Now that the hot water saga is over, I can get back to the 'other' stuff going on in life...
This weekend Geoff, Kenzie and I went to do maternity photos!! I'm sooo excited to see the pictures, getting pregnancy pictures taken was something I always wanted but never got with Kenzie, and so Geoff putting this together is just priceless, especially with him and Kenzie being involved as well.
On Saturday I got pictures taken by Sandra Coan at her studio, the style was the white curtain being held up over my body type maternity picture, it was lots of fun and I'm really really excited to see the pictures. She did my friend Candace's pictures which came out soooo beautifully so I've got pretty high expectations...I think I already know which one will be my favorite I'll post links once I get them (should be in 2 weeks).
On Sunday, my dear friend/photographer Ben came over and took lots of the more casual outdoors family pictures of the three of us, first by Alki and then at Colman Park, which is where Geoff and I got married last year on 8/8/08. Those pictures will be so special especially when put along with the pictures from before and during the wedding...it is just such a progression of our life at that park which means so much to us. This year on 8/8/09 or around that time I would love to have some family pictures taken there as well...just before heading to our big family reunion coming after that.
So there is my mushy blog update about the positive things going on...oh, that and also Geoff has begun bringing in the lilies I requested as providing the sensory 'ambiance' for the birth of baby Hazel...I'm sensitive to smells and I find the Stargazer Lily smell to be very comforting and overbearing enough to make the whole apartment 'feel' beautiful...I love having them around...
Monday, March 30, 2009
Clean now...
Okay, all better. A wonderful man came to my door, hands covered with paint and grease asking if I was having a hot water problem...to which I said "YES!!"
He came in, put on the tub water, and asked if I've been using a lot of hot water this morning..."Nooo...none since Saturday morning." a few grunts later and a surprised statement or two about how it isn't even warm later I heard "Ah-Ha!". He showed me how he wiggled the round thing around the turn on the water thing and then slammed the turn on water thing all the way over to the hot side (sorry...don't know those words!) and said if it happens again just do that, and then assured me I wouldn't break it by jerking it like that.
So I called the DPD back, withdrew my claim, and then took a lovely hot shower...I made some iced tea, now I'm going to try and make some phone calls to my Arbonne customers to let them know about all the exciting news I heard about this morning and then head on over to the FC5 Road Tour event that I'll be attending tonight...I'm really excited about it but I do wish I'd reached out to more friends this weekend to see if they'd join me as there will be lots of good info, giveaways...plus they could see what this Arbonne thing is that I'm so excited about.
I have about 5 more days until my due date of 4/4/09 and of course 2 days til the ultrasounds version of a due date (4/1/09) so we will see...I don't feel like I'm going into labor or anything, but we will see. I won't be going any further than Bellevue this week so I don't get stranded anywhere and end up delivering in my car or something, which actually wouldn't be that bad, I'd get a kick out of telling that story!!
He came in, put on the tub water, and asked if I've been using a lot of hot water this morning..."Nooo...none since Saturday morning." a few grunts later and a surprised statement or two about how it isn't even warm later I heard "Ah-Ha!". He showed me how he wiggled the round thing around the turn on the water thing and then slammed the turn on water thing all the way over to the hot side (sorry...don't know those words!) and said if it happens again just do that, and then assured me I wouldn't break it by jerking it like that.
So I called the DPD back, withdrew my claim, and then took a lovely hot shower...I made some iced tea, now I'm going to try and make some phone calls to my Arbonne customers to let them know about all the exciting news I heard about this morning and then head on over to the FC5 Road Tour event that I'll be attending tonight...I'm really excited about it but I do wish I'd reached out to more friends this weekend to see if they'd join me as there will be lots of good info, giveaways...plus they could see what this Arbonne thing is that I'm so excited about.
I have about 5 more days until my due date of 4/4/09 and of course 2 days til the ultrasounds version of a due date (4/1/09) so we will see...I don't feel like I'm going into labor or anything, but we will see. I won't be going any further than Bellevue this week so I don't get stranded anywhere and end up delivering in my car or something, which actually wouldn't be that bad, I'd get a kick out of telling that story!!
Hot Water day THREE!! -- Ripple Rock Saga
Okay...this is getting beyond old.
I was able to get a hold of my landlord yesterday, which was comical because she said I should be using 'the' other number, which had previously been described as her mother's house. She laughed and said no, so I asked for the number and yes, it was different, so this means for the whole year and a half I've lived here I have not had the correct contact information for my landlord. I have it now though. She said someone is coming today and that he can 'take a look' at it.
My first message was left on her cel phone at 8am yesterday morning, then called again around noon. We have not had hot water coming out of the shower/tub since Saturday morning. Sponge baths do NOT give you that 'clean' feeling the way that taking a shower does....maybe it's the process of heating hot water on the stove, carrying it to the bathroom and pouring it in the tub that makes it less 'pleasurable'. In my case, pleasurable isn't even the word, if anything it feels like it will induce or break my waters as I am due within a week.
Yes, my due date, for my daughter is Saturday (it's the day after tomorrow if you trust ultrasounds!). Now I can't even take a bath, a shower, without filling, heating, and carrying pots and pouring them into the tub. I'm not supposed to be lifting heavy things either.
In this article about tenants rights: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=59.18.070 it says that a problem involving not having hot or cold water should be addressed in 24 hours. This document says the same thing as well, from the DPD site: http://www.ci.seattle.wa.us/dclu/publications/cam/cam604.pdf
I will be calling my landlord again shortly to see when I can expect this 'guy' to get here to take a look at the apartment and will then call the DPD to see what my rights are as far as how long I have to wait for resolution, if it is appropriate to hold back paying rent (also 'due' this week) etc.
I was able to get a hold of my landlord yesterday, which was comical because she said I should be using 'the' other number, which had previously been described as her mother's house. She laughed and said no, so I asked for the number and yes, it was different, so this means for the whole year and a half I've lived here I have not had the correct contact information for my landlord. I have it now though. She said someone is coming today and that he can 'take a look' at it.
My first message was left on her cel phone at 8am yesterday morning, then called again around noon. We have not had hot water coming out of the shower/tub since Saturday morning. Sponge baths do NOT give you that 'clean' feeling the way that taking a shower does....maybe it's the process of heating hot water on the stove, carrying it to the bathroom and pouring it in the tub that makes it less 'pleasurable'. In my case, pleasurable isn't even the word, if anything it feels like it will induce or break my waters as I am due within a week.
Yes, my due date, for my daughter is Saturday (it's the day after tomorrow if you trust ultrasounds!). Now I can't even take a bath, a shower, without filling, heating, and carrying pots and pouring them into the tub. I'm not supposed to be lifting heavy things either.
In this article about tenants rights: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=59.18.070 it says that a problem involving not having hot or cold water should be addressed in 24 hours. This document says the same thing as well, from the DPD site: http://www.ci.seattle.wa.us/dclu/publications/cam/cam604.pdf
I will be calling my landlord again shortly to see when I can expect this 'guy' to get here to take a look at the apartment and will then call the DPD to see what my rights are as far as how long I have to wait for resolution, if it is appropriate to hold back paying rent (also 'due' this week) etc.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
No Hot Water...?
So...yesterday Geoff pointed out that there seemed to be a problem with the hot water in the bathroom..and guilty as charged, I brushed it off assuming it was just all used up and we needed to be patient (apartment living is great).
But then this morning...there's not only no hot water, but the cold water is just shooting out WAY more enthusiastically than usual. So I called the landlord...that was about 8am. I also left notes on my neighbor's doors, above, below, and next to me to see if they were having the same problem.
I've only talked to one neighbor, who isn't experiencing the problem, and apparently has a water heater in her apartment. She thinks that I do too, though the location she described is non-existent in my apartment and there are no mystery doors.
I got back home sometime in the early afternoon, I think around 12-1pm...and then called the landlord again, to let her know yes, it's still a problem. She picked up this time and said that some guy will be coming by tomorrow, which is great, I just really really hope that he can fix the problem, which we think has to do with pipes since the sinks all have plenty of hot water, just none in the tub, that water stays cold. Then I started answering a barrage of questions about when moving, where having baby etc. She asked when we were leaving and then mumbled something about "oh we were waiting to get some stuff done...." and then her voice faded.
I am SO ready to move into our house...from the complaints that my daughter laughs to loud to suggesting I should run her around at night before bringing her in back in the winter time when we were getting home at dark times I am just sick of living in an anti-kid, cardboard-walled, whiny-neighbors who think they should be able to live in silence despite having chosen to live here, environment.
I really miss my Brooklyn (NYC) neighbors...who all talked IN PERSON to each other, played their music loud, yelled to get each other's attention which was (probably still is) all more than acceptable. We all had problems only with ONE noise in that neighborhood, and that was the big-wig church across the street with the loudspeakers that could be heard from blocks away playing organ music and preaching nonsense...that was a real neighborhood.
Fortunately we have found a significantly less expensive way to do some of the required work on the house, so that is fabulous news...I just really want it to be done soon, and again, really hope to become friends with people in the area, which was my wish for this place but the shy/passive-aggressive/loner/terrified of human contact mentality of these people made it near impossible.
But then this morning...there's not only no hot water, but the cold water is just shooting out WAY more enthusiastically than usual. So I called the landlord...that was about 8am. I also left notes on my neighbor's doors, above, below, and next to me to see if they were having the same problem.
I've only talked to one neighbor, who isn't experiencing the problem, and apparently has a water heater in her apartment. She thinks that I do too, though the location she described is non-existent in my apartment and there are no mystery doors.
I got back home sometime in the early afternoon, I think around 12-1pm...and then called the landlord again, to let her know yes, it's still a problem. She picked up this time and said that some guy will be coming by tomorrow, which is great, I just really really hope that he can fix the problem, which we think has to do with pipes since the sinks all have plenty of hot water, just none in the tub, that water stays cold. Then I started answering a barrage of questions about when moving, where having baby etc. She asked when we were leaving and then mumbled something about "oh we were waiting to get some stuff done...." and then her voice faded.
I am SO ready to move into our house...from the complaints that my daughter laughs to loud to suggesting I should run her around at night before bringing her in back in the winter time when we were getting home at dark times I am just sick of living in an anti-kid, cardboard-walled, whiny-neighbors who think they should be able to live in silence despite having chosen to live here, environment.
I really miss my Brooklyn (NYC) neighbors...who all talked IN PERSON to each other, played their music loud, yelled to get each other's attention which was (probably still is) all more than acceptable. We all had problems only with ONE noise in that neighborhood, and that was the big-wig church across the street with the loudspeakers that could be heard from blocks away playing organ music and preaching nonsense...that was a real neighborhood.
Fortunately we have found a significantly less expensive way to do some of the required work on the house, so that is fabulous news...I just really want it to be done soon, and again, really hope to become friends with people in the area, which was my wish for this place but the shy/passive-aggressive/loner/terrified of human contact mentality of these people made it near impossible.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Less than 3 weeks!
I'm getting really excited, and had to share, because my due date is 8 days away, that pretty much means that I will have this baby within the next 3 weeks...
It is exciting and fun to think about meeting her and especially to see her daddy and her sister's faces when they meet her...I've been a mom before but it's her dad's first time and my daughter's first time having a little sister.
My daughter is 3.5 (yesterday on the dot!) and it sure is interesting to be going through these last few weeks...she and I have been so close over the years, going through lots of moves, my getting married, her getting a wonderful step-dad etc. I'm interested to see how she responds to having a little sister. She says she is excited, and she was just thrilled to hold my friends 1 month old baby about a week ago too, but I know she gets very possessive and might have a hard time with me being focused on her sister. I'm dealing with it by making deals with her about ways that she can help, like getting the diapers for me when we need them, helping to wash/snuggle/kiss the baby etc.
I'm looking forward to this weekend, we have 2 photoshoots set up to capture this time forever...I'm not in a rush which surprises people when they see me, honestly I love to see peoples responses when they ask me when I'm due and I casually say, "about a week" ... lol, totally cracks me up.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
10 days left until Hazel is due...
I have been waking up at different times through the pregnancy...I remember in the second trimester, it was about 1:30am like clockwork...now we've progressed (?) to about 3-3:30am. Usually I feel a bit hungry, despite having eaten a good dinner, and I'm able to go back to sleep, this 'usually' statement though is based on the second trimester insomnia though. I've been up now for about an hour and a half...I ate a yogurt, and tried to go back to bed, but it just didn't work, hence my being awake right now.
Hazel got the hiccups though, which was nice, while I was trying to go back to bed. I say this is nice because:
One thing that I am very excited about, is that my husband, who has been going through some major personal growth, has the same goals in mind as I do regarding when we plan to move into the house that is currently unfinished. In my mind...the ideal time would be before the pears are ready for harvest. It's not the clearest or most defined time frame, it is more based on my desire. Part of what I am looking forward to in regards to living in the house involves having a garden, a safe place to live where we don't have to worry about waking people up if we are laughing boisterously and taking the next step in our marriage/family as well. It will be a major major accomplishment to be moved into the house considering the amount of work he has put into it and it will be so fulfilling for him, and exciting for me to see it all come together. He stated his intentions today...as July. He stated this independently of my pear tree desires (which have only been floating in my head) and so it was kind of an exciting moment to 'just be' on the same page with our intentions and idealistic thoughts.
It is an exciting journey as we're creating the life that we desire and we're not holding back.
I'm so grateful for the opportunities and experiences that I have that have taught me that we do not have to play by the rules. We are working hard at developing opportunities for ourselves by the dozen and we both have the drive and passion to enjoy doing so. I am happy that we are creating a life for our daughters that will include us both in it. Neither of us really consider it to be 'working' so long as we are doing something that we feel passionately about, and we're fortunate to be passionate about so many things, most passionate about living life, seeking opportunities, helping people, and creating the family life that we have both only ever dreamed about. It's happening and it is beautiful.
Maybe I can sleep now that I've gotten all that out.
...oh one more thing! Kenzie will be officially 3.5 tomorrow (3/26) so I have let her know that it looks like she has met that landmark before Hazel's born. I'm excited to have some special surprises and treats for her so we can celebrate. Every moment I spend with her is so precious...she is my only daughter right now and we have been through so much, I want her to feel as involved and a part of the process as possible.
Hazel got the hiccups though, which was nice, while I was trying to go back to bed. I say this is nice because:
- I know she's facing the right way because of where I felt the hiccups
- I love feeling her little movements, each one is a sign to me that she is doing well in there
- It's nice to know I'm not the only one up at this crazy hour
One thing that I am very excited about, is that my husband, who has been going through some major personal growth, has the same goals in mind as I do regarding when we plan to move into the house that is currently unfinished. In my mind...the ideal time would be before the pears are ready for harvest. It's not the clearest or most defined time frame, it is more based on my desire. Part of what I am looking forward to in regards to living in the house involves having a garden, a safe place to live where we don't have to worry about waking people up if we are laughing boisterously and taking the next step in our marriage/family as well. It will be a major major accomplishment to be moved into the house considering the amount of work he has put into it and it will be so fulfilling for him, and exciting for me to see it all come together. He stated his intentions today...as July. He stated this independently of my pear tree desires (which have only been floating in my head) and so it was kind of an exciting moment to 'just be' on the same page with our intentions and idealistic thoughts.
It is an exciting journey as we're creating the life that we desire and we're not holding back.
I'm so grateful for the opportunities and experiences that I have that have taught me that we do not have to play by the rules. We are working hard at developing opportunities for ourselves by the dozen and we both have the drive and passion to enjoy doing so. I am happy that we are creating a life for our daughters that will include us both in it. Neither of us really consider it to be 'working' so long as we are doing something that we feel passionately about, and we're fortunate to be passionate about so many things, most passionate about living life, seeking opportunities, helping people, and creating the family life that we have both only ever dreamed about. It's happening and it is beautiful.
Maybe I can sleep now that I've gotten all that out.
...oh one more thing! Kenzie will be officially 3.5 tomorrow (3/26) so I have let her know that it looks like she has met that landmark before Hazel's born. I'm excited to have some special surprises and treats for her so we can celebrate. Every moment I spend with her is so precious...she is my only daughter right now and we have been through so much, I want her to feel as involved and a part of the process as possible.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Gaskets, Leaks & Oil....oh my!
So...for the last couple of weeks I've noticed this light coming on, that represents the coolant that the radiator uses. I read through the Mercedes handbook and found out I can in a pinch pour in some water.
Skip ahead a few weeks...I'm starting to get freaked out, put water in it a few times but it seems like it's getting more frequent...NEED TO TAKE IT SOMEWHERE...I didn't know where though. Eventually I was bitching enough to get G to ask his friends and we got a GREAT referral!!! I took the car to Friedels in Renton, they are awesome, told me to come by for free to check out the problem. I'd been a bit cynical at first...they charge half of what the local Mercedes dealer does for labor & it wasn't clear if they were a jack of all trades who happened to touch a Mercedes before or what. Boy was that a mis-guided assumption. I drove up and there was like, 15-20 old Mercedes that were around the shop that were at least as old if not older than the one that I was driving (1992) it felt like one of those 'ahhh' moments where the clouds clear and a beam of sunshine comes down from the sky.
Good news: I was right, there is a leak and it is not good that I had to keep putting water into the coolant fluid. This problem will be fixed tomorrow when I bring it back for just over $100.
Bad news: We saw oil in the coolant...there is NOT supposed to be oil in the coolant and this means that there is a 'blown gasket' which isn't a good thing. This one will cost closer to $1,000 they told me I could wait on that one, (they could see I'd be busy by the size of my belly) but to watch the heat (should stay around 80 degrees and only occaisonally and BRIEFLY reach 100 degrees, any more = problem). He also said to make sure I keep my cel phone on me and charged.
So the car is okay, just need to find some $ to get that gasket repaired...booking more parties now...
Skip ahead a few weeks...I'm starting to get freaked out, put water in it a few times but it seems like it's getting more frequent...NEED TO TAKE IT SOMEWHERE...I didn't know where though. Eventually I was bitching enough to get G to ask his friends and we got a GREAT referral!!! I took the car to Friedels in Renton, they are awesome, told me to come by for free to check out the problem. I'd been a bit cynical at first...they charge half of what the local Mercedes dealer does for labor & it wasn't clear if they were a jack of all trades who happened to touch a Mercedes before or what. Boy was that a mis-guided assumption. I drove up and there was like, 15-20 old Mercedes that were around the shop that were at least as old if not older than the one that I was driving (1992) it felt like one of those 'ahhh' moments where the clouds clear and a beam of sunshine comes down from the sky.
Good news: I was right, there is a leak and it is not good that I had to keep putting water into the coolant fluid. This problem will be fixed tomorrow when I bring it back for just over $100.
Bad news: We saw oil in the coolant...there is NOT supposed to be oil in the coolant and this means that there is a 'blown gasket' which isn't a good thing. This one will cost closer to $1,000 they told me I could wait on that one, (they could see I'd be busy by the size of my belly) but to watch the heat (should stay around 80 degrees and only occaisonally and BRIEFLY reach 100 degrees, any more = problem). He also said to make sure I keep my cel phone on me and charged.
So the car is okay, just need to find some $ to get that gasket repaired...booking more parties now...
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Acupuncture, Concert, Coffee & Pedicure...
Looking forward to today, we've got a bunch of fun plans including a music concert, coffee shop meetup, and then a mani/pedicure in Bellevue...can't beat that!
I had an absolutely amazing experience today, and I am SOLD on eastern medicine being superior to western...I woke up with terrible pain whenever I moved my neck, it was like a pinched nerve or something. I couldn't look side to side or up and down with out actually crying out "ouch" it was scary just because it was Friday and I was worried about anyone having time to help me with it!
I called my doctor's office (western medicine) and they pretty much said, 'but did anything happen?' and I explain that i don't know what caused it but I can't move my neck with out excruciating pain, and seeing as how I'm giving birth to a baby soon, it's just not a good time for that what can I do to fix it? They pretty much told me there was no reason to come in, and that he'd most likely tell me to take some tylenol and rest.
Then, I called my midwife, who wasn't in so I left a message.
Then I called an acupuncturist that I've been working with recently...and he let me make a same day appointment to come on in and take care of it! I got there and I kid you not he FIXED IT. He was able to use needles and some deep flicking massage type technique, throw in a few herbs and moxa and voila!! I can look all over without pain!!
I'm now convinced that most (no, not all!) doctors are just pharmacists, they get paid, to help the pharmaceutical companies get paid and they can all go chuckle at their little cocktail parties. Blows my mind that an ancient medicine, can just FIX something like this, and that western medicine has not paid any mind to this. My doctors office didn't say a word about massage or acupuncture just drugs, and apologizing they can't give me the 'good stuff' because I'm pregnant.
I HIGHLY recommend trying acupuncture with your next medical problem...he was able to turn my breech baby, AND make my almost immobile neck mobile again (to walk without pain, I looked like I was walking with a full neck brace on prior to seeing him!), and the latter took about 30-40 minutes at the most.
I had an absolutely amazing experience today, and I am SOLD on eastern medicine being superior to western...I woke up with terrible pain whenever I moved my neck, it was like a pinched nerve or something. I couldn't look side to side or up and down with out actually crying out "ouch" it was scary just because it was Friday and I was worried about anyone having time to help me with it!
I called my doctor's office (western medicine) and they pretty much said, 'but did anything happen?' and I explain that i don't know what caused it but I can't move my neck with out excruciating pain, and seeing as how I'm giving birth to a baby soon, it's just not a good time for that what can I do to fix it? They pretty much told me there was no reason to come in, and that he'd most likely tell me to take some tylenol and rest.
Then, I called my midwife, who wasn't in so I left a message.
Then I called an acupuncturist that I've been working with recently...and he let me make a same day appointment to come on in and take care of it! I got there and I kid you not he FIXED IT. He was able to use needles and some deep flicking massage type technique, throw in a few herbs and moxa and voila!! I can look all over without pain!!
I'm now convinced that most (no, not all!) doctors are just pharmacists, they get paid, to help the pharmaceutical companies get paid and they can all go chuckle at their little cocktail parties. Blows my mind that an ancient medicine, can just FIX something like this, and that western medicine has not paid any mind to this. My doctors office didn't say a word about massage or acupuncture just drugs, and apologizing they can't give me the 'good stuff' because I'm pregnant.
I HIGHLY recommend trying acupuncture with your next medical problem...he was able to turn my breech baby, AND make my almost immobile neck mobile again (to walk without pain, I looked like I was walking with a full neck brace on prior to seeing him!), and the latter took about 30-40 minutes at the most.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Tipped Over...
I'm cracking up right now, and I'm glad I didn't give my husband a heart attack, I just totally scared him!! This is how it happened...
...We just got back from seeing our midwife, all is well baby-wise and she is at the moment in the correct birthing position. I'm making progress, but no dilation yet.
On my way from the car to the apartment I picked up the mail, I didn't have much, about 4 envelopes 2 of which are advertising. I opened the packages/fliers etc. while squatting (so I could further progress the baby positioning) and then I went to the kitchen to put the envelopes into the recycling bag (we always have a paper bag for these items just outside of the sink in the kitchen). My wonderful husband had just taken all the trash and recycling out though, so there wasn't a bag. No biggie, I'm not helpless, (I told myself), and I bent over as much as I could to see if I could reach a paper bag. Nothing in sight, so I figured I should squat and dig a bit to find a paper bag. Here's the funny part...I didn't step back far enough from the counters/cabinets...so I started to squat...there wasn't room for my knees, so I 'bumped' into the counter with my knee, which tipped me over, pretty slowly but apparently there were dramatic sound effects!! I landed on my big soft bum, so I didn't experience any pain but oh my goodness did he come running fast..."What happened???!!!" all I could do was crack up, I said something like, "I tried to squat" between giggles..."there wasn't enough room".
I'm just fine, and still occasionally cracking up while thinking about it, and I'm grateful for my extra padding in back...LOL!!!
I'm also glad that the baby is in position...now if only she'd stay there! I'm going to go moxa my pregnancy stabilization points...then go pick up my big three and a half year old for her swimming lessons. I don't think I'll make it to the LLL meeting tonight because it seems like it's happening a bit late...maybe though since my lovely man will be at some Masonic Meeting...maybe I'll let Kenzie decide.
...We just got back from seeing our midwife, all is well baby-wise and she is at the moment in the correct birthing position. I'm making progress, but no dilation yet.
On my way from the car to the apartment I picked up the mail, I didn't have much, about 4 envelopes 2 of which are advertising. I opened the packages/fliers etc. while squatting (so I could further progress the baby positioning) and then I went to the kitchen to put the envelopes into the recycling bag (we always have a paper bag for these items just outside of the sink in the kitchen). My wonderful husband had just taken all the trash and recycling out though, so there wasn't a bag. No biggie, I'm not helpless, (I told myself), and I bent over as much as I could to see if I could reach a paper bag. Nothing in sight, so I figured I should squat and dig a bit to find a paper bag. Here's the funny part...I didn't step back far enough from the counters/cabinets...so I started to squat...there wasn't room for my knees, so I 'bumped' into the counter with my knee, which tipped me over, pretty slowly but apparently there were dramatic sound effects!! I landed on my big soft bum, so I didn't experience any pain but oh my goodness did he come running fast..."What happened???!!!" all I could do was crack up, I said something like, "I tried to squat" between giggles..."there wasn't enough room".
I'm just fine, and still occasionally cracking up while thinking about it, and I'm grateful for my extra padding in back...LOL!!!
I'm also glad that the baby is in position...now if only she'd stay there! I'm going to go moxa my pregnancy stabilization points...then go pick up my big three and a half year old for her swimming lessons. I don't think I'll make it to the LLL meeting tonight because it seems like it's happening a bit late...maybe though since my lovely man will be at some Masonic Meeting...maybe I'll let Kenzie decide.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Reached 37 weeks!!
I know I've taken notes somewhere about something important to blog about but I can't remember either what I wrote or where I put it...oh well.
I'm excited for next week, I'm deep into the planning process for 2 Arbonne parties, one to raise money for our MS Walk Team and one to raise money for Open Arms (if you are interested in either please contact me!!).
I'll be reporting back about how much money we were able to raise for the different causes in about a week...
Of course the 37 weeks I mentioned (and almost forgot to mention again after typing the title!!) is referring to the pregnancy!! I'm officially in the 'safe' zone and Hazel can be born at anytime with confidence she'll be able to learn how to breath etc.
So again...Yay!!
I'm excited for next week, I'm deep into the planning process for 2 Arbonne parties, one to raise money for our MS Walk Team and one to raise money for Open Arms (if you are interested in either please contact me!!).
I'll be reporting back about how much money we were able to raise for the different causes in about a week...
Of course the 37 weeks I mentioned (and almost forgot to mention again after typing the title!!) is referring to the pregnancy!! I'm officially in the 'safe' zone and Hazel can be born at anytime with confidence she'll be able to learn how to breath etc.
So again...Yay!!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Adjustments beginning...
I've gotten my paperwork for unemployment, I'll be getting about $540/wk which means that my most basic 'expenses' which are:
Rent - $1,100
Daycare - $900
Student Loans - $300
COBRA payments....(???)
Can't be covered...
Today I went to talk to a recruiter, I'm faxing in what should be my last Medical FSA, so I might get about $100 bucks out of that, and I am faxing in my deferral paperwork for my student loans. Yesterday I turned in an application for a new co-op daycare too that would save a lot of that money...
I'll have one of my first Arbonne parties tomorrow, so I am excited about that...so far I have 2 people confirmed to come and am hoping for some more, not much of a response from most of the people I reached out to so I'll send follow up messages to them today too. It's exciting so far but not profitable yet, but I'm working on changing that and getting off unemployment asap.
The absolute biggest money saver would be to get the house done and ditch this apartment...unfortunately it takes money to do that, not to mention the money we'll have to be spending on our birthing expenses (I'm due in 3 weeks now).
Working hard to stay afloat!! Off to find a fax machine now...I think there's one right up the street.
Rent - $1,100
Daycare - $900
Student Loans - $300
COBRA payments....(???)
Can't be covered...
Today I went to talk to a recruiter, I'm faxing in what should be my last Medical FSA, so I might get about $100 bucks out of that, and I am faxing in my deferral paperwork for my student loans. Yesterday I turned in an application for a new co-op daycare too that would save a lot of that money...
I'll have one of my first Arbonne parties tomorrow, so I am excited about that...so far I have 2 people confirmed to come and am hoping for some more, not much of a response from most of the people I reached out to so I'll send follow up messages to them today too. It's exciting so far but not profitable yet, but I'm working on changing that and getting off unemployment asap.
The absolute biggest money saver would be to get the house done and ditch this apartment...unfortunately it takes money to do that, not to mention the money we'll have to be spending on our birthing expenses (I'm due in 3 weeks now).
Working hard to stay afloat!! Off to find a fax machine now...I think there's one right up the street.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Search Experimenting
I am having a blast looking at all the options that the Google Adsense has to offer...if you look under my picture to the right of this post, I just added the search box that I find the most exciting.
Of course I configured it to work in a way that makes sense to me for the kinds of things that I like to look up an research which is why I'm so excited by it...basically I set it up to search through a long list of specified sites that I reference a lot, some are even sub-pages within sites (like the COBRA sites I've been checking obsessively after being laid off since I'm due RIGHT when my coverage is scheduled to end!).
I also have lots of mothering and a couple of political sites up too...I hope you'll have fun and try it out! I know I'll probably be using it more than anyone, but I'm really hoping that some readers of my blog find it interesting too. It will also search through my blog, this one, that you are reading right now, so you can find posts WAY more easily than clicking through all the months and years of old posts trying to go by the random titles that I've chosen.
I guess this is probably part of the 'tech' part of strawberrytechmama but I had to share...it's exciting stuff!
Of course I configured it to work in a way that makes sense to me for the kinds of things that I like to look up an research which is why I'm so excited by it...basically I set it up to search through a long list of specified sites that I reference a lot, some are even sub-pages within sites (like the COBRA sites I've been checking obsessively after being laid off since I'm due RIGHT when my coverage is scheduled to end!).
I also have lots of mothering and a couple of political sites up too...I hope you'll have fun and try it out! I know I'll probably be using it more than anyone, but I'm really hoping that some readers of my blog find it interesting too. It will also search through my blog, this one, that you are reading right now, so you can find posts WAY more easily than clicking through all the months and years of old posts trying to go by the random titles that I've chosen.
I guess this is probably part of the 'tech' part of strawberrytechmama but I had to share...it's exciting stuff!
Sunday, March 8, 2009
15 Minutes...
Kind of exciting...I'm not having 'real' as in painful contractions...but I am having BH every 15 minutes...for an hour now. I'm not going to keep tracking tonight unless they get more frequent or stronger, but it is fun that it is getting started!!! I don't think it'll actually happen too soon, but it will be happening pretty soon!! I was laying down for all of those too, so it's not going away with 'rest'.
:-)
:-)
Excited...
I haven't talked about this much, but at least some of you know that I have recently become involved in Arbonne. I'm getting started with a new program called "Arbonne Angels" that touches my soul in that the parties are being thrown to raise money for charities that need it. On that Arbonne Angels if you click around a bit you will find the email that I sent to the woman about charities that I plan to raise money for...I'm beyond excited and the only thing holding me back at all is a slight lack of energy ;-)
I just watched a very inspirational news story about another mom who did this, and is now a millionaire HERE (if you go to this page, the video is just to the right of the article) and it got me excited enough to share the beginning of my journey with you!
My goal for the month is to have 6 parties, raising money for a variety of charities that need more funding. It is my first month throwing parties and I just feel like this is the PERFECT way to start out my Arbonne life...so far I have 2 scheduled, both are in about 2 weeks and will be raising money for the National MS Society & Open Arms both of which I've benefited from by 1 degree or less and I feel strongly that they are doing a lot to help people.
Now I'm looking into a way to do some virtual parties, to get conference calls and show videos on the webinars as well for us to all work together to get some AWESOME products and raise money for some very meaningful causes.
I'll occaisionally post what is going on! I'm so excited and can't wait till I can post my millionaire story to share :-)
I just watched a very inspirational news story about another mom who did this, and is now a millionaire HERE (if you go to this page, the video is just to the right of the article) and it got me excited enough to share the beginning of my journey with you!
My goal for the month is to have 6 parties, raising money for a variety of charities that need more funding. It is my first month throwing parties and I just feel like this is the PERFECT way to start out my Arbonne life...so far I have 2 scheduled, both are in about 2 weeks and will be raising money for the National MS Society & Open Arms both of which I've benefited from by 1 degree or less and I feel strongly that they are doing a lot to help people.
Now I'm looking into a way to do some virtual parties, to get conference calls and show videos on the webinars as well for us to all work together to get some AWESOME products and raise money for some very meaningful causes.
I'll occaisionally post what is going on! I'm so excited and can't wait till I can post my millionaire story to share :-)
Friday, March 6, 2009
Progressing...
This morning I definitely feel...different. In a good way, I can tell things are progressing pregnancy wise...
Thankfully with all the Moxa and acupuncture we seem to (again) have Hazel in the right direction, and rather than flipping around, she still kicks my side, but is now feeling heavier lower down in my abdomen, which can only be a good things from what my intuition tells me, as uncomfortable as it is.
Bending over, squatting, even sitting is definitely getting harder, definitely can not walk fast or go up or down stairs quickly, that straight up hurts...I'm tired today too. Might be because I forgot my iron supplements this morning. I did take my herbal prescription & Zrii though...just got home a little while ago and took more of the herbs, iron, and some other supplements. Thinking about taking a nap while my body absorbs it all a bit.
I really want to get moving on cleaning the house, figure exercise is a good thing but I feel so so tired right now I think I had better wait, and just appreciate the rare quietness in the apartment right now. Then onto more Party Planning for Fundraising with Arbonne. So far I have one event dedicated to Open Arms and one to NMSS for March...would like to get 4 more booked though...
I think it would be good if I could figure out a way for Kenzie to help me with organizing in the house...I'll have to think about it. Trying so hard to avoid caffeine...but it is tough.
Thankfully with all the Moxa and acupuncture we seem to (again) have Hazel in the right direction, and rather than flipping around, she still kicks my side, but is now feeling heavier lower down in my abdomen, which can only be a good things from what my intuition tells me, as uncomfortable as it is.
Bending over, squatting, even sitting is definitely getting harder, definitely can not walk fast or go up or down stairs quickly, that straight up hurts...I'm tired today too. Might be because I forgot my iron supplements this morning. I did take my herbal prescription & Zrii though...just got home a little while ago and took more of the herbs, iron, and some other supplements. Thinking about taking a nap while my body absorbs it all a bit.
I really want to get moving on cleaning the house, figure exercise is a good thing but I feel so so tired right now I think I had better wait, and just appreciate the rare quietness in the apartment right now. Then onto more Party Planning for Fundraising with Arbonne. So far I have one event dedicated to Open Arms and one to NMSS for March...would like to get 4 more booked though...
I think it would be good if I could figure out a way for Kenzie to help me with organizing in the house...I'll have to think about it. Trying so hard to avoid caffeine...but it is tough.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
One Month to go...
March is going to be my pregnant month...I can focus on doing what I need to do, make sure she's facing the right way, I'm eating, sleeping, active and strong leading up to Hazel's birth.
Really it was a perfect time to be laid off, I do miss my co-workers but the cool part is we're all pretty much connected in other online communities and so it's not like we'll disappear off the planet from each other.
I'm excited today too because it is the baby shower (Thank you Gail!) that is the big event that is today, there will be about 12 ladies and a handful of kidlets there so it should be lots of fun.
Really it was a perfect time to be laid off, I do miss my co-workers but the cool part is we're all pretty much connected in other online communities and so it's not like we'll disappear off the planet from each other.
I'm excited today too because it is the baby shower (Thank you Gail!) that is the big event that is today, there will be about 12 ladies and a handful of kidlets there so it should be lots of fun.
All figured out
Okay, I was able to get an adsense account (you can see ads on this page now) using another email, which is fine for now, guess that's a reason to have more than one email...
Hopefully somehow some way they will get the info below about how things are being communicated and get it fixed...
I'm off to my baby shower today!! I'm looking forward to it!!
Hopefully somehow some way they will get the info below about how things are being communicated and get it fixed...
I'm off to my baby shower today!! I'm looking forward to it!!
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