Date Night/Instilling Bad Habits

Last night Tom and I had our first date since the girls were born. His parents came up to watch them so we could go to dinner and shopping at Keystone. It was really nice to spend some time together alone...we hadn't been out together since about August, since I was put on bedrest in September, so it was nice to get out. We did miss the girls though and were happy to come home to them. They were great for their grandparents so it looks like we will get to do it again sometime :-) On another note, I feel like we are instilling a bad habit with the little ones. We have discovered that they will sleep for 5-6 hours at a stretch at night if they are in their swings, so we have started letting them sleep there at night. We don't even try to put them in their beds anymore because if they sleep we get to sleep. I fear that this is going to develop into a bad habit, and I really hope that they will go back to sleeping in their bed soon. But I have read and heard of other kids who sleep in their carseats, so I guess whatever works right? So today the crib is leaving the bedroom so the swings can move in, because Tom and I are sick of taking turns sleeping on the couch. Yes, we have slept everywhere with these little ones. On the nursery floor, on the couch and in the guest bedroom in order to be closer to them. I know, one would think that the monitor would work just fine, but they still have this little bad habit of choking in the middle of the night, so I like to be close to them in case this happens. So that is the update from here and I am glad we will get to continue date night, because it was fun!

We have finally joined the ranks

Well, it has taken us long enough, but we have finally joined the ranks of DVR owners. For over a year now I have been wanting a DVR, but we never got one...I guess we thought it was silly or something. Now mind you we never used the VCR, we just missed shows or actually still had people tape them for us, but last night I did it, I made the jump went to Best Buy and bought the DVR. I have felt like a slacking mom, because I know I should be in the nursery doing the last feeding with the lights dim and lullaby's on, but the girls always go to bed right when "my shows" are on and I don't want to miss them. Well, now I don't have to and I am so excited, now I can have the best of both worlds :-) It was really cute last night, Tom got really excited when we started messing around with it since you can pause and rewind live TV, it is really really cool. So it is official, the VCR that has sat in the closet for 2 years now is going bye bye and we can finally say we are officially in the 21st century, ha ha!

6 things you have been told before, but really must do!

As a new mother people are always trying to give you advice. Some of it is beneficial some of it is not. I have discovered, however, that there really are 6 things you must do or remember as a mother.
1. Sleep when the baby or babies are sleeping! You hear it over and over again sleep when they are sleeping, and even though it is hard sometimes to make yourself sleep in the middle of the day, it is essential to do so in order to function. At first I was resistant to sleeping when the girls were sleeping, but now I understand how important it is to get as much sleep as possible, even if you only get an extra 20 minutes it will help you survive.
2. Shower as early in the day as possible. It really is amazing how great a shower can make you feel, even if you know that you are going to get spit up on you the minute you walk out of the bathroom, it is nice to be clean even for 5 minutes.
3. If you can't shower early at least wash your face and brush your teeth. Yes, this is a cover up, but in the long run it makes you feel so much better!
4. Always remember that it took 9 months for your body to stretch and for you to put on that extra weight so it isn't going to come off over night. I have lost a lot of my pregnancy weight, but the skin doesn't hang the same and I still need to lose more, but it has been really hard to remember that it has only been 2.5 months and it takes the average woman 8 months to return completely to her pre-pregnancy body...but it would help if I would get on the treadmill too!
5. Remember to eat. I know this seems simple, but sometimes you get so wrapped up in baby you find it is 2:00 pm and you haven't even had breakfast. You have to take care of yourself in order to take care of the little one.
6. Always follow your intuition. If you think something isn't right then do something about it...if your pediatrician tells you something that doesn't seem right for your child get a second opinion, your babies life might hang in the balance if you don't!
I know these seem like common sense, but sometimes you get so wrapped up in the day to day you forget to take care of yourself and to look forward. Just some things I have learned are really true.

Collars and Princess'

So lately I have been pondering baby clothes and what the makers are thinking when they assemble little outfits for newborns and infants. First off why put collars on newborn clothing. They have no necks so the collars swallow them up and make it look like they are suffocating, then when you try to put a bib on the child looks even more like it is being suffocated. Then, I am all for cute little girl clothes, but why does almost everything say precious or princess or I love mommy on it? They are adorable clothes, but it is almost like we are ingraining from the start that girls are princess and should be treated that way. It is all very odd to me and I love all the clothes but I just find it a little ironic that is all. Yes, I know a random post, but I just noticed all this as I was cleaning out the girls drawers, they are growing out of some of their outfits and we have had to upgrade and retire!

Ironies of Life

Lately I have realized that there are many ironies in life. Many of these have been brought about by my kids. It really is funny what is acceptable as a child, but is frowned upon as an adult. For instance babies are told they are good for burping or passing gas, but in adulthood this is seen as uncouth and disgusting. When a baby snores it is the cutest thing in the world, but when your husband or wife snores, it is just simply annoying. Even the babies passing of gas is cute, because you can't believe something so small can produce something so loud. Eating every hour or too is encouraged as a child, but not as an adult. Changing your outfit more than twice a day is okay as well, even though it will create monsterous amounts of laundry for your parents. It really is funny what starts out being acceptable and encouraged but later is totally frowned on by society. When do these things turn from good behavior to bad behavior? Anyway, this is just an observation I had lately!

Bumpers be gone

Today I had to take the bumpers off the girl's cribs. I cannot believe that they are big enough to be moving around a lot already, but they are. Yesterday I put Maddie in her bed horizontal and when I went back in to check on her she was laying vertical! It is crazy that they will be 2 months old next week and how quickly they are growing. So for safety sake the cute little bumpers had to be removed, although this will make it sooooo much easier to change the sheets I must admit.
In other news Natalie has developed a wonderful habit of crying from 6pm to about 10pm each night. She has to be held and wants to eat constantly, it is crazy the amout of food she is consuming...I believe they call this cluster feeding, but it is amazing to say the least. We are hoping she grows out of this little phase quickly, because the screaming is not her cutest aspect, but we love her all the same!

Back in the Saddle

This week I vowed that I would start walking again and trying to get back into shape...I cannot believe how long it has been since I last exercised and man I am in the worst shape of my life and working out is painful. So on Monday I broke out the old treadmill and started walking, Maddie was sleeping and so was Natalie or so I thought. She then started to fuss so I decided I would try out the snugli and see if she liked that. Much to my surprise she did like it so I walked for a little while with her and then decided I was bouncing around a lot since I hadn't worked out for so long and she would be better off in the crib watching me. Then today I was going a little stir crazy so I thought I would take advantage of the last few nice days out and take the girls for a walk outside. Maddie really likes the stroller rides and sat/slept like a champ as we walked around the neighborhood, Natalie I think was a little hungry but for the most part she enjoyed it too. I enjoyed all the curious looks we got from the neighbors, wondering what exactly was under that blanket! So for now my goal is to walk every other day and to try to get back into shape!

Mini Van Momma

Well, much to my dismay I am officially a Mini Van driving Momma. I know, I know, I swore I would never drive a mini van, but the true need for one could be seen the day we brought the girls home from the hospital and I was squished in the back between the two carseats, it was crazy. So much to my dismay we have purchased a Honda Odyssey. As far as mini vans go it is pretty nice, but the fact remains it is a mini van and I was devasted to trade in my CR-V. I know this is only one of the first scarifices I will have to make for the girls, but I know it is for the best! The safety features are great and there is so much more room that everyone will be happier. and we will actually be able to pack everything we need into the vehicle. The stroller was taking up all the rom in the back that you couldn't even put a bag of groceries in there. So that is the news from here other than I...the person who never leaves the house was sick this week with a fever and some weird cough, but luckily it is starting to clear up, now we just have our fingers crossed that the girls don't get it...that would be a rough one!

Lack of Sleep Leads To Mistaken Identity

Well, it has happened for the first and I am sure not last time! This morning I was feeding Natalie and Tom came in with Maddie who was wailing cause she kept choking on spit up and it was coming out her nose. Tom was tending to her when he said I think her tongue is swollen and her face and I said well we have to take her to the emergency room then NOW. He took her into the bathroom to examine her and came back and said this is Natalie right? I said no I have Natalie you have Madelyn. He was like oh that explains it then, I thought she was swollen, but Maddie just has larger checks everything is okay. So for about over 10 minutes Tom thought he had the opposite kid...I guess this is what it is going to be like the more they look alike. I think we will be bringing out the nail polish soon! Haha, oh well, at least he figured it out!

No one sleeps anymore

Well the girls have been home for 2 weeks now and my has it been an adjustment. Their days and nights are all mixed up so they will sleep for a good 3-4 hours in the afternoon and then only sleep for 1.5-2 hours at a time at night. It has been quit an adjustment to say the least. Neither Tom nor myself are getting much sleep either. I never knew how little sleep one would get with 2 little ones in the house I honestly don't know how anyone does it with higher multiples...it is crazy. At least the girls are gaining weight and healthy and I love them to pieces!

Hormones, Hospitals and Poopy Diapers

Well the girls have arrived and it has been a world wind on emotion, pain and exhaustion. They are not home yet, but we are enjoying the education at the hospital from the nurses. I have discovered that the key to a pleasant hospital stay is the hospital itself. The staff and hospital...Clarian North have been wonderful. My nurses at the delivery were great and really made me feel more relaxed and comfortable. Then the postpartum nurses were fabulous as well. On top of all that we have discovered that this hospital really works with families to ensure they have everything they need. They have family rooms that families can stay in for free if for instance their kids are in the NICU or pediatrics like ours, this is what we did Friday to be near the girls. Then they also provide meals free of charge for all breastfeeding mothers if their kids are in the hospital so I can eat for free while I am here staying here with the girls. It really has been a pleasurable experience as far as hospital stays go.
Oh did I mention, however, the way your hormones get messed up once you have the baby? Yeah, i cannot even look at pictures of our girls without crying. Tom put together this really cute little slide show of the girls and I watched 2 seconds of it and started crying...I didn't know why but we both started laughing about it...it is crazy.
And then there are the poopy diapers. Natalie has fallen out of 2 diapers today and the last one was full of poop...yes it was everywhere, in the clothes, the bed all over...it was pretty gross, but even with all this craziness I love my babies and they are fabulous!

Heating Pads and Dads

I have discovered this week that small comforts really are a blessing in getting through bed rest and the end of pregnancy! This week my dad came to stay with us and help around the house and cook for me, which has been fabulous since Tom has had to work late a lot and I haven't eaten this well in ages. When you can only stand for like 5 minutes at a time your meal options are limited so it has been great to have hot home made meals and desserts all week and having company all day just someone to talk to has made this last week of bed rest fly by. I cannot believe that it is Thursday already and I only have one more day of confinement. My other small luxury I have discovered are the ThermaCare heating pads. My mother in law bought me some when my wrist was acting up with carpal tunnel a long time ago, but I have discovered this week they are great to put on your back and sleep with them. My hips and back have been hurting so bad it is a really nice sleeping companion which I highly recommend! So I guess the morale of this post is...if someone offers you help TAKE IT and don't take your parents for granted :-)

Story of the Puking Cat

So lately and I cannot put my finger on why my cat has taken up the habit of puking in the weirdest and grossest places. About a week ago I was awoken in the middle of the night around 3:30 to the sound of her gagging and then a yak...yes she was in the bed with me. I turn on the light and on my blanket is ribbon and cat food...GROSS!!!!!! Then a couple days later she is running around chasing our other cat and she jumps on the top of the couch....YAK...on the top of the COUCH. Then just this morning she is sitting on the dresser and starts gagging and YAK again...which would have been totally easy to clean up but oh yes one of my drawers was open and in runs the puke...I was so grossed out...I don't' know if she is training for what is about to come with the babies or what...but this random puking has got to stop because it is nasty. Oh well my lover for her surpasses all the nastiness, but it certainly is a gross habit to say the least!

Stretched to the Max

Well we are getting down to the wire before these girlies enter the world and I tell you it is a good thing, because my body is stretched to the max. I have developed UGLY stretch marks and not just on my stomach...did you know you can get them on your hips as well...oh yeah you can and never mind the fact that my skin is so stretched that it itches all of the time and I have little rashes on my legs and my arms too. And don't forget the belly button...it is stretched but hasn't poked out yet. I am hoping it will hold out just a little longer...we have about less than 2 weeks and I just hope it doesn't pop, stretch all you want I say but don't pop, please don't pop.
As I sit here confined to my bed I truly wonder how anyone could think that being pregnant is a fun or actually enjoy because I have not had many positives from the morning sickness, to the blemishes all over my face and chest to the recent stretching, but I know in the end it will be worth it and for that I cannot wait!

Decreased movement say what?

So from everything I have read about babies all the books say that after 32 weeks there is a decrease in fetal movement...well the movements aren't as strong because the baby runs out of room. Well let me tell you...I don't know if the writers of these books have ever been pregnant or not, but I feel like my babies are beating me up. One of them makes such big movements I get the wind knocked out of me sometimes and it can be quit painful...even their little hiccups seem to be stronger, it is amazing really. I really feel like all the books out there don't know what they are talking about. Some are okay, but I have yet to find a book that truly tells you about the truth to carrying multiples and what you should really expect. I mean none of the books tell you what happens when you actually DO go into preterm labor and have to go to the hospital and be put on magnesium...possibly the worst drug in the world or how humbling pregnancy is because when you are in the hospital you have to rely on people to help you do the simplest things like go to the bathroom...not fun let me tell you. I wish I had the ambition to write a book titled the truth to carrying multiples because there is a lot I have learned that I wish I did not have to experience first hand, but could have read about instead...but there was nothing out there that could prepare me for what I have experienced the past couple of weeks from the hospital visits and drugs to the boredom of bed rest...who knows maybe when this is all said and done I will write a book....I guess you never know!

In Need of a Hobby :-)

Well, yesterday I had a doctors appointment and she asked me how I was holding up. I told her emotionally I was pretty much about done and didn't know how much longer I would be able to handle being pregnant. Just the physical aspects are wearing enough but it has become an emotional balance now as well. She informed me I needed to get a hobby. I wanted to be rude and say how do you get a hobby when you won't let me out of bed...but I just said okay like what? She suggested cross stiching or something I just wanted to laugh...I am not a cross sticher. I guess for now I will go back to knitting, but if anyone has any ideas or has read any good books lately I would love some help on this one...help keep me sane the next couple of weeks!

When a Shower Feels LIke Christmas

This past weekend I was in the hospital for pre-term labor...possibly the scariest and most uncomfortable weekend of my life...but it will be worth it in the end when the girls arrive safely! I am now home on bed rest being lazy per doctors orders which is really weird to see all of the things around the house that need to be done and I can't touch anything. I have shower privileges and I can get food but that is all, other than that I am to be a couch potato! But one thing I truly learned this weekend is how you take the smallest things for granted such as a shower or the ability to go to the bathroom by yourself when you want to without asking someone to come help you. Yesterday I got to get unhooked from my IV for a little while and take a shower and I tell you it felt like Christmas...never in my life had a shower felt so good. I have gone camping for long weekends and been outside gross and dirty and I swear the shower yesterday was a 1000 times better than any other shower I have ever had in my life. It really makes you think about the small things you do on a daily basis that you don't realize how good they make you feel until you can no longer do them freely. So the next time you take a shower...take some time to enjoy it and all the other small things in life that are easily overlooked!

Feet Washing

So this is totally random, but the other day I was listening to the radio and they were talking about a survey on how often people wash their feet in the shower and it made me think...how often DO people wash their feet in the shower? I must admit that I am guilty of not giving my feet the attention they need and I guess I don't find it necessary to bend over each and every day and give those suckers a good wash. Don't get me wrong if I know that they are filthy I will wash them, and at least once a week they get a good scrub...but do you wash your feet daily?
Like I said this is a random thought but I was just wondering what others out there thought about their feet! I personally think feet are gross...clean or dirty but hey they get you from point A to point B so I am grateful I have them...but for now I think I will continue to clean them when I feel it is a must and not on a daily basis...anyone have any thoughts on this?

Measuring 36 weeks...Dr. wants me to hold out 6 More!

Well, once again I have not posted in ages and I have no excuses. I am no longer working it just got to hard and painful and I am so tired all the time I just want to sleep. Our girls are growing like crazy. Last week I was measuring 34 weeks... I will offically be 30 weeks tomorrow and yesterday I was measuring 36 weeks. It is really very crazy, they must be getting big in there. At our last ultrasound both babies weighed over 3 pounds which is great, so we are hoping by the next one at the end of the month they will be at least 4 pounds each if not more. It is crazy to think I have that much baby inside of me already and the doctor wants me to keep them in there for 6 more weeks. I told her I would do my best and laughed...like I really have a say in the matter.
Other than that I finally got to take my car in to be fixed yesterday...yes it has been almost 3 months since the accident, but they couldn't get me in any sooner..it will be nice to have the door right and not hear air all of the time when driving. So for the next couple of weeks I am sporting a nice mini van....a possible glimpse into our future? Oh well that is all for now....but I will try to do more updates and write more until the big day and then we will try to keep everyone updated after the arrival!

Karma?

So last night Tom and I were rear ended in his car this time...yes that is correct the second time in 6 weeks that I have been in a car that was rear ended. Luckily Tom saw the woman flying at us...yes we were stopped at a red light, the roads were dry and the speed limit was probably 35 miles per hour, but he just said hold on and started moving the car...luckily he was able to manuever enough so that the impact was deflected and there was minimal damage to the vehicle. I on the other hand now have developed this fear of driving, because all I want right now is to carry my two little girls as long as possible so that they are healthy and here we are in two accidents in under two months. When Tom and I got home last night we were just sitting there asking each other what we have done to deserve this and why we can't catch a break. Mind you, my car was only a little over a year old and Tom's is less than two months old...are we destined to not have nice vehicles...okay that is fine...but please give us a break over the next couple of months so these little girls can arrive safely. Tom and I are both firm believers of Karma and we both try to be good, honest people, but somewhere we must have messed up...hopefully we have paid for whatever we did...if not I know that both of us are going to be extra cautious, and polite!

Empathy Belly

On Saturday Tom and I went to one of our final child birth classes, it was educational, informative and beyond disgusting. I no longer feel that child birth is a natural progression of life even though women have been doing it FOREVER. The best part of the day was when the instructor made all of the husbands put on the empathy belly. It is a simulation style vest that has boobs and a pregnant belly that weighs 30 pounds. She made each husband wear it for at least 30 minutes and it was great to see how uncomfortable they were. On some of the fellas she even untied their shoes and told them to re-tie them...they couldn't. It was nice for the guys to have an insight into how hard it is to carry these babies, even though they got to take it off after a short while. For Tom I think he had kind of the rought part because we were down on the ground doing relaxation exercises and he was supposed to be massaging my back and stuff...he was clumsy and awkward, but I think he now has a better idea of what I go through on a daily basis...I would have liked to have him try to sleep in it, but at least he has an idea! For all you pregnant women out there...if you get the chance to have your husband wear and empathy belly do it...it will help you in the long run!

A Mother's Intuition

Well, it has been a long while since I posted here but I have been crazy busy trying to finish up summer session at school and work, and oh wait dealing with the fact that we found out we are having TWINS! Yes, it is crazy and we joked a lot about how we were not going to find out the sex of the baby unless we found out we were having twins and low and behold we are. I think deep down I knew from the beginning that there were two in there, but the doctors kept telling me there was only one so I believed them. I mean I had been so sick in the first trimester and then started to grow rather quckily all of a sudden and something didn't seem right so when I went for my 16 week check up we were finally dropped the bomb. I was in shock and amazement and then complete fear took over when I saw those two little bumps in there, but the shock is starting to wear off and now I am just going through the pregnancy motions. The funny part of this whole experience was when I told my family and Tom. My mother kept telling me to stop lying to her and well Tom didn't really think it was real either until he saw the ultrasound and the tears pouring down my face, but overall thus far it has been a positive experience. We will keep you posted as we progress. We are at the 20 week mark now, half way there already :-)

Announcement Time

Well, the day has finally arrived and Tom and I are able to share our news that you may or may not know. Yes...drumroll please...Tom and I are expecting our first child :-) We are very excited for the new arrival which is due mid-November. Yes, just a mere two weeks before I graduate from the University of Indianapolis with an MBA, but we will work it all out some how. Now it is time to prepare, enjoy just the two of us and figure out how our lives will change once the little one arrives. Yes, we are waiting to find out the sex. We figure there are so few surprises in life we might as well enjoy this one! So that is the big announcement for the year I guess!

No Deodorant Days...Do I Smell Okay?

Just a few minutes ago I realized that I left this morning without putting deodorant on. Now some might not think this is a big deal, but for me this is one of those daily tasks that gives me anxiety if I forget it. Usually I will keep an extra stick in my car or in my desk or somewhere accessible should the need arise to use it or if I am in a hurry in the morning and forget. Well, it turns out today is one of those days that I need it, but don't have it. This morning was a rough start for me, I couldn't get out of bed and then I was as usual running late, but even on those days when I am running late I usually, 99% of the time remember that I need to put on that deodorant. Today I am not so fortunate and to make matters worse I don't even have any extra sitting around. Yes, I have travelled to the store in the middle of a work day in order to purchase more, but today I don't think I will even have time to run out, so you know what I am going to do? I am going to sit here all day having anxiety over wether or not I smell okay. Now I typically do not have rancid BO, but this is not something I take lightly and there will be fear in my heart for the rest of the day that I do not smell fresh and I will wonder if other's can smell me, if I smell at all. Oh, why oh why didn't I throw an extra stick in my bag the other day while I was thinking about it. Oh well, here's to the No Deodorant Days!

Thoughts of The Good Ole West

About 5 times a week now I look at Tom and tell him we have to move out of the state of Indiana and that the time has come for us to get serious about where we want to live. I keep suggsting places like Seattle, to expensive, Portland Oregon, neither of us have been there, but it looks gorgeous, Phoenix Arizona, might be to hot in the summer, Colorado my true love, New Mexico, or any place out West. Oh, to wake up each morning and look at the mountains, or to be able to go hiking on the weekends. I know Tom will be in heaven when we finally make the move, where he can go mountain biking, and hiking and camping whenever he wants and I absolutely can't wait. It sure will be an adventure, leaving our friends and family, but for me it will be like going home. Ever since my parents moved me from Colorado to Ohio when I was 14, some 12 years ago, I have longed to move back. I don't know what it is about that state or the West in general, but it just calls to me almost begging me to come back. I do have fears and anxiety about moving, but it is all a journey, life is a journey that you can either sit back and relax or you can worry about it, so once that truck is all packed up there will be excitement, and fear, but I will be going home. I can't wait to take my kids hiking on Pike's Peak, or whatever mountain there is or watch them play soccer with the mountains behind them. It will be a wish come true and I can't wait for that day!

Spring in Indiana

Ah, spring has finally arrived! Warmer days, not waking up in the dark or driving home from school or work in the dark. The blossoms are on the trees and flowers are blooming, it is wonderful...well it used to be wonderful. I guess I should be used to tornado season in Indiana, I have lived here for what is going on eight years, but this year is the first year it is already getting to me. As I was sitting in the hallway truly scared for the first time ever on Sunday night, I kept getting angrier and angrier. First off, I was missing Desperate Housewives, I mean yes I know this is serious business, but the News people just cut in and don't stop the show.. ANNOYING. Second, I was like why were we so young, dumb and naive, to buy a house in the middle of a corn field that doesn't even have a basement...WHAT were we thinking. I keep telling Tom that if we plan to stay here for more than 2-3 more years we are going to have to move somewhere else that has a basement and isn't right in tornado alley, because I won't be able to stand it. Hopefully we hit the dirt running and can move out West before then, but if not then a basement house it is! But I guess in the mean time, we will just continue to watch spring bloom around us and run to the hallway when it gets bad out and hope that our little stick house doesn't get blown over by the big bad wolf...aka mother nature.

The Comedy of Daylight Savings

This Sunday for the first time in Indiana's history or at least for a very long time, Indiana will participate in Daylight Savings. We will be joining the East coast time, something I am very happy about. Never again will I have to remember if we are on the same time zone as my parents or my high school friends and in the fall it will be nice to have that extra hour of sleep. This whole transistion for me has been no big deal, but let me tell you something, for some people in this state who have never participated before, one would think that the end of the world is on its way. It is pretty comical if you ask me. There have been articles about how there will be more car accidents because people are going to be tired driving into work on Monday...never mind the fact that this time change occurs on Sunday morning, so if people go to bed at their usual time they won't actually lose any sleep. Oh, and the fact that the governor gave the taverns and bars an extension for this weekend to remain open until 4:00 am instead of the usual 3:00 am, so that they do not lose business because the NCAA Final Four is in town. I mean the governor gave an actual repreave over 1 hour, so the state doesn't lose an estimated quarter of a million dollars. This is not the end of the world people. It is simply ONE HOUR, just one measly hour. The rest of the country does it, except Hawaii and Arizona and look the world hasn't come to an end yet, so everyone just sit back relax and wait for fall when you get your hour back. Now I am not writing this to offend anyone and I understand that change is hard for some, but it really will be okay and life in a day or two after you lose that hour will go on as if it had never happened. So enjoy the extra daylight when you get home from work and do something nice for yourself!

Its No Wonder Americans Are Over Weight

Over the past couple of months I have slowly watched my scale creep up as my weight continues to climb. I must have been in denial as I bought larger jeans so that I could breath when I sit down and made all sorts of excuses up, like: "Its the holidays" or "well it is winter, I will lose it all come Spring." RIGHT, what have I been thinking, I should have nipped this problem in the bud several months ago, so the time has come now to do something about it. The sad thing is, I realized today as I was entering the foods I have eaten this week into an online food calculator just how difficult it is to eat healthy, even if you think you are eating healthy. I will get a salad from Arby's and say, "It is a salad...that is healthy" Well, a salad from Arby's has over 500 calories in it. Or say a naked burrito or burrito bol from Qdoba or Chipotle, with no meat or sour cream in it, well you know how many calories are in one of those puppies...if you get chicken the naked burrito is over 730 calories and even without the chicken and no beans, it is over 530 calories. I was shocked to see that I have been eating way over 2500 calories a day for the past couple of weeks, especially when I thought that I was eating healthy foods. After this realization I now can see why so many Americans are overweight or obess, you are led to believe you are doing something good for yourself, but in reality you aren't and the only truly way to eat yourself thin is to cook for yourself, a fact that I am going to have to quickly implement if I am to stay healthy. So for all you out there who eat out and think you are making healthy choices, think again and watch that nutrional information, you could very well be eating far more calories than you ever imagined!

It's Like Living With Rodents Or Some Other Supernatural!

Sometimes I am forced to wonder if our cats are truly cats or something super natural or even part rodent. This past weekend I walked into the laundry room to get something only to find the bag of cat food that was sitting on the floor open. It was a brand new bag so I turned around and asked Tom why he had opened it, since there was already a bag open that needed to be finished. He looked at me like I was crazy and said, "I didn't open it!" At that point I just starting laughing because we both realized that ChaChi had gone in there and chewed it open and had been eating straight out of the bag...it wasn't like he was unfed, his food bowl was sitting next to the bag completely full. I couldn't believe it, but it shouldn't have surprised me. This is the same cat who everyday moves the water tray and water feeder because he likes to drink from the right side, not the left and the very same cat, who has figured out how to open the desk drawer in Tom's office, was able to crawl into the back somehow and drag out an entire bag of rubberbands that he once saw Tom hide in the very back. The day I came home and saw the entire bag sitting in the middle of the living room, was certainly a shock, but I still had to laugh. These cats are certainly determined, when they want something they will find everyway possible to get it. I never would have thought that living with two cats, could be so interesting. I thought they would just lounge around, lay in the sun and take cat naps. I never thought we would have to cat proof our house, but it looks like we do. If nothing else, at least they give us a laugh every now and again!

SIX DEGREES OF SEPERATION/SMALL WORLD

Well we are back from our short trip to the Bahamas. It was, shall we say fun, but not what I expected. For some reason I though of the Bahamas as a totally beautiful Island, everywhere, not just at the resort we stayed at, but that was not the case. Yes, I understand that they were hit by a huge hurrican a while back, but at the same time portions looked like a third world country, which was a little shocking. But it was fun to say the least, get some rays and just lay around reading, not having a care in the world for 4 days, it was fabulous.
What was surprising, however, was that there on the Beach on Grand Bahama Island, I ran into one of my sorority sister's who I had not seen since I graduated back in 2002. It was so bizarre, we both kind of looked at each other as the recognition dawned on us who we were starring at. It turns out that she works for the Ministry of Tourism for the Bahamas, and had actually hired the company that hired my husband to come to the island. You never want to believe that people really are seperated by only six people in the world, but as more and more time passes and the world becomes smaller, you can't help but wonder is it really true...are there really only six degrees of seperation?

Just Call Me Grace...

So today started out as a normal typical Friday. I got to sleep in a little because I was stopping at SAM's Club on my way into the office to get office stuff and rolled in around 9:15. One of my co-workers went down to help me unload and two full cases of pop came crashing out of the vehicle and starting bouncing around the parking lot. We both just stood there waiting for them to explode. After the dust settled and none exploded we proceeded into the building. Well upon getting off the elevator I pushed the little cart off the elevator and three more cases of pop fell onto the floor and all over, after a little more laughing we proceeded and everything seemed normal. At this point I am feeling a little clumsy for the day, but am thinking the worst is over, well you know me, I have NO good luck. So I pack the cart up and head to the elevator to go upstairs to drop some stuff off. I hear the elevator ding below so I know someone is on it, when the doors open I am expecting it to be a courier or something, but no it is none other than Peyton Manning, oh yes the Indianapolis COLT's quarterback Peyton Manning. Well, there I am standing with my mustard and Parmesan and my cart full of pop, not really knowing what to say since I am in shock. Well, we finally arrive to the third floor and I push the cart off the elevator only to have an entire case of pop fall off the cart unto the floor, yes in front of PEYTON MANNING. I was so embarrassed, but he was really nice and he helped me pick it up and then he asked where Earshot was and he headed in one direction and I in the other. I have never in my entire life been more embarrassed than I was at that moment and to think this was my first brush with fame. Tom asked me why I didn't get an autograph, but come on when you are as graceful as I am the only thing I could think of was, oh man I just dumped pop in front of the Colt's quarterback, where can I hide. So there you have my brush with fame for the week and yes, feel free to call me Grace.

For the love of our pets

Sometimes you have to just sit and wonder why people get pets. We have two cats who on their good days are the best companions and cuddle buddies in the world, but on their bad days are absolutely horrible. Bailey, my little tabby is a like Jekle and Hyde. She will be all cuddled up with you on the bed or the couch or will push things out of her way so she can lay on you, acting and looking like the most innocent, sweet animal alive, but then she will smell something she doesn't like and it is all over, hissing and howling and screaming. This such thing happened to us the other night. We went to my in-laws house to see our neice and almost everytime we go down there Bailey smells something she doesn't like and freaks out, whether it is dog or the febreeze I sprayed when we walked in she freaked, scary freaking out with hissing and yelling. We have become somewhat immune to it, however, and after the initial shock wore off we walked past her and locked ourselves in the bedroom, or so we thought. We were in the bathroom when all of a sudden the door opens and there is Bailey, completely fine, but she has somehow managed to open the door, either she is totally possesed or the latch didn't catch, either way I think Tom and I were both a littler nervous at that point. But she was all lovey again and everything seemed fine. So not only do the little major freakouts make me wonder why people love animals, but the other little things, like yesterday when Tom starts cussing and saying gross and I asked him what was wrong and he said I stepped in cat poop, which only made me laugh, but sure enough right there in the middle of the living room was a cat dingle berry, so whether it is freak outs, dingle berries or hairballs, we still love our cats and I can't imagine life without them, but it does make you think, would you tolerate a human who poo'd on your floor or screamed at you if you smelled bad? It is an odd thing the relationship between a human and their furry friend!

Liver or Counter?

People always saw "Live each day like its your last." Only lately I have noticed I live life to get through each day. It is like I have put myself on cruise control and just work through the motions, not really feeling anything. It is like my life has turned into one big countdown. I have a calendar at work on my desk that I cross each day off. I have a calendar at home where I cross each day off and even at school I cross of each class on my syllabus. Or when I say I only have 33 more weeks of school left until I graduate...yes I am counting, but what in the world am I counting the days down to? I mean this is it, you only get one life, why am I counting my days away, what in the world am I waiting for? I wish I knew, but each day passes and all it gets is a cross, or a squiggly line if I am in the mood, but nothing changes. I mean today I was made to truly ponder what I want in life, when an Intern for one of our clients was talking to me about DePauw University, where she is currently a senior and of course where I graduated from four years ago. Well, here I am college grad with half a master's getting lunch for an intern...kind of makes you think, "is this all I want out of my life?" or "What in the world are you doing with your life?" While, I don't have an anwer at the moment, I hope that one day I am able to stop being a counter and start being a liver. So the question I ask of you is...are you a liver or a counter?

Another Day Another Year Older

Well today I am on the verge of being old, or as my co-worker says I have now entered my early mid twenties, you see I turned 26 today. My sister informed me that I am old, she is 15, yet I feel no different than I did yesterday. Yes, time seems to go by much faster, much to my displeasure in realizing that my parents were right when they used to say, watch out times flies the older you get. As a child I used to laugh at them, thinking they were crazy, yet as I sit here today, I feel like I just turned 25 and I cannot comprehend that I am 4 years away from 30, I mean then what...is this all we have to look forward to, watching years fly by faster than we can imagine, or is it time to actually start living life? My goal for the next year is to not dwell as much on the small stuff or let it upset me as much as it does now...I am sure I will still complain, I mean how can I not, I wouldn't be a drama queen if things were perfect all the time. But hopefully I will be able to spend more time with friends and family enjoying the everyday fun things about life instead of being upset about going out in the rain to get lunch. Hopefully a year from today I will be able to look back at the past year and remember all the good times, instead of wondering where the year actually went. So check back later to see if I am doing so, or if I am stuck in a rut!

One Stop Shop?

Last night Tom and I went to Menards to grab an end piece for a shelf we need to install. Well, little did we know, but we were about to be faced with a sad, but hilarious situation. Upon walking into mendards, we see the typical, lights, fans and piping. We keep walking only to see carseats for sale,yes car seats, we think this is a little odd, but whatever. Then we spot household cleaners, candles, greeting cards, cat litter and even golf balls. At this point I am laughing almost uncontrollably, wondering why in the world is a place like Menards selling all of this stuff, when I thought it was a do it your self center. Apparently those big burly construction workers need to be able to purchase golf balls and an anniversary card for their wives when picking up wood and nails. Haha I can't even imagine my father-in-law going in there and walking out with some dog food and some fiddle faddle, but I guess whatever sells, sells.

When Life Hands You Lemons, What Do You Do With It?

Well, I haven' written in a while, but I guess that is because there hasn't been much to write about. However, today I am having one of those days where I just want to scream at the world, if I were a young child I would throw my body on the ground and just start kicking and screaming, but seeing as how I turn 26 years old in two days that probably would not be deemed acceptable at work. Instead, I sit here and ponder what life would be like if you never had a bad day, if you never had to do things you didn't want to do, if everything was just as you imagined in your own little world. I for one know I would like this, but what would I have to complain about? Would I really be any happier, or would the things I love eventually make me mad enough enough to complain about them? Maybe I just don't handle the everyday stress well or something, but I do know this:
1. All humans should either have to attend finishing school or learn at some point in there lives to pick up after themselves. It is not okay to leave trash on the counter or dishes laying around, when there is a dishwasher 3 feet away.
2. Respect your co-workers and others, you don't have to like them, but if you are doing something that would make you upset if it happened to you, DON'T DO IT!
3. Everyone has a bad day, let them have it, eventually they will come to their senses and realizes they were being a butt.
4. Finally, if life hands you lemons, either put it in a squirt gun and squirt someone's eye, as my sister would say, or make lemonade...do your best to live each day to the fullest, because you never know what lies ahead.