I started Honestly Lu back in 2008 in lieu of a wedding website, and at the time I think it was called Lulu and Dylan, or something really ingenius like that. After the wedding in 2009, I forgot about the blog. And then one day in early 2010, my good friend and fellow blogger, Nora, told me about the great things she had going on over at That's All She Wrote. I thought that blogging sounded like a really fun idea, and I tried my hand at it yet again at the same site, but under a new name. I think that one was The View From Lu. I really took off with it and became a regular updater of the blog, documenting life, posting pictures, and probably sometimes revealing too much. At some point, I left Blogger to try my own website, but it was difficult and I didn't like it. So I returned to Blogger and continually updated the look of the site. The content has remained generally the same throughout the many transitions, and for the past year or so, it's sported the same look, too. A look which I don't really like.
Early last year, I started a new blog called Boondocks Boulevard. The name came from the fact that we live in the boonies, and most of my stories are about our redneck life way out here. I found new inspiration at this site for a little while but continued to keep it private. Then I dropped it, figuring it was too much to move things over there, and what was I really doing? But recently, I am so sick of the name honestly Lu, sick of the look of my blog with no good ideas on how to change it, and somehow I feel that I've outgrown it. I'm ready to do something new and different. Something with a name that does not incorporate "Lu."
Since I first started luluanddylan.blogspot.com, which then became honestlylu.com, I have become a different person. Fundamentally, I'm still the same, but I've done a lot of growing up since 2008. My priorities are different, my interests are different, and some of the things I thought were important back then I realize are pretty dumb now. I've gone through phases of being burned out on life, tired, and angry, but have also done some really great and fun things. Now I'm just grateful and contented. Things are not perfect, and sometimes life still scares me or makes me feel less than good, but I've got a whole new slew of things going on, and I've found new focus.
So, if you wish, join me over at Boondocks Blvd where I've been test-blogging for a little while to make sure I liked the feel of things. It shouldn't be a big deal...I know this is just a hobby, not a real job or anything. But I love writing and sharing, and I wanted to feel good about my platform for divulging the details of my life. If you scroll down far enough, you'll see some pictures of my (since deceased) chickens as baby chicks. That's how long ago I started this blog.
So after five years, 63,698 pageviews, and 665 posts, I think it's time to retire honestly Lu. I don't see any reason to delete the blog, but I probably won't be back at all. If you'd like to join me over at BB, I'd love to have you, and if you'd rather not, then happy trails to you!
Saturday, June 1, 2013
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Keeping a Low Profile
It's been a while since I spent a weekend going it solo. It's always a tad lonely, but nice for catch-up. It's easier to get motivated to get up and at 'em early and do things that you've been putting off for a while. I got an early start on Saturday to get to the ballet barre class that I hadn't attended in months. And now my butt and legs are sore...guess I needed the workout! Elaine came to the same class, and then we kept each other company in the locker room while we got ready for the next event of the morning. Then it was off to the Kennedys' house for brunch where we learned that they, too, will be having a baby boy! That makes it 4 for 4. What are the odds? (My memory from college statistics has me factoring the odds at about 3.125%, with a huge chance that that's completely wrong.) After these boys are born, we will have 3 girls and 9 boys in our group of friends. All of the fathers are pilots. My guess is that their high exposure to cosmic radiation causes them to make more boy sperm. **This assumption has not been tested.
I rounded out the rest of the weekend by traipsing all over Desert Ridge running errands, watching the movie Liberal Arts starring Josh Radnor (AKA Ted Mosby), which was a bit slow but okay, doing crafts for some upcoming events, fighting a stomach bug that was uncomfortable but not completely debilitating, hitting the pool and lunching with my nephews & fam, reading, cleaning out the closet, catching up on CE, working on a Skillshare class, and, gloriously, napping. I've now labeled myself a seasoned napper, and I think it's the biggest favor I've ever done for myself. Thank you, self!
It was good and productive, and also relaxing. To spend every weekend this way would get old (and fast), but I'm okay with it every now and then. But now I'm ready for some company. The dogs are great and all, but life is ten times better with another human presence in the house.
I rounded out the rest of the weekend by traipsing all over Desert Ridge running errands, watching the movie Liberal Arts starring Josh Radnor (AKA Ted Mosby), which was a bit slow but okay, doing crafts for some upcoming events, fighting a stomach bug that was uncomfortable but not completely debilitating, hitting the pool and lunching with my nephews & fam, reading, cleaning out the closet, catching up on CE, working on a Skillshare class, and, gloriously, napping. I've now labeled myself a seasoned napper, and I think it's the biggest favor I've ever done for myself. Thank you, self!
It was good and productive, and also relaxing. To spend every weekend this way would get old (and fast), but I'm okay with it every now and then. But now I'm ready for some company. The dogs are great and all, but life is ten times better with another human presence in the house.
Saturday, May 18, 2013
This Day and Age
It seems as though almost everywhere you go, the family-work balance is a hot topic. I came across this article a while back in The Arizona Republic, which mainly stated that more and more women are becoming the main breadwinner in their households. (Do you agree that this is not surprising?) It elaborated on the changing dynamics of the family and provided some real life examples. It was interesting. But I don't understand why consumers of mass media care so much, including myself. People just need to do what's best for themselves and their families. For example, why was everyone so upset that Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer took only two weeks of maternity leave? Maybe it was just the best thing for her, even if it's not the best thing for everyone else.
That being said, two weeks maternity leave would never be the right thing for me, though I know it's not my place to pass judgement on what other people decide to do. I've talked to many a young mother, from stay-at-home moms, to part-time workers, to full-time workers, and each would point out the merits and disadvantages of their lifestyle. Everyone finds their own balance, and I'm just learning that I need to figure it out for myself and not base it on what anyone else does.
Allow me to rewind for a moment. When I was in pharmacy school, I spent time in a variety of pharmacies on internships and rotations. I came across several women pharmacists who worked full-time while their husbands stayed home with their kids, and I just couldn't comprehend it. My thought was, Are you actually working 12 hours on your feet with no break, subsisting on only a Diet Coke and a bag of Cheetos and dealing with shitheads all day in this 15-square-foot box while your husband and kid are at home living an actual life? Looking back I see how it was truly an admirable thing, and I'm sure it was what was best for their families. They were making a good living and probably had great benefits, and maybe this set-up actually made them happy. When you think about the large number of drains on society we have in this country you could even deem these women as real heroes. But I just knew I did not want to sign up for that life. It made me sick to my stomach. Maybe I was shooting myself in the foot by going to all this school to have an actual decent-paying career. But I didn't worry too much about it because it seemed so far in the future for me. Funny that now it seems like only yesterday that I was in school.
Fast forward five or six years, and I can tell you that I am much more mature now, but my thoughts on this matter are shockingly similar. It may be because I find pharmacy as a career to be about as gratifying as I did back then...which was not at all. Granted, I do not work at a chain drugstore anymore, and so my working conditions are not entirely inhumane. Also, I've developed a level of comfort in doing something that I've been well-conditioned to do. But the sense of fulfillment I get from it is slim to none. I might be singing a different tune entirely if I came home every day with a full heart because I had accomplished something with a lot of meaning to me, but I just don't know. (And I don't have to feel bad about saying that...I've talked to enough pharmacists to know that most do not go into the career because they think they'll LOVE the actual job. It's not like we're artists.)
That being said, many mothers would argue that it's great to get out of the house and work a couple of days per week. Work certainly has a social aspect for me (which is hands-down my favorite part about it), and it gives a person a purpose, no matter how undesirable the job is. I also hear that working a little bit can add an element of sanity when all of your other days are spent stuck at home with a tiny human who is constantly either screaming, pooping, or stuck on your boob. As great as motherhood is supposed to be, I can see why people want to get away from it a little bit...or a lot. But having spent plenty of time away from work this past year, what I do know for sure is that as long as my most basic needs are met, then my time is 100% more valuable to me than any amount of money I could make at work on a given day.
That being said, many mothers would argue that it's great to get out of the house and work a couple of days per week. Work certainly has a social aspect for me (which is hands-down my favorite part about it), and it gives a person a purpose, no matter how undesirable the job is. I also hear that working a little bit can add an element of sanity when all of your other days are spent stuck at home with a tiny human who is constantly either screaming, pooping, or stuck on your boob. As great as motherhood is supposed to be, I can see why people want to get away from it a little bit...or a lot. But having spent plenty of time away from work this past year, what I do know for sure is that as long as my most basic needs are met, then my time is 100% more valuable to me than any amount of money I could make at work on a given day.
We haven't hammered out a real specific plan for this family once it starts to grow, but I do know we will get by, and we'll be just fine. Dylan and I could both work full-time and enjoy a lifetime full of fancy things, but the older I get, the fewer things I want. I just want to be comfortable, and I want time to enjoy a simple life and do what's best for my family. Take a look at this interesting article about how the 40-hour work week sucks the life out of people, leaving them to seek instant reward at high cost because they don't have enough time to enjoy the simple (and free) things. I think this article holds words with much truth. If I have the day to fit in a work-out, eat three well-balanced meals, and do something that's meaningful and productive, then I deem the day to be a perfect 10. We may never be the type of people who take our kids to Vail for spring break and put them in ski school while we enjoy a leisurely day on the slopes and dine at expensive restaurants. We will never drive fancy cars, and my days of buying designer jeans are most definitely behind me. But I'm sure we'll make plenty of trips to the Railroad Park and the splash pad with our kids, and I'm sure we will fit in frequent adventures to my parents' cabin and take our kids to Sunrise, where we will teach them to ski ourselves. And to me, the latter is so much better than the former.
And what about Dylan? He loves his career. He's good at it, and he wants to work hard at it for a long time. I'm lucky he feels that way. Yes, he has an unpredictable schedule that frequently takes him away from home for long periods of time, and yes jobs are gained and lost with no real rhythm, turning your world upside down about once a year, but nobody is looking for perfection around here. Life will never be perfect, nor should it be. Challenges keep us on our feet. We're just fortunate that he's doing what he wants to do. On the other hand, my line of work is much more stable. I can depend on a paycheck that can support my family. But it's not very fun. I really, really hate being the person in this house with the kind of job that actually sticks around year after year and brings in a reliable income versus being the person with a cool job that is enjoyable but which fills our life with all kinds of instability. It's a burden I could do without. But it's just the cards I was dealt based on the (poor) choices I made when I was younger, which I thought were oh-so-wise at the time. ("I'm gonna be a pharmacist because of the good job stability and high pay and because nothing else matters when choosing a career!" Young Lu...you freakin' idiot). It's up to me to decide how I'll factor this in to being a responsible adult who wants to care for her family the best she knows how.
And what about Dylan? He loves his career. He's good at it, and he wants to work hard at it for a long time. I'm lucky he feels that way. Yes, he has an unpredictable schedule that frequently takes him away from home for long periods of time, and yes jobs are gained and lost with no real rhythm, turning your world upside down about once a year, but nobody is looking for perfection around here. Life will never be perfect, nor should it be. Challenges keep us on our feet. We're just fortunate that he's doing what he wants to do. On the other hand, my line of work is much more stable. I can depend on a paycheck that can support my family. But it's not very fun. I really, really hate being the person in this house with the kind of job that actually sticks around year after year and brings in a reliable income versus being the person with a cool job that is enjoyable but which fills our life with all kinds of instability. It's a burden I could do without. But it's just the cards I was dealt based on the (poor) choices I made when I was younger, which I thought were oh-so-wise at the time. ("I'm gonna be a pharmacist because of the good job stability and high pay and because nothing else matters when choosing a career!" Young Lu...you freakin' idiot). It's up to me to decide how I'll factor this in to being a responsible adult who wants to care for her family the best she knows how.
I know it might seem weird that I'm so vehemently opposed to the American norm...the 40-hour work week. Some people think I'm lazy or that I just don't want to work. But I'm growing a thicker skin and learning not to care about someone else's opinion on my life. I am a million times healthier, happier, and just plain better as a part-timer with no good excuse for being so, and I'm not freeloading off anyone else, so it's really of nobody's concern. I have the hugest respect for people who have a great attitude while simultaneously putting in long work hours. I just know life is too short to waste any second of one's precious time.
Here is a case for the working mother, and I like a lot of what this article has to say. A lot of women have worked hard for a long time to get to where they're at in their careers, and they don't want to lose that piece of themselves. I respect that, though I cannot sympathize with them. Though the article gives kudos to stay-at-home moms, I would love to see a full article on a case for the stay-at-homer. I don't know if it's just normal life or the setting that I've worked in for several years, but it seems as though stay-at-home moms are regarded as not being very well-rounded or not having very many interesting stories to share. But I disagree. Look at what the Pioneer Woman has made of herself by staying home with her kids! And on that token, I think it's important for all women to have varied interests and to create time to do things that make them happy as an individual.
I am planning on going back to work with my normal schedule after I've taken some time with the baby because I am a grown-up and I feel more comfortable having that constant in our lives even though it doesn't fill my heart with joy. Everyone tells me that I'll like getting out of the house...but I don't know. I like being in the house, and I like making a schedule for my life on my own (or my baby's) terms. And I can still get out of the house to go places other than work. But at a time like this, when the aviation industry has thrown us for yet another loop, I can't really kiss the only shred of stability we've ever had good-bye. I am so lucky to have the job that I do. That they let me get away with working three days a week, days which only last for eight hours (plus two more hours for the commute), makes me grateful. I have a lot of hilarious and wildly intelligent co-workers who I love to spend time with on the rare moment that we can catch a breather. Just a few days ago some of the other pharmacists and I shared our stories of crying in the chain drugstore parking lot while mustering up the courage to go inside and get to work for a long, long, miserable day. That kind of life, I can tell you, is not worth all the stability and income in the entire universe. So I am lucky, even if I'm not completely sure it's the key to being balanced and happy. I wish I had all the answers and knew what would make me and everyone else the happiest, but I don't. But you live and you learn. You go after the things you know you want, and you test the waters when you're not sure. Take chances, be nice to people, give it your best. That's all you can really do. If not right away, I'll figure out my perfect balance at some point.
 |
| Image from here Sorry for the language, but it really couldn't be said any better. |
Here is a case for the working mother, and I like a lot of what this article has to say. A lot of women have worked hard for a long time to get to where they're at in their careers, and they don't want to lose that piece of themselves. I respect that, though I cannot sympathize with them. Though the article gives kudos to stay-at-home moms, I would love to see a full article on a case for the stay-at-homer. I don't know if it's just normal life or the setting that I've worked in for several years, but it seems as though stay-at-home moms are regarded as not being very well-rounded or not having very many interesting stories to share. But I disagree. Look at what the Pioneer Woman has made of herself by staying home with her kids! And on that token, I think it's important for all women to have varied interests and to create time to do things that make them happy as an individual.
I am planning on going back to work with my normal schedule after I've taken some time with the baby because I am a grown-up and I feel more comfortable having that constant in our lives even though it doesn't fill my heart with joy. Everyone tells me that I'll like getting out of the house...but I don't know. I like being in the house, and I like making a schedule for my life on my own (or my baby's) terms. And I can still get out of the house to go places other than work. But at a time like this, when the aviation industry has thrown us for yet another loop, I can't really kiss the only shred of stability we've ever had good-bye. I am so lucky to have the job that I do. That they let me get away with working three days a week, days which only last for eight hours (plus two more hours for the commute), makes me grateful. I have a lot of hilarious and wildly intelligent co-workers who I love to spend time with on the rare moment that we can catch a breather. Just a few days ago some of the other pharmacists and I shared our stories of crying in the chain drugstore parking lot while mustering up the courage to go inside and get to work for a long, long, miserable day. That kind of life, I can tell you, is not worth all the stability and income in the entire universe. So I am lucky, even if I'm not completely sure it's the key to being balanced and happy. I wish I had all the answers and knew what would make me and everyone else the happiest, but I don't. But you live and you learn. You go after the things you know you want, and you test the waters when you're not sure. Take chances, be nice to people, give it your best. That's all you can really do. If not right away, I'll figure out my perfect balance at some point.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
The Talented Tess
I've always been amazed at how multi-talented Dylan and his siblings are. They sing and dance. They're artistic and musical. They excel at golf and skateboarding. They invent board games and know everything tech-nerdy.
Just about a month ago, we were on the receiving end of Tess's amazing photography talent. Check her out here and on Facebook. We took some maternity photos, even though I was only at about 21 weeks at the time. Since I excel at rapidly growing a belly, they still turned out pretty good. Thanks so much, Tess!
Just about a month ago, we were on the receiving end of Tess's amazing photography talent. Check her out here and on Facebook. We took some maternity photos, even though I was only at about 21 weeks at the time. Since I excel at rapidly growing a belly, they still turned out pretty good. Thanks so much, Tess!
Happening Now
For the first time in a while, I have no big trips scheduled. No plans to get on an airplane or do anything too outrageous. I'm sure we'll get out of town in the car a bit this summer, but for now, it doesn't look like it will be beyond the borders of Arizona...or maybe California. I'm really quite okay with that. I know that I should be packing in every single trip I'd ever wanted to do while I feel good and before the baby comes, but life is too unpredictable right now to put too much effort into planning a trip.
So that means I'm just living the same ho-hum life over here. I'm not complaining in any way. Ho-hum is comfortable and easy. But in an effort to sound like an interesting and well-rounded person, here are some tidbits about life these days.
1. Learning: I wrapped up another class with Nicole's Classes, and now I'm onto a Skillshare class. Skillshare is so cool. Any person can write a class, and any person can sign up for your class for a fast $20. We have so much to learn from one another, and it fulfills my desire to be a lifelong student. I might never do anything useful with the knowledge I gain, but it's more about the experience. Plus, you never know.
2. Small Screen and Big Screen: We finally finished Downton Abbey last week. I was not real pleased with the finale, but nobody was. // After taking a hiatus, I got back into watching The Office for its final episodes. It's made me all nostalgic. I am sad to see it go. // I'm so relieved that we finally met the mother on How I Met Your Mother. Can't wait to see how this unfolds. // And as usual, Parks and Rec and Modern Family both sent us out laughing for their finales. Jean Ralphio's sister, Mona Lisa, is my favorite. Any tips on good summer TV? // We also fit in a viewing of The Great Gatsby at the Cine Capri. It was very long but very good.
3. Food: We've fit in a lot of shared meals with friends and family over the last couple of weeks. Lunch with mom, my aunt, my uncle, and my brother at Pizza Picazzo, dinner at Sauce with Jess and Nora (Congrats to Nora on the arrival of baby girl CG this week!), pizza at Grimaldi's, Mother's Day/belated birthday dinner for mom last night, and plans for tonight as well. At a time when we've cut out all spending on luxuries, meals with friends and family cannot be denied. They are one of the greatest and simplest pleasures in life. Also, we bought ourselves a pizza stone and pizza cookbook for our anniversary. We gave it a try, and it was a huge, messy failure. We still ate it, though. It was ugly but tasted good. We'll have to give it another go sometime.
4. Research: My sister-in-law has been a huge help in guiding me with what I'll need for the baby. I've also done a lot of reading from the Eco-Nomical Baby Guide for tips on not accumulating too much stuff that I won't need. It's very practical. It doesn't expect you to go to super human lengths to stay green but gives some straightforward info. Another recommendation from a dear friend and mother, Jess E. I'm lucky to know so many people with experience with one or more babies, and I can take information from so many sources. My mom even has a very nice friend at work with a baby girl, and she generously took the time to write me a lengthy email on baby must-haves. I think there is no shortage of support in this area of my life, and I am grateful for that.
5. Heat: It's gotten too hot for evening walks with the dogs, both because it's uncomfortable for me (or us), and the dogs stop in the shade and won't move because they overheat. I'll miss that way of unwinding our day. But we deal with this every summer, and we'll figure it out this time, too.
6. Fear: Last night my nephew couldn't have dessert or play games because he would not finish his dinner. An effective and admirable parenting move, indeed. But it broke my heart, and now I'm worried I will not be able to enforce these same rules with my child. I suck at disciplining my dogs, and I hope I don't suck at raising a well-behaved child.
7. Stability: I want it so badly. While Dylan searches high and low for a job here in town, we have not forgotten about his applications that are out with the major airlines. My personal, selfish hope is that he gets a call from our hometown airline so that we have that as an option. Sure, making a career move to go with one of the major airlines is a lifelong choice, and sure it might send us to somewhere far away for a few years (think Charlotte or Philly or DC or New York), and sure the probationary year pay might allow us to qualify for food stamps, but it will be stable and predictable. And while we're coasting along and doing just fine, at this point in life, I would give my left baby toe for some stability and predictability.
9. Family-work balance: It's a balance that every (female adult) person has to find on her own. People claim that it's an individual choice, that there's no judgement. This may be true amongst close friends and family, but not in the mass media or in life in general. It's such a huge human-interest topic, and I find articles or hear stories on it all the time. I have an unpublished blog post on the topic that I have to review a few more times to make sure it is not just beating a dead horse or offending anyone (neither of which are goals of mine) before I publish it. Which might be never. But it's something I've thought a lot about, and it's a complicated decision that women have to make based on the cards they were dealt and what they really want with their life.
10. Boy boom: In one circle of friends, we have four babies coming soon. First ours in August, then Anne's and Nicole's in September, then Elaine's in October. So far, we are looking at 3 of 4 being little boys. The fourth is gender is known and will be revealed this weekend. These boys will be in great company!
Well, I think that more than wraps it up. Happy hump day, stay cool, enjoy life.
So that means I'm just living the same ho-hum life over here. I'm not complaining in any way. Ho-hum is comfortable and easy. But in an effort to sound like an interesting and well-rounded person, here are some tidbits about life these days.
1. Learning: I wrapped up another class with Nicole's Classes, and now I'm onto a Skillshare class. Skillshare is so cool. Any person can write a class, and any person can sign up for your class for a fast $20. We have so much to learn from one another, and it fulfills my desire to be a lifelong student. I might never do anything useful with the knowledge I gain, but it's more about the experience. Plus, you never know.
2. Small Screen and Big Screen: We finally finished Downton Abbey last week. I was not real pleased with the finale, but nobody was. // After taking a hiatus, I got back into watching The Office for its final episodes. It's made me all nostalgic. I am sad to see it go. // I'm so relieved that we finally met the mother on How I Met Your Mother. Can't wait to see how this unfolds. // And as usual, Parks and Rec and Modern Family both sent us out laughing for their finales. Jean Ralphio's sister, Mona Lisa, is my favorite. Any tips on good summer TV? // We also fit in a viewing of The Great Gatsby at the Cine Capri. It was very long but very good.
3. Food: We've fit in a lot of shared meals with friends and family over the last couple of weeks. Lunch with mom, my aunt, my uncle, and my brother at Pizza Picazzo, dinner at Sauce with Jess and Nora (Congrats to Nora on the arrival of baby girl CG this week!), pizza at Grimaldi's, Mother's Day/belated birthday dinner for mom last night, and plans for tonight as well. At a time when we've cut out all spending on luxuries, meals with friends and family cannot be denied. They are one of the greatest and simplest pleasures in life. Also, we bought ourselves a pizza stone and pizza cookbook for our anniversary. We gave it a try, and it was a huge, messy failure. We still ate it, though. It was ugly but tasted good. We'll have to give it another go sometime.
 |
| It was a failure, but we had fun making it. Some wine would have made it even better. Oh well. |
4. Research: My sister-in-law has been a huge help in guiding me with what I'll need for the baby. I've also done a lot of reading from the Eco-Nomical Baby Guide for tips on not accumulating too much stuff that I won't need. It's very practical. It doesn't expect you to go to super human lengths to stay green but gives some straightforward info. Another recommendation from a dear friend and mother, Jess E. I'm lucky to know so many people with experience with one or more babies, and I can take information from so many sources. My mom even has a very nice friend at work with a baby girl, and she generously took the time to write me a lengthy email on baby must-haves. I think there is no shortage of support in this area of my life, and I am grateful for that.
5. Heat: It's gotten too hot for evening walks with the dogs, both because it's uncomfortable for me (or us), and the dogs stop in the shade and won't move because they overheat. I'll miss that way of unwinding our day. But we deal with this every summer, and we'll figure it out this time, too.
 |
| These days are behind you for many months, Ra Dog. |
7. Stability: I want it so badly. While Dylan searches high and low for a job here in town, we have not forgotten about his applications that are out with the major airlines. My personal, selfish hope is that he gets a call from our hometown airline so that we have that as an option. Sure, making a career move to go with one of the major airlines is a lifelong choice, and sure it might send us to somewhere far away for a few years (think Charlotte or Philly or DC or New York), and sure the probationary year pay might allow us to qualify for food stamps, but it will be stable and predictable. And while we're coasting along and doing just fine, at this point in life, I would give my left baby toe for some stability and predictability.
9. Family-work balance: It's a balance that every (female adult) person has to find on her own. People claim that it's an individual choice, that there's no judgement. This may be true amongst close friends and family, but not in the mass media or in life in general. It's such a huge human-interest topic, and I find articles or hear stories on it all the time. I have an unpublished blog post on the topic that I have to review a few more times to make sure it is not just beating a dead horse or offending anyone (neither of which are goals of mine) before I publish it. Which might be never. But it's something I've thought a lot about, and it's a complicated decision that women have to make based on the cards they were dealt and what they really want with their life.
10. Boy boom: In one circle of friends, we have four babies coming soon. First ours in August, then Anne's and Nicole's in September, then Elaine's in October. So far, we are looking at 3 of 4 being little boys. The fourth is gender is known and will be revealed this weekend. These boys will be in great company!
Well, I think that more than wraps it up. Happy hump day, stay cool, enjoy life.
Sunday, May 12, 2013
The Libra in Me
My birthday happens to fall right on the cusp of Libra and Scorpio, so I'm either one or the other depending on which horoscope I happen to be reading. I'm not that big into horoscopes, but it's just always been a thing for me that I'm not really one particular sign at all. A mixture of two very different ones, in fact, which must mean I have a very dynamic personality. I'm not sure if that's a good thing, but who really cares...I am who I am.
This weekend I chose to tap into my Libra side and find a little balance. It was the first normal weekend we've spent at home in over a month, with both of us being here and no guests, no vacations, and no major social obligations. I was bone tired by the time I got home on Friday afternoon because of a mixture of sleepless nights, long days, and some stressful moments on the job. Because of this, I clocked two amazing nights of sleep and even a nap on Saturday afternoon. Normally I can't really nap, unless I'm on vacation, or on an airplane or in a car, when I know that there's nothing else I can be doing at that moment. My general thought on naps is that they're for children, not for grown-ups who have to maintain a home and cross items off a to-do list. I'm all about finding time for rest and relaxation, but to actually try to turn my mind off and catch some shut-eye during the day in my own home has always been a challenge for me. The quick 30 minutes on Saturday afternoon made such a difference, though, that hopefully I'll be able to be a repeat napper next time it's really necessary.
So besides all the sleeping, we managed to fit in a bunch of other cool stuff. Friday night was redneck happy hour with Dylan and my brother. We sat on folding chairs on Max's driveway and drank beer (or Izze), ate popcorn, and watched dogs and children run wild. On Saturday we got up and headed south to Old Town for breakfast at Morning Squeeze and then to the cloth diapering class, which was AWESOME. I might become a cloth-diapering fanatic becomes it makes so much sense financially, environmentally, and health-wise. But more on that later...or maybe never. I'm not out to preach a case for cloth diapers, but I'm just happy my eyes were opened up to some of the things that I'd never even thought about just a few short months ago so that I can make an informed choice on how to capture all the pee and poo that's in our very near future. Now I'm really excited to pick out the fun diaper covers that will be adorning the baby. (In case you're curious at all, here's some more information on cloth diapering, and here my cousin attests to it's ease, even when baby is somewhat off the boob and making real human poop.)
Afterward, we headed next door for a coffee/tea break, followed by a few errands, a stop at the ol' health club for some exercise and lunch, and then back home to put our feet in the pool with the boys across the street before finding a quiet moment to take that nap that I previously mentioned.
At night, I broke a very strict policy of mine to not watch the same movie or read the same book twice (life's too short, and the world has too many other good movies and books!), and I watched Silver Linings Playbook with Dylan. After all my raving about this movie, would you believe that Dylan has never seen it? Rules were meant to be broken, and I'm glad I watched it because it was just as good the second time. I've been known to break this rule with a handful of other movies, too, especially around Christmas time.
So that brings us to the present...Sunday morning. An entire day at our fingertips. What will become of it? Our Mother's Day celebration has been postponed, so only time will tell...
Happy Mother's Day to all moms, moms-to-be, and dog moms...and all women!
This weekend I chose to tap into my Libra side and find a little balance. It was the first normal weekend we've spent at home in over a month, with both of us being here and no guests, no vacations, and no major social obligations. I was bone tired by the time I got home on Friday afternoon because of a mixture of sleepless nights, long days, and some stressful moments on the job. Because of this, I clocked two amazing nights of sleep and even a nap on Saturday afternoon. Normally I can't really nap, unless I'm on vacation, or on an airplane or in a car, when I know that there's nothing else I can be doing at that moment. My general thought on naps is that they're for children, not for grown-ups who have to maintain a home and cross items off a to-do list. I'm all about finding time for rest and relaxation, but to actually try to turn my mind off and catch some shut-eye during the day in my own home has always been a challenge for me. The quick 30 minutes on Saturday afternoon made such a difference, though, that hopefully I'll be able to be a repeat napper next time it's really necessary.
So besides all the sleeping, we managed to fit in a bunch of other cool stuff. Friday night was redneck happy hour with Dylan and my brother. We sat on folding chairs on Max's driveway and drank beer (or Izze), ate popcorn, and watched dogs and children run wild. On Saturday we got up and headed south to Old Town for breakfast at Morning Squeeze and then to the cloth diapering class, which was AWESOME. I might become a cloth-diapering fanatic becomes it makes so much sense financially, environmentally, and health-wise. But more on that later...or maybe never. I'm not out to preach a case for cloth diapers, but I'm just happy my eyes were opened up to some of the things that I'd never even thought about just a few short months ago so that I can make an informed choice on how to capture all the pee and poo that's in our very near future. Now I'm really excited to pick out the fun diaper covers that will be adorning the baby. (In case you're curious at all, here's some more information on cloth diapering, and here my cousin attests to it's ease, even when baby is somewhat off the boob and making real human poop.)
Afterward, we headed next door for a coffee/tea break, followed by a few errands, a stop at the ol' health club for some exercise and lunch, and then back home to put our feet in the pool with the boys across the street before finding a quiet moment to take that nap that I previously mentioned.
 |
| Iced chai and dryer balls, in the spirit of going chemical-free. |
At night, I broke a very strict policy of mine to not watch the same movie or read the same book twice (life's too short, and the world has too many other good movies and books!), and I watched Silver Linings Playbook with Dylan. After all my raving about this movie, would you believe that Dylan has never seen it? Rules were meant to be broken, and I'm glad I watched it because it was just as good the second time. I've been known to break this rule with a handful of other movies, too, especially around Christmas time.
So that brings us to the present...Sunday morning. An entire day at our fingertips. What will become of it? Our Mother's Day celebration has been postponed, so only time will tell...
Happy Mother's Day to all moms, moms-to-be, and dog moms...and all women!
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
A Different Kind of Shopping
In the past, I would build wish lists or make collages of material goods that excited me. I had given that up for a while just because my interests are always changing and the things I choose to spend my time on vary all the time. But now it's time to build a wish list of sorts in the form of a baby registry because my family is graciously throwing me a shower, and I don't know what to do.
So far, I've spent the most time shopping for diaper bags because that is just like shopping for regular bags. The first (and one of the only few) things I've registered for so far are baby TOMS. This is completely foreign territory, and the research on all the different things is just not that interesting to me. Which is why I email Kristin or Jess E. all the time and say, "Tell me which car seat I need," or "Is this _____ device really necessary?" I just know I want the bare minimum number of things I can get away with having. I also know that infants poop, eat, and sleep, so my next step is to get all those bases covered.
One exciting development is that I signed us up for a cloth diapering class this Saturday morning. Thanks for the hot tip on that one, JE! I know Dylan is overflowing with excitement. (Doesn't it make you laugh to think there was ever a time when dads didn't change diapers?) My mutually Earth-loving friend, Jess, tipped me off to this particular parenting method. Everyone else calls me crazy, but she tells me it's no big deal. However, as a person who pulls Dylan's banana peels out of the trash to put into the composter and who spends copious amounts of time washing out plastic and glass containers to prep for recycling, I simply can't stand the thought of sending hundreds and hundreds of poopy diapers to the landfill to sit and rot and ruin our planet even more. (I'll let you know how this goes for me.)
So if you're a mom, or for any reason find researching baby devices to be interesting at all, please offer any and all advice that you can. Even if it's just a recommendation for a blanket, bib, or burp cloth. Because I also know nothing about those things. Just don't tell me I'm crazy for cloth-diapering. I'll decide that for myself.
We were graciously given a used crib, high chair/rocker, pack 'n play, video monitor, Baby Bjorn, and some other items, so that makes me feel like we've made progress. But it also makes me nervous. Now that we have a crib, what else goes with it besides bedding? Are bumpers still a thing? Does the mattress need a mattress pad? What other adornments go with the crib? How could something be so stressful and so boring all at the same time?
Don't get me wrong, I'm getting more and more excited to have this baby boy. It's the baby I'm really excited about. Just not the stuff that will be invading my house, my car, and my life. (Except the teeny tiny shoes and clothes. I'm a little excited for those...)
So far, I've spent the most time shopping for diaper bags because that is just like shopping for regular bags. The first (and one of the only few) things I've registered for so far are baby TOMS. This is completely foreign territory, and the research on all the different things is just not that interesting to me. Which is why I email Kristin or Jess E. all the time and say, "Tell me which car seat I need," or "Is this _____ device really necessary?" I just know I want the bare minimum number of things I can get away with having. I also know that infants poop, eat, and sleep, so my next step is to get all those bases covered.
 |
| Necessary, no. But how could you not? |
 |
| Someone will have to make a very convincing argument for me to believe I need this thing. |
One exciting development is that I signed us up for a cloth diapering class this Saturday morning. Thanks for the hot tip on that one, JE! I know Dylan is overflowing with excitement. (Doesn't it make you laugh to think there was ever a time when dads didn't change diapers?) My mutually Earth-loving friend, Jess, tipped me off to this particular parenting method. Everyone else calls me crazy, but she tells me it's no big deal. However, as a person who pulls Dylan's banana peels out of the trash to put into the composter and who spends copious amounts of time washing out plastic and glass containers to prep for recycling, I simply can't stand the thought of sending hundreds and hundreds of poopy diapers to the landfill to sit and rot and ruin our planet even more. (I'll let you know how this goes for me.)
So if you're a mom, or for any reason find researching baby devices to be interesting at all, please offer any and all advice that you can. Even if it's just a recommendation for a blanket, bib, or burp cloth. Because I also know nothing about those things. Just don't tell me I'm crazy for cloth-diapering. I'll decide that for myself.
We were graciously given a used crib, high chair/rocker, pack 'n play, video monitor, Baby Bjorn, and some other items, so that makes me feel like we've made progress. But it also makes me nervous. Now that we have a crib, what else goes with it besides bedding? Are bumpers still a thing? Does the mattress need a mattress pad? What other adornments go with the crib? How could something be so stressful and so boring all at the same time?
Don't get me wrong, I'm getting more and more excited to have this baby boy. It's the baby I'm really excited about. Just not the stuff that will be invading my house, my car, and my life. (Except the teeny tiny shoes and clothes. I'm a little excited for those...)
Monday, May 6, 2013
Steph & Lex
This weekend I traded out Dylan for one of my oldest friends, Lexie. He took off in the right seat of a Citation headed for San Francisco on Friday morning, and she flew in from Miami that night. It was the best thing ever to have some company here while he was on the road. Especially the company of a best friend who makes you laugh all day long. Plus, she drove me all over town, which was a real treat when you consider how much time I normally spend behind the wheel.
Our weekend schedule was jam-packed and full of laughter and nostalgia from the good old days of middle school. The real purpose of the visit was for Lex to meet Caden, Steph's two-year-old boy. So we headed over there on Saturday morning, then hit up Paradise Bakery for lunch before making the rounds at the Quarter. At night we met up with Steph again and went to Lex's family's old favorite for drinks, the Hyatt at Gainey Ranch. I hadn't been there in such a long time. It brought back so many fun memories from over the years. Remember going on the gondola and trying hard not to laugh when the gondolier would start singing in Italian? Afterward, we sat on the patio at Downside Risk for dinner and stayed there for the entire night. It was a beautiful night, and we had so much fun.
Sunday was Cinco de Mayo, but more importantly it was Lex's birthday! We ventured down to the Biltmore for lunch. I'm so glad she was here to drag me out of the north Scottsdale bubble. Though everything around here is pretty, new, and convenient, it most definitely lacks the level of class and character that you can find at some of the older and more central destinations. She loved going down memory lane, and I did too. (Remember when The Cheesecake Factory used to be Planet Hollywood?)
In the afternoon, we hit up the Rogers' house for an afternoon BBQ to catch up with Steph's parents. Steph, Lex, and I spent most of our time together in 6th and 7th grade, when Lex's family lived in Scottsdale and we all attended the same school. Boy did we ever dig up some embarrassing memories on this afternoon. Ages 12-14 are not anybody's finest time of life, in my opinion. Fast forward a few years, and we're all reunited as college freshmen living in the same dorm at ASU, Steph and Lex as roommates. Also NOT a glory year for any of us. Lex and I both ended up ditching Tempe for greener pastures after that year. But I think it was the weird and awkward times that really bound us together. I don't have any friends as old as these two girls, and though our visits are much too far and few in-between, we never manage to skip a beat.
After Lex blew out her candles, we headed back home and called it a night. The last time I saw Lex was in September when I spent one night in Miami before heading to Havana. I hope it's not too long before I see her again, though I'm sure my family will be plus one human by the time I finally do. That's something that she and I both had trouble wrapping our heads around! I'm so glad Lex made the looooong round trip flight out here for a quick weekend visit. It was priceless.
Our weekend schedule was jam-packed and full of laughter and nostalgia from the good old days of middle school. The real purpose of the visit was for Lex to meet Caden, Steph's two-year-old boy. So we headed over there on Saturday morning, then hit up Paradise Bakery for lunch before making the rounds at the Quarter. At night we met up with Steph again and went to Lex's family's old favorite for drinks, the Hyatt at Gainey Ranch. I hadn't been there in such a long time. It brought back so many fun memories from over the years. Remember going on the gondola and trying hard not to laugh when the gondolier would start singing in Italian? Afterward, we sat on the patio at Downside Risk for dinner and stayed there for the entire night. It was a beautiful night, and we had so much fun.
 |
| Cheers to almost 20 years! |
In the afternoon, we hit up the Rogers' house for an afternoon BBQ to catch up with Steph's parents. Steph, Lex, and I spent most of our time together in 6th and 7th grade, when Lex's family lived in Scottsdale and we all attended the same school. Boy did we ever dig up some embarrassing memories on this afternoon. Ages 12-14 are not anybody's finest time of life, in my opinion. Fast forward a few years, and we're all reunited as college freshmen living in the same dorm at ASU, Steph and Lex as roommates. Also NOT a glory year for any of us. Lex and I both ended up ditching Tempe for greener pastures after that year. But I think it was the weird and awkward times that really bound us together. I don't have any friends as old as these two girls, and though our visits are much too far and few in-between, we never manage to skip a beat.
 |
| Happy birthday to Lex! |
After Lex blew out her candles, we headed back home and called it a night. The last time I saw Lex was in September when I spent one night in Miami before heading to Havana. I hope it's not too long before I see her again, though I'm sure my family will be plus one human by the time I finally do. That's something that she and I both had trouble wrapping our heads around! I'm so glad Lex made the looooong round trip flight out here for a quick weekend visit. It was priceless.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)