Counting Down Summer!

 

Wow. Summer is definitely flying by. I sat down to remind myself of what we've been up to while I was thinking summer was half gone. The joke is on me - this weekend is AUGUST already!

This has been the first summer since I've had kids (my oldest turned 14 last week!) that I've had a full-time job. That being said, we're luckily still working remote/from home. So I've been here, but not here. I've been able to try and learn/perform all my new job tasks, while also answering, "I'm bored. What's there to do?" Newsflash - the woman at the big screen monitors for 40+ hours each week is not where you go for a good time.

I suppose that's part of my missing summer passing me by - next week we go on vacation, then later in the month the kids go camping, and we're still planning to fit in a Cedar Point trip. So most of our 'summer plans' are still in the future.

It has been nice to go outside and water my flowers on lunch, and nothing beats the commute time between my bedroom and my office. I'm grateful that my regular schedule sets me loose at 4pm. We tend to leave ASAP for any errands after work, since I imagine a lot of the 9-to-5 crew aren't on the roads or in the stores yet.

Hubby has gotten a couple races in this summer, and his job has also had a few fun trips. 

Jack is lucky enough to have a friend in the neighborhood with a pool, so they've made tracks back and forth between our houses this summer. With how much he's enjoyed swimming this summer, it's a bummer he doesn't want to take more lessons at Aqua Tots (although I think it's because of the 'tots' in the name). He's also VERY into researching the amusement parks we're planning to visit before summer is over. He's just taken a two-day basketball camp this week and liked it, and is now curious to check out a local gym's 'ninja' classes.

Maggie has probably been the busiest of all of us! She's been babysitting most days for the three-year-old across the street, going to theater practice for the fall performance of Macbeth, trying to catch up with the friends she's missed during the virtual school year, and is now adding in physical therapy (her fast growing bones are wearing out her muscles), and getting ready for high school and the fall baton  twirling season. Whew!

Anyway, it looks like this post may have been more for me than you, dear reader. This blog has been with me a long time, and tells me a lot about where I've been. I'd be remiss if I didn't keep it up to date with a little more than my book reviews (but those are certainly not going anywhere!).

What have the highlights of your summer been? What are you looking forward to?

Time to Get Fancy?

I know I've mentioned it here before, but I'm planning on upgrading my blog a bit - soon! I'm waiting now for some funds that are on their way, then I'll get my 'own' domain and talk to the person who will design it for me.

I read an article in Parents magazine yesterday about 'famous' mommy bloggers. I've read these sort of articles before, and while part of me loves the anonymity of my lil blog, a part of me of course asks why I can't be rich and famous for my blog. Am I not using the best seo software? Is my writing, well, bad?
Looking over their list of the big-time mommies, I realized something. There's not a single one that I read regularly. A few I've checked out once or twice, but I've never kept going because they - quite frankly - weren't writing what I wanted to read. So there's my answer, in black and white. What I find interesting to read and write about isn't what the masses find appealing.

On that note, I'll keep writing what I like and need to write. I would rather have sincere readers who like what I enjoy writing than masses of readers chasing some persona I'd have to create to be one of the big ones.

Exactly!

I was reading on Yahoo! this morning (since I'm up early and the work site isn't working..grrr...), and some football guy is marrying some cheerleader (sorry, I'm not much of a sports fan).

What I liked about the article he wrote? His reaction to the guys that offer him 'sympathy' on getting married:

...I'm excited for the big day, so please don't feel sorry for me because marriage sucks for you...

I've gotten annoyed when hubby jokingly says he's 'sorry' when someone announces their engagement. It's not the 14-year-old sense of humor that gets me, it's exactly what Chris Cooley is talking about - we have a GOOD (sometimes even GREAT) marriage - why would you want to give people any other impression?

Thank you, football guy, for expressing what I couldn't get across.

Sometimes Tears are Okay

I'm not sure if everyone knows, but I update my reading list as I finish reading books. Not nearly as many books as I used to read, but I'm usually reading something.

This morning, I finished reading The Saving Graces by Patricia Gaffney. It really got to me. It was a story of four women who had been friends for over ten years. They each had their personal struggles, but one they pretty much shared was Isabel's battle with breast cancer. It talked about her reactions to chemo and radiation, and her eventual death.

Just a few years ago I lost my best friend to breast cancer. I wasn't there for her like Isabel's friends were, but I was absolutely never made to feel guilty about it. My friend, Suzanne, and her husband were so, so wonderful to me, even through their very tough times. She wasn't the first friend I'd lost, so my reaction to grief was a total shut-down.

When Sue had her first diagnosis, we still hung out. The chemo would knock her out for a few days, but then she'd be back in the game. She pulled through and was cancer-free for a spell.

After her diagnosis that the cancer had returned, we still hung out. When she was still out and about a little bit (but obviously getting weaker), we went out for lunch a few times, and talked on the phone somewhat regularly.

After treatment was stopped, I called her a few times, but as she got weaker and couldn't really talk much, I didn't go visit her. And they understood it just wasn't something I could bring myself to do. Her husband even said he'd understand if I didn't go to the funeral. But that, I made it through. I just couldn't watch her be miserable and know she wouldn't be with us much longer.

The book brought all that back so fresh. I'm jealous of those with long-time female friends. I feel like I have mostly acquaintances, but no one I really see on schedule, or talk to on a regular basis. There's a group of us that gets together once a month, or every couple months, but we don't really talk much in between. I'm jealous of the closeness of the women in the book.

Am I just imagining that other women have 'best friends' like this? How long have you had your best friend? If you're married (especially) is there still a friend besides your husband that you call when you're excited, or upset, or whatever - to tell things to that you have to tell or you'll burst? My husband is my new best friend, but sometimes I wonder if there's something else to be had in a best girl-friend.

Hmmm... (this title's for you, Girl!)

I feel so...flat...lately. No, not my stomach (okay, it's not big, but it's not a washboard like I'd like, course it never has been...). See what I mean? I talk, but about nothing. Yesterday I actually sent an email about my daughter's poop. I'm afraid I've been reduced to a chronicle-er of poop. But I'm actually not too upset about it. Just apologizing to you all (both of you - hahaha) for the fluff you're reading lately. Want my take on some 'real issues?'

Politics?
Michigan gets to re-do our primary. I didn't bother voting the first time (in the primary that was too early) becuase not all the candidates even got on the ballot. That, and I couldn't really decide who to vote for. Still can't. I'm definitely looking at the democratic ticket, not the republican one. But I go back and forth. Unless I hear something compelling, I may skip voting in the 'new' primary too.

Sex?
I just had a baby seven months, three weeks and some odd days ago. I've obviously had sex in the past, but my mom reads this blog, so we won't go there :)

Religion?
That is sort of on my list to address. We're having a dedication at the UU church for Maggie. I can have it include whatever I want, within a few parameters. Anything you've seen that's exceptionally cool/touching/meaningful? The minister sent me three clips of past dedications, and also suggested Google-ing the subject, then let him know what I like. Yet another reason I like this church :)

Adventures in Nursing

And by nursing I mean breastfeeding, of course.
This afternoon we went to the Detroit Boat Show. It's been getting smaller each year, lately, but we had a free ticket and $5 off another ticket, so for $6, it was a nice afternoon out for the husband, Maggie and me.
While my husband was talking about our next cruiser with some sales guy, I shouted up to him that I'd be nursing at some seats nearby. The front row of the seats were some creepy looking guys, so I grabbed a chair a few rows back and faced it toward the curtain/wall. I'm not exceptionally shy, but I'm not an exhibitionist either.
As I nursed the baby, my husband finished talking with the boat guy and joined us. I noticed more creepy-looking guys were joining the throng in the seats. Then I saw some young girls (okay, around 20 years old, but that's young to me!) with breasts that looked like they must have hungry babies around too (translation: lactating).
When my husband started chuckling, I saw the sign he'd noticed - the bikini contest was starting in ten minutes. And here I was with my goodies already out on display.
I should have gotten first prize.

Omigosh!!

At this time tomorrow, we'll be in the air, on our way to Ft Lauderdale, to connect to Freeport, Bahamas! Yay!!!
But we haven't even started packing. My plan was that last night we'd figure out what we wanted to pack (mostly out of the summer clothes that were in storage downstairs), but it didn't happen. So I'll still try and do mine this morning, so I can wash anything that needs it before filling up the suitcases tonight.
I still need to head to the store for a pack of diapers, laundry detergent, Airborne for the man (not recommended for pregnant or nursing moms, of which I am the latter...), maybe another pair of shorts, I'd LOVE some new sunglasses if I can find them...etc, etc, etc...

I'm Not Worthy?

Found something mildly amusing on Kathi's blog today. How much is your blog worth?

My blog is worth $2,822.70.
How much is your blog worth?

Sometimes...

Sometimes, there are rewards.

I'm going on a HUGE grocery shopping mission this evening, so I decided to try and sort out what I have, and make room in the cupboards for what I need. In the back of a few cans of sausage gravy and sugar-free lime jello, I found a pack of sweet-tarts. Just a little pack, like from trick-or-treating or something.

I cut open the tiny envelope to let the 15 - 20 sweet-tarts out to see the light of day. They didn't look very healthy (less healthy than candy usually looks, I mean). They were all the same sort of gray color, except a couple of purple ones. Being the brave soul that I am, I decided to taste them anyway.

And I did. I tasted every single one. I couldn't even tell the difference between the gray ones and the purple ones. They were all delicious.

Dream Big!

Dammit. Tammy made me cry by suggesting I watch this video from the Oprah show. Go on, watch it.

What were your dreams? I remember wanting to be a mom. It's a dream realized already :) So what do I do with the rest of my life?

Choreplay vs Foreplay

OMG. This was too good not to pass along. There's an article on BabyCenter about choreplay vs foreplay. And it's exactly what it sounds like. I LOVE IT!! So true... Not having to dwell on everything that has to be finished is so much more of a turn-on than looking at the clock to figure out how long I can spare to have a little fun with hubby. Just sayin.

Thanks to Parent Hacks for bringing this article to my attention.

I Have a Good Listener

Maggie knew I needed a break. She's been sleeping since I got out of the shower - two and a half hours ago!
I'm at 17.5 hours of work so far this week, but there are now changes coming to my main project (so we've been told to stop working), and we're out of work on my secondary project. So I'm off to work on some laundry.

We (and by 'we' I mean Maggie) got MAJOR poopies on the swing the other day. But her diaper wasn't full. She may have a gift - she shat straight UP her back. Yeah, thanks, kid. Hopefully it washed up okay. We'll see.

I think I got even with her this morning though. Just kidding, we're not keeping score, but I did really tee her off. She has a really cute one piece outfit that has long sleeves and long pants, and snaps all the way up her left side. This little tidbit of information is very important. This morning, I tried to snap it up the RIGHT side, which meant the top was on straight, but the bottom was backwards. It fit very tightly that way and she wasn't happy.
Sorry, baby, I'm new at this.

Is it Contagious?

Of course not. I'm talking about post-partum depression.

Maggie and I went to a free 'infant massage' class today. It ended up being just the woman who was leading it, and one other mother and I. The other mother's daughter was just seven weeks old. I don't think Maggie ever was that tiny! Hahahaha... Anyway, with such a small group, we really got to talking. She's having some health problems, including probable depression. She started crying just talking about it. I felt so bad for her. I remember what it felt like.

Apparently, I remembered a little too well. Tonight I'm really down in the dumps. I feel like I'm not accomplishing anything I need to. Hubby suggested I get up earlier. Which is a swell idea, except once I get up, so does Maggie, and what I do all day is entertain her. She's at that age where naps aren't cool, I guess, so working (or eating, or doing laundry, or, or, or...) is a real challenge. But I feel it's a challenge I don't have any option but to conquer.

'Cept I don't know how.....

Insightful

Did I spell that right? Meh. Anyway...In my cleaning yesterday (which never got fully underway), I found the old pages of a Mary Engelbreit page-a-day calendar from a couple years ago (yeah, it's been a while since I cleared off my dresser). It's time, I think finally, to start throwing away the pages covered with pretty drawings and nice sentiments. But I can post them here to last forever (well, the sentiments anyway...)

"There is no more lovely, friendly, and charming relationship, communion, or company than a good marriage." -Martin Luther

I can get down with that. My husband and I consider our marriage the foundation for pretty much everything else we do. It will (hopefully) serve as a good example to Maggie when she has to face the world. A happy, healthy home life makes everything else a lot more bearable.

Emotionally Charged

I'm emotional now that I'm finally home. I assume it's because of the holidays, and the fact that I'm finally home. I've been crying at nearly anything. Whether it's joy at how happy and healthy our baby is, or sympathy for those who don't have it as well, I'm a regular water fountain.

It's rather amusing, really. See, a week or so ago, hubby said his dad said he wasn't sure if he'd cry when he finally got to see the baby again at the airport. I laughed and said it must be hereditary, since hubby cried at the birth and I didn't. This, of course, is what certainly jinxed me. Ever since I said that I'm not a crier, I can't stop crying. Ugh. Hahahaha...

Another Step Saved...

This holiday I feel like I'm sort of missing out. I didn't 'do' any of the things I normally do to prepare, you know? Now, don't get me wrong, I know there's a bright side to that too, like when we eloped and got to skip the groomsmen gift. But this is Maggie's first Christmas - I wanted to be all domestic and do things like I feel deep down they 'should' be done. I suppose this may just be raising the bar for next year, eh?

Happy Thanksgiving!

I'm so very thankful.
I'm thankful for my immediate and extended family.
My fantastic husband who provides exactly what I need, when I need it.
My beautiful baby girl who I didn't even know I could possibly love so much.
My mother-in-law who is even now making my little girl giggle the most adorable little giggle.
My brother-in-law who is doing without so many conveniences to visit us in Germany, and doing everything short of standing on his head to keep my baby happy.
My mother...gosh...so hard to say enough about my mother. She is everything I want to be to my little girl.
My father for reassuring me - without saying a word - that there were still good guys out there. He's living proof, and frequently the measure I hold my husband up to ;)
My brother (even though he broke my nail..hahahaha) for putting up with me, and still introducing me to his friends, and letting us take it from there.
My father-in-law for all he does for us.
My sisters-in-law for being the sisters I never had growing up.

Gosh, I could go on with this all day, eh?

My friends - real and 'imaginary,' for supporting me and caring what happens to me. They all remind me in their ways that I'm not alone. That can make all the difference sometimes.

What are you most thankful for this Thanksgiving?

Weird Coincidence

I think I've mentioned that the data entry job I just started doing again now is with the same company as a job I had a few years ago. I remember it was really weird when I started there last time. My supervisor was a girl who had grown up down the street from me, and it turned out that she knew a bunch of psycho people that I'd known years later. Visiting with her brought huge flashbacks.
Fast forward til now. There were six people in my training class, and the one next to me looked familiar. I didn't think much of it, since I've had several 'public' sort of jobs in that city (bank teller, working at Kinko's..the kind of stuff where you see everyone eventually). Everyone got to conversing over lunch, and it turns out that Jen was the bartender at the bar where we went after work at Kinko's like every day. We were so regular there that if I ran behind leaving work, I'd knock on the door of the then-closed bar and the staff would let me in to join my co-workers. Yup. And she remembered us when I saw her again last Thursday.
How does that office always bring back that time in my life?
Weird.

Disclosure Policy

This policy is valid from 30 August 2007.

This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me. For questions about this blog, please contact harmonyglow at yahoo.com.

I accept cash advertising, sponsorship, paid insertions or other forms of compensation. The compensation received may influence the advertising content, topics or posts made in this blog. That content, advertising space or post may not always be identified as paid or sponsored content.

I am sometimes compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. Even though I may receive compensation for my posts or advertisements, I always give my honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those topics or products.

The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely my own. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider or party in question.

This blog does not contain any content which might present a conflict of interest.