Well, I'm not full of any big news or ponderings. Being pregnant is somewhat normal at the moment. I'm uncomfortable sometimes, but not in any pain. Sometimes there's a bit of back pain, but I try to ignore it as I've had such a great pregnancy thus far.
School is starting up again next week so we'll see how I handle full days on campus. This will be interesting for sure. But I am looking forward to it.
I am also getting more excited for this baby to actually come. I'm not impatient or wishing the days would go by faster, but I am feeling a healthy amount of excitement. Before I think reality was kicking me hard in the butt and I was struggling more with a lot of different fears or concerns about how my life would change.
Anyhoo...another midwife appointment this week - we'll see what new and exciting with me by then.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Monday, August 27, 2007
Watch Your Language!
On Sunday, September 9th, CBC is airing a show called Test the Nation: Watch your language!
Basically you see if you can answer timed questions about spelling, grammar, word origins and common everyday mistakes people make when it comes to words and language.
I was curious so I went to the website and found out that you can't take the actual test YET (although you can download it so when the show airs you can play along and see how smart you are) but you can click on a link on the right hand side that says: Mental Gym and do a series of 6 warm ups.
I did fairly well, but only got 100% on one out of six warm ups (the other 5 I got 70% once and 80% the other 4 times). They also don't tell you which answers you got wrong and what the correct answer was - which was hard for me to handle, but I think I'm over it.
Anyway, you too can test your word IQ at http://www.cbc.ca/testthenation and see how you do!
(Beth Fisher I'm curious to see how you do!)
Basically you see if you can answer timed questions about spelling, grammar, word origins and common everyday mistakes people make when it comes to words and language.
I was curious so I went to the website and found out that you can't take the actual test YET (although you can download it so when the show airs you can play along and see how smart you are) but you can click on a link on the right hand side that says: Mental Gym and do a series of 6 warm ups.
I did fairly well, but only got 100% on one out of six warm ups (the other 5 I got 70% once and 80% the other 4 times). They also don't tell you which answers you got wrong and what the correct answer was - which was hard for me to handle, but I think I'm over it.
Anyway, you too can test your word IQ at http://www.cbc.ca/testthenation and see how you do!
(Beth Fisher I'm curious to see how you do!)
Sunday, August 26, 2007
annoyances
I realized today I have a lot of pet peeves. Or just things that annoy me. Which, incidentally was a category for a game of "Things" I played on Friday and I couldn't think of anything to write. Which became my answer.
I need to preface this entry by saying a few things;
I am a laid back person. I'm up for just about anything and am generally easy going about most things. I am not (generally) anal about a lot of things and can handle a bit of dirt and chaos. Honestly I wasn't feeling like writing about anything else and had been meaning to write a few of these things down. Now seemed like a fairly appropriate time to do so.
So, here are a few things that annoy me (warning: if you feel convicted or like I am perhaps pointing the finger at you - I am not. I have no one in mind when I am writing this so please don't apologize. However, you could stop doing the annoying thing you are doing. :D)
1. When people post photo albums with pictures that aren't turned. Honestly, I probably won't even look at the picture. I'm not tipping my laptop just so I can get a proper view of your picture.
2. When people who post photo albums include multiple pictures that are of the same, or almost the same thing. I don't need to see 8 shots of the same pose of the same people. Pick the best one and forget the rest. Filter, people.
3. When people invite me to add applications on Facebook. I will ALWAYS ignore/reject the offer. ALWAYS.
4. Forwards. Even if it is a "good" one - if it says "Forward" in the subject (and isn't work related), it gets deleted. If I sense it's a forward but open it anyway and it IS a forward...delete - with a bit of extra vigour as I press that delete key. Please don't ever send me a forward. I hate them.
5. When people have their turn signal on and they have no intention of either turning or changing lanes. This is especially frustrating on the highway.
6. When people (driving) turn out in front of me when I'm going (probably) 70 and feel it is important to only speed up to 40 km/hour.
7. Bicyclists who ride side-by-side on the road and refuse to fall into line so I can pass them. This REALLY bothers me and has happened to me (and Jamie) twice taking the back roads to Toronto with "speed" bikers or "racers" or whatever they are. (You know the type with the tight clothes, speedy (aka expensive) bike and extremely stream-lined helmet.) I'm fairly certain this is illegal. After all, isn't each bike a vehicle on the road? Since when do cars drive side by side on a single lane road? Shouldn't bikers adhere to the same rules? Someone's asking for a back-tire nudge.
8. People who park badly. On the line, over the line, taking up two spots...it doesn't matter. The incompetency - and really, the inconsideration of people who don't park within the lines!
9. On a similar note, people who drive expensive cars and purposely take up TWO spots so that someone won't park up close to them and scratch their beloved vehicle. It's a car. Get over it. Or else buy a Honda Civic.
10. When people can't be bothered to type "you" and write "u" instead - this also goes for "2" instead of "to" or "too", "4" instead of "for", and especially "b4" instead of - you guessed it - "before". Generally the lazy web language people use that really drives me crazy. I've loosened up on punctuation and capitalization, but it's still better if people include periods and write "I" instead of "i". Check this (albeit hilarious) link out for a perfect example of lack of punctuation and capitalization. (Turn up your volume.)
11. When people in my building refuse to make eye contact with me and say hi. It's crazy how individualistic we are.
12. When people make racist comments and expect that anyone who hears them should agree.
13. Getting ketchup (or mustard) juice on a sandwich because I forgot to shake the bottle.
14. When people don't put away their shopping carts and leave them haphazardly in the parking lot. That really bugs me.
There are definitely more, but I'm starting to feel negative and that wasn't exactly the point of this entry.
I think my next entry will be things that delight me.
One more thing to add to this post:
15. When pulling up to a stop sign and there's enough room for a car to take 1 lane to wait to turn left and 1 lane for a car to wait to turn right and people who are turning LEFT sit right smack dab in the middle so NOBODY CAN PASS THEM TO TURN RIGHT. Grrr. That really bugs me.
I need to preface this entry by saying a few things;
I am a laid back person. I'm up for just about anything and am generally easy going about most things. I am not (generally) anal about a lot of things and can handle a bit of dirt and chaos. Honestly I wasn't feeling like writing about anything else and had been meaning to write a few of these things down. Now seemed like a fairly appropriate time to do so.
So, here are a few things that annoy me (warning: if you feel convicted or like I am perhaps pointing the finger at you - I am not. I have no one in mind when I am writing this so please don't apologize. However, you could stop doing the annoying thing you are doing. :D)
1. When people post photo albums with pictures that aren't turned. Honestly, I probably won't even look at the picture. I'm not tipping my laptop just so I can get a proper view of your picture.
2. When people who post photo albums include multiple pictures that are of the same, or almost the same thing. I don't need to see 8 shots of the same pose of the same people. Pick the best one and forget the rest. Filter, people.
3. When people invite me to add applications on Facebook. I will ALWAYS ignore/reject the offer. ALWAYS.
4. Forwards. Even if it is a "good" one - if it says "Forward" in the subject (and isn't work related), it gets deleted. If I sense it's a forward but open it anyway and it IS a forward...delete - with a bit of extra vigour as I press that delete key. Please don't ever send me a forward. I hate them.
5. When people have their turn signal on and they have no intention of either turning or changing lanes. This is especially frustrating on the highway.
6. When people (driving) turn out in front of me when I'm going (probably) 70 and feel it is important to only speed up to 40 km/hour.
7. Bicyclists who ride side-by-side on the road and refuse to fall into line so I can pass them. This REALLY bothers me and has happened to me (and Jamie) twice taking the back roads to Toronto with "speed" bikers or "racers" or whatever they are. (You know the type with the tight clothes, speedy (aka expensive) bike and extremely stream-lined helmet.) I'm fairly certain this is illegal. After all, isn't each bike a vehicle on the road? Since when do cars drive side by side on a single lane road? Shouldn't bikers adhere to the same rules? Someone's asking for a back-tire nudge.
8. People who park badly. On the line, over the line, taking up two spots...it doesn't matter. The incompetency - and really, the inconsideration of people who don't park within the lines!
9. On a similar note, people who drive expensive cars and purposely take up TWO spots so that someone won't park up close to them and scratch their beloved vehicle. It's a car. Get over it. Or else buy a Honda Civic.
10. When people can't be bothered to type "you" and write "u" instead - this also goes for "2" instead of "to" or "too", "4" instead of "for", and especially "b4" instead of - you guessed it - "before". Generally the lazy web language people use that really drives me crazy. I've loosened up on punctuation and capitalization, but it's still better if people include periods and write "I" instead of "i". Check this (albeit hilarious) link out for a perfect example of lack of punctuation and capitalization. (Turn up your volume.)
11. When people in my building refuse to make eye contact with me and say hi. It's crazy how individualistic we are.
12. When people make racist comments and expect that anyone who hears them should agree.
13. Getting ketchup (or mustard) juice on a sandwich because I forgot to shake the bottle.
14. When people don't put away their shopping carts and leave them haphazardly in the parking lot. That really bugs me.
There are definitely more, but I'm starting to feel negative and that wasn't exactly the point of this entry.
I think my next entry will be things that delight me.
One more thing to add to this post:
15. When pulling up to a stop sign and there's enough room for a car to take 1 lane to wait to turn left and 1 lane for a car to wait to turn right and people who are turning LEFT sit right smack dab in the middle so NOBODY CAN PASS THEM TO TURN RIGHT. Grrr. That really bugs me.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
permission not granted!
Um...what the heck? Why did blogger go ahead and change my template without asking me for permission?
I noticed it first on Beth's blog and thought she just changed it on her own, but nope. Mine is the same.
I will get to the bottom of this.
Grrrrrr....
**Addendum**
I don't know what's up, but I have a feeling it's possibly the site I used to get my template. *sigh* So for now I will stick with this boring old Blogger template. *sigh*
I noticed it first on Beth's blog and thought she just changed it on her own, but nope. Mine is the same.
I will get to the bottom of this.
Grrrrrr....
**Addendum**
I don't know what's up, but I have a feeling it's possibly the site I used to get my template. *sigh* So for now I will stick with this boring old Blogger template. *sigh*
Sunday, August 19, 2007
first baby shower
Yesterday I went to my first baby shower. Jamie's aunts threw it for me and it was really beautiful and extremely generous. Thank you to everyone who helped and came out and showered me in beautiful and adorable (and practical) things for little Strickie.Seriously - I had no idea there were so many cute things out there for little boys.
It was a great time with delicious yummies - my only regret was not taking some cake home. At the time I felt full and thought better of the idea, but now at 3:30pm on a Sunday afternoon I am wishing I had some cake to munch on. :)
Thanks to Erin who got the Leaf paraphernalia.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
rant
I have a bit of a rant.
It bothers me when people that I work with (in my organization) always brag or boast about who has the most fun team or the best team or whatever kind of team you want.
You know what? I think every single person who works in this organization is incredible and fun and solid. And I love my team. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. And of course I'm biased toward my team - I've gotten to know these people better than anyone else in this organization.
Someone asked me the other day if Jamie and I would open up a campus some day. I replied that we were open to it, but it would be so hard to leave our team because of the amazing relationships I have formed with each person as well as the amount of laughter and fun we have. All that to say that one day I probably WILL move on to another team, as will all of those other people who are so vehement with their claims that their team is the most fun or the best and then what?
Will they be dissatisfied with their new team? Will there be constant scrutiny for their new team to come under because nothing and no one will ever compare to their old team?
No. Your team is what you make of it. Enjoy it, but know that wherever you go is probably where you are supposed to be and that is the best team FOR YOU.
And that is my Saturday morning rant.
It bothers me when people that I work with (in my organization) always brag or boast about who has the most fun team or the best team or whatever kind of team you want.
You know what? I think every single person who works in this organization is incredible and fun and solid. And I love my team. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. And of course I'm biased toward my team - I've gotten to know these people better than anyone else in this organization.
Someone asked me the other day if Jamie and I would open up a campus some day. I replied that we were open to it, but it would be so hard to leave our team because of the amazing relationships I have formed with each person as well as the amount of laughter and fun we have. All that to say that one day I probably WILL move on to another team, as will all of those other people who are so vehement with their claims that their team is the most fun or the best and then what?
Will they be dissatisfied with their new team? Will there be constant scrutiny for their new team to come under because nothing and no one will ever compare to their old team?
No. Your team is what you make of it. Enjoy it, but know that wherever you go is probably where you are supposed to be and that is the best team FOR YOU.
And that is my Saturday morning rant.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
midwife appointment #....?
Is it possible to be proud of your child before he is born? :D
Today during my appointment with my midwife (and intern) she kept saying, "What a smart baby you have" and I am sure she says that to all women, but still. He's already head down and in the right position.
Yay baby!
Medical health update:
I don't have gestational diabetes! Phewf. Seriously...so glad about that.
My iron is a bit low so I just need to up my iron intake in my food. No supplements needed at this point.
Other than that...everything else is good. It was my quickest appointment yet! In 25 minutes I think we were in and out.
And I had my most disgusting conversation yet with my midwife today. I won't post it because it was pretty detailed and definitely too much information for the blogosphere to handle...but I appreciated it. I like being able to talk about gross stuff that's happening and know that she's not going to scrunch up her face in disgust and say, "That's disgusting! You are one weird woman."
Even though I am. :D
Today during my appointment with my midwife (and intern) she kept saying, "What a smart baby you have" and I am sure she says that to all women, but still. He's already head down and in the right position.
Yay baby!
Medical health update:
I don't have gestational diabetes! Phewf. Seriously...so glad about that.
My iron is a bit low so I just need to up my iron intake in my food. No supplements needed at this point.
Other than that...everything else is good. It was my quickest appointment yet! In 25 minutes I think we were in and out.
And I had my most disgusting conversation yet with my midwife today. I won't post it because it was pretty detailed and definitely too much information for the blogosphere to handle...but I appreciated it. I like being able to talk about gross stuff that's happening and know that she's not going to scrunch up her face in disgust and say, "That's disgusting! You are one weird woman."
Even though I am. :D
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
sarcastic pregnancy book
Today I bought a book (for only $4!) from Chapter's called "Milk It - How to get more than a baby out of the next nine months".
I couldn't resist. The title alone almost had me laughing out loud.
Here's a page I randomly opened to and almost peed my pants. Okay, that's a lie. But I definitely chuckled.
"Dealing with the weight-gain comments"
Them: "Wow! You're huge!"
You: "Oh, gosh, I love it. It's just so liberating not having to conform to society's idea of the perfect woman, for once."
Rationale: A mere suggestion of militant feminism can deter even the most resolute busybody.
Them: "Wow! You're huge!"
You: "Do you think so? Really? Maybe I should stop eating so much."
Rationale: Ostensibly meek, this one will leave your tormentors back peddling furiously, afraid that they have nudged you toward anorexia. If you're never allowed yourself the undeniable satisfaction of being passive-aggressive, this is a great way to start.
Them: "Wow! You're huge!"
You: "Well, there's a baby in there. What did you expect?"
Rationale: You can laugh as you say this and it won't sound too harsh. But nobody will doubt what you mean. And how seriously you mean it.
Them: "Wow! You're huge!"
You: "And you, too! What is it? Ten, twenty pounds?"
Rationale: Of course, this one works only if you know the person, but in the right circumstances it can be very powerful.
Them: "Wow! You're huge!"
You: "Well, my hemorrhoids weigh a couple of pounds each."
Rationale: Any mention of an indelicate condition and vengeance is yours.
So hilariously sarcastic. I can't wait to read the rest of this great book by Kate Hodson. I enjoy people who are blunt and don't beat around the bush. AND are unapologetic about it, too!
Now don't worry if you are one of those people who have told me I am huge or are getting huge or have commented in any way on my general size since getting pregnant. I know you don't mean it in a negative way and usually remind myself of that if I do find myself getting defensive - which...I haven't really. Except when my brother said "Whoa-ho Ginormo". And even then I did giggle because it rhymed.
However, in the future, a pregnant woman ALWAYS loves to hear that she looks amazing. (Even if you ARE lying a little bit.)
I couldn't resist. The title alone almost had me laughing out loud.
Here's a page I randomly opened to and almost peed my pants. Okay, that's a lie. But I definitely chuckled.
"Dealing with the weight-gain comments"
Them: "Wow! You're huge!"
You: "Oh, gosh, I love it. It's just so liberating not having to conform to society's idea of the perfect woman, for once."
Rationale: A mere suggestion of militant feminism can deter even the most resolute busybody.
Them: "Wow! You're huge!"
You: "Do you think so? Really? Maybe I should stop eating so much."
Rationale: Ostensibly meek, this one will leave your tormentors back peddling furiously, afraid that they have nudged you toward anorexia. If you're never allowed yourself the undeniable satisfaction of being passive-aggressive, this is a great way to start.
Them: "Wow! You're huge!"
You: "Well, there's a baby in there. What did you expect?"
Rationale: You can laugh as you say this and it won't sound too harsh. But nobody will doubt what you mean. And how seriously you mean it.
Them: "Wow! You're huge!"
You: "And you, too! What is it? Ten, twenty pounds?"
Rationale: Of course, this one works only if you know the person, but in the right circumstances it can be very powerful.
Them: "Wow! You're huge!"
You: "Well, my hemorrhoids weigh a couple of pounds each."
Rationale: Any mention of an indelicate condition and vengeance is yours.
So hilariously sarcastic. I can't wait to read the rest of this great book by Kate Hodson. I enjoy people who are blunt and don't beat around the bush. AND are unapologetic about it, too!
Now don't worry if you are one of those people who have told me I am huge or are getting huge or have commented in any way on my general size since getting pregnant. I know you don't mean it in a negative way and usually remind myself of that if I do find myself getting defensive - which...I haven't really. Except when my brother said "Whoa-ho Ginormo". And even then I did giggle because it rhymed.
However, in the future, a pregnant woman ALWAYS loves to hear that she looks amazing. (Even if you ARE lying a little bit.)
Monday, August 13, 2007
RQOTW
Random question of the week: Does anyone know where I can get a hilarious cat shirt? (as in a shirt for a cat)
tv
So there's a certain someone in my life that watches a certain show - or rather certain showS that I am trying my darndest to boycott. Mainly because my outlook on life and money and dating and relationships is holding me to my values and telling me that if I watch these shows and actually like them, that I'm a hypocrite.
But then isn't watching shows like Friends and Seinfeld where people casually sleep around with others hypocritical of me?
Oooooh....I just don't know. I can feel myself being drawn in, but I must resist. Partially because I am stubborn and don't want to cave for pride's sake...and partially because I don't want to like or be entertained by the shallow lifestyles of such people. And partially because I don't want to hear "aha! I knew you would like this show" from that certain someone - especially after all my comments and head shaking at said certain someone. AND partially because I also don't want to watch this show and get all self-righteous (or maybe I already am) and snotty and make comments that would sound just down right bratty if anyone else said them.
Help!
More to come on my imminent caving in...
free stuff
I love free stuff! Today this came in the mail for me from Nestle. Included (but not shown here) was also a diaper change pad and a reusable ice pack!The bag is also insulated.
Sweet!
Saturday, August 11, 2007
nursing bras
Oh and on the nursing bra front:
I went downtown Guelph today to this funky store called On the Verge to look for a cute wallet I saw when I was there back in February. Unfortunately they were out and won't be getting anymore in until late October. Dang.
So I went next door to the cute maternity/baby store called Babydolls. I found a cute maternity skirt for $10 and as I was paying I noticed they had nursing bras.
So I had to try them on of course.
And I found 2 I really liked! Hoorah! One was stylish AND supportive and the other one was just uber supportive. Which is great. Being stylish is definitely appreciated but mostly unnecessary.
Thank you Bravado Bras! I like you.
I went downtown Guelph today to this funky store called On the Verge to look for a cute wallet I saw when I was there back in February. Unfortunately they were out and won't be getting anymore in until late October. Dang.
So I went next door to the cute maternity/baby store called Babydolls. I found a cute maternity skirt for $10 and as I was paying I noticed they had nursing bras.
So I had to try them on of course.
And I found 2 I really liked! Hoorah! One was stylish AND supportive and the other one was just uber supportive. Which is great. Being stylish is definitely appreciated but mostly unnecessary.
Thank you Bravado Bras! I like you.
diabetes
I think I need to update things on the test for diabetes front.
So I went in to the lab for the 2nd stage of the testing.
I had to fast overnight (who doesn't fast overnight?) and then go in in the morning to get blood taken. Then drink the orange pop, wait an hour, get my blood taken again, wait another hour and then get my blood taken one final time.
I didn't feel strange or weird or have any of the symptoms they asked me about but I guess that doesn't necessarily mean anything.
I have a midwife appointment on Tuesday so I guess I'll hear all about how things went and what the status is then.
In the meantime...I can't stay away from SUGAR!!!!
Jamie bought this bag of marshmallow bananas for me when we went to the Argos game last night and I can't stop eating them.
It's like crack cocaine.
I put them away on the top shelf of the cupboard. That seems to have curbed my compulsive reaching into the bag and eating them. For now. Eep.
So I went in to the lab for the 2nd stage of the testing.
I had to fast overnight (who doesn't fast overnight?) and then go in in the morning to get blood taken. Then drink the orange pop, wait an hour, get my blood taken again, wait another hour and then get my blood taken one final time.
I didn't feel strange or weird or have any of the symptoms they asked me about but I guess that doesn't necessarily mean anything.
I have a midwife appointment on Tuesday so I guess I'll hear all about how things went and what the status is then.
In the meantime...I can't stay away from SUGAR!!!!
Jamie bought this bag of marshmallow bananas for me when we went to the Argos game last night and I can't stop eating them.
It's like crack cocaine.
I put them away on the top shelf of the cupboard. That seems to have curbed my compulsive reaching into the bag and eating them. For now. Eep.
sometimes
Sometimes when I look in the mirror I don't expect to see my belly. But it's there.
Is it ever there!
Sometimes I forget that all this attention and growth and excuse to buy new clothes is all leading somewhere.
That somewhere would be to having a child.
First labour. Then birth/delivery. (Yowch.) Then I'm a mom.
Flip.
That's crazy.
Sometimes I don't have words to describe how I feel about all of this.
Is it ever there!
Sometimes I forget that all this attention and growth and excuse to buy new clothes is all leading somewhere.
That somewhere would be to having a child.
First labour. Then birth/delivery. (Yowch.) Then I'm a mom.
Flip.
That's crazy.
Sometimes I don't have words to describe how I feel about all of this.
cheerleaders and me
Well I am just full of little thoughts and ponderings today!
This one is from the Argos game I went to last night.
With cheer leading being so prevalent in the game of football (or throw ball as my good friend likes to call it) I was forced to watch the jostlings and gyrations of the "Blue Thunder" cheerleaders - or are they called the dance pack?
If so that changes the direction of this email.
No matter, for this post's sake let's say they're still called cheerleaders.
Now...the purpose of a cheerleader is to cheer on the team, is it not? If this is so, then why do they spend their down time watching the game and then when it comes to "cheer" they turn around and face the crowd to perform their pseudo-strip tease as if performing for US?
Also...why are they doing all of this right in front of the family zone? For all those happily married dads? For all those happily married moms? The 8 year old boys? For whom exactly are they performing?
Needless to say...I'm not a fan.
This one is from the Argos game I went to last night.
With cheer leading being so prevalent in the game of football (or throw ball as my good friend likes to call it) I was forced to watch the jostlings and gyrations of the "Blue Thunder" cheerleaders - or are they called the dance pack?
If so that changes the direction of this email.
No matter, for this post's sake let's say they're still called cheerleaders.
Now...the purpose of a cheerleader is to cheer on the team, is it not? If this is so, then why do they spend their down time watching the game and then when it comes to "cheer" they turn around and face the crowd to perform their pseudo-strip tease as if performing for US?
Also...why are they doing all of this right in front of the family zone? For all those happily married dads? For all those happily married moms? The 8 year old boys? For whom exactly are they performing?
Needless to say...I'm not a fan.
forwards
Can I be honest?
I take a tiny bit of pleasure in deleting forwards - especially the ones that say "Do not break this forward or delete it. It has been going for _______(Insert random large number of days here)."
Ok, so I take more than a TINY bit of pleasure. I click that delete button with vigor and zest.
Usually I don't even read forwards so if I were you, I wouldn't send me any forwards.
Down with forwards!
Send me a real email people!
I take a tiny bit of pleasure in deleting forwards - especially the ones that say "Do not break this forward or delete it. It has been going for _______(Insert random large number of days here)."
Ok, so I take more than a TINY bit of pleasure. I click that delete button with vigor and zest.
Usually I don't even read forwards so if I were you, I wouldn't send me any forwards.
Down with forwards!
Send me a real email people!
crack
This is my crack cocaine.I made the mistake of getting Jamie to pick up a 600 gram bag of Marshmallow Bananas from Walmart (only $2!!).
Now I can't stop eating them.
I feel sick and yet I keep reaching for them.
Somebody - please - help - me...
Thursday, August 9, 2007
straining out the good from the bad
I've been reading/skimming Sex God by Rob Bell. Now before you all get up in my face about what a heretic he is (sometimes) and how full of crap his books are (usually) let me defend myself. Basically I'm just reading it to see what it's about and be prepared in case I meet other Christians who've read it and haven't seen anything wrong with it - already I've found a few things, but that's not actually what this post is about.
So I had a few hours to kill at the doctor's office (long blood test thingy) so I skimmed a few chapters. In chapter 6 called Worth Dying For, Bell talks about how we don't need a significant other to find our worth and specifically on a few pages he addresses how women tend to give themselves away to guys who aren't willing to give THEMselves away. Here's what I liked:
Your worth does not come from your body, your mind, your work, what you produce, what you put out, how much money you make. Your worth does not come from whether or not you have a man. Your worth does not come from whether or not men notice you. You have an inestimable worth that comes from your creator.
...
If you're dating someone, what kind of man is he? Does he demonstrate that he's the kind of man who would die for you? What is his posture toward the world? Does he serve, or is he waiting to be served? Does he believe that he's owed something, that he's been shortchanged, that he's gotten the short end of the stick, that life owes him something? Or is he out to see what he can give? Does he see himself as being here to make the world a better place?
These are the big questions that you need to ask yourself.
...
"When a woman is loved well, she opens up like a flower." What does he expect of you? Does he expect you to sleep with him when he hasn't committed to you forever? Does he want all of you without his having to give all of him?
Can you tell him anything? Is he safe? Can he be trusted? Can you open up to him, allowing yourself to be vulnerable, knowing that he will protect, not exploit that vulnerability?
Are you opening up like a flower?
...
Perhaps this is why the text (here Bell is referring to Ephesians 5:25) talks about the man dying for the woman. This can be terrifying for a man. Committing to a woman for life is going to demand courage, fidelity, and strength he may not know he has. This is why some men take such pride in their sexual conquests. They're desperately running from their fear that they don't have what it takes to lay down their lives for a woman. Sleeping with lots of women gives them the feeling of being a man without actually having to be one.
Wow. I hope every woman who is dating someone will read those questions and honestly ask themselves those things about the man they are dating.
They are big questions. The answers might be scary and actually require some action. But I think they are worth asking. Better to have a period of hurt and frustration than a life of misery and loneliness. Or maybe even just a life that's "okay" instead of amazing or exciting or fulfilling or satisfying to the very depths of your soul (and those can be found whether you are with someone or not).
I think they are even worth asking to ourselves.
Do I serve or am I looking to be served?
Am I out to see what I can give or am I looking for a handout?
What can I contribute to society?
Are people released and inspired to be more loving, adventurous, patient, kind and caring because of being around me?
Am I the kind of woman who would attract that kind of man?
Obviously I am not looking to actually attract men...but I think my point is clear.
Anyway, there's lots of crap and fluff in Rob Bell's book, Sex God, but on this point I am applauding his willingness to speak tender but truthful love into women's lives and challenge and rebuke those men who are taking that which they are not willing to give.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
prenatal care - midwifery is the way to go
I was just reading the girltalk blog - specifically the Baby Watch entries where one of the daughters shares all the news about her pregnancy with her 2nd child (a girl).
It was fun to read and identify with a lot of what she went through - although some of it I haven't gone through yet and some of it I probably won't go through. Anyway...I thought I would contrast her "doctor's visits" in comparison with my midwife appointments. I was shocked at the crappy care you get (or at least she did) prenatally.
Here is her account of her appointments:
I think I have mastered the doctor visit “routine”—arrive a couple minutes early; take a seat in the waiting room and pretend to look at a magazine; have your name called so that the nurse can weigh you and record it on some secret chart; head to the examination room and don the doctor’s outfit of choice for patients—a large paper napkin; wait in the examination room while studying all of the sharp-looking instruments lining the counter; do some more waiting while contemplating what a little redecorating might do for the surroundings; wait still longer trying not to watch the second hand on the clock; jolting awake as the doctor flies into the room, pushes on your belly, listens to your baby’s heart beat with her special radar device, and disappears as quickly as she came; then stumble back out to the waiting room and wait for the receptionist as she eagerly books your next “visit.” Yeah!
In contrast here are what my appointments are like:
It was fun to read and identify with a lot of what she went through - although some of it I haven't gone through yet and some of it I probably won't go through. Anyway...I thought I would contrast her "doctor's visits" in comparison with my midwife appointments. I was shocked at the crappy care you get (or at least she did) prenatally.
Here is her account of her appointments:
I think I have mastered the doctor visit “routine”—arrive a couple minutes early; take a seat in the waiting room and pretend to look at a magazine; have your name called so that the nurse can weigh you and record it on some secret chart; head to the examination room and don the doctor’s outfit of choice for patients—a large paper napkin; wait in the examination room while studying all of the sharp-looking instruments lining the counter; do some more waiting while contemplating what a little redecorating might do for the surroundings; wait still longer trying not to watch the second hand on the clock; jolting awake as the doctor flies into the room, pushes on your belly, listens to your baby’s heart beat with her special radar device, and disappears as quickly as she came; then stumble back out to the waiting room and wait for the receptionist as she eagerly books your next “visit.” Yeah!
In contrast here are what my appointments are like:
- arrive a couple minutes early (or late depending on the day) and let the receptionist know I'm here.
- step into the washroom to weigh myself and pee on the stick that is supposed to tell you something if it turns a different colour (so far so good!).
- within a couple minutes one of my midwives (I have 2 that I rotate between) will come out and say hi and we'll all go into her office.
- the appointment begins: she asks how I'm doing, how my vacation (or work, or travelling) has been and then asks if I have any questions (sometimes I do, often I don't).
- she'll talk about different things depending on how far along I am (ie. where we'll have birth, different tests that are available, etc.) and usually give me some pamphlets to read or paperwork to fill out and bring back for the next appointment
- then she'll check my blood pressure, usually offer to let me hear the baby's heartbeat on the doppler or with the stethoscope and then measure my belly growth and feel around for the baby (last time we got to feel a leg!)
- then we might chat for a few more minutes and all in all the appointments usually last 45 minutes to an hour.
some updates and a bit of a rant
It seems as though I have hit the stage of discomfort. I have just started getting back pains and am definitely finding it harder to get up and down from sitting on chairs/couches. It's not too bad and I am learning to find ways of sleeping or sitting that are more comfortable for me. I've also hit the "waking-up-in-the-middle-of-the-night-to-go-pee" stage. Which is ok. I usually fall right back to sleep.
I also re-did my gestational diabetes screening test. Still high. *sigh*
So now I have to go back and do the test where I have to fast and then they take my blood 2 or 3 times I think. Sick. So that stinks. I need to stop eating so much sugar I think. My sweet tooth has been indulged quite a bit, I must admit.
And now for a rant: *disclaimer to any male reading this - discussion about bras and fitting will commence now - read at your own risk*
How hard is it to make a supportive, well-fitting nursing bra? Apparently pretty hard. I tried on all of the nursing bras I could find at Sears today (which was maybe 4 different styles). I eventually settled on one style (after trying on several different sizes both cup and band) but still am unimpressed with the ugliness of how they make breasts look (obviously not the one I bought or else I wouldn't have paid money for it - but still...it fell short of my normal bras)! Seriously...do I really want 2 mini torpedoes on my chest? Isn't it enough that I will have a jelly belly and healing "down there" to do? The least the bra manufacturers could do is give a girl some support and proper shape!
So if any of you women out there know of a well-fitting, supportive nursing bra, please email me and tell me where to find it! (And none of this online purchasing - how can I know if it fits if I can't try it on?!)
But other than that...things are great! I still need to figure out when I'll start taking my maternity leave.
I also re-did my gestational diabetes screening test. Still high. *sigh*
So now I have to go back and do the test where I have to fast and then they take my blood 2 or 3 times I think. Sick. So that stinks. I need to stop eating so much sugar I think. My sweet tooth has been indulged quite a bit, I must admit.
And now for a rant: *disclaimer to any male reading this - discussion about bras and fitting will commence now - read at your own risk*
How hard is it to make a supportive, well-fitting nursing bra? Apparently pretty hard. I tried on all of the nursing bras I could find at Sears today (which was maybe 4 different styles). I eventually settled on one style (after trying on several different sizes both cup and band) but still am unimpressed with the ugliness of how they make breasts look (obviously not the one I bought or else I wouldn't have paid money for it - but still...it fell short of my normal bras)! Seriously...do I really want 2 mini torpedoes on my chest? Isn't it enough that I will have a jelly belly and healing "down there" to do? The least the bra manufacturers could do is give a girl some support and proper shape!
So if any of you women out there know of a well-fitting, supportive nursing bra, please email me and tell me where to find it! (And none of this online purchasing - how can I know if it fits if I can't try it on?!)
But other than that...things are great! I still need to figure out when I'll start taking my maternity leave.
Monday, August 6, 2007
G
I should have done this years ago.I need to confess - I have/had a huge fear of driving tests. Which is why I didn't get my G licence until 3 days ago. I got a notice in the mail saying that my licence would expire in January and I needed to complete my G test before then. So I booked a test for the next day in Kitchener.
And I passed!
But before the jubilation and unbridled joy, I felt sick to my stomach, nervous, and I was definitely dreading taking this test. The reason is because in the past I have failed other driving tests. However, as my husband points out, this was because I didn't drive frequently and wasn't confident in what I was doing - so I failed. And probably rightly so.
Also...being pregnant I think helped my case.
And believe it or not, having no power steering got me out of backing into a parking spot (because I had previously cranked that wheel to do a 3 point turn and the instructor laughed out loud at me - "I'm not laughing at you, I'm laughing with you." and then said he wouldn't make me do that again). All in all, an easy test and I'm so glad that is over with.
No more driving tests until I'm like...70 or something. Woot!
Week 29 - camping edition
I seem to like this shirt as I wear it on a weekly rotation. I'll have to do something about that.Camping was good. I slept (for those who care) on a thin, self-inflatable mattress in a tent and it was fine. My hips were a teeny bit sore by the end of the weekend from sleeping on my side the whole time, but it was alright. I'm looking forward to sleeping in my bed tonight.
The weather was great and everything went smoothly. Almost as if I weren't pregnant! So if you liked camping before you got pregnant and your pregnancy has been fairly easy...GO CAMPING! I recommend it.
I did trip and fall on my way to the bathroom, but landed on my shin in the sand, so it was a soft fall. I don't think anything bad happened to the baby - still feeling lots of kicks and movements so I'm not worried.
So that's the camping update. Next year we'll be bringing a 9 1/2 month old, which will be a LOT more difficult than going camping while pregnant!
Thursday, August 2, 2007
storm
I wish it were raining right now. Thunder storming even. I remember while in Abbotsford, BC that I wished it would stop raining although noting that I often enjoy rain or thunder storms. Now is one of those times I wish it would storm away. Perhaps it's to reflect my mood or calm me down for the sleep that I need more than I would like to acknowledge.But alas...no rain in sight for at least 4 days.
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