So I deactivated Facebook, which might be why I am currently blogging on my neglected blog. Kind of a sad chain of events I know. But don't see this as a sign that I'll post here more frequently. Though who knows, I might.
So what started this? I guess it begins with the drama of Facebook, and social media in general, a drama that I was feeding myself into like a stupid insecure teenage girl. I'm a 33 year old woman for criminy's sake, why am I feeding into that? And it really was over something stupid that was bugging the snot out of me and making me into the exact person that I really can't stand, bringing out all of the insecurities of my time as a teenager and twenty-something. Furthermore, right now, I just don't have time.
In the middle of everything that is going on right now, we are preparing to put our house on the market, I'm trying to sort through and get rid of stuff (a much needed forced dejunking) , I'm awaiting my orders into the IRR where I will likely be for the next few years (while I still have to drill in the meantime) , and I'm raising a very precocious and active two year old girl, along with her nine month old sister who is full fledged walking. I don't have time for the drama and time suck that is Facebook, which is so easy to get absorbed into that before you know it, three hours have passed and you haven't done squat. The stress of everything had to be getting to me and causing me to react to stupid trivial stuff in a way that was uncharacteristic of me.
I talked to several people about this, they all basically said the same thing, that I was making a mountain out of a mole hill and it was not a big deal, so don't make it into drama. My sister suggested I delete Facebook, and when she said it, the spontaneity of it was brilliant. I just needed to turn off that time suck, delete the app from my phone and use the precious time to get things done around the house. And if, in the event that my daughter demands my time and prevents me from accomplishing my chores, perhaps I should, I don't know, focus my attention on her instead. I don't want my kids to remember me as being glued to the damn phone.
The question is, will I return to Facebook? Undoubtedly, for all of its faults, it's a great way to stay connected with friends and family, though I will undoubtedly streamline it so I am not following so many pages. We are moving overseas in a few months, and that is one of the prime ways to stay connected with loved ones short of talking to them on the phone, and I don't know how often I will get to do that. However, I think just sitting down and deactivating Facebook every now and then is good for the soul, just a clean break from social media so you can turn your attention on the important things, namely family and spending quality time with children, watching them grow and trying to build them into becoming responsible individuals. I see a lot of character traits in my daughter that she shares with me. I want this to be a positive thing, not a negative. It took me a long time to get comfortable in my own skin, so to revert back to defensiveness and petty grudges over something that ultimately does not matter is not on my agenda at the moment. I'm an adult, in this era of perpetual childhood, I really need to act like one.
And right now, my life requires me to focus on the things that matter and not get wrapped up in the trivial matters that come with Facebook.
A blog about a girl who speaks her mind and talks about whatever she wants. So its a blog about everything, and absolutely nothing, all at the same time. . .
2.20.2014
1.01.2014
Resolutions, 2013/2014
Wow, I don't need to say it, but life has just sort of taken me completely away from computers so I basically live on my iPhone these days, and very rarely do I blog. But what's a little New Year's Resolution Post going to hurt? That's right, nobody. So here it goes, how did I do this year on my Resolutions?
Hah!
That's a preview.
1. Grow a garden - Gus rototilled the garden area out, but I successfully grew a lot of knap weed.
2. Do at least one meal a week by scratch - This one was really hit and miss. I could say I did pretty well to be honest, I rocked November. December, well. . .
3. Eat more fruits and vegetables - Another amber resolution. I think I did better than last year, but I still had far too many veggies go bad in the veggie drawer.
4. Milk Cow Daily - You know, I really did do pretty good for the month that I had her. But alas, it was proven that she was not bred back and there was no way I could keep her in milk while I had my own baby. And now that I have two children under the age of three, it was probably a wise idea that I got rid of the cow. But in the future, when my children are older, I would love to have another one.
4.1 Milk the Goat -I no longer own goats. And I never milked them when I had them.
4.2 - Learn to make my own Cheese, Butter, Yogurt, etc - Well, I know how to make butter. But making stuff from scratch, and from absolute scratch, well, when my kids are not so demanding, maybe I'll get on this one.
5. Attend church at least twice a month - Gus doesn't really do church, and I can't force him too. I knew that when I married him. I still love him, however I can't do church with two kids (and mostly Kaia) and without him. I don't get anything out of it other than feeling stressed. So maybe I need to focus on my own personal enrichment.
6. Do More Art - I once considered myself an artist?
7. Learn a new craft skill - My friend recently taught me the basics of knitting. It looks like a lot of fun. I want to continue. But I fear I have already forgotten what she taught me. Still, I made an effort in the right direction.
7.1 Make more quilts - Hah! Ashlyn is still waiting for her homemade baby blanket from me.
8. Breastfeed through the new year - I actually completed one? Wow! Still breastfeeding my little Bean Sprout.
9. Graduate from College - I will blame this one on the sequester delaying my plans by messing with my tuition assistance. And then I had a baby and never got back on it.
10. Exercise more - If by more, I mean more than last year, I failed. I started exercising, but it really didn't last long.
10.1 Complete one full cycle of P90X - I did about three weeks of T25, I'm thinking of ordering P90X3 but, well, I failed big time.
11. Read one new book a month - Books? What are those?
So, how did I do? Um, awful. But you know what? I'm not going to let it get me down. New Year's Resolutions for this year? Let me see. . .
1. Stay sane - No, really, this is a legitimate resolution. I need to remain with my sanity intact, it is going to be a little crazy this year for me.
2. Try not to get pregnant until after Ashlyn turns one (if we get pregnant at all) - we're toying with this idea of having a third child, because Gus really wants a boy and we have two girls (who we absolutely love) but I'll be honest. Kids are work! It also impacts your body and wears you out. So, if we do end up having number three in the near future (they have to come before I turn 35 or we aren't having them at all, that's my rule) I need to at least give myself a bit of a break before we start with the whole bun in the oven thing. So I want to wait until Ashlyn is at least a year. Preferably I would like the next kid to make it until after Ashlyn turns two, but we'll see where we are at.
3. Learn How to Make Sushi - I got a sushi making kit for Christmas. I love me some Sushi, so it would make sense if I learned how to actually make it myself.
4. Downsize - Working on it now, we are getting rid of a lot of stuff. And I mean pretty much half of what I own. This will probably be a green resolution because my hand is being forced into it. I don't mind.
5. See a Foreign Country - If everything goes well, this should be an auto green also. We are moving to Japan.
5.1. Don't get Cancer - Fukushima is not the place to hang out or so I'm told. Hopefully the fallout doesn't affect myself and my family. Perhaps we will be stocking up on different holistic remedies? We shall see.
6. Leadman - I'm doing it this year, nobody is going to stop me! well, something or someone might, but it's the only race I feel like I really can do, that and Bloomsday. Hmm, that makes a great secondary resolution.
6.1 Bloomsday! - That settles it. I'm running this year!
7. Make our Move a Smooth One - Did I mention already we're moving to Japan? Yeah, about that. I get to be an Air Force Spouse! Maybe I need some Japanese Resolutions?
8. Learn how to read Japanese - Yeah, that might be a resolution we'll be working on for the next four or so years. . . along with speaking it too. And not just Sayanara and Kannichiwa.
9. Show Greater Patience with my Resident Two Year Old - I'm a mother of a two year old, who seems to have entered the terrible twos about eight months early, only to really demonstrate what the terrible twos are all about when she actually turned two. I love her to death, but I feel like a perpetual stress case. I need to work on being more relaxed and patient with her. And sometimes, I just need to learn how to let things roll off my back.
10 - exercise more - Yes, that one is a gimme. What's a new year's resolution list without the dreaded 'e' word showing its face somewhere? That, and if I do get pregnant this year, I want to be in decent shape.
So there you have it. That's my list. I'll see you next year.
Hah!
That's a preview.
1. Grow a garden - Gus rototilled the garden area out, but I successfully grew a lot of knap weed.
2. Do at least one meal a week by scratch - This one was really hit and miss. I could say I did pretty well to be honest, I rocked November. December, well. . .
3. Eat more fruits and vegetables - Another amber resolution. I think I did better than last year, but I still had far too many veggies go bad in the veggie drawer.
4. Milk Cow Daily - You know, I really did do pretty good for the month that I had her. But alas, it was proven that she was not bred back and there was no way I could keep her in milk while I had my own baby. And now that I have two children under the age of three, it was probably a wise idea that I got rid of the cow. But in the future, when my children are older, I would love to have another one.
4.1 Milk the Goat -I no longer own goats. And I never milked them when I had them.
4.2 - Learn to make my own Cheese, Butter, Yogurt, etc - Well, I know how to make butter. But making stuff from scratch, and from absolute scratch, well, when my kids are not so demanding, maybe I'll get on this one.
5. Attend church at least twice a month - Gus doesn't really do church, and I can't force him too. I knew that when I married him. I still love him, however I can't do church with two kids (and mostly Kaia) and without him. I don't get anything out of it other than feeling stressed. So maybe I need to focus on my own personal enrichment.
6. Do More Art - I once considered myself an artist?
7. Learn a new craft skill - My friend recently taught me the basics of knitting. It looks like a lot of fun. I want to continue. But I fear I have already forgotten what she taught me. Still, I made an effort in the right direction.
7.1 Make more quilts - Hah! Ashlyn is still waiting for her homemade baby blanket from me.
8. Breastfeed through the new year - I actually completed one? Wow! Still breastfeeding my little Bean Sprout.
9. Graduate from College - I will blame this one on the sequester delaying my plans by messing with my tuition assistance. And then I had a baby and never got back on it.
10. Exercise more - If by more, I mean more than last year, I failed. I started exercising, but it really didn't last long.
10.1 Complete one full cycle of P90X - I did about three weeks of T25, I'm thinking of ordering P90X3 but, well, I failed big time.
11. Read one new book a month - Books? What are those?
So, how did I do? Um, awful. But you know what? I'm not going to let it get me down. New Year's Resolutions for this year? Let me see. . .
1. Stay sane - No, really, this is a legitimate resolution. I need to remain with my sanity intact, it is going to be a little crazy this year for me.
2. Try not to get pregnant until after Ashlyn turns one (if we get pregnant at all) - we're toying with this idea of having a third child, because Gus really wants a boy and we have two girls (who we absolutely love) but I'll be honest. Kids are work! It also impacts your body and wears you out. So, if we do end up having number three in the near future (they have to come before I turn 35 or we aren't having them at all, that's my rule) I need to at least give myself a bit of a break before we start with the whole bun in the oven thing. So I want to wait until Ashlyn is at least a year. Preferably I would like the next kid to make it until after Ashlyn turns two, but we'll see where we are at.
3. Learn How to Make Sushi - I got a sushi making kit for Christmas. I love me some Sushi, so it would make sense if I learned how to actually make it myself.
4. Downsize - Working on it now, we are getting rid of a lot of stuff. And I mean pretty much half of what I own. This will probably be a green resolution because my hand is being forced into it. I don't mind.
5. See a Foreign Country - If everything goes well, this should be an auto green also. We are moving to Japan.
5.1. Don't get Cancer - Fukushima is not the place to hang out or so I'm told. Hopefully the fallout doesn't affect myself and my family. Perhaps we will be stocking up on different holistic remedies? We shall see.
6. Leadman - I'm doing it this year, nobody is going to stop me! well, something or someone might, but it's the only race I feel like I really can do, that and Bloomsday. Hmm, that makes a great secondary resolution.
6.1 Bloomsday! - That settles it. I'm running this year!
7. Make our Move a Smooth One - Did I mention already we're moving to Japan? Yeah, about that. I get to be an Air Force Spouse! Maybe I need some Japanese Resolutions?
8. Learn how to read Japanese - Yeah, that might be a resolution we'll be working on for the next four or so years. . . along with speaking it too. And not just Sayanara and Kannichiwa.
9. Show Greater Patience with my Resident Two Year Old - I'm a mother of a two year old, who seems to have entered the terrible twos about eight months early, only to really demonstrate what the terrible twos are all about when she actually turned two. I love her to death, but I feel like a perpetual stress case. I need to work on being more relaxed and patient with her. And sometimes, I just need to learn how to let things roll off my back.
10 - exercise more - Yes, that one is a gimme. What's a new year's resolution list without the dreaded 'e' word showing its face somewhere? That, and if I do get pregnant this year, I want to be in decent shape.
So there you have it. That's my list. I'll see you next year.
12.31.2013
2013 Year In Review
I skipped this annual tradition last year. I still have it saved in my drafts, unfinished, because it got pushed to the side like so many things have in my life.
01. What did you do in 2013 that you'd never done before?
Became mother to a two year old. That is something in and off itself. I also did a couple trail rides competitively that I hadn't done before.
02. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I always make them, don't always keep them. This year I did pretty horrid.
03. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Well, now that you mention it. The one and only blog post this year that wasn't centered around new year's was my daughter's birth story. I also had quite a few cousins give birth.
04. Did anyone close to you die?
Tim, my barn cat. This hit me hard, mainly because it was my fault. I accidentally ran him over and it made me sick to my stomach.
05. What countries did you visit?
None. No new states either.
6. What would you like to have in 2014 that you lacked in 2013?
Sanity. And Time.
07. What date from 2013 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
May 3. Take a guess.
08. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Delivering a healthy baby girl in under two hours of labor with no drugs. That was pretty awesome actually.
09. What was your biggest failure?
Not getting my garden in. Really, it's been kind of a chill year in that regards. I can't think of any at the moment.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Does childbirth count? Though I came out of it pretty well. I also got bucked off a horse and maybe broke my thumb (sucked it up and didn't see a doctor, but it hurt for a few weeks so I'm guessing it was bruised pretty well at least)
11. What was the best thing you bought?
A Mini-Van
12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?
Whenever Kaia goes to the potty on the toilet, or listens to me, and doesn't destroy my house, it merits celebration. Yay Kaia!
13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?
I try not to let other people get to me, so maybe it is time for this question to be rephrased. Anyway, Kaia got to me several times, being a two year old (throwing phone into the toilet, smearing poop all over the house, doing a lot of questionable crap with said poop), and in subsequent actions, I get mad and frustrated with myself.
14. Where did most of your money go?
To kids and various 'projects'.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Gus getting orders out of here.
16. What songs will always remind you of 2013?
Wrecking Ball is a guilty pleasure.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you happier or sadder?
Oh gosh, I think I'm more stressed now. Just where things are.
ii. Thinner or fatter?
Thinner, only because I'm not four months pregnant.
iii. Richer or poorer?
I'd say it's a draw.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Ran more, or just did more activities, whether it be races, running, adventures, snowboarding, snowmobiling, things like that. This was a pretty activity-less year. Although I did a couple trail rides that were pretty awesome and I wish I had discovered them earlier.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Sat on my ass surfing the net on my iPhone. The thing eats time. I told my husband I wanted a basic flip phone with texts when I was ready to upgrade, he talked me into another iPhone and I kick myself.
20. How did you spend Christmas?
Quietly, at home, with my family. Very mellow and easy going day. Christmas Eve was spent at my sister's house playing games and eating dinner.
22. Did you fall in love in 2013?
Yes, I have a second child now. No matter how much they stress you out, you can't help but love them
23. Favorite Month 0f 2013
New Question for this year. I'll say May. Because new baby and all, and it had some fantastic weather. Though I must admit, Spokane really rocked October. Perfect Fall weather. September was a pretty great month as well.
24. What were your favourite TV programs?
I started getting into Breaking Bad, didn't finish it. Phineas and Ferb is hilarious.
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
I try not to hate on people. Really, juvenile question. Next year it will be rephrased to say something like, Did you have a falling out with anyone that left a particularly bad taste in your mouth? To which I will reply for this year, hmm, not really. (I think most of the questions on this little year in review were written by a teenager at the time I found them)
26. What was the best book you read?
I didn't really read, but I did a fair bit of writing (its my escape, when I get into a writing mood I have to write my way out of it)
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
What Does The Fox Say? Ok, so I totally cheated because my brain is mush. . .
28. What did you want and get?
A sushi making kit.
29. What did you want and not get?
A knitting kit, but it's all good. I'll get one later.
30. What was your favourite film of this year?
I think I saw a grand total of five films this year. I don't sit through movies anymore and the movies I do watch are geared toward families, so I'll say Monster's University.
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 33. My husband took me to eat Sushi. He knows me well.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Having a perfectly content and well-mannered two year old, but you know what? Honestly I wouldn't trade her for the world, no matter how destructive and rambunctious she is.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2013?
.
Unkept appearance.
34. What kept you sane?
I have a two year old. I am far from sane at this moment.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you like the most?
Dr. Ben Carson is up there, though I disagree with him on Gun Control. Otherwise, argh, I cant think of any! I'm caught up in mommy world that public figures don't hold my attention these days
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
Gun Control and ObamaCare. I am against them both.
37. Who did you miss?
Maybe this should say 'What'. What did I miss? Not one, but two weddings, and subsequently opportunities to catch up with many cousins, friends and family.
38. Who was the best new person you met?
A little girl named Ashlyn
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2013.
Life's to short to get to stressed out, because when it is all said and done, it doesn't matter, it's just infuriating at the time you are in the middle of it. You'll laugh about it later.
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
Drive me crazy!
01. What did you do in 2013 that you'd never done before?
Became mother to a two year old. That is something in and off itself. I also did a couple trail rides competitively that I hadn't done before.
02. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I always make them, don't always keep them. This year I did pretty horrid.
03. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Well, now that you mention it. The one and only blog post this year that wasn't centered around new year's was my daughter's birth story. I also had quite a few cousins give birth.
04. Did anyone close to you die?
Tim, my barn cat. This hit me hard, mainly because it was my fault. I accidentally ran him over and it made me sick to my stomach.
05. What countries did you visit?
None. No new states either.
6. What would you like to have in 2014 that you lacked in 2013?
Sanity. And Time.
07. What date from 2013 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
May 3. Take a guess.
08. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Delivering a healthy baby girl in under two hours of labor with no drugs. That was pretty awesome actually.
09. What was your biggest failure?
Not getting my garden in. Really, it's been kind of a chill year in that regards. I can't think of any at the moment.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Does childbirth count? Though I came out of it pretty well. I also got bucked off a horse and maybe broke my thumb (sucked it up and didn't see a doctor, but it hurt for a few weeks so I'm guessing it was bruised pretty well at least)
11. What was the best thing you bought?
A Mini-Van
12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?
Whenever Kaia goes to the potty on the toilet, or listens to me, and doesn't destroy my house, it merits celebration. Yay Kaia!
13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?
I try not to let other people get to me, so maybe it is time for this question to be rephrased. Anyway, Kaia got to me several times, being a two year old (throwing phone into the toilet, smearing poop all over the house, doing a lot of questionable crap with said poop), and in subsequent actions, I get mad and frustrated with myself.
14. Where did most of your money go?
To kids and various 'projects'.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Gus getting orders out of here.
16. What songs will always remind you of 2013?
Wrecking Ball is a guilty pleasure.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you happier or sadder?
Oh gosh, I think I'm more stressed now. Just where things are.
ii. Thinner or fatter?
Thinner, only because I'm not four months pregnant.
iii. Richer or poorer?
I'd say it's a draw.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Ran more, or just did more activities, whether it be races, running, adventures, snowboarding, snowmobiling, things like that. This was a pretty activity-less year. Although I did a couple trail rides that were pretty awesome and I wish I had discovered them earlier.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Sat on my ass surfing the net on my iPhone. The thing eats time. I told my husband I wanted a basic flip phone with texts when I was ready to upgrade, he talked me into another iPhone and I kick myself.
20. How did you spend Christmas?
Quietly, at home, with my family. Very mellow and easy going day. Christmas Eve was spent at my sister's house playing games and eating dinner.
22. Did you fall in love in 2013?
Yes, I have a second child now. No matter how much they stress you out, you can't help but love them
23. Favorite Month 0f 2013
New Question for this year. I'll say May. Because new baby and all, and it had some fantastic weather. Though I must admit, Spokane really rocked October. Perfect Fall weather. September was a pretty great month as well.
24. What were your favourite TV programs?
I started getting into Breaking Bad, didn't finish it. Phineas and Ferb is hilarious.
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
I try not to hate on people. Really, juvenile question. Next year it will be rephrased to say something like, Did you have a falling out with anyone that left a particularly bad taste in your mouth? To which I will reply for this year, hmm, not really. (I think most of the questions on this little year in review were written by a teenager at the time I found them)
26. What was the best book you read?
I didn't really read, but I did a fair bit of writing (its my escape, when I get into a writing mood I have to write my way out of it)
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
What Does The Fox Say? Ok, so I totally cheated because my brain is mush. . .
28. What did you want and get?
A sushi making kit.
29. What did you want and not get?
A knitting kit, but it's all good. I'll get one later.
30. What was your favourite film of this year?
I think I saw a grand total of five films this year. I don't sit through movies anymore and the movies I do watch are geared toward families, so I'll say Monster's University.
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 33. My husband took me to eat Sushi. He knows me well.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Having a perfectly content and well-mannered two year old, but you know what? Honestly I wouldn't trade her for the world, no matter how destructive and rambunctious she is.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2013?
.
Unkept appearance.
34. What kept you sane?
I have a two year old. I am far from sane at this moment.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you like the most?
Dr. Ben Carson is up there, though I disagree with him on Gun Control. Otherwise, argh, I cant think of any! I'm caught up in mommy world that public figures don't hold my attention these days
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
Gun Control and ObamaCare. I am against them both.
37. Who did you miss?
Maybe this should say 'What'. What did I miss? Not one, but two weddings, and subsequently opportunities to catch up with many cousins, friends and family.
38. Who was the best new person you met?
A little girl named Ashlyn
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2013.
Life's to short to get to stressed out, because when it is all said and done, it doesn't matter, it's just infuriating at the time you are in the middle of it. You'll laugh about it later.
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
Drive me crazy!
1.04.2013
Resolutions, 2012/2013 Edition
I'm a little late rolling this one out, but even though my blog is often ignored, I can't break from tradition. So, I put up resolutions last year, how did I do?
1. Regularly attend church - Ok, I did better this year then years previous, and I was actually doing pretty well at the beginning of the year. I fizzled out badly toward the middle of the year and then dropped out entirely when I discovered getting up to attend church at 9 was a little harder then I thought it would be. This year, I don't have to go until 11, so I will likely be shooting for this one again.
2. Get back into shape - I actually bounced back from having a baby pretty well. I wanted to get into better shape then I did, and I wanted to be able to continue to work out through a subsequent pregnancy. Having an infant that is dependent on you can make this task difficult.
2.5 Pass PT test first time out - Passed it, the run by the hair of my teeth, but I passed it.
3. Run at least 5 races - I ran two. Leadman and The Dirty Dash (though the latter wasn't quite a race, more like a fun run where at one point you were forced to just walk in a line)
4. Horse Events - I had plans for this, I ended up doing pattern racing once with Breezy, but getting on the old girl while somebody watched the baby was harder to do then expected. Would like to do more, but I won't make them a resolution.
5. Meal Planning - I had a couple of months where I successfully did this. Then Gus changed his schedule to swings and it is harder to meal plan when you are cooking for just yourself.
6. Breast feed at least 6 months - Yay! Smoked this one! We made it to a year!
7. Agility Training with Scooby - I no longer own Scooby. We need a dog that can come indoors, and that requires one that doesn't shed. I would like to get a dog, but I will wait to get approval from Gus for the next one.
8. Get a job that coincides with staying home with Baby - .Kind of sort of, but I'll tell you this. Staying at home with a baby is a full time job! Plus homesteading, which is what I'm trying to do, also makes it difficult to stay on top of everything. I have done some stuff with ebay and Craigslist, but it's an on and off kind of thing. We'll probably continue to do similar stuff this year. I don't see myself entering the workforce other than Army Reserves once a month.
9. Get an A in classes while sticking with school - I did take a couple of breaks, but when I am in class, I do get A's. I'm not the most reliable student however, and I have been struggling to get my homework in on time. I used to be able to hold off to the last minute and just wing it out, I have to manage my time better, but hey, I'm still getting As. If I don't take any breaks, I'll have my degree by June, however i know I will have to delay my last two classes on account of newborn, but that's ok, I should have my degree by the end of the year.
10. Work on baby Number 2 - We're a Go! She's due in May.
Ok, so I was 3.5 for 10, with 6 partially done resolutions and one flat out not done. Not bad, not bad. Could be better.
So, what does 2013 have in store for me? Well, only time will tell, but here's an idea of things I want to do...
1. Grow a garden - I had one this year, it was fun and a lot of work, but it wasn't as successful as I would have wanted. Having free range turkeys didn't help either, especially when they discover your lettuce. So, we'll be working on another garden this year, and it will be a bigger focus. Along with fertilizing and all of that jazz.
2. Do at least one meal a week by scratch - I'm on a goal to get self sufficient, we live on five acres, but with how busy one gets with life, sometimes its easier to just pop a ready made meal in the microwave, as well as those nasty burritos that taste oh so good. Those ready made meals are not the healthiest things to eat, and baking from scratch is often cheaper and healthier in the long run.
3. Eat more fruits and vegetables - I guess my list is getting pretty traditional. The problem with this is it requires you to make multiple trips to the store to get fresh produce. Getting to the store sometimes can be a challenge. And i'll be toting around not one, but two little ones. So this will be a challenge.
4. Milk Cow Daily - This is going to be one test for the ages. I have a milk cow. Can you see a pattern here with my resolutions? Anyway, I've been milking my cow twice a day since I got her, and using the milk. So my goal is to get fresh milk for the year. I've got a lot of people willing to help me in this quest. She will be going dry for a couple months while she preps for her baby due in May.
4.1 Milk the Goat - I have a goat, I've had her for almost a year. I got her as a milking goat, but i never used her as one, so I have to get her prepared to let me milk her. So I want to get her into milk and use her as one. Fortunately, when the cow is dry is when I can start milking my goat. Good times.
4.2 - Learn to make my own Cheese, Butter, Yogurt, etc - yep, see a pattern? I'm trying my hand at homesteading. I might have to get some tools to accomplish this, but with my own milk cow, why not?
5. Attend church at least twice a month - I'm out once a month just because of Drill Weekends, but I really need to focus on my spiritual needs, and I am more fulfilled when I attend church regularly. This year, church is two hours later so it should be a little easier. I also want the munchkins to socialize with kids of like minded values, and I need friends with like minded values too. I see this as becoming more and more important for myself and my family, so we're going to make an extra effort to attend.
6. Do More Art - I am neglecting my art, and it is something I really do enjoy, but I never seem to find time for it. I think if I can find time, I will enjoy this. We'll settle to once a month, do a painting, or a drawing, something art related. Maybe get Kaia involved as she gets older.
7. Learn a new craft skill - I'm thinking knitting or crocheting, something like that. I finally learned how to use a sewing machine and have made several baby quilts for some family and friends.
7.1 Make more quilts - This is very enriching to complete a baby quilt. I have discovered I quite enjoy it. I made three last year, I know I'm going to make at least one for little Bean, but if I can make several, I can start making it a habit to give them out as gifts. I love recieving home made gifts, there is something about it, and I think a lot of people appreciate the thought and work put into something handmade.
8. Breastfeed through the new year - Baby Bean will come in May, I plan on strictly breastfeeding her for the first few months. The Army might get in the way of my plans, but I hope to continue to breast feed her through her first year. However, that extends past this resolutions list.
9. Graduate from College - I should complete my Bachelor's degree this year. I plan to do so, without any breaks I should have my degree completed by this summer, but I know I will be taking at least one.
10. Exercise more - Generalized, though I should get into specific goals and numbers, as they are easier to judge wether success was reached or not. Milking a cow does help, but I would really like to work out more even while I'm pregnant. Right now it's just things that are safe for pregnancy, but overall, just working out regularly, even if its a short walk or a round of yoga or whatever it is, could help with making me feel better.
10.1 Complete one full cycle of P90X - This will have to be later in the year, so it is later in the resolutions list. I have to wait until after the baby is born of course, and probably after the six week post partum period, but I think this will make me feel great if I can do it at least once.
11. Read one new book a month - I used to love to read, still do, but reading much more then this with everything on my plate might be difficult. Still, would like to try.
I think that should do it. Only a year will tell if I succeed or not.
1. Regularly attend church - Ok, I did better this year then years previous, and I was actually doing pretty well at the beginning of the year. I fizzled out badly toward the middle of the year and then dropped out entirely when I discovered getting up to attend church at 9 was a little harder then I thought it would be. This year, I don't have to go until 11, so I will likely be shooting for this one again.
2. Get back into shape - I actually bounced back from having a baby pretty well. I wanted to get into better shape then I did, and I wanted to be able to continue to work out through a subsequent pregnancy. Having an infant that is dependent on you can make this task difficult.
2.5 Pass PT test first time out - Passed it, the run by the hair of my teeth, but I passed it.
3. Run at least 5 races - I ran two. Leadman and The Dirty Dash (though the latter wasn't quite a race, more like a fun run where at one point you were forced to just walk in a line)
4. Horse Events - I had plans for this, I ended up doing pattern racing once with Breezy, but getting on the old girl while somebody watched the baby was harder to do then expected. Would like to do more, but I won't make them a resolution.
5. Meal Planning - I had a couple of months where I successfully did this. Then Gus changed his schedule to swings and it is harder to meal plan when you are cooking for just yourself.
6. Breast feed at least 6 months - Yay! Smoked this one! We made it to a year!
7. Agility Training with Scooby - I no longer own Scooby. We need a dog that can come indoors, and that requires one that doesn't shed. I would like to get a dog, but I will wait to get approval from Gus for the next one.
8. Get a job that coincides with staying home with Baby - .Kind of sort of, but I'll tell you this. Staying at home with a baby is a full time job! Plus homesteading, which is what I'm trying to do, also makes it difficult to stay on top of everything. I have done some stuff with ebay and Craigslist, but it's an on and off kind of thing. We'll probably continue to do similar stuff this year. I don't see myself entering the workforce other than Army Reserves once a month.
9. Get an A in classes while sticking with school - I did take a couple of breaks, but when I am in class, I do get A's. I'm not the most reliable student however, and I have been struggling to get my homework in on time. I used to be able to hold off to the last minute and just wing it out, I have to manage my time better, but hey, I'm still getting As. If I don't take any breaks, I'll have my degree by June, however i know I will have to delay my last two classes on account of newborn, but that's ok, I should have my degree by the end of the year.
10. Work on baby Number 2 - We're a Go! She's due in May.
Ok, so I was 3.5 for 10, with 6 partially done resolutions and one flat out not done. Not bad, not bad. Could be better.
So, what does 2013 have in store for me? Well, only time will tell, but here's an idea of things I want to do...
1. Grow a garden - I had one this year, it was fun and a lot of work, but it wasn't as successful as I would have wanted. Having free range turkeys didn't help either, especially when they discover your lettuce. So, we'll be working on another garden this year, and it will be a bigger focus. Along with fertilizing and all of that jazz.
2. Do at least one meal a week by scratch - I'm on a goal to get self sufficient, we live on five acres, but with how busy one gets with life, sometimes its easier to just pop a ready made meal in the microwave, as well as those nasty burritos that taste oh so good. Those ready made meals are not the healthiest things to eat, and baking from scratch is often cheaper and healthier in the long run.
3. Eat more fruits and vegetables - I guess my list is getting pretty traditional. The problem with this is it requires you to make multiple trips to the store to get fresh produce. Getting to the store sometimes can be a challenge. And i'll be toting around not one, but two little ones. So this will be a challenge.
4. Milk Cow Daily - This is going to be one test for the ages. I have a milk cow. Can you see a pattern here with my resolutions? Anyway, I've been milking my cow twice a day since I got her, and using the milk. So my goal is to get fresh milk for the year. I've got a lot of people willing to help me in this quest. She will be going dry for a couple months while she preps for her baby due in May.
4.1 Milk the Goat - I have a goat, I've had her for almost a year. I got her as a milking goat, but i never used her as one, so I have to get her prepared to let me milk her. So I want to get her into milk and use her as one. Fortunately, when the cow is dry is when I can start milking my goat. Good times.
4.2 - Learn to make my own Cheese, Butter, Yogurt, etc - yep, see a pattern? I'm trying my hand at homesteading. I might have to get some tools to accomplish this, but with my own milk cow, why not?
5. Attend church at least twice a month - I'm out once a month just because of Drill Weekends, but I really need to focus on my spiritual needs, and I am more fulfilled when I attend church regularly. This year, church is two hours later so it should be a little easier. I also want the munchkins to socialize with kids of like minded values, and I need friends with like minded values too. I see this as becoming more and more important for myself and my family, so we're going to make an extra effort to attend.
6. Do More Art - I am neglecting my art, and it is something I really do enjoy, but I never seem to find time for it. I think if I can find time, I will enjoy this. We'll settle to once a month, do a painting, or a drawing, something art related. Maybe get Kaia involved as she gets older.
7. Learn a new craft skill - I'm thinking knitting or crocheting, something like that. I finally learned how to use a sewing machine and have made several baby quilts for some family and friends.
7.1 Make more quilts - This is very enriching to complete a baby quilt. I have discovered I quite enjoy it. I made three last year, I know I'm going to make at least one for little Bean, but if I can make several, I can start making it a habit to give them out as gifts. I love recieving home made gifts, there is something about it, and I think a lot of people appreciate the thought and work put into something handmade.
8. Breastfeed through the new year - Baby Bean will come in May, I plan on strictly breastfeeding her for the first few months. The Army might get in the way of my plans, but I hope to continue to breast feed her through her first year. However, that extends past this resolutions list.
9. Graduate from College - I should complete my Bachelor's degree this year. I plan to do so, without any breaks I should have my degree completed by this summer, but I know I will be taking at least one.
10. Exercise more - Generalized, though I should get into specific goals and numbers, as they are easier to judge wether success was reached or not. Milking a cow does help, but I would really like to work out more even while I'm pregnant. Right now it's just things that are safe for pregnancy, but overall, just working out regularly, even if its a short walk or a round of yoga or whatever it is, could help with making me feel better.
10.1 Complete one full cycle of P90X - This will have to be later in the year, so it is later in the resolutions list. I have to wait until after the baby is born of course, and probably after the six week post partum period, but I think this will make me feel great if I can do it at least once.
11. Read one new book a month - I used to love to read, still do, but reading much more then this with everything on my plate might be difficult. Still, would like to try.
I think that should do it. Only a year will tell if I succeed or not.
9.20.2012
#ForAll
I have sworn (for personal reasons) that I wouldn't get to political this election season. Who am I fooling? I guess that means I should resort to Twitter and Blogger, and leave Facebook for pics of the kidling and other stuff. I have lately been ignoring Twitter and Blogger, so I guess I need to find a way to use them for my political outlet.
First off, the Obama campaign came out with this little number here:
Look, hip movie stars and a bunch of random people talking about how Obama is for All of us, as they pledge their vote to Dear Leader. Looks creepy to me. It does remind me of an earlier phenomenom that also incorporated movie stars.
Not pledging to the country, but specifically Obama. Nothing creepy about that, if you're into dictators.
Even more ironic that they made a flag "to say there are no red states or blue states, only the United Obama States" FIFY!
I had to respond, only to discover Gov Perry beat me at my idea.
First off, the Obama campaign came out with this little number here:
Not pledging to the country, but specifically Obama. Nothing creepy about that, if you're into dictators.
I had to respond, only to discover Gov Perry beat me at my idea.
I think @governorperry beat me to it (but I thought it before I saw it) 16 Trillion in Debt #ForAll @barackobama twitter.com/risawn/status/…
— Kami Donnelly (@risawn) September 20, 2012
Well, was looking for a good reason to wear that shirt.
Stop with the Gas Criticism Already
Yeah, I know, I have been out of the blogging business for a while now. I guess life has just been getting the better of me.
However, I want to bring up a point to my fellow conservatives who like to point out that gas was $1.85 when Obama took office on Jan 20, 2009 versus today's prices of roughly $3.85 or so a gallon. Ok, I am not an Obama fan, I am not defending him remotely, but stop it already.
You are comparing apples and oranges, the cost of gas is cyclical. Gas is ALWAYS cheaper in the winter time, if you want to compare prices, you have to compare gas on jan 20, 2009 to Jan 20, 2012, not what gas prices are in the height of their price. And I don't know about you, but I remember what gas prices were in the summer of 2008. I remember driving through New Jersey and finding prices at $3.15 a gallon and was amazed by how cheap that was. A couple of times that summer I did pay near $4 a gallon. Then they came crashing down in price that fall, i was thrilled when gas was under $2 a gallon again.
The point, gas was expensive back in the summer of 2008, but they sunk in price that fall and winter. We have't seen the price that cheap since, but if you are going to leverage criticism of the gas against Obama, at least use comparible time frames. Meanwhile, when you use criticisms like this that are easily negated by people who actually remember what gas prices were in 2008, they are less likely to pay attention to your legitimate criticisms against the president thinking you are just going to throw blame any chance you get and shut you down. This is not a legitimate criticism, so please just stop it already.
You are comparing apples and oranges, the cost of gas is cyclical. Gas is ALWAYS cheaper in the winter time, if you want to compare prices, you have to compare gas on jan 20, 2009 to Jan 20, 2012, not what gas prices are in the height of their price. And I don't know about you, but I remember what gas prices were in the summer of 2008. I remember driving through New Jersey and finding prices at $3.15 a gallon and was amazed by how cheap that was. A couple of times that summer I did pay near $4 a gallon. Then they came crashing down in price that fall, i was thrilled when gas was under $2 a gallon again.
The point, gas was expensive back in the summer of 2008, but they sunk in price that fall and winter. We have't seen the price that cheap since, but if you are going to leverage criticism of the gas against Obama, at least use comparible time frames. Meanwhile, when you use criticisms like this that are easily negated by people who actually remember what gas prices were in 2008, they are less likely to pay attention to your legitimate criticisms against the president thinking you are just going to throw blame any chance you get and shut you down. This is not a legitimate criticism, so please just stop it already.
4.11.2012
Current Baby Trends
So I have a confession to make. I'm one of those moms. Yeah, one of THOSE moms.
I was doing a church activity last night, I think I was the only one there who brought their baby along, and the topic of babies came up and the current trends of mommy hood. One that was thought of as ridiculous by some of these women was the idea that the baby should only be on formula or breast milk for the first six months. They were commenting on how they were feeding their babies rice cereal at two months and introducing solids much earlier then that to help the baby sleep. In fact, my mom recommended that I give Kaia a little rice to help her sleep at night when I was still a new mom (not that I'm an old hat at this now that I've been doing it for a whopping five months).
Well, I just made a casual observation, as Kaia is very healthy and happy, how she's nearly five months old and has only been breast fed. In fact, I'm pretty proud that everything my baby has digested has come from me. I may have to introduce solids a little earlier than I would have wanted, the army is taking me away from my baby for three days before she turns six months old and I want to make sure I have other options in case I can't get enough milk pumped, but I am in the camp of giving my baby no solids before six months.
Yep, I am one of those moms. The mom that goes through labor with no drugs and a midwife, doesn't want a c-section, and breast feeds as long as possible *though I'm not into the extreme breast feeding gig, I think Kaia will be weaned by two at the latest*. I think some of the women got a little bashful when they realized I didn't use any of those old techniques they raised their children on that worked for them, and I do have my own mother on board because I think she sees how Kaia is growing and knows I'm doing something right. Heck, I'm one of those Co-sleeping mamas, I try to get Kaia in the crib for at least part of the night but more often than not I end up in bed with her because we're both happier and we both sleep better when we sleep together. I hear a lot of women who talk about the lack of sleep with a newborn and I'll be honest, I haven't really had that. Why? Because I sleep with my baby, I breast feed her, and I try not to let her cry for long when she gets fussy. It's just worked. I have had a couple sleepless nights but I don't feel like a walking zombie like many woman comment on.
I'm not saying every woman needs to do what I do, I just found that it works for me. I went by my gut after researching what I needed to do. I basically fell into co-sleeping because it just felt natural and I like my sleep. What's interesting is a lot of these birthing trends that are coming to light are not really new at all. In a lot of third world societies, babies sleep with their mama and it isn't considered the enormously dangerous thing that it is like some people claim it is here, though i admit I haven't told my pediatrician that I co-sleep. Most of these people in other countries don't have the option of feeding their babies formula, they only have breast available, which is considered the best thing to give your child. I was watching this documentary recently called Babies that shows four different babies from around the world and how although this one baby is born in very rough circumstances, playing around in the dirt and what not, he is happy and thriving. He's got his mama there and all of his basic needs are met.
Kaia is happy and thriving, and I don't want to toot my own horn or anything but I think it's because of how I put a lot of things to the side to make sure her needs are met. Right now, she has been my primary focus in life and everyone comments what a good baby she is. Now I have to focus on making sure my husband isn't feeling neglected either. And keeping on top of the house.
Of course, Kaia has got me lulled into this sense of security that makes me want to have another one, and I'm wondering if they are going to be nearly as easy as she is
I was doing a church activity last night, I think I was the only one there who brought their baby along, and the topic of babies came up and the current trends of mommy hood. One that was thought of as ridiculous by some of these women was the idea that the baby should only be on formula or breast milk for the first six months. They were commenting on how they were feeding their babies rice cereal at two months and introducing solids much earlier then that to help the baby sleep. In fact, my mom recommended that I give Kaia a little rice to help her sleep at night when I was still a new mom (not that I'm an old hat at this now that I've been doing it for a whopping five months).
Well, I just made a casual observation, as Kaia is very healthy and happy, how she's nearly five months old and has only been breast fed. In fact, I'm pretty proud that everything my baby has digested has come from me. I may have to introduce solids a little earlier than I would have wanted, the army is taking me away from my baby for three days before she turns six months old and I want to make sure I have other options in case I can't get enough milk pumped, but I am in the camp of giving my baby no solids before six months.
Yep, I am one of those moms. The mom that goes through labor with no drugs and a midwife, doesn't want a c-section, and breast feeds as long as possible *though I'm not into the extreme breast feeding gig, I think Kaia will be weaned by two at the latest*. I think some of the women got a little bashful when they realized I didn't use any of those old techniques they raised their children on that worked for them, and I do have my own mother on board because I think she sees how Kaia is growing and knows I'm doing something right. Heck, I'm one of those Co-sleeping mamas, I try to get Kaia in the crib for at least part of the night but more often than not I end up in bed with her because we're both happier and we both sleep better when we sleep together. I hear a lot of women who talk about the lack of sleep with a newborn and I'll be honest, I haven't really had that. Why? Because I sleep with my baby, I breast feed her, and I try not to let her cry for long when she gets fussy. It's just worked. I have had a couple sleepless nights but I don't feel like a walking zombie like many woman comment on.
I'm not saying every woman needs to do what I do, I just found that it works for me. I went by my gut after researching what I needed to do. I basically fell into co-sleeping because it just felt natural and I like my sleep. What's interesting is a lot of these birthing trends that are coming to light are not really new at all. In a lot of third world societies, babies sleep with their mama and it isn't considered the enormously dangerous thing that it is like some people claim it is here, though i admit I haven't told my pediatrician that I co-sleep. Most of these people in other countries don't have the option of feeding their babies formula, they only have breast available, which is considered the best thing to give your child. I was watching this documentary recently called Babies that shows four different babies from around the world and how although this one baby is born in very rough circumstances, playing around in the dirt and what not, he is happy and thriving. He's got his mama there and all of his basic needs are met.
Kaia is happy and thriving, and I don't want to toot my own horn or anything but I think it's because of how I put a lot of things to the side to make sure her needs are met. Right now, she has been my primary focus in life and everyone comments what a good baby she is. Now I have to focus on making sure my husband isn't feeling neglected either. And keeping on top of the house.
Of course, Kaia has got me lulled into this sense of security that makes me want to have another one, and I'm wondering if they are going to be nearly as easy as she is
3.26.2012
Life After Childbirth
Where do I begin? I think I'm starting to finally feel the need to get out do things, and having an infant that you have to lug around everywhere you go does put a damper on your style. I felt pretty independent and free before becoming a mother and now, not so much, but still, at the same time, I do love my daughter and I love being a mom.
One of the strange things about the whole event, I felt through most of my twenties I couldn't figure out what I wanted to be and now I know. I'm going to school part time, my bachelor's degree is actually accessable for the first time in, well, ever! Going into education and teaching, which I just keep going back too, my other educational endeavours were just going nowhere but now I feel like i might just get something accomplished. It feels good.
Animalwise, I had three chickens and twelve chicks april of last year, every one of those chickens is deceased. It actually makes me kind of sad to think about that I lost all of my chickens, because you grow rather fond of them. I started with fifteen chicks now, though one of those chicks didn't make it. A little adaptation to my chicken coop should keep the predators out. Also we have a haveahart trap to catch anything that might want to munch on chicken flesh. Already got a raccoon with it, and a friend is making a coonskin cap out of its carcus. I love the rural life though. Getting to and from town however, not so much. I also had one of my beloved barn cats disappear. This made me a little sad, so I adopted a couple 'feral' cats that are sweet as can be to replace him. It's kind of sad that I have to consider my barn cats expendable, because we do have a coyote issue. The next task, getting my dog an invisible fence so she can help keep the pests away, and hopefully add to the lifespan of my other animals.
I'm down to two horses, one being Breezy and the other being a pony that is a work in progress. It should be fun putting miles on him, but I don't know if I'm going to keep him, otherwise I might try to trade him for a pony that is a little more tame. He's got some spunk, and it looks like it will be a while before my daughter can use him.
I'm down to two horses, one being Breezy and the other being a pony that is a work in progress. It should be fun putting miles on him, but I don't know if I'm going to keep him, otherwise I might try to trade him for a pony that is a little more tame. He's got some spunk, and it looks like it will be a while before my daughter can use him.
Working out is a work in progress. We had sun a few weeks ago and I went running for the first time in, well, over a year. I am out of shape. We also started P90X and lasted a whole two weeks. But weather has been very bipolar, yesterday was glorious son, today is wet and snow. Bleh. Husband's work schedule and my life being dictated by an infant has a lot to do with that. That also goes for having time to clean and upkeep house. Not to mention blogging. You mean I have a blog that at one time was semi-successful? Whodathunkit?
There is often issues I want to comment on, but it's just getting to a point where I wonder what my priorities are, and right now, my priorities belong to my daughter. Having only one child and living out in the boonies makes doing anything kind of difficult, but we'll manage I think. Just keep an eye on the blog, I facebook much more and when i do blog, I tend to comment on my facebook about it.
Justice and Gun Rights, Trayvon Martin and George Zimmerman
So after remaining mum on the topic, this is what I think happened. Pardon some errors, this is all pure speculation as I do not know all of the details.
George Zimmerman is part of a neighborhood watch program. Trayvon Martin was visiting some friends or family from out of town. Martin had walked to a corner store and picked up an ice tea and some skittles and was talking to a female friend on the phone on the way back. Zimmerman was driving along, seeing a 6'2" black kid that he was unfamiliar with walking down the street of his neighborhood.
And this is where a big fat misunderstanding starts to happen. In a responsible situation, Zimmerman could have just went straight up to Martin and asked him who he was and what he was doing without being confrontational about it. Martin could easily explain who he was visiting and what he was doing, if Zimmerman had any questions about it, he could have kept an eye on the kid until he reached the house he was staying at. No bloodshed would have happened. Unfortunately, it didn't turn out that way.
Zimmerman decided to call 911 to report suspicious activity on a strange kid walking down the street, knowing nothing about the kid. Meanwhile, Martin notices some guy is following him and relates this to his friend on the phone. She tells him to get out of there, run or something. he throws his hood over his head, kind of a defensive posture in my mind suggesting he wants to be left alone. Whatever action he did, it made him look suspicious to Zimmerman. Zimmerman, meanwhile, wants to engage the kid in a sort of vigilante nonsense and the police specifically tell him not to engage the kid. Zimmerman assumes since the cops aren't there that they don't have a good handle on the situation and decides to take matters into his own hands. Martin is already suspicious of Zimmerman and wondering why he is following him, likely feeling threatened himself.
Whatever happens at this point escelates the situation. Zimmerman likely confronted Martin. Martin, being a seventeen year old kid, probably got defensive. Both saw the other as a threat, even though there was no threat there to begin with. I don't know about you, but teens can be volatile, and Martin was likely already on edge, Zimmerman said something to him that got his blood going and Martin likely defended himself by jumping on Zimmerman. At this point, Zimmerman was in a self defense situation and shot the kid.
Conclusion, both did actions to escelate the situation to the point where it ended where it did. I don't think Zimmerman went into that situation with the intent to murder Martin, but that's what happened. Poor judgment and suspicion lead to a tragic incident that could have completely been avoided if the two of them communicated better. Is Zimmerman guilty? Hell yeah he is. Is Martin? He is not without fault, but he didn't deserve to die, he shouldn't have been shot, and there is that window of time before Zimmerman shot Martin that we do not know for certain what happened.
The issue of controversy is that Zimmerman was not arrested due to the Florida Stand Your Ground law which provided a loophole that let him off the hook. Zimmerman was in deed defending himself at that point. The problem? So was Trayvon Martin. The further problem was that Zimmerman was armed with a gun while Martin was armed with an iced tea and a bag of skittles, as well as his fists. In a case like this, the gun will always win.
Apparently Zimmerman is feeling a lot of guilt for what happened, as he is still free, but the public outcry on this case while everyone is jumping to conclusions is probably putting a lot of pressure on him. He should turn himself in most likely, since the New Black Panthers has issued a bounty on his head for $10,000. Do I think this was a hate crime? No, Zimmerman over reacted to a percieved threat that wasn't a threat at all, he saw a stranger on the street that looked suspicious and took matters into his own hands. He instigated it and used poor judgment. He should have known better. He should also choose his words a little wiser next time as well, because goon sounds a lot like coon over the phone.
This case has been getting a lot of attention and people are crying foul that other cases that were serious are not getting half the attention that this one is. There was an issue of a white kid getting set on fire by two black kids, which was definitely racially motivated. There was also another case where a white couple was raped and brutalized by a gang of black people, who were later arrested. To me, they are both horrific and unnecessary, but its not the issue of media under reporting earlier cases, where justice was met because the guilty were arrested. The case with Martin and Zimmerman is that Zimmerman killed a kid and was released by the police of any wrong doing. The precedent to me is what this will do and how it will be used against the second ammendment. Because for every Zimmerman/Martin case, there is the other side where somebody who is actually evil wants to do harm to another. Channon Christian and Chris Newsom would be alive today if they had a gun to defend themselves. Zimmerman should have known better and not taken the matter into his own hands, especially since he had a gun. I am an avid defender of gun rights, but that doesn't give you a license to take the law into your own hands. The Stand Your Ground law is a great law in my opinion, it has been misused here.
Of course, to bring Politics into it all, President Obama had to weigh in, suggesting that if he had a son, he would look like Trayvon Martin. *le sigh* Why does Obama have to always insert himself into every situation he weighs in on? The issue was tragic and should have never occurred, but it doesn't matter who Trayvon looks like, if Trayvon had been a Irish kid with red hair and freckles, does that mean Obama wouldn't care because he wouldn't look like Obama's son? The concern was he was an innocent kid in the wrong place at the wrong time. I think the issue is communication here, and an incident could have been completely avoided if Zimmerman hadn't decided to play vigilante.
1.04.2012
2011 - quick rundown by month
I know a few people who do this. I thought I would start doing it as well. Here is a rundown of my month to month activities, the highlights and main events.
JANUARY
P90X going strong, trained for UPL with the Military that sent me to Texas for a weekend. Got attacked by a feral cat and had to get rabies shots. A couple of weeks of trying to trap cat with no dice. Cat still at large. Briefly go back to work at the air port cleaning airplanes. Husband surprises me with tickets to Hawaii for our one year anniversary. Snowmobiling!
FEBRUARY
Continuing series of Rabies shots. Husband leaves for the first time for a week. Finish working at the airport and put in my two weeks notice for good. Decide to see if I can make it work as a photographer and work on my portfolio. More Snowmobiling!
MARCH
Go train to be a Unit Computer Tech in Vancouver, WA for a weekend, spend some time with my Aunt Renee. Get my first suspicions I am pregnant while there. Come home, take a pregnancy test, have it confirmed at the hospital. Because of miscarriage, don't tell anyone about it except for husband. Get in to see Midwife right away. No longer snowmobiling, brother figures out I'm pregnant. A few horse friends figure it out too.
APRIL
Find out last minute that Husband has to go to Military school during the week we are to be in Hawaii, trip gets delayed. Wait until week 8 to inform the family of pregnancy. Learn that cat naps are a beautiful thing, also experience Morning Sickness. Find baby chicks at Big R and bring home six. Two weeks later, bring home six more. Spend the next six weeks away from hubby. Not happy about it but deal.
MAY
Lots of sleep. Trouble finding things to eat. Pregnancy continues. Make the Facebook announcement at 12 weeks along. feel the baby kick at insanely early. Husband returns from school at end of month and heads out of town promptly thereafter for work.
JUNE
Husband returns from out of Town, we got to HAWAII!!! See my cousin on Oahu and then head over to the big island where I meet his extended family. Tour the big island by Camper Van. Awesome time!
JULY
Fourth of July in Hilo HI. Come home and find out we're having a girl! Husband leaves again. Balderdash. Cheney Rodeo, lot's of fun! Family reunion in Seaside OR where Husband shows off his impressive wind surfing skills.
AUGUST
Helena MT for the Army, I still fit in my ACUs? Start Hypnobirthing classes. Start school, since I have nothing better to do. good friend gets married, Husband best man
SEPTEMBER
Impromptu maternity session. Husband in and out. Bleh.
OCTOBER
Baby Shower!. . . get's promptly canceled when I find myself having preterm labor. figure baby's arrival is imminant. Aunt comes and visits. Halloween is lackluster this year, I dress up as a pregnant girl.
NOVEMBER
Impatince is the story of my life first half of month. Fed up with Roosters beating up my hens and butcher them. Baby comes at exactly 40 weeks, right on schedule. Healthy and beautiful. Try to go to Portland for Thanksgiving, can't make it. Decorate for the holidays. Spend rest of month at home recooperating with baby. Husband has time off. I get pampered. Life is good.
DECEMBER
Holidays are approaching, difficulty shopping for christmas on account of newborn. Christmas low key. I feel better. New Years at Wolf's Lodge with the family.
Maybe next year i'll go into greater detail, complete with pics, but that just about does it. I guess with a baby, life is just a little more busy for me right now. :)
JANUARY
P90X going strong, trained for UPL with the Military that sent me to Texas for a weekend. Got attacked by a feral cat and had to get rabies shots. A couple of weeks of trying to trap cat with no dice. Cat still at large. Briefly go back to work at the air port cleaning airplanes. Husband surprises me with tickets to Hawaii for our one year anniversary. Snowmobiling!
FEBRUARY
Continuing series of Rabies shots. Husband leaves for the first time for a week. Finish working at the airport and put in my two weeks notice for good. Decide to see if I can make it work as a photographer and work on my portfolio. More Snowmobiling!
MARCH
Go train to be a Unit Computer Tech in Vancouver, WA for a weekend, spend some time with my Aunt Renee. Get my first suspicions I am pregnant while there. Come home, take a pregnancy test, have it confirmed at the hospital. Because of miscarriage, don't tell anyone about it except for husband. Get in to see Midwife right away. No longer snowmobiling, brother figures out I'm pregnant. A few horse friends figure it out too.
APRIL
Find out last minute that Husband has to go to Military school during the week we are to be in Hawaii, trip gets delayed. Wait until week 8 to inform the family of pregnancy. Learn that cat naps are a beautiful thing, also experience Morning Sickness. Find baby chicks at Big R and bring home six. Two weeks later, bring home six more. Spend the next six weeks away from hubby. Not happy about it but deal.
MAY
Lots of sleep. Trouble finding things to eat. Pregnancy continues. Make the Facebook announcement at 12 weeks along. feel the baby kick at insanely early. Husband returns from school at end of month and heads out of town promptly thereafter for work.
JUNE
Husband returns from out of Town, we got to HAWAII!!! See my cousin on Oahu and then head over to the big island where I meet his extended family. Tour the big island by Camper Van. Awesome time!
JULY
Fourth of July in Hilo HI. Come home and find out we're having a girl! Husband leaves again. Balderdash. Cheney Rodeo, lot's of fun! Family reunion in Seaside OR where Husband shows off his impressive wind surfing skills.
AUGUST
Helena MT for the Army, I still fit in my ACUs? Start Hypnobirthing classes. Start school, since I have nothing better to do. good friend gets married, Husband best man
SEPTEMBER
Impromptu maternity session. Husband in and out. Bleh.
OCTOBER
Baby Shower!. . . get's promptly canceled when I find myself having preterm labor. figure baby's arrival is imminant. Aunt comes and visits. Halloween is lackluster this year, I dress up as a pregnant girl.
NOVEMBER
Impatince is the story of my life first half of month. Fed up with Roosters beating up my hens and butcher them. Baby comes at exactly 40 weeks, right on schedule. Healthy and beautiful. Try to go to Portland for Thanksgiving, can't make it. Decorate for the holidays. Spend rest of month at home recooperating with baby. Husband has time off. I get pampered. Life is good.
DECEMBER
Holidays are approaching, difficulty shopping for christmas on account of newborn. Christmas low key. I feel better. New Years at Wolf's Lodge with the family.
Maybe next year i'll go into greater detail, complete with pics, but that just about does it. I guess with a baby, life is just a little more busy for me right now. :)
Resolutions 2011/2012 edition
This year started with all sorts of hopes and goals, I started with 15 resolutions. Turns out one trumped the rest. How did I do for 2011?
Well, the first four are related.
1. Run Bloomsday at close to an hour - I didn't even run bloomsday.
2. Leadman - A triathlon that is ski/bike/run. Was tempted to try, glad I didn't.
3. Pattern Racing - You take a horse and do various gaming events on them. I have the horse, but other obstacles were in my way.
4. Trail Challenge, Ride and Ties - Another horse related set of events.
5. Concealed Weapons Permit - Really no excuse, but I think I will have this one written down so I don't forget. I really need to get this knocked out.
6. Motorcycle License - It will be some time before I get this task done. I still want to do it.
7. Finish P90X - We made it to week 6. Then a couple of events happened that put us on hiatus and then ultimately quitting.
8. Go Canyoneering - We were planning a trip to Southern Utah, this sounds like a lot of fun. But alas, just didn't happen.
9. Start writing a children's book - have an idea, but it just didn't materialize. Maybe one day I'll sit down and do it.
10. Employment - This is amber, because it wasn't a true job. I worked my graveyard shift for a couple more weeks and than ultimately quit. I also put my camera to work, though only a handful of jobs. I didn't actively pursue my photography, but I really would like too. I do need to look for an actual, steady job. Still have the army reserves, though that didn't pan out like it usually does.
11. Learn to cook at least one new meal every month, if not every week - I actually was able to learn a few meals this year, but it wasn't as frequent as I would like. I kept going back to old stand bys.
12. 24 hour comic - Do 24 comics in 24 hours, from start to finish. I don't think it will ever happen. If I do it, I do it. I'm just not going to do it any time soon. No use putting it up as a resolution.
13. Get back into painting - I got the paints out, planned a painting, and put paint to canvas. I then gessoed over what I did because it was awful. I at least got into my paints. Maybe I'll do better next year?
14. Organize my studio space - This is a constant work in progress, but it is further along now than it was last year.
15. Get Pregnant - To explain last year's resolution, let's just write down what I wrote last year. "Depending on when this happens, this might but make a lot of my other resolutions go red." Indeed it did. I got pregnant within two months of writing this list and everything about went red. But it was worth it. I got an adorable little munchkin to show for it.
This year will undoubtedly be different from years previous because of my munchkin, and it will actually be more typical of the traditional new years resolutions. I am realizing I'm older, I'm married, and now I have a child. Everything changes. My resolutions are going to be a little more responsible and oriented toward my family then before.
1. Regularly attend church - over the last decade, I've been a bit of a heathen in regards to this task. The thing is, I feel better about myself when i go regularly, and I can totally use the networking and support it provides especially when my husband deploys and leaves me to myself. Fortunately i do have my family, but friends are good too, and it's a firm foundation of morals and values I want to raise my daughter in. I'm off to a good start so far.
2. Get back into shape - Yes, the infamous and infernal 'exercise' resolution that everyone puts on their list and nobody accomplishes. Well, baby is out of the oven, I did fairly well with my pregnancy but I definitely have some toning to do. Plus, Army mandates it, and i'll feel better about myself.
2.5 Pass PT test first time out - I have to take a diagnostic PT test six months after giving birth. I want to smoke that thing.
3. Run at least 5 races - Bloomsday, mud races, 5ks, half marathons, triathlons, whatever. This year I want to get into running. I'm using my sister and my sister in law for motivation. I just want to get into running.
4. Horse Events - This is pattern racing, trail challenges and the like. I'm going to try these with Breezy this year, if munchkin allows. I will most likely have to have either a baby sitter or somebody to assist in my endeavours.
5. Meal Planning - I actually tried couponing this year. It ended in an abysmal failure, that and it's just quite time consuming. I've decided to change gears, and it's just healthier in the long run, and saves money when you don't buy stuff that goes bad because you don't use it. That's the goal at least. And it goes with resolution 11 from last year.
6. Breast feed at least 6 months - that gives me until May. I want to shoot for as long as I can, but going for 6 months minimum.
7. Agility Training with Scooby - this dog was born to do Agility events. I want to do them with her. There is a local dog circuit in town that teaches agility training and allows owners and their dogs to compete. I don't intend on doing it for anything more than for fun, but I would like to learn how to do it and teach her how to do it.
8. Get a job that coincides with staying home with Baby - I don't want to pay a baby sitter to take care of my baby. It doesn't have to be anything grand, making six figures a year or anything like that. Just a little extra to supplement our income while I take care of infant. likely a telecommuter job.
9. Get an A in classes while sticking with school - I feel I'm pretty close to getting my Bachelors for once. Army is paying for it. Why not? I go to school online, so I hope I can keep up with it and a baby. So far so good!
10. Work on baby Number 2 - By years end, I hope to be pregnant again. We want two kids, and we want them close in age. Hope it doesn't happen before September, as that's when we'll start working on it. If it doesn't happen this year, hopefully it will happen early next year.
That sounds like a good list of resolutions for me to work on. Here's looking at a fabulous 2012!
Well, the first four are related.
1. Run Bloomsday at close to an hour - I didn't even run bloomsday.
2. Leadman - A triathlon that is ski/bike/run. Was tempted to try, glad I didn't.
3. Pattern Racing - You take a horse and do various gaming events on them. I have the horse, but other obstacles were in my way.
4. Trail Challenge, Ride and Ties - Another horse related set of events.
5. Concealed Weapons Permit - Really no excuse, but I think I will have this one written down so I don't forget. I really need to get this knocked out.
6. Motorcycle License - It will be some time before I get this task done. I still want to do it.
7. Finish P90X - We made it to week 6. Then a couple of events happened that put us on hiatus and then ultimately quitting.
8. Go Canyoneering - We were planning a trip to Southern Utah, this sounds like a lot of fun. But alas, just didn't happen.
9. Start writing a children's book - have an idea, but it just didn't materialize. Maybe one day I'll sit down and do it.
10. Employment - This is amber, because it wasn't a true job. I worked my graveyard shift for a couple more weeks and than ultimately quit. I also put my camera to work, though only a handful of jobs. I didn't actively pursue my photography, but I really would like too. I do need to look for an actual, steady job. Still have the army reserves, though that didn't pan out like it usually does.
11. Learn to cook at least one new meal every month, if not every week - I actually was able to learn a few meals this year, but it wasn't as frequent as I would like. I kept going back to old stand bys.
12. 24 hour comic - Do 24 comics in 24 hours, from start to finish. I don't think it will ever happen. If I do it, I do it. I'm just not going to do it any time soon. No use putting it up as a resolution.
13. Get back into painting - I got the paints out, planned a painting, and put paint to canvas. I then gessoed over what I did because it was awful. I at least got into my paints. Maybe I'll do better next year?
14. Organize my studio space - This is a constant work in progress, but it is further along now than it was last year.
15. Get Pregnant - To explain last year's resolution, let's just write down what I wrote last year. "Depending on when this happens, this might but make a lot of my other resolutions go red." Indeed it did. I got pregnant within two months of writing this list and everything about went red. But it was worth it. I got an adorable little munchkin to show for it.
This year will undoubtedly be different from years previous because of my munchkin, and it will actually be more typical of the traditional new years resolutions. I am realizing I'm older, I'm married, and now I have a child. Everything changes. My resolutions are going to be a little more responsible and oriented toward my family then before.
1. Regularly attend church - over the last decade, I've been a bit of a heathen in regards to this task. The thing is, I feel better about myself when i go regularly, and I can totally use the networking and support it provides especially when my husband deploys and leaves me to myself. Fortunately i do have my family, but friends are good too, and it's a firm foundation of morals and values I want to raise my daughter in. I'm off to a good start so far.
2. Get back into shape - Yes, the infamous and infernal 'exercise' resolution that everyone puts on their list and nobody accomplishes. Well, baby is out of the oven, I did fairly well with my pregnancy but I definitely have some toning to do. Plus, Army mandates it, and i'll feel better about myself.
2.5 Pass PT test first time out - I have to take a diagnostic PT test six months after giving birth. I want to smoke that thing.
3. Run at least 5 races - Bloomsday, mud races, 5ks, half marathons, triathlons, whatever. This year I want to get into running. I'm using my sister and my sister in law for motivation. I just want to get into running.
4. Horse Events - This is pattern racing, trail challenges and the like. I'm going to try these with Breezy this year, if munchkin allows. I will most likely have to have either a baby sitter or somebody to assist in my endeavours.
5. Meal Planning - I actually tried couponing this year. It ended in an abysmal failure, that and it's just quite time consuming. I've decided to change gears, and it's just healthier in the long run, and saves money when you don't buy stuff that goes bad because you don't use it. That's the goal at least. And it goes with resolution 11 from last year.
6. Breast feed at least 6 months - that gives me until May. I want to shoot for as long as I can, but going for 6 months minimum.
7. Agility Training with Scooby - this dog was born to do Agility events. I want to do them with her. There is a local dog circuit in town that teaches agility training and allows owners and their dogs to compete. I don't intend on doing it for anything more than for fun, but I would like to learn how to do it and teach her how to do it.
8. Get a job that coincides with staying home with Baby - I don't want to pay a baby sitter to take care of my baby. It doesn't have to be anything grand, making six figures a year or anything like that. Just a little extra to supplement our income while I take care of infant. likely a telecommuter job.
9. Get an A in classes while sticking with school - I feel I'm pretty close to getting my Bachelors for once. Army is paying for it. Why not? I go to school online, so I hope I can keep up with it and a baby. So far so good!
10. Work on baby Number 2 - By years end, I hope to be pregnant again. We want two kids, and we want them close in age. Hope it doesn't happen before September, as that's when we'll start working on it. If it doesn't happen this year, hopefully it will happen early next year.
That sounds like a good list of resolutions for me to work on. Here's looking at a fabulous 2012!
2011 in review
Despite how little, or how much I blog, I will always do my review of my year.
This year, I'm going to add a little extra. A month by month account of how my year went. Coming in a blog post near you.
01. What did you do in 2011 that you'd never done before?
Hmm. . . thinking. . . :P
Give birth of course, nothing anyone tells you can prepare you for childbirth, and men really can't understand
02. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
One event probably skewed a lot of my resolutions for last year (will detail in a post immediately following) and yes, I have a lot of resolutions for this coming year.
03. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Hmm. . .
Actually, I know quite a few. a couple of cousins, a niece and a friend of mine all had babies, but one did come near and dear to me.
04. Did anyone close to you die?
At this moment, I can't think of any deaths. I'd feel very foolish if I was wrong on this account.
05. What countries did you visit?
No countries other than the US of A, however, one more state was knocked off my to visit list, the great island state of Hawaii! That brings my total to 46!
6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?
Exercise.
07. What date from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
A handful. Of course, one big one, November 15th. I will write this date down multiple times for the rest of my life I am guessing.
08. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Natural Childbirth. believe me, it is a HUGE achievement. I wanted to cave in bad, but I managed to do it unmedicated. I can't take full credit, my friend Pam the Doula and my mother and sisters were a huge help in making me achieve this goal.
09. What was your biggest failure?
This is a tough one. I guess not getting that stupid possibly rabid cat, which is still at large. Also, was going to put in a garden. It didn't happen this year. But then again, this was a horrid year for gardening, so I have heard.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Child birth, and the consequences produced from baring an 8 pound baby naturally. And of course, getting attacked by a feral cat.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
My husband got us a trip to hawaii, definitely the best thing we bought :)
12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?
No idea, but I'm guessing I can say Yay me for going Natural!
13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?
Multiple Politicians. I am very disappointed in our current crop of presidential candidates
14. Where did most of your money go?
Towards an infant I guess. I got into the nesting bug pretty bad.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
For November to come around so I could hold my little munchkin in my arms.
16. What songs will always remind you of 2011?
You know, there are so many stupid songs out on the radio today. I'm focusing on oldies I think, becuase I've been listening to a lot of soft music to calm infant. I really like Adele, I guess her music will.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you happier or sadder?
Definitely happier
ii. Thinner or fatter?
Ugh, Fatter. Granted I just had a baby so give me a break. Overall I'm doing well, just have to lose a few more pounds and tone!
iii. Richer or poorer?
Poorer financially, (barely) just because we have more things to support, namely an infant, but we're still doing very well. Richer in all other ways.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
More prepping for the baby, namely in organizing the house and getting my affairs in order. I would have also liked to have done a garden.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Slept, but it was a necessity when you are pregnant. I spent the first trimester taking four hour naps and they were spectacular.
20. How did you spend Christmas?
Christmas eve with my folks and family, Christmas morning with my husband and daughter, and christmas afternoon with his family. We just about missed christmas together and almost had to delay it. Very low key holiday season, it was nice though.
22. Did you fall in love in 2011?
Yes :) Madly in love
23. rescinded due to pointlessness (what can I put here in place of this question?)
24. What were your favourite TV programs?
Sister got me hooked on Dexter. Netflix has been key to introducing us to discontinued shows like My Name Is Earl and No Ordinary Family. Watched Jericho after I had Kaia. Been watching Star Trek, The Next Generation off and on when I have some time to kill with the baby. Still, not much of a TV watcher, especially now that I'm getting my energy back.
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Juvenile question. I guess I still despise the cat that maimed me
26. What was the best book you read?
Don't read a whole lot, so I guess The Hunger Games
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
The Lullaby setting on Pandora (though the ads ruin the vibe)
28. What did you want and get?
A healthy pregnancy and a bouncing baby
29. What did you want and not get?
We do want a boy, but I'm absolutely thrilled with my daughter. Also, a hypnobirth and more time with my husband
30. What was your favourite film of this year?
Haven't watched a lot, but I really liked Limitless, also Harry Potter. Buck was fantastic.
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Went to a breast feeding support group with my week old daughter, then went home and my husband made me dinner and gave me a Nook. I turned 31.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
My husband being home more, but alas, that is part of the hazards of being married to the military.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?
Lounge Pants and Oversized T-Shirts.
34. What kept you sane?
There's always something to do. I can't die of boredom where I live.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you like the most?
This is a difficult question for me for some reason. I'm sure there was one but I can't think of any.
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
I guess how dumb the GOP field is. I tried to remain current without getting to stirred up with politics, being pregnant I wanted to keep myself in a mellow easy going mood and nothing gets your blood pumping like Politics.
37. Who did you miss?
My husband, who was missing half of the year
38. Who was the best new person you met?
A little girl named Kaiana
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011.
Family is what Life is All About
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
"I got You Babe!"
This year, I'm going to add a little extra. A month by month account of how my year went. Coming in a blog post near you.
01. What did you do in 2011 that you'd never done before?
Hmm. . . thinking. . . :P
Give birth of course, nothing anyone tells you can prepare you for childbirth, and men really can't understand
02. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
One event probably skewed a lot of my resolutions for last year (will detail in a post immediately following) and yes, I have a lot of resolutions for this coming year.
03. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Hmm. . .
Actually, I know quite a few. a couple of cousins, a niece and a friend of mine all had babies, but one did come near and dear to me.
04. Did anyone close to you die?
At this moment, I can't think of any deaths. I'd feel very foolish if I was wrong on this account.
05. What countries did you visit?
No countries other than the US of A, however, one more state was knocked off my to visit list, the great island state of Hawaii! That brings my total to 46!
6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?
Exercise.
07. What date from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
A handful. Of course, one big one, November 15th. I will write this date down multiple times for the rest of my life I am guessing.
08. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Natural Childbirth. believe me, it is a HUGE achievement. I wanted to cave in bad, but I managed to do it unmedicated. I can't take full credit, my friend Pam the Doula and my mother and sisters were a huge help in making me achieve this goal.
09. What was your biggest failure?
This is a tough one. I guess not getting that stupid possibly rabid cat, which is still at large. Also, was going to put in a garden. It didn't happen this year. But then again, this was a horrid year for gardening, so I have heard.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Child birth, and the consequences produced from baring an 8 pound baby naturally. And of course, getting attacked by a feral cat.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
My husband got us a trip to hawaii, definitely the best thing we bought :)
12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?
No idea, but I'm guessing I can say Yay me for going Natural!
13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?
Multiple Politicians. I am very disappointed in our current crop of presidential candidates
14. Where did most of your money go?
Towards an infant I guess. I got into the nesting bug pretty bad.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
For November to come around so I could hold my little munchkin in my arms.
16. What songs will always remind you of 2011?
You know, there are so many stupid songs out on the radio today. I'm focusing on oldies I think, becuase I've been listening to a lot of soft music to calm infant. I really like Adele, I guess her music will.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you happier or sadder?
Definitely happier
ii. Thinner or fatter?
Ugh, Fatter. Granted I just had a baby so give me a break. Overall I'm doing well, just have to lose a few more pounds and tone!
iii. Richer or poorer?
Poorer financially, (barely) just because we have more things to support, namely an infant, but we're still doing very well. Richer in all other ways.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
More prepping for the baby, namely in organizing the house and getting my affairs in order. I would have also liked to have done a garden.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Slept, but it was a necessity when you are pregnant. I spent the first trimester taking four hour naps and they were spectacular.
20. How did you spend Christmas?
Christmas eve with my folks and family, Christmas morning with my husband and daughter, and christmas afternoon with his family. We just about missed christmas together and almost had to delay it. Very low key holiday season, it was nice though.
22. Did you fall in love in 2011?
Yes :) Madly in love
23. rescinded due to pointlessness (what can I put here in place of this question?)
24. What were your favourite TV programs?
Sister got me hooked on Dexter. Netflix has been key to introducing us to discontinued shows like My Name Is Earl and No Ordinary Family. Watched Jericho after I had Kaia. Been watching Star Trek, The Next Generation off and on when I have some time to kill with the baby. Still, not much of a TV watcher, especially now that I'm getting my energy back.
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Juvenile question. I guess I still despise the cat that maimed me
26. What was the best book you read?
Don't read a whole lot, so I guess The Hunger Games
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
The Lullaby setting on Pandora (though the ads ruin the vibe)
28. What did you want and get?
A healthy pregnancy and a bouncing baby
29. What did you want and not get?
We do want a boy, but I'm absolutely thrilled with my daughter. Also, a hypnobirth and more time with my husband
30. What was your favourite film of this year?
Haven't watched a lot, but I really liked Limitless, also Harry Potter. Buck was fantastic.
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Went to a breast feeding support group with my week old daughter, then went home and my husband made me dinner and gave me a Nook. I turned 31.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
My husband being home more, but alas, that is part of the hazards of being married to the military.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?
Lounge Pants and Oversized T-Shirts.
34. What kept you sane?
There's always something to do. I can't die of boredom where I live.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you like the most?
This is a difficult question for me for some reason. I'm sure there was one but I can't think of any.
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
I guess how dumb the GOP field is. I tried to remain current without getting to stirred up with politics, being pregnant I wanted to keep myself in a mellow easy going mood and nothing gets your blood pumping like Politics.
37. Who did you miss?
My husband, who was missing half of the year
38. Who was the best new person you met?
A little girl named Kaiana
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011.
Family is what Life is All About
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
"I got You Babe!"
11.24.2011
Thankful
I woke up to a bout of Post Partum this morning. Yeah, great timing, don't you think? And it was definitely a case of me not knowing why I was so upset. Really, one of those cases of depression that you can't explain. Guess it's the hormones coupled with the lack of sunlight and trying to get better while taking care of an infant who has been quite fussy recently, and me learning the ins and outs of motherhood and baby care. I guess all I really can do is hang in there, and as long as I keep my mind off of the baby blues, I will be ok.
Because really, I have a lot to be thankful for. I can honestly say in the last couple of years I have been genuinely happy. I have long since learned that there are a few things that matter, and this little infant at my side is one of the key ones at the moment.
In the spirit of getting my mind back on what matters most, and enduring this short bout with depression where I know I'll be back up and loving life again, I decided to make a list of what I'm thankful for.
My Husband, Gus: When he asked me to marry him, I'll be honest and when I said yes, I was thinking, 'well, it's not official, I can back out of it later, right?' because I didn't know if there was anybody out there I could be happy with. I didn't want to disappoint him. I won't say that we have a perfect marriage, I don't think those exist, but we have a pretty darn good one, and I can say that I genuinely love him. We compliment each other so well, he tempers me, I can't help but know that I was waiting for him, and he was waiting for me. How we met was a total fluke, I don't know anybody who have a courtship like ours was, but we were meant to be together. He is my soulmate, if such a thing exists. I feel very blessed that I have him in my life. I'm glad he chased me down and eventually chose me to be his wife. And he puts up with a lot from me.
My daughter, Kaia: She's only nine days old today, and I have an entire lifetime to get to know her. She has given my life a whole new perspective, and i see things in a way I have never done before. I used to be quite selfish, without really meaning to be, but I guess it comes with being the youngest and growing up in this generation. My life has changed completely upon marriage, and becoming pregnant and having a baby has changed it even more so. My entire outlook on life is completely different now, and it has honestly been for the better. I don't think I would trade what I have right now for anything. Not to mention that she is pretty darn cute. Gus and Kami genetics proved to be a winning combination. I can't wait to meet the person she becomes.
My Family: I am blessed with a very close family. We genuinely enjoy each other's company and look for excuses to get together all of the time. It is also good to know that when push comes to shove, when you reach hard times, they have your back. We have helped one another out so much, and I know if I need help with anything, they are a phone call away. It's funny how very different each of us are from one another but how each of us completes the family unit, and how obvious it is when a member is not there for family gatherings. There is definitely a hole there.
Then of course, there is my other family. I married into an amazing group of people (and still learning who they all are) and have been welcomed and accepted with open arms.
Friends: There is an old saying that goes "Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver and the other Gold." Sure, it's a bit cheesy, but the idea behind it is very much true. There are only a handful of friends I have managed to hang onto from my childhood, and those few friends I have I feel very blessed to know. I have made some fantastic friends in the last few years as well.
Facebook: Yes, it is a time waster, and a sucker of souls, but me, the person who falls out of contact with everyone I meet, has found the perfect tool for staying in contact with people that matter to me, plus a way to share my life with those who matter, and follow along on the adventures of my family and friends. Now, I'll be honest and admit I don't know why I need 353 friends, and Facebook Drama can be quite annoying, but social networking is an amazing thing.
Craigslist: It is odd, I love the concept of Craigslist, but without it, I wouldn't have met my husband. Yes, it is an odd story. Plus, I love the ability to barter for things and the treasures you can find on there, often for a great deal.
My Home: Part of home making is making a house into a home. I love the peace and tranquility of where we live, sure it's out in the boondocks, or so I keep saying, but the atmosphere is something you won't find in the suburbs of a city. We may not be here forever, but I would be content to grow old and die here.
Tricare: I told Gus he cannot leave the military until we are done having kids. I think we will be having one more (unless an accident comes upon us) but Tricare is great for child birth. They covered everything with very minimal out of pocket expenses.
My Health: Aside from that pesky depression issue, I am blessed with great health. I'm already bounding back from my pregnancy (though far from 100%) and I was grateful that I was strong enough to endure labor without caving on drugs. In time, I know I'll be in great shape again, and next year I plan on taking advantage of it.
Painkillers: I am not 100% yet. I am very thankful for painkillers.
Horses: I love horses, I have been a horse nut since I was about seven years old. And I have two of them. I am very blessed I am in a position to own a horse and can afford too.
The Air Force: The military can be frustrating at times. But in this economy, my husband has a stable job and his unit has stepped up and helped us several times. I am grateful for the support network that they offer, and along with the rest of the armed services (noteably the Army, of course) for keeping our country safe.
My Unit: I have an awesome army unit. They are very supportive of me, especially considering my present circumstances, and I know they will do what they can to work around it. Because I am now a new mom, I am looking more and more on getting out, but if I do decide to stay in, this would likely be the unit I would stay with until i retire. I've got two years on my present contract left, but I'm in good hands.
Cell Phones: Ok, in truth they are a pain in the butt, because we did manage to go without cell phones for centuries. Now we have smart phones, which are enormous wastes of time, and I don't think we could live without them, but in truth, it is nice to always be able to contact somebody, especially if you need to talk to somebody right then. Or even texting, something I didn't do until about two years ago. Kind of crazy, actually.
Emoticons: I used to be horribly annoyed with them, but I have grown quite partial to this guy -> :P
My Car: I have a great car. It's practical, it's reliable, it gets good gas mileage, and it gets me from point A to point B. And it's paid off! I am glad I have the means to get around. And my lead foot has decreased in weight quite a bit over the last few years.
Chickens: They eat just about anything, they are amusing to look at, and they lay eggs! When you find yourself with a rooster, they also make for a great chicken noodle soup! Plus they are cute, which I find myself kind of amused to discover that chickens are quite cute.
Cats and Dogs: endless amusement, there is something very soothing about a purring cat on your lap, and I have two friendly barn cats that have instant purr mode as soon as I start petting them. I also have a crazy dog that likes to herd them, and they aren't amused. Watching them interact is quite entertaining.
The Gospel: I don't like to get to religious on my blog, and I am not the most religious person out there, but I am grateful for having the church in my life. I need to make a better effort to go, however. Lately I've been more of a heathen. With the new little one, I do want to raise her in the church with a set of moral standards and it is something I want to share with her.
Freedom: I am an independent person, I am grateful be to be an American and with all the rights and privileges that come with it.
Guns: Yes, I am a gun nut. I love guns, for a variety of reasons. They are empowering, and they certainly level the playing field. I am thankful for the security they provide. and of course, most people who follow my blog know me for my bad ass pose with one.
Sleep: I think I am about to crash now. Must be the new mom in me. But first, I need to feed the munchkin.
There are many more things I am thankful for, this is just a rundown of some of them. Indeed, there is quite a lot to be thankful for. Just some things to remember when the baby blues start getting me down.
Because really, I have a lot to be thankful for. I can honestly say in the last couple of years I have been genuinely happy. I have long since learned that there are a few things that matter, and this little infant at my side is one of the key ones at the moment.
In the spirit of getting my mind back on what matters most, and enduring this short bout with depression where I know I'll be back up and loving life again, I decided to make a list of what I'm thankful for.
My Husband, Gus: When he asked me to marry him, I'll be honest and when I said yes, I was thinking, 'well, it's not official, I can back out of it later, right?' because I didn't know if there was anybody out there I could be happy with. I didn't want to disappoint him. I won't say that we have a perfect marriage, I don't think those exist, but we have a pretty darn good one, and I can say that I genuinely love him. We compliment each other so well, he tempers me, I can't help but know that I was waiting for him, and he was waiting for me. How we met was a total fluke, I don't know anybody who have a courtship like ours was, but we were meant to be together. He is my soulmate, if such a thing exists. I feel very blessed that I have him in my life. I'm glad he chased me down and eventually chose me to be his wife. And he puts up with a lot from me.
My daughter, Kaia: She's only nine days old today, and I have an entire lifetime to get to know her. She has given my life a whole new perspective, and i see things in a way I have never done before. I used to be quite selfish, without really meaning to be, but I guess it comes with being the youngest and growing up in this generation. My life has changed completely upon marriage, and becoming pregnant and having a baby has changed it even more so. My entire outlook on life is completely different now, and it has honestly been for the better. I don't think I would trade what I have right now for anything. Not to mention that she is pretty darn cute. Gus and Kami genetics proved to be a winning combination. I can't wait to meet the person she becomes.
My Family: I am blessed with a very close family. We genuinely enjoy each other's company and look for excuses to get together all of the time. It is also good to know that when push comes to shove, when you reach hard times, they have your back. We have helped one another out so much, and I know if I need help with anything, they are a phone call away. It's funny how very different each of us are from one another but how each of us completes the family unit, and how obvious it is when a member is not there for family gatherings. There is definitely a hole there.
Then of course, there is my other family. I married into an amazing group of people (and still learning who they all are) and have been welcomed and accepted with open arms.
Friends: There is an old saying that goes "Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver and the other Gold." Sure, it's a bit cheesy, but the idea behind it is very much true. There are only a handful of friends I have managed to hang onto from my childhood, and those few friends I have I feel very blessed to know. I have made some fantastic friends in the last few years as well.
Facebook: Yes, it is a time waster, and a sucker of souls, but me, the person who falls out of contact with everyone I meet, has found the perfect tool for staying in contact with people that matter to me, plus a way to share my life with those who matter, and follow along on the adventures of my family and friends. Now, I'll be honest and admit I don't know why I need 353 friends, and Facebook Drama can be quite annoying, but social networking is an amazing thing.
Craigslist: It is odd, I love the concept of Craigslist, but without it, I wouldn't have met my husband. Yes, it is an odd story. Plus, I love the ability to barter for things and the treasures you can find on there, often for a great deal.
My Home: Part of home making is making a house into a home. I love the peace and tranquility of where we live, sure it's out in the boondocks, or so I keep saying, but the atmosphere is something you won't find in the suburbs of a city. We may not be here forever, but I would be content to grow old and die here.
Tricare: I told Gus he cannot leave the military until we are done having kids. I think we will be having one more (unless an accident comes upon us) but Tricare is great for child birth. They covered everything with very minimal out of pocket expenses.
My Health: Aside from that pesky depression issue, I am blessed with great health. I'm already bounding back from my pregnancy (though far from 100%) and I was grateful that I was strong enough to endure labor without caving on drugs. In time, I know I'll be in great shape again, and next year I plan on taking advantage of it.
Painkillers: I am not 100% yet. I am very thankful for painkillers.
Horses: I love horses, I have been a horse nut since I was about seven years old. And I have two of them. I am very blessed I am in a position to own a horse and can afford too.
The Air Force: The military can be frustrating at times. But in this economy, my husband has a stable job and his unit has stepped up and helped us several times. I am grateful for the support network that they offer, and along with the rest of the armed services (noteably the Army, of course) for keeping our country safe.
My Unit: I have an awesome army unit. They are very supportive of me, especially considering my present circumstances, and I know they will do what they can to work around it. Because I am now a new mom, I am looking more and more on getting out, but if I do decide to stay in, this would likely be the unit I would stay with until i retire. I've got two years on my present contract left, but I'm in good hands.
Cell Phones: Ok, in truth they are a pain in the butt, because we did manage to go without cell phones for centuries. Now we have smart phones, which are enormous wastes of time, and I don't think we could live without them, but in truth, it is nice to always be able to contact somebody, especially if you need to talk to somebody right then. Or even texting, something I didn't do until about two years ago. Kind of crazy, actually.
Emoticons: I used to be horribly annoyed with them, but I have grown quite partial to this guy -> :P
My Car: I have a great car. It's practical, it's reliable, it gets good gas mileage, and it gets me from point A to point B. And it's paid off! I am glad I have the means to get around. And my lead foot has decreased in weight quite a bit over the last few years.
Chickens: They eat just about anything, they are amusing to look at, and they lay eggs! When you find yourself with a rooster, they also make for a great chicken noodle soup! Plus they are cute, which I find myself kind of amused to discover that chickens are quite cute.
Cats and Dogs: endless amusement, there is something very soothing about a purring cat on your lap, and I have two friendly barn cats that have instant purr mode as soon as I start petting them. I also have a crazy dog that likes to herd them, and they aren't amused. Watching them interact is quite entertaining.
The Gospel: I don't like to get to religious on my blog, and I am not the most religious person out there, but I am grateful for having the church in my life. I need to make a better effort to go, however. Lately I've been more of a heathen. With the new little one, I do want to raise her in the church with a set of moral standards and it is something I want to share with her.
Freedom: I am an independent person, I am grateful be to be an American and with all the rights and privileges that come with it.
Guns: Yes, I am a gun nut. I love guns, for a variety of reasons. They are empowering, and they certainly level the playing field. I am thankful for the security they provide. and of course, most people who follow my blog know me for my bad ass pose with one.
Sleep: I think I am about to crash now. Must be the new mom in me. But first, I need to feed the munchkin.
There are many more things I am thankful for, this is just a rundown of some of them. Indeed, there is quite a lot to be thankful for. Just some things to remember when the baby blues start getting me down.
11.07.2011
The end of the world as I know it. . .
. . . and I feel fine.
I recently heard that REM broke up. Pity. I did like their music and grew up listening to them, one of those bands that I can listen to over and over again. REM brings happy thoughts.
In other news, yep, still prego. I've got two due dates, by the way. Last known Cycle puts me at November 16th. Ultrasound puts me at November 13th. So basically, I'm on my last week before I enter the realm of over due. My midwife told me that chances of me making my due date were slim, but that I still could. That was over three weeks ago. She could make her arrival at any moment, and there has been a few close calls where I wasn't sure what was going on.
So, that puts me at around 39 weeks, give or take a couple of days. Some days I feel fantastic, other days I feel bleh. I'm just trying to stay calm and mellow, and trying to ignore my carb cravings. I lived on carbs up until a couple of weeks ago, and it's a pain that I can't just live off of them more. Dang, carbs are in EVERYTHING. And I can't really stomach greasy foods at the moment, so it basically makes me feel like I need to eat like a rabbit. Tomorrow I'll pick up some salad, or something like that. I'm usually a carnivore at times, but lately I don't really want to eat anything that's meaty. I can't win with this right now (sighs)
So, due to popular demand (somebody requested it) pictures of my pregnancy thus far. And me and my belly baby in all of our glory.
The picture above was taken while I was still being mum about the whole thing. I was having difficulty with eating and I actually lost five pounds in the first trimester. Bleh! This was at about eleven weeks, since there was no sign of belly, I didn't see a point in taking a picture every week. I wasn't showing at all. But baby was definitely incubating.
Enter Week 14. Still not really showing, looking a little thicker through the midsection, and in fact probably just looking like I normally look. Nobody would know I was pregnant unless I told them, which was fine with me at the time. I still fit in all of my clothes, and the morning sickness had largely gone away. I just realy felt like me, until I tried to lift something, and then I did recieve a little reminder telling me I probably shouldn't do that. Oh yeah, right, silly me, heheh.
Week 17, and showing the faintist of baby bumps, but it could be excused as me having gorged myself on a food baby. For the most part, still hiding it, when I told people I was pregnant, and how far along I was, they were going 'huh?' Funny, when I told my family I was pregnant, they all told me I would gain all sorts of weight and bloat, because that's what we do in our family. I did not want that for me, no thanks. So i was perfectly content to stay trim and healthy, even though, due to previous miscarriage, I was taking it easy with the pregnancy so as not to cause any problems.
Week 19 showed the first signs of an obvious baby bump. We were posting pictures of our trip to Hawaii and people were all aghast that I was suddenly showing! And of course, it puts me off my usual picture taking cycle, usually I'm displaying my belly facing right, now I'm facing left. But lookin' stylin! Sportin that little munchkin (who at this time, we were still not sure whether munchkin was a she or a he).
Ok, by week 21, we found out Kidling was a girl, and now there is no ifs ands or buts, I'm definitely preggers. Depending on what I was wearing, I could still hide it, but entering summer, most of my clothes were starting to feel a bit tight, well, it was time to just focus on wearing more maternity wear. Must embrace the pending motherhood. It's alright!
Week 24 brings us to family reunion time, and I met up with my cousin Rocia who was rockin' it with her fifth child at 37 weeks. Girl looked fabulous (and was quite gutsy to make that trip to the ocean, but she's an old hat at it by now). I had a great time, my belly was extending a wee bit further, and hoodies made me look fat, or so I discovered.
27 weeks gone by, and I have given in to the lounge pants. The only way to go for any pregnant girl to be really comfortable. Belly protruding a bit further, and feeling a little less agile, but still feeling for the most part rather fine.
My sister takes pictures and at week 31, she offered to get some of me for a maternity session. I think this is one of my favorites out of the bunch.
Week 35, getting closer! Up until this point, overall I had a pretty easy pregnancy. I felt relatively healthy and active, didn't have to much of a waddle when I walked, and overall just felt pretty good. She woke me up about this time and I found myself barely able to move my legs without groaning. Not a fun point, had a few concerns, so called my midwife and she informed me that baby had indeed dropped and my cervix was starting to dialate.
Starting the next week was my regular check up, I was supposed to have my baby shower that Tuesday, and I woke up with really bad back labor and all sorts of preterm labor symptoms. Going in, I was informed I had effaced 90%, still dialated at a one and the baby was at -2. I was a little concerned because it was still pretty early, but she informed me I still could be pregnant for a couple of weeks. I still could make my due date, nothing set in stone. Was worried and called my instructor, thinking maybe I needed to drop out of class because it seemed like baby was coming at any time. Canceled the baby shower, in the end, no big deal. Cause I'm still pregnant.
Week 37 is the magic milestone we were aiming for after our preterm labor scare. I wanted to hit this because this is officially when the baby is at term, and in truth the longer she's in there, the better for her. Of course, we also learned news of our glucose levels being a bit elevated, and now I have to watch what I eat. I don't feel like I'm a threat for gestational diabetes, I've felt pretty good so far. Well, let me tell you, as a pregnant woman, they are a pain in the butt. Ok, so we got to week 37, now I'm ready when the baby is.
Week 39. Well, I hit week 39 yesterday, according to the ultrasound, or I'm at week 39 on Wednesday, according to that lovely last known monthly constitutional. A couple nights ago I felt a bit under the weather, thought maybe this was it, but no, it lingered for to long and eventually went away. So this is where we are at. Me feeling ready to explode with my belly hanging out there and just trying to remain comfortable. I feel now that I'm watching what I eat, I'm actually not eating as well as I used too *why does EVERYTHING i crave carry carbs???* and the nesting instincts have kicked in. Baby is bound to come sooner or later.
Taking this one day at a time, was hoping to go to Portland for Thanksgiving to spend it with the husband's family but that is looking more and more out of the question. In truth, I've still got plenty of time for this baby to make her arrival, I'm giving her until the end of the month before I induce, but I am trying to go natural so avoiding medical induction and all other interventions. I've been healthy for the most part. the gestational diabetes thing has me hoping for an earlier rather than later baby though.
Maybe she just wants to be a Veteran's day baby and have the designer birthday of 11/11/11. You know, that would be pretty cool, and be rather easy to remember, if not a little bittersweet.
I recently heard that REM broke up. Pity. I did like their music and grew up listening to them, one of those bands that I can listen to over and over again. REM brings happy thoughts.
In other news, yep, still prego. I've got two due dates, by the way. Last known Cycle puts me at November 16th. Ultrasound puts me at November 13th. So basically, I'm on my last week before I enter the realm of over due. My midwife told me that chances of me making my due date were slim, but that I still could. That was over three weeks ago. She could make her arrival at any moment, and there has been a few close calls where I wasn't sure what was going on.
So, that puts me at around 39 weeks, give or take a couple of days. Some days I feel fantastic, other days I feel bleh. I'm just trying to stay calm and mellow, and trying to ignore my carb cravings. I lived on carbs up until a couple of weeks ago, and it's a pain that I can't just live off of them more. Dang, carbs are in EVERYTHING. And I can't really stomach greasy foods at the moment, so it basically makes me feel like I need to eat like a rabbit. Tomorrow I'll pick up some salad, or something like that. I'm usually a carnivore at times, but lately I don't really want to eat anything that's meaty. I can't win with this right now (sighs)
So, due to popular demand (somebody requested it) pictures of my pregnancy thus far. And me and my belly baby in all of our glory.
The picture above was taken while I was still being mum about the whole thing. I was having difficulty with eating and I actually lost five pounds in the first trimester. Bleh! This was at about eleven weeks, since there was no sign of belly, I didn't see a point in taking a picture every week. I wasn't showing at all. But baby was definitely incubating.
Enter Week 14. Still not really showing, looking a little thicker through the midsection, and in fact probably just looking like I normally look. Nobody would know I was pregnant unless I told them, which was fine with me at the time. I still fit in all of my clothes, and the morning sickness had largely gone away. I just realy felt like me, until I tried to lift something, and then I did recieve a little reminder telling me I probably shouldn't do that. Oh yeah, right, silly me, heheh.
Week 17, and showing the faintist of baby bumps, but it could be excused as me having gorged myself on a food baby. For the most part, still hiding it, when I told people I was pregnant, and how far along I was, they were going 'huh?' Funny, when I told my family I was pregnant, they all told me I would gain all sorts of weight and bloat, because that's what we do in our family. I did not want that for me, no thanks. So i was perfectly content to stay trim and healthy, even though, due to previous miscarriage, I was taking it easy with the pregnancy so as not to cause any problems.
Week 19 showed the first signs of an obvious baby bump. We were posting pictures of our trip to Hawaii and people were all aghast that I was suddenly showing! And of course, it puts me off my usual picture taking cycle, usually I'm displaying my belly facing right, now I'm facing left. But lookin' stylin! Sportin that little munchkin (who at this time, we were still not sure whether munchkin was a she or a he).
Ok, by week 21, we found out Kidling was a girl, and now there is no ifs ands or buts, I'm definitely preggers. Depending on what I was wearing, I could still hide it, but entering summer, most of my clothes were starting to feel a bit tight, well, it was time to just focus on wearing more maternity wear. Must embrace the pending motherhood. It's alright!
Week 24 brings us to family reunion time, and I met up with my cousin Rocia who was rockin' it with her fifth child at 37 weeks. Girl looked fabulous (and was quite gutsy to make that trip to the ocean, but she's an old hat at it by now). I had a great time, my belly was extending a wee bit further, and hoodies made me look fat, or so I discovered.
27 weeks gone by, and I have given in to the lounge pants. The only way to go for any pregnant girl to be really comfortable. Belly protruding a bit further, and feeling a little less agile, but still feeling for the most part rather fine.
My sister takes pictures and at week 31, she offered to get some of me for a maternity session. I think this is one of my favorites out of the bunch.
Week 35, getting closer! Up until this point, overall I had a pretty easy pregnancy. I felt relatively healthy and active, didn't have to much of a waddle when I walked, and overall just felt pretty good. She woke me up about this time and I found myself barely able to move my legs without groaning. Not a fun point, had a few concerns, so called my midwife and she informed me that baby had indeed dropped and my cervix was starting to dialate.
Starting the next week was my regular check up, I was supposed to have my baby shower that Tuesday, and I woke up with really bad back labor and all sorts of preterm labor symptoms. Going in, I was informed I had effaced 90%, still dialated at a one and the baby was at -2. I was a little concerned because it was still pretty early, but she informed me I still could be pregnant for a couple of weeks. I still could make my due date, nothing set in stone. Was worried and called my instructor, thinking maybe I needed to drop out of class because it seemed like baby was coming at any time. Canceled the baby shower, in the end, no big deal. Cause I'm still pregnant.
Week 37 is the magic milestone we were aiming for after our preterm labor scare. I wanted to hit this because this is officially when the baby is at term, and in truth the longer she's in there, the better for her. Of course, we also learned news of our glucose levels being a bit elevated, and now I have to watch what I eat. I don't feel like I'm a threat for gestational diabetes, I've felt pretty good so far. Well, let me tell you, as a pregnant woman, they are a pain in the butt. Ok, so we got to week 37, now I'm ready when the baby is.
Week 39. Well, I hit week 39 yesterday, according to the ultrasound, or I'm at week 39 on Wednesday, according to that lovely last known monthly constitutional. A couple nights ago I felt a bit under the weather, thought maybe this was it, but no, it lingered for to long and eventually went away. So this is where we are at. Me feeling ready to explode with my belly hanging out there and just trying to remain comfortable. I feel now that I'm watching what I eat, I'm actually not eating as well as I used too *why does EVERYTHING i crave carry carbs???* and the nesting instincts have kicked in. Baby is bound to come sooner or later.
Taking this one day at a time, was hoping to go to Portland for Thanksgiving to spend it with the husband's family but that is looking more and more out of the question. In truth, I've still got plenty of time for this baby to make her arrival, I'm giving her until the end of the month before I induce, but I am trying to go natural so avoiding medical induction and all other interventions. I've been healthy for the most part. the gestational diabetes thing has me hoping for an earlier rather than later baby though.
Maybe she just wants to be a Veteran's day baby and have the designer birthday of 11/11/11. You know, that would be pretty cool, and be rather easy to remember, if not a little bittersweet.
10.26.2011
Still Living Life
My poor neglected blog. Facebook has really done a number on you hasn't it? I guess it's because Facebook is just so dang convenient. And addicting. Yikes!
So the latest? Well, still pregnant. In fact, pregnancy does take a number on you when you just want to rest all of the time and a quick jot on Facebook to keep people updated on your thoughts and life is all you really have time for.
So, I guess this is my status update:
- Animal Stats: I currently possess two horses (plus one boarded horse that pays for the other two), two barn cats, five hens, two roosters, two rabbits, and a dog. The dog is a recent acquisition. I recently had to rehome one of my horses, the old mare. She no longer became a kids horse. That story is infuriating to me.
- I had a preterm labor scare, if you didn't know, I am trying to go for natural childbirth, meaning no interventions, and letting the wee one come when she may. The first scare came about two weeks ago, at 35 weeks along, when she undeniably dropped. Last week, I had to cancel my baby shower because I was having back labor and a few other labor signs. We were pretty sure her arrival was imminent, and my midwife checked me out, told me I'm dialated at 1cm and my cervix is effaced at 90%. Basically I just need to dialate to 10 and my water break and she's entering into the world. Because my husband frequently works out of town, to calm my mother's nerves, she had me stay with her until he came back.
-I'm at 37 weeks, which is about three weeks shy of my due date (wee!), however apparently I had elevated levels in my glucose testing, which tests me for gestational diabetes. Well, apparently somebody missed something, so I had an ultrasound today to see where baby is at. Apparently, she is weighing in at 7 pounds, 8 ounces, give or take a pound (which is quite a spread actually). I just got to cut back on my carbs these last few weeks and watch what I eat. And I get to check my blood sugar levels as I'm at a heightened risk for gestational diabetes. Nice.
- So munchkin is arriving at any time, but since I'm not working at present (love my husband) and just doing odd things to help with the income, I've been taking online classes. The army pays for them so while I'm still in the army I need to take full advantage of that. I was going for a business major, thinking it was more marketable, but decided after my first business class that I shouldn't torture myself and went into Education instead. I keep going back to education. My first class specifically geared toward my new major? Child and Adolescent Development. Very relevent to my life at present.
- I really need to do a post on hypnobirthing, but I think I'm going to save it for when I have the baby. So I can give all the little details and how it worked (or didn't, but we'll try to stay positive and focus on it working) after baby arrives.
- I think very little in my life is not centered around the squirt in my belly. But I guess in regards to current events, I really don't get the occupy wall street movement. Due to trying to remain positive, I will leave it at that.
- Trying to get into the coupon clipping madness, in an attempt to save money seeing we are a one income household at present (and whatever side dollars I bring in on my spare time). It can be maddening.
- Had a debate with somebody on facebook in regards to professional photography (I do it for fun, with a little income on the side, but not enough to require a business license) and it was kind of amusing. Eventually I would love to be able to do it full time (not the wedding side, I think that would cause me to shoot myself), but I was basically told that I should not do it in that regard, even for friends, as I'm doing them a diservice by not referring them to a professional. Actually, I think my pictures are pretty decent. I've been building a portfolio for the last year or so with random people here and there. Lot's of trial and error, that's why I say I'm doing it for fun. Big debate to be had though.
I guess I'll leave it at that for now.
So the latest? Well, still pregnant. In fact, pregnancy does take a number on you when you just want to rest all of the time and a quick jot on Facebook to keep people updated on your thoughts and life is all you really have time for.
So, I guess this is my status update:
- Animal Stats: I currently possess two horses (plus one boarded horse that pays for the other two), two barn cats, five hens, two roosters, two rabbits, and a dog. The dog is a recent acquisition. I recently had to rehome one of my horses, the old mare. She no longer became a kids horse. That story is infuriating to me.
- I had a preterm labor scare, if you didn't know, I am trying to go for natural childbirth, meaning no interventions, and letting the wee one come when she may. The first scare came about two weeks ago, at 35 weeks along, when she undeniably dropped. Last week, I had to cancel my baby shower because I was having back labor and a few other labor signs. We were pretty sure her arrival was imminent, and my midwife checked me out, told me I'm dialated at 1cm and my cervix is effaced at 90%. Basically I just need to dialate to 10 and my water break and she's entering into the world. Because my husband frequently works out of town, to calm my mother's nerves, she had me stay with her until he came back.
-I'm at 37 weeks, which is about three weeks shy of my due date (wee!), however apparently I had elevated levels in my glucose testing, which tests me for gestational diabetes. Well, apparently somebody missed something, so I had an ultrasound today to see where baby is at. Apparently, she is weighing in at 7 pounds, 8 ounces, give or take a pound (which is quite a spread actually). I just got to cut back on my carbs these last few weeks and watch what I eat. And I get to check my blood sugar levels as I'm at a heightened risk for gestational diabetes. Nice.
- So munchkin is arriving at any time, but since I'm not working at present (love my husband) and just doing odd things to help with the income, I've been taking online classes. The army pays for them so while I'm still in the army I need to take full advantage of that. I was going for a business major, thinking it was more marketable, but decided after my first business class that I shouldn't torture myself and went into Education instead. I keep going back to education. My first class specifically geared toward my new major? Child and Adolescent Development. Very relevent to my life at present.
- I really need to do a post on hypnobirthing, but I think I'm going to save it for when I have the baby. So I can give all the little details and how it worked (or didn't, but we'll try to stay positive and focus on it working) after baby arrives.
- I think very little in my life is not centered around the squirt in my belly. But I guess in regards to current events, I really don't get the occupy wall street movement. Due to trying to remain positive, I will leave it at that.
- Trying to get into the coupon clipping madness, in an attempt to save money seeing we are a one income household at present (and whatever side dollars I bring in on my spare time). It can be maddening.
- Had a debate with somebody on facebook in regards to professional photography (I do it for fun, with a little income on the side, but not enough to require a business license) and it was kind of amusing. Eventually I would love to be able to do it full time (not the wedding side, I think that would cause me to shoot myself), but I was basically told that I should not do it in that regard, even for friends, as I'm doing them a diservice by not referring them to a professional. Actually, I think my pictures are pretty decent. I've been building a portfolio for the last year or so with random people here and there. Lot's of trial and error, that's why I say I'm doing it for fun. Big debate to be had though.
I guess I'll leave it at that for now.
8.18.2011
Pregnancy Ramblings
To those of you who didn't know, or only check this blog once in a blue moon, I happen to be Pregnant. Unlike the last pregnancy, which lasted until Week 7, this one appears to be taking. I am at Week 27 with thirteen to go, next Wednesday I will officially be in my third trimester. And I watch my expanding belly get larger to accommodate the fact that I'm carrying precious cargo, every now and then I feel normal, forget for an instant that I'm pregnant, then she kicks, or I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror, or a variety of random events and I am reminded that her arrival is fast approaching. Will my body ever be the same after this? Is this really happening? What am I going to do with myself when she gets here?
This experience has been incredibly surreal to me. The idea of motherhood has appealed to me for some time, but I also avoided the thought of it because of what it entailed. Basically, I'm stuck with a little person that is dependent on me for a good eighteen years (toward the end of that eighteen years, not so dependent and likely obnoxious). The thought of this somewhat horrified me. But I think that is a common reaction for a lot of women to go through when they are having their first child, especially when they wait until they are thirty before they finally decide to venture into this strange new world.
One thing I have noticed, before becoming pregnant or even being married, is how judgmental I could be in regards to other mothers and how they raised their children, or how their children acted in public, or this, that and the other thing. It seems like those who don't have children always has advice for those who do. I did, and being in a disciplinarian field, I always felt like I knew something about the whole process. Since I have become pregnant, I have done my darnedest to not offer advice or be critical of others and their children, because I have learned over the years that children are their own person, with their own little quirks and traits, and you can be the best mother in the world and still have a little trouble maker on your hand. As soon as I get critical of one parent and their rearing techniques, I just know I'm going to find myself with a kidling that is worse then theirs.
So over the years I have been taking little mental notes, parenting skills I observe that appear to work, and those that don't. I think a lot of this will be trial and error with me and the munchkin as we get to know each other and figure out what works and what doesn't, but that being said, I have discovered, ironically enough, being pregnant has made me much more patient with kids. I do notice babies and like to coo at them, but I'm not at a position where I want to hold them yet. I like babies, but I like to pass them on to somebody else after a few minutes, I'm not the type to want to hold them for hours on end. That's something I know I'm going to have to get used too.
Meanwhile, I have noticed a lot of opinions I have held previously are changing. For one, I have a very active little squirt hanging out in my uterus. I feel her constantly, and she definitely let's me know she's there. I felt her at just before 14 weeks, that is crazy unheard of for a first pregnancy where most women don't feel their babies until 18 weeks or later. I wasn't sure what it was, I thought it was gas or something after I did research on feeling the quickening, but she confirmed later that it was indeed her making her presence known. She was dancing the jitter bug at seventeen weeks. She's been doing acrobatics for the last ten weeks, and it feels bizarre at times, especially when she rubs up against my ribs or kicks my belly button. Please don't tell me that this movement inside of me is a mass of cells. A mass of cells doesn't just move independently of you of their own accord. She reacts to me, she seems to tell me to move, this little girl has a fierce determination about her and she's only two pounds, I feel like I'm already getting to know her and I've only seen her in an ultrasound. Well, I have always been pro-life, knowing I could never have an abortion, but the pain of going through a miscarriage with a pregnancy I didn't think I was ready for was tough enough for me, and being pregnant, I can't imagine anybody reaching this stage in their pregnancy and electing to have an abortion. How could you even consider it? Especially this rambunctious little spitfire? I know she's going to give me hell more then once in our upcoming life together, but you can't tell me she only becomes alive once she takes her first breath independent of me.
Of course, I also understand that every circumstance is different, I went out of my way to make sure I was in a position to be able to care for a child if I did get pregnant. To me, third trimester abortions should be completely outlawed. A woman has gone through that long carrying life within her, you can't tell me she hasn't been affected by it, and to kill that life at that stage, especially when it can live viably outside of the womb, adoption is always an option, there are plenty of people out there who want to give a child an opportunity to live. Second trimester abortions should strictly be due to the health of the mother. If you are going to have an abortion, it should be done in the first trimester, perhaps at the beginning of the second trimester at the very latest. Again, I'm pro-life, I don't believe an abortion is ever a suitable alternative, but I also understand the world we live in and concessions some people have to face. Because you are going to inflict a lot of emotional damage on yourself if you wait to have an abortion (unless you are just plain sadistic and have a thrill or power trip with ending the life of a twenty week old fetus), if you have to get one, get it as early as possible. Again, I never really thought I could have an abortion myself, but it was definitely confirmed by the mere action of becoming pregnant. This little life was meant to live.
I don't like to focus on a lot of negativity at present, I try to stay positive (that can be difficult to do, because I'm still me and still highly opinionated) and just focus on me, the beansprout, and my husband as we come to discover the joys and headaches of being a family. Through thick and thin, we're stuck with each other. I guess we better make this whole arrangement work.
If I had a choice, of course I would want an easy baby, but I know that she will be her own little person. All I can do is give her the moral guidance to try to make the right choices as she goes through this crazy little thing we call life. But I'm excited to go through this latest adventure of parenthood, with all the trials and tribulations that come with it. Please, just don't give me to many grey hairs when you hit the trying age of thirteen.
This experience has been incredibly surreal to me. The idea of motherhood has appealed to me for some time, but I also avoided the thought of it because of what it entailed. Basically, I'm stuck with a little person that is dependent on me for a good eighteen years (toward the end of that eighteen years, not so dependent and likely obnoxious). The thought of this somewhat horrified me. But I think that is a common reaction for a lot of women to go through when they are having their first child, especially when they wait until they are thirty before they finally decide to venture into this strange new world.
One thing I have noticed, before becoming pregnant or even being married, is how judgmental I could be in regards to other mothers and how they raised their children, or how their children acted in public, or this, that and the other thing. It seems like those who don't have children always has advice for those who do. I did, and being in a disciplinarian field, I always felt like I knew something about the whole process. Since I have become pregnant, I have done my darnedest to not offer advice or be critical of others and their children, because I have learned over the years that children are their own person, with their own little quirks and traits, and you can be the best mother in the world and still have a little trouble maker on your hand. As soon as I get critical of one parent and their rearing techniques, I just know I'm going to find myself with a kidling that is worse then theirs.
So over the years I have been taking little mental notes, parenting skills I observe that appear to work, and those that don't. I think a lot of this will be trial and error with me and the munchkin as we get to know each other and figure out what works and what doesn't, but that being said, I have discovered, ironically enough, being pregnant has made me much more patient with kids. I do notice babies and like to coo at them, but I'm not at a position where I want to hold them yet. I like babies, but I like to pass them on to somebody else after a few minutes, I'm not the type to want to hold them for hours on end. That's something I know I'm going to have to get used too.
Meanwhile, I have noticed a lot of opinions I have held previously are changing. For one, I have a very active little squirt hanging out in my uterus. I feel her constantly, and she definitely let's me know she's there. I felt her at just before 14 weeks, that is crazy unheard of for a first pregnancy where most women don't feel their babies until 18 weeks or later. I wasn't sure what it was, I thought it was gas or something after I did research on feeling the quickening, but she confirmed later that it was indeed her making her presence known. She was dancing the jitter bug at seventeen weeks. She's been doing acrobatics for the last ten weeks, and it feels bizarre at times, especially when she rubs up against my ribs or kicks my belly button. Please don't tell me that this movement inside of me is a mass of cells. A mass of cells doesn't just move independently of you of their own accord. She reacts to me, she seems to tell me to move, this little girl has a fierce determination about her and she's only two pounds, I feel like I'm already getting to know her and I've only seen her in an ultrasound. Well, I have always been pro-life, knowing I could never have an abortion, but the pain of going through a miscarriage with a pregnancy I didn't think I was ready for was tough enough for me, and being pregnant, I can't imagine anybody reaching this stage in their pregnancy and electing to have an abortion. How could you even consider it? Especially this rambunctious little spitfire? I know she's going to give me hell more then once in our upcoming life together, but you can't tell me she only becomes alive once she takes her first breath independent of me.
Of course, I also understand that every circumstance is different, I went out of my way to make sure I was in a position to be able to care for a child if I did get pregnant. To me, third trimester abortions should be completely outlawed. A woman has gone through that long carrying life within her, you can't tell me she hasn't been affected by it, and to kill that life at that stage, especially when it can live viably outside of the womb, adoption is always an option, there are plenty of people out there who want to give a child an opportunity to live. Second trimester abortions should strictly be due to the health of the mother. If you are going to have an abortion, it should be done in the first trimester, perhaps at the beginning of the second trimester at the very latest. Again, I'm pro-life, I don't believe an abortion is ever a suitable alternative, but I also understand the world we live in and concessions some people have to face. Because you are going to inflict a lot of emotional damage on yourself if you wait to have an abortion (unless you are just plain sadistic and have a thrill or power trip with ending the life of a twenty week old fetus), if you have to get one, get it as early as possible. Again, I never really thought I could have an abortion myself, but it was definitely confirmed by the mere action of becoming pregnant. This little life was meant to live.
I don't like to focus on a lot of negativity at present, I try to stay positive (that can be difficult to do, because I'm still me and still highly opinionated) and just focus on me, the beansprout, and my husband as we come to discover the joys and headaches of being a family. Through thick and thin, we're stuck with each other. I guess we better make this whole arrangement work.
If I had a choice, of course I would want an easy baby, but I know that she will be her own little person. All I can do is give her the moral guidance to try to make the right choices as she goes through this crazy little thing we call life. But I'm excited to go through this latest adventure of parenthood, with all the trials and tribulations that come with it. Please, just don't give me to many grey hairs when you hit the trying age of thirteen.
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