c and e and e

The Answer is 42

2009-01-12T14:25:00.003-05:00

As a statistician, I thoroughly enjoyed analyzing the answers to Post #307. It seems that the only people who have heard "For the love of humanity" were Utahans; none of my non-Utah readers claimed to have done so. (I wasn't sure how to classify Deanna as I'm not sure where she's from. Nor was I sure about cousin Melissa whose time spent in Arizona is increasing as I type.) And while Gretchen claims to have also heard both, I don't count her on either side because she's too much of a word freak and therefore an outlier. In addition, she led me to the theory so she's biased.

All of this was certainly interesting, but irrelevant.

Given our change of address last June, this blog's name is no longer appropriate. And given the addition of the little man in March, the title, "c and e," (pronounced "candy") has changed to "c and e and e" (pronounced "candy-andy") which just doesn't flow as well. Plus, it's candy I'm in love with, not candy andy, whoever that is. Although if there is such a person, I'd like to meet him.

And so, I embark on a new journey with a new blog. That looks kinda like this one. One that contains the same types of posts. And has the same author. BUT it has a super clever title; am I right folks?! Let's just focus on that, okay? I can be clever!

Starting right now, January 12th 2:25 p.m. EST, you can find me posting at the brand new blog with a brand new look, all right HERE. Please tell all your friends. And don't forget to update the links on your own blogs, your Google Reader, your RSS Feeder, your whatever. Please. Pretty please?

Pop Quiz

2009-01-09T07:38:00.004-05:00

Given the following two phrases

1) Oh the humanity

2) For the love of humanity

Your response is:

a) I have heard both of them.

b) I've only heard one. (Do tell me which you've heard.)

c) I've never heard either.

d) What is she talking about?!

This is of grave import so please help. If you do, you'll make me as happy as a baby with paper.

I Think You're Supposed to Write Them Down

2009-01-08T06:17:00.000-05:00

I think I read somewhere once that unless you write down your New Year's Resolutions they will come to nothing. As I want them to come to something and not nothing, here goes:

Compete in my local Road Runners Club's championship series. This means I have to run at least five of their races and finish in the top ten for my age group. I looked up the top ten times of 2008 and want to beat them all. While this won't guarantee a solid finish this year, it's at least a goal.
Take at least one video of the family a month. While spending time with Chuck's brother in North Carolina, we watched what videos we had of Rhett on our camera. We're pretty sure that they'd never been watched before then, but it was so much fun! We had forgotten how little and funny he was. Along with this goal is to actually take those videos from the camera and put them on a DVD (but that's Chuck's resolution).
Get up to date on my digital scrapbooking. Enough said.
Develop more traditions. I love traditions (see previous post on schedules and regularity). And now with Rhett, I want him to have them. The first one that comes to mind? Eating only green foods on St. Patrick's Day ala this. The second corollary is that I will make a hideously tacky felt advent calendar for next year's Christmas like the one my mom sold at a garage sale (it still pains me).

There they are. Bring it on 2009!

We Now Return You To Your Regularly Scheduled Programming

2009-01-06T14:04:00.005-05:00

As much as I loved visiting family and having Chuck's help with Rhett for nearly two straight weeks, I have to say that it's so nice to be back to our regular lives. (If one can say that a pregnant man is regular...)

On second thought, since what you're seeing isn't really a pregnant man (shocker!) but rather someone too lazy to put the baby in a warm outfit, I guess things have returned to normal.

And I couldn't be happier. I crave schedules. Sure, spontaneity can be fun. But just let me know ahead of time if you want to surprise me and I'll write it down in my calendar.

Florida Recap

2009-01-02T10:26:00.002-05:00

There's just something about holidays that make me want to be near family. Although we spent Christmas day with Chuck's parents and the only sibling of his who lives close to us, I wanted more. So we decided to take Rhett's first road trip. And wow, was it a doozy. We drove 13.5 hours (no baby steps for us) to Florida to see Chuck's sister and her family. In addition to seeing family, we saw alligators, a plantation, a cute little town in Georgia, and the Gulf of Mexico. But definitely family was the best.

Made for Christmas

2008-12-27T10:12:00.000-05:00

Here are the gifts that I made this year.

A dress for my niece:
Skirt for another niece:

Books for two nephews:

Blocks for a near-nephew:
Bag for another niece:
Dolls for niece and near-niece:

Have Yourselves a Merry Little Christmas

2008-12-24T06:40:00.002-05:00

Three Strikes...You're In!

2008-12-23T06:36:00.000-05:00

I used to have three rules for outdoor Christmas lights:

Thou shalt not mix multi-colored strands of lights with solid strands.
Thou shalt not mix solid strands with blinking strands.
Thou shalt not mix big bulbs with small bulbs.

But recently I have to admit that I'm throwing those rules out the window. And the one new rule that's replacing it? The tackier, the better. I am fully embracing it and love every house that is doing the same.

For me and my house, well, I'm still going to stay with my rules. But please, no one else do the same. Because if you did, then we wouldn't have beauties like this:

Nine Months In, Nine Months Out

2008-12-21T16:19:00.001-05:00

Today Rhett turns nine months old. It's just crazy to think that he's (almost) been out of my belly as long as he was in it (technically he was 41 weeks in). I gotta say, it's much better having him out than in. At least most days it is.

And thanks to this most recent illness (food poisoning perhaps?), I am quite possibly right at my pre-pregnancy weight. That's been nine months on, nine months off. Sigh.

Happy Birthday Bruno!

2008-12-19T09:39:00.000-05:00

Bruno turns three years old today. Blow out a candle for him, even if he does have a touch of the cannibalism.

And if I wasn't so gosh darned sick, I'd make him a special cake like my sister did for her dog's birthday. Bruno will have to settle for ham.

Out of the Frying Pan, Into the Fire

2008-12-16T15:18:00.001-05:00

I almost don't know what to say, so this will be short. Nine days ago I met with the Bishop. Three days ago I put on the ward Christmas activity (no small event, mind you). Fifty hours ago I was released from my calling of six months. And 49 hours and 58 minutes ago I was sustained to a new one. Young Women's President. President. I'm shocked. I'm humbled. I'm scared to death. Excuse me while I puke.

Made for Monday

2008-12-15T06:29:00.002-05:00

Table Runner
I'm not pleased at all with this. It looks great from far away, but not close up. If you come to my house for dinner, it won't be on the table.

Car Seat Strap Covers
I am, however, very pleased with these. Without them, the straps were cutting into Rhett's neck. But now, well, they're not. From the tutorial posted here. (Note: After successfully printing the tutorial once, I have not been successful getting it to load again. Maybe you'll be luckier than I.)

Redefining Christmas Gifts

2008-12-12T14:02:00.000-05:00

Here's my latest AHA! moment into my own soul. Isn't it fun getting to know yourself?!

Last year Chuck and I were in Utah for the holidays, so we decided that we should open all of our gifts before we go. We didn't need to haul them on a plane just to haul them back. So on the eve of Christmas Eve we went to dinner (Continental Pizza and Subs for Chuck's pepperoni pizza and my chicken souvlaki), went to the temple to see the lights, and then went home to open the presents. It was supposed to be this great wonderful beautiful night. And it was...until we opened gifts.

So here's what I learned: I really like giving gifts. That is, I like giving gifts when I feel the gift is really something that the receiver will like. For example, I was pretty excited to give my mom her Christmas present last year. She wanted an apron so I found a great pattern and fabric and was really pleased with how it turned out. This year for my nephews Miles and Jonas, I am also really excited about what I made for them. Hopefully they'll like it too. And Emmy and Ziggy have pretty fun gifts coming their ways as well...again, hopefully.

But here's the rub. When I am stymied about what to give, I refuse to just buy "something." R and I have a great gift-giving relationship this way. If we see something we know the other will love, we buy it. But if not, it's NO BIG DEAL. So as much as I don't want to buy just "something," I really really really don't want to be given just "something." In fact, just getting "something" is really distressing to me. Some (cough cough, Chuck) might say it's tear-inducing.

I'm still not exactly sure why this is, however. Although I think it boils down to one of my least favorite feelings: disappointment. Maybe I'm disappointed because that person doesn't know me well enough to know what I want? Maybe I'm disappointed at the money and materials wasted in the giving of this gift? Maybe because it's just another thing I'll have to have in my house until I feel okay enough to freecycle it? Probably all of the above. Whatever the reason, it's still upsetting.

Here is our solution: As far as gifts from others, I know I can't control that. I'll have to be better at being grateful and in turn, better at re-gifting. But for the couple-gift-exchange dilemma, instead of giving each other "something," we're going to give each other our time. (Cue the "awwww...") That is, each Christmas, we'll plan an activity (e.g., seeing a show, splurging on a nice dinner, going to some sporting event, sky diving) and use the money we would have spent on gifts to do it. Rhett and Bruno will get gifts, of course, but for each other, we just want to spend time together. I can't wait to decide what we get to do!

Self Promoting at Its Worst

2008-12-10T09:18:00.003-05:00

Two things:

First, check out what's been happening over at the Foodees. Emily and I are hosting a raffle and WOW! has it been successful! People are posting such amazing (and yummy) things. Em and I can barely keep up. The final day of the contest is Monday and we'll announce a winner on Tuesday. Check back to see who takes home the grand prize! (And no, sorry, it won't be a leg lamp, but it might be a bowling alley.)

Second, just in time for Christmas I've relisted everything at my Etsy shop. You know you want it all.

But He's Just So Cuddly

2008-12-07T18:10:00.005-05:00

Remember when I wanted to know if it was wrong to love your kids more when they were sleeping? How about this one: is it wrong to not hate it when they're sick (just slight-fever-sick, not serious-trouble-sick) because suddenly they want to cuddle with you? I hope not.

Your Answers Made Me Go Hmmm...

2008-12-04T11:03:00.004-05:00

Here's what I have to say in response to what you had to say to what I had to ask:

1. I thought turban-wrapping your hair was something everyone knew, you know, like how to make a rootbeer float. But apparently, if your hair is boy-short and you never have to use the turban wrap, then you don't know how to actually do it. This was news to me.

2. Other than my friend Angie, everyone calls them Nilla. But I'm with her: they're vanilla wafers. You guys are all crazy.

3. I asked this question incorrectly. Before you read any further, what would you call this?
To me, this is a truck. To Chuck, this is a "pick-up" and the semi-truck is a "truck." Wrong wrong wrong. This is a truck and the big beautiful Werner machine is a semi.

4. This came about after a thread in an online Washington Post chat. The moderator wrote that women generally use 2-3 sheets; of course I was flummoxed as I'd never used that few. But you guys really put me to shame; I use about 8-10. I'll try to reduce.

5. I thought that since 1% milk has 1% milkfat and 2% milk has 2% milkfat, well, then whole milk should be 100%. I honestly believed this. But the right answer is 4%. So the next time someone asks for your whole attention, you only have to listen to every 25th word. Sweet.

Made for Monday

2008-12-01T07:30:00.000-05:00

The stockings I finished just in time...

I know they're a bit homespun, but I like them. And don't worry, I didn't forget Bruno!

The First Thanksgiving

2008-11-28T06:24:00.003-05:00

I'm pretty sure most people can guess the things for which Chuck and I are grateful this year.

Topping the list is our healthy baby. It amazes me that I can still think about how much I love him and start to cry. I wonder how old he gets before this goes away. (A corollary to this is health insurance. Even though I complained a lot about my Kaiser doctors, fact is, Rhett cost us $5.)

Next on the list is our home. We love our house and it is perfect for us. I feel so happy to not regret this decision.

Then probably come the recession-proof, government jobs that we both have that enable us to own the home.

And for me? I'm grateful for the freezer. It might be my favorite thing in the house.

Bruno? Having TWO eyes.

Chuck? He's also grateful for Bruno's two eyes.

Everett? He's grateful for his girlfriend, the TV.
Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving.

P.S. About the top picture: you might wonder what is all over Rhett's sweater: blood. He was playing with an empty soda can and must have cut his tongue. We were on a walk with him in the carrier and didn't even notice. It was pretty sad. Way to make memories, baby.

P.P.S. That's my friend Camie in that first picture. We sure like her.

Things That Make You Go Hmmm...

2008-11-24T11:38:00.005-05:00

Here are some thing I've been pondering this week:

1) If you are a guy, do you know how to turban-wrap your hair after a shower?

2) Do you call these "nilla wafers" or "vanilla wafers"?
3) Is this a "truck" or a "semi"? (Werner is my favorite company, by the way. I think their colors are beautiful, in a marketing way, of course.)
4) On average, how many squares of toilet paper would you say you use to go number one?

5) If 1% milk is milk with 1% milkfat, what % milkfat is whole milk?

Answers to come...

Hey Chuck, Is Your Tongue Always Like That?

2008-11-21T06:57:00.000-05:00

(e)Rin Tin Tin

2008-11-19T06:07:00.000-05:00

Unless you took French, you probably don't know Tin Tin. But see if you can figure out why his picture is posted here next to mine...

Honestly, what is happening with my faux bangs? I never asked for these; they just appeared. And they're curled backwards almost exactly like my seventh grade Utah bangs. This can't be good.

Made for Monday

2008-11-17T06:03:00.003-05:00

Draft snake. It really works!
Camie--Does the fabric look familiar? Other pieces will soon become a door stop.

Fish for a "Go Fish" game for my nephew's birthday. They have magnets in their noses and can be picked up with a magnetized fishing pole. (As seen here: http://memoirsofamommy.com/?p=31.)

Whose Fault?

2008-11-13T12:15:00.003-05:00

Given this is C and E, I figured I could go ahead and post for a change. I do read the blog and the comments, but today a conversation at work has inspired me to go ahead and see what people outside of my high school math department think.

First off, a little bit of background is needed. I was sitting in the math office during lunch and 3 other teachers were discussing the pastors at their relative churches. One of them was talking about how their pastor's daughter was pregnant and how she was so impressed with the pastors wife when she stood up in front of the congregation and took 100% responsibility for her daughter's situation and that she felt as though she was too busy caring for everyone else and forgot her own. The teacher then added, "it is still in part [the pastors] fault too." When I heard this, I had to chime in. I asked, "why isn't it the children's fault?" This led to a fairly heated conversation about if a pastor's child isn't perfect is it okay for a congregation to lose respect for the pastor...etc.

As a parent, I know that e and I will do all in my power to do the best to teach Rhett and help him to make good decisions. If he makes poor choices, we will do our best to support him and help him to overcome mistakes and grow from them. If he makes mistakes would it be okay for people to judge me? Better yet, if I were a bishop would it be more okay then? If the prophet's children make mistakes would we judge him for that? Should our positions within the church change how we are looked at when our children make mistakes? According to those here at work, our opinions should change. I could see passing judgement on a leader for their own mistakes and shortcomings, but should the actions of children lead to judgement on the parents?

Laughing Rhettilda

2008-11-11T07:15:00.004-05:00

Ever since swim class where Rhett was taught the Hokey Pokey, he can't stop laughing about it.

Maryland Doesn't 100% Suck

2008-11-08T16:15:00.004-05:00

So I know I complain about Maryland, but honestly, autumn here is awesome. We're just passing the peak colors for leaves in our neighborhood and people are starting to get their leaves raked to the curb for the big county leaf vacuum to come. (Yes, there really is a big vacuum, Virginia.)

As much as I wish this last picture was staged, I have to admit that it wasn't. I was crouching to get a super sweet pic and gravity just got the best of me. I didn't think that was supposed to happen until I was at least 65.

How Much is Time With Chuck Worth?

2008-11-06T08:31:00.001-05:00

Chuck is currently working on obtaining his administrator's certificate. When he finishes at the end of this school year, he'll be certified to be a vice-principal. In addition to the course work he's taking through the university, he has to take some classes through his school district. At the end of the first of these school district classes, there was a panel of recently-hired administrators, and a Q & A session was held. The thing that Chuck took away from this was that he (and I) should expect him to work 12-hour days, 12 months a year if/when he is an administrator.

Right now, Chuck leaves the house around 6:30 a.m. and comes home around 3:30 p.m. (nine-hour days). If I could have my way, I'd have him home eight minutes after the end of seventh period, but he has to do something he calls "prep." (Sounds made up to me but whatever.) The fact that I am home alone with Rhett until 3:30 is hard enough. But 6:30? Could I do it? Do I want to do it? And what about the effect on Rhett? We start his nighttime routine at 6:30. Chuck would walk through the door minutes before Rhett was put down for the night. They'd see each other only on weekends.

Becoming an administrator would bring to pass only one thing: more money. This difference in pay would give me the option to stay home completely if I ever desired. Or if I continued to work, it would give us bigger inputs for retirement, Rhett's college, home improvements, etc. I know having money doesn't bring happiness; but I strongly believe that not having enough money does bring unhappiness. The money becomes a big factor.

On the other hand, Chuck coming home at 6:30 would leave us almost no time to spend together as a family. He'd get home from work, Chuck would eat dinner (no way I can wait until 6:30), and Rhett would go to bed. That's it. Sure we'd have Saturdays, but is that enough? When I think about what I want for my child, I want him to know his Dad. I want them to spend time together, play in the back yard together, walk the dog together. And as a non-administrator, he has summers off. Sure he gets a job for six weeks, but it leaves us three weeks to do whatever we want. (Of course, we'd have no money to do anything...)

But how do you make this decision? Even now, I feel like our finances are very tight. The extra money would be wonderful. But at what cost?

Made for Monday

2008-11-03T06:41:00.000-05:00

Upper-left: The quilt top for a Christmas table runner. I need time to garner enough courage to try the crazy binding.

Upper-right: Rhett's trick-or-treat bag. It should last another year or two.

Lower-left and lower-right: Halloween dresses for my niece and Ziggy-my-almost-niece, made from the same pattern as this dress.

P.S. Happy voting tomorrow!

Baby's First Halloween

2008-10-31T19:33:00.006-04:00

And I'm sure he'll remember it. We reversed trick-or-treated this year. We visited family and brought them treats (these to be specific). Although, he did get a new Elmo doll and a book at one stop. Now there's a treat I can support. Maybe next year I'll dress him as Mr. Mullet. That's an interesting costume that no one would understand.

Credit When Credit's Due

2008-10-28T19:53:00.004-04:00

I've never been a "I-lost-my-keys-and-then-prayed-and-then-poof!-there-they-were" type of girl. I believe that Heavenly Father can and does intervene at times...for you, not necessarily for me. Not that I'm bitter; I'm not. Instead, I believe that Heavenly Father gave me a brain and that I am expected to use it. And I do. It's that simple. However, in the past 24 hours I've had an experience I cannot chalk up to my genius alone.

Here's the long, long story reduced to only semi-long: In yesterday's mail Chuck and I find that our mortgage holder has found that our escrow account is running a deficit. (And this coming the day that I'm already feeling incredibly financially tapped; it was not a good day.) In order to fix this, we must either pay $2,000 immediately or spread that $2,000 over the next year, by an increase in our mortgage of nearly $200 per month. This increase would not be an easy thing for us, in fact it would be nearly devastating. After the tears evaporated (or were licked, I forget which), I spent a lot of time on the phone with those I deem on par with HR workers: idiots, in other words. In addition to the stress of the mortgage escrow account problems I find that I have not received a property tax credit that I was due months ago. But the good news: I might be on a list somewhere to receive said credit. Oh the joy.

When Chuck, Rhett, and I say our family prayers that night, we pray that things will work out. I silently plead for the blessings of tithe paying to come upon us as, well, we're faithful tithe payers.

Here's where the story gets good (and ends): In all of my research and hours and hours of being on the phone today, I am able to put together all of the pieces of this sordid tale. I find that not only is my escrow account not in shortage, but the mortgage company prepaid my taxes through the end of the year (hence the shortage). And that tax credit? Being mailed to me. Today. From owing $2,000 to receiving nearly $600--that's a $2,600 swing people.

The moral for me: Yes, Heavenly Father can and does intercede, even for me. I still have to work for it, however. That doesn't mean that I'm any less grateful however. But don't you worry; I haven't gone all crazy religious on you. I don't expect steaks on my doorstep, well, not yet anyway. (See the fourth story.)

Well That's One Way to Handle It

2008-10-24T14:22:00.001-04:00

So remember when we were having that problem with the dog doing his bid-ness in our yard? Yeah, so apparently one way to handle that is for the dog to get heartworm disease, the owners do nothing, and then the dog dies. Huh. Who knew?

But we did find another option, you know, in case the whole heartworm thing doesn't pan out next time. On a walk one day, someone had written in chalk on their sidewalk these words: "Please keep your dogs off of our yard or pick up after them. Thanks!" I love it. If we ever have this problem again, that will be my chosen solution. And if we ever have this problem again AND we live in Utah, well, we'll use Linda's solution.

I Can't Not Post this Picture

2008-10-21T16:32:00.006-04:00

This little boy turns seven months old today. The time is finally starting to go by quickly, as compared the sloooooooooow days of the newly-born. He's getting better at crawling, although he still uses the skill only sparingly. He loves all of his vegetables, but hates apple juice. He's still sleeping like a champ. And he can go from being prone to sitting up on his own. It's all very exciting.
(And yes, I look forward to the time when I can just count his age in years. Not a fan of this "six-and-three-fourths-month" thing.)

Made for Monday

2008-10-20T09:11:00.001-04:00

I'm going to start posting my re-creations on Mondays. Here's the latest: a funny hat for a baby, or a pug.

An Interesting Discussion

2008-10-18T08:25:00.003-04:00

Last night Chuck's brother and sister-in-law came over to play Settlers of Catan with us. As I can't get into the game as much as Chuck can, I have to have conversation. This was one topic:

Who do you think knows your spouse better: you or your mother-in-law?

In our house, Chuck and I both feel that I know him better than his mom. (It's unclear whether she would agree.) But Chuck's SIL thinks that the boys' mom knows her husband better. I can't imagine this. I know that we've only been married for just less than four years, and I admit that I do not know everything that has happened to Chuck. But I feel like I know the man that he is better than his mom does. I also feel that Chuck knows me better than my own mother. He agrees.

How is it in your house?

Latest Projects

2008-10-15T06:34:00.006-04:00

Click on the picture to see it better. The first two came about when we realized just how cold our house is getting. And if I need blankets at night, I'm pretty sure a onesie isn't keeping that little boy warm. And the baby legs, well, they just looked like fun. (Made from a tutorial found here.)

We Did Stuff!

2008-10-11T13:40:00.004-04:00

Soon after Chuck and I got married, I realized that I wanted to be a couple that did stuff. I didn't want to come home from work and just watch TV, well, at least not every day. So we didn't. We joined a local running club. We went on overnight trips. We went on day trips. We got a dog and explored with him. I feel like we got pretty good at doing "stuff." And then we had a baby. Sigh.

I knew that this would be one of those hard-things-about-parenthood for me. I loved (and still love) my freedom. I even loved my freedom with Chuck. But we don't enjoy that same freedom with Rhett. It's just not that easy to go to the Baltimore Craft Show with a six-month-old. So for the past six months I've been too afraid to try things. And this was going to have to change as doing nothing was certainly the easy thing, but it was not the make-erin-happy thing.

So we decided that this weekend we'd do something that we'd done in the B.E. (Before Everett) days: go camping. We didn't do it the same way we used to, but we did it. We had pigs in a blanket (modeled after these), tin-foil potatoes, and Smores, (the latter two only because a couple from our ward ended up joining us; they also spoiled us with breakfast from Great Harvest) instead of the B.E. gourmet camp dinners. We hiked for 45 minutes instead of the B.E. hikes of eight hours.

But I knew that wasn't the point. The point was to build my confidence in being able to get out and do things...with Rhett in tow. Maybe next time we'll try a campsite that's farther than 30 minutes north of our house.

Helpful Household Tip # 4

2008-10-07T13:30:00.001-04:00

How many of us could eat an entire bag of Oreos at one sitting? Me, me! How many of us would probably feel sick (and even guilty) about eating that entire bag of Oreos at one sitting? Me, me! And probably everyone else, unless you're Michael Phelps. But how many of us would do it again a couple of months later? Me, me!

Chuck and I learned very early in our marriage that if we wanted to make the bags of Oreos, Goldfish, Cheez-its (or whatever snacky yumminess) last longer than one day, we needed to portion them. As each bag is labeled with a serving size, we take the treats and bag them into little Ziploc snack-sized baggies as soon as we get home from the grocery store. These bags are then put into the pantry, ready for lunches or a quick afternoon snack.

So if we want Oreos, we just grab a little bag of three. If we want pretzels, we just grab a little bag of 30 grams. If we want six snickerdoodles, well, we grab two little bags. (But we know that if the snickerdoodles were not bagged, we'd easily pack away a dozen. Easily. And remember, one erin-sized cookie is approximately two normal-sized cookies, so it's all good.)

This helped us realize exactly how much snacks we were consuming, but also helped make them last. It's amazing how satisfied we can be with 52 Goldfish crackers.

Why Didn't I Think of this Earlier?

2008-10-05T09:47:00.005-04:00

Can anyone explain to me why I've been carrying this bag to church and work?

After remembering, "Hey, you like to sew stuff," and "Hey, you like to sew bags," Chuck challenged me to make a bag for myself, maybe even one like I made for last year's fall swap. So that's just what I did.

A One-Year-Old's Birthday Present

2008-10-04T16:12:00.006-04:00

As Rhett is not yet one year old, I have no idea what one-year-olds like. So I took a guess: blocks. Trying to stick with more natural toys (although who are we kidding, everything Rhett has is plastic), I found some wooden blocks at Michael's and decoupaged pages from a Babar book onto it. Then whipped up a soft carrying case for the set. Voila! Happy birthday baby!

P.S. The book was purchased at the Unique Thrift Store. I am in LOVE with buying kids' books at that place. I bought 17 books for $10.03. Love me some Unique Thrift Store.

Shameless Plea for Help

2008-10-02T10:21:00.006-04:00

A few months ago I was called to be the co-chair of the Activities Committee in my ward. Surprising even myself, I don't hate it. As it's not a calling from which I can slack, I don't. And as it's not a calling where I have to be at church every single Sunday, well, let's just say the pressure is off.

I was called in June. Luckily, the August activity and October's activity are yearly events. No extreme creativity is involved with recycled events, although they still require planning and work. Since we all know by now that I am re-creative rather than creative, I need help. While I believe in traditions, I also would like to try new things for 2009. So, anyone been to any ward activities that they enjoyed? Please share!

And to show you that I've been working on it, I've come up with a couple of my own ideas (read: I've searched the internet to find these ideas). Tell me which would be cool, just eh, or lame. Ward Olympics (maybe better in Winter 2010?), Book of Mormon night (I know, I know, probably not something I'd go to, but not everyone's like me...thank goodness), Yak and Snack, Game show night (Family Feud, Name that Tune, Survivor, Price is Right...), No Talent Show, Luau, Ward 5K. Okay, your turn.

And since I couldn't think of a picture relating to the ward activities calling, you get this. What is this, you ask? It's a hat I found online that is supposed to help babies sleep. And boy does it work! The past two Sundays we've been able to get Rhett to nap during Sacrament meeting, something that hasn't happened since he was really wee. And if we could have stopped laughing (and if the family in front of us could have stopped laughing) maybe he would have even slept though Sunday School!

I Don't Know If I Should be Excited or Start Crying Now

2008-10-01T08:59:00.000-04:00

I Was Saltier than a Sailor

2008-09-28T16:28:00.005-04:00

Yesterday at 4:20 p.m., I finished my third leg (and the entire race) of my Ragnar Relay. The experience was awesome. Although I knew only one other runner (who wasn't even in my van), I had a great time. Yes, I was exhausted. Yes, it was the farthest I've ever run (18.6 miles) in the span of 17 hours, but I did it and am dang proud (see the picture to get an idea of just how proud). Even Chuck said that if I do it again he'd do it with me.

The easiest thing about it: The passing of time. Initially I thought there would be tons of down time and whatever would I do with it all?! But really, after you drop off your runner, get to the next exchange point, stretch, eat, change clothes, use the port-a-potty, whatever...it's almost time to run again. And even when your van isn't running, you're trying to sleep or you're talking to other runners. Fun times.

The hardest thing about it: Not sleeping. For someone who is pretty good about getting 7.5-8 hours of sleep a night (yes, even with a six-month old), that was really hard.

I learned some things about running and myself. I'd even do it again.

(You can read about the technical details and see the one good team picture here.)

If This Doesn't Make You Laugh...

2008-09-22T09:52:00.002-04:00

...then maybe the thought of me running 19 miles (over three runs, not all at once) on Saturday will. But please don't. It's really happening and I'm scared to death. And if neither the fear nor the race kills me, I'll report on Sunday how it went.

More Home Improvement Projects

2008-09-22T09:51:00.001-04:00

1. Although it doesn't look that exciting, Chuck changed the side on which the hinges were placed on this cabinet door. Initially, the door opened to the window--not the most convenient. But one Saturday morning he surprised me by doing this!

2. My mom gave me this cute three-picture frame for my birthday. I love it. And after the surprisingly good results from our family pictures, I knew what would fill them. In the middle is a custom word cloud made from this site.

3. Rhett's bookcase was initially just plain brown wood. But then I painted it (and some of our brick backyard patio--oops) white!

4. I obtained some new, some old pictures of family and then made them black and white. I then had them printed and now they are sitting on the piano.

5. To match the curtains, I ordered one yard of this fabric and staple gunned it to artist canvas. I'm super pleased with the result!

Next on the list: painting the master bedroom. If I agree to Chipotle for Chuck's lunch for one week, then it will likely be a shade of purple!

Little Girl Sundress

2008-09-20T19:35:00.002-04:00

This sweet dress (I actually made three of them) comes from this tutorial (scroll down to the second one). It was fast, easy, and super rewarding at the end. We've had three nieces added to the family since Rhett was born, so each little niece is receiving one. (Well, the one in utero here in DC will have to wait 'til she's born, at which point, I'll hand deliver it.)

**Cousin Nicole---I was going to share this with you earlier because I thought you'd really like it for Molly, but I didn't want you to post the results before I did! Ha. I'm selfish like that. Maybe it's the Leo in me.

Where Was Sarah 31 Years Ago?

2008-09-18T07:51:00.002-04:00

Anyone else seen this? I won't wax politically, but the Sarah Palin Baby Name Generator has changed my life. Who knew (other than Gov. Palin) that instead of Rhett, he should have been named Barrel McRaven?! Instead of being married to a Charles, I should be married to Copper Catfish? (Copper sounds so much sexier, doncha think?) And me, I have spent the last 31 years mis-named as well. I should have been Fork Decoy! It's like I don't even know who I am any more.

P.S. I really really want to make this. Although, I think I'd try it with a lemon cake and lemon yogurt (thanks to a genius idea from my sis-in-law). Does anyone want to come over and eat it with me?

P.P.S. Is it wrong to love your kids more when they're sleeping?

P.P.P.S. Is the third postscript "P.P.P.S." or "P.P.S.S." or something else entirely? Discuss.

Helpful Household Tip # 3

2008-09-15T08:50:00.002-04:00

I hate deciding what to have for dinner. But even more than that, I hate when Chuck gets home from work and asks, "What's for dinner?" because if it gets to that point, well, it'll be cereal for dinner. Cold, sugary cereal. Not good. (Or is it...?!?) Of course, if there are Skinny Cows in the house, they always make a good substitute for a real meal. There's this dinner as well. Gee, now I'm starting to doubt this desire to have real meals. Focus, erin, focus...

Some time ago, I started planning our meals two weeks in advance. But having to do this every every two weeks got to be too frequent for me, so now I plan for four weeks. I do this in Excel, for reasons to be explained later.

Still, filling the 28 nights was a chore. I could never really remember the things that we both really liked and often similar things ended up next to each other. My first AHA! moment came to me in the form of "theme nights." Every Monday was Mexican night; every Friday night was breakfast-for-dinner night, etc. This helped tremendously in filling the nights, and made it so that spaghetti was never eaten the night before stovetop lasagne.

The next AHA! moment was inspired by my sister-in-law, Linda. How we work it is as follows: pick dinners that we would like to have (or at least don't mind having) every four weeks. (This turned out to be 22 for us.) These 22 dinners are marked with asterisks in my meal calendar (why Excel works so well--I don't have to retype them every month); they are permanent and not to be changed, altered, or adapted in any way (ooooh, scary!). The other six nights are therefore alternates. Maybe the alternate is a new recipe I've been dying to try from that fabulous site, The Foodees. Or maybe it's a recipe from a cookbook I've won from the Washington Post food chats. Or maybe it's just an old recipe that we like, but don't want to have every four weeks. Having the same 22 dinners allows me to better stock the pantry and freezer as I know the basic supplies we need for these meals, but having alternates inspires me to try new things.

One little tweak to this are the alternating permanent nights. (Permanent alternates??? My head hurts.) If you look at the picture below (clicking on it will make it larger), the Wednesday at the bottom of the picture shows us having alfredo pasta or spaghetti with meatballs. These are dinners that we alternate. So these meals will be eaten once every two months. Confusing? Sorry.

Of course, we're still flexible. If I really really want cereal for dinner, well, we're having cereal...with Skinny Cows and Starburst jelly beans for dessert.

Too Bad I Don't Know How to Can

2008-09-11T07:44:00.006-04:00

Do you ever have one of those days that you wish you could replay over and over? Not in a "Groundhog Day"-Bill-Murray sort of way, but rather because it was perfect? I had that day yesterday. I wish I could bottle the day and reopen it again and again and again.

Although it didn't start ideally (Rhett woke us up at about 4:45 a.m. and then permanently at 5:15 a.m.), I got up and checked email, began reading the newspaper, and started a load of laundry all before Rhett was brought out of his room at 6:00 a.m. Achieving this meant that his morning wake time could be spent one-on-one with him. We went outside and felt the beauty of the cool, crisp air. We played inside and I helped him get oh-so-closer to crawling (even though I have to ask myself why?!). We even took fun pictures to send to Chuck at work. When it was nap time, he went down beautifully.

During his nap time, I was able to get more laundry done and myself taken care of. I also opened the house as the weather was simply awesome. I could feel the fresh air in my toes. As soon as Rhett awoke, I strapped him into the car seat to run errands. When we got back, we played a little more and then he went down (beautifully again) for nap two. He stayed asleep long enough for me to get the house back to order (the shopping trip required much to be done), and for me to start working on a sewing project (pictures to follow in a couple of days). When he woke up, we took Bruno to the park near our house and enjoyed the beautiful weather again.

Soon Chuck came home and I went to the gym. My run was good and I came home to an almost-done dinner, complete with pasta, this totally yummy alfredo sauce, and leftover bread. We followed dinner by our usual walk with baby and dog and on return, it was time to put Rhett to bed. (We are LOVING this new early bedtime!)

Once the baby was in bed, we straightened the house, got things ready for today, and then retired to the basement to unwind. I continued to work on some sewing while Chuck comforted our healing dog. Physical dessert was a skinny cow; mental dessert was watching Project Runway.

I just loved everything about this day. I loved feeling productive. I loved spending time with my little boy. I loved being outside with temperatures in the 70s and low humidity. I loved running errands and shopping at Target. I loved sewing. I loved Project Runway. I loved being a mom (this might be the first time I've ever said this.) And I loved the quiet time with Chuck at the end of it all. Again again please!

Saddest Puggie (and Puggie Parents) Ever

2008-09-08T08:43:00.007-04:00

Chuck's birthday weekend pretty much sucked. On Saturday, Tropical Storm Hanna paid us a visit and dropped about five inches of rain. Although the rain got Chuck out of class early, we still sat at home and did nothing as it was simply too wet to go outside with a baby with a cold. (Fortunately, though, we got his birthday dinner taken care of Friday night since we knew Hanna was on her way.) We also got in one Scrabble game, but his dear wife is too proud to throw games, especially a game that she is going to win.

Sunday started a little better with a visit to Pug Group. Bruno always has such a great time playing with other puggies and we enjoy the hilarity of it all. Even little Rhett seemed to enjoy watching all the dogs.

But then it got worse. Bruno was showing evidence of some sort of eye problem and by the time I got home from church (the boys all stayed home given Rhett's cold), Bruno looked miserable. He wouldn't come out of his crate when we called (not even when Chuck called--WHOA) and looked like he wanted to die. His left eye was swollen shut and he looked incredibly pained. I took him to the emergency vet and turns out he has a corneal ulcer. For some reason, pugs just can't seem to heal these things properly. He was given some meds (which thankfully included a pain med) and I was told to take him to his regular vet today. The best outcome is that the meds heal the ulcer and he's fine. The worst outcome is that the ulcer ruptures and requires expensive surgery to remove the eye. The thought of this makes me cry (as if looking at the poor dog doesn't do this already).

We love Bruno; he's a part of our family and we want him to get better NOW.

Update: After spending four hours with two vets, one of which was a veterinarian ophthalmologist, we have good news: Bruno will continue to have TWO eyes! Can you imagine if he had lost it? Only one eye and the longest tongue you've ever seen? I think that would have been too much character, even for Bruno.

Helpful Household Tip # 2

2008-09-05T06:49:00.000-04:00

One fear I have is my house burning down/flooding/being destroyed by falling airplane parts...you get the picture. I know we're not supposed to be materialistic. But I'll admit it: I really like my stuff.

This is where the insurance companies say, "Well that's why you have us!" Thankfully, yes, we have homeowners' insurance, but that would do me no good after the trauma of one of the above events. There's no way that I would be able to accurately document my entire household contents during the upheaval that a disaster would cause. Nor do I have time to go around and create a list of everything in the house now. So what to do?

Take a picture! Take lots of pictures! Instead of listing on paper every DVD you own, just snap a picture of the DVD shelf and voila! You'll be able to tell the insurance company that they must replace that prized copy of "Cabin Boy." (Thanks, Angie, for that treasure.) In this age of digital cameras, cataloging your house is now totally possible and, even better, undaunting.

The final, but really really important part, is then to email these pictures to yourself. Or put them on a CD and mail them to family or friends. But do not just keep them on your computer in case of fires/floods/falling toilets. (Uhh..what?! I wrote this a couple of days ago and have no idea why I wrote "falling toilets." But thought I'd leave it in anyways.)

Given the forecast for the East Coast this weekend (Hurricane Hanna), I'll have plenty of inside time to do this. And good reason.

Rag Quilt for Rhett's Soon-to-arrive-Cousin

2008-09-02T14:18:00.000-04:00

Our Toothbrushes are Seeing More Action

2008-09-02T09:02:00.000-04:00

Remember when Rhett was born and I nearly cried writing about how great Chuck was and how much more I loved him because of that experience? Yeah, so do I. But only barely.

Don't worry. Chuck's still the same awesome helper and I'm still extremely lucky and happy to have him. But lately, so much of our love and our focus is on little Rhett that I feel like we're forgetting about our love for each other. It's as if we're more roommates instead of lovers. And I hate it, almost as much as I hate the word "lovers." Ha.

But I'm not sure what to do about it. When Rhett's sleeping, we're busy doing household stuff (this may or may not include things like just eating dinner). And when he's awake, we're either both playing with him, or one is playing with him while the other is busy doing the remaining household stuff.

We tried implementing a new rule that says, "At 9:30 p.m., drop whatever household stuff you're doing so that we can spend at least 30 minutes a day together." But 30 minutes?! That's not enough. Especially since most of the time we want to use that 30 minutes for additional sleep. And even now that Rhett is asleep by 8 p.m. and we have two hours together, it still doesn't seem like enough.

So what do you do? How do you not let kids take over your relationship with your spouse?

Like Mother Like Son?

2008-08-30T13:02:00.004-04:00

Little Girl Dress and Pantaloons

2008-08-26T14:18:00.000-04:00

Plan B: Put it in a Paper Sack on Their Doorstep and Light it on Fire

2008-08-26T07:41:00.005-04:00

Our neighbors have a large dog (we'll call it "LND" for Large Neighbor Dog, creative, I know). We think it's a mix of pit bull, maybe boxer, and something white. It seems to be a fairly well-behaved dog and hasn't bothered Bruno one bit.

Our concern is this: LND is defecating in our yard. As you can imagine I'm upset. As responsible pet owners, we always clean up after Bruno. Newspaper bags are awesome for this (providing protection to my elbows!). But anytime we are outside with Bruno, we have a bag with us. Our neighbors? Never. In fact, usually they just let the dog out of the house to do his business and then bring him in a few minutes later.

Admittedly, we're not 100% sure that the newly-found poo in our yard is LND's. But as we've not seen any other dogs and this has become a fairly frequent experience, I'll say that we're 98% sure. And it's pretty big poo, meaning it's coming from a pretty big dog, which LND certainly is.

What to do? I do love the Plan B option, but that seems likely to begin a Hatfield-McCoy situation and frankly, I don't have the time. How do we handle this without involving the use of paper bags and matches?

Things That Must Go

2008-08-23T17:48:00.002-04:00

Grocery stores that don't let you take carts to your car. I'd never seen them until I moved to the East, but I still can't figure them out. Am I just supposed to leave my already-purchased groceries just sitting there, unattended, while I go get my car? I don't think so! It really makes me angry. By the time I got to my car, I was kicking the toilet paper while the bag holding cans broke. It was really as pathetic as you picture it.

Things that Must NOT Go:
Clementines. Along with bananas, they are the perfect fruit.

Helpful Household Tip # 1

2008-08-19T13:55:00.003-04:00

Apparently a birthday isn't all I have in common with Martha Stewart. According to a couple of my friends, I am one organized woman. And it's true. You know those "get to know you emails" that you see every so often? I received one the other day. One of the questions was, "What do you usually eat for breakfast?" My answer was, "Mondays: toast; Tuesdays: instant oatmeal; Wednesdays: english muffin; Thursday: yogurt; Friday: banana bread; Saturday and Sundays: sugary cereal!" You think I'm kidding. That's right; I even plan my breakfasts. Why? Because it's easier than having to think about at 5:45 in the morning.

While I don't advocate this level of organization for every person, I thought I'd share some of the things that I do to help keep my house organized.

Today's tip: The Chore Calendar.
I use a free one sent to us from a realtor, but any yearly calendar will work. I like using the yearly calendar rather than just a weekly calendar because I can use it for the everyday things as well as the not-everyday things. For example: the batteries in the smoke detectors. I know we changed them when we moved into the house in June, so I wrote on the calendar, at a date six months later, that they'll need to be changed again. Also, the air filters. They need to be changed every three months, so I mark down those dates as well. And what about turning those mattresses? If I only had a weekly calendar, special projects like these would never be accomplished simply because I'd forget them. The monthly calendar also lets me keep up with chores that are done monthly. These monthly jobs include: laundering the towels, vacuuming the couches and books on shelves (they get really dusty if I don't), cleaning the cars, and washing the inside of the washing machine (my machine has a cycle specifically for this).

The extra mile: I used to color code who did what by varying the color of the pen I used to write on the calendar. Chuck's jobs (trash, bathrooms, and some special tasks) were written in blue while mine were in pink. However, it only works if your husband actually looks at the chart, so I stopped doing this. Instead I just tell him that he has a chore to do and usually he'll do it.

Helpful or no?

Utah Wrap Up

2008-08-14T11:15:00.004-04:00

We just returned from our week-long trip to Utah. Since we're still of the "freaky new parents" variety, we didn't dare try anything too crazy. Mostly we hung out in Midway and relaxed. Since there's not much I love more than a summer's evening in Utah, this was easy.

Rhett was able to meet his cousins (on my side) for the first time. He's still a bit young to enjoy them, but I think they enjoyed him.

Some of the other highlights include: a trip to Cabela's in an answer to my nephew's prayer. Visiting old friends and even older family. Trip to the Park City and its outlets. Trip to SLC's farmers' market. Getting a hair cut and color (pics later). Swimming and hot tubbing. A baby who seemed to be a natural at flying.

The lowlight was: running what-was-supposed-to-be-8K-but-ended-up-being-an-8-miler. Sigh. Next time we'll find an easier-to-find race to run. I was just happy Chuck didn't puke in my dad's car.

A note about Rhett's headband. Since giving birth to a boy, I've been slightly jealous about all the headband-ery that I'm missing. All it takes is one look at the very top picture to see how cute Emmy's headband is. So I set out to find one that would be suitable for a boy, and what you see above is what I found. I'm in love with it.

I'll Have the Atacama, Please

2008-08-09T14:58:00.004-04:00

Whoa. If you're in SLC this weekend, get thee to Park City NOW. According to the Salt Lake Tribune, the Zona Rosa restaurant is offering a free desert to its patrons. There are just so many from which to choose! How's a girl to make up her mind?!

One note about Utah: if I have to see one more truck with a completely exaggerated lift kit, I think I might gouge out my eyes.

And just for fun...Rhett meets cousin Jonas...

Rhett's Tag Quilt

2008-08-03T14:17:00.000-04:00

Inaugural Breads and Spreads

2008-08-03T07:15:00.004-04:00

For my birthday this year, I wanted to do something that I really wanted; shocker, I know. My birthday falls in my least second-least favorite month of the year (July being the worst) and most birthdays include some type of barbecue. This year I wanted something different. My first thought was to have a candy party. But other then myself, who could eat a meal of Runts and Hot Tamales? No one. My second favorite food is generally any type of bread. Yep, that's right: I'm an anti-Atkins-ite. So Chuck had the great idea to have a bread party. Breads and Spreads was born.

And it was AWESOME.

The best part about it? All the leftovers! Thank goodness for that upright freezer I have. I'm sooo doing this again.

*And not in any way related to this post at all, but if you want to be creeped out for a couple of hours or want to creep out someone else, read this. HOLY MOLY. However, after my severely cynical husband told me to check its validity, I found this on Snopes. I'm resting only slightly easier.

A Peeping Tom Would be Sad

2008-07-31T10:16:00.000-04:00

We had horizontal blinds in the bathroom window. However, they started getting mildewy as we have no bathroom fan. (There is also that small thing where I'm not dedicated to cleaning them.) As I am no exhibitionist (sorry), we still needed something to cover the window. When I saw these at Home Depot, I knew they'd be perfect. I'm trying to figure out where else I could put them.

How About This?

2008-07-29T08:15:00.000-04:00

Ignore the face and focus solely on the hair. Too short? Too young?

Not sure why I'm not happy. Although, I was turning an even-numbered age that day. That might have something to do with it.

Only Because He Can

2008-07-27T07:10:00.002-04:00

Given how mad he gets once he's on his stomach, we think he continues to roll over just because he can. And oh yes, he'll do this over and over and over and...

Another Peek into Rhett's Room

2008-07-25T08:45:00.004-04:00

Apparently the baby's room is the only one I care about decorating. It's really far more fun than any other room. Last weekend we put up the vinyl decals (click the picture to see them larger) and Wednesday night we got these pictures hung. The only remaining thing is figuring out how to treat the windows!

Oh yes, that new picture of Bruno? Apparently he likes to eat paint. Silly puggie.

Another Reader Poll

2008-07-21T08:36:00.004-04:00

Quick, grab your driver's license. If your height and weight are listed, how accurate are they? When it was issued, were the measurements accurate? In other words, did you lie on your official government document?!

My response:
My height is correct; I'm a girl so that could be expected.

But given that same gender, you can correctly infer that I lied about my weight. The license was issued right after Chuck and I were married and I moved back to Maryland. I had put on weight (eating lots of Pop Tarts while driving across the country will do that to a girl) and hadn't been running. So I lied and put down a number I wanted my weight to be. However, after getting back to running and ditching the Pop Tarts (but now that Kellogg's has introduced the low-fat cinnamon and brown sugar maybe I can splurge once in a while), I dropped to about five pounds below my license weight! So then I was saddened that I hadn't lied more. Right now with the still-carried baby weight, the license weight is spot on.

This post inspired by this Post article.

I'm Nearly Ariel

2008-07-17T20:57:00.004-04:00

My hair is approaching mermaid length. What is mermaid length, you ask? You know, the length at which I could go topless and still be rated PG-13. Lucky for most of you, the following picture is the G-rated version. Sadly for those looking for soft porn, the following picture is the G-rated version. (Thanks go to Angie for introducing this vocabulary term to me. I do loves it so. Now everyone else use it once in a sentence today.)

Problem is: I hate it. Six days of seven it's in a pony tail. To spice up that pony tail, I may or may not put a braid in it. And if I'm feeling really saucy, I might add a headband. I think you see the problem.

I thought, "Hey, if it's this long, why not donate it to Locks of Love?" Turns out that they don't accept highlighted hair. Cross off that, I guess. But leaving it as is is definitely out of the question. The longer it gets, the heavier it gets, and the heavier it gets, well, the more I look like a blonde Mortitia. It's bad. It's flat and lifeless. Blah.

But now what? Anyone who knows me well knows how much I detest doing my hair. I usually say that I hate showering. Turns out that I don't hate the act of showering by itself, rather, I hate all the stuff that follows the shower. Especially the hair part. So it gets ignored.

Anyone have any ideas? How short do you think my face can take? What about a body wave perm? Anyone have experience with this? Remember that it's me you're talking to. This means almost no product and no implements other than a round brush and a hair dryer. Do I even have any options? Where is Nick Arrojo when I need him???

P.S. Holy crap! Did anyone else see that to get a haircut from Nick is a cool $500??

I Had to Hula Hoop in Directions I've Never Hula Hooped Before!

2008-07-13T17:56:00.005-04:00

If I did a "Quote of the Week" like my sister does, or a "Things People Say" like Camie does, then the above quote would make it for sure.

We're definitely enjoying the Wii Fit. Thanks Mom and Dad for the early birthday present. We may not be any lighter when we see you next, but at least we're having fun!

815 Emails Later...

2008-07-08T16:33:00.002-04:00

I was actually surprised that my inbox didn't have more. I mean, I was out for almost four months. I guess I'm just not that popular.

However, I don't feel nearly as bad as I thought I would (or should) feel. I guess that's just confirmation that I'm doing this for the right reasons. (That shouldn't imply that those who do feel bad are doing it for the wrong reasons. Maybe there just is something wrong with me.) But because of these two ten-hour days we have a house. We can continue to save for Rhett's college education. We can save for retirement. None of these things was possible on Chuck's salary alone.

Don't let me fool you however. I looked at this picture about 30 times today. Wouldn't you?

I Told You I Was Feeling Green...

2008-07-04T15:54:00.004-04:00

Another peek into the house.

I finished these cafe curtains for the kitchen when the tension rods finally arrived yesterday. (This picture doesn't show the second window.)

And the interesting branch above the cutout? I think it's one of those things you either love or hate. Obviously, I'm feeling the love.

Kitchen Cafe Curtains

2008-07-04T14:16:00.000-04:00

Dining Room Curtains

2008-07-01T14:16:00.000-04:00

Feeling a Little Green

2008-07-01T09:43:00.003-04:00

I always get nervous when I post pictures of my house because I have a friend (cough, cough Camie) who is an interior designer and she makes me feel self-conscious about my decorating decisions. Not because she's like that; rather, I am.

But with a baby who is finally learning to take good naps (he's got 90 minutes already into this one!), I'm finally able to start getting some stuff done. Hallelujah. Just in time for me to go back to work...sigh.

Anyway, here's the handiwork of the weekend, when we should have been writing sacrament talks instead. The top color looks a little brighter than it is in real life, but it's pretty close. We're super pleased. We just hope Rhett is too. It is his room after all.

And during yesterday's morning nap, I was able to finish these. I am in LOVE with them and walk by them at least 40 times a day.

I am waiting for the rest of the hardware to arrive so that I can finish my cafe curtains for the two windows in the kitchen.

Viva la nap time!

My Own Lame Mastercard Commercial

2008-06-25T11:50:00.000-04:00

Ten boxes of cereal = $10

Five gallons of milk = $7.50 (that's right, only $1.50 per gallon; hie thee to a Safeway today)

Five bags of Goldfish = $5 (Chuck loves the Goldfish in his lunches)

Finally, to have a house where this will actually fit in pantries, storage, and an upright freezer rather than in over-filled coat closets = Priceless.

The Only Spam I've Ever Enjoyed

2008-06-22T07:57:00.001-04:00

I keep getting a spam message in my gmail with the greatest subject line ever:

"What an ugly face you have here erin"

Wow. Talk about enticing me to read spam.

A (wee bit late) Tribute to Chuck

2008-06-18T13:36:00.005-04:00

Do you ever wonder why it is that you were born at the time that you were? I do. Could I have handled pioneer living? Don't think so. But the Middle Ages? Sounds kinda fun, as long as I could be a noble.

But I am glad that I was born in 1977. As a woman who values education, especially an education in the mathematical sciences, I wouldn't have had the same opportunities had I been born in, say, 1877. (Besides, statistics as a discipline wasn't even really invented yet. On the other hand, I guess I could have invented it...hmm...)

Being married has really given me another reason to be so grateful that I was born when I was. I think being married now is very different than being married 50 years ago. Chuck and I truly have a partnership, both in marriage and now in parenthood. Before Rhett came along, we did our own laundry, we kept the house clean, we collaborated on financial matters. Fifty years ago, I don't think that a husband would be expected to be so amenable to these things. But the more I talk to other wives, we are all having the same experience. And I am so glad for all of us!

Especially now that I am a mother do I appreciate this. Chuck not only supports my running habit, but understands that as soon as he gets home, Rhett is his responsibility until I get back. Even better, he doesn't view time time with Rhett as a responsibility; he enjoys spending time with his son. Even better than all of that, he doesn't mind starting dinner so that when I come back from running, dinner's waiting for me. I could go on and on about all the things that he does for me and now Rhett...but I won't.

I started this post thinking it would be a Father's Day tribute; everyone else was doing them. But really, since Rhett is still just little and blob-ish (although he's now a smiley blob), neither one of us feels very "parent-y." So it's just another note of complete adoration for my husband. I love that I can say that although he's not perfect, he's perfect for me.

Reader Poll

2008-06-13T19:47:00.004-04:00

So...can anyone guess why we're in the market for a new car? I'll give you a hint:

That's right! The poor Corolla was deemed totalled; the missing front of the car kind of gives it away. Does anyone have any suggestions for what we should buy to replace it?

I'll give you a hint as to what it won't be:
I have to tell you what this is: the Hummer H6 Players Edition. I'm not making this up.

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

2008-06-12T08:22:00.007-04:00

It's been a crazy week; I'm glad it's almost over.

The Good:

We closed on the house last Thursday. Everything went well and now we're officially homeowners!
We found TEN dollars at the house that day. Somehow, that made our downpayment feel more worth it. If only we could find the rest of the downpayment somewhere else.
The move went really well. We had one dozen people on each end and it took only two hours to load and then unload the truck. Even in 100-degree weather. The ward members really came through. And the girls' move was a total success.
The house is almost put together. My OCD doesn't let me stay living in boxes for too long.
We got the internet hooked up yesterday! For the first time in our married lives, we have high-speed internet at home. While this wasn't a large issue when I was working full-time, it certainly is now. Yesterday's internetting alone almost made the monthly $25 fee worth it.
Rhett has been sleeping through the night for the past week and a half. He goes to bed around 9 p.m. and wakes around 6:30 a.m. I can totally support this.

The Bad:

Right before we closed (as in, about an hour before), Chuck was in a car accident on the way to his parents' house. Thankfully, only he and Bruno were in the car, and not Rhett. We haven't heard whether the insurance company is just going to total the car or not. I'm still not sure which outcome I prefer.
I'm guessing (hoping?) that as most new doctors have a first-time experience with the death of one of their patients, all new parents accidentally hurt their baby. Yesterday as I was pulling Rhett from the swing, I knocked his poor little head into the corner of the changing table. I was re-introduced to the pain cry. I'm pretty sure I was sadder though.

The Ugly:

Chuck's poor car.
All of our bruises from moving, and some bruises from who-knows-where.

Pictures documenting all of the above:

Patting Myself on the Back

2008-06-05T08:05:00.000-04:00

Do you ever have an idea of which you're just super proud?! I do: I think I created the best moving plans ever. As we close today (today!) and because we want to be out of our apartment as soon as possible, we plan on moving Saturday. We have asked the Elders' Quorum to help out on that day. However, my brilliance comes to play when I created the Girls' Moving Day, an event taking place the Friday night before the Saturday.

How does Girls' Moving Day differ from the Boys' Moving Day? On Girls' Moving Day we move the pillows, the lamps, the pictures...everything that doesn't quite fit well into boxes. So on Boys' Moving Day, all they get is the big stuff (couches, tables, beds) and the boxes, and it should move much more smoothly. And since it's just girls, I can easily provide dinner for all those that help; boys just eat too much. (And no, that's not a plea for any local girls to come join us...although, if you really really want to, I won't say no. Did I mention I'm serving Oreo pie?!?)

Rhett's Milestones

2008-06-02T19:47:00.000-04:00

This video was taken at 10 weeks old (last Friday). And although he didn't start talking when he was two days old, we still think he's pretty advanced. We're quite proud of our little man; probably a bit too proud, to be honest. We do realize, however, that this could be all the action we see for the next six months.

Polling All Utah Runners

2008-05-29T13:50:00.004-04:00

For those of you who run, have you ever run this race in Utah? Chuck and I will be in Utah over the weekend of August 9th and would like to run a race with my sister. Basically our choices are this one and the Provo River Half; we're just too elite for 5k races. (Please tell me that you sense the sarcasm in that previous statement.) Given Chuck's acute mountain sickness the last time we ran the Half, we thought we'd stay away from it. (Riiight, that sounds good. It couldn't be that we're just not up for training for a half, could it?!) Or if you know of any other races going on that weekend, let me know.

And if any of you Utahans would like to join us, let me know that too. We could wear matching shirts or something.

I'll leave you with this picture of me running from last Spring. It was my best 10K time ever (50:49). I doubt I'll ever beat it.

Further Expounding on Motherhood

2008-05-26T19:02:00.005-04:00

(Please excuse the poor writing as of late. I used to compose posts as I fell asleep; but as of, well, the last nine weeks or so, I fall asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow. Therefore, the quality of the writing has shown why I chose a mathematical career instead of one that is writing-based.)

I've been thinking about the recent post in which I admit that I don't yet love being a mom, and may in fact never love it. But here's the big realization: I think that this is might be okay. Please remember: my saying that I don't love being a mom in no way implies that I do not love Rhett. I love him more than I could have imagined. Sometimes it still makes me cry how much I do actually love him.

I guess it's like serving a mission. I can't expect that everyone who goes on a mission will love every second of the door knocking, incessant walking, language learning, and all the other not-so-fun-stuff. Two of my best girlfriends (ahem, yes g and r, I'm talking about you girls), will definitely attest to this. However, as long as they did the best they could, what more could you, or anyone, ask?

That's how I'm approaching this motherhood thing. I love my baby. I want nothing more than his total happiness, mingled with good health. And I'll do everything in my power to make those things come true for him, even if I don't love every second of it. Maybe this smile means I'm doing okay so far.

Or maybe it just means Chuck's tongue is really that funny.

It's Official

2008-05-20T10:45:00.002-04:00

We did it. We bought a house. A real house...one with four walls and a driveway. It still doesn't feel real, and might not until we're actually settled and paying that first mortgage payment. How did it happen you ask? Too bad, because I'm not going to tell you. Honestly, it's just too long of a story. So the long story short is that we close on June 5th.

About the house: it has three bedrooms, two full baths, a family room, a kitchen, a dining room, laundry room, tons of storage, and a small extra room off the kitchen that will be a play room. The inspection was yesterday, and the house got an A+. There are a couple of small things that we need to do, but feel confident that we'll be in it by mid-June.

Oh right, in order to afford this house, I'll have to work. However, I quite possibly have the best boss ever and he's agreed to letting me do two ten-hour days. And what will Rhett do during those days? Chuck's Aunt Mary will watch him. How awesome is that?!

Sometimes it's just amazing how things fall in place.

My Brother is Crazy

2008-05-17T08:11:00.002-04:00

Most of you have never met my brother, Derek, before. He's lived in Alaska for a long time and rarely makes it down to the lower 48. But if you have nine minutes to spare, take a look at how he spends his winters.

You Know You Should Start Caring Again When...

2008-05-13T17:17:00.005-04:00

you're in Payless Shoes and the little five-year boy trying on shoes next to you (yes, even through pregnancy my feet retained their size 4) has to ask his dad, "Dad, what is that? A boy or a girl?" Now, if he was asking about Rhett I wouldn't be shocked; bald babies are gender neutral. But no, he was inquiring about my gender. I guess I should start wearing make up again.

God Speed, Young Brother

2008-05-06T19:36:00.003-04:00

After passing the six-week mark, I finally felt comfortable taking Everett into public. The first public place (notwithstanding the accidental stop at a KFC) was dinner with my parents and Chuck's parents. The baby did great (read: he slept the entire time). In fact, he did so well, we took him out again Monday night. Another success.

But the biggest outing success for little Rhett was his blessing on Sunday. I was a little nervous as he was awake going into sacrament meeting. We stuck a pacifier in his mug and hoped for the best. Not only did he not make a single noise, but he did it sans pacifier: Chuck made an amazing catch mid-blessing. We left church after sacrament meeting and had a barbecue at Chuck's parents' house. The weather cooperated and we had a great day. Everyone was so eager to hold the baby, I almost forgot I had one!

P.S. About the post title: a man in our ward recorded Rhett's blessing for us. At the end of it, he included a little note to Rhett. He ended it with, "God speed, young brother" and it's made me smile ever since.

P.P.S. Life has been wicked crazy around here lately. Please excuse me as I don't blog.

Flashback Friday

2008-04-25T07:48:00.003-04:00

Although I was unable to retrieve the baptismal picture with me and Tamara, my sis did dredge up this series of pictures. The two pictures on the left show Tamara, me, and Tamara's sister Angela. The two pictures on the right include us and others. (I'm on the far right in both right-side pictures.) These pictures were definitely taken before my ugly stage kicked in. (Click to get a better look at how cute we were.)

Another Adjustment

2008-04-22T08:55:00.000-04:00

During my engagement to Chuck, I was mostly excited at the thought of getting married. But part of me was scared to death because I was afraid of becoming a "Mrs." I thought that becoming a Mrs. would mean losing all that was cool about being a Miss. And I was one cool Miss. I loved everything about my life and who I was at that point. I answered to no one. I feared that getting married would change that. However, after being married for a few months, I realized that being married wasn't as bad as I feared. In fact, three and a half years into it, surprise...I actually like it!

But now going through the same thing again. Not only am I a "Mrs.," but now I'm a MOM. I'm afraid that this means that I'm destined for appliqued sweatshirts. Sigh. I'm just not sure that I really want this title. Don't get me wrong, I simply adore Rhett. I do. But this Mom business...that's another story.

I feel like I'm not interesting any more. It used to be that I felt like I was a pretty cool person to know. On our nightly walks with Bruno, it was easy to have good, lively conversations with Chuck about my commute, work, something I read in the Post. But now? I'm one of those women who only talks about her baby. I swore I would never become one of these women.

Also, I miss adult interaction. When my sister called the other day, we talked for 73 minutes. And when Rach came to visit me this past weekend, I honestly thought I was going to give myself a sore throat because I talked so much. It was soooo nice to have someone around that didn't require a voice that's three octaves higher than my normal one. I miss other adults so much that I actually want to ride the Metro again. I know. SHOCKER.

The Family: A Proclamation to the World says that, "Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children." But what if I don't want to be? I guess I always figured that I'd love being a Mom, but really, why should that be the way of it? Just because it's a commandment, doesn't mean I'll love heeding it (as evidenced by so many other commandments). But how to handle it then? Just suck it up and hope you grow it love it, like I have grown to love being a wife? The worst part about it is feeling like something is wrong with me because I don't love being a Mom. The second worst part is fearing that I never will.

Thankfully, I know two people who still like me...

Tagged by Tamara

2008-04-15T15:15:00.002-04:00

My "Virginian Mormon Friend" (yes, I had only one) has tagged me. She is my oldest friend and yet I know little about her. But due to the wonders of the internet and consequently blogging, we're learning more about each other every day. She lives this super cool life in NYC and seems to have parties all the time. I wish I lived closer!

(I was going to scan and then post a picture of the two of us at my baptism, but I don't have it. Maybe I'll have my mom send it to me [hint, hint Mom].)

Anyway, here goes...

Rules:

1. Link to your tagger and post these rules on your blog.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.
4. Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

So here are my 7 facts:

1. I have never mowed a lawn, nor do I intend to.
2. I would love to be a performer on Broadway, preferably as Eponine in Les Mis.
3. Sometimes my only motivation to go to the gym is so that I can watch cable television (e.g., Project Runway).
4. I am definitely a math snob. If you can't calculate 10% of something in your head, we might not be able to be friends.
5. I might use some of the money we have saved for a house to get laser eye surgery done. I think I would love it. I'd seriously consider using TLC Laser Eye Center simply because it's what Tiger Woods used and endorses.
6. I watch far more television than I'll ever admit to.
7. I'm not afraid to tell people my weight (138 pounds). (Remember people, I had a baby three weeks ago.)
And just because...8. I think Blogger spellcheck is DUMN. Hello...they don't have "internet" in their database? Wow. (And "dumn" is a word I made up. It's an amalgamation of "dumb" and, well, you know. It's for the extra special dumbness. It's pronounced dum-na.)

I know I'm supposed to tag seven others, but I'll refrain. However, if you'd like to do this, go ahead and then let me know. I'd love to read yours!

About a Girl

2008-04-11T10:40:00.006-04:00

(The first in a series about the adjustments this first-time mom is having to make to her life. Enjoy.)

In the movie About a Boy, Hugh Grant's character, Will, divides his time into "units," where each unit is equal to 30 minutes. Exercising (i.e., playing pool) = 1 unit. Having his hair carefully discheveled = 2 units. My life has similarly been divided into units, albeit ones that don't include having my hair carefully discheveled.

My units are longer: 3 hours. But each one is pretty much the same. They all start with feeding Rhett. He's breastfed for about 30 minutes and then we supplement with formula; this takes another 15-30 minutes. After this, Rhett has some "awake time." Given his age (three weeks today), I'm not sure how to best fill this time (any thoughts?), but it's usually about 45 minutes. The remaining time, while Rhett naps (about 60-90 minutes), in this unit is spent either sleeping, reading the paper, showering, completing chores, internetting, walking, or eating. Once the unit is done, it's repeated...again and again and again.

This has been really hard for me. I am a girl who loves to cross things off lists. But my lists used to be more ambitious: finish that hat (or any random project), cook something new, go grocery shopping, etc. But now I have to be content knowing I found time to vacuum my small apartment.

I guess it all comes down to "lowering my expectations." Yes, I said lowering. This is a great lesson that I'm trying to learn from my sister. On one camping trip with her cute family, my sis, an avid camper and hiker, had visions of hiking much and doing fun things. However, her little boys had different plans. She then decided that she had to lower her expectations or else she was going to be the one disappointed. That she was able to pack up a family's worth of stuff and make it to a campground should be the goal, not completing that four-hour hike.

So I'm trying to incorporate this into my new life. I should feel accomplished when I not only found time to shower, but shaved the legs as well! Speaking of, I better go...

(I couldn't resist...)

My Major Award

2008-04-08T11:42:00.004-04:00

Other than a few walks with Rhett and the dog, the first time I left the house was last Thursday night. That's 13 days inside my apartment...my very small apartment. So the place I chose to go first? Kmart. Even though I usually eschew Kmart, it was close and easy. Besides, they had these v-neck tees on sale for $5. I left the babe with Chuck and off I went.

As I headed for the Women's department an announcement was being made on the loud speakers. It was telling everyone to make their way to the Women's department so that they could enter the drawing for a fabulous (!) prize. Seeing as I was already headed in that direction, I slyly looked for where this drawing was going to take place. Finding the platform was easy, but I still wasn't sure what the drawing was for. However, something inside me told me I was going to win.

Turns out that it was basically QVC-in-person. A girl was trying to sell me (and about 15 others) a set of gold necklaces and bracelets that retail for over $129 (!) for ONLY $29.99 (!). They were hideous. Sorry lady, but they were. At the end of her spiel, we were told that due to the great price, only four sets were available at this unbelievable price. The way to sell them fairly? The first four people who raise their hands...and GO. But no one raised their hands. No worries, we could think about it and come find her later. Then on to the drawing.

When I got home, I joked with Chuck that the only times I have really felt promptings from the Holy Ghost were just before I was about to win something. While this is sadly partially true, this time was no different. I just knew I was going to win. And win I did! Behold my major award! I'm sure I'll never wear it again.

My Heart Grew Three Sizes that Day

2008-04-02T14:36:00.005-04:00

On March 21st my heart grew exponentially in its capacity to love. Yes, part of that growth was for little Rhett. But most of it? For Chuck. No one told me that this would happen.

I think most people wanted to tell me that I was crazy for not having anyone come help me with the new baby. My mom and dad aren't coming out until the first week of May, and my sis was unable to be here. A friend offered to come, but I told her to wait. But this is just how I wanted it: Chuck and me getting used to the new baby together. (Besides, I didn't want anyone privy to my anticipated post-birth craziness.)

And I don't regret that decision one bit. We are lucky that Chuck's mom is a NICU nurse, so any health questions are run by her (as well as by the very knowledgeable sisters and sisters-in-law). We are lucky that ward members helped out with food. We are lucky that the first day of Chuck's spring break was the day Rhett was born, giving Chuck until this past Monday before he had to go back to work. And we're lucky that Chuck has enough sick leave to be able to ease back into going to work.

But I am soooo lucky that I have Chuck to do this with. I am lucky that he knows me so well to know how to handle me. He knows what is important to me (getting the paper read) and what isn't (showering). He knows how to handle my cry-dreams (we left the baby in a crib in a hotel room only to return to a charred baby). He knows how to make me laugh. He knows what to do when I'm crying. I feel so incredibly lucky to have him with me to share this experience. I feel like we have become so much closer during these past 12 days, and I was not prepared for this at all. One of the best things about this closeness is that now that I'm not pregnant, cuddling on the couch returns! All of this has just reinforced to me that marrying him was the smartest thing I've ever done.

(I couldn't resist posting these as well.)

Where to Begin?

2008-03-28T12:04:00.008-04:00

Everett's now one week old. I know that some people, after bringing home new babies, say that they can't imagine their lives without the new addition. I am not one of those people. I can say, however, that it feels like he's been with us for far longer than just one week as so much as happened. So much so, that I don't even know where to start.

I could start with regaling you with stories of all the phone calls made to sisters, sisters-in-law, mothers, and mothers-in-law. Can you say that we're just a wee bit nervous about our new responsibility?

I could start with a story of what was possibly the worst 24 hours of my life: extreme episiotomy pain = visit to urgent care with the baby = more pain for me = Tylenol 3 with codeine = extremely lethargic baby = FREAKED out new parents = no more Tylenol 3 for me = sitting on a smelly donut-thingy. Then there's this: still-present jaundice = more lethargy in the baby = more freaked-outedness in the new parents. And then there's this: baby not having a bowel movement in more than 36 hours = call to stupid HMO = frustration over actually getting to talk to someone half-way intelligent about baby's health = trip to CVS for prune juice. These equalities happening at one time was enough to emotionally drain both Chuck and me.

I could also start with talking about the things that I want since bringing little Everett home. Of course I want sleep; that's a given for all new parents. But I want to be able to go to the bathroom without performing the eight steps it takes. I want to not feel inadequate about being little e's mom. I want to know how in the world I'm going to do all of this one my own when Chuck goes back to work. (I think I've changed six diapers TOTAL.)

Or I could simply start by trying to explain the feeling that Chuck and I get when we just look at that little guy. It's enough to make me cry, and Chuck, well, at least he gets close to tears. I could start with trying to explain how much we love this little guy even though we barely even know him. Or I could start by saying how it's all worth it.

Or I could just post pictures.

Meet Mr. Mullet

2008-03-23T18:10:00.004-04:00

And in a bold move, I give you...Everett Lane. He's two days old now, but we've yet to hear him talk to us. PHEW. And since we love his name so much, we haven't even called him Mr. Mullet once. Amazing. (I know in the past I have referred to myself as only "e" and my dear husband and only "c." However, since I do realize that when I comment on my own blog it discloses my name, I'm pretty much over the initialization.)

Of course we're in love with him. Of course we're wondering how the hospital really could let us leave with him.

Here's little Rhett holding C's hand.

The always-horrible post-birth shot. Argh. But he looks too good to not include it.

Another one with the wide-eyed boy.

The car ride home.

I LOVE this one. Chilling at home.

And the proud papa.

P.S. The weird intro used above was something C and I got to hear in a recent fast and testimony meeting when one testimony bearer concluded and then let the next person speak. Awesome.

Where Did She Go?!

2008-03-19T09:24:00.006-04:00

Even though the carpal tunnel in my left hand is killing me, the boredom is even worse. I can't sit still for long periods of time, can't type for long periods of time, can't lie down for long periods of time, and DC weather has been pretty dreary. What's a girl to do?!

Suffer through the pain and sew. I picked out a hat pattern from a book (Lotta Jansdotter's "Simple Sewing") that I wanted to try ever since I got the book. In the book the hat was sooo cute! I, however, got different results:

Hmm...long brim, anyone? Maybe, like the rest of my body, my face is just short. I'm still a little frustrated with the results and hopefully will be able to laugh soon.

Thank Goodness for Fridays...

2008-03-17T12:58:00.002-04:00

I almost could add nothing else to this post and be done, given the picture is exactly how I'm feeling.

Today I had my last pre-natal OB appointment. News was much better than that received last week: I'm starting to dilate and efface, and the doc could feel the baby's head, even if she did have to stick half her arm inside me to do so. If nothing more happens between now and 12:00 a.m. Friday morning (Thursday midnight), C and I will be heading to the hospital so that I can be induced. Induction is certainly not my preference, but neither is begin pregnant for longer than 41 weeks.

Seeking Advice

2008-03-12T20:06:00.003-04:00

Now that I'm all domesticated, I need some advice.

I hate mopping. My mom was a bucket and mop-that-required-squeezing woman. C's mom was a hands-and-knees woman. I am neither of these, as evidenced by the fact that our floors haven't been mopped in a too-embarrassing-to-admit amount of time. I'm intrigued by the Swiffer WetJet and wondered if anyone has any experience with it. Love it? Hate it? Have something better to suggest?

I'm also reconsidering my modus operandus for doing the by-hand dishes. I currently use a scrub brush that sits behind the faucet when not in use. But I just think there has to be something better out there. Again, any suggestions? I have only one sink, if that makes a difference.

Finally, if anyone knows methods for getting the feeling back in my left side, I'd be welcome to those suggestions as well. Especially if the suggestions don't tell me to just have the baby; believe me, I'm still working on that.

Why I May Not Return Your Phone Calls for a While

2008-03-10T17:21:00.003-04:00

I had a doctor's appointment today. The verdict? Nothing's happening. Cervix still closed. Baby still content to stay in utero. But the worst part? They won't consider an induction until the 24th. That's TWO WEEKS from today. TWO WEEKS. I'm still having a hard time accepting this and if I have to talk about it, I'll cry. You don't want that. So please don't be offended when I don't answer the phone (C's on constant phone duty as we don't have caller ID), don't return emails, or don't come to church. Believe me, you'll all know when something does happen.

You're only allowed to comment on this post as long you promise to say none of the following:

Don't worry; you're so close already! (Uh, after 39 weeks and two days, even five days seems too long.)
He could still come early! (I realize that, but don't believe it.)
He'll be here before you know it! (See the first bullet.)
He'll come when he's ready. (I'm not concerned about him at this point. He's fine; I'm not.)
Anything that sounds remotely like the previous bullets.

However, you may comment if you say things like, "Dude. That SUCKS."

P.S. And yes, these pictures of Bruno are recent. He developed some sort of rash in his nether region and in an attempt to save the $50 vet fee (plus any "necessary" meds), we thought we'd try the collar first. It seems to be working.

Does This Happen Anywhere Else?

2008-03-07T08:11:00.004-05:00

Picture it: I'm driving to the gym and I see a street corner filled with household items. And when I say household items, I mean mattresses, furniture...the works. I think:

a) Garage sale! Better call my mom.
b) Spring cleaning. Hmmm...wonder if they'd come do my house.
c) None of the above.

Definitely (c). Why? Because at least in my county of Maryland, this is what happens when tenants are evicted. After the lengthy period that it takes to actually evict someone, the cops are called and they manually remove all of the tenants' items, leaving the items in a big pile on the street.

Sometimes I want to feel bad for the tenants, but most of the time I don't. My aunt and uncle are very involved in real estate and I've heard horror stories about the things that tenants can do and Do do. It's amazing. Besides, it's not like eviction is an easy process for the landlords. It takes months. So the tenants are fully aware that this is going to happen to them.

Every time that I drive by these "garage sales," there are people going through the items. I'm never sure if these are the actual owners, or people who just want to "purchase" the junk. In fact, the only time I feel bad at all for these people is when I see kids going through the stuff.

I know this post is mostly ramblings, but these occurrences never cease to amaze me. I don't remember ever seeing this in Utah, but I never lived in such apartment-landia like I do now. Anyone else see this where they live?

P.S. I would have posted a picture of this but I've never had the courage to actually take a picture.

Maternity Leave: Day 1

2008-03-04T09:09:00.003-05:00

Yesterday was the first day of my maternity leave. A girl could really get used to this. Especially if she wasn't 8.5 months pregnant and if a baby never came. Staying home and playing housewife is really fun.

What did I do? Of course, the paper must be read. It's so much more enjoyable reading it with breakfast (PopTarts, yum) than over lunch. Then I started cooking. I made some frog-eye salad and this yummy delicious chicken salad. Then I started the cleaning and got some dusting done as well as the bed stripped. I walked Bruno to the mailbox since the day was simply gorgeous (mid-60s and sunny). Then it was time for the doctor's appointment where, sadly, nothing has changed. Sigh. The worst part of the appointment was scheduling another appointment for after the due date. Double Sigh. After that, I took my car to be cleaned and then stopped at the grocery store. I got home, finished some cleaning, and stuck the roast in the oven (roast in the oven--wha???). Then it was time for some internetting. I even made some cookies that I froze so that when Mr. Mullet does finally come and I want some cookies, they'll be ready.

By the time this was done, it was time for C to come home from work. Greeting my husband as he walks in from work is a feeling I haven't had often, but I really like it. I feel like I should have been wearing some sort of half apron and bright red lipstick.

The best news is that I get to do it all over again. Today includes reading the paper, internetting, trip to the DMV, walking the dog, trip to the gym, more cleaning, then a baby shower given for me by the cute Young Women.

Like I said, I could really get used to this.

c and e and e

The Answer is 42

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