Aya

9 and 10 months

2010-10-01T20:36:00.007-05:00

Since I had staff training and other busy weeks I had to put two months together. I am guity for not updating this blog, since Facebook seems to be the easiest for uploading.

Even more milestones now. You have begun to move your army crawl into a speedier normal baby crawl. You have also begin to pull yourself up. Which means that in the crib, we have reset it to the low setting and now in the morning you stand and chew on the side rail of it. You also have the BIGGEST smiles in the morning. You are always so happy to see us when we wake up to your little cries (not a cry, but more of an alert that you are awake).

You have also started saying Mamamamamamam. Which is amazing to hear. Melts my heart. You also do babababa and we are doing our best to teach you dadada

We now have a healthy appreciation to clean floors and locks on all drawers and cupboards. you LOVE to pull open things and close them, over and over again. You also love your books, and you like me to say "open!" and "Closed!" when you open and close them on me. I can never get through a story!

8 Months

2010-10-01T20:27:00.007-05:00

SO MANY NEW THINGS!

This month has a crazy amount of milestones.

You are army crawling to get wherever you want - that has been a change! You are still slow and easy to grab. We picked up everything off the floor and now have a floor of toys - I have a feeling that will be the norm from now on.

You also explore EVERYthing. It is so exciting to see the way you see - to be so interested in a little tiny piece of leaf - to spend a long time feeling it in your hand, crunching it, peering at it, smooshing it onto the floor and then to try and eat it. Hilarious!

You are also starting to try baby food. It is a slow transition, as you seem to not like meats. But, you like the fruits and oatmeals. You kind of look at us like we are crazy to be putting a spoonful of food in your mouth, but you seem to be enjoying it.

7 Months

2010-10-01T20:16:00.005-05:00

Dear Landyn,

I realize that I have been slacking and did not get your pictures and story up for the last few months. I will do my best to go over everything here.

You are still on formula and am watching us very closely. You love to be on the floor and play with your toys and to hear your giggle when we play peek a boo. You also got a new cousin recently and am no longer the baby on your daddy's side. Still the only boy, however.

29 Weeks (6 months)

2010-05-31T18:41:00.005-05:00

on 5/11/10, you had your 6 month check up.

18 pounds and 4 ounces, 28.5 inches high.

This month has had a lot of milestones. You are now eating a good amount of baby food. You will sit with us at the dinner table or in your high chair and get fed a good couple tablespoons of what we have for the day: squash (meh), banana (YUM), peaches (gah), prunes (NUM), etc. You've also been given some smooshy banan, strawberry and watermelon into your little food dispenser that has the netting that makes it so you just suck the juices out of the fruit. You didn't particularly like the strawberry since it was sour. However, you lived on watermelon at Grandma Ks.

You are getting onto your stomach pretty readily. For weeks now I have been fighting you at night about how you wwant to sleep, and now that I've done some research and read a bunch, it seems I need to stop worrying when you decide you're going to sleep on your tummy. As long as I inititally put you on your back, I am doing my parenting duty :) Maybe now I can get a little more sleep - instead of waking every hour to make sure you haven't flipped over. You are also now sitting up, a preferred method of playing with your toys. We still need to support you at times, but you can keep yourself up for a long time. We took out the blocks today and you had a fine time pushing the block towers over. I think we found another fun pasttime.

Your giggling is wonderful - playing peek a boo and 'where's Landyn with a blanket. You have a lot of fun when we toss a blanket on you and then pull it off to say 'boo'.

We also took you to the beach up North for the first time. I was worried, so we put you into the shallow end, but you just bent down and dug your little fingers right into that sand and started trying to eat it. I had to put your pacifier in to make sure you didn't end up eating a mud pie. I ended up planting myself into the water as well to hold onto you, since you wanted to splash in the water. We eventually brought you into the deep end to rinse the dirt off, but you completely went wild with excitement when we had you floating. So, I would play/pretend to toss you in the air and have you splash right into the water. You had way too much fun - daddy's son all right, he loves water too. Finally, when I saw your little chin quivering from cold even with a big gummy grin, we brought you into the beach to dry off and go for a walk with Gramma K. When we got into the car to head home, you fell asleep with a toy halfway to your mouth - the minute you were put into your car seat.

We also visited with lots of family this weekend and saw babies - your cousin and my cousins baby. You smiled at a lot of people and barely cried when you got overwhelmed. At one point Daddy had to bring you into a back room and lay down with you so you'd nap - you had too many people smiling at you to go to sleep.

I have also been playing some rousing games of 'pick up'. You are starting to enjoy dropping toys and looking down at them to see where they go. Then, I go get it and we start all over. I don't mind, I find it funny as well. Books have also become a favorite of yours, especially the ones with mirrors in them.

20 Weeks (5 months)

2010-03-29T22:47:00.003-05:00

Your last checkup was March 11th and you were/are 16lbs 1oz and 27 1/4" long. You had to get your shots once again and you were not happy! You turn a very deep red color when you are in pain or crying so hard. But, it only took a few minutes of snuggling to calm down. I kept you with me the rest of the day and spoiled you.

I turned 31 and you turned 5 months. 31 feels young yet - not too shabby.

A few milestones have happened. You laugh a lot more. You are very ticklish under your chin and I take advantage of that constantly. You also love to be held above me and then brought down to my face for smooches. You giggle and drool all over me when we do that.

I am sad to say that you have never gotten rid of your snarfley nose. I am going to ask at the next appointment if you have allergies. You have no fever, have fun, and seem perfectly healthy, besides that. And of course the skin - red patches and itchy spots. We are constantly trying to find ways to help those not be itchy - as you are constantly scratching at yourself and making gouge once in a while if I don't get your nails cut quick enough (tip for other parents, do it when they are asleep or occupied eating from a bottle as someone else feeds them).

You have also had your first tastes of baby food. We started with a bit of apple sauce and you seemed to make the funniest 'yuck' face - I think it tasted sour. Yet, you would want more and got frustrated when we weren't feeding fast enough and would go to the bottle right away. We then tried peas and IO have to say, Daddy is hilarious. He feels that the more on the spoon, the better. He feels that you eat more if you get bigger spoonfuls and to just wipe it from your chin and into your mouth. Me, I take tiny little helpings and wipe the spoon upwards into your mouth when you have your mouth wide and then watch you smack it. Too dainty for Daddy! But, his way just makes a hhuuuuuuuggggge mess.

Also, you have been working VERY hard at flipping over. You get your whole body contorted. The day you flipped was when myself, Daddy and Jeremy were on the floor playing with you, we got distracted talking and were not watching you, when "foomp" you were on your belly. None of us saw it! You were able to put your arms above your head, your back of head almost touching your spine and your hips totally twisted so that you could just be nucged slightly and you would land on your tummy. You do this now, all the time and I keep waiting for your next flip - to no avail. Of course, the daycare ladies say you've done it at their place!

You are also finding a way to move yourself by laying on your back and using your top part of the back and your legs to push up over and over to where you want to go. Slow, but effective. Kind of like an inchworm on their back.

You have also found different sounds with your voice. You warble and coo and do all sorts of cute gurgly and squealy sounds. I love the way you practice your B's by blowing out and your lips all pursed. Few days now you've been working on "mmm". Also, we learned the "Where is thumbkin" song - I have to admit I looked it up on youtube so I knew what to do!

You have also found an affinity for standing and looking around - those curious eyes just flash all over and you can't look in any one direction for more than a second before you have to look the other way.

16 Weeks (4 Months)

2010-03-06T17:00:00.003-06:00

Dear Landyn,

Your 4th Month is here. You have grown SO much and are active in many exciting ways.

Your First Laugh: I had an accident when you were at daycare. I was going to boil some water for my maltomeal breakfast and so I turned on the stove to high and then sat down at the kitchen table. My back was to the stove and I remember thinking there was a slight burn smell, but figured something was left over on the burner. Suddenly there was this loud 'BAM" and shattering and my back was smacked with little bits of something. Let's just say I jumped out of my chair and stared at the stove in disbelief. I had left a large glass cake pan from last night on top of the stove and apparently I had turned on the burner under that glass pan. It shattered all over the kitchen.

It took me a good 45 minutes to initially clean and knew I probably needed a vacuum. So, when we all got back from work, Daddy went for our old 1970s vacuum in the basement and brought it up. I picked you up and held you, figuring you'd be scared to death from the loud noise. We hovered near dad and when that vacuum started up, you lit up. You watched as Dad vacuumed with the attachment hose, this REAL loud machine sounds - and you laughed! I could feel it in your tummy, see it on your face and if I leaned my ear right at your mouth, I could just barely hear it. Your first laugh and I couldn't even hear it!

Since then, we have been able to get you to laugh. Usually it's a little guffaw "eh hhhehhhhh", sometimes a little belly laugh. Makes my day!

Every morning is a great morning, I wake up, Daddy's getting ready for work and I sneak int your room to get you up. Either you are already awake and looking around smiling or I have to get you to wake up. I usually pet your face and hold your hand, snuggling you awake and those gummy grins just make me have a good day everytime.

You are good at keeping your head up and are now looking around you with interest. You are constantly moving your head around to check out what the other side of the room looks like. Sometimes I wonder if your going to get whiplash, trying to see everything at once. Once Daddy enters the room, you search him right out.

Your favorite toy is now this little blanket that has a teddy bear attached to it. This toy is easy for you to grab and snuggle, making it your favorite drool fest time. Those little fists can keep a hold of it and bring the blanket to your mouth and you've gummed the teddy, the arms, the blanket, everything.

You have also grown out of all the Newborn - 4 month clothes. We have had to put you into the 6 month jammies - you are soooo long! Next week is your checkup at the doctors and I will post your updated vitals then.

You are still in daycare Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and some of Friday (I get you early when I can). Tuesdays, you are still at your Aunt's house with your 2 twin cousins and grandma. You all 3 keep her hopping, that is for sure.

You are also mostly on formula since aout 2 weeks ago. I couldn't keep up with you and now that I relaxed, I have found that I don't produce as much anymore. So, formula with single grain rice is your main diet. You seem happy - especially with Enfamil - the other types were bad on your tummy. I believe Enfamil will be what we do from now on (of course, that is a more expensive brand gah)

I just went to the livingroom and saw that you had moved yourself from the middle of your playmat to outside of it and in a corner. Good job! Daddy says he thinks your crabcrawling on your back. hehe

13 weeks (3 Months)

2010-02-06T11:06:00.007-06:00

Dear Landyn,

A lot has happened in the last month.

You got your first cold. You sniffled for quite a while, startig on Tuesday and then on Wednesday at Daycare you threw up this slimey yellow stuff. When you would cough, you'd stop breathing in the act of choking it out and this constant choking was starting to scare me. However, we were planning a trip to Fargo to visit family and to let your dad take his tests for his Apple courses. You didn't seem to be too bad off, sniffly and coughing a bit on Thursday. When we got to Fargo, we stopped at McDopnalds to get you fed, warmed up a bottle and had you eat. But after you ate, i turned you on my shoulder to burp you and every single ounce of that bottle came forcefully out all over McDonald's floor. We made it a few minutes later to Alans and when I took you out of your seat, your eyes were red-rimmed and your breathing just seemed hard. So, we stayed at Alan's for about 10 minutes and then Alan came with your dad and I to the walk-in-clinic.

We described all the problems and the doctor ordered an x-ray because of my description of the coughing and breathing. The technician asked who'd want to hold you during the XRays and I asked Daddy to do it, since I was so nervous. I walked out, watching Dad put on the xray vest and you getting stripped down. You started crying very loudly and kept it up for what felt like forever for me, but was probably only 10 minutes. I was on the other side of the door pacing back and forth, doing my best not to claw my way back into the room. when the door opened, I went straight to you and Dad and snuggled you until you just had those sad little moans. Apparently Dad had to hold your arms up as you straddled a bike-like seat and were surrounded by a plastic like tube with a hile for your head - kept you still as possible I spose.

10-15 minutes later, waiting in the family room, the doctor came and got us and told us that you had pneumonia in your upper leeft and lower right lung. I almost started to cry, but wanted to stay alert enough to know what was happening next. She wrote down what room they set up for us in the hospital and said she'd get you admitted right away.

We got to the children's hospital ward and it was beautifully painted with cute trees and other murals. Your room was a single and they put a bunch of wires attached to you to watch your breathing, heartbeat, oxygen levels, etc. They did some blood tests as well and came back quickly to tell us that you had RSV. They then said that they'd watch you very carefully overnight and possibly another.

Daddy went to get me food (McDonalds, cold.... gah) and when he got back, they came in with the large shot of antibiotics and that made you cry for quite a bit. It was a large needle and had to stay in you longer than any other shots you've had. I stayed the night while Daddy went to Alans in order to take his tests. I ended up having to re-blow up the airmattress because it had quite a large hole in it. And the nurse did bring in one of those fold down chairs, but it was as hard as the floor. But, We both tried our best to sleep. Grandma Lindahl showed that morning and helkd you quite a bit and we all waited for any results. The Doctors came and went along with nurses and said you were a healthy sick kid and that your monitoring showed that you wuld be fine, but needed to stay away from daycare for about a week.

Daryk finished his tests earlier that day and came back to get us discharged and we all got into the car and headed straight home (a large icestorm was coming through and we beat it!). We were all exhausted but happy to be home to snuggle and take care of each other.

We spent Monday - Thursday together, I got your cold and just recently got over it. Daddy got it also, but not as bad. You are perfectly fine now and no sniffling. SO happy to have the first sickness down, just wish it hadn't been a hospital type.

Last weekend we had a "Meet Landyn" party at Waskish. A lot of family and friends came to say hello and you looked adorable in your little sweater vest.

This week has been great. You've gone to daycare no problem, you've cooed and talked, you love watching the little kids and htye love to bring you toys and talk to you - so I know daycare has been fun for you.

A new development has been involving the TV. It seems you DO like to watch TV already. /sigh. I suppose that goes witht he fact that our TV takes up a whole wall of the apartment. Also, that he livingroom is the heart of our home. So, I took some pictures today because I purposely set you up next to Daddy to see the resemblance (otherwise I try and keep you from watching TV as much as possible - I'd rather you learn to talk with a real person).

Month 2 Doctors Visit (9 weeks)

2010-01-11T16:03:00.003-06:00

Landyn,

Today was a few firsts.

This morining was your first day at the daycare. I have dreaded this day, thinking up horrific things that could go wrong or make you not succeed as well as other children. Yet, I know I need to go back to work and I did get 9 weeks with you, where other mothers may only get a month or less.

The daycare is fine, it's an old house, but I felt confident in the older woman who was there today, she picked you right up and kept you close. She listened to all my wierd concerns and read my note I had made with things I felt *had* to be known in order to take care of you. I am a bit of a worry wart, but I love you so much, that It just hurts to think someone else is going to get all those wonderful moments and I will miss them. Dad says that I moaned in my sleep all last night, and I do believe him, I was anxious all weekend.

After I picked you up at noon, you, me, and your father went to QDoba, saw some of my cowrokers there and Lisa E. We then dropped Daddy back off at work and we went to the clinic for your 2 month visit. Here are your latest vitals:

1/11/10
Age: 2 months
weight: 12lbs 13
Height: 24 1/2"
Head Circumference 16 1/4"

You have been growing well!

You did get your shots today and I am SO sorry. The nurse was very quick and tried to make it better for you, 2 in one leg and another in the other side. The first needle, you looked surprised, but as soon as that second needle went in, you little face scrunched right up and you cried something fierce. I could tell that was a different cry - could tell that it was pain =(
I picked you right up and held you until you just sniffled and looked at me all sad.

Uh, Daddy is home, time for family snuggles.

Love, Mama

8 Weeks

2010-01-04T17:23:00.005-06:00

Dear Landyn.

A week ago, you began to smile at me when I played with you. Now, you smile at me when I talk and come up to you after a nap. Everytime you smile, my whole mind goes to mush and suddenly I am babbling nonsensical words and loving every minute of it. I have hear 2 giggles, 5 little 'coooooo's and a bunch of "aaahhhh".

You have also started crying when I pull the bottle away when you are done with it. I distract you pretty well by putting you on your stomach on my shoulder to burp you. I have tried letting you have more when you cry like that and all you do is spit it right back up onto me.

Otherwise, you don't cry unless your hungry. And those are broken little cries. nothing too drastic, unless I have picked you up and am taking more than 2 minutes to warm up your bottle in the hot water. I have to stop smooching your cheeck and saying 'num nums' until AFTER I get the bottle ready - mommy learns everyday not to tease the baby.

Naps are good, I get a good 3-4 hours at a time to clean or do other chores. At night, you can sleep from 9pm until 6am once in a while. Otherwise, I am up around 4 or 6. You definitely have my sleeping gene.

You also got a lot of presents for Christmas. You got a swing, a banana outfit, a new pack and play, books, etc. The holidays have been great! Even though it was hard for me to keep up with your demand for breastmilk – since we traveled an awful lot. But, we made it!

Tomorrow will be your first time with Grandma Kay at Krystal’s house. I work all day and so does Daddy (he prefers keeping his name offline =P) So, I will get up extra early to get you fed, clothed, packed and on our way – it’s a good 20 min drive there and 20 mins back. I have a meeting to go to at 9am, so I have to make sure I make that.

You’ve grown a lot! I’d say you are at 24 inches or more now. A few of your cuter baby clothes have to be retired. Makes me sad, but I know I’ll find lots of other clothes that are cute. Besides, you already wear size 3 months at 2 months. None of the baby socks ever really fit you, but they stay on.

Daycare starts next Monday. You go in the morning, but then I get you after lunch since you have a Doctors appointment. I worry a lot and I think this worrying will be the end of me, until I get used to the fact that I won’t have you near me 24 hours a day.

A fascinating fact lately is that you have been working on sleeping on your side lately. I will place you on your back, hear you grunting and making noises, but nothing worrisome, then come back and find you in this position. You look so peaceful and comfortable. Within and hour you are back on your back - I believe because of lack of control and gravity, so I don't worry about it too much. You are also a fan of your pacifier, but not terribly so. Only when you are tired. Sometimes you refuse it and just don't care, other times you go rooting for it, crying if you don't get it in time. Really cute that you don't have control over your arms and you accidentally pull it out and go crazy trying to find it again. It's a game we play these days, 'where'd it go?!?'

Diapering is still a constant in our present life. I still favor Pampers over ANY of the others. They are stretchy, soft and keep everything where it should stay. Luvs are small and not stretchy at all – awful. Huggies are better than Luvs they give a bit more, but not soft like Pampers.

Life is still better having you in it.

Love Mama

Fun Facts for Babies

2009-12-23T13:31:00.003-06:00

Congratulations!
Your baby's birth date was
Monday, November 09, 2009
Your conception date was most likely 2/16/2009
And your baby is 44 days old!

See what's happening in Week 7 of your baby's life!

Fun Facts For Birthday 11/09/2009
Your baby's half birthday is May 10

Your baby's birthstone is Yellow Topaz (Fidelity)
Your baby's Astrological Sign is Scorpio
Your baby's Flower is Chrysanthemum or Chrysanthemum (Dark Blue, Red and Yellow)
Your baby was born in the Chinese Year of The Brown Earth Cow

Your baby will start kindergarten in 2014,

be old enough to drive a car in 2025,

finish high school in 2027,

and will graduate from college with the class of 2031, give or take a year.

Can you imagine?

This time last year you weren't even pregnant yet!

4 1/2 weeks

2009-12-10T14:04:00.005-06:00

Dear Landyn,

This month has gone so fast. The first week, your father was able to stay home with us and help get us into a routine. The second week, we had some bonding time together. We'd stare at each other for hours and I rarely put you down.

The third week was Thanksgiving. Aspen came to visit for the week and we had many visitors and places to be. You were an angel throughout. You got many compliments of your coloring (you have your father's olive skin) and they all say you've gotten your own facial features and are very distinctive. You seem to have your Dad's chin, my lips and nose, and your dad's face shape. We are still unsure of your eyes and are waiting anxiously to see what color they take on (they have blue, grey, green and hazel at the moment). When you smile, which is surely gas bubbles, your eyes turn up in crescent shapes and you are completely adorable.

This fourth week, you have found your voice more. You have been getting cranky at times when you need to go take a nap and I am slowly figuring out that I need to be the mom and *make* you go to bed and not just let you stay awake because you are fighting it. So, we have rocked, sang (many many Christmas songs), and allowed you to fuss in your crib until you finally realize that it is time for bed.

I have taken MANY pictures and am one of those doting mothers who is constantly jumping up to check your breathing, make sure your pacifier is either in or pulled away from your face (You spit it out more than keep it in your mouth), and that you are not spitting up and laying in a cold puddle of it.

Feeding time is absolutely hilarious. You get so impatient, your little right arm just waves back and forth in quick jerks and your little mouth smacks and opens/closes as you stare at me. I kiss your cheek and you pull your lips toward me, which indicates you are definitely ready! At the beginning, you were 3 ounces, then 3 1/2 for a week, and now the past week and half we have gone to 4 ounces. You seem to want more, but when we do, you spit it up all over me or Daddy. So, we will stick to 4 ounces a bit longer.

We usually feed you around 7pm, bed at 9pm, eat again at midnight, another time at 5am, then 9am, then about 1pm, 4p, etc. I am getting some bad migraines from staying up late (I have to pump for an extra 20 mins or so after you are fed and back into bed), but you make it all worhtwhile with just a smile or look.

Daddy figured out how to play with you before I did. He began tickling your sides and stomach and you will grunt and wiggle. So, I started copying that and smooching your neck and raspberries on your tummy, tickling sides and underarms. You wiggle quite a lot and make great cooing sounds. You also adore your playmat on the floor. You absolutely love the mirror on it and stare at it for quite a while. The only problem is that the floor gets chilly and I always worry about you getting too cold - I will grab you up and snuggle you a lot if I feel the breeze through the door is coming in too much. I have figured a way to get a room heater and pillows against the door to try and remedy that problem.

I only have one more month before I go back to work full time. I wish I had a few months more. I want to be with you 24 hours and see all the changes you go through - uh oh, helicopter parent alert! - but I know and understand that one of these days, you are going to want to do something on your own and I'll have to be content with evenings and weekends while you live your life. That is, until your a teenager.

We love you very much and Daddy and I are very happy these days. These holidays have been extra special because you arrived.

Many pictures

2009-11-15T19:09:00.008-06:00

One day past due date

2009-11-05T07:36:00.003-06:00

To Do List Today:

Shower
Get some money on my laundry card
wash up some laundry
Go through music to get it ready for the hospital
Play LOTS of Dragon Age: Origins /drool
Shop tonight when D gets home

0 days`

2009-11-04T10:02:00.003-06:00

OK, so I am down to my 0 Hour. Nothing seems to have changed. He still feels high and hanging onto my ribcage. TV repair guy is here working on the TV and I teased him about it.

Once the Baby Timer goes past 0, it will start going back through 1, 2, 3 and then I can track how LATE baby is.

But, nothing feels different guys, sorry!

Games and Appointments

2009-11-03T19:24:00.003-06:00

Been having a rough time at night lately. My heartburn/acid reflux really kicked in and I wake to a burning in my throat constantly. Two nights ago, I'd actually run to the bathroom, hoping I'd expel the problem, but alas no real throwing up. I'm not sick, it's more or less the food I am eating and re-learning yet again about what I can and cannot eat. It's harder now, because I am always starving!

At 10am this morning, I went with a friend to Gamestop and got DragonAge:Origins. Wonderful game! Only problem is, I was home for some of the day and got maybe 3 hours into play. D came home and was begging to play, so I let him begin his character, and of course, he has already passed mine! GRRRRR. Hence the blogging, I left the livingroom when I saw he was about to pass me up, I would rather see and play it myself :)

At 1pm today, D and I went to the clinic for my WEEK 40 checkup. Everything is fine. I am still dilated at a 1, my blood pressure went even further down and I got my H1N1 shot. That means baby will be protected as much as me. I feel good about that. D wanted his too, but there wasn't enough at the clinic yet and we have to just keep checking back for him.

I do know that Landyn has got his foot lodged into my right ribcage and is NOT letting go until he is darn well ready. So, I guess more relaxation and nesting is in my future. Unless there is a sudden change - which I haven't felt yet.

A list of suggestions

2009-10-30T12:55:00.003-05:00

Since I know quite a few people now pregnant for the first time, I figured I'd get this list down.

Palmer's Cocoa Butter for Stretch Marks - Use this once at night and morning. Start right away.
Full belly panel with stretchy fabric for jeans and pants were awesome! No pain. TRY the banded types, but I felt too much pressure under my belly when I sat and the baby hated it just as much as me.
What to Expect When You're Expecting - This was the best book ever - answered a lot of my questions about baby and myself.
Baby Bargains - This was a great book to help me figure out what I should and shouldn't be buying for baby, nursery, myself, etc. MUCH needed book before you go all crazy buying everything cute and unneeded. I think I learned a lot about safety through this venue, also.
Hospital Birth Class was immensely helpful. I felt much better afterwards and the lady who did the class was wonderful.
Start saving up diaper coupons now!
Look for great sales/clearances for furniture at Walmart, etc. We got a great changing table for $45! Originally over $150
Watch clothes on clearance in the stores and in the second hand shops - there are always some great finds! Just make sure you wash them. Same with toys.
Do your nursery before you get into weeks 30+. I liked that D and I started very early and I was able to help with a lot of the putting together and making the nursery the way I wanted.
Start a file or binder with hospital items. You're going to get stuff you will want available for when you go into labor at the hospital.
I did buy a Bola Pregnancy Chime - I couldn't help it. I liked the idea and it is fun to wear. I bought the heart.
I sustained myself on canned peaches for about 4 months - of course a few crackers thrown in and other fruits, but that was about it. Just follow what your body tells you and don't push yourself unless your doctor says to. Otherwise, I was fine and never threw up, was just nauseous all day and night long.

Week 39

2009-10-28T12:28:00.002-05:00

Just got back from my week 39 Doctors Appointment. I lost 2 lbs (more than likely this was the water weight that I had gained 4lbs earlier last week) and my blood pressure went down slightly. So, good news on that end. The resting is working. Doctor also said the pain band that I feel across my midsectiona nd around my back is probably a nerve that's being stretched when I sit down, try to get up, etc. Not to worry unless the pain is centralized in a certain spot. D came with me, so that was nice to have his support, just in case there were any problems. But, she said he measures average, the heartbeat was strong and I'm still dilated at a small 1. So, I have another appointment next week.

Been working on the baby album - enjoying the creative aspect of it. I'll post some pictures of it later when I have a chance.

Trick or Treat in the residence halls is tomorrow! =)

It's going to be a CrAzY RiDe

2009-10-25T18:03:00.008-05:00

I have been wanting to get some pictures of D and I when I had a belly, and here they are. Took them today. Remember, I only have a week and a half left until I am due.

BTW, today has been hard. Baby hasn't moved much, not like he used to, but he does move. And my stomach feels extra tight and crampy when I move at ALL. Also, the back pain is making it uncomfortable, no matter what I do.

But he is moving and I feel OK otherwise, just makes me wonder what is going on in there.

My last appointment had my blood pressure up there again. So, I am now officially on my second day of Maternity Leave. I am to relax and nest. Although, I am still thinking about work (it will be hard not to when I live where I work), but I will do my best to let them hash out anything I missed.

I also stopped by Target today and saw the cute sweater I've wanted to get for my baby boy siunce I saw it on the rack. It was on clearance and so I grabbed it :-)

And now that I take a good look at these pictures, holy cow my face IS poofy, just like my feet and hands. /sigh Ah well...

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

2009-10-24T14:45:00.004-05:00

Just picked this book up at the local bookstore. (Pic shamelessly grabbed off Amazon, check out the link!)

I will start reading it after I finish Charlaine Harris' "Ice Cold Grave" book.

I couldn't help picking this up - I kept hearing people discuss this book and laughing. So, I want to give it a try.

Baby Belly Picture as Promised

2009-09-09T20:57:00.002-05:00

A lowdown of 'lately's

2009-09-09T18:42:00.006-05:00

Well,

Pregnancy is an interesting adventure. Right now he is awake and moving about. Mostly feeling the movement, not full on jabs like I used to about 2 months ago. Now I swear I feel elbows and feet and little hands every hour. He does already dictate how I sleep - if I go to the bathroom (like about 3-4 times a night), and go back to bed, he starts poking me if I am even slightly leaning near the stomach. I think he did push my lower right rib, because that is very sore right now.

D has been getting a lot of fun out of watching my stomach bump up and down, feeling the movement and he rubs my tummy since it is obviously NOT me anymore, but baby. I did buy a Bola Pregnancy chime necklace, where it chimes gently when I walk. It doesn't chime as much as I'd thought, but then that might be a good thing - not annoying.

Nursery is close to done. I feel that later when I am in the need to nest, I'll have *something* to do - organize clothes sizes and put up toys and such.

I now have doctor appointments every other week. So far no new ultrasounds, but that's ok. I was told that I have only gained 4 pounds and normally women have gained about 20 by now. So, I lost some weight - since the doctor says the baby is quite healthy - he just eats everything and leaves me nothing. Although, I am always starving now. Wonder if that will change.

The residence halls are open again and school is in full swing. So far my buildings and staff have been awesome and I have been having a great semester. Can't wait for fall - already looking at Halloween stuff! Love it. D is having a good time at work too, seems like life is good. Happy. =)

We did make a beanbag - it's huge!

New Pictures

2009-07-16T10:35:00.004-05:00

So far, I feel great.

We did find out last Wednesday that we are having a baby boy! I've called him a 'he' ever since he started kicking about a month ago. Now, I would swear he is rolling and kicking more than ever - making room for himself. The doctor says he is 1lb and 2 ozs, that I have been losing a little weight, but he's been gaining it. I eat! All the time, so must be OK.

He tends to kick most when I have a pair of jeans on and am sitting at a 90degree angle. He found my bladder the other day and just slammed into it, and I almost had to pee right then and there!

Our baby shower in July was wonderful. Not as many people came as I thought, but we had a good time. I'll get a picture of the updated nursery as soon as it looks decent enough - it is full at the moment and needs to be organized and 'prettified' (like Daryk says I have been doing). I say it's nesting. =)

I am still not too excited about eating any kinds of meat. Unless they are a part of a stew, or a pasta. The thought of a large piece of chicken sitting on my plate makes me sick - but I have started to eat pork chops with loads of potatoes and corn on the same fork.

Daryk is doing wonderful. He made me happy the way he would grab any of the baby items that needed to be put together and filled with batteries. Everything is set up that needs to be and he knows exactly what to do with it. We both get crabby at the same time, sit and relax for a minute and then get right back to playing footsie and snuggling. Seems we are almost on the same schedule of moods. hehe

Aspen is here visiting for a month and I have taken a few days off of work here and there. She and Jeremy have been over a lot and been playing games with us and going to movies (Harry Potter tonight!) and plays (Sherlock Holmes).

Nursery

2009-06-01T21:32:00.004-05:00

Well,

We've been going over the lok of he nursery and seem to have a consensus of coloring.

This is from Walmart.com and on our registry there:

Seems to be browns, greens, yellows, and accent colors thrown in. We made the theme of the old time fairy tale/fantasy.. and we're going to try and do the tree and any fantasy elements as accents.

EEEEE HEEE HEEE

2009-06-01T21:08:00.001-05:00

15 Weeks, 5 Days

2009-05-13T11:32:00.005-05:00

Well, here it is! Only one baby and was a squirmer. I actually watched it jump and wave!!

We don't know if it is Male or female and won't know for another 6 weeks or more. Ah well.

In the first picture, the top part is the head. It's little arms are pressed against it's ears and you can JUST barely see a little face - the two eyes, the nose, mouth, etc.

This second picture is more a profie I think.

Deals and Planning

2009-03-25T17:39:00.002-05:00

Well,

I was good tummy-wise for a while, just being careful not to eat too much.

This morning, I got up for my 7am meeting and as soon as i picked up my jacket to put it on, i had to drop it all and go running to the bathroom. /sigh I ended up just going back to bed, wretched and moaning. Got better at about 8:30am and went to work with a baggie of crackers.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=2310468
A couple days ago, D and I went to Walmart to price shop. We scoured the Baby section and after about half an hour, we were about to leave when i noticed a boxed dresses on clearance. It had a sticker of $90. It looked like an awesome deal, so we loaded it into the cart. When we got to the checkout, to our surprise, it came up to $45!!! We put it together and it is gorgeous. Yaay for thrifty and lucky shopping :-)

Also, mom got me a book for my birthday - What to expect when you're expecting. Great book! I also bought the BABY Bargains book - awesome and informative. ALL parents need that book, i swear!

Sleep and food!

2009-03-19T11:28:00.004-05:00

The last couple days have been wonderful in the eating category. I am a little nauseous off and on, but I am able to eat a full meal. I went out and bought fruits, fresh veggies, and other good for me and baby foods. Very nummy so far.

And yesterday, I had my 7am meeting and got up earrrly. But by 3:30pm, I was yawning in my meeting with an RA, apologizing if I was slowly sinking. As soon as we went our separate ways, I told my desk worker that I was "busy" napping and went straight home and fell into one of those deep breathing, warm, muscles relaxed naps until 5pm! It was wondrous. D was working until 5pm anyway and I had a heads up that he wouldn't wake me til then. Loved it! No dreams. just slllleeeeeeep. I then went to bed at around 9pm. hehe I guess I was ready to make up for some sleep lost.

This morning I felt so awake at 7am, I made D and I eggs and toast. Just now he sent me a note through our messenger "thank you for an eggcelent breakfast!! ". So cute and nerdy :-)

Tonight, one of my assistants are making donuts in their apartment. He's invited everyone. I am so craving a donut now, it is driving me up the wall =) Tonight at 7pm, we're going to a staff inservice to work through a session for help with the death of our resident. I am hoping this will be beneficial for everyone and help those that need it.

One of my staff are selling these Scentsy wickless candles. So far, I have loved the smell of a few of them and may get one for the apt. As most know, the residence halls don't allow open flames.

Bad night for sleep and long day

2009-03-16T18:36:00.002-05:00

Sleeping last night was an ordeal. I didn't eat much yesterday, but I was feeling good and I used the steamvac on some old teddy bears that D and I brought out from storage. This killed my wrist and arms. So, last night, i could NOT sleep on my right, my back hurt and I didn't want to sleep on my back. Sleeping on my left was just plain umcomfortable. Woke up every hour. By 630am, I gave up and just got ready for work.

Had a meeting at Res Life at 8:15 and made some good decisions for support for staff and residents. So glad to have gotten some of this figured out.

Then, D was waiting in the car for me and so we drove to the clinic for him and I waited a few hours for him. I found some free books to download online and so downloaded 8 of them and began reading as I waited.

He did great and I took him home and ran to Res Life and then Oak for yet another set of paperwork for a HD selection process. Then, I went home, checked on D, and then went to a HC meeting.

We went to the grocery store and I stocked up on fruits, vegies, crackers and chicken. Seems I want fresh veggies BAD.

To stencil or not to stencil

2009-03-15T11:54:00.009-05:00

I am wondering if I should stencil around the room or not.

However, I do want this Tree above the crib. I love it. I would add the more warm colors in the leaves, the blue/greens, some darker purples, etc.

My baby Mobile is another fun project for me. Since I am going medieval/old world fairy tale, I'd like a specific type of baby mobile.

What I'd like to find is an used mobile, one with music. Then, I may just snip off the existing mobile figures and put on my own. I am contemplating this set of medieval characters, but I'd like something even more whimsical. Dragons (cute of course), fairies, etc as well. Also need to make sure it is secure and safe for baby of course. These finger puppets are cute as well. Or the castle set... another set...

And, omg. Hats with ears... Ya gotta love it: Bunny, kitty, and more kitty! And since it will be a gamer baby, a N00Bl3t baby jumper.

I also decided to choose a curtain from Target. I was thinking of making them, but I have loved the Target curtains I've bought in the past and would like to have them again. This is the type of style and dark coloring I am looking at. The embroidery is beautiful and free-flowing.

Last night and this morning

2009-03-12T08:40:00.003-05:00

I turned into miss weepy last night. I haven't cried much in the past year or so and I think I will blame the hormones. I am sure I am going through or passing through a phase in where you feel alone - like it's all happening to YOU and no one else knows what feelings are going through you.

Well, D had to sit and listen to all my worries, my feelings and finally I just told him that I would just have to be more outspoken with him and not try to hide any feelings - because I tried yesterday, and only one day made a HUGE burst of feelings pile up and fester.

Now I know. He gets to hear about it all. He did say that my excitement and talking about the baby makes it that much more exciting and less worrisome for him. (OMG, he opened up!)

This morning I ate a sugary cereal. I couldn't help it. But, I think I learned my lesson that I should eat breads to keep me from feeling nautious. I brought some Ritz with me to work :-)

Ah, and here are the colors we are pulling from - mostly - in this image you can see the different autumny colors. The top left vines have that purple color - not sure what to call that. But that may end up being the main accent color. The walls int he room are already that light buttery yellow color and we'll stick to that. The blues, greens and browns will be the supporting colors. We plan on garage sale hopping, going to auctions, etc. to find furniture. I will be borrowing my moms sewing machine to reupholster or make my own baby bedding, etc. I am excited that Sharon would like to make a quilt! If this picture helps any, that is what we are looking for. I can also go find the fabric for the quilt and try to match it with any curtain fabric (i plan on making my own).

This picture also has that purple/mauvy color.

NOT my sonogram - but has a story behind it

2009-03-11T15:41:00.010-05:00

Ok, so about a week ago, the secretary at my work (she is younger than me and is engaged to another old friend of mine), well she had a dream. In it, I was pregnant and I was showing off the sonogram. In the sonogram, my baby was holding a gaming controller.

So, when I told the news to the staff at central, I made this picture and had on it: "(she) is Psychic!" I also told her to try dreaming about me being rich!

Today, I have had some serious back aches. Not sure if I am not sleeping right or what. I am not too tired. Just hungry all the time, but not wanting to eat - because i don't know WHAT I want most of the time. I think D is still in shock. I decided to stay quiet today and not say anything "baby". But, my back hurt and when I complained he grinned and hugged me, saying "preggers!". So, I didn't have to cry. heheh

Mom says the baby is working on its heart.

A copy and past from Child Development Info Website

Heart tube forms and begins to pulsate and force blood to circulate through blood vessels in embryonic disc. Nervous system begins to arise, first in form of neural groove. Development of intestinal tract, lungs, liver and kidneys begins. By end of one month, the embryo is about one-fourth inch long, curled into a crescent, with small nubbins on sides of body indicating incipient arms and legs.

"NUBBINS"!!!! Don't you LOVE that word? =D

Decorating the Nursery with Fairy Tales

2009-03-10T21:19:00.004-05:00

I - as usual - want to decorate. So, I was looking at items and just couldn't figure out what to do. Until I looked down at my desk at the Once Upon a Time Cardstock Stack. D agreed, we will pull inspiration from there :-)

I plan on using these as decorative aspects and for pulling colors.

This kid WILL be a nerd - just like me.

The last week in a nutshell

2009-03-10T17:00:00.005-05:00

This last week started out with a lot of grief. A student in my building passed away and the tragic event left many waves of remorse and confusion. This event will forever be in a lot of our minds for the rest of our lives.

This last weekend, I told D that something was different. I hadn't started my monthly like normal and I was running out of 'sugar pills'. This meant that I'd be starting a fresh pack without having the monthly (for those that just are NOT following my subtlety).

I also felt too bloated, VERY nautious, all day long, and sore (cough cough, upper region, cough). Let's just say wearing a bra actually hurt a bit (weird!).

So, Sunday night, I walked right into Daryk (or under him, since I am so much shorter) and said that we should pick up a 'test'. I think we both felt like this was something so large to even think about, that we barely talked about it. Thought about it, yes, discussed, no. Not the possibility. Good grief, a baby would change EVERYthing.

So, we went to Walgreens and while waiting for some other perscription to fill, we looked into EVERY aisle but that one. When our name was called to get the meds, we then quickly walked over and I felt totally overwhelmed. Yes, I wanted a baby, yes, I was excited, but i was scared silly!

I picked up one of the home tests and we tucked it into a bag after paying and went home. It took me about 20 mins at home before I was ready and so i completed the test and noticed that as soon as the test started, a second (VERY light) pink line showed. I blinked a lot and had to show D. We then read the directions and it said that was a positive, but we both wanted to say, "but there is a light line, not a full-on line, but a light pink line that doesn't even look whole, like it has spots missing". Maybe it was saying I wasn't fully pregnant. HAH hehe

So, inconclusive in our minds, but not on the test, we went to bed that night, worried.

The next morning, i called D at work and told himt hat I was going to go to the clinic.

I made sure the appts were clear and I drove in myself. It snowed lightly and wasn't very cold. I was shaking and scared. I went right into the clinic, got a lab card and dropped it off at the lab desk and then sat and waited. An old friend from my nortech days sat across from me and she looked awful and we talked about how she felt very dizzy and tired.

My name was called, "Eileen Lenart" of course, and was given a plastic cup. She had to tell me twice that the directions were on the wall in the restroom. Problem was, I had to wait a good 8 minutes until one was free. I then went in and ++tried++ to follow the directions. I would swear I peed on every surface in that bathroom except into the cup! Gross, yes, embarassing, yes, funny - hell yes! I was such a nervous wreck, that I couldn't pee in that cup more than to the 20 line and they wanted at least 50. I just couldn't do it. Even the sticker on the outside was wet. I gave up, cleaned up and put the cup in the metal wall lazy susan and sheepishly got out of there. I probably took a good 10-15 mins. /sigh

They said it would take an hour.

I also talked to a nurse about the pill i was on and i came away from that with the conclusion that i had a stubborn egg and that was that. heh

This was Monday. The parent's of my deceased student came this day. I got the call from my nurse about half an hour before the parents came. I was suddenly ecstatic and exremely giddy. I kept thinking, I'm going to have a baby! October 30th, a Baby! D and I were going to be parents! Suddenly it just felt perfect.

Back to earth, and into the student's parents visit: The grief was all around me, and i stayed very subdued, but that love in my heart for the baby was just swelling and I was struggling with wanting to get a hold of D as soon as possible. During the memorial, I saw D walking home from work and so I told my two co-workers that I needed to 'talk to D'.

Of course, they had those knowing smiles and they both asked me right out, 'Are you pregnant?' I just told them I needed to talk to D and so left early.

I walked into the apartment, covered in snow. He was standing in the hallway, I told him and we both stared at each other and hugged. We sat on the couch for quite a while, and we'd both sometimes laugh, express a worry, hold hands, touch, and just be together as we let it sink in.

That night, we went to Target and looked at baby things and I think that helped put it into perspective. We held hands as we looked at outfits, cribs, nooks, blankies, etc.

That night, we called family.

My brother and his wife: I called them Uncle and Aunt
My Mom: Told her that the coupons she had would be needed in 8 months (my brother gave her pampers coupons to give to whoever needed them
Ds Mom and Dad: Asked them if they were really done witht he rocker for our future kids
AspenE: told her that I was feeling nautious a lot and got a lot of, ahh huh's

Today, I told the staff here at BSU. They are happy for me. LL and N brought Baby Ruths and baby Mt Dew cans and Motts for Totts. Of course they knew, they could tell I was smiling ear to ear while trying to lie and say nothing was going on. hehe

Baby on Board!

2009-03-10T16:48:00.001-05:00

So, Aspen requested that I begin writing down daily tidbits of the pregnancy. So, I will regroup on this blog and hopefully keep it going with funny, gross and interesting posts.

FUN!

2008-11-19T16:04:00.001-06:00

more animals

BSU

2008-11-13T22:11:00.001-06:00

The Guild - Fabulous Show!

2008-11-09T16:47:00.001-06:00

Another day gone by

2008-08-05T21:30:00.002-05:00

All I really have is stuff about work.

Let's say, my previous problem that I was panicking about turned out OK. That is GOOD news.

However, card-access (gah), phones (EEP), training (yay, but uhhnnnn)

'eh, work as usual. Have nothing else to say! Sorry

Although, I was on the phone with a co-worker form another department when I was talking about giving the door wedges to all the workers so that they can keep the doors open and I told her that I'd "give them all wedgies" and L and N who were in the car with me started snorting in the background until I realized what I'd said. :-)

Adding Twitter and watching old movies

2008-07-30T09:19:00.002-05:00

OK

So, I have been yelled at more abot leaving my blog for too long. The poor thing is just getting ignored.

I have been considering using it again to just chronicle my personal things, but definitely not about my job. That is going to stay as separate as possible.

Twitterpating has been a fun addition when I can get my phone to work. Sometimes I see the Twitter post, sometimes I don't. weird!

I heard from my last Years ARHD for B Hall. He seems to be doing well and I am hoping to hear more details about how he is doing. I am sincerely missing my staff from last year - I definitely became more attached than I thought.

The summer is coming to a close. I have taken all my summer classes for Psych and am now down to just a paper to write. I plan on doing that the rest of this week and turning it in friday or monday. I think I need to hit the library first, however, and to find the time for that will be rough!

We have moved into our new apartment. I will get some pics up soon!

Oh yeah, we bought the old Lost Boys and the sequel. Loved watching Lost Boys first and enjoying the old 80s style. However, the second one was more graphic (more blood and ripping of guts and heads, bleh) and more XXX. There was one good joke - you'll see it when the main character tries to eat someone - think "vegeables" - that was funny. But, the rest was kind of a let down. But, we own it now and maybe a second viewing may show more of the humor (if it is there).

Ends and Beginnings

2008-04-21T22:17:00.002-05:00

A lot of items to look at for the end:

Fall 08 Spaghetti dinner (This sunday-get invites out!)

2 grill out parties for two buildings

end of year banquet - (PICTURES needed from RAs)

A potluck (need sign-up sheet) and an applebees trip

Evals organized and done

set-up of D and Aspen's grad party

Beginnings: looking at getting everything bought and ready for new apartment

hee hee - "Suck Monkey"

2008-03-21T21:52:00.002-05:00

It seems like it

2008-03-21T21:12:00.002-05:00

It seems harder to blog these days. I still have that problem in which I cannot blog most events.

As Aspen mentioned to me, I could have blogged about our new car. It is very nice and inferno red, Dodge Charger. D picked it out more than I, but it was worth it - very fun drive.

Also, We are looking at our future with the upcoming move to another residence hall, into the newer apartment. It will have 3 bedrooms - 1 teeny tiny one, a larger one and a medium sized one. We do, however, have a King size bed now and we are working on figuring out where it will go - which room to make into our bedroom. The decorative elemtns I chose for the bedroom also make me excited. I bought a new bedspread, lamps, sheets, pillows, etc. As soon as we move in and set up everything, I will be taking pictures and posting. Very proud of my decorating - even if I don't have it all set up yet. It looks great in pieces and in the packages!

Heading to both families this weekend for Easter. Should be fun. BTW our nieces are the cutest!

Uncharted Dragon Wars

2008-01-08T22:11:00.000-06:00

Dragon Wars was .. not as good as I'd hoped. I enjoyed the graphics, but whenever it started to feel like I was watching an episode of Power Rangers, I'd get turned off. That main bad guy.. not the Imoogi snakey thing, but the big man with the VERY gravelly low voice with the funny crystal sword that would go big like a light saber - HE made the movie laughable. What were they thinking? But then, what would happen without him leading those big turtle bomber things?

Also, at the moment D is immersed in his Uncharted Game. Seems pretty slow so far, but he liked King Kong and I'm hoping this will be the same. I have my eyes on the Folk Lore game, but will wait a bit longer. I have so many games to choose from, that I can't wait util I get sick and need to stay home a whole day and play! After opening I think.

As of now, I am prepping for my new incoming RAs. I have a few things planned and am working on fine tuning the training schedule. A few bumps have been found - but I am hoping everything works out in the end.

Also, we got to tour the Linden Apartment yesterday. Very nice! We measured and we can.... fit a king size, but we'd have no room for anything else - which is like what we have now anyway. But, my dream is to have the whole apartment decorated nicely when we move in - we will be there for quite a while and I'd like it to be a home. So, off to my decorating ideas!

Castles in the Sky

2007-12-28T14:16:00.000-06:00

Well, Christmas is done. What a ride!

The best part has been watching D play with the Roomba (Yes, it is now Aya 12, Roomba 1 - and Roomba won). We nicknamed it 'Robbie' and it is actually pretty darn cute. It roams about and vaccuums its little heart out. It goes under and over everything. When it finds a particularly dirty spot, it starts twirling around in circles until it is gone. Hilarious to watch. That was D's main present. He also got a lot of stuff he has wanted for about a year or more. He got a fancy mouse, a fire/water safe, and the series of Young Indiana Jones (as mentioned earlier).

I got a wonderful necklace that is in the curvy drop diamonds - the 'path' necklace style (I think that is what it is called). My not so subtle hints worked - YAY!

It has been a wonderful Christmas. Lots of family and food and fun giving of presents. I love that part!

Oh, and buying the 50% off Christmas stuff for next year has been exciting for me too. I love Christmas! And I got all sorts of things, for my apartment and for the buildings for next year.

At the moment, I am sitting in my office. I work today until 4pm and am currently printing out some conduct letters - 'come hither's. My printed is slow and figured I'd take a break and blog a bit. I am excited to get back into the habit.

So, is India the same as Indonesia?

2007-12-23T22:57:00.000-06:00

I'm going to really have to remember to blog it seems.

So far, I have been having a great Christmas/Holiday break. Friday night, D and I exchanged our gifts in a private Christmas night - was nice to have our first Christmas as a married couple, we took time to be together on Friday and enjoyed our time.

Also, been shopping a lot and have finally officially finished all the christmas shopping - craziness. well, maybe one more item. But later :P

We have been currently watching the "young indiana jones" series and.. all in all, not too bad. Sometimes I got up and puttered around just to move. It got tiresome once in a while but it is quite funny. I am learning things too.

I leaned over to D and asked him, "So, if two objects from space fell to the earth, they would eventually meet? Is it because of the shape of the earth?" This coming from little Inidia Jones learning about gravity. D said, "No, that's not it. But right now, we have a pull toward each other." I then told him, "That's the sweetest thing you've ever said to me!" And he laughed back at me when I started waving my hand in between us to see if I felt anything.

For a second, let's look at the title of this post. Yes, I asked my co-worker this, at our work christmas party on campus. He was asking Trivia and all I could do was sit and stare blankly. No, I am not a wonder at Geology (Geography, I know!!) but I am what I am and sometimes I am in need of someone to just give me the facts so I don't wonder about it any longer. Most of the time I just nod and hope I can figure it out - but other times I may as well ask.

A Winter Monday

2007-12-03T11:12:00.000-06:00

The cold keeps seeping right through my windows and into my office. I have a feeling that no matter what (even duct tape on the edges) I will still get cold. I have desk workers always complaining about how cold it is. What would be hilarious is if my B and T workers got together and talked about their desk jobs. VERY different atmospheres - too hot in B.

This last weekend was nice and slow. D had his Bday - we celebrated by buying him some games and a computer program that watches our budget. So far Aya 10, Roomba 0.

A year or more goes past

2007-12-02T00:25:00.000-06:00

and you find yourself thinking "if I were still blogging, I would have written this down... no... typed this up.... no.... blogged about it!"

Now that I sit here, I can't remember a single instance.

I could try and do a recap of this last year and fill in that gap. However, how redundant would that be.

Got a job. Got engaged. Got married. Have a great future ahead of me.

Now, I should have this going - as I have changed the address to one that fits my new life... my "college life" is gone... even if not fully moved out ( I still live on campus... after 8 years!). Now, I just make sure that others have the same experience as I have.

400 kids and counting.

A different place, a different name..

2007-12-01T20:24:00.000-06:00

Yes, I am thinking about starting again!

Not blogging anymore

2006-09-21T16:05:00.000-05:00

Yes, I am working on dissembling the blog for good. I don't have the time and ambition to blog any longer.

However, I am still here - so e-mail me or call me.

Excitement!

2006-07-27T13:17:00.000-05:00

So much has been going on! Life just keeps taking different turns and it seems to get better and better.

D and I went ring shopping last Friday and looked around. Then on Monday, he took half a day off of work and we went looking at rings again and I found the ring I was destined to get. It is white gold with 4 diamonds spaced along the band and the band has a ribbon-like look that just sparkles and feels good to have on my finger. There are no parts that stick out that I can scratch someone with - it's a beautiful and wonderful ring. D took me to Bridgits Cross as they sized it for me and we sat and enjoyed our afternoon together. We also chose his ring and put it in a payment plan so we can get his when we can - it actually matches mine - diamonds spaced along the ring but he has a thicker band without the ribbon emphasis like mine but has a straight line through the center of the ring.

Also, I am waiting anxiously next to the phone. I am waiting to hear about a job - one that I feel would be perfect and fun to do. I just want to jump right in and start working. Also, I have some of Bill's papers to do yet, he needs them handed in by this weekend. I've gotten pretty far - not too bad. :-)

Keeping our fingers crossed

2006-07-20T15:26:00.000-05:00

1 out of 3, I just tried on my interview outfit for tomorrow mornings meeting... looks good :) I quite excited, a bit nervous, but I know that will pass quickly.

I am looking forward to everything!!

I have been so busy, It has been CrA Zy! I just turned in my final grades for students at Upward Bound, we had our huge dance/potluck and last teacher meetings and etc etc etc.

I have another possibility for the future (August) in case all else fails. So much to do!

Computer is doing an awful sound... my $99 power supply is smacking some wires next to the fan... I am NOT happy. I may just call the company and tell them off.

Everything else is good - lots of grading has gone down and now I am free - but terribly poor. hehe There are NO movies, outings, eating out, or anything in my recent future. Just doing cheap activities. Ah well. I will be working on Bill's stuff anyway. :-)

Hope all is well with everyone else!

Nope, Just off the face of the blog-o-sphere

2006-07-12T13:32:00.000-05:00

B-Dawg, I'm still here, just extremely busy. Sorry everyone!

Let's see... I am teaching at Upward Bound at BSU and having a complete blast! This is one of the more fun jobs I've gotten to do. I am teaching high school, and it gives me a chance to see what it's like.

I love the program - I hope to go back to it some summer.

I am also busy looking for a job for the fall. I have no idea what I am doing yet, and the UB program is ending NEXT week! It's crazy. I hope that I may get called for an interview for the Resident Hall Director job this week - I am looking so forward to the interview and hopefully working for res. life again. I love BSU and that would be exactly what I would want to do.

I did get a call from a comm. college in Grand Rapids but it is for part time and the problem with that is the amount of gas to drive back and forth and the difference of that and being paid a part time salary - I am not too sure how well that will go.

I am also house sitting on the side. Which I have been aminly going in everyday to check on it and make sure everything's ok. I haven't had the time to really move in or anything. But, she had said it would be ok if I couldn't.

I have a meeting in about hal an hour - so I am going to be a bit brief.

Oh, and I am also still working with Bill on papers and getting him set up. Hopefully all that works - but one problem is that my computer died at my house and all it does is circle around the Windows XP intro screen and then back to the "safe loading" section. Crazy stuff! I am missing my computer, but I am so busy that it hasn't hurt me yet.

Hope this helps you guys figure out what I am doing.

I am graduated with a masters.... I am summer employed... am am falll unemployed.... and I am hoping everything works out.

Oh, and PS, D and I are still together and we talk about the future all the time. Everything is wonderful in that arena. So glad I have him by my side, I'd be lost without him.

It's been almost a month

2006-06-13T16:00:00.000-05:00

Yes, I am still alive. And kicking.

I've been teaching Upward Bound writing classes and trying to find that job for fall. At least I was able to get a summer job - and one I love!

I just finished planning my lesson plan for tomorrow and am excited to see what the students do with the project.

I have B's papers still and I am hoping he isn't too stressed as of now. Hopefully all of that work out all right. Also, DE reminded me she needed a house sitter so I may move into town for a bit - I guess a bit cheaper on gas or so... or I'll probably just stop in and check the house off and on. I don't know - I'll just call her tomorrow and see what we can do.

Haven't seen Aspen in a while - she's so busy with two jobs,its crazy! And of course I am always running around, either work, to D's parent's house or in town for some reason. Having lunch with D everyday, though. He works on campus so I can find him whenever and we eat lunch and discuss everything.

I guess thats all I have - so busy its just nuts. Hopefully all the work will bring forward a job for the fall :D

Week 2

2006-05-24T09:24:00.000-05:00

Week two is almost done. I haven't gotten any positive replies to anything I have applied for yet. I guess I just keep right on going and cross my fingers.
I plan on applying for the Alumni Events position at BSU, and if anything happens at Residential Life, that job also. My hope is that one of those will work or I can find a teaching position in the summer job search. It seems the jobs just pop up from time to time and I could be lucky one day.
I have many things to do yet, and so little time. I was promising myself to take it easy this summer this morning, because I have been worrying and tense these last few months... or year and I can feel it in my shoulder muscles - very sore and tight.

To do list:

Pick up reference form from RL
Fix up application packet for alumni event at BSU
Go through my letters, resume's, and Curriculum Vitae and print off some good copies
Organize my job search folder on desk for easy application
Post my information at monster jobs
Print off some more of my Transcripts and order some more official ones from UNT and BSU
Relax and Enjoy my Summer!!

Organized Chaos

2006-05-18T23:14:00.000-05:00

Yes, yes. I am all up in there with my organized self.. procrastinating and fulfilling to do lists at the same time. How does she do it folks? She does it with a twitch of the eye for 12 hours straight and a dazed nap of 3 hours in the middle of the day because she feels exhausted after a good 8 hours sleep at night. Sleeping must be so hard on me.

Ok, well, here it goes.

~~Wake~~
~~Dress~~
~~Breakfast~~
~~Pay bill~~ - ~~mail out bill~~
~~Drop off Thesis at HS office for RW and letters for others (and DE's book!)~~
Stop in at Residential Life - speak to RL and perhaps LK? Or find MM or SH
If I have Forms filled out, bring to Concordia LV (Grab up Aspen)
~~Go home, eat lunch~~
~~Work on bills and calendar~~
Work on my resumee and letter for Fall job (Alumni)
~~Clean up around house~~
Make Angel Food Cake for party?
~~Get ready for my brother and his wife!!!! Whoohoo~~

"perfect"

2006-05-11T23:52:00.000-05:00

somone out there thinks im perfect.... and I believe him. Such a cozy feeling.

List for tomorrow

Cap and gown
cell phone
purse
card with name
shoes i can stand in on a slight incline
my thesis
nice outfit
car cleaned out
signs up or balloons?
nice pen to sign thesis

"coming back" by Crystal Method

2006-05-09T22:33:00.000-05:00

Well, I had my final class at BSU tonnight. 6-midnight. I presented my paper topic - Criseyde and Courtly Love (Chaucer). We ate pizza - DE bought it for us, awesomest professor - and we enjoyed our last night.

After that, I went to my office in the library and packed up 4 bins and a duffel bag of my stuff - cleaned it up and closed the door for the last time. I didn't really get attached to that office, but that desk in the center of third floor was my home for many many many hours.

Oh, and I got the letter explaining the other college I applied to to teach at saying they are doing interviews and I was one of the ones not chosen. /sigh

So, to do this week:

Get check for Bryan
Check messages on phone in dorm
get carpet out of dorm and into dumpster
Give cats a bath - good grief they are dirrrrty
Mail check to St Jude's for Hall Council
Sort through my bins of assorted junk
Graduate
Find a job
Drop off book for Deanna
more to come

Hmm Emo Bags

2006-05-08T23:35:00.000-05:00

So much fun :) Chibi Generator

Gaming Night

2006-05-05T20:26:00.000-05:00

Games for Families

This is basically what I did when I moved from TX to MN. And now I play with my brother off and on, and with D and Aspen. A way to have fun and talk.

BACK UP YOUR JUMP DRIVE!!!!

2006-05-04T20:29:00.000-05:00

Aya! says:

OMG, I almost had a heart attack ....

Aspenator says:

Aya! says:

I was working on my paper and had my jumpdrive inserted into the computer.. its sittin on floor so the jumpdrive string is on floor.

Aya! says:

Janitor comes along and I move so he can vacuum

Aya! says:

hehe SCHLOOOK chunk CHUNK CRUNCH

Aspenator says:

uh oh

Aspenator says:

hehehe

Aya! says:

I just stand there with my eyes wide and almost dead when he picks up vacuum and hands me the two plastic pieces of my jumpdrive to me

Aya! says:

no insides, just the snapped outside shell

Aspenator says:

lol

Aya! says:

so he starts looking through the bag and I look down at the floor at bits of the string and such

Aspenator says:

and?

Aya! says:

AND the insides of the jumpdrive are still in the computer, light flickering... i give it a nudge and it connects an I download ALL the content onto the myfolders on this computer

Aspenator says:

wow

Aya! says:

hehe so i snapped the plastic shell around and withdrew it and it works fine LOL

Aspenator says:

lucky

Aya! says:

yah telling me, whew

Aya! says:

he taped it for me LOL

Aspenator says:

hehe that's a close one

Aya! says:

i have a ghetto jumpdrive

Aya! says:

too close, not sure when last time I backed it up, naughty me

Aspenator says:

DUCT TAPE!

Aya! says:

scotch hehehe

Aya! says:

Im gonna blog this conversation so I dont hafta retype it hehehe

Aspenator says:

*grin

Aya! says:

so say something naughty real quick hehhe

She didn't reply in time... sorry - you'll hafta ask her if she ever did say something naughty

So much to do, so much to do

2006-05-02T14:10:00.000-05:00

Well, this weekend I enjoyed a LOT. Ran around a lot and hung out with mom and finally decided to just stow all my stuff in the downstairs bedroom and just sleep upstairs. In that way, I can have a closet - ill just have to run down to get my clothes is all.

Monday was fun. I did some errands, had lunch with everyone, took my nap and then headed out with Aspen.
We cleaned up her apartment and made it look niiiiiiice. Of course, we worked on it from 6pm until 1am. But it looks awesome! We'll hafta get pictures. I even washed the glass globes for her hanging lights - go me! - mom would be proud ehehehe

I slept in a LONG time today. 11am. Now, Im doing laundry, called a lot of people, set up times for meetings and have things settled.
Today / Tuesday

Wash clothes (they are washing as I type)
Pick up D after work (4pm)
Eat dinner
Class from 6-9
Come home and pick up floor signups for camp out
Make signs for possible weather problems tomorrow

Tomorrow/ Wednesday

Wake
Shower
Dress
Lunch
Pick up Checks
Shop for Camp Out (If its not too rainy)
4pm meet in front of Oak front desk for Oak Stock
5pm look at going to get rdy at Oak Stock
6-9ish Oak Stock
9+pm weather permitting, Oak Camp Out with food and tents
Sleeo

Next Next day / Thursday

Sleep in
Wake
Shower/Dress
11:28am Appointment /shudder
Rest the rest of the day and get my Thesis Printed
Work 6-midnight

Friday

Sleep in
Wake
Shower/dress
Get Thesis Printed
Get boxes for packing
Work 4:45-8:45pm

Saturday

Pack
Pack
Pack
Work on Paper for DE class (Troy)

Sunday

See Saturday

Monday

Pack
Work on Bills paper

Edited Post for first time in my life.

2006-04-29T14:55:00.000-05:00

Yes, cranky and with good reason. [edited] neighbor [edit] two friends [edit] stupid [edit] Last night they were finally caught by an RA [edit] floor is rejoicing [edit]

1) Knocking at 3amish on all the doors
2) slamming his own door every three minutes
3) Tearing down signs and door decorations
4) Snorting snot onto our carpeted hallways - YES, he does and I hear it off and on and some have caught him. He just shrugs us off
[edit]
7) Talking on the phone as if he were talking to the actual person from 30 miles away. I swear he needs to learn that we can hear *everything* through these walls if he's loud enough.

But, all that aside... Lots going on. So I suggest cleaning your room, opening the window to the nice cool and rainy air and listening to Korn... Issues Album of course. Hopefully he hates this music ;) If not, I'll change it to Marilyn Manson.

D I N G !

2006-04-27T11:21:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, I was nervous up until 2 minutes into my thesis defense and then the dam broke - I felt like, well yah, i wrote the darn 65 pages, I *can* talk about it for an hour or two easily! Which is what we all did. I even have an idea about some future topics to write about thanks to my committee members. Just so happy and relieved that I passed.

Now, I am working on my paper for Troy class - which is actually making me look at the Chaucer play a lot more closely than earlier and I'm finding some interesting things. Can't wait to get that paper finished and give that presentation.

This weekend, I plan on grabbing my boxes at home and packing up some extra things - I need to be moved out before graduation since I have to be checked out by that saturday and thats when ill be in Minneapolis. hehe

Today:

shower
dress
clean up room
rejoice some more
Emails
Work on phone and get stuff going again
Go buy the 20$ cert. at Applebees and the 10$ at Amigo for tonight - Get these to A
pick up D at 4pm
Eat dinner
Work 6-midnight at Library

Yipes

2006-04-25T23:22:00.000-05:00

Thesis defense is tomorrow.

in... 14 hours

about 9 of those will be me... sleeping hehe

Wake around 8:30-9pm
shower/dress
Print out one more copy of thesis
go to Union and meet with D and Aspen - eat lunch
leave at 11:30 and go home to pace room/go to Luekens
leave dorm room at 12:30 and head to Hagg Sauer
Defend thesis at 1:15pm
Go home afterwards and either cry, watch tv mindlessly, or laugh hysterically
check phone messages
eat dinner
go to work 6-midnight.
Work on my paper for Troy class

To Do's piling up

2006-04-25T10:50:00.000-05:00

Today and Tonight:

~~Call LL about stage and sound~~ in after 4pm
~~call L at hupb?~~ - left message and emailed
~~Call Cody~~ left message
~~Call JK - about playing bagpipes~~
~~E-Mail everyone OHC and LL~~
~~Read Henryson~~
Fix up Thesis a bit more
Buy Prizes for Assassins Quick Draw Game (Thursday night!)
Class 6-9pm
Relax at some point and play games until defense? hehehe

Purple

2006-04-19T14:38:00.000-05:00

ASPEN LOOKY THERE- Did someone say PURPLE?
Found it linked off of the User Friendly webcomic.

Also, 2 out of 3 comp tests are done ... R E J O I C E !

So, off to work on my next one.

A Burberry London fog

2006-04-18T16:06:00.000-05:00

I love the Burberry perfumes out there... and lately have been trying the London scent... totally delicious. Not sure if anyone else likes it, but I sure do.

Well, I haven't been blogging on account of so MUCH going on... but here we go:

Keep up with E-Mails for Hall Council
~~Call up LL tomorrow morning or stop in~~
Get LL's signature for Check Request - Yay, I finally called and got vendor numbers!
~~Hand in to DE my comp test~~
~~Talk to RW about topics for my Comp Test~~
Get Signatures on Thesis Defense paperwork
Work on final paper for Troy class
Find a Summer Job
Find a place to live - D and I been looking around and discussing options
Check my phone messages daily for a job possibility
Frame the letters of rejection for Phd's - heeheh
Send email to professor at Duluth about programs
Go to my bank and ask about School Loan
Talk to records about loan deferrment and loan stuff - i think we *Have* to do this in order to get diploma...?
Defend my thesis on April 26th at 1:15pm in HS. WHOOOHOOO o
Graduate on the 12th - look into having party that night - let's not make it difficult
Work 5 more nights EEEHHEHEEEE
Get Jer a present this Friday
Get check request for the Oak Camp Out
Buy food for Camp Out
Buy Prizes for Games
Pack up my office in Library
Pack up my stuff from Oak Hall Council Office
Start packing up my bedroom and get rid of the clutter first

Winding down on some

2006-04-13T15:07:00.000-05:00

Well, thesis is practically done. My Defense date is set for Wednesday, April 26th at 1:15-3ishpm. in HS 329 if anybody is desperately wanting to hear about Beowulf and Icelandic Saga women. ;-) My latest version of thesis is sitting on my desk, ready to be brought into the Graduate office for format scouring. Hopefully not too much is wrong with it. Also, I been in touch with the grad office a lot today and feel better about some of my timing being a bit off.

Im tempted to take a nap - have had no caffiene today, trying my best to stay away from it. The sun is so bright, though. I should be outside running around, but i just feel tired. hehe What I get for being used to naps :P

I have had some good news in job possibilities. I put my name into the pool at Residential Life, in case anything opens up there. I also called the community college office and was told they were *just* starting selection processes and probably won't hear from them for a good 2 weeks. Ah well.
My to do list:

Talk to Ll about SunSplash
Make a list of things to buy for OakStock and Campout
Email everyone about Meeting for Monday - 8:30ish should be good
Sunday is Easter at Moms!
Comp Test Email to RW
Comp Test to DE
10-20 pger for Troy class

hehe Awesomeness comes in small packages

2006-04-10T21:33:00.000-05:00

Dooce brought me to Yogabeans - a whole 8 inches of fun with plastic Yoga toys.

Wow

2006-04-10T14:14:00.000-05:00

Well,

My previous to do list was getting smaller and smaller. I have so much going on, its crazy! I am starting to run into the Oak Hall Council stuff that I've had to put to the side, but I think I can start really looking into that now.

Schedule a meeting tomorrow night for EXEC meeting
Call for Vendor Numbers
call Cdy about band and meeting
Figure out schedule and resources needed for bands
Jarva?
Camping gear and supplies
Money orders

Also, I have some promising reports for jobs and I am so glad BSU is a remarkable school. If you haven't gotten involved with the school and the people and all the activities, you are really missing out! I have to say that I have felt more at home here ever since Steve from Birch/Linden approached me about being in Hall Council and it all snowballed from there. Completely changed my life and my outlook on what college entails. It's not only learning from classes, its learning from the students/residents and faculty! (Lol, im starting to sound like an ad, sorry folks - just the way I feel about BSU)

Stress and Excitement

2006-04-09T20:39:00.000-05:00

Well, the thesis has been sent out to the committee members. The date, however, is not confirmed yet for my defense. Hopefully the decision on a time and place won't became a huge issue. To do listings will have to be interspersed in order for it to be complete for tomorrow.

~~E-Mail committee members for possible dates for defense of thesis~~
~~E-Mail Dr. K about thesis~~

Also, I have looked at the Pioneer for a job. Ugh. Not much in jobs there so this summer I may just have to find one of those fun jobs where i get paid min. wage. :P

~~Call College human services about jobs~~ - Left MSG
~~Talk to SH - email about list for adjunct~~
Talk to L's neighbor about tech

Have been looking at places to live - quite a lot of places out there but I drove by a few and they don't look very nice. .sigh But... I think I'll be calling a lot of them tomorrow to see what the Apt's have and how much. Perhaps that can work.

Call Apt's and other renting places numbers

Of course I am having lunch with D and Aspen tomorrow at 10:30, should stop by DE's office and talk to her about my Comp test.

Finish comp test for DE
Email possible topices to RW

Oh and YAAAY I don't work the rest of the week after Monday. OMG, ehehe I am so excited. I'll have MORE than a week off. /bounce. I have worked so much, but it was desperately needed and that paid off in my resolve to get my thesis worked on and finished.

Wash dishes
Wash single load of clothes

Last time I washed clothes, I spent about 13$ and took 5 washers the first time and 3 after that. It was completely crazy!

And.. im wearing a skirt - first time in a loooonnnnnnng time. Feels pretty good :-)

Fun with the camera

2006-04-08T15:48:00.000-05:00

Jer and D showed me a camera that is connected to the computer/monitor of some new machine (have no idea how to describe) and I was able to have some fun with the different settings with the camera - no, that really isn't what my butt looks like ... its slightly flatter ;-) Here is the best shot I have ever had done of my rear. I was laughing so hard and couldn't wait to get it up on the blog. :-)

Here you guys go! Boom ba da Boom!

...../blaaaahhhh\.....

2006-04-07T01:08:00.000-05:00

shower
dress
get LL signature
drop off chk req at Deputy
drop off the drafts of my thesis
meet 4th member of committee at bangsberg
lunch at 10:15 in union
bank - jers $$
post office - chk mail and send off bills stuff
go home and nap - so tired
work on signs for Hall council - should have been up a week ago - but im just so busy
call vendor numbers? gah

it's a beautiful thing - 64 or so pages of text that you put a year into... its pages were so nice and warm when they came out of the printer. and the weight is so hefty hehe and looks mighty spiffy with a large clip

About to Close down the Library

2006-04-05T23:28:00.000-05:00

But, oh my GOSH!

I think im almost done. And I mean *done*! I have everything written... it is all placed nicely in a package... Deanna just has 3 chapters to look over and I'll rework them tomorrow night... and then... KAPOW - out it goes

Uh oh, i gotta go close library now, dangit now im hyper heheehehehe

Totally Exhausted

2006-04-05T19:50:00.000-05:00

I did finish editting at 9am.. so basically i worked straight on 60 pages from 9pm (library until midnight) to 9am.... 12 Hours! That's the hand written editting with the subsequent typing editting. Yet, I was still wide awake when I went to drop off my stuff. Albeit, I was totally mumbling and not understood because I couldn't think straight, but I was able to hold a conference with a very relieved DE and she is hoping (me too) that we can send out my drafts to the others in my committee and set a date for the 28th this month for my defense. /bounce

After I talked with DE, I went home, shut the blinds and crawled into bed. 1pm until 4:30... not enough! But, I had to eat dinner so I dragged myself out of bed and ate with D and now im stuck at the library until midnight. Its 8pm... and im barely conscious... but kinda hanging in there. My arms are super sore and tired from typing and writing, and my eyes kinda wiggle a bit looking around... but I think I can make it. hehee think I can, think I can.

Working on my conclusion.... I know what I want but I am doing this on very little sleep and a depleting supply of caffiene. mmm I had choco icecream after dinner.. neener

wanna go home now.. :P

Still Awake

2006-04-05T10:01:00.000-05:00

Not doing so good, but i finished what I needed to and im STILL awake, which is just CRAZY!

so, going to head to lunch and hopefully will see those that usually go are there... not sure on what's going on, so I'm winging it hehe. you know who you are! Stress=bad and so i am trying not to have stress beyond my thesis.. but stress just finds me bah!

k, going downstairs to see if i made the oak printer blow up hehehe 60+ pages can do that I hear

lalalal

2006-04-05T05:44:00.000-05:00

yep.. still wide awake - some flippin' good coffee! I am a little sore in the shoulders... but my eyes only blur off and on atm hehe

gads, im gonna be sleeping during light hours tomorrow :P Not sure if im going to stop editing - i only just finished page 30/65

Yaaaaar

2006-04-05T04:32:00.000-05:00

uh huh
uh huh
cooffffeeeee and gumm..... and only 16 pages into thesis.... yaaarrr

uhh i need sleep hehe

Ahhhhh

2006-04-05T02:22:00.000-05:00

Pulling an all nighter tonight.

Oh yeah, the smell of coffee at 2am in the morning. For some reason it kinda tastes like perfume... wonder if its been exposed to waftage hehe

Oy, my thesis is still too rough for giving out... i need to get this better draft to Deanna asap tomorrow and so that means I may be dead walking tomorrow - so excuse me if im totally blanked out. PS dont mean to be ignoring ppl, sorry! But holy cow, you guys have NO idea .. unless yer one of the other 2 who are also working on thesis' heheh

oh BTW... for those working ont thesis - that Table of Contents was terrible to figure out. Took me a long time to get that stupid dot leader thing to work :P

Tomorrow

2006-04-04T20:49:00.000-05:00

Yet, another list

9amish - bring in check request to LL
Bring Check Request to the offices
drop off new version of Thesis - Sorceress Chapter and conclusion
Check bill's mail - send off his package of mail
Eat Lunch??
Work more on thesis
probably need a nap in here somewhere
Hopefully pick up check for N's games - or tomorrow
Dinner @ Wally's
Work yet again 6-midnight

*subject to change hehe

Tonight is going fast!

2006-04-02T22:05:00.000-05:00

Yes, another 5 night working stint from 6-midnight begins tonight. Although, I came to work and sat right down to edit my thesis and .... sheesh, the time flew! I am only halfway through chapter One on editting! I so should have worked on it yesterday, but I was enjoying my nights off of work after last weeks 5 night stint.

Let's see, my to do list might be good:

Finish editting as much as possible
~~Contact Uni of Michigan~~
Contact SDU
Breathe
~~Contact RW about comptest~~
~~Contact SH for letters~~
Contact other thesis committee person
Wash clothes
~~Call Deanna - make appt with her on Tuesday or Wed.~~
~~Pay bills~~
Breathe
~~Make Curriculum Vita~~ - email to Jn
Buy my graduation robes (eeee wizardy robe and colored hood!!)
Pay my loan bill
Check Bills mail and send package to him of his stuff
Breathe
work for 4 more nights :P
Eat quick dinners with D - but remember Tuesday is a loner night!!! heehe
Send in check Request (hope its not too late)
Call for vendor numbers
Breathe
Make some more lists for next week or for easier daily ones...
Look into making a "sticky" to do list

90s heavy metal, Beowulf and Sunflower seeds...

2006-03-30T13:15:00.000-06:00

Perfect combo! For some reason, I have needed the energy from heavy metal music to get me to type. It's crazy! I've been enjoying some Metallica, Megadeth, White Zombie, Godsmack, Ministry, Helmet, Danzig, Alice in Chains, System of a down, POD, even some NIN and Tool thrown in for good measure. Oh, and of course some Rage Against the Machine and Drowning Pool. /shrug

If I and Aspen were still roomies, she'd be kicking me heheheh As it is, D comes over here and .. lol... he says it doesn't even sound like music. I guess the beat and the energy is all I look for... and maybe some of those lyrics from constant listening. Yay, Rammstein came on - back to work I go!

Oh and.. LOL I found this last night linked off of a classics video clips site: Old School Disney Video that must have scared the bejeezies of those poor kids! hehe I can just imagine the dropped jaws and wide eyes in the health classroom. Those funny cartoon characters are so.. so.. EVIL - bad touch, bad touch!!

Oh, also I had the craziest dream last night!
I went to this huge mansion where it had two LARGE levels and then two more stories above, half the size as the lower parts. I was visiting a friend and we started running around exploring - it was an old place with tons of windows and spooky rooms. We finally realized the place was haunted on account of the elevator that brings us up to the 3rd and 4th level. There was some wierd stuff going on. However, my friend was having a party in the backyard and so we were down there for a while while people went in and out. At one time I went to find a bathroom and I ended up finding the LARGEST shower area ever, there were showers in a sort of wierd maze like area and I brough some others in to look too. When I got to the elevator, I and a few others went up, about a dozen of us. We got to the 4th level and it was a huge room with tables all set up as if it had been a restaurant. The windows were very dingy and for some reason we decided to stay there.

We all chose some tables next to the windows and suddenly the ghosts started just coming out and being all scary - one guy was all bubbly and had an eyeball in his mouth and he could see out of it (i am assuming he had burned and it slowly dripped down to cover his mouth) - I know, greusome, but just telling you what I can remember-. We all got scared and the people at my table all held hands and when one ghost came sleazing past from a black window on my right I got totally peeved and slammed my fist into the glass. I was still holding the hand of the person across from me when I started screaming and then was surprised to see EVERYONE in the room become very very very old. I remember feeling the wrinkles in her hand. The ghost that had passed around me earlier looked right at me and I was yelling at everyone, asking why they were all old and why I hadn't changed.

The ghost told me that I wasn't one of the living people in the room, that I was a ghost and when I looked at the blacked out window I realized that for some reason in the past when I was alive, I had been the one to break it. The woman still holding my hand told me to get out of the house, that i wasn't safe and I needed to find a way out. Well, I suddenly realized I was trapped in the house by the other spirits and I searched for a way out. Everything turned into a blur of running and all I can say is that eventually I got out of the house, but I had nowhere to go because I would cease to exist because no one would know I was there. In the house, the older women had known who i was and knew where to find me, but out in the woods, away from recognition, I slowly became nothing and thats the end of the dream.

Talk about wierd - I hadn't had one of those kinds of movie-like dreams in a while. I did enjoy enacting it all out, I know for a fact that I was talking in my sleep hehe I can sort of remember being very vocal and talkative.

So many symbols lol

2006-03-29T16:29:00.000-06:00

I checked out an astrology thing on MSN - don't usually do this, but it sure was interesting.

Me

Pisces (February 18 - March 19) is the mutable water sign, and is dreamy,
imaginative and otherworldly. Associated with: religious teacher, monk/nun or a
photographer; fish; Dolphin; Neptune; red-violet; poppy; pearl; number twelve;
feet, toes, lymph, glands; and the setting is a cathedral.

- Not sure if this is anything that I have dreamt... the setting of my last dream was cathedral-like, but was more or less set in my school basement/tunnels. And my cat, Bear, was following me around as a kitten and we were running into all sorts of people down there.
D

Sagittarius (November 22 - December 20) is the mutable fire sign, and is
adventurous, curious and wise. Associated with: hunters, horseback riders, and
explorers; archery; Centaur; Jupiter; blue; Rush; Jacinth; number nine; hips,
thighs, arteries, base of spine, pelvis; and the place is around a campfire.

- Heheh, not sure about dreams, but he does play a ranger in GW. Back hurts off and on too - poor guy.
Aspen

Scorpio (October 23 - November 21) is the fixed water sign and is introverted,
intense, and magnetic. Associated with: grim reaper; dark figures, an exotic
person; Scorpion; Eagle; Phoenix; Mars; Pluto; blue-green; Cactus; Turquoise;
number eight; bladder, genitals, colon, prostate, uterus, sex organs; and the
setting would be a bedroom.

- LOL whooohooo Aspen.... she is exotic in her quest of New Zealand... and Cactus sounds like TX.... but the rest of that /wolf whistle hehehehe
Mom

Aries (March 20 - April 18) is the cardinal fire sign and is active, dynamic and
action oriented. Associated with: soldiers, angry people and athletes; the Ram;
the Owl; Mars; red; Tiger Lily; Ruby; number one; head, brain, eyes, face,
teeth; and the dream is set in a stadium.

- The beginning of this sounds like mom to the T. She is so active!

oooOOOOooo

2006-03-28T22:30:00.000-06:00

HOODY TIME...
da da da da... duh dah duh dah... Hoody time...
[sung to 'hammer time']

Just goes to show

2006-03-27T13:32:00.000-06:00

Nothing ever stays the same. Its sad to see glaciers go, but then its not like we can stop time and decide change is bad.

Wrote. Write.Writing.

Thesis Writing

pages of writing

I write for an audience

I wrote non-stop

and I an writing through the last days in the dorms

I will miss writing in my little box

The box I have written in for 6 years

I hate writing poetry

Heheheh

bah

Well cool, I wrote an arrow

I found it first

2006-03-25T17:04:00.001-06:00

Heres a Cuteness Overload

So stressed out

2006-03-24T13:39:00.000-06:00

One meeting and suddenly I feel as if the walls are closing in.

I have 2 chapters fully written (not fully editted yet) and the others are still in progress. This means only about 37 pages written out of 100 or so? There are 6 weeks left.

Mom wants me to go to Fargo for her birthday this weekend - I just packed my bag. I want to go. I should not, for the love of all that is holy, go. I don't have the time to go gallavanting around Fargo. I want to see my brother and sister-in-law. But, I don't have the time. I just don't.

Why am I packed then? I listened to a message left by mom and she is so excited that we are going. She has to go for her BE stuff.. and wont be there saturday... sunday we have to come right back so I can go to work.

I need to stay home and write all weekend - like I did with MC's comp test. I need to just give in and say - I can't go. Im so sorry mom, I want to but I shouldn't.

That leaves me with 2 choices: Blow off the weekend with half-hearted trying at writing or make my room into study central and ONLY have my paper going, unplug the internet.. ignore D, unplug the phone and .. go yell at the guy blasting his music so loud that my right arm is bouncing around on my flipping counter... stupid ppl... GRRRRRR.. but back to my previous thought... i need to write write write, edit edit edit.

So I stop thinking about it now

2006-03-22T22:26:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow:

Shower/dress
Wash Clothes
Eat breakfast
Clean room a bit
Call AB and AM about numbers
Call SH about letter
Gather together materials for other job applications
Write up a draft of my Teaching Philosophy
Edit Chapter 2 of thesis - its 17 pgs, hooray!
Eat Lunch
Edit Teaching Philosophy
Edit Chapter 2 some more
Take half hour break for nap
Edit some more on Teaching Philosphy
Take break and eat with D for dinner
Go to work at 5:45pm
Edit both papers all night
Maybe bring a movie for needed break for rest of night

Friday:

Shower/Dress
Go to lunch with D and Aspen
Work on thesis a bit more
Talk to SH - letters
Have lunch meeting with DE
Hand in my chapter(s)
Mail off my Application Packets - overnight, they are due 27th (monday)!
Head back to dorm
Pack
Goof off until D is home
Meet up with Mom
Head to Fargooooooo - Which means Saturday is sleeping on floor, shopping, eating, and shooting the breeze with my brother and sister-in-law =) Oh, and buy mom gift for B-Day

Note to self

2006-03-22T12:30:00.000-06:00

Write your flippin' thesis!
no... dont play Guild Wars
no... don't play MapleStory
no... don't take a nap
no... you can try your new game later
no... don't watch TV
no... don't go shopping
no... don't read a book
no... you got over the cold

just imagine... thesis could be done... could be editting and not worrying... could be working on other papers... could be playing games without guilt!!! hehe

List for tomorrow/Tuesday

2006-03-20T15:03:00.000-06:00

9am - shower
Eat breakfast
Write some chapter for Thesis
Noon-Oil Change at Kenny's
Read Troilus book for class
Call Applebees and Amigo for numbers
6-9pm -Class Troilus
Thesis writing
Guild Wars? =)

Menohmenah

2006-03-20T13:53:00.000-06:00

The BEST thing in the world - love it!
http://www.veoh.com/videoDetails.html?v=e49460f9qttn9J
dooo. dooo do do... menohmenah... do do do do!

My recent list

2006-03-19T23:16:00.000-06:00

get up at 9
shower/dress
See D at 10:30am, then eat lunch with Aspen at 11-12
Talk to DE about thesis
Ask for more letters from DE, MC and SH
Head back to room
Clean a bit
Call about job-letter
Give new signs to RA's for Assassins - make sure paperwork is at front desk
Call Applebees and Amigo for Numbers
Call Bills friend about key
Stop at bank with monies
Mail Bill his thesis stuff
E-Mail Hall Council People
Make agenda for meeting
Work on thesis chapter for DE
Meeting at 9pm - no hall-wide until next week
Check out schedule for Ir's days off at end of semester

PSSSST

2006-03-17T00:23:00.000-06:00

I just turned 27, 23 minutes ago!

Uhmmm... yeap, that's it hehe - will be still writing my thesis tomorrow - up to 28 pages now - rough draftish

A quote of the day, VIA Thesis

2006-03-14T15:45:00.000-06:00

"Mind this, Bergthora," said Hallgerda, "that we shall meet again." - Burnt Njal Saga

Sends shivers down my back. Talk about threat and heat just searing from one eye to the next between these two. If you know what this is from, good for you! These women had backbones and cunning minds - but just not much fear of other's or their own lives (common sense?).

Reprieve through cold??

2006-03-13T13:14:00.000-06:00

Well, I have been sick, sick, sick the past couple days. I would sleep all day and then stay up for about half hour to an hour and then back to bed. Today, I feel a bit better but now am thinking I have a lot of e-mails and catching up to do and that's overwhelming. Especially since I am still bone-weary and I have horrible sinuses atm.

Thanks to aspen for her post about Tolkien satire - love it. No tears, but I did giggle a lot. :-)

I have a fishy staying over with me this week when one of my neighbors are gone for spring break. He's sitting here looking at me... he has the plant connectd to the vase and he is resting in the roots - wonder if my fishy would like to have one of those vases again.

Just got back from Country Kitchen with D and Aspen - totally worn out - so I am going to head back to bed and perhaps be better tonight.

Hope rises

2006-03-09T14:21:00.000-06:00

I woke up, chewed 3 nails down to the quick (only done this when im VERY upset or nervous) and struggled with the Teaching Philosophy until about 11am. Finally read through the job application needs for the two that are due tomorrow and they didnt want the philosophy, just a letter of interest. WHEW. I dropped the philosophy thing for now and just did a nice, clean rewrite on a letter i wrote for the ARHD position. I then picked up D/E and we went to the post office, dropped off the envelopes and then went to lunch at Raphael's Bakery (Which is actually really good!).

Now, I came back, cleaned up my room (it was BAD... thats what stress does to me - I don't throw up, my room does... hehe) and now am contemplating a nap...

However, i feel good about my life still. I can stick nearer to home, work as a teacher and still be connected to the college - just not taking classes at that time. Maybe that is what is needed and I can just keep that "ultimate goal" in my thoughts as I turn 27 this next week... yes... 27. So close to 30, I can taste it.

Heartburn sucks - st00pid stress - maybe will take that nap.

My cousin is going to come visit me! Yaaaay!

My I-Mood

2006-03-08T23:12:00.000-06:00

I just changed my imood - from "loved" to "deflated". I had changed it to "love" on March 14, 2005 and hadn't needed to change it since. That's what D does for me. However, since I have been sitting in the library thinking through this in utter silence for 6 hours (wish I hadn't read the email before work, sigh) I have lost a lot of the puff and been going up and down a lot.

I feel overwhelmed. Aspen threw a rope towards me, that helped some - and D was trying to help me in the 3 seconds I had before I had to leave for work - but its still all me - something *I* have to do and its going to be difficult. But I am willing to bet it will be exciting and that imood is going to be changed as soon as I figure things out.

The one thing that could come from this is that I may not have to live 4+ hours away from those I love. I would have been torn and dying inside and I know it. It may have been a good experience and it definitely would have helped me in my job-goals. But, teaching college english is what I want to do - why should I wait another 4 years, maybe it IS high-time to start teaching again and get in there.

Perhaps there is something to "Beware the Ides of March!"

We regret to inform you...

2006-03-08T18:46:00.000-06:00

What a devestating phrase to those of us who were depending on this opportunity in order to achieve that "ultimate goal" (as mentioned in the description of my blog). Is my goal gone? no... just on hiatus. I can wait and see what may happen with the other application letters, but I plan on taking control of my life and not waiting another second to see if someone deems me worthy. I know I can do whatever is put before me, and if this includes having me work for a few years and later getting my P.h.d., so be it. Time to do some serious interviewing - I refuse to go to college for 9 years and end up working in retail.

But, the agony of defeat is so sour - I had to go and read that darn email right before work. Ah well - I seem to be taking it pretty well... I've already passed the self-pity, the mourning of a dream, the anger, and now am stuck in my indignation - ohyes, the pride is still intact.

PS. this post it totaly unrelated to the one before - the anger thing.

List of life

Get over disappointment
Supdate Resume
Type up a letter of interest
Beg for 3 letters of recommendtions
Type up a statement of my teaching philosophy.... (any help on this would be appreciated)
Find my transcripts left over from Phd apps
Print out my Vita
Talk to Susan about options
Look for summer job
begin looking for apartments - preferably w/pets allowed - need my Bear
Finish thesis this month
Finish my paperwork
write paper for DE (Troilus)
Talk to Rose about comp test
Write DE's comp test
Celebrate completion of MC's comp - yay!
Stop blogging and do this stuff

Anger dissipates..

2006-03-07T18:42:00.000-06:00

as quickly as the clear skies around here. Bad analogy, but im tired today hehe
So, we have a blizzard, and yet my window is literally wide open and its a soft cool breeze coming in, and i can hear the bundles of flakes sift to the ground, a very soothing sound.

I was the angriest I ever have been in my whole life today. It was shocking - I had no idea. I was actually shaking, in a rage, burning holes into anything near me and ready to take it out on anyone. Since I am a pretty peaceable person, I took it out in a letter and shoved 5 years of repressed emotions into one piece that wrung me out like an used sponge. I had frayed edges and wanted to just cry afterwards/ But, I just ate and decided that id spent enough time being angry and now am enjoying my night off of class. I have a meeting tmorrow with D/E and so I am procrastinating that... by blogging.

But, once I get this out of the way, I can get on with my work. MMM coffee is good for a headache and tired body.

Aya-Library-Midnight

2006-03-05T20:13:00.000-06:00

Hehe there is my usual nightly MSN name when I am working.

I was sitting the last 2 hours editing through my chapter of 'gracious hostess' for my thesis... now Im sitting on the stool and trying to read my handwriting scribbled between lines when I suddenly leaned in close enough to be able to tell what music was surrepticiously playing from my headphones under the desk. "Ghostbusters"!! I started singing and just wiggling all over - love those little surprises that life can throw your way.

That movie had been my favorite when I was little. I can remember planting myself in front of the TV for a long day of ghostbuster watching. I would play, hit rewind, and play again. Over and over, until someone else wanted to see something. I guess it was probably a good babysitter. I had grandiose dreams of marrying Peter Venkman and dressing like Dana Barrett. I loved the movie and I obsessed about it like a 5-6 year old only can.

This wasn't the same love I had for Mr. Rogers... or yes, even Michael Jackson (the pre-'scary' version). Oh yes, I even stacked my books the way the ghost librarian did in the movie.

But, that childhood is gone, but the love of the movie is still there. I watched it with D a couple weeks ago and I found myself still laughing and dreaming. Ah, got to love the 80s.