The Discombobulation

I have a million topics and ideas flowing through my mind for my blog but none of them seem like the right thing to write about right now. I feel like I need to document my progress at the task at hand and let this be my night's notion.

Ok first off... Mission sort of successful with not talking about babies as much. My friends at work keep flaunting their adorable babies at me so I just can't help myself!! I just cave... But I don't say anything about ME having babies per-say, I just talk about how cute their babies are. I'm being good about not threatening to steal them anymore. I think that made people think I was crazy. I do take part in baby topics and interesting things I'm learning form you all about birth and labor and babies and random facts I had no idea about (I feel another "things they don't tell you" post coming on). All of a sudden I had been deemed the "obsession girl," I corrected them though, and we settled for the term "intrigued." I'm intrigued by all things baby right now. Plus, there's another girl I work with who I think I've converted to wanting a kid, and she's kind of starting to take my spot as the "obsessed one"--Mission nearly accomplished. Although I'm not the one who is pregnant or has a baby I'm finding myself always in the middle of conversations about random labor/pregnancy/ pre-pregnancy facts ie: Eating your placenta is good for you. Interesting-- Yes. But will I or anyone I know do it--Umm, no, probably not. But it make for interesting conversation right? And who else would know that (or maybe just bring it up) but me? Although I've backed off from bringing the conversations up, I'm finding they're coming to me now... And get this... I'm even getting to watch this little cutie a couple days a week soon once his mommy goes back to work, thanks to my known love for kiddos. So I guess my "intriguedness" is paying off.

Anyway, another one of my friends announced her pregnancy this week. This one wasn't on my cool list... I actually haven't known her long enough to put her on it, so she was kicked off before even getting on *sigh.*

In other news, I've decided I'm going to get my IUD taken out next month. Have I mentioned that yet? I may have said that I was thinking about it, but now I'm thinking I'm going to. We're going to the doctor in a few weeks and I'm going to set an appointment then to get it taken out. This doesn't mean I'm turning the Baby Making Machine "ON" it just means I'm warming it up. I'm hoping by taking it out it'll give me time to get the hormones out of my system and track my... Ya know. They say you should be able to get pregnant right away once you get it taken out but I figure this will warm both of us up to the idea more, and put us a baby step closer to being ready. Some people have told me about a couple of books to get when you get to this stage. Remind me of them and a few more again! I will be stopping by yalls Amazon linky portal thingies!

I've been thinking a lot about that lately... Being ready that is. I've been feeling pretty rock steady about my feelings on the matter lately, but I'm also praying for patients and understanding. I've applied for a few jobs for my husband and he has an interview for one on Monday (aren't I awesome?) I feel like if he gets this job he'll feel a lot better about money and whatnot... But I'm also not setting myself up for disappointment. I'm trying to be understanding and realistic.

Do you remember Pres. Monson's talk last conference called "The Joy in the Journey"? That was part of the inspiration for this blog and I've been thinking about that talk a lot lately. He tells us to enjoy the messes on the floor when your kids are young because one day they'll be all grown up.. etc etc. Well I'm thinking the same way about life now. I don't want to spend all of my time worrying about "when" we're taking the next step. I'm really going to try to enjoy where we're at right now... Even if it's just enjoying the quiet alone time we have now to cuddle and watch movies together every night... We won't get much of that once we have kids. Enjoying the time we have picking up and going for a drive at a moments notice. Going on vacations. Out to a quiet dinner. Pigging out on junk food and staying up late talking about our future and goals we have. A lot of those things we'll still get to do, but not as freely. I really am going to try to focus on enjoying what we do have now, and where we are, rather than taking away from what we're experiencing NOW, because I'm too focused on the future.

Regardless of what happens in the near future, I'm so blessed to have what we have, and I'm SO excited for General Conference. I can't help but feel like I'll get it this time--Get something, we'll see.

The Non-Pregnancy/Baby/Fertility Post

I'm doing this for the 12 people so far who say they'd like to see more posts on things other than that stuff... This is for you, so I hope you're reading this! Other than the title of this post I won't mention the "B" word or talk about my plans to become... You know. I'll warn you though that you may be pretty disappointed because my life... It really isn't that exciting. But let this be my exercise,... my experiment, and we'll see how it goes.

I'm really tired right now because I worked the early-morning shift at work. Meaning I had to be at work at 5am and I was live on TV by 6. What was I talking about?-- Back to school shopping and tax-free weekend. I also did a story about unique students using innovative technology at a school in Texas. I'm not sure if I mentioned before but I am an education reporter so I work a lot at schools, and covering stories about topics related to students and parents.

One thing that's weird about having a job like I do is when people know what I do... They ask me random facts, expecting me to know everything. Like yesterday a lady in my neighborhood asked me when Cash for Clunkers ends. I really wanted to tell her to look it up but I was trying to be nice. She gave me her cell phone number so I could call her and tell her later. Yes, I work for the news but I can't remember the dates and number and names of everything!

I'm not sure why but the rest of this post has transformed into a combination of my random thoughts right now so umm... Sorry.

I'm really craving some potato chips right now... Not sure why.

I can't wait to take a nap... I love naps.

I'm a little sick of seeing Rob Patterson on the cover of every magazine... I mean, ok if he's going to be a cover model but can he get a different pose? I'm tired of that blank zoolanderish look. The Edward in my mind is way hotter.

I went to the store last night to get some grapes and I came out with everything but grapes. I hate when that happens!

...Then when I was leaving I couldn't find my car. I hear they have an ap for that but I haven't looked it up yet.

Before bed, I set my alarm for 3:30, thinking I'd wake up extra early and eat a nice breakfast and relax before getting ready for work... Did that happen?--Am I kidding? I woke up at 4:30.

I really want to whiten my teeth some more. I've been using Crest white strips and they work SO GOOD, but I have to remember to use them twice a day. I've been using them more like once every-other day. Not sure that has the same effect.

I'm going to get the Canon Rebel XS sooner than I thought! I am planning to get it in the next couple of weeks... I've saved enough. But the downside?... In order to get it early (before Christmas) I have to "help" my husband with his papers for his independent study class. You ladies with hubbys who hate to write know what that means!

I'm tempted to just go out and buy it anyway but I'm sure that wouldn't go over well. I think we have an unwritten rule that we don't spend more than $40 on a single item without asking the other.

Wow... I know just because I'm not writing about one topic doesn't mean I have to write about 50 others at one time, but apparently that's all I can do at the moment. At least now you have a glimpse into the small portion of my brain that's NOT thinking about you-know-what.

And added for your entertainment purposes... Pictures I was taking today when I got home from work. I was trying to get a cute picture of me and Snoop but he kept licking my face at the last second!Close but he looked away!!

And then hubs wanted in on the picture fun too... Snoop didn't dare lick his face!

For those of you who'd like to read more personal stories or topics other than little people, any particular thing you're wondering about? ... Or have I bored you enough? Just askin!

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Apparently I have problems finishing what I've started... I can say that about many little projects I've started for Lil' J. I made three (cute) burp cloths, and have three to go. Tons of tulle, and tons of tutus to go. Snoop has lots and lots of dog collars I never finished for him. But hey, it could be worse. And at least I've decorated that nursery better than any other room in any other house we've EVER lived in. That's pretty much done.

I was looking through my drafts today in blogger and realize there are 6 posts I've been sitting on forever! So much time has pasted from some of them I'm not sure I'll ever publish them. Maybe, maybe not. But here's a little glimpse in case they never survive to see the "publish" button:

1. Consignment shopping 411: "If there's one thing I've learned in my life it's how to spot a good deal. I'm a woman who likes nice things, but I usually refuse to pay full price for it. I'm not going to say I'm perfect, I've had my fair share of splurges, but I learned very quickly to NEVER buy things full price from Express after buying an $80 dress that I bought in a different color for $15 a month later..."

I went to a lot of consignment sales and had a great post going about the stuff I scored and tips for going to these things. It's practically done, just needs pictures.

2. (No Tile Yet): "Last week I wrote a post on my other blog about push presents. As usual it got some comments from people who think the idea is stupid, unnecessary, worldly... Basically the people who are jealous they didn't get one. ...Kidding!!..."

It's obviously about push presents. And presents for daddy too cause I'm gonna make him work! I only have a few paragraphs started, it would be easy to finish if I was motivated enough.

3. "My Crotch Hurts...": "Last year I spent some time asking people "the things they don't tell you about pregnancy" before deciding to commit to taking the leap myself. Seeing that most people I know how more than one child I assumed all of the good outweighed the bad. But I didn't expect there to be so many things that people forgot to tell me...."

That's basically all I have of that one. I haven't been keeping up with my list so I'm not sure I can remember all of the things people forgot to tell me. One thing I remember cause I'm feeling it now is the crotch pain. I need to finish this before Lil' J is born, and momnesia sets in.

4. "Bladder Battles": "I really don't have many complaints about pregnancy. I've really enjoyed it so far. The nausea during the first trimester was annoying but when it would go away I'd worry, so I almost welcomed it.

Now... as my uterus grows more and more (right now it's about the size of a cantaloupe) the one thing that bugs me is my constant need to pee.

This is coming from a woman who use to pride herself in the length of time she could "hold it in"... So much so that once on my "introduction" form at church, in the slot where you're asked to list your talents I wrote down "holding my pee" right under "hoola hooping..."

That's all I have of that one pretty much, I can't remember where I was going with this... By the way I can't hoola hoop anymore either... Have you tried this pregnant? Must get a video for you this week... It's impossible... and this is from an award-winning hoola-hooper... NO JOKE!

5. Craigslist Psycho: "A few weeks ago we bought a new high definition TV. I get free cable and free HDTV and my husband couldn't stand not having a high definition TV to watch it on. So after months and month of begging and saving we invested in his new favorite toy. But standing it it's way was our old TV... Flat screen, HUGE tube in the back. Weighing over 200 pounds for sure. My husband was so eager to get rid of it, he asked me to put it up on Craigslist in the "free" section. I did. Bad idea..."

This one is done too, I'm not sure what I'm waiting for. Pictures maybe?

The last post was a call I keep getting from these awards to write random things about myself. I don't remember which award this is for and I SUCK at passing them on (so sorry) but I'll try to get better.

Here's things no one knows about me...

1. I don't like using the big utensils... You know how they come with big forks, little forks, big spoons and little spoons (I think it's salad fork vs meal fork etc.)? I don't like using the big ones. I'll always grab the small ones first, and let my husband use the big ones. I don't know why.

2. I can't walk around with a pair of scissors without having a split second vision of my tripping and stabbing myself in the neck... I know it's morbid, and I'm normally not morbid but it's just a weird thought I have when I walk around with scissors... Or knives

3. I'm TERRIFIED of mold. I feel like it's alive (ok I guess it is) and looking at me... Following me. If something looks like mold, even though it's not mold I have to inspect it for awhile and then cut it off and burn it with hot water. If it's not mold on bread I can't go near it, I have someone else clean it.

4. I can't do the dishes without rubber gloves. ... Which is probably why my husband has done the dishes for the past five and a half years (I have unloaded the dishwasher a few times).

5. Well, you already know I'm award-winning hoola-hooper now, so I guess I don't have to disclose that. I will say though that I can't lie... I'm a terrible liar, even if it's a silly joke, I can't do it without my face giving away the lie.

6. Almost as scary as mold are public restrooms... Can't stand them.

7. I hate swimming... Or I should say getting my hair wet. I most likely won't get in a pool this summer, but I have about 15 bikinis/ bathing suits.

8. I am a career woman but secretly wish I could be a good homemaker... I know some people do both but I've tried and failed. It makes me sad.

9. I can say the Bosnian Alphabet.

10. My cankles really hurt... Really bad, but I have an obsession with photographing them. My husband thinks it's gross and always tells me to stop but I can't! I'm pretty sure I have over 50 pictures of them. One of these days I may make my first scrapbook... A cankle scrapbook.

Anything surprise you?

If you want a more serious post from me today, check out my Project Pregnancy Blog on Parenting. I posted about my excitement for breastfeeding (maybe a little weird).

Also, Just for Me and You, and Kolcraft is doing a fundraiser for K.I.D.S... Check it out!

Blog funk

I think the title says it all.

I'm in a weird blog funk. I'm still here, blogging, adding my thoughts and photos. Getting better at the photos. But I can't help but feel like there's something missing.

I'm not sure what that something is but I'm thinking it could be my spunk. Has blogging about my daughter made me boring? Ordinary? I would say I have other better things to blog about but I kind of don't.

I'm not in the mess of birth and baby drama and controversy like I felt like I was stuck in for a while. My baby is sleeping just fine in her own room, I'm not organic obsessed and we're still breastfeeding, but no one elses' opinions on those things are going to change what I'm doing. And I don't really feel like arguing to get people to believe what I believe about those things because really?--There are more important things in life.

It used to be that I'd blog about random things. Wanting a kid, not wanting a kid. Humorous things involving my decision whether or not to have a kid. And now I've got one. And some things are funny, but most things are "you had to have been there" kind of things. And, you know how when you don't have kids, when moms stat talking about their kids and what they're doing you kinda nod and go "aaah" but really you're thinking "so what?" well, I'm beginning to wonder if that's what's happening here.

If I blog and say "OMG!! I told her to kiss her teddy bear and guess what? SHE DID IT!!" Are yall gonna be like "so? .... Tell me the story about how you flooded the bathroom again."

But then part of me is like "who cares... It's MY BLOG!" but when several hundred of you get this blog delivered to your email every morning, and even more than that subscribe, I don't want to let you down! Is that lame?

Truth is, I'm not SUPER good at any one thing. I'm ok at a lot of things. I'm ok at writing, I'm ok at taking pictures, I'm a sucky cook (but I'm learning), so I can't really post cute recipes because I can hardly follow them, much less make them up myself.

I'm not very stylish and I don't feel like posting pictures of myself or my un-stylish home every day. I think I'm a good mom, but bad at knowing all the rules about being healthy and what not. I'm a good lover. NOT in a "I shouldn't be blogging about this" kind of way, I mean I shower my family and friends with lots of love. I love loving!! I'm a loving person. Got it?

Anyway, I hope I'm not boring anyone to death blogging about Lil' J all the time. I figure it'll be hers to read some day. I would blog about my journey to #2 but I'm trying not to think about that right now (but things like this video makes that hard). This could change soon, but I'm just enjoying my #1 right now. And my cute hubby who starts his new job MONDAY!

And chilaxing.

And laughing at Toddlers and Tiaras.

And Teen Mom.

And attempting to get Lil' J to be the next Baby GAP model.

And devising a plan to rule the world.

I'm a busy woman.

Anyway (again) forgive my slight funkiness (I'm not talking about my smell). I'm feeling a little lost (blog wise... and sorta life wise, but not as much) but hopefully I'll find my way soon. Don't leave me k? I need company out here in Crazyland. I'll be back.

Taking a dump

Yesterday evening I randomly started a Tumblr blog. So now I'm officially on every social media site known to man. Don't ask me why I started it.

Well, ok, you can ask me...

I know I already have too many blogs. Well, this one and my one on BabyCenter, and other ones I occasionally contribute to... But on all of those blogs, including this one, I rarely feel comfortable taking a brain dump and pushing my random and sometimes strange or disturbing thoughts out there. I should though. I mean here at least. Actually, I sorta feel like I'm cheating on this blog, starting that one. I tumbled (is that the term for that blog?) twice this afternoon trying to figure out if it was working and just laying random thoughts out on the page when I had a few moments to post from my phone.

Posts are too long for a tweet but not long enough for a dedicated blog post here. Plus no cute photos and that's what you're are really here for aren't you? Admit it!

Anyway, so I think that may be my new spot for brain dumping. I don't expect you to read both sites. In fact stay here, it's better, that one may be pretty lame. Although I've turned this post into a big turd itself, it somehow doesn't feel quite as lame as the ones I'm letting out over there and I'd hate for my boring crap for scare yall nice folk away.

Getting behind

Sorry for my radio silence. For the first time in what seems like forever I've been going to bed before midnight-- before 10 even.

I've been so emotionally, mentally and physically exhausted planning our move (finally found a place), buying a new car and getting it situated, preparing to sell our old one. My husband graduating his academy (in two weeks... hooray!) plus baby-shower planning (for Saturday), and of course the usual work and stuff.

My poor baby got an upset tummy at school yesterday and it took me forever to get to her. I felt horrible, but made up for it with lots of cuddles and snuggles. She's feeling better now.

No time for sewing, no time for lots of pretty pictures, no time for sewing. It's been sad.

But I'm hoping to feel normal again-minus all the necessary packing and cleaning- come Monday. Hopefully I'll get my energy back. This is reminded me of my first trimester exhaustion which is making me re-assess my pro/cons asap list again.

So, sorry I've been so quiet in these parts. I'm loving my new camera and the gorgeous photos it's helping me capture. Someone asked that I write up a personal comparison of my 50mm 1.8 and my new 50mm 1.4 lenses. I hope to do that in the near future.

A few other random thoughts I might as well get down:

-Lil' J is OBSESSED with buses since our ride on one to the kite festival. Every time she sees one she says "bus, BUS" and she tries to take her seat belt off... Even when she's not in the car which is sorta weird. Or maybe she knows a sign for bus I don't know.

I looked up some bus routes to nearby parks so I think we'll take one next week to the park and back home so she can get her fix.

-I watched my first cooking show (like intentionally watched) about a month ago and I'm going to try what I learned: pico de gallo and guacamole. It was the Pioneer Woman's show. She looks older than I thought she was but that lady sure does have ACTUAL easy recipes (at least the one I watched, I didn't even have to write the directions down). I'm also going to attempt a friend's easy recipe for fruit dip.

If they're successful for the shower, I'll share here.

-Also planing to sew two St. Patrick's Day dresses for Lil' J to wear next week. I have a whole 3 binders of patterns and I should branch out in the ones I try but the peasant and t-shirt style are my quick go-tos I'll use for these since I need to be quick.

That's it for now. A bit of a brain dump for ya, excuse my typos, this is a drive-by post. Hope you're having a fantastic week!

What did I make this week? Plus an Announcement!

What did I craft or cook up this week? Nothing. Absolutely NADA. Unless you count turkey sandwiches, but I didn't take photos so I'm not sure that counts.

It's ok though. It's been one of those weeks. I'm working 6 days in a row, and feeling worn out to the max. BUT there are some good things happening.

Lil' J is OBSESSED with buses. She yells and points every time we pass one like she's trying to catch it. We've taken the bus to the park three times now and she asks about them daily. I have tons of pictures I need to share and blog about this cheap fun idea but until then, here's a few of our most recent trip taking a bus to a concert.

Waiting at the bus stop.

Checking herself out in the driver's mirror.

"WEE!"

Shawn from Boyz II Men

The concert we were riding to see? Boyz II Men! Saturday night we had VIP clearance at the Austin Urban Music Festival. I was literally a couple of feet away from touching Shawn, my longest-lasting crush. I told Lil' J to waive at him. She was watching the whole thing from my backpack carrier. More on this later!

Getting a look for herself.

Another positive? I picked up the keys to our new place yesterday. I still haven't packed a single box but we have a month of overlap so I'm not exactly freaking out yet.

I have a strange impulse to collect as many boxes as I can, before packing any. *shrug*

And finally, for the announcement...

I hinted to an exciting project I've been working on for months, long ago. Today it launched on Parenting.com and it's sponsored by Hallmark. I haven't been doing my 365 Love Letters on this here blog because I've been working on capturing 365 Moments there. I'm so excited and I hope you'll follow along and even add your own photos capturing special moments in your family's life. One could even be published in Parenting Magazine! I'm crossing my fingers I'll get to see Lil' J in there one of these days.

I imagine a lot of photos coming up will be of moving boxes. OY!

Just because I didn't make anything crafty doesn't mean I don't want to see your domestic skills. Link up and share!