Loss of Control

So I'm still pregnant.  I'm not due until Sunday, but I'm scheduled to be induced next week.  It's so frustrating for me to know that my kid will be exposed to Pitocin and probably Cervadil when I've done so much through this pregnancy to avoid exposing him to anything that could harm him.  Now I'm reading of possible links between Pitocin and autism (one of my nightmares) and the increased odds of needing an epidural or even a c-section and decreased odds of successful breastfeeding.  Of course, BB is totally calm about it all.  In home ownership news, we went to sign the papers this week only to find several mistakes.  Now we're delayed again, and hope to have the keys on Tuesday.  Yes, you guessed it, the day I'll be induced if I haven't already gone into labor.  I can tell you for certain that focused anger (at the title company in this scenario) does not cause one to go into labor.  Nor does annoyance, frustration, anger, or constant calls from nosey and needy mothers.  If I had control over anything in my life right now, most of it would be different.  Alas, I do not.  Thus ends my rant for the day.  Carry on.

Wanted

I don't really consider myself to be a hat person, but it's not for a lack of trying.  Rather, it's that I have an unusually small head and a lot of affordable hats are one size.  Really, is anything actually one size fits all??  Anyway, Lulu's has this one in real sizes with real measurements for $44!

Also from Lulu's, is this fabulous dress that I'd certainly pick up under certain circumstances, such as if we were to renew our vows at a little Las Vegas chapel and if I weren't currently hugely pregnant.  Get this, it's only $39.  $39, people!! 

Valentine's Day

I've always loved Valentine's Day - well except for that Charlie Brown feeling I had at the school parties where everyone exchanged valentines and, always being hypercritical and unusually self-aware, knowing that a good percentage came from people who wouldn't have given them if they weren't required. Anyway, a good cinnamon candy heart makes up for all of that. In light of the holiday, I thought I'd compile a short list of Valentine's Day gift ideas for your sweeties. Here goes...

1. For those of you in Las Vegas, Frisco, or Dallas, head to The Cupcakery. I especially recommend the fabulous Southern Belle.

2.  Ted Kooser's book Valentines.  For more than two decades, the former US Poet Laureate has written a special Valentine's Day poem to distribute to women who requested them.  They aren't particularly romantic, and are certainly not erotic, but are evocative none-the-less.

3.  Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen.  Doesn't every girl love it?  Get both the book and the movie, preferably this version, with Colin Firth.

4.  How about this adorable, and more than affordable ring from ModCloth? 

5.  My BB would love a new Holga!

6.  This sweet little book from Etsy seller CoriKindred is what Valentine's Day is all about.  Try wrapping it in a small box filled with conversation hearts.

Happy Valentine's Day!  Enjoy all of those you love. BB, our kitty, and I will be celebrating this last Valentine's Day before the baby arrives at home with some crepes, candlelight, and YoYo Ma.

Random Thoughts

1. Go Saints!!
2. Is there such a thing as an attractive and comfortable nursing bra?
3. Packing without knowing the closing date on our new house ranks up there on the list of my all-time most ridiculous ideas. Now, where is my pizza cutter???
4. Yay for rain in Las Vegas!!
5. Boo for boring posts, but seriously, sometimes a girl needs a mental break.


Happy weekend.

Hurdles

So we were supposed to have already had our appraisal and inspection on the house, but the lock box went missing, and apparently it takes FIVE days to replace. Anyway, we're finally getting back on track, and have the inspection today. We've been this far on a house before and had it all go to hell, so I won't believe it's ours until we clear these last hurdles. I'm sort of dreading this. In better news, tonight some fabulous ladies from BB's office are throwing us a co-ed baby shower! How sweet!! The past four years of working from home have rendered me socially awkward at best and socially inept at worst, so these kind of things make me nervous. I haven't really missed alcohol since I've been pregnant, but a drink would be good tonight. I know these are truly good people, though, and that might loosen me up a bit. Here's to them!

At Last

We've found a house!! It's not perfect, but we can make it a home. First things first, though. Let's get through the appraisal and inspection...

In Vegas??

Should you ever find yourself in vegas, get to Le Reve and/or Jersey Boys! Le Reve has been a favorite of ours since we moved here and had connections at the show. I think I've seen it about 5 times. This week we had the opportunity to see Jersey Boys and loved that, too (Rick Faugno was amazing..I think I'm a little bit in love). Anyway, if you're unconvinced, head over to YouTube for a preview.

Eat Up, Baby!

I had a 2 1/2 hour class on breastfeeding last night with the best lactation consultant. I actually feel prepared and capable! I still don't see how I could ever be comfortable nursing in public, but maybe in the privacy of baby's sling it'll be okay. That brings up a couple of things...

-Have you noticed, among your friends, that when a woman becomes a mother she often loses a considerable portion of her self-consciousness? I'm incredibly shy, so on one hand I hope that'll be true for me, but on the other hand, I'm frequently embarassed for other people who seem oblivious to the scene they're part of, and I don't want to be that person.

-Have you noticed that mothers are more likely than any other women to discuss things openly that my be best kept to their inner circles, such as bodily fluids/functions?

-Have you noticed that parents sometimes wear enormous blinders when it comes to their children? Blinders that make it possible for them to believe that their children are perfect and teachers, etc, are too hard on them or unfair? Hey, I love my baby, but no one's perfect and everyone needs discipline and boundaries.

It's not my intent to judge the parenting of others. I just wonder how the birth of a baby can so completely change one's nature.

Just wondering.

Customer "Service"

After a lengthy conversation with my prescription coverage customer service, requiring 3 separate phone calls and speaking with no fewer than 7 different agents, I thought I'd write a little guide to get you through the run around that is telephone customer service.

1. Have all documents ready before placing that call
2. Have documents you don't think are pertinent ready before placing the call
3. Have paper and a pen ready for note-taking before placing the call
4. Get the names of each and every person you speak with, as well as the date and time
5. Remain as calm as possible. Remember that the customer service agent rarely, if ever, has any say in company policies. They just do what they're told (one would hope they aren't winging it)
6. Explain your situation slowly, calmly, and as succinctly as possible
7. Repeat step 6 as needed
8. Ask for a supervisor if you feel misunderstood, ignored, or that more can be done
9. Call back if you aren't satisfied or if more questions come up
10. Don't trust that what you're told will happen will actually happen. Continue to follow up until you're satisfied
11. Do you best to be polite and courteous, no matter how maddening the situation becomes
12. Be the squeaky wheel if necessary. Follow up by phone, email, letter, etc.
13. Be your own advocate. Customer service employees work for the company, not you. Don't rely on them to take action.

I'm feeling particulary cynical lately after getting the run around from a major retailer over Christmas, this insurance company, and a major shipping company. Health care providers are often cautioned against thinking of patients as numbers or as unavailable beds, and I think customer service reps should be taught the same thing. It's empathy, people!

Anyway, I'm done ranting. Now I want to thank Miss Craig who finally, patiently helped me today. She saved my day. :)

32 Things

In light of the new year, I thought I'd post my most recent list of "resolutions." They're not really resolutions, per se, but more of a list of minor goals. I started doing this when I turned 31, and it's not an original idea. I completed just 16 of the tasks on my "32 Things to Do Before I'm 32" list. Perhaps some of my "things to do" were a bit too ambitious. Normally I'm pretty good at keeping resolutions, etc. I successfully gave up fried food and soda once for Lent, and still only very rarely indulge in either one. Anyway, with that in mind, I made my list of "33 Things to Do Before I'm 33" in July. Here it is, with progress notes...

1. Take a pottery class (on hold until after the baby is born)
2. Have the baby naturally (Didn't happen, but I'm okay with that)
3. Move, and/or buy a home (Done 02/10)
4. Make baby clothes (Done! Well, one item is done.)
5. Make baby toys (Done!  Soft blocks, stuffed birds)
6. Go to botanical gardens (Done!)
7. Get life insurance (Done!)
8. Family reunion (Done!)
9. Go to another opera (Sadly, not done)
10. Read a book of the Bible (Done! This sounds easy, but I meant that I really had to understand it and ponder it)
11. Take flowers to Grandparents' graves (Done!)
12. Take a trip with sister and brother-in-law (Done!)
13. Go to church (Done! ongoing)
14. Record/Photograph items/serial numbers for storage in safe (in progress)
15. Finish our wedding scrapbook (Done!)
16. Prepare a disaster kit (in progress)
17. Make a cookbook from Grandmother's recipes (no progress)
18. Make a corkboard for the kitchen (Done!)
19. Start a scrapbook of husband's work life (no progress)
20. Become a more confident investor (in progress)
21. Take a trip with mom and sister (on hold until baby comes)
22. Get a new passport (no progress)
23. Make homemade pasta (Done, and won't be done again!)
24. Start a baby album (Done!)
25. Learn calligraphy (no progress)
26. Make french macaroons (no progress)
27. [this is a work-related goal]
28. Volunteer (Done! ongoing)
29. Get new glasses (Done!)
30. Take some online classes (planned for maternity leave)
31. 100 push-up challenge (Stalled out at 60 a few months ago, now hopefully I can get there after the baby comes)
32. Start a blog (Done, sort of.)
33. Host Christmas for family (Done!)

Only 13 are completely done, but I have 7 months yet to go! Good luck with all of your resolutions!

UPDATED - I finished 18 completely.  54.5%.  Boo.