's the problem with Chicago; it's got so many great songs, you can't get them out of your head." He's right! however, i'm thrilled they've supplanted the songs that WERE running through my head... [you're just jealous b/c the voices only talk to ME!]
and LaLa has this adorable habit. you burp her, and after she burps, she plants her pointy chin on your shoulder and swings her head back and forth rapidly. she's a bobble-head! especially to music.
i've got her hooked on 7 Brides for 7 Brothers already! #1 son's first favorite movie, he named his kitten Milly.
more exciting topics
are boobies more exciting than baby farts?
i have been accused previously of being obsessed with breasts. i disagree, but this will serve as further evidence for the person who so accused me!
i'm in PAIN!!! LaLa likes to have growth spurts, followed by seemingly-drugged sleep days. and on the days she ISN'T nursing every 1.5 to 2 hours, i'm producing that level of milk, and have the tatas from hell!
rant will have to wait - the leech is waking and i can relieve some pressure NOW!
i have been accused previously of being obsessed with breasts. i disagree, but this will serve as further evidence for the person who so accused me!
i'm in PAIN!!! LaLa likes to have growth spurts, followed by seemingly-drugged sleep days. and on the days she ISN'T nursing every 1.5 to 2 hours, i'm producing that level of milk, and have the tatas from hell!
rant will have to wait - the leech is waking and i can relieve some pressure NOW!
Saturday, September 08, 2007
ssshhhhhh!!!!!
i hate to admit it, but LaLa is sleeping through the night. consistently. i wake up at 6:30 to the sounds of her sucking her thumb and grunting, and go feed her. then she sleeps some more.
very very quiet cheering sounds going on! what a gal!
very very quiet cheering sounds going on! what a gal!
Friday, September 07, 2007
open letter to Always manufacturer
This is an open letter written to the branch manager of Proctor and Gamble:
Dear Mr. Thatcher,
I have been a loyal user of your Always maxi pads for over 20 years, and I appreciate many of their features. Why, without the LeakGuard Core* or Dri-Weave* absorbency, I'd probably never go horseback riding or salsa dancing, and I'd certainly steer clear of running up and down the beach in tight, white shorts. But my favorite feature has to be your revolutionary Flexi-Wings. Kudos on being the only company smart enough to realize how crucial it is that maxi pads be aerodynamic. I can't tell you how safe and secure I feel each month knowing there's a little F-16 in my panties.
Have you ever had a menstrual period, Mr. Thatcher? Ever suffered from "the curse"? I'm guessing you haven't. Well, my "time of the month" is starting right now... As I type, I can already feel hormonal forces violently surging through my body. Just a few minutes from now, my body will adjust and I'll be transformed into what my husband likes to call "an inbred hillbilly with knife skills."
Isn't the human body amazing? As brand manager in the feminine-hygiene division, you've no doubt seen quite a bit of research on what exactly happens during your customers' monthly visits from Aunt Flo. Therefore, you must know about the bloating, puffiness, and cramping we endure, and about our intense mood swings, crying jags, and out-of-control behavior. You surely realize it's a tough time for most women.
The point is, sir, you of all people must realize that America is just crawling with homicidal maniacs in capri pants. Which brings me to the reason for my letter.
Last month, while in the throes of cramping so painful I wanted to reach inside my body and yank out my uterus, I opened an Always maxi pad, and there, printed on the adhesive backing, were these words: *"Have a Happy Period."*
Are you !@#$!@#$ kidding me? What I mean is, does any part of your tiny middle-manager brain really think happiness *actual smiling, laughing happiness* is possible during a menstrual period? Did anything mentioned above sound the least bit pleasurable? Well, did it, James?
FYI, Unless you're some kind of sick S&M freak girl, there will never be anything "happy" about a day in which you have to jack yourself up on Motrin and Kahlúa and lock yourself in your house just so you don't march down to the local Walgreens armed with a hunting rifle and a sketchy plan to end your life in a blaze of glory.
For the love of God, pull your head out, man. If you just have to slap a moronic message on a maxi pad, wouldn't it make more sense to say something that's actually pertinent, like "Put Down the Hammer" or "Vehicular Manslaughter Is Wrong"? or are you just picking on us?
Sir, please inform your accounting department that, effective immediately,there will be an $8 drop in monthly profits, for I have chosen to take my maxi-pad business elsewhere. And though I will certainly miss your Flexi-Wings, I will not for one minute miss your brand of condescending Bullcrap. And that's a promise I will keep. Always.
Best,
Wendi Aarons
Austin, TX
Dear Mr. Thatcher,
I have been a loyal user of your Always maxi pads for over 20 years, and I appreciate many of their features. Why, without the LeakGuard Core* or Dri-Weave* absorbency, I'd probably never go horseback riding or salsa dancing, and I'd certainly steer clear of running up and down the beach in tight, white shorts. But my favorite feature has to be your revolutionary Flexi-Wings. Kudos on being the only company smart enough to realize how crucial it is that maxi pads be aerodynamic. I can't tell you how safe and secure I feel each month knowing there's a little F-16 in my panties.
Have you ever had a menstrual period, Mr. Thatcher? Ever suffered from "the curse"? I'm guessing you haven't. Well, my "time of the month" is starting right now... As I type, I can already feel hormonal forces violently surging through my body. Just a few minutes from now, my body will adjust and I'll be transformed into what my husband likes to call "an inbred hillbilly with knife skills."
Isn't the human body amazing? As brand manager in the feminine-hygiene division, you've no doubt seen quite a bit of research on what exactly happens during your customers' monthly visits from Aunt Flo. Therefore, you must know about the bloating, puffiness, and cramping we endure, and about our intense mood swings, crying jags, and out-of-control behavior. You surely realize it's a tough time for most women.
The point is, sir, you of all people must realize that America is just crawling with homicidal maniacs in capri pants. Which brings me to the reason for my letter.
Last month, while in the throes of cramping so painful I wanted to reach inside my body and yank out my uterus, I opened an Always maxi pad, and there, printed on the adhesive backing, were these words: *"Have a Happy Period."*
Are you !@#$!@#$ kidding me? What I mean is, does any part of your tiny middle-manager brain really think happiness *actual smiling, laughing happiness* is possible during a menstrual period? Did anything mentioned above sound the least bit pleasurable? Well, did it, James?
FYI, Unless you're some kind of sick S&M freak girl, there will never be anything "happy" about a day in which you have to jack yourself up on Motrin and Kahlúa and lock yourself in your house just so you don't march down to the local Walgreens armed with a hunting rifle and a sketchy plan to end your life in a blaze of glory.
For the love of God, pull your head out, man. If you just have to slap a moronic message on a maxi pad, wouldn't it make more sense to say something that's actually pertinent, like "Put Down the Hammer" or "Vehicular Manslaughter Is Wrong"? or are you just picking on us?
Sir, please inform your accounting department that, effective immediately,there will be an $8 drop in monthly profits, for I have chosen to take my maxi-pad business elsewhere. And though I will certainly miss your Flexi-Wings, I will not for one minute miss your brand of condescending Bullcrap. And that's a promise I will keep. Always.
Best,
Wendi Aarons
Austin, TX
critics
everyone's a critic.
today's topic is the last thing i did WITHOUT a baby. also the first thing since she was born, other than a couple of quick grocery trips. (with a big fat pppppbbbbtttt to Alana. because i love her.)
i took the boys to see Shrek 3 at the $2 theater without the baby. because loud noises bother her, and all movies have loud noises these days. she did fine in Harry Potter 5 at age 4 weeks, but didn't do well at all in Spider-Man 3 shortly thereafter. too many loud noises.
so- here's the part without a baby. :D i checked the times and took the kids to the 4:30 show. we got there at 4:15 and bought popcorn, checked out all the quarters in the cash drawer to try to complete our collection, pre-emptive strike at the bathroom, all the good stuff. went into the theater to see - the middle of the movie. it started at 4:00.
fortunately, Da Boyz had seen this as a new movie with their auntie when i was incapacitated, so it wasn't the end of the world. slightly upsetting for mommy to realize just how decayed her brain had gotten, but a survivable screw-up, anyway.
even without seeing the beginning (which all the previews presumably gave away anyway), it was an enjoyable movie.
here's the part about critics. Critics go to movies to - surprise! - critique them. comment about what was wrong with them, in other words; rarely about something right with them if they just can't help themselves. WE go to movies to HAVE FUN. this is why i ignore most critics' ratings. if it's low humor, it's getting a D at best, and i'm gonna enjoy it anyway. if it's something i expect to get a B and it flunks, yeah, i'll probably avoid it until i hear word-of-mouth.
the critics had NOTHING nice to say about Shrek 3; overplayed, under-original, been-there done-that feel to it, nothing funny about it.
they were wrong. no, it didn't strike us as the most original thing we'd seen in ages, like the original Shrek did at times. but it did make us laugh, and it had good messages. sure, it's facile; its intended audience, after all, is CHILDREN. but we'll buy it, and we won't feel (very) guilty about it.
then i came home and laughed at baby farts some more. let's face it, if you think i'm supposed to have a more exciting life, you'd better come get me and drag me out.
and after all, there were green baby farts involved in my escape from baby-fart topics.
EDIT: after viewing this lovely post, i'm hungry for mint oreo's. wonder why? but i can't eat any more of them b/c i have NO self-control. *sigh*
today's topic is the last thing i did WITHOUT a baby. also the first thing since she was born, other than a couple of quick grocery trips. (with a big fat pppppbbbbtttt to Alana. because i love her.)
i took the boys to see Shrek 3 at the $2 theater without the baby. because loud noises bother her, and all movies have loud noises these days. she did fine in Harry Potter 5 at age 4 weeks, but didn't do well at all in Spider-Man 3 shortly thereafter. too many loud noises.
so- here's the part without a baby. :D i checked the times and took the kids to the 4:30 show. we got there at 4:15 and bought popcorn, checked out all the quarters in the cash drawer to try to complete our collection, pre-emptive strike at the bathroom, all the good stuff. went into the theater to see - the middle of the movie. it started at 4:00.
fortunately, Da Boyz had seen this as a new movie with their auntie when i was incapacitated, so it wasn't the end of the world. slightly upsetting for mommy to realize just how decayed her brain had gotten, but a survivable screw-up, anyway.
even without seeing the beginning (which all the previews presumably gave away anyway), it was an enjoyable movie.
here's the part about critics. Critics go to movies to - surprise! - critique them. comment about what was wrong with them, in other words; rarely about something right with them if they just can't help themselves. WE go to movies to HAVE FUN. this is why i ignore most critics' ratings. if it's low humor, it's getting a D at best, and i'm gonna enjoy it anyway. if it's something i expect to get a B and it flunks, yeah, i'll probably avoid it until i hear word-of-mouth.
the critics had NOTHING nice to say about Shrek 3; overplayed, under-original, been-there done-that feel to it, nothing funny about it.
they were wrong. no, it didn't strike us as the most original thing we'd seen in ages, like the original Shrek did at times. but it did make us laugh, and it had good messages. sure, it's facile; its intended audience, after all, is CHILDREN. but we'll buy it, and we won't feel (very) guilty about it.
then i came home and laughed at baby farts some more. let's face it, if you think i'm supposed to have a more exciting life, you'd better come get me and drag me out.
and after all, there were green baby farts involved in my escape from baby-fart topics.
EDIT: after viewing this lovely post, i'm hungry for mint oreo's. wonder why? but i can't eat any more of them b/c i have NO self-control. *sigh*
Thursday, September 06, 2007
skrewt update
LaLa is quite the BES. i went in to check on her yesterday morning and heard her blasting away. she has figured out how to toot when she needs to! her tummy muscles have matured! woohoo!
so i laughed and said "you figured out how to play your tooter!" she's a natural with a musical instrument. she's very excited that she figured out how to do this; she's practicing that concentration and tooting away!
LaLa practiced her new skill all day yesterday, went through many diapers b/c sometimes the toots are not solely gaseous. i laughed and laughed. she is so funny.
she slept 9 hours last night and has finally found her thumb. grandma taught her to take binky but she doesn't do it much for anyone else. she'd rather have a thumb, but couldn't figure out how to get it in there... she's making all kinds of funny noises, talking in her bed, while i'm working. grunts and clicks, and coos and suckling fists. she's very happy b/c she SLEPT NINE HOURS last night! and thus so am i!
so i laughed and said "you figured out how to play your tooter!" she's a natural with a musical instrument. she's very excited that she figured out how to do this; she's practicing that concentration and tooting away!
LaLa practiced her new skill all day yesterday, went through many diapers b/c sometimes the toots are not solely gaseous. i laughed and laughed. she is so funny.
she slept 9 hours last night and has finally found her thumb. grandma taught her to take binky but she doesn't do it much for anyone else. she'd rather have a thumb, but couldn't figure out how to get it in there... she's making all kinds of funny noises, talking in her bed, while i'm working. grunts and clicks, and coos and suckling fists. she's very happy b/c she SLEPT NINE HOURS last night! and thus so am i!
Thursday, August 30, 2007
PPPPPPP
alana tagged me. this is for her: pppbbbttt!
7 P's about me - not an easy task!
P: PPPbbbttt! aka Bronx cheer.
P: Princess Picky: one of my favorite children's books. i read it aloud in sPeech class a couple of years back and got an A. thanks Tyler! who brought it home from the library. check it out at amazon.com.
P: Positive Thinking. i try really hard on this, b/c i don't want to live in fear, and don't want to be a grouchy old lady, so i'm trying to train myself to think Positively!
P: PB&J. everyone in my house (except LaLa, so far) loves PB. Da Boyz even created PB&C: cinnamon sugar on the PB. it's quite good, changes the texture!
P: Presbyterian. i'm so Proud i'm a church member again.
P: Practically Perfect in every way. (Pause for laughter) major Julie Andrews fan, does that count? i have fallen asleep during Mary Poppins more times than i can count, and finally figured out why - she sings that stupid lullaby halfway through it! zzzzzzzzz
P: Persistent. aka nag.
and an 8th P: Please comment!
7 P's about me - not an easy task!
P: PPPbbbttt! aka Bronx cheer.
P: Princess Picky: one of my favorite children's books. i read it aloud in sPeech class a couple of years back and got an A. thanks Tyler! who brought it home from the library. check it out at amazon.com.
P: Positive Thinking. i try really hard on this, b/c i don't want to live in fear, and don't want to be a grouchy old lady, so i'm trying to train myself to think Positively!
P: PB&J. everyone in my house (except LaLa, so far) loves PB. Da Boyz even created PB&C: cinnamon sugar on the PB. it's quite good, changes the texture!
P: Presbyterian. i'm so Proud i'm a church member again.
P: Practically Perfect in every way. (Pause for laughter) major Julie Andrews fan, does that count? i have fallen asleep during Mary Poppins more times than i can count, and finally figured out why - she sings that stupid lullaby halfway through it! zzzzzzzzz
P: Persistent. aka nag.
and an 8th P: Please comment!
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
didn't win yet...
We didn't win PowerBall. No requests for contributions are necessary!
However, we have everything else in life we need and want, so we're pretty happy. Wouldn't trade our lives for even $300 million, so that's saying something.
Big kids went back to school yesterday; #1 son wants to run for school president (5th grade). I encouraged him but have NO idea how to help him with this! suggestions welcome! LaLa and I stayed home and enjoyed starting a new routine. now if only i could get more hours in...
We de-listed the house yesterday. Plan is to stay here through the school year, re-list in Jan/Feb or so, depending on mortgage market and our credit status. DH is excited to look at housese again; I am NOT. in MY mind, we're still going to buy the same house we had under construction; it may be a different house, but the same plan. whether this remains the plan in future is uncertain and irrelevant; i'm having enough trouble staying calm about losing the contract without uncertainties!
The grandparents went to Richmond yesterday for the duration of their trip; my mother's father lives there, as do aunts and cousins. and Uncle Skip, who fished me out of the Green River in Utah last summer when i fell in (on a 0.5 rapid). after 19 years of marriage to my aunt (they got married in '87, i was already a teen), I'm finally calling him UNCLE. cuz he earned it.
we didn't get as many photos as we'd hoped; LaLa reached her saturation point too quickly. but i think we have some nice ones of her in her christening gown, (note to self: get it cleaned and returned to owner!) including a shot with its original wearer/owner, who started kindergarten yesterday.
However, we have everything else in life we need and want, so we're pretty happy. Wouldn't trade our lives for even $300 million, so that's saying something.
Big kids went back to school yesterday; #1 son wants to run for school president (5th grade). I encouraged him but have NO idea how to help him with this! suggestions welcome! LaLa and I stayed home and enjoyed starting a new routine. now if only i could get more hours in...
We de-listed the house yesterday. Plan is to stay here through the school year, re-list in Jan/Feb or so, depending on mortgage market and our credit status. DH is excited to look at housese again; I am NOT. in MY mind, we're still going to buy the same house we had under construction; it may be a different house, but the same plan. whether this remains the plan in future is uncertain and irrelevant; i'm having enough trouble staying calm about losing the contract without uncertainties!
The grandparents went to Richmond yesterday for the duration of their trip; my mother's father lives there, as do aunts and cousins. and Uncle Skip, who fished me out of the Green River in Utah last summer when i fell in (on a 0.5 rapid). after 19 years of marriage to my aunt (they got married in '87, i was already a teen), I'm finally calling him UNCLE. cuz he earned it.
we didn't get as many photos as we'd hoped; LaLa reached her saturation point too quickly. but i think we have some nice ones of her in her christening gown, (note to self: get it cleaned and returned to owner!) including a shot with its original wearer/owner, who started kindergarten yesterday.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
evil shots update
it took DAYS to get over being needled. and all she wants is to sleep, on mommy or daddy. or grandma! thank goodness we don't have any more for two whole months - our reactions could be completely different by then (or the same, but we're trying not to think that).
as mentioned, my mom is visiting, and we've had lots of fun spending her money. we went to michael's and bought beads and she is having fun making necklaces. we worked on one she can wear to church tomorrow for LaLa's baptism. also, she and my dad had their 40th anniversary today.
we (DH and I) bought lottery tickets with the #40 in them as a tribute, since powerball is up to $300 million. can you even THINK of that big a number? promised mom she can retire if we hit the lottery.
as mentioned, my mom is visiting, and we've had lots of fun spending her money. we went to michael's and bought beads and she is having fun making necklaces. we worked on one she can wear to church tomorrow for LaLa's baptism. also, she and my dad had their 40th anniversary today.
we (DH and I) bought lottery tickets with the #40 in them as a tribute, since powerball is up to $300 million. can you even THINK of that big a number? promised mom she can retire if we hit the lottery.
Friday, August 24, 2007
more on spandex
or Ace bandages, as you probably call them...
took it off yesterday and couldn't find it again. some aching and clicking, but improved generally from before i started wearing it most of the time. woohoo! just found it this morning at the desk (what a strange place to wear spandex!).
and i found fabulous headbands that are elastic with rubber feet run through them, and they don't hurt my head and take a while to slide out of my hair (my head is larger than average, and that extra 1/2-inch makes headbands hurt and/or slide out, depending on design). Goody for me!
took it off yesterday and couldn't find it again. some aching and clicking, but improved generally from before i started wearing it most of the time. woohoo! just found it this morning at the desk (what a strange place to wear spandex!).
and i found fabulous headbands that are elastic with rubber feet run through them, and they don't hurt my head and take a while to slide out of my hair (my head is larger than average, and that extra 1/2-inch makes headbands hurt and/or slide out, depending on design). Goody for me!
Thursday, August 23, 2007
cruel torture
LaLa just got her shots Tuesday. They make mommy hold her little legs, and tag team her; two nurses come in, and shoot her twice each, but simultaneously so she only gets two "ouches."
oh, the agony! her little legs are knotty and swollen, and she's very unhappy. spent 24 hours straight refusing to be put down, wanting nothing more than mama. grandma is visiting and she is an acceptable alternative (yeah, grandmas!). spit up all day, but kept the tylenol down (yeah, tylenol!).
then when she was VERY uncomfortable yesterday at bedtime, refused to nurse. and refused and refused, despite being hungry. well, her tummy didn't feel great after a day of spitting up, so who can blame her? finally calmed down, had a short nap, asked for a binkie, and then took the breast.
why do we stick needles in our babies' legs? there MUST be a better way! if they came at you or i with a needle proportionately as large as these, we'd kick them too, and run!
oh, the agony! her little legs are knotty and swollen, and she's very unhappy. spent 24 hours straight refusing to be put down, wanting nothing more than mama. grandma is visiting and she is an acceptable alternative (yeah, grandmas!). spit up all day, but kept the tylenol down (yeah, tylenol!).
then when she was VERY uncomfortable yesterday at bedtime, refused to nurse. and refused and refused, despite being hungry. well, her tummy didn't feel great after a day of spitting up, so who can blame her? finally calmed down, had a short nap, asked for a binkie, and then took the breast.
why do we stick needles in our babies' legs? there MUST be a better way! if they came at you or i with a needle proportionately as large as these, we'd kick them too, and run!
Friday, August 17, 2007
font change
after two years with the blog, it was time for a change. whether it lasts or not, who knows? but i just figured out HOW to change the color scheme and font for each object, had to try it out. (i'd always wanted to make my subtitle more readable.)
comments are welcome, suggestions as well. (i may not TAKE your advice, but you're welcome to give it!)
*edit* apparently almost THREE years, not two. i was overdue for a change!
comments are welcome, suggestions as well. (i may not TAKE your advice, but you're welcome to give it!)
*edit* apparently almost THREE years, not two. i was overdue for a change!
Thursday, August 16, 2007
housing developments
well, we've lost the contract on our new home. it wasn't looking good anyway b/c we had no interest in the old home from buyers. still, i'm pretty dang bummed about it.
apparently one's credit scores can drop without reason. i've gotta follow up with the credit reporting agencies. regardless, we can't get a mortgage with the numbers as they are now. further, lots of mortgage companies are going under and/or experiencing extreme hardship due to the slump in the housing market AND formerly liberal lending policies. these two problems sound like they're going to feed one another.
since school is starting in about 10 days, DH doesn't want to sell the house in the middle of the school year, just to stay in an apartment locally thru the school year. i told him we should leave the house listed but not market it aggressively (note to self, tell agent that!), so we wouldn't miss a potential sale. sounds like our plan.
if we aren't buying the new house, which was a higher payment due to our poor credit anyway, we can afford for me to work part-time and do more to keep the house and the kids and the DH happy. a year from now, many things will have changed, the nature of which we know not now.
i was REALLY upset about this and couldn't even talk about it - it's been weeks since we found out. but we're finding the silver lining.
the REASON we had time to talk about such issues was car troubles. i got to drive to chapel hill yesterday to pick DH up - there went three hours of work time i should have gotten done. but it was a blessing in disguise; we're determined to view it as such. and just move forward.
apparently one's credit scores can drop without reason. i've gotta follow up with the credit reporting agencies. regardless, we can't get a mortgage with the numbers as they are now. further, lots of mortgage companies are going under and/or experiencing extreme hardship due to the slump in the housing market AND formerly liberal lending policies. these two problems sound like they're going to feed one another.
since school is starting in about 10 days, DH doesn't want to sell the house in the middle of the school year, just to stay in an apartment locally thru the school year. i told him we should leave the house listed but not market it aggressively (note to self, tell agent that!), so we wouldn't miss a potential sale. sounds like our plan.
if we aren't buying the new house, which was a higher payment due to our poor credit anyway, we can afford for me to work part-time and do more to keep the house and the kids and the DH happy. a year from now, many things will have changed, the nature of which we know not now.
i was REALLY upset about this and couldn't even talk about it - it's been weeks since we found out. but we're finding the silver lining.
the REASON we had time to talk about such issues was car troubles. i got to drive to chapel hill yesterday to pick DH up - there went three hours of work time i should have gotten done. but it was a blessing in disguise; we're determined to view it as such. and just move forward.
STELLAAAAAAAAAA!!!
Annual Stella Awards. Law and the Courts in the USA.
For those unfamiliar with these awards, they are named after 81-year-old Stella Liebeck who spilled hot coffee on herself and successfully sued the McDonald's in New Mexico where she purchased the coffee. That's right, these are awards for the most outlandish lawsuits and verdicts that happened in the U.S. during 2006. You know, the kinds of cases that make you scratch your head. So keep your head scratcher handy.
Here are the "Stellas" for the past year: To kick things off the right way, there was a three-way tie for 5th place.
Kathleen Robertson of Austin, Texas , was awarded $80,000 by a jury ofher peers after breaking her ankle tripping over a toddler who wasrunning inside a furniture store. The store owners were understandably surprised by the verdict, considering the running toddler was Ms. Robertson's son.
Also in 5th place is Carl Truman, 19, of Los Angeles , California - you knew California had to be in the list somewhere, right? - who won $74,000 plus medical expenses when his neighbor ran over his hand with a Honda Accord. Truman apparently didn't notice there was someone at the wheel of the car when he was trying to steal his neighbor's hubcaps. Go ahead, grab your head scratcher.
The last of the 5th Place winners was Terrence Dickson, of Bristol, Pennsylvania, who was leaving a house he had just burglarized by way of the garage. Unfortunately for Dickson, the automatic garage door opener malfunctioned and he could not get the garage door to open. Worse, he couldn't re-enter the house because the door connecting the garage to the house locked when Dickson pulled it shut. Forced to subsist for eight - count'em, 8 - days on a case of Pepsi and a large bag of dry dog food, he sued the homeowner's insurance company claiming undue mental anguish. Amazingly, the jury said the insurance company must pay Dickson $500,000 for his anguish. We should all have this kind of anguish. Keep scratching.
There are more. Jerry Williams, of Little Rock, Arkansas, garnered 4th Place in the"Stellas" when he was awarded $14,500 plus medical expenses after being bitten on the butt by his next door neighbor's beagle - even though the beagle was on a chain in it's owner's fenced yard. Williams did not get as much as he asked for because the jury believed the beagle might have been provoked at the time of the butt bite, because Williams had climbed over the fence into the yard and repeatedly shot the dog with a pellet gun. Grrrrr scratch, scratch.
Third Place went to Amber Carson of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, because a jury ordered a Philadelphia restaurant to pay her $113,500 after she slipped on soft drink and broke her tailbone (coccyx). The reason the soft drink was on the floor: Ms. Carson had thrown it at her boyfriend 30 seconds earlier during an argument. What ever happened to people being responsible for their own actions? Scratch, scratch, scratch.
Hang in there, there are only two more Stellas to go.
Second Place: Kara Walton, of Claymont, Delaware, sued the owner of a night club in a nearby city because she fell from the bathroom window to the floor, knocking out her two front teeth. Even though Ms. Walton was trying to sneak through the ladies room window to avoid paying the $3.50 cover charge, the jury said the night club had to pay her $12,000 ... oh, yeah, plus dental expenses. Go figure.
Finally, (may I have a fanfare played on 50 kazoos please) this year's runaway First Place Stella Award winner was Mrs. Merv Grazinski, ofOklahoma City, Oklahoma, who purchased a new 32-foot Winnebago motorhome. On her first trip home - from an OU football game, no less - having driven on to the freeway, she set the cruise control at 70 mph and calmly left the driver's seat to go to the back of the Winnebago to make herself a sandwich. Don't look so incredulous. Remember, we're talking about Oklahoma here. Not surprisingly, the motor home left the freeway, crashed and overturned. Also not surprisingly, Mrs. Grazinski sued Winnebago for not putting in the owner's manual that she couldn't actually leave the driver's seat while the cruise control was set. The Oklahoma jury awarded her - you are sitting down, right? - $1,750,000 PLUS a new motor home. Winnebago actually changed their manuals as a result of this suit, just in case Mrs. Grazinski has any relatives who might buy a motor home.
PS - i don't really care if these are all true (though i suspect they are, human nature being what it is) - they're funny enough to post regardless! oy ve!
For those unfamiliar with these awards, they are named after 81-year-old Stella Liebeck who spilled hot coffee on herself and successfully sued the McDonald's in New Mexico where she purchased the coffee. That's right, these are awards for the most outlandish lawsuits and verdicts that happened in the U.S. during 2006. You know, the kinds of cases that make you scratch your head. So keep your head scratcher handy.
Here are the "Stellas" for the past year: To kick things off the right way, there was a three-way tie for 5th place.
Kathleen Robertson of Austin, Texas , was awarded $80,000 by a jury ofher peers after breaking her ankle tripping over a toddler who wasrunning inside a furniture store. The store owners were understandably surprised by the verdict, considering the running toddler was Ms. Robertson's son.
Also in 5th place is Carl Truman, 19, of Los Angeles , California - you knew California had to be in the list somewhere, right? - who won $74,000 plus medical expenses when his neighbor ran over his hand with a Honda Accord. Truman apparently didn't notice there was someone at the wheel of the car when he was trying to steal his neighbor's hubcaps. Go ahead, grab your head scratcher.
The last of the 5th Place winners was Terrence Dickson, of Bristol, Pennsylvania, who was leaving a house he had just burglarized by way of the garage. Unfortunately for Dickson, the automatic garage door opener malfunctioned and he could not get the garage door to open. Worse, he couldn't re-enter the house because the door connecting the garage to the house locked when Dickson pulled it shut. Forced to subsist for eight - count'em, 8 - days on a case of Pepsi and a large bag of dry dog food, he sued the homeowner's insurance company claiming undue mental anguish. Amazingly, the jury said the insurance company must pay Dickson $500,000 for his anguish. We should all have this kind of anguish. Keep scratching.
There are more. Jerry Williams, of Little Rock, Arkansas, garnered 4th Place in the"Stellas" when he was awarded $14,500 plus medical expenses after being bitten on the butt by his next door neighbor's beagle - even though the beagle was on a chain in it's owner's fenced yard. Williams did not get as much as he asked for because the jury believed the beagle might have been provoked at the time of the butt bite, because Williams had climbed over the fence into the yard and repeatedly shot the dog with a pellet gun. Grrrrr scratch, scratch.
Third Place went to Amber Carson of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, because a jury ordered a Philadelphia restaurant to pay her $113,500 after she slipped on soft drink and broke her tailbone (coccyx). The reason the soft drink was on the floor: Ms. Carson had thrown it at her boyfriend 30 seconds earlier during an argument. What ever happened to people being responsible for their own actions? Scratch, scratch, scratch.
Hang in there, there are only two more Stellas to go.
Second Place: Kara Walton, of Claymont, Delaware, sued the owner of a night club in a nearby city because she fell from the bathroom window to the floor, knocking out her two front teeth. Even though Ms. Walton was trying to sneak through the ladies room window to avoid paying the $3.50 cover charge, the jury said the night club had to pay her $12,000 ... oh, yeah, plus dental expenses. Go figure.
Finally, (may I have a fanfare played on 50 kazoos please) this year's runaway First Place Stella Award winner was Mrs. Merv Grazinski, ofOklahoma City, Oklahoma, who purchased a new 32-foot Winnebago motorhome. On her first trip home - from an OU football game, no less - having driven on to the freeway, she set the cruise control at 70 mph and calmly left the driver's seat to go to the back of the Winnebago to make herself a sandwich. Don't look so incredulous. Remember, we're talking about Oklahoma here. Not surprisingly, the motor home left the freeway, crashed and overturned. Also not surprisingly, Mrs. Grazinski sued Winnebago for not putting in the owner's manual that she couldn't actually leave the driver's seat while the cruise control was set. The Oklahoma jury awarded her - you are sitting down, right? - $1,750,000 PLUS a new motor home. Winnebago actually changed their manuals as a result of this suit, just in case Mrs. Grazinski has any relatives who might buy a motor home.
PS - i don't really care if these are all true (though i suspect they are, human nature being what it is) - they're funny enough to post regardless! oy ve!
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
on aging
it's weird, the older i get, the more varied an assortment of braces and wraps i accumulate...
the latest one is a wrist brace. apparently, the way i'm holding LaLa when i nurse is aggravating to my wrist. very shortly after she was born i started noticing my wrist hurt. then it would wake me up. it's progressed to locking when i'm asleep, catching lots of the time, feels weak, and i don't dare lift anything with it!
so i'm wearing the cussed wrist brace most of the time, and not feeling pain, mostly. you wouldn't believe the assortment of elastic i have around the place!
the latest one is a wrist brace. apparently, the way i'm holding LaLa when i nurse is aggravating to my wrist. very shortly after she was born i started noticing my wrist hurt. then it would wake me up. it's progressed to locking when i'm asleep, catching lots of the time, feels weak, and i don't dare lift anything with it!
so i'm wearing the cussed wrist brace most of the time, and not feeling pain, mostly. you wouldn't believe the assortment of elastic i have around the place!
stinky talk
dont you HATE when companies discontinue products you're addicted to? like Tato Skins in the '80s, which have come back under TGI Friday's label... i used to go on treasure hunts for those things when they were on their way out!
back to the present, i've been battling a continuing problem with deodorant. i was on almay for a while, which was really nice b/c it had nothing "extra" in it. i loved the soft solid, like a cream that dispensed through a standard-shaped deodorant tube.
the local stores stopped carrying, that so i stocked up the last time i saw it. then i tried secret clear, which also dispenses through little holes in a tube, more like a gel. don't like it as well, but it was close enough. except i became allergic to it before long.
so i switched to Dove deodorant, which was a new product a few years ago. they had the soft solid and i LOVED it. then target stopped carrying it so i bought it online, and wherever i saw it, and several tubes at a time.
and now i have been searching for MONTHS and it's no longer made. i actually went to dove.com (they had it for sale there previously), and it's discontinued and they have no back stock. ARGH!
ran out a month or so ago and bought regular dove deodorant. it doesn't work as well as the cream! i'm so frustrated!
i finally went and bought more deodorant when i wasn't out - i got a Degree "little black dress" stick. and it works! this has been years in the process.
i'm sure hoping degree doesn't change their formula any time soon. if the stick can hold up to a sleeveless top and running lots of errands, in and out of the heat and humidity, it's a good one. plus, it really IS "body heat-activated;" when i would normally start feeling sticky, i noticed the fragrance would intensify, but i didn't get sticky.
so, when they discontinue YOUR favorite item, i recommend Degree.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
pottery-based quiz
1) Harry begins Hogwarts and sorted into a house. Which house do you think you would be sorted in?
Gryffindor = Brave
Ravenclaw = Smart
Hufflepuff = Loyal/hardworking
Slytherin = Sly, looking for the easy way
Ravenclaw, probably, or maybe Hufflepuff. Everybody wants to be in Gryffindor after reading the books, but I doubt I'd be brave enough. Then again, I've never been good at knowing myself.
2) The Mirror of Erised, instead of showing a reflection, shows what the subject wants more than anything. What would the Mirror show you?
A stack of cash and a carefree life... A big house (not bigger than needed, just big), everyone I love living near me (which is a physical impossibility, but this is fantasy), sunny days... Guess I'm still wanting to live on Sesame Street!
3) In The Chamber of Secrets, Harry’s new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher is a celebrity with an overdeveloped case of ego. Which current celebrity do you think is overblown?
Paris Hilton has always irritated me the most, but everyone who's made the tabloids lately deserves to be there, seems like. The biggest waste to me is Lindsay Lohan, who has wasted her talent and her career.
4) Harry calls Fawkes (Dumbledore’s phoenix) to him by exhibiting loyalty. What non-family member would be able to call your phoenix?
Tough question. Hayda and Beth, Sue and Jessica.
5) In The Prisoner of Azkaban we first see a Boggart, which takes the form of whatever the person fears. What would your boggart turn into?
My biggest "fear" is being out of control. Yes, I'm a control freak (*gasp*)! Spiders definitely still wig me out and probably always will, but if I'm thinking about what I dread the most, it's a control issue.
6) Harry is able to fight off dementors by using a patronus charm which calls upon a very happy memory. What would your happy moment be?
I think our last vacation was one of our best ever, sunny days (sensing a theme here!), no demands other than baby, spending time with our family and our kids and not lacking anything that counts. So I'd draw on that. (I REALLY enjoyed maternity leave!)
7) In The Goblet Of Fire Fred and George try to put their names in the goblet even though they are not old enough. What “mature” activity did you try too early?
Marriage, clearly.
8)In The Order of the Phoenix Harry discusses what he wants to be when he gets out of school. What did you want to be when you were 15?
At 15, I think I still wanted to be an astronaut. I also really wanted to be a pilot, but I couldn't see paying for lessons and hoped to go into the Air Force. They wouldn't teach me to fly because my vision was too bad (so I left THAT thought behind). My first hit against life's realities and disappointments. I'd still love to have gone that route.
9) The kids take their defense against the dark arts in a room of requirement where the room becomes whatever you need. What would your personal room of requirement be–when would it appear?
A sound-proof room with Time-Turners and computers - I could work in peace, get in a nap, and not miss anything!
10) In the Half-Blood Prince we are exposed to Felix Felicitas, a potion that will make you have a wonderful wonderful day. Tell us about a day that you would like to live over again–a wonderful day.
I think I answered this one up above, with my happy memories.
SPOILERS AHEAD
B
E
W
A
R
E
.
.
.
11) In the Deathly Hallows, Hermione blanks her parents' memory of her existence. Is this something you would do to protect those you loved?
This would be so hard, because nobody's ego wants them to be forgotten; the ancient Egyptians believed that their spirit lived as long as they were remembered, and I've embraced that thought for years. But in the end, yes, I'd do anything for my babies (as I've proved lately), so I'd have to do this too. But I'd cry. Lots.
12) We find that Dumbledore entrusted Snape to kill him. Do you have anyone that you would trust enough to kill you if you asked them to?
Since we've had the discussion about pulling the plug, I'd trust DH and he me. I think anyone would have to know why to do it a la Snape, and knowing why, finding someone who COULD follow through would be the hard part, IMO.
13) Many beloved characters do not make it to the end of the book. What fictional characters' deaths affected you (besides the ones in Harry Potter)?
The dogs in Where the Red Fern Grows, even though I'm not a dog person. (will add others as I think of them, I'm sure I'm missing some...)
Gryffindor = Brave
Ravenclaw = Smart
Hufflepuff = Loyal/hardworking
Slytherin = Sly, looking for the easy way
Ravenclaw, probably, or maybe Hufflepuff. Everybody wants to be in Gryffindor after reading the books, but I doubt I'd be brave enough. Then again, I've never been good at knowing myself.
2) The Mirror of Erised, instead of showing a reflection, shows what the subject wants more than anything. What would the Mirror show you?
A stack of cash and a carefree life... A big house (not bigger than needed, just big), everyone I love living near me (which is a physical impossibility, but this is fantasy), sunny days... Guess I'm still wanting to live on Sesame Street!
3) In The Chamber of Secrets, Harry’s new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher is a celebrity with an overdeveloped case of ego. Which current celebrity do you think is overblown?
Paris Hilton has always irritated me the most, but everyone who's made the tabloids lately deserves to be there, seems like. The biggest waste to me is Lindsay Lohan, who has wasted her talent and her career.
4) Harry calls Fawkes (Dumbledore’s phoenix) to him by exhibiting loyalty. What non-family member would be able to call your phoenix?
Tough question. Hayda and Beth, Sue and Jessica.
5) In The Prisoner of Azkaban we first see a Boggart, which takes the form of whatever the person fears. What would your boggart turn into?
My biggest "fear" is being out of control. Yes, I'm a control freak (*gasp*)! Spiders definitely still wig me out and probably always will, but if I'm thinking about what I dread the most, it's a control issue.
6) Harry is able to fight off dementors by using a patronus charm which calls upon a very happy memory. What would your happy moment be?
I think our last vacation was one of our best ever, sunny days (sensing a theme here!), no demands other than baby, spending time with our family and our kids and not lacking anything that counts. So I'd draw on that. (I REALLY enjoyed maternity leave!)
7) In The Goblet Of Fire Fred and George try to put their names in the goblet even though they are not old enough. What “mature” activity did you try too early?
Marriage, clearly.
8)In The Order of the Phoenix Harry discusses what he wants to be when he gets out of school. What did you want to be when you were 15?
At 15, I think I still wanted to be an astronaut. I also really wanted to be a pilot, but I couldn't see paying for lessons and hoped to go into the Air Force. They wouldn't teach me to fly because my vision was too bad (so I left THAT thought behind). My first hit against life's realities and disappointments. I'd still love to have gone that route.
9) The kids take their defense against the dark arts in a room of requirement where the room becomes whatever you need. What would your personal room of requirement be–when would it appear?
A sound-proof room with Time-Turners and computers - I could work in peace, get in a nap, and not miss anything!
10) In the Half-Blood Prince we are exposed to Felix Felicitas, a potion that will make you have a wonderful wonderful day. Tell us about a day that you would like to live over again–a wonderful day.
I think I answered this one up above, with my happy memories.
SPOILERS AHEAD
B
E
W
A
R
E
.
.
.
11) In the Deathly Hallows, Hermione blanks her parents' memory of her existence. Is this something you would do to protect those you loved?
This would be so hard, because nobody's ego wants them to be forgotten; the ancient Egyptians believed that their spirit lived as long as they were remembered, and I've embraced that thought for years. But in the end, yes, I'd do anything for my babies (as I've proved lately), so I'd have to do this too. But I'd cry. Lots.
12) We find that Dumbledore entrusted Snape to kill him. Do you have anyone that you would trust enough to kill you if you asked them to?
Since we've had the discussion about pulling the plug, I'd trust DH and he me. I think anyone would have to know why to do it a la Snape, and knowing why, finding someone who COULD follow through would be the hard part, IMO.
13) Many beloved characters do not make it to the end of the book. What fictional characters' deaths affected you (besides the ones in Harry Potter)?
The dogs in Where the Red Fern Grows, even though I'm not a dog person. (will add others as I think of them, I'm sure I'm missing some...)
Friday, August 10, 2007
back to work
i've been back at work a week now. i knew before i went out on maternity leave that when i came back, i'd have all new accounts. this is a REALLY big deal. it's like having all new work, all new rules, and still trying to produce at the same rate. that's really impossible; there's a transition period before production comes back up, while we learn the new rules.
i'm no longer feeling completely adrift. all this transitioning taken together has made it difficult to get hours in - i have to put the baby down, and neither of us likes that much. i CAN wear the sling and work for an hour at a time, which helps us both, but babies usually don't like that when they get a tad bigger and don't sleep as much.
this is neither amusing nor inappropriate, just my life, such as it is. :D no apologies here!
i'm feeling lots happier and more patient than i have in a while, too. i'm sure my sons are thrilled! i took them to the used bookstore yesterday and picked up a set of LOTR books for #1 son; he's deep into The Hobbit already. it's good, b/c he likes to read, but lacks the attention span for heavy projects. they intimidate him, i think. he's been SUCH a big help with baby, this is his reward. (#2 son wants to read these books, too.)
i'm also reinstituting bedtime stories, which had gone when they both learned to read; they need more mommy time, and i can't think of a better way to give it - or a better time! only NOW we'll be reading the HP series together!
i'm no longer feeling completely adrift. all this transitioning taken together has made it difficult to get hours in - i have to put the baby down, and neither of us likes that much. i CAN wear the sling and work for an hour at a time, which helps us both, but babies usually don't like that when they get a tad bigger and don't sleep as much.
this is neither amusing nor inappropriate, just my life, such as it is. :D no apologies here!
i'm feeling lots happier and more patient than i have in a while, too. i'm sure my sons are thrilled! i took them to the used bookstore yesterday and picked up a set of LOTR books for #1 son; he's deep into The Hobbit already. it's good, b/c he likes to read, but lacks the attention span for heavy projects. they intimidate him, i think. he's been SUCH a big help with baby, this is his reward. (#2 son wants to read these books, too.)
i'm also reinstituting bedtime stories, which had gone when they both learned to read; they need more mommy time, and i can't think of a better way to give it - or a better time! only NOW we'll be reading the HP series together!
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
HOW TO BE A MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTIONIST
At Last! this Hot Topic has been much-requested and I've been "too busy" to put my thoughts together. Since I've jump-started my brain upon returning to work last week, I'm going to compile data here.
Since I started working from home 10 years ago, I have been asked on a frequent basis, "How can _I_ work from home doing your job?"
HOW TO GET CERTIFIED:
The simple How-To answer is here! Most companies do not train their own employees anymore; they want someone with a certificate or experience, or both. The company _I_ recommend for certification is Career Step (www.homecareerinfo.com/0518). My sisters have both completed their program, and one is employed full-time, with very good earnings. (My other sister has just taken the final exam, and I'll be updating her status in "Comments.")
People ask me if it's worth the investment. I truly believe it is. I'm sure my sisters would agree with me!
HOW TO APPLY FOR A JOB:
After becoming certified, you'll need to apply to companies for a job. Career Step will help with that process, too! I'm employed by MedQuist (http://www.medquist.com/transcriptionists/), and my sister works for another company. Both of them give us bonuses for referring you, so please contact us before applying so we can get credit for you! (contact info. available at my Career Step page, www.homecareerinfo.com/0518)
IS THIS THE JOB FOR YOU?
Working from home isn't for everyone. It can be tedious, frustrating, and lonely. However, if you knew my personality, you'd NEVER think _I_ could do this! So you really can't tell who will be successful, and who will just get by, working from home. You do have to be disciplined to earn income, so I would caution you not to decide to do this without giving it some careful thought.
This job requires you to listen and type at the same time, while operating a foot pedal. You also have to have good grammar skills, to be able to spell, and to be able to learn words with Latin and Greek roots. You will get doctors with heavy accents and you will need to be able to figure out what they are saying - practice helps a lot with this!
There are many rewards to working from home, too! Your schedule is flexible, you don't have to shower before work, you don't spend money and time commuting, you can eat lunch less expensively at home, your kids can be around (depending on their personality and demands) while you work - or they can be at daycare, if that's a big benefit to you! And companies now offer benefits to us, which is a more recent development. I've really enjoyed the years I've put in, both from home and in the office.
If you have questions or comments, please post them! I welcome your input!
Since I started working from home 10 years ago, I have been asked on a frequent basis, "How can _I_ work from home doing your job?"
HOW TO GET CERTIFIED:
The simple How-To answer is here! Most companies do not train their own employees anymore; they want someone with a certificate or experience, or both. The company _I_ recommend for certification is Career Step (www.homecareerinfo.com/0518). My sisters have both completed their program, and one is employed full-time, with very good earnings. (My other sister has just taken the final exam, and I'll be updating her status in "Comments.")
People ask me if it's worth the investment. I truly believe it is. I'm sure my sisters would agree with me!
HOW TO APPLY FOR A JOB:
After becoming certified, you'll need to apply to companies for a job. Career Step will help with that process, too! I'm employed by MedQuist (http://www.medquist.com/transcriptionists/), and my sister works for another company. Both of them give us bonuses for referring you, so please contact us before applying so we can get credit for you! (contact info. available at my Career Step page, www.homecareerinfo.com/0518)
IS THIS THE JOB FOR YOU?
Working from home isn't for everyone. It can be tedious, frustrating, and lonely. However, if you knew my personality, you'd NEVER think _I_ could do this! So you really can't tell who will be successful, and who will just get by, working from home. You do have to be disciplined to earn income, so I would caution you not to decide to do this without giving it some careful thought.
This job requires you to listen and type at the same time, while operating a foot pedal. You also have to have good grammar skills, to be able to spell, and to be able to learn words with Latin and Greek roots. You will get doctors with heavy accents and you will need to be able to figure out what they are saying - practice helps a lot with this!
There are many rewards to working from home, too! Your schedule is flexible, you don't have to shower before work, you don't spend money and time commuting, you can eat lunch less expensively at home, your kids can be around (depending on their personality and demands) while you work - or they can be at daycare, if that's a big benefit to you! And companies now offer benefits to us, which is a more recent development. I've really enjoyed the years I've put in, both from home and in the office.
If you have questions or comments, please post them! I welcome your input!
as if that weren't enough...
DH is a jokester. he likes to break wind and blame pets, children, anything in the vicinity.
last night, he blamed Angela. at least, so i believed. it really was her - this skrewt is LOUD! explains her discomfort, that degree of pressure and volume of gas.
she toots away, and i tell her we're having a farty party. this is the life of a newborn's mother. at least they're not stinky YET. *eyeroll*
last night, he blamed Angela. at least, so i believed. it really was her - this skrewt is LOUD! explains her discomfort, that degree of pressure and volume of gas.
she toots away, and i tell her we're having a farty party. this is the life of a newborn's mother. at least they're not stinky YET. *eyeroll*
Monday, August 06, 2007
new nickname
Angela's latest nickname: BLAST-ENDED SKREWT.
anybody need an explanation? think Harry Potter...
anybody need an explanation? think Harry Potter...
weird wild stuff
if you're not aware, i'm an obscenely fast typist. over 100 wpm, and it's been YEARS since i was tested. i could be even faster by now! (flutters eyelashes for false modesty) (the true modesty is that i thank God for the gift, b/c it has facilitated my lifestyle, working from home, which helps me be closer to the kind of mom i want to be. so there.)
but i've never taken two months off before. *gasp* and when i went back to work on Wed. last week, my fingers didn't work normally. i was making typos, and just did not feel the rhythm.
it's finally back today. it's weird how something like that feels like part of you, and when you miss it, you REALLY miss it.
********
another weird thing is the fan. my computer keeps my work space warm. so i put the fan on. did you know my fan has two distinct pitches, when on high and low? i didn't. and when i turned it down, it was exactly a "third" in interval between the two pitches. (think of the first two notes of an arpeggio - that's the tone.)
more weird thoughts as they pop up!
but i've never taken two months off before. *gasp* and when i went back to work on Wed. last week, my fingers didn't work normally. i was making typos, and just did not feel the rhythm.
it's finally back today. it's weird how something like that feels like part of you, and when you miss it, you REALLY miss it.
********
another weird thing is the fan. my computer keeps my work space warm. so i put the fan on. did you know my fan has two distinct pitches, when on high and low? i didn't. and when i turned it down, it was exactly a "third" in interval between the two pitches. (think of the first two notes of an arpeggio - that's the tone.)
more weird thoughts as they pop up!
Friday, August 03, 2007
miss monkey butt
if you're following the saga of the baboon butt redness, here's the next installment.
some improvement with triple-coating diaper rash treatment, but not healed. at her one-month checkup, dr. agreed there was a component of yeast, and added twice-a-day yeast cream. some improvement again, but lots of back-sliding. red, raw, and bleeding.
it's heartbreaking to have your baby's butt look like a baboon.
fortunately, we opened a package of PAMPERS SWADDLERS that was gifted us. they were size 2, so i hadn't used them before. (the NICU recommended this brand, gave us a couple packs of itty-bitty ones, but they got used up fast with frequent newborn poops.)
they actually wick away not only pee, but also baby poops - the yellow, bilious, breast-fed baby poops that burn her butt - they're no longer in contact with it for more than a few minutes. and after TWO of these diapers, we had GREAT improvement.
so i went and spent LOTS of $$ on pampies, and i'm changing her EVERY time i feed her, even if her diaper is only a little soiled. no more raw and bleeding! still pink, and hoping to improve that soon! STILL triple-coating her heinie every diaper change.
TMI? maybe. but i'm a Pampers fan now! my baby brother couldn't wear anything but Pampies - they must be doing SOMETHING right to remain the best almost 30 years later!
some improvement with triple-coating diaper rash treatment, but not healed. at her one-month checkup, dr. agreed there was a component of yeast, and added twice-a-day yeast cream. some improvement again, but lots of back-sliding. red, raw, and bleeding.
it's heartbreaking to have your baby's butt look like a baboon.
fortunately, we opened a package of PAMPERS SWADDLERS that was gifted us. they were size 2, so i hadn't used them before. (the NICU recommended this brand, gave us a couple packs of itty-bitty ones, but they got used up fast with frequent newborn poops.)
they actually wick away not only pee, but also baby poops - the yellow, bilious, breast-fed baby poops that burn her butt - they're no longer in contact with it for more than a few minutes. and after TWO of these diapers, we had GREAT improvement.
so i went and spent LOTS of $$ on pampies, and i'm changing her EVERY time i feed her, even if her diaper is only a little soiled. no more raw and bleeding! still pink, and hoping to improve that soon! STILL triple-coating her heinie every diaper change.
TMI? maybe. but i'm a Pampers fan now! my baby brother couldn't wear anything but Pampies - they must be doing SOMETHING right to remain the best almost 30 years later!
Thursday, August 02, 2007
i've been tagged!
if you weren't already tagged - TAG
FIVE THINGS I WAS DOING TEN YEARS AGO
1) caring for my (first) newborn son
2) living in West Chester, PA
3) took one of many trips to Cape May, NJ (just returned from second trip there with a newborn, she being #3!)
4) working from home full-time, same job
5) suffering from postpartum hormones and isolation (associated with working from home)
FAVORITE SNACK FOODS
1) Double-Stuft MINT Oreos
2) Nacho Cheese Doritos
3) Flat Earth fruit crisps
4) Bear Claw ice cream
5) anything else crunchy
FIVE SONGS I KNOW ALL THE LYRICS TO
1) various lullabies
2) far too many church songs
3) Candle in the Wind
4) Disney theme songs (yes, i LOVE Hannah Montana!)
5) Disney movie songs
FIVE THINGS I WOULD DO IF I WERE A MILLIONAIRE
1) pay off all our debt and drop the angst! (live lots longer as a result)
2) donate a dozen "Bili Beds" to our local NICU
3) buy a bed-and-breakfast in Orlando to host Make-A-Wish children visiting Disney
(sounds like i've got a major Disney thing, but i swear i don't!)
4) hire someone to work there so we can TRAVEL!
5) buy Richie a membership to various golf courses
(some of these require more than one million!)
*post in progress, need to work!*
FIVE BAD HABITS
1) procrastination!
2) i'm always right, but i don't believe it's a bad habit...
3) i expect 100% of myself, and of everyone else. everyone else is a bit surprised by this expectation.
4) no self-control, but i'm trying (and improving, suprise!)
5) TMI!
FIVE THINGS I LIKE TO DO
1) READ
2) talk
3) play the piano
4) play with my babies
5) bake yummy fattening snacks
FIVE THINGS I WILL NEVER WEAR AGAIN
1) size 5 jeans, just b/c i could squeeze into them
2) size 7 jeans, which fit
3) a thong
4) someone else said fur, but i disagree; if it's old fur, why make those animals' deaths in vain? wear it proudly and tell everyone you don't kill mink now, but see no reason not to wear those that already died!
5) most of the fun trends that look foolish on olllld ladies.
FIVE THINGS I WAS DOING TEN YEARS AGO
1) caring for my (first) newborn son
2) living in West Chester, PA
3) took one of many trips to Cape May, NJ (just returned from second trip there with a newborn, she being #3!)
4) working from home full-time, same job
5) suffering from postpartum hormones and isolation (associated with working from home)
FAVORITE SNACK FOODS
1) Double-Stuft MINT Oreos
2) Nacho Cheese Doritos
3) Flat Earth fruit crisps
4) Bear Claw ice cream
5) anything else crunchy
FIVE SONGS I KNOW ALL THE LYRICS TO
1) various lullabies
2) far too many church songs
3) Candle in the Wind
4) Disney theme songs (yes, i LOVE Hannah Montana!)
5) Disney movie songs
FIVE THINGS I WOULD DO IF I WERE A MILLIONAIRE
1) pay off all our debt and drop the angst! (live lots longer as a result)
2) donate a dozen "Bili Beds" to our local NICU
3) buy a bed-and-breakfast in Orlando to host Make-A-Wish children visiting Disney
(sounds like i've got a major Disney thing, but i swear i don't!)
4) hire someone to work there so we can TRAVEL!
5) buy Richie a membership to various golf courses
(some of these require more than one million!)
*post in progress, need to work!*
FIVE BAD HABITS
1) procrastination!
2) i'm always right, but i don't believe it's a bad habit...
3) i expect 100% of myself, and of everyone else. everyone else is a bit surprised by this expectation.
4) no self-control, but i'm trying (and improving, suprise!)
5) TMI!
FIVE THINGS I LIKE TO DO
1) READ
2) talk
3) play the piano
4) play with my babies
5) bake yummy fattening snacks
FIVE THINGS I WILL NEVER WEAR AGAIN
1) size 5 jeans, just b/c i could squeeze into them
2) size 7 jeans, which fit
3) a thong
4) someone else said fur, but i disagree; if it's old fur, why make those animals' deaths in vain? wear it proudly and tell everyone you don't kill mink now, but see no reason not to wear those that already died!
5) most of the fun trends that look foolish on olllld ladies.
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
TRUE FRIENDSHIP
(With none of that Sissy Crap!!!!)
Are you tired of those sissy "friendship" poems that always sound good, but never actually come close to reality? Well, here is a series of promises that actually speak of true friendship.
You will see no cutesy little smiley faces here - just the stone cold truth of our friendship.
1. When you are sad -- I will help you get drunk and plot revenge against the sorry bastard who made you that way.
2. When you are blue -- I will try to dislodge whatever is choking you.
3. When you smile -- I will know you finally got laid.
4. When you are scared -- I will rag on you about it every chance I get.
5. When you are worried -- I will tell you horrible stories about how much worse it could be until you quit whining.
6. When you are confused -- I will use little words.
7. When you are sick -- Stay the hell away from me until you are well again. I don't want to catch whatever you have.
8. When you fall -- I will point and laugh at your clumsy ass.
9. This is my oath..... I pledge it to the end. "Why?" you may ask -- "Because you are my friend."
Friendship is like peeing your pants: everyone can see it, but only you can feel the true warmth.
Are you tired of those sissy "friendship" poems that always sound good, but never actually come close to reality? Well, here is a series of promises that actually speak of true friendship.
You will see no cutesy little smiley faces here - just the stone cold truth of our friendship.
1. When you are sad -- I will help you get drunk and plot revenge against the sorry bastard who made you that way.
2. When you are blue -- I will try to dislodge whatever is choking you.
3. When you smile -- I will know you finally got laid.
4. When you are scared -- I will rag on you about it every chance I get.
5. When you are worried -- I will tell you horrible stories about how much worse it could be until you quit whining.
6. When you are confused -- I will use little words.
7. When you are sick -- Stay the hell away from me until you are well again. I don't want to catch whatever you have.
8. When you fall -- I will point and laugh at your clumsy ass.
9. This is my oath..... I pledge it to the end. "Why?" you may ask -- "Because you are my friend."
Friendship is like peeing your pants: everyone can see it, but only you can feel the true warmth.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
old women
(i.e., old wives' tales)
they like to remind you that babies are "easier" to take care of while in the womb than after delivery. i say boo-hiss to old women! MY baby is certainly easier at this point - i have HELP, and i'm not SICK. and might i add i'm SO GLAD i'm feeling healthy, and have help!
i'm in a mood; been reading blogs of peeps also in moods, and it carries over!
they like to remind you that babies are "easier" to take care of while in the womb than after delivery. i say boo-hiss to old women! MY baby is certainly easier at this point - i have HELP, and i'm not SICK. and might i add i'm SO GLAD i'm feeling healthy, and have help!
i'm in a mood; been reading blogs of peeps also in moods, and it carries over!
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
gotta swing!
actually, a vibrator.
yeah, my first vibrator, and it's for my infant. something seems wrong here!
it's a bouncer seat, with a rocker bottom and a vibrator attachment. very soothing for the newborn. and it has kickstand to stop it rocking so you can feed baby in it. we got this instead of a swing b/c it cost less than half as much, and b/c my boys outgrew their swings so fast. this will still work when she could reach out and grab the swing leg.
she's a hoot and a half. after feeding, when i tip her up to burp her, she starts grunting, groaning, and making noises that sound like burps. is she trying to help, or trying to trick us into thinking she already burped? we're not sure. but it's funny as heck!
yeah, my first vibrator, and it's for my infant. something seems wrong here!
it's a bouncer seat, with a rocker bottom and a vibrator attachment. very soothing for the newborn. and it has kickstand to stop it rocking so you can feed baby in it. we got this instead of a swing b/c it cost less than half as much, and b/c my boys outgrew their swings so fast. this will still work when she could reach out and grab the swing leg.
she's a hoot and a half. after feeding, when i tip her up to burp her, she starts grunting, groaning, and making noises that sound like burps. is she trying to help, or trying to trick us into thinking she already burped? we're not sure. but it's funny as heck!
Saturday, July 14, 2007
more tickle button stories
the ookie belly buttons are both doing much better, thanks. the end of my stitches still pokes me, but the infection has cleared and no more oozing; angela's is all healed up.
the nurse at the dr's office told me how to triple-coat her heinie so her rash would heal (first zinc ointment, then A&D ointment, then powder), and it's much better, but wants all three all the time. johnson & johnson would get rich(er) off us if BIL didn't work for them and give us free stuff!
and angela has stopped screaming the whole time we change every diaper. her poor little monkey butt is red, but no longer raw.
watch this space for future edit, as time constraints and starving children insist i leave the computer NOW!
the nurse at the dr's office told me how to triple-coat her heinie so her rash would heal (first zinc ointment, then A&D ointment, then powder), and it's much better, but wants all three all the time. johnson & johnson would get rich(er) off us if BIL didn't work for them and give us free stuff!
and angela has stopped screaming the whole time we change every diaper. her poor little monkey butt is red, but no longer raw.
watch this space for future edit, as time constraints and starving children insist i leave the computer NOW!
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
weight loss update
i put my wedding ring back on today! huzzah!
actually, it's my 10th anniversary band, but i haven't worn it in a good 6-7 months, so i'm pretty excited!
actually, it's my 10th anniversary band, but i haven't worn it in a good 6-7 months, so i'm pretty excited!
dressing alike already
last week, Angela and I had matching ookie belly buttons.
she had been crying so hard she flipped hers inside out, which broke the scab loose and it fell off a few days later. so lots of ookie left to heal.
mine turned red, then a few days later started weeping and oozing, so I got antibiotics from the OB.
in between, we had matching nasty owie raw belly buttons. what a coinkidink!
at this point, they're better, but her diaper rash is still evil. it's always something!
she had been crying so hard she flipped hers inside out, which broke the scab loose and it fell off a few days later. so lots of ookie left to heal.
mine turned red, then a few days later started weeping and oozing, so I got antibiotics from the OB.
in between, we had matching nasty owie raw belly buttons. what a coinkidink!
at this point, they're better, but her diaper rash is still evil. it's always something!
Monday, July 09, 2007
kids in church story
my big boys are completely in love with their baby sister - which is as it should be, of course!
our pastor does a "children's conversation" before the main sermon. all of the children come up and gather around him, and he has a short discussion with them about some topic related to church. he's given them a box to bring items in that he can relate to his discussions; they take turns with the box. it's pretty cool - they see God in everyday toys and such.
we took Angela to church yesterday. at the beginning of service, Gabe asked if he could take his baby sister with him to the children's conversation. i thought for about a second and said, that's appropriate, but told him we'd have to see if she was fussy when it was time to go up. she was sleeping.
so my proud little 10-year-old got to take his baby to the front of the church for the children's conversation. he got a wave of laughter and some righteous pride out of it. the pastor commented she was the youngest child he'd EVER had participate! (18 days yesterday.)
Gabe is strong and steady with carrying her, so i really didn't worry about him carrying her; holding her while sitting on the floor was a little more worrisome, but he did great! (many were amazed i let him carry her, but he's been doing then since about day one - at DH's instigation! since then i'm fine with it.) he says she calms him down, and i can definitely see that.
our pastor does a "children's conversation" before the main sermon. all of the children come up and gather around him, and he has a short discussion with them about some topic related to church. he's given them a box to bring items in that he can relate to his discussions; they take turns with the box. it's pretty cool - they see God in everyday toys and such.
we took Angela to church yesterday. at the beginning of service, Gabe asked if he could take his baby sister with him to the children's conversation. i thought for about a second and said, that's appropriate, but told him we'd have to see if she was fussy when it was time to go up. she was sleeping.
so my proud little 10-year-old got to take his baby to the front of the church for the children's conversation. he got a wave of laughter and some righteous pride out of it. the pastor commented she was the youngest child he'd EVER had participate! (18 days yesterday.)
Gabe is strong and steady with carrying her, so i really didn't worry about him carrying her; holding her while sitting on the floor was a little more worrisome, but he did great! (many were amazed i let him carry her, but he's been doing then since about day one - at DH's instigation! since then i'm fine with it.) he says she calms him down, and i can definitely see that.
Thursday, July 05, 2007
stray thoughts...
1. when you have gestational diabetes, saddlebags finally prove their worth; they're the least painful place to inject insulin on your flabby body. finger sticks are hardly a sting, but insulin injections can be anywhere from no big deal to major stinging, and no warning which they'll be.
2. insurance companies suck. yeah, i know, i'm glad i have insurance. my two hospital stays were $15K, and we haven't seen Angela's bill yet. but my insurance company keeps changing my plan (they're in bankruptcy, they get to do that), and increasing my copays, and making up new reasons i can have MORE large copays. well, i'm in debt for life anyway, right?
3. Motherhood Maternity has really lost their place in my heart. they were the only source for good nursing bras with my previous pregnancies, but the ones i got this time are crap for support, and wearing out already (wore them from second month of pregnancy, to be fair). are there ANY other places to find maternity bras? DH bought me one from K-mart but it's like five sizes too big - marked the same size i've been wearing.
4. and it reeks that my "engorgement" phase only lasted 5 minutes this time around. i'm smaller up top than i was through the pregnancy already.
5. (but related to 4) which could be related to the fact that i'm down 34 pounds, 15 days after delivery, and i only gained 20. if we count the 25 i WAS up, i lost 5 in the last 10 days BEFORE delivery, so then i'd be down 39.
6. (but related to 5) there have only been two times in my life when stress affected me this way: when SHIT-for-brains (as his mother and i referred to him at the time) took off for California, and when my newborn daughter was in the NICU. every other time i gain weight; 50 pounds for a move to NC 5 years ago, in fact. i'm still carrying previous baby weight, and i'm just shocked that i've lost so much so fast. here's to keeping the trend! (guess i'd better stop buying dubl-stuft oreos)
7. (but related to 6) and here's to no more stress of the magnitude that causes me to LOSE weight for another 18 years. hallelujah, we have a clean bill of health, and things are looking sunny all over! (now, if someone would just buy my house...)
2. insurance companies suck. yeah, i know, i'm glad i have insurance. my two hospital stays were $15K, and we haven't seen Angela's bill yet. but my insurance company keeps changing my plan (they're in bankruptcy, they get to do that), and increasing my copays, and making up new reasons i can have MORE large copays. well, i'm in debt for life anyway, right?
3. Motherhood Maternity has really lost their place in my heart. they were the only source for good nursing bras with my previous pregnancies, but the ones i got this time are crap for support, and wearing out already (wore them from second month of pregnancy, to be fair). are there ANY other places to find maternity bras? DH bought me one from K-mart but it's like five sizes too big - marked the same size i've been wearing.
4. and it reeks that my "engorgement" phase only lasted 5 minutes this time around. i'm smaller up top than i was through the pregnancy already.
5. (but related to 4) which could be related to the fact that i'm down 34 pounds, 15 days after delivery, and i only gained 20. if we count the 25 i WAS up, i lost 5 in the last 10 days BEFORE delivery, so then i'd be down 39.
6. (but related to 5) there have only been two times in my life when stress affected me this way: when SHIT-for-brains (as his mother and i referred to him at the time) took off for California, and when my newborn daughter was in the NICU. every other time i gain weight; 50 pounds for a move to NC 5 years ago, in fact. i'm still carrying previous baby weight, and i'm just shocked that i've lost so much so fast. here's to keeping the trend! (guess i'd better stop buying dubl-stuft oreos)
7. (but related to 6) and here's to no more stress of the magnitude that causes me to LOSE weight for another 18 years. hallelujah, we have a clean bill of health, and things are looking sunny all over! (now, if someone would just buy my house...)
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
13 days old
we're smiling and posing, just as cute as a bug. i can see her little head growing already. she wants to sleep and nurse, and hates having her diaper changed (sensitive skin = nasty raw rashes).
i'm going to figure out how to post photos soon soon.
having a newborn sucks all of the energy out of the day. she is a power magnet! we forget so easily... so all the TMI posts i'd planned to make have faded out of my head. i should be able to retrieve one or two eventually, but getting to the computer takes a mighty effort!
we've had wonderful support from our church family; now i have the added stress of needing to write thank-you notes. :D
should anyone wonder what we need, i'm registered at target.com, jennifer erdosy, and will be happy to accept donations! i just filed my short-term disability claim so i'll be lucky to see any return from that before 7/15.
i'm going to figure out how to post photos soon soon.
having a newborn sucks all of the energy out of the day. she is a power magnet! we forget so easily... so all the TMI posts i'd planned to make have faded out of my head. i should be able to retrieve one or two eventually, but getting to the computer takes a mighty effort!
we've had wonderful support from our church family; now i have the added stress of needing to write thank-you notes. :D
should anyone wonder what we need, i'm registered at target.com, jennifer erdosy, and will be happy to accept donations! i just filed my short-term disability claim so i'll be lucky to see any return from that before 7/15.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
baby is home!
i feel kinda boring, with only one topic of conversation. many subheadings, but only one main topic! but i'm not bored, and you chose to come here, right?
Angela came home today, and we're all just ecstatic. sleep-deprived, stressed-out, and ecstatic. the boys are actually much happier. it's been a rough road.
her bilirubin came down after she spent 16 hours under lights, and we'll hope it continues to do so and we won't have to put her under lights again - we want to hold her, not light her!
she's doing better with nursing when she wakes up. she's another stubborn baby like Tyler was, won't wake up until she's good and ready. unless you change her diaper, but even then once her butt is covered she's fine. i don't like thinking about all she had to have done and how she must be associating something nasty with diapers. *shudder*
it's late and i have to feed her again in a little over an hour, so i'll give more details than you really wanted to know LATER. we're just glad she's HOME!
Angela came home today, and we're all just ecstatic. sleep-deprived, stressed-out, and ecstatic. the boys are actually much happier. it's been a rough road.
her bilirubin came down after she spent 16 hours under lights, and we'll hope it continues to do so and we won't have to put her under lights again - we want to hold her, not light her!
she's doing better with nursing when she wakes up. she's another stubborn baby like Tyler was, won't wake up until she's good and ready. unless you change her diaper, but even then once her butt is covered she's fine. i don't like thinking about all she had to have done and how she must be associating something nasty with diapers. *shudder*
it's late and i have to feed her again in a little over an hour, so i'll give more details than you really wanted to know LATER. we're just glad she's HOME!
Friday, June 22, 2007
apologies
i JUST got home, so this is as early a post as i could manage. i've been exhausted and haven't called as many people as i had planned.
BIRTH STORIES:
short version: Angela Grace Erdosy was born Wednesday, 6/20/2007, at 6:07 p.m., weighing 9 pounds 2 ounces, and measuring 20-1/2 inches long.
she has been in the NICU because she passed meconium before we went to be induced, and has had some respiratory problems. also, infants of diabetic mothers have lots of "possible" problems, or tend towards more, and need them all ruled out. she had some jaundice, but not enough to need a light. we hope she will come home Sunday. any prayers are very welcome!
long birth story: i was called at 5:30 a.m. Wed. to come for my induction. it took us a whole hour to get there, we weren't ready b/c we were trying to make Murphy's law work for us!
after admission paperwork, my OB for the day finally came and broke the water, which was stained throughout with meconium (first BM for baby). of course, i had met and interacted with everyone in the practice EXCEPT this doc. hooked into IV and epidural, and started on pitocin.
the pitocin never came up to a high level b/c i responded very quickly. i had to keep begging for more drugs. by 1:30 i was complete. we were hopeful of another quick delivery like #2 (17 minutes of second stage labor), and started off pushing with enthusiasm and energy just before 2 p.m.
we progressed slowly but consistently. doctor kept turning the epidural down so i could progress, and i'd have to fuss at him that i couldn't progress without pain relief. her head was a little off-center and we had to try side positions for pushing.
finally the epidural wore off YET again and the doctor wanted me to push anyway. i curled up in fetal position and yelled at him. DH says i only yelled for a few minutes before he figured out that i was being honest when i said "I CAN'T ANYMORE!" but it seemed like a very long time. he said, just a little more and she'll be here! and i replied "but you've BEEN saying that for HOURS!"
everything hurt beyond my tolerance - to lift a leg again to push was more than i could do. i had pushed really well while baby was on my sciatic nerve b/c it hurt LESS to push; it lifted her up. and i said to him, if she's so close, can't you get her with forceps? after a discussion, he decided i really could have more drugs, and we'd use a vacuum.
she was born over ONE contraction with this method. four hours after we started. it's really not doctor's fault - he had no experience with my previous deliveries, since we'd moved. i got really lucky with #2 and an OB who understood how to get me to progress.
so she's born! i decided kind of last minute (last week) to have a postpartum tubal ligation. i had to wait until the next day and just about went crazy from all the lines they left in. fasting from midnight until after all of the emergencies that kept cutting in line, i finally had the procedure and got back to my room at 3:30. so that was thursday. i was exhausted but i took a shower anyway b/c i had to be clean!
baby went straight from delivery room to NICU b/c of meconium and infant of diabetic; they had to monitor her sugars for 4 hours minimum. then they kept finding more things to keep her for. she was under an oxygen hood, so i couldn't hold her, couldn't nurse, seemed like forever. she's made good progress and i HAVE started to nurse today, even though she has nasal prong oxygen still. if she keeps improving, she'll be home sunday! was getting depressed with the picture and not holding my baby, but i'm much better with those nursing hormones!
one last thing: don't believe anyone who tells you a tubal ligation is minor; it HURTS!
and the first thing i did was come post my birth story. nobody can say i don't love you!
BIRTH STORIES:
short version: Angela Grace Erdosy was born Wednesday, 6/20/2007, at 6:07 p.m., weighing 9 pounds 2 ounces, and measuring 20-1/2 inches long.
she has been in the NICU because she passed meconium before we went to be induced, and has had some respiratory problems. also, infants of diabetic mothers have lots of "possible" problems, or tend towards more, and need them all ruled out. she had some jaundice, but not enough to need a light. we hope she will come home Sunday. any prayers are very welcome!
long birth story: i was called at 5:30 a.m. Wed. to come for my induction. it took us a whole hour to get there, we weren't ready b/c we were trying to make Murphy's law work for us!
after admission paperwork, my OB for the day finally came and broke the water, which was stained throughout with meconium (first BM for baby). of course, i had met and interacted with everyone in the practice EXCEPT this doc. hooked into IV and epidural, and started on pitocin.
the pitocin never came up to a high level b/c i responded very quickly. i had to keep begging for more drugs. by 1:30 i was complete. we were hopeful of another quick delivery like #2 (17 minutes of second stage labor), and started off pushing with enthusiasm and energy just before 2 p.m.
we progressed slowly but consistently. doctor kept turning the epidural down so i could progress, and i'd have to fuss at him that i couldn't progress without pain relief. her head was a little off-center and we had to try side positions for pushing.
finally the epidural wore off YET again and the doctor wanted me to push anyway. i curled up in fetal position and yelled at him. DH says i only yelled for a few minutes before he figured out that i was being honest when i said "I CAN'T ANYMORE!" but it seemed like a very long time. he said, just a little more and she'll be here! and i replied "but you've BEEN saying that for HOURS!"
everything hurt beyond my tolerance - to lift a leg again to push was more than i could do. i had pushed really well while baby was on my sciatic nerve b/c it hurt LESS to push; it lifted her up. and i said to him, if she's so close, can't you get her with forceps? after a discussion, he decided i really could have more drugs, and we'd use a vacuum.
she was born over ONE contraction with this method. four hours after we started. it's really not doctor's fault - he had no experience with my previous deliveries, since we'd moved. i got really lucky with #2 and an OB who understood how to get me to progress.
so she's born! i decided kind of last minute (last week) to have a postpartum tubal ligation. i had to wait until the next day and just about went crazy from all the lines they left in. fasting from midnight until after all of the emergencies that kept cutting in line, i finally had the procedure and got back to my room at 3:30. so that was thursday. i was exhausted but i took a shower anyway b/c i had to be clean!
baby went straight from delivery room to NICU b/c of meconium and infant of diabetic; they had to monitor her sugars for 4 hours minimum. then they kept finding more things to keep her for. she was under an oxygen hood, so i couldn't hold her, couldn't nurse, seemed like forever. she's made good progress and i HAVE started to nurse today, even though she has nasal prong oxygen still. if she keeps improving, she'll be home sunday! was getting depressed with the picture and not holding my baby, but i'm much better with those nursing hormones!
one last thing: don't believe anyone who tells you a tubal ligation is minor; it HURTS!
and the first thing i did was come post my birth story. nobody can say i don't love you!
Monday, June 18, 2007
not quite last
i'm booked for induction on Wed., subject to availability. i should be high on the priority list with my gestational diabetes AND preeclampsia. fingers crossed! as i'm 4 cm and 60% effaced already (which never happened without pitocin before), things are looking good for a quick delivery! can't wait!
Friday, June 15, 2007
the last update!
we hope...
if you missed stewbert's comments, the prior updates are as follows:
6/11: "FYI: Mamabear is at the hospital. She's been admitted for preeclampsia observation. They are hoping to wait until next Monday (6/18) to deliver baby girl, but if her blood pressure goes up or her proteinuria increases, they'll be inducing ASAP. She's okay right now, though. :) "
3:44 PM
6/13: "FYI: Mamabear and babybear did so well, they sent her home today with no plans to induce anytime soon. Hopefully she'll come and post an update soon."
9:33 PM
6/15: Today's update is by me! i know y'all appreciate that. saw OB AGAIN. had ANOTHER NST. and they made a plan that has a definite point! i will be back to the office on Monday (for ANOTHER NST), whereupon they will phone the hospital and ask when i can be induced per their schedule; should be Mon. or Tues! so this will be the last update until the announcement/birth story! yes, i'm excited; yes, i'm MUCH less frustrated than i was Wed. when they sent me home with a plan that was very much iffy-in-the-air.
i'm also sure DH is thrilled to know exactly what to plan for work, too! thanks for all your well-wishes - keep the prayers coming!
if you missed stewbert's comments, the prior updates are as follows:
6/11: "FYI: Mamabear is at the hospital. She's been admitted for preeclampsia observation. They are hoping to wait until next Monday (6/18) to deliver baby girl, but if her blood pressure goes up or her proteinuria increases, they'll be inducing ASAP. She's okay right now, though. :) "
3:44 PM
6/13: "FYI: Mamabear and babybear did so well, they sent her home today with no plans to induce anytime soon. Hopefully she'll come and post an update soon."
9:33 PM
6/15: Today's update is by me! i know y'all appreciate that. saw OB AGAIN. had ANOTHER NST. and they made a plan that has a definite point! i will be back to the office on Monday (for ANOTHER NST), whereupon they will phone the hospital and ask when i can be induced per their schedule; should be Mon. or Tues! so this will be the last update until the announcement/birth story! yes, i'm excited; yes, i'm MUCH less frustrated than i was Wed. when they sent me home with a plan that was very much iffy-in-the-air.
i'm also sure DH is thrilled to know exactly what to plan for work, too! thanks for all your well-wishes - keep the prayers coming!
Thursday, June 07, 2007
inspired by dooce
if you're not reading her yet, you're missing out.
so i'm reading dooce's blog today, and she's talking about sending her daughter to preschool, and how they hyped it up and up and up so as to make the transition as easy as possible.
and i remember how EAGER #2 son was to go to school. we didn't have to hype it; he was so anxious, we had to jump through hoops for six months to get him let in a year early. because he could not wait another year, no he could not. we DID talk about learning to read regularly, however (which they do in kindergarten here, so yup, my son learned to read at age 4!).
and then he came home from school every day for probably the first week, but it felt like the first month, exasperated b/c "I didn't learn to read again TODAY!" he thought it was an overnight process, and it probably seems like one in retrospect.
life was simpler then, when what we wanted was going to happen when we wanted it, wasn't it?
so i'm reading dooce's blog today, and she's talking about sending her daughter to preschool, and how they hyped it up and up and up so as to make the transition as easy as possible.
and i remember how EAGER #2 son was to go to school. we didn't have to hype it; he was so anxious, we had to jump through hoops for six months to get him let in a year early. because he could not wait another year, no he could not. we DID talk about learning to read regularly, however (which they do in kindergarten here, so yup, my son learned to read at age 4!).
and then he came home from school every day for probably the first week, but it felt like the first month, exasperated b/c "I didn't learn to read again TODAY!" he thought it was an overnight process, and it probably seems like one in retrospect.
life was simpler then, when what we wanted was going to happen when we wanted it, wasn't it?
makes me sound schizophrenic, IMO...
What Your Peanut Butter And Jelly Sandwich Means |
 Your eating style is gluttonous. If you like something, you're going back for seconds... no matter how full you are! You have an average sweet tooth. While you enjoy desserts, they aren't exactly your downfall. Your taste in food tends to be quite eclectic and wide. You are an adventurous eater, and you like many types of cuisines. You belong to a class that's all your own. You resist rules and traditions of any sort. You are a tough person who isn't afraid to live life fully. There isn't a lot that scares you. You are laid back and extremely easygoing. You never make a fuss, and you try to enjoy every moment. |
Monday, June 04, 2007
feeling
i've been feeling kinda overwhelmed and fed up - typical 8-month stuff. like the belly is all there is to me, nothing feels or looks like me anymore, and i'm lost in this body that exists solely to feed its parasite. hard to explain, harder to cope with. :p
then, as i'm walking out of the bathroom, i turn and catch a glimpse of my rear in the mirror. oh. THERE _I_ am. good, i'm still here. but the view? major downer.
then, as i'm walking out of the bathroom, i turn and catch a glimpse of my rear in the mirror. oh. THERE _I_ am. good, i'm still here. but the view? major downer.
have i told you lately?
have i griped lately about how miserable i am? if i'd PLANNED this pregnancy, i'd be cursing myself out hoursly. it hurts to walk, to stand, to move. don't mind the testing, but hate the insulin needles (although one good thing about saddlebags is they don't have lots of nerves so i use them when i can).
however, got my lame butt to church yesterday, and every time someone would ask "is it a boy or a girl?" i would BEAM and say "it's a girl!" gotta remember that one... i'm that happy about having a daughter, just gotta hit that happy button hard and often.
i'm sick of showing the house already. everybody says nasty things - because we LIVE here. there's stuff everywhere! (no, there isn't; you should've seen it before. it's very tidy and organized at this point.) it's filthy! (same story.) it's dark and dated! (don't know what house they were looking at when they said that.)
somebody will come down the road and fall in love and everything will work out fine. really.
however, got my lame butt to church yesterday, and every time someone would ask "is it a boy or a girl?" i would BEAM and say "it's a girl!" gotta remember that one... i'm that happy about having a daughter, just gotta hit that happy button hard and often.
i'm sick of showing the house already. everybody says nasty things - because we LIVE here. there's stuff everywhere! (no, there isn't; you should've seen it before. it's very tidy and organized at this point.) it's filthy! (same story.) it's dark and dated! (don't know what house they were looking at when they said that.)
somebody will come down the road and fall in love and everything will work out fine. really.
Friday, June 01, 2007
non sequitur
I went into the gas station today and asked for five dollars worth of gas... The clerk farted and gave me a receipt.
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