We've spent the weekend watching movies. A lot of movies. Got five in yesterday, haven't really started on them today since I took a nap as soon as we got back from church. (Ok, Greg tried to watch Click but just turned it off, apparently it was less than good.)
So you may be wondering something like: But Susan, you have this big stack of books piled up in your bedroom that you acquired through PBS and have been looking forward to digging into. Why all the movies instead?
Well, you're right. And I do have quite the stack. To make matters worse, I'm 2/3 of the way through My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult and I'm dying to know how it ends. I'm at that really climatic spot where their in the trial and you don't yet know if the sister's going to agree to the kidney transplant or if it'll really make a difference in saving Kate from her leukemia anyway. I want to know how it ends!
But the second fastest way to make me nauseous these days is to start reading. (The easiest way is to put a toothbrush in my mouth, but that's a post for a little later this week as I'm still ignoring the fact I have a dentist appointment Wednesday.)
Sigh. So my alternative has been movies. The problem with movies is they make me want to read. I've now added a couple more books to the list that I own and want to re-read after watching some related movies this weekend. One of them had me digging through a forgotten box of books under the guest bed to see if I did indeed still own it, and I have to admit that I was quite amused at the contents of the box. I can't believe some of the things I read for fun during high school.
Everything from Faulkner to Vonnegut to Howard Pyle. Jekyll and Hyde, Dracula, Gaston LeRoux's original novel of the Phantom of the Opera. I remember sneaking that one into Spanish class. I have poetry - a ragged paperback of Whitman to an ancient hardback of Ogden Nash. None of that was assigned reading. Although I'm sure purchasing the old hardback of the short stories of Stephen Vincent Benet was inspired by a story we read for class my senior year.
My mom used to tell me that if I'd read, she'd buy me books. Period. And she did. And I took advantage! I remember clearly going to the little Walden Books in the mall (all we had in Vicksburg) and heading straight to the classic literature section, one tiny section, then running my hands over the spine of the books looking for something of interest. Which isn't to say I never read fluff. I had my share of Stephen King and Jackie Collins, but most of the time I wanted something not just entertaining but interesting.
I do hope I can pass that trait on to Tater Tot.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
Car Repair - Updated
Conversation with my brother regarding my once again dead as a doornail car:
Me: So, if this doesn't work we light it on fire?*
Bill: Yep.
Me: I'll round up some hot dogs and marshmallows.
Bill: Good thinking.
*Disclaimer: I've been threatening to light my car on fire since last weekend, however I don't really mean it. Greg pointed out last night that there had been a news story about people actually doing it, I guess to get insurance money, and I didn't want to give the impression that I would be one of those people. I am completely terrified of fire to the point where I don't even have candles in my house. If this doesn't work, Dad is bringing the trailer and hauling the stupid thing back to Philly to tear it apart.
UPDATE - We think we've solved the problem. Again. Bill took the battery to get it checked and it was bad. Guy at Napa, where it originally came from, said the manufacturing date was a year ago and the battery never should have been sold. Where, you ask, did I get it? The repair shop that worked on it last installed it. Boy am I ticked. Thankfully Napa replaced it and Bill is going to bring the new one back and install it, hopefully solving this issue once and for all.
Me: So, if this doesn't work we light it on fire?*
Bill: Yep.
Me: I'll round up some hot dogs and marshmallows.
Bill: Good thinking.
*Disclaimer: I've been threatening to light my car on fire since last weekend, however I don't really mean it. Greg pointed out last night that there had been a news story about people actually doing it, I guess to get insurance money, and I didn't want to give the impression that I would be one of those people. I am completely terrified of fire to the point where I don't even have candles in my house. If this doesn't work, Dad is bringing the trailer and hauling the stupid thing back to Philly to tear it apart.
UPDATE - We think we've solved the problem. Again. Bill took the battery to get it checked and it was bad. Guy at Napa, where it originally came from, said the manufacturing date was a year ago and the battery never should have been sold. Where, you ask, did I get it? The repair shop that worked on it last installed it. Boy am I ticked. Thankfully Napa replaced it and Bill is going to bring the new one back and install it, hopefully solving this issue once and for all.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Whining
I mentioned before that I quickly realized that being home wasn't going to be like I thought it would be.
When we first started talking about me leaving my job it was the first of the year. I resigned at the end of January, and we found out we were pregnant three weeks later. I spent nearly two months coming up with schedules and plans and meals I wanted to make. I developed a whole lot of expectations for myself, which all went up in smoke when I started feeling the effects of pregnancy.
I really don't like not having the energy to take care of my household and family. To be honest, the only thing keeping me from feeling like a failure and falling into the depths of despair is my husband.
He says things like, "Why don't you go take a nap?" instead of, "Why aren't there any clean towels anywhere in the house?" He brings me a glass of water every morning before he leaves for work so I can take my nausea meds and go back to sleep for another hour or so instead of suggesting I need to get up and get something done. He is happy with Chick Fila for dinner when I should have made the lasagna I had planned.
I know this will pass. I've been promised I'll feel better on week 14, but that's not until the end of April, and BFF Jen never did get that luxury. I'm hoping to gradually start doing a little more on days when I feel better so I don't feel so guilty on days when I can't hardly move (like today!).
When we first started talking about me leaving my job it was the first of the year. I resigned at the end of January, and we found out we were pregnant three weeks later. I spent nearly two months coming up with schedules and plans and meals I wanted to make. I developed a whole lot of expectations for myself, which all went up in smoke when I started feeling the effects of pregnancy.
I really don't like not having the energy to take care of my household and family. To be honest, the only thing keeping me from feeling like a failure and falling into the depths of despair is my husband.
He says things like, "Why don't you go take a nap?" instead of, "Why aren't there any clean towels anywhere in the house?" He brings me a glass of water every morning before he leaves for work so I can take my nausea meds and go back to sleep for another hour or so instead of suggesting I need to get up and get something done. He is happy with Chick Fila for dinner when I should have made the lasagna I had planned.
I know this will pass. I've been promised I'll feel better on week 14, but that's not until the end of April, and BFF Jen never did get that luxury. I'm hoping to gradually start doing a little more on days when I feel better so I don't feel so guilty on days when I can't hardly move (like today!).
Movie Night - Updated
Last night turned out into movie night, mostly due to a lack of anything decent to watch on TV.
We started out with Fireproof. I'd been warned about the fairly bad acting in parts and high cheese factor, so I was prepared for that. That aside, it had a good message and I was glad we watched it.
Next we watched Twilight. I can't say that it was the worst movie ever* but I will call it one of the worst movies that made a big pile of money at the box office and that people had actually suggested was good. It wasn't. I'd read the books. I thought the first had more potential than the rest and the series got kinda ridiculous from there. To know they ruined the better book that much makes me afraid of what they might do with the rest. Not only could they not afford good (or attractive) actors, apparently they couldn't afford hair dressers. Or a screenplay writer. They cut the story to pieces so bad that it wasn't even coherent. That's a couple of hours of my life I will never get back. I'm glad we didn't pay for it.
Finally, to redeem the night, Greg wanted to see how how the Blu Ray version of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix looked. That quick preview meant we watched half the movie (we've both read the book and saw the movie in the theater, so it's not new) before we had to go to bed. Hopefully we can finish it up tomorrow, since tonight is Greg's bowling night. Hopefully it will erase the memory of Twilight!
*I have been repeated informed by my husband that the Worst Movie Ever is The Rage**, and no other movie can top it. I've never seen The Rage, but I have accepted his edict out of fear that if I argue, he'll force me to watch it to prove his point.
**Except I was just informed that I had it wrong. Regardless of the fact that every time he talks about it he say, "It's the raaaage!" Greg is now telling me that the movie is actually 28 Days Later, and that I really have to watch it now. Dang it.
We started out with Fireproof. I'd been warned about the fairly bad acting in parts and high cheese factor, so I was prepared for that. That aside, it had a good message and I was glad we watched it.
Next we watched Twilight. I can't say that it was the worst movie ever* but I will call it one of the worst movies that made a big pile of money at the box office and that people had actually suggested was good. It wasn't. I'd read the books. I thought the first had more potential than the rest and the series got kinda ridiculous from there. To know they ruined the better book that much makes me afraid of what they might do with the rest. Not only could they not afford good (or attractive) actors, apparently they couldn't afford hair dressers. Or a screenplay writer. They cut the story to pieces so bad that it wasn't even coherent. That's a couple of hours of my life I will never get back. I'm glad we didn't pay for it.
Finally, to redeem the night, Greg wanted to see how how the Blu Ray version of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix looked. That quick preview meant we watched half the movie (we've both read the book and saw the movie in the theater, so it's not new) before we had to go to bed. Hopefully we can finish it up tomorrow, since tonight is Greg's bowling night. Hopefully it will erase the memory of Twilight!
*I have been repeated informed by my husband that the Worst Movie Ever is The Rage**, and no other movie can top it. I've never seen The Rage, but I have accepted his edict out of fear that if I argue, he'll force me to watch it to prove his point.
**Except I was just informed that I had it wrong. Regardless of the fact that every time he talks about it he say, "It's the raaaage!" Greg is now telling me that the movie is actually 28 Days Later, and that I really have to watch it now. Dang it.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Now What?
I haven't had my nap today, and to be honest I'm not tired now. It's 9PM! I should be comatose! Weird.
Anyway, spent the weekend with Momma-n-'em. I managed to be awake for part of the day on Saturday, including some quality time with Grandma. We were hanging out on her front porch trying to coerce her wild (literally) kitten out from under the house and lamenting the fact that the baby cows were at the fence AGAIN and I'd forgotten my camera AGAIN. In the middle of the party Grandma got all excited, went into the house, and came out with $50 which she handed to me and told me to buy something we needed for the baby. I love Grandma. And as much I didn't want to take her money, I couldn't bear to insult her by giving it back, so I put it away and thanked her. I couldn't tell her that I wasn't buying anything at this point, I'll just save it and buy something with it later. I did go ahead and buy one $5 toy while at Walmart later that afternoon, so if she asked I could tell her I had bought something.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch in Clinton, my car was doing it's impersonation of a rock in my driveway. It died again on Thursday. I was too irritated to call the shop to tow it back in, which turned out to be a good reaction. This morning Dad and my brother made the trip to Clinton and replaced the alternator. Let's all keep our fingers crossed that this solves the problem for good.
I just spent four days watching basketball. There is no more basketball until Thursday. What do I do now? There are no games, no bracket picks, no opportunity to get ahead of Benji, with whom I am currently tied. I don't understand. Three days. What do I do?
Anyway, spent the weekend with Momma-n-'em. I managed to be awake for part of the day on Saturday, including some quality time with Grandma. We were hanging out on her front porch trying to coerce her wild (literally) kitten out from under the house and lamenting the fact that the baby cows were at the fence AGAIN and I'd forgotten my camera AGAIN. In the middle of the party Grandma got all excited, went into the house, and came out with $50 which she handed to me and told me to buy something we needed for the baby. I love Grandma. And as much I didn't want to take her money, I couldn't bear to insult her by giving it back, so I put it away and thanked her. I couldn't tell her that I wasn't buying anything at this point, I'll just save it and buy something with it later. I did go ahead and buy one $5 toy while at Walmart later that afternoon, so if she asked I could tell her I had bought something.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch in Clinton, my car was doing it's impersonation of a rock in my driveway. It died again on Thursday. I was too irritated to call the shop to tow it back in, which turned out to be a good reaction. This morning Dad and my brother made the trip to Clinton and replaced the alternator. Let's all keep our fingers crossed that this solves the problem for good.
I just spent four days watching basketball. There is no more basketball until Thursday. What do I do now? There are no games, no bracket picks, no opportunity to get ahead of Benji, with whom I am currently tied. I don't understand. Three days. What do I do?
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Jennifer Made Me Cry.
Last night I couldn't sleep. This isn't unusual, I've only gotten a good night's sleep one of the past five nights. But last night I had something on my mind. Hot ham and cheese sandwiches. Not just any hot ham and cheese, the ones I used to survive on at Seymour's Grill when I was in college at USM. I don't exaggerate when I say I ate one at least 3-4 times a week for a few years. They were scrumptious. I've never had another hot ham and cheese sandwich that even came close. I'm drooling just thinking about it.
So last night I was thinking about a hot ham and cheese. I was contemplating what excuse I could come up with to drive through Hattiesburg and see if Seymour's still exists, and if they still serve a HHC. It's been 11 years...
So I mention this to BFF Jen today, who lived through some of those hot ham and cheeses with me, and she says, "You wouldn't even recognize the place now, and I don't remember seeing a HHC on the menu when we were there last fall..."
GASP!
I'm not kidding people, I teared up a little. I was crushed. BFF Jen laughed at me. Laughed. LOL'd, even. Sigh. All I want is one of those tasty sandwiches. And I've been denied. Next thing you know she'll tell me they changed the sausage dogs at Pete Taylor Park and the Commons doesn't serve those crunchy burritos with the fake cheese in the Mexican line every other Friday. I'm going to go curl up in a ball and cry now.
So last night I was thinking about a hot ham and cheese. I was contemplating what excuse I could come up with to drive through Hattiesburg and see if Seymour's still exists, and if they still serve a HHC. It's been 11 years...
So I mention this to BFF Jen today, who lived through some of those hot ham and cheeses with me, and she says, "You wouldn't even recognize the place now, and I don't remember seeing a HHC on the menu when we were there last fall..."
GASP!
I'm not kidding people, I teared up a little. I was crushed. BFF Jen laughed at me. Laughed. LOL'd, even. Sigh. All I want is one of those tasty sandwiches. And I've been denied. Next thing you know she'll tell me they changed the sausage dogs at Pete Taylor Park and the Commons doesn't serve those crunchy burritos with the fake cheese in the Mexican line every other Friday. I'm going to go curl up in a ball and cry now.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Cartwheels
I talked to BFF Lauren earlier today and got a sweet offer:
Baby stuff. Lots of it. Crib, stroller system with car seat, bouncy, exersaucer, high chair... The expensive stuff that I was dreading having to buy!
Now we just have to figure out the best way to haul it all home before we go visit this summer. I don't think it'll all fit in the Camry!
Baby stuff. Lots of it. Crib, stroller system with car seat, bouncy, exersaucer, high chair... The expensive stuff that I was dreading having to buy!
Now we just have to figure out the best way to haul it all home before we go visit this summer. I don't think it'll all fit in the Camry!
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Other Duties As Assigned?
The space shuttle Discovery is scheduled to lift off Sunday at approximately 6:30pm CDT for yet another trip to the ISS. If I can remember I hope to watch it on the NASA channel. Now, you all know how I'm a little freak about the space shuttle, so I know you're not surprised to hear me say that. However, from a CNN article about this trip, here's one of many reasons why I'm so very glad I'm not an astronaut:
"The shuttle also will carry a replacement for a failed unit in a system that converts urine to drinkable water, NASA said."
I can't even tell you how much I wouldn't want to be the guy that figured out it was broken.
"The shuttle also will carry a replacement for a failed unit in a system that converts urine to drinkable water, NASA said."
I can't even tell you how much I wouldn't want to be the guy that figured out it was broken.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Things Not To Say to the Pregnant Lady
He knew this was coming, I just haven't had time to sit down and post it until now.
A conversation with Greg from Thursday night*:
*No husbands were harmed during this exchange. Mostly because I figured he was half right, and it's not like I wouldn't benefit from a little balancing in the rear anyway!
A conversation with Greg from Thursday night*:
Me: Why is my butt sore???
Greg: Maybe it's growing.
Me: (Stares at him.)
Greg: You know, like when you said your boobs hurt and they were growing.
Me: (Stares at him.)
Greg: Or perhaps you spent several hours sitting in those really uncomfortable chairs at the bowling alley tonight?
Me: You could have started out with that one.
Greg: Yeah, but I didn't...
*No husbands were harmed during this exchange. Mostly because I figured he was half right, and it's not like I wouldn't benefit from a little balancing in the rear anyway!
Friends
I just reached a very sad conclusion. I can remember more of my friends from high school than college. For most of my high school friends I can remember their first names but not so much their last. For people I knew in college, I can barely remember how I knew people, but not their names. I may remember that this person was in the honors college with me and we had a certain class together, or that so-and-so worked as an RA in Bolton with with me, but no clue as to names. And no, I didn't drink much during college!
This revelation is sponsored by Facebook, where I'd Friend more people from my past if I could only remember who they were.
This revelation is sponsored by Facebook, where I'd Friend more people from my past if I could only remember who they were.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Plans
I don't think being at home is going to work out quite the way I'd planned it.
I spent the last month at my job contemplating all the things I was going to do when I was finally home. All the house cleaning, the organizing, the meals I could cook...
Granted, at the time I didn't know that I was pregnant, or how being pregnant would effect me. I'm tired. Most of you know what I mean when I say that, you've been there. I may start out with a list of ten things I want to get done in a day and accomplish three. And I don't mean big projects, I mean getting the laundry in the washer. I think the Zofran will help a good bit. I'm nowhere near as sick as I have been for two weeks, but I also know that not taking my ADD meds makes it ten times as hard even without the pregnancy changes. However, I've already accomplished one task today that should count as three tasks, so I'm counting that as a victory.
I'm hoping to get into a schedule and figure out my realistic limits but it's going to take a little time. I know that. And I'm okay with it. I'm incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to focus on resting and taking care of myself instead of having to try to navigate the latest office crisis.
I spent the last month at my job contemplating all the things I was going to do when I was finally home. All the house cleaning, the organizing, the meals I could cook...
Granted, at the time I didn't know that I was pregnant, or how being pregnant would effect me. I'm tired. Most of you know what I mean when I say that, you've been there. I may start out with a list of ten things I want to get done in a day and accomplish three. And I don't mean big projects, I mean getting the laundry in the washer. I think the Zofran will help a good bit. I'm nowhere near as sick as I have been for two weeks, but I also know that not taking my ADD meds makes it ten times as hard even without the pregnancy changes. However, I've already accomplished one task today that should count as three tasks, so I'm counting that as a victory.
I'm hoping to get into a schedule and figure out my realistic limits but it's going to take a little time. I know that. And I'm okay with it. I'm incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to focus on resting and taking care of myself instead of having to try to navigate the latest office crisis.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
It's A Blob!
I ADORE my doctor. Ok, I adore her willingness to give me Zofran. My world is a much happier place at this moment.
Greg took one look at the sonogram and declared the baby to be The Blob. Clucky is calling the baby Tater Tot. I like it. And yes, the head count stands at one.
That said, Tater Tot is scheduled to make an appearance on approximately November 1. My brother is not pleased the possibility of encroachment on his Nov 7 birthday and told me I would have to put it off until mid-December.
Ummm, no.
So now a word of warning. Yes, I'm knocked up. Which means that on occasion I will find it necessary to discuss pregnancy related things here. For all you male-types, just be aware that it may happen and you may need to make a quick exit from time to time. I'll try to give you a TMI alert, but no promises. These incidents could include statements like, "Seriously, my boobs have grown more in the last two weeks than they have in the past 20 years!" but I'll try to avoid words like trans-vaginal sonogram if I can help it.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Deep Breaths. I Can Do It...
Wednesday is going to be a big day. I'm going back to my former job to spend the morning doing some fly-by training with my replacement. I think it says a lot for the people I worked with that they asked me to do it (and are paying me for my time, by the way) and that I'm willing to do it. Clearly, I did not work for Benefits, who, by the way, just started processing my insurance today and won't get it to BCBS until Friday, then 3-4 weeks to process with them. Thanks guys. Really. Anyway, after that I have a doctor's appointment at 1:20, so I'll be putting in a full day. This is much harder for me than it would have been two weeks ago, as I haven't gone more than about 3 hours without feeling seriously nauseous in the past week and a half.
For the few of you who aren't already aware, yes, that's why I'm going to the doctor. We suspect I have a sort of parasite, the kind that'll cure itself with another 7 1/2 months and a few hours of labor. That's as far as I'm going until I see proof on the sonogram tomorrow! My other hope is for good drugs. Very good drugs. At least enough where I can stand up without feeling queasy.
That's if I get through the morning...
For the few of you who aren't already aware, yes, that's why I'm going to the doctor. We suspect I have a sort of parasite, the kind that'll cure itself with another 7 1/2 months and a few hours of labor. That's as far as I'm going until I see proof on the sonogram tomorrow! My other hope is for good drugs. Very good drugs. At least enough where I can stand up without feeling queasy.
That's if I get through the morning...
Monday, March 9, 2009
Just For Stacey
Just because I know how much Stacey LOVES the billing department at UMMC, I thought I'd share some fun regarding the benefits office.
Apparently, despite doing all of the necessary paperwork on the day I left my job, I have no health insurance. BCBS doesn't even have the application to put me on Greg's insurance, and the lady in the benefits office that we gave the info to was MIA today. Did I mention that I have a rather extensive doctor's appointment on Wednesday, and no way for them to file it? Even if they get the application today, it takes 5-8 days to process it.
I'm looking forward to busting up in the office, where I have been a patient for ten years, and telling them that I'm uninsured, but should be reinsured eventually. Just sit on those charges for a while, maybe wait and file them next month...
Apparently, despite doing all of the necessary paperwork on the day I left my job, I have no health insurance. BCBS doesn't even have the application to put me on Greg's insurance, and the lady in the benefits office that we gave the info to was MIA today. Did I mention that I have a rather extensive doctor's appointment on Wednesday, and no way for them to file it? Even if they get the application today, it takes 5-8 days to process it.
I'm looking forward to busting up in the office, where I have been a patient for ten years, and telling them that I'm uninsured, but should be reinsured eventually. Just sit on those charges for a while, maybe wait and file them next month...
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Help?
On behalf of an anonymous yet obvious BFF, I request the assistance of all of you who have had dealings with infants:
How do you make the screaming stop when the gas drops haven't helped much and the gassy colicky fussing just won't end?
How do you make the screaming stop when the gas drops haven't helped much and the gassy colicky fussing just won't end?
Friday, March 6, 2009
So Happy to Be Home
I don't think I've ever been happier to be home. Geezum peetes, what a long week. It wasn't the best trip ever. Between the cold, the crowd, and the ickies I've had since Monday, we spent more time in our room than in the parks. But there were a few highlights. Eating at Boma (Animal Kingdom Lodge) was probably the best overall meal I've had at Disney. Thank goodness we went the first night, because other than Yak & Yeti that was the only restaurant reservation we made it to. I was quite sad about that, as eating well is one of the main reasons we go to Disney, but once I started getting sick it just wasn't going to happen. The same goes for many of the rides we wanted to do, but we did get several turns at Toy Story Midway Mania, which is our favorite. I did not get to get on Peter Pan's Flight, however, which made me sad. Frankly, I was afraid to go back to Magic Kingdom. It was down right scary with people the one and only time we ventured over there. I couldn't deal. But at least we got a lot of rest! That said, there were a couple of other highlights:
The Tater family was staying at our resort:
And the Shamu plane was parked next to our gate when we arrived. I hate that I couldn't get a better picture, with the front and all, but because of where it was parked I couldn't get a better profile. I really really really wanted to fly on the Shamu plane. Maybe one day!
The Tater family was staying at our resort:
And the Shamu plane was parked next to our gate when we arrived. I hate that I couldn't get a better picture, with the front and all, but because of where it was parked I couldn't get a better profile. I really really really wanted to fly on the Shamu plane. Maybe one day!
Before I Get to My Trip...
First of all, the phone reception wasn't great at Disney, so the other two posts I emailed never made it through. Sorry. We didn't pay the $10 a day for InterWeb access.
Next, a little back tracking. When got home from work Friday we were greeted by this view in our front yard:
Next, a little back tracking. When got home from work Friday we were greeted by this view in our front yard:
Yep, the tree guys came back and piled up the other half of the dead tree in our front yard. And yes, that's Greg in the middle. I'm happy to say that when we got home today, one week later, the mess was gone. I'm sure Greg has 18 voice mail messages from the guy wanting to get paid. Now ask me if he put my fence back up. No, better yet, don't. I don't need the raised blood pressure.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
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