Tuesday, December 30, 2003

Holiday Recap

By the way...the holidays were wonderful. Nice and restful. Munchkin made out like a bandit with Christmas gifts (like all 5 year olds should) and Mommy got to sleep in. We will see what next year holds. Happy New Year!

1 Day Overdue and Counting...

MIT was officially due December 29. Obviously MIT has not made its grand entrance because I sit here typing this entry. I went to the doctor Saturday and was told I'm only 2 cm dilated (ONLY 2 CM!!!). It's time to take matters into my own hands. I also had to have a non-stress test. This is done to make sure the baby isn't under any stress by measuring the number of movements within a certain amount of time. MIT passed with flying colors. No-stress for the baby, lots of stress for Mommy. The grandparents on are high alert. Every time we call them the first question is "Is it time?" I asked my mother if every conversation was going to start like that she said "Yes. Is it time?" No it's not time!! So the nurse gave me some other options to "jumpstart" labor.

1. Walk. This actually works. I walked when I was pregnant with Munchkin and had her the next day. MD and I have some errands to run around the house so we are going to walk. We're both fat and out of shape anyway so the walk will do us good. :)
2. White Castle Hamburgers. All I can say is blechhhh!!! It would be an act of total desperation for me to eat White Castle hamburgers. I mean total desperation as in all other options have failed. Complete, total and desperate act of depravity.
3. Good sex. Yes, I repeat, Good Sex. Coming from the nurse I wasn't shocked. I think this is the option the MD would prefer since my libido has been zero to the zero power and he says I'm neglecting him. Outside of cuddling which I always like - except in the middle of the night when I feel like a fiery furnace and resort to taking of not only all my clothes but the covers as well - sex is not top of mind.
4. Eat something to cause me to go into labor. What?? If I knew what it was that would cause me to go into labor I would have eaten it by now. This particular option sucks.

With all that said, I am ready. MD came home from work early today because he was concerned I would go into labor and he wouldn't be here. Munchkin isn't here. She got to go to a hotel overnight with her cousin. The idea of playing in the pool and sleeping away from home outstripped staying at home with Mommy while we wait for the baby to get here. What can I say? If I had the opportunity to get away I would too. So for everyone that is wondering, the baby isn't here yet and now it's time to experiment with labor jumpstarting techniques. Wish me luck. If I'm fortunate the next post will be about the new baby and where you can send gifts and presents. :)

Saturday, December 27, 2003

10 THINGS YOU WILL NEVER HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT:

Considering Jesus is the reason for the season, I thought this was appropriate. Thanks to my friend Lisa for sending.

1. The Bible still has the answers.
2. Prayer still works.
3. The Spirit can still move.
4. God still inhabits praise.
5. There is still anointed preaching.
6. There is still anointed singing.
7. God still pours out blessings.
8. There's still room at the cross.
9. Jesus still loves you.
10. Jesus still saves.

Be a blessing!

Monday, December 22, 2003

And Now A Break for Vacation

As of December 18, I am officially on vacation. What does this mean? Rest. I need it and with the baby due on December 29 it's my last chance to get it. There are other things that I need to do: laundry, Christmas shopping, pack my bag. It will have to wait. If I feel even the tiniest twinge of a nap coming on I got to sleep. I'm already having contractions (sporadic though they may be) and as time draws closer I'm just exhausted. So you can expect my posts for the next few weeks to be few and far between. Once the baby arrives they may pick up but it won't be because I have so much time on my hands taking care of a newborn and a 5 year old. It will be because I need the break. At any rate...Happy Holidays and Season's Greetings to all!

I'm on vacation...woohooo!!!

Thursday, December 18, 2003

More Holiday Fun

These things never seem to stop. Found this at Ursula's. She thought it was neat and so do I. Season's Greetings!

Tuesday, December 16, 2003

Holiday Fun

If you have a few minutes to wile the time away, here's a cute little online greeting card. Enjoy and Happy Holidays!
Strom Thurmond has to be turning over in his grave...

Thurmond Family Accepts Black Woman's Paternity Claim

The oldest son of the late Sen. Strom Thurmond won't challenge the claim of a woman who says she is the product of a secret affair between the one-time segregationist and a black maid.

Friday, December 12, 2003

Birth Number

I got this in my email box and wanted to share. Sometimes these things are pretty uncanny. I've marked those people that actually fit the profile below.
_____
Your birth date describes who we are, what we are good at and what our inborn abilities are. It also points to what we have to learn and the challenges we are facing.

To figure out your Birth Number, add all the numbers in the birth date together, like the example, until there is only one digit. A Birth Number does not prevent you from being anything you want to be, it will just color your choice differently and give you a little insight.

Example: March 20, 1950
3 + 20 + 1950 = 1973 = 1 + 9 + 7 + 3 = 20 = 2 + 0 = 2

2 is the Birth Number to read for the birth date in the example.
Your number is __1___,

#1 THE ORIGINATOR
#2 THE PEACEMAKER
#3 THE LIFE OF THE PARTY
#4 THE CONSERVATIVE
#5 THE NONCONFORMIST
#6 THE ROMANTIC
#7 THE INTELLECTUAL
#8 THE BIG SHOT
#9 THE PERFORMER

#1 - THE ORIGINATOR
1 's are originals. Coming up with new ideas and executing them is natural. Having things their own way is another trait that gets them as being stubborn and arrogant. 1's are extremely honest and do well to learn some diplomacy skills. They like to take the initiative and are often leaders or bosses, as they like to be the best. Being self-employed is definitely helpful for them. Lesson to learn: Others' ideas might be just as good or better and to stay open minded.
Famous 1's: Tom Hanks, Robert Redford, Hulk Hogan, Carol Burnett, Wynona Judd, Nancy Reagan, Raquel Welch

#2 - THE PEACEMAKER
2's are the born diplomats. They are aware of others' needs and moods and often think of others before themselves. Naturally analytical and very intuitive they don't like to be alone. Friendship and companionship is very important and can lead them to be successful in life, but on the other hand they'd rather be alone than in an uncomfortable relationship. Being naturally shy they should learn to boost their self-esteem and express themselves freely and seize the moment and not put things off. Famous 2's: President Bill Clinton, Madonna, Whoopee Goldberg, Thomas Edison, Wolfgang, Amadeus Mozart.

# 3 - THE LIFE OF THE PARTY
3's are idealists. They are very creative, social, charming, romantic, and easygoing. They start many things, but don't always see them through. They like others to be happy and go to great lengths to achieve it. They are very popular and idealistic. They should learn to see the world from a more realistic point of view. Famous 3's: Alan Alda, Ann Landers, Bill Cosby, Melanie Griffith, Salvador Dali, Jodi Foster

# 4 - THE CONSERVATIVE
4's are sensible and traditional. They like order and routine. They only act when they fully understand what they are expected to do. They like getting their hands dirty and working hard. They are attracted to the outdoors and feel an affinity with nature. They are prepared to wait and can be stubborn and persistent. They should learn to be more flexible and to be nice to themselves. Famous 4's: Neil Diamond, Margaret Thatcher, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Tina Turner, Paul Hogan, Oprah Winfrey

# 5 - THE NONCONFORMIST (my brother and my biological father- down to a T - very scary)
5's are the explorers. Their natural curiosity, risk taking, and enthusiasm often land them in hot water. They need diversity, and don't like to be stuck in a rut. The whole world is their school and they see a learning possibility in every situation. The questions never stop. They are well advised to look before they take action and make sure they have all the facts before jumping to conclusions. Famous 5's: Abraham Lincoln, Charlotte Bronte, Jessica Walter, Vincent Van Gogh, Bette Midler, Helen Keller and Mark Hamil.

# 6 - THE ROMANTIC (Me - and most of it's true)
6's are idealistic and need to feel useful to be happy. A strong family connection is important to them. Their actions influence their decisions. They have a strong urge to take care of others and to help. They are very loyal and make great teachers. They like art or music. They make loyal friends who take the friendship seriously. 6's should learn to differentiate between what they can change and what they cannot. Famous 6's: Albert Einstein, Jane Seymour, John Denver, Meryl Streep, Christopher Columbus, Goldie Hawn

# 7 - THE INTELLECTUAL (Mom and MD - not sure if it fits well though)
7's are the searchers. Always probing for hidden information, they find it difficult to accept things at face value. Emotions don't sway their decisions. Questioning everything in life, they don't like to be questioned themselves. They're never off to a fast start, and their motto is slow and steady wins the race. They come across as philosophers and being very knowledgeable, and sometimes as loners. They are technically inclined and make great researchers uncovering information. They like secrets. They live in their own world and should learn what is acceptable and what not in the world at large. Famous 7's: William Shakespeare, Lucille Ball, Michael Jackson, Joan Baez, Princess Diana

# 8 - THE BIG SHOT (Munchkin - she's only 5 so she hasn't developed some of these...we shall see)
8's are the problem solvers. They are professional, blunt and to the point, have good judgment and are decisive. They have grand plans and like to live the good life. They take charge of people. They view people objectively. They let you know in no uncertain terms that they are the boss. They should learn to exude their decisions on their own needs rather than on what others want. Famous 8's: Edgar Cayce, Barbra Streisand, George Harrison, Jane Fonda, Pablo Picasso, Aretha Franklin, Nostrodamus, George H Bush, Barbara Bush

#9 - THE PERFORMER (My Stepdad - some of this is true; some is definitely NOT)
9's are natural entertainers. They are very caring and generous, giving away their last dollar to help. With their charm, they have no problem making friends and nobody is a stranger to them. They have so many different personalities that people around them have a hard time understanding them. They are like chameleons, ever changing and blending in. They have tremendous luck, but also can suffer from extremes in fortune and mood. To be successful, they need to build a loving foundation. Famous 9's: Albert Schweitzer, Shirley MacLaine, Harrison Ford, Jimmy Carter, Elvis Presley

"Everyone is born with genius, but most people only keep it a few minutes." Edgard Varese (1883 - 1965)

Friday Funny

Interesting take on that the "Thong Song". Turn up your volume to hear.

Are We There Yet?

I think we (Munchkin, MD and I) are all getting to the point of when is the baby going to get here. Munchkin has already mentioned on numerous times this week that she wants the baby to get her NOW! Yesterday she told me she was sad because she wants the baby to be here. She's ready to play with her sister. Then she started to cry. I had to patiently remind her that the baby will be here soon enough to disrupt her little life. She laughed and then came and got in the bed with me later so she could make sure I slept OK and be close to the baby. She is the sweetest little girl and I think she truly knows what she is getting herself into. While she has asked for a sister, she acknowledges the fact that she could get a brother. She's happy either way and greets the baby each morning wanting to know what it's doing in there. She gives my belly a hug and kiss and leaves me with nothing. Hmmph!

MD is just ready to have another little fat face baby to play with and kiss and hug and get drooled on, pooped on, pissed on, spit up on, etc. (not necessarily in that order). He feels Munchkin's pain and is impatient.

I'm just ready because I'm tired. I go to sleep tired. I wake up tired. Putting on my shoes is a chore. I'm out of breath sitting down at work and not moving. My Braxton-Hicks contractions can become real ones and I wouldn't mind - except we aren't ready. We're supposed to get Munchkin's room ready for the baby and it's nowhere close. When I get home from work I don't have the strength to do anything and the weekends are few and far between. We got the crib out of storage and couldn't find the screws and now realize that we forgot two pieces. I can't search my storage space like I would like because I've gone from not supposed to lift anything to not being able to lift anything. I don't want MD to go in there because he just throws things around like since it's not his it isn't valuable. I can't watch it and not get pissed off. Nevertheless we are going to do it tomorrow. I'll just have to look away. We are still haggling over the car seat we want. Really the travel system we want. I haven't packed my bag or the baby's. It's packed in my mind but that is going to do me a lot of good when my water breaks and we're rushing out the door. We haven't discussed if Munchkin is going to stay at the hospital with us or with one of our sets of parents. Probably MD's parents because me parents are going to Alabama for the holidays. I'm a planner and a list maker. The list is made but in my mind there's no plan. I think I'm worrying about things that I really shouldn't but I'm pregnant and hormonal. What am I supposed to do?!?!?! So I worry. Sue me, it's not going to change anything.

I say all this to say what? We're ready emotionally if not physically for the new addition to our baby. I'm starting to get excited now that the time is getting closer. My last day at work is December 17 and as it draws closer I'm more and more anxious. The office pool at work has been started and my co-workers surprised me with a baby shower. I'm lucky, blessed and love. I guess I should stop worrying.

Thursday, December 11, 2003

What's In a Name?

After spending my entire 29 years without encountering anyone with my name, I've found 2 people in the past 2 days with it. This is very uncanny to me. One of the things that has always set me apart is the fact that I know NO ONE with my name. I've met people (always African) who wondered if I was African because of my name. I'm not. My parents had an African friend who offered them some names that meant princess. It can down to Ayaba and Sarwah (sp?). Let's say I'm glad I'm Ayaba. The uniqueness feels just a little tarnished somehow. The only saving grace is that I seriously doubt I will find anyone with my middle name. My mom made it up. So there!

Tuesday, December 09, 2003

TGIM!!

For once in my life I can say TGIM!! (Thank God It's Monday). Why would I say such a thing? Let's recap my weekend.

Friday:
After a frightful start to my weekend on Friday (see below). I finished a day of work that I thought dragged on. Mostly because of the news I got in the morning. Work was the last place I wanted to be and I've never heard of anyone getting sent home because a beloved pet died. So I worked. Then I picked up Munchkin so she could spend the night at Gommie and PawPaw's house. We went shopping for chicken and then picked up her cousin and headed to the suburbs. Traffic was light so I can't complain there.

Once I got to my parents I proceeded to CLEAN and SEASON a 40 lb. box of chicken wings in preparation of the Holiday Bazaar that would be occurring at church on Saturday and Sunday. Once I finished cleaning and seasoning chicken. I helped Gommie label items for sale because we had a table at the Holiday Bazaar. I packed everything into my car and drove home. I didn't get there until 1:00 am. I left everything in the car and was BLESSED (I could have kissed the ground saying THANKYOUGODTHANKYOUGOD) to find a parking space in the lot outside my building. I was praying I wouldn't have to park on the street and He blessed me but good.

Fall into bed and slip into a coma until the alarm goes off.

Saturday - Bazaar day 1
I got to church by 9:00 am and unloaded the car alone. I know - you're pregnant and shouldn't be doing these things. Well there was no one there. I'm pregnant not handicapped and I was careful. I made several trips. I got everything out of my car and into the church and then some other parishioners showed up and took everything downstairs for me.

For the bazaar that would begin at 12:00 pm, I proceeded to start cooking aforementioned 40 lbs of chicken wings along with spaghetti. We were selling dinners at $3 a pop and needed to have chicken ready to go once the window opened.

It was a long day but 40+ dinners later we were finished selling and could start cleaning. By the time we finished and I got home, my body hurt. Pretty much from the waist down I was sore. I didn't realize how much until I took a nap (so what it lasted 5 hours) and tried to get up and my legs wouldn't cooperate. When I finally could move I should have had a walking aid (he, he).

Sunday - Bazaar Day 2
I was supposed to be at church to get ready for Bazaar Day 2 by 9:00 am. HA! Wishful thinking. I took a long hot shower to loosen up my muscles and proceeded to take my time. It was worth it. I got to church at 10:00 am to prep for the bazaar that would open at 1:00 pm. Needless to say I didn't get to participate in church services but made it upstairs for communion.

Sunday pretty much mimicked Saturday in the chicken cooking and selling department. Even though the bazaar ended later than Saturday we left two hours earlier. I wasn't as sore or tired either. I actually went home and put up the Christmas tree.

Monday:
I woke up and realized that I made it through another bazaar weekend. TGIM! MD did threaten to punish me for doing too much. I asked him how he was going to enforce it and he said he would sit on me. I laughed at him and went about my business but I am now in the process of scaling back. The next few weeks are going to be all about me and prepping for MIT.

Friday, December 05, 2003

In Loving Memory: Kallie Anne McNeal

My cat died. I don't know any other way to say it. I mean "MY CAT". Technically she belonged to my brother and myself but in my heart she was MY CAT. She was an old cat - 16 years 9 months (which roughly translates into 75.5 human years). I knew it was coming but that doesn't make it better. She died in her sleep but that doesn't make it better. Getting to say goodbye would make it better and I didn't get to do that. So now I sit here trying not to blubber like a baby because my cat died and I didn't get to say goodbye.

To say there is going to be a big void in my life is an understatement. I've had that cat over half my life. My mother surprised us with her when she was only 6 months old. We got to watch her grow and she got to watch us. She has been our protector, a source of entertainment, a source of comfort and a really good friend for as long as I could remember. It seems like she's always been there. We got her neutered before she ever had kittens so essentially she adopted my brother and I as her "kids". She would always show up when we needed her. Not that she was that affectionate - it wasn't in her personality - but she knew when she was needed and would comfort us for as long as necessary.

When I went away to college, I missed having my cat to curl up to when I went to sleep. It was one of the things I looked forward to when I came home on breaks. Obviously she did too because she would meet me at the door and follow me around - for all of five minutes - but that is the cat way. That cat literally enabled me to sleep during my first pregnancy. She purred Munchkin to sleep in the womb every night so I could fall asleep. Munchkin came out KNOWING who this cat was. Munchkin worked very hard to cultivate a friendship with a cat that no longer wanted to be bothered by children until finally the cat consented to be bothered by her. While I stayed with my parents these past few months, unbeknownst to me, my cat has been checking up on me while I slept. I knew there was a reason I kept waking up with cat hair on my face!

MD and I just got Munchkin a kitten for her 5th birthday. I can't help but compare my cat to this kitten. Very different personalities. It will be interesting to watch this life grow and mature.

My cat died today and I'm going to miss her very much!

Thursday, December 04, 2003

Christmas poem

T'was the night before Christmas
and all through the town
Not a sign of Baby Jesus
was anywhere to be found.

The people were all busy
with Christmas time chores
Like decorating, and baking,
and shopping in stores.

No one sang "Away in a manger,
no crib for a bed".
Instead, they sang of Santa
dressed-up in bright red.

Mama watched Martha Stewart,
Papa drank beer from a tap.
As hour upon hour
the presents they'd wrap

When what from the T.V.
did they suddenly hear?
Cept an ad.. which told
of a big sale at Sears.

So away to the mall
they all flew like a flash...
Buying things on credit...
and others with cash!

And, as they made their way home
From their trip to the mall,
Did they think about Jesus?
Oh, no... not at all.

Their lives were so busy
with their Christmas time things
No time to remember
Christ Jesus, the King.

There were presents to wrap
and cookies to bake.
How could they stop and remember
who died for their sake?

To pray to the Savior...
they had no time to stop.
Because they needed more time
to "Shop til they dropped!"

On Wal-mart! On K-mart!
On Target! On Penney's!
On Hallmark! On Zales!
A quick lunch at Denny's

From the big stores downtown
to the stores at the mall
They would dash away, dash away,
and visit them all!

And up on the roof,
there arose such a clatter
As grandpa hung icicle lights
up on his brand new step ladder.

He hung lights that would flash.
He hung lights that would twirl.
Yet, he never once prayed to Jesus...
Light of the World.

Christ's eyes... how they twinkle!
Christ's Spirit... how merry!
Christ's love... how enormous!
All our burdens... He'll carry!

So instead of being busy,
overworked, and uptight
Let's put Christ back in
Christmas and enjoy
some good nights!

Merry Christmas, my friends!

READING TEST

Take your time and see if you can read each line aloud without a mistake. The average person can't.

This is this cat.
This is is cat.
This is how cat.
This is to cat.
This is keep cat.
This is a cat.
This is dumbass cat.
This is busy cat.
This is for cat.
This is forty cat.
This is seconds cat.

Now go back and read the THIRD word in each line from the top down and I betcha you can't resist passing it on.

Wednesday, December 03, 2003

Wednesday Women's Funny

I thought these were too good not to share. Enjoy the laugh!
__________________________________________________________________
A WOMAN'S (REAL) PRAYER:
Now I lay me
Down to sleep.
I pray the Lord
My shape to keep.
Please no wrinkles
Please no bags
And please lift my butt
Before it sags.
Please no age spots
Please no gray
And as for my belly,
Please take it away.
Please keep me healthy
Please keep me young,
And thank you Dear Lord
For all that you've done.

Five tips for a woman...
1. It is important that a man helps you around the house and has a job.
2. It is important that a man makes you laugh.
3. It is important to find a man you can count on and doesn't lie to you.
4. It is important that a man loves you and spoils you.
5. It is important that these four men don't know each other.

Foot Note:
One saggy boob said to the other saggy boob: "If we don't get some support soon, people will think we're nuts."

Tuesday, December 02, 2003

A Recipe to Try

Noded has a recipe for Taco Pie that I'm going to try. I'll let you know how it turns out. Sounds delicious!

Cancelled Experiment

I have been thinking about this living together thing too hard. I give up. I'm going to take it one day at a time and see how it goes. All in all, MD and I work well as a team. I don't think this will be much different. If we've learned from our mistakes like we're supposed to this time will be better than the last. Not to say I'm blowing caution to the wind but why worry about what could be when I can just focus on what's is. Therefore - end of experiment.