Much has happened in the last two months. The most exciting of these things is that my husband and I are going to have a baby! After 18 months or trying and numerous rounds of fertility treatments we are expecting a baby in April. Hooray!
Pregnancy is crazy! The vivid dreams, the anxieties, the heartburn! It's a great and interesting experience. There are times when I'm in the zone at work and then I snap back to the moment and think "Oh my God I'm PREGNANT!!!" Like, as in, a human being is growing inside of me. Strange. Women have done it for millennia, it's natural and not hard (for some) to get pregnant, anyone (it seems) can do it... but when you really think about it, it's just....wow.
We are very excited and are eagerly awaiting the day when we find out if we are having a girl or boy. Work on the nursery has begun, as well as little improvements around the house. Our families are thrilled and have been so wonderful. The same can be said for work. Pregnancy is turning out to be this magical time where everyone is so nice to you and super supportive. Everyone is concerned about my dietary restrictions and how much I lift, etc. It's incredibly sweet actually and I appreciate it very much and do not take it for granted. I make a point to thank everyone for their advice, sensitivity, and extra care.
I do know, however, that unless you are pregnant, you don't really care about other people's pregnancies. It can be annoying so I will end the pregnancy talk for this post here.
The holidays are approaching, which I am looking very forward to this year. The holidays make me excited and sentimental any year, but this year in particular. I hope to start writing more over this season, with fun décor posts, food posts, and pictures my sweet sweet dogs, who seem to know that mom is having a "puppy" and are very protective. It's adorable.
Until next time....
Jennifer
Saturday, November 1, 2014
Saturday, August 9, 2014
Well, How did it go?
Been a while, has it not?
I was very ambitious in my last post, so I thought I would give an update.
I cancelled my YMCA membership.
My husband and I did really well and each lost 10 pounds and none of it had anything to do with going to a gym. So we cancelled our memberships. My hubby takes advantage of the treadmill when he feels like it. We also found a great park nearby. We still don't do anything as much as we would like to, or perhaps "should," but it is progress, and we'll take it.
Quitting smoking did not work
....until given a good enough reason. I mentioned starting fertility treatments in my last post. Well, I started them. They are torture in many ways. I planned on writing a bunch of posts about the process but could never bring myself to do it. I will say this: reading about others' experiences online was both helpful and devastating, and I really can't decide whether it was helpful or made me completely insane. But I digress. Today, I do not smoke. I suppose that is the point, non?
We bring our lunches every day.
It is really a rare week when we eat out, and it is looked upon as a fun treat, which, I think, is great. We also eat 85% of what is in our fridge before it goes bad. Dinners are going well also, so, victory all around. I did order Chinese take out last night though, and it was glorious.
So what's left? Being a crazy panicky person. Ah yes. Still one of those, however I actively take measures all day every day to make it better. I employ aromatherapy in my home and at work. I use breathing techniques when I feel panicked, and I just pretty much use any and every tool that I can to feel more relaxed and happy. It is hard work, but I do it as best I can, and it really helps. That's about all I can ask for, and I'm happy that I'm working diligently and making progress.
So, in 6 months, I'd say that's not too bad. A lot of other things have happened as well. I'll get to those next time.
I was very ambitious in my last post, so I thought I would give an update.
I cancelled my YMCA membership.
My husband and I did really well and each lost 10 pounds and none of it had anything to do with going to a gym. So we cancelled our memberships. My hubby takes advantage of the treadmill when he feels like it. We also found a great park nearby. We still don't do anything as much as we would like to, or perhaps "should," but it is progress, and we'll take it.
Quitting smoking did not work
....until given a good enough reason. I mentioned starting fertility treatments in my last post. Well, I started them. They are torture in many ways. I planned on writing a bunch of posts about the process but could never bring myself to do it. I will say this: reading about others' experiences online was both helpful and devastating, and I really can't decide whether it was helpful or made me completely insane. But I digress. Today, I do not smoke. I suppose that is the point, non?
We bring our lunches every day.
It is really a rare week when we eat out, and it is looked upon as a fun treat, which, I think, is great. We also eat 85% of what is in our fridge before it goes bad. Dinners are going well also, so, victory all around. I did order Chinese take out last night though, and it was glorious.
So what's left? Being a crazy panicky person. Ah yes. Still one of those, however I actively take measures all day every day to make it better. I employ aromatherapy in my home and at work. I use breathing techniques when I feel panicked, and I just pretty much use any and every tool that I can to feel more relaxed and happy. It is hard work, but I do it as best I can, and it really helps. That's about all I can ask for, and I'm happy that I'm working diligently and making progress.
So, in 6 months, I'd say that's not too bad. A lot of other things have happened as well. I'll get to those next time.
Saturday, February 1, 2014
New Year's Resolutions- (a little late)
Well, I have already slacked on my blogging, big surprise! To be fair, over the last 6 weeks we have had Christmas, New Year, I have changed departments at work, had a surprise visit from family, and sadly, last week, a death in the family. Pretty power packed few weeks, but alas, it is time to get back to a routine, and get back to looking ahead. I had very good intentions of writing about New Year's resolutions about 4 weeks ago, but as yesterday was Chinese New Year, I will seize that as my opportunity.
I, like everyone else, am very ambitious with my resolutions. Also, my resolutions are probably the exact same as 99% of others' resolutions: quit smoking, exercise more, eat better, reduce stress. Now, here is the kicker... I actually have to do these things for two very important reasons: 1) after trying for almost 15 months with no success, we are seeking a fertility specialist (I'll save that for my next post), and 2) I, like many stressed out folks, have developed a pretty nasty recurrence of panic disorder. In fact, it began in graduate school about 9 years ago, and has come and gone since then, but I have definitely noticed that lifestyle choices will make or break the frequency and severity of anxiety and panic attacks.
I would like to be clear that I am by no means an authority on any of this, I am only an authority on myself, and even then, it is trial and error. I only know what has been helpful to me in the past. I had a really great period between about 2008-2010 when I didn't smoke, didn't drink, ate zero processed foods, worked out at least 3 days a week, volunteered at least 3 days a week at a horse barn with special needs children and adults....but as you can imagine....I was not working at the time. I was caring for my ailing grandmother. This meant I had zero stress, an abundance of time, and very few financial concerns. This is not reality for most of us. Even those who do not have traditional 9-5 jobs are either stay at home moms, preoccupied by mortgages, car payments, etc. and time is still of a premium. So, that lifestyle that had me happy, positive, healthy, successful, in great shape, and without panic was an insane privilege and an anomaly that will never occur again.
I am happy to say that even after my grandmother passed and I moved into a high demand job, I maintained my routine temporarily. I worked in a job I loved. I maintained my exercise routine and ate well. I had a cigarette occasionally, but rarely. But then, as it does, life happened. Trips to the gym became more scarce. I met my now husband, and cooking for two became a little less healthy. I started smoking again, and then we moved back to the big city. I am happy to say that I still volunteer at the same therapeutic riding center, however now it is only 2 hours a week, and that is the only remnant left of my healthy lifestyle. It also just dawned on me that my former incredible existence was 5 YEARS AGO! So, I need to get serious about this again. I need to be realistic about my goals. Luckily, my husband is on board (in theory).
We have taken steps. I am a frugal person by nature, and we have joined our local YMCA. It is an expense that I'd rather not have for no reason. Luckily there is an amazing Body Flow class on Saturdays (the only day I can go because of my lengthy commute to work) which helps to reduce stress and strengthens by body and mind. Now if I could only add about 25 minutes on the treadmill 3 days a week I would completely change my body and greatly reduce my stress level. So, that is my goal. Trouble is: I do none of it, and the main reason is because I SMOKE on my commute. So smoky lungs and the treadmill don't mix.
This brings me to the "quit smoking" part. These two things need to happen simultaneously- quitting smoking and getting to the gym for stress and health. Diet is also very important. Luckily I love to cook, and am not bad at it. Cooking is time consuming, and meal planning actually is too. Luckily, I am great at shopping for the week, using everything I buy, and buying on a budget. However, I can get lazy by Wednesday, so I need to remedy that.
Setting large goals, and trying to accomplish them simultaneously is a tall order. It is stacking the odds against me. But as I said above, my stress level, and my desire to start a family are the catalysts in this change. My husband and I are incredibly happy in our occupations, we are so blessed to have a fantastic relationship, we live in a lovely neighborhood, and we are on the same page in these lifestyle changes.
So, how do I begin? Without a doubt quitting smoking is going to be the hardest. When I commute, which is nearly 2 hours total a day, I smoke. I actually practically chain smoke. It is 90% the habit and physicality of it, and 10% the actual nicotine. I just read that cinnamon toothpicks are a great substitute. I also have an e cigarette. I'm going to start with that this week. We will see how that goes!
Exercise. Happy lungs = better endurance. If I can stick to my Saturday Body Flow class, and I work with horses a couple hours on Wednesdays, I really only need to try to run about twice a week. God I hate running. But, what better way to relieve work stress and feel good than to hop on a treadmill after my commute. Totally feasible. My husband gets home about 2 hours after me, so I can work out on the way home from work. Time to pack a gym bag! Mondays and Thursdays should work. That is incredibly ambitious, but you know, you really just have to make up your mind and do it. Also, I have to be in my sister's wedding in about 5 months and I ordered my dress a size too small...so that is an incentive. I also can't fit into half of my really cute clothes.
Finally- food. That really is the least of my problems. I love to eat. I am very good about bringing my lunches, I am, however, getting lazy about dinner. Working out after work should help. Remembering to thaw out meat the night before will be life changing. Packing lunch the night before will also help. So will meal planning.
This is ambitious. This will be difficult. But frankly, I have no choice. Life is short. Stress kills. If I want to be a good parent (or a parent at all) and live a long, healthy life without fear and constant health problems, this is the solution. Taking responsibility for your health and wellness is part of being an adult, and this what this blog is all about, right? Right. Wish me luck!
I, like everyone else, am very ambitious with my resolutions. Also, my resolutions are probably the exact same as 99% of others' resolutions: quit smoking, exercise more, eat better, reduce stress. Now, here is the kicker... I actually have to do these things for two very important reasons: 1) after trying for almost 15 months with no success, we are seeking a fertility specialist (I'll save that for my next post), and 2) I, like many stressed out folks, have developed a pretty nasty recurrence of panic disorder. In fact, it began in graduate school about 9 years ago, and has come and gone since then, but I have definitely noticed that lifestyle choices will make or break the frequency and severity of anxiety and panic attacks.
I would like to be clear that I am by no means an authority on any of this, I am only an authority on myself, and even then, it is trial and error. I only know what has been helpful to me in the past. I had a really great period between about 2008-2010 when I didn't smoke, didn't drink, ate zero processed foods, worked out at least 3 days a week, volunteered at least 3 days a week at a horse barn with special needs children and adults....but as you can imagine....I was not working at the time. I was caring for my ailing grandmother. This meant I had zero stress, an abundance of time, and very few financial concerns. This is not reality for most of us. Even those who do not have traditional 9-5 jobs are either stay at home moms, preoccupied by mortgages, car payments, etc. and time is still of a premium. So, that lifestyle that had me happy, positive, healthy, successful, in great shape, and without panic was an insane privilege and an anomaly that will never occur again.
I am happy to say that even after my grandmother passed and I moved into a high demand job, I maintained my routine temporarily. I worked in a job I loved. I maintained my exercise routine and ate well. I had a cigarette occasionally, but rarely. But then, as it does, life happened. Trips to the gym became more scarce. I met my now husband, and cooking for two became a little less healthy. I started smoking again, and then we moved back to the big city. I am happy to say that I still volunteer at the same therapeutic riding center, however now it is only 2 hours a week, and that is the only remnant left of my healthy lifestyle. It also just dawned on me that my former incredible existence was 5 YEARS AGO! So, I need to get serious about this again. I need to be realistic about my goals. Luckily, my husband is on board (in theory).
We have taken steps. I am a frugal person by nature, and we have joined our local YMCA. It is an expense that I'd rather not have for no reason. Luckily there is an amazing Body Flow class on Saturdays (the only day I can go because of my lengthy commute to work) which helps to reduce stress and strengthens by body and mind. Now if I could only add about 25 minutes on the treadmill 3 days a week I would completely change my body and greatly reduce my stress level. So, that is my goal. Trouble is: I do none of it, and the main reason is because I SMOKE on my commute. So smoky lungs and the treadmill don't mix.
This brings me to the "quit smoking" part. These two things need to happen simultaneously- quitting smoking and getting to the gym for stress and health. Diet is also very important. Luckily I love to cook, and am not bad at it. Cooking is time consuming, and meal planning actually is too. Luckily, I am great at shopping for the week, using everything I buy, and buying on a budget. However, I can get lazy by Wednesday, so I need to remedy that.
Setting large goals, and trying to accomplish them simultaneously is a tall order. It is stacking the odds against me. But as I said above, my stress level, and my desire to start a family are the catalysts in this change. My husband and I are incredibly happy in our occupations, we are so blessed to have a fantastic relationship, we live in a lovely neighborhood, and we are on the same page in these lifestyle changes.
So, how do I begin? Without a doubt quitting smoking is going to be the hardest. When I commute, which is nearly 2 hours total a day, I smoke. I actually practically chain smoke. It is 90% the habit and physicality of it, and 10% the actual nicotine. I just read that cinnamon toothpicks are a great substitute. I also have an e cigarette. I'm going to start with that this week. We will see how that goes!
Exercise. Happy lungs = better endurance. If I can stick to my Saturday Body Flow class, and I work with horses a couple hours on Wednesdays, I really only need to try to run about twice a week. God I hate running. But, what better way to relieve work stress and feel good than to hop on a treadmill after my commute. Totally feasible. My husband gets home about 2 hours after me, so I can work out on the way home from work. Time to pack a gym bag! Mondays and Thursdays should work. That is incredibly ambitious, but you know, you really just have to make up your mind and do it. Also, I have to be in my sister's wedding in about 5 months and I ordered my dress a size too small...so that is an incentive. I also can't fit into half of my really cute clothes.
Finally- food. That really is the least of my problems. I love to eat. I am very good about bringing my lunches, I am, however, getting lazy about dinner. Working out after work should help. Remembering to thaw out meat the night before will be life changing. Packing lunch the night before will also help. So will meal planning.
This is ambitious. This will be difficult. But frankly, I have no choice. Life is short. Stress kills. If I want to be a good parent (or a parent at all) and live a long, healthy life without fear and constant health problems, this is the solution. Taking responsibility for your health and wellness is part of being an adult, and this what this blog is all about, right? Right. Wish me luck!
Monday, December 16, 2013
Pet Farm
Well, I'm stuck at home with a Sick Day. I have been trying to kick this flu for about 2 weeks, but it keeps rearing its ugly head. As I am "resting" per my husband's orders (and common sense), I thought I would take this time to introduce my pet farm.
I love animals. My father's side of the family are farmers. They began with dairy cows, chickens and lambs two generations ago. My dad had cows, then a full hog operation, and some chickens or the odd goat here and there. I spent summers and weekends knee deep in manure, moving cattle, pulling pigs, helping clip teeth and tails, you name it. I used to take naps under the heat lamps with the weaned nursery pigs in winter. Big surprise I have more animals than the City allows. Shhhhh!
Currently the Grand Pooh-bah of our household is snoring next to me. General Eisenhower (he goes by "Buddy") is 9 whopping pounds of pure Alpha Male. He is my first pet as an adult. I adopted him after I completed my Masters Degree in 2007. He is 8 years old, rules the roost, snores like a bear, and is pretty much the most intelligent being on the planet.
I love animals. My father's side of the family are farmers. They began with dairy cows, chickens and lambs two generations ago. My dad had cows, then a full hog operation, and some chickens or the odd goat here and there. I spent summers and weekends knee deep in manure, moving cattle, pulling pigs, helping clip teeth and tails, you name it. I used to take naps under the heat lamps with the weaned nursery pigs in winter. Big surprise I have more animals than the City allows. Shhhhh!
Currently the Grand Pooh-bah of our household is snoring next to me. General Eisenhower (he goes by "Buddy") is 9 whopping pounds of pure Alpha Male. He is my first pet as an adult. I adopted him after I completed my Masters Degree in 2007. He is 8 years old, rules the roost, snores like a bear, and is pretty much the most intelligent being on the planet.
Meet Buddy!
Buddy looks more like Martin Van Buren than Dwight Eisenhower,
But, you know, Van Buren really didn't do shit and wasn't a General, so...
Next came "Lucky". Really imaginative name, I know. I blame my husband. Technically she's his. While we were living out in the West Texas desert (where we met), this little bundle of joy and incontinence literally jumped into my jeep. There is a real problem with the pet population where we lived, to the extent that strays would become packs and roam the desert, and many, many animals had to be put down monthly due to overpopulation. SPAY and NEUTER folks! Anyway, she was dirty and covered in ticks, and we called the dog catcher to see if anyone had reported her missing. She was a pup, maybe 15-17 pounds. Looked like a border collie mix. We assumed she would be about 45 pounds max. Nope.
Lucky is a special one. Not all that bright, literally has incontinence. She pees when she falls asleep...often. Listening isn't really her specialty. While we were moving she had to stay with my in-laws for ONE DAY. She was in heat but had her spay appointment for 2 days later. She was 65 pounds, my in laws had "Poncho," a 6 pound Chihuahua. Yep, little hussy got pregnant. There was only one and it was not viable anyway, but like I said, this dog.....she's just, a special one. We love all 75 pounds of her though. She excels at cuddling, and it's always a bonus when she doesn't accidentally pee on you.
Meet Lucky!
We had just moved back to the big city, and purchased our first house in the suburbs when I decided that every home needed a cat. Nothing says "Home" like a disinterested fur ball who destroys your furniture and has no time for you. For our first Christmas in our new house my husband adopted a cat for me. We named him "Newman." I can't really say anything bad about Newman. He is totally over the litter box. He intimidates all the dogs (as you can imagine he and Buddy are the best of friends. Seriously, they are like a pair of evil geniuses). He snuggles, he doesn't hurt the furniture or curtains, he potties outside (for the most part), he catches and brings me wildlife, and behaves much like a dog. I like him.
Meet Newman! (He is giving side-eye but I'm sure it isn't personal)
Well. We had enough pets. Three is perfect. Until your coworker finds a stray mama dog with two puppies. The puppies were easy to find homes for. The mama, not so much. So what do I say? Suuuure! I'll take her. Maybe she will be a good companion for Lucky since Buddy avoids her like the plague. Great! So I adopt a long haired Chi-Weenie who needs to have 7 teeth pulled and has a severe case of the "stinks". We named her Squeak. She has already had to have a $1000 surgery on her hip, and as I said before, has had 7 of her teeth pulled. Oh, and she has snaggle teeth. Her breath is atrocious. Always. I think it's internal and a byproduct of street life. She is, however, the sweetest (noisiest) thing. She and Buddy get along well, and she runs (and barks) with the bigger dogs too. She is the cuddle master of the household. She also likes to take little craps by the bedroom door in the middle of the night for my husband to step in. We love her dearly.
Meet Squeak!
Just when we have become overrun by animals, not 3 weeks after we take in Squeak, my husband walks in the house with a tiny puppy that a jogger found in front of our house. We are officially stray magnets. He SAYS he only brought it in because he thought it was a neighbor dog, and he was sure I would know who it belonged to. I think he sits on a throne of lies. He had that look in his eye from the minute he brought her in. And, as if Lucky knew as well, she chose team Husband and decided to bond to that little pup INSTANTLY. I mean, those two were and are absolutely inseparable. Molly is perfectly potty trained, listens pretty well, loves Lucky to death, and is basically an ideal dog. Her only deal is that she is hyper and a runner. Otherwise, no prob. She is like a little fire hydrant, and doesn't sit still unless she is asleep. She also likes to eat all my plants and tries to eat the house. She is a little dear.
Meet Molly! (With her other half, of course)
So, we have an embarrassing number of pets. We try to take group photos, you know, for holiday cards. Yeah right. This is as close as it gets, and that is with treats dangling.
These guys will be referenced often and will most likely turn up in all of my pictures involving food or gardening, as they are right there to eat the food or plants whenever I have made or planted something. As much as I make fun of myself and complain about them, I couldn't imagine life without any of them. They fill the house and are sweet and cuddly and endlessly entertaining.
I suppose it is back to "resting" for me which will entail making turkey soup and striving for a nap, which I will never take, and will leave me exhausted for the rest of the day. Buddy is my #1 for the day, making sure he gets a good 18-20 hours of rest and encouraging me to do the same. Just in case I do fall asleep, Lucky and Molly will be sure to go into a fit of barking every 2-3 hours to check if I'm still alive.
Happy Monday from me and my herd!
Monday, December 9, 2013
Why This Blog?
Everyone has a blog. Many of my friends have started webpages and blogs documenting major life events or a new lifestyle. I had a blog years ago, and I rather liked writing it. I find writing to be cathartic. I have been toying with background templates and fonts for about 7 months now (no, I am still not happy with the current one) so I figured it was about time to post something.
The purpose of this blog is three fold:
1. To give me a creative outlet, as I enjoy writing very much.
2. To document my life and goings on- assisting my memory down the road and hopefully helping me to be more accountable, grateful, and as the blog says, "do a bit better".
3. Share things. I am learning how to can, I love to read, I am frugal but not above throwing money at a problem, and I am trying to go through the motions of being an adult (I look forward to sharing on this one).
I am currently in my early 30's and I am just trying to do better. I live with 5 pets (don't tell the City) and my husband (of about 7 months) in a house we bought 2 years ago. I work in a museum, come from a farming family, and have lived on three continents.
All in all I hope to gain some insight, share some things, and enjoy myself in the process. Here we go...
The purpose of this blog is three fold:
1. To give me a creative outlet, as I enjoy writing very much.
2. To document my life and goings on- assisting my memory down the road and hopefully helping me to be more accountable, grateful, and as the blog says, "do a bit better".
3. Share things. I am learning how to can, I love to read, I am frugal but not above throwing money at a problem, and I am trying to go through the motions of being an adult (I look forward to sharing on this one).
I am currently in my early 30's and I am just trying to do better. I live with 5 pets (don't tell the City) and my husband (of about 7 months) in a house we bought 2 years ago. I work in a museum, come from a farming family, and have lived on three continents.
All in all I hope to gain some insight, share some things, and enjoy myself in the process. Here we go...
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