Remember when we were little and we used to cut papers in half and tediously make little keyboards (in alphabetical order until we finally saw a real keyboard), and then we would put them in books, and on shelves, and in cupboards, and carry them around with us as mini portable computers. And then remember how we used to pretend that we had mini phones that could call, AND control the whole house like the ultimate remote control. In our 'houses' we would have automatic beds, lights, music, all controlled from our little paper computers and remotes. Then there was the vending machines where you could press any button and pretty much any food would come out, hot and ready. And, of course, the catalogs that you could just touch - "got it" - and automatically those things would be sent to your home.
Well, I think we invented Apple, and I think they owe us a lot of money.
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Patience
Last night my spiritual message was about patience:
“Patience—the ability to put our desires on hold for a time—is a precious and rare virtue. We want what we want, and we want it now. Therefore, the very idea of patience may seem unpleasant and, at times, bitter.
“Nevertheless, without patience, we cannot please God; we cannot become perfect. Indeed, patience is a purifying process that refines understanding, deepens happiness, focuses action, and offers hope for peace.”
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Second Counselor in the First Presidency
It's fitting for right now.
However, I'm actually very calm. I know he'll come when it's time. I have SO much to do at work to keep me busy, the time will pass and before I know it he'll be here.
It's everyone else that can't seem to wait - and asks repetitively - and wonders loudly - and checks on me frequently.
Be patient! He'll come when it's time!
“Patience—the ability to put our desires on hold for a time—is a precious and rare virtue. We want what we want, and we want it now. Therefore, the very idea of patience may seem unpleasant and, at times, bitter.
“Nevertheless, without patience, we cannot please God; we cannot become perfect. Indeed, patience is a purifying process that refines understanding, deepens happiness, focuses action, and offers hope for peace.”
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Second Counselor in the First Presidency
It's fitting for right now.
However, I'm actually very calm. I know he'll come when it's time. I have SO much to do at work to keep me busy, the time will pass and before I know it he'll be here.
It's everyone else that can't seem to wait - and asks repetitively - and wonders loudly - and checks on me frequently.
Be patient! He'll come when it's time!
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Nesting...
I wish it was as simple as gathering sticks and grass and making a simple little nest. But as humans, we like to complicate things and make our nesting involve everything from organization to cleaning to baking.
I have been 'nesting' at school for some time. I already have OCD, now it has become extreme color-coded OCD. I've reorganized, labeled, sorted, foldered (that's a word) and categorized everything in my office. Fortunately my classroom is organized, and most of it is our leveled library which I have already unleashed my OCD upon. I keep telling myself that I'm being anally organized so it will be easier on my sub, but I know that it's really just me building my little school nest.
One of the reasons I nest so much at school is that it's hard to nest at home. I clean - I clean all the time, but unfortunately other people, and dogs, live here and are constantly messing up my cleaning. If I could i would tip-toe through the house for the next couple of weeks, leaving everything in it's perfect tidy place - and kick everyone else out. But that's not really an option, so I try to be patient with Art's piles, clean what I can, when I can, and overly organize Baby's stuff. It puts a few little sticks in place.
I have found one avenue of nesting that I can follow here at home. Cooking. This weekend I felt the overwhelming need to stock my freezer. So much so that we did a rush trip to Salt Lake and back so I could start the process. Yesterday I cleaned the fridge, did the shopping, and made Art Gazpacho (that's not really stocking the freezer, just making him happy). This morning I was up at 6 (my brain is SO tired, but my hips will not allow me to stay in bed), and by 9:00 I had made and frozen a batch of cookies, a batch of scones, and 6 loaves of bread. I also made croutons, got a roast in the crockpot and prepped my potatoes for dinner. Then I cleaned up after all my cooking, wiped up the cabinets, scrubbed the sink, and wiped up the kitchen floor. A few more sticks were put in place for our soon-to-be-full nest.
I have been 'nesting' at school for some time. I already have OCD, now it has become extreme color-coded OCD. I've reorganized, labeled, sorted, foldered (that's a word) and categorized everything in my office. Fortunately my classroom is organized, and most of it is our leveled library which I have already unleashed my OCD upon. I keep telling myself that I'm being anally organized so it will be easier on my sub, but I know that it's really just me building my little school nest.
One of the reasons I nest so much at school is that it's hard to nest at home. I clean - I clean all the time, but unfortunately other people, and dogs, live here and are constantly messing up my cleaning. If I could i would tip-toe through the house for the next couple of weeks, leaving everything in it's perfect tidy place - and kick everyone else out. But that's not really an option, so I try to be patient with Art's piles, clean what I can, when I can, and overly organize Baby's stuff. It puts a few little sticks in place.
I have found one avenue of nesting that I can follow here at home. Cooking. This weekend I felt the overwhelming need to stock my freezer. So much so that we did a rush trip to Salt Lake and back so I could start the process. Yesterday I cleaned the fridge, did the shopping, and made Art Gazpacho (that's not really stocking the freezer, just making him happy). This morning I was up at 6 (my brain is SO tired, but my hips will not allow me to stay in bed), and by 9:00 I had made and frozen a batch of cookies, a batch of scones, and 6 loaves of bread. I also made croutons, got a roast in the crockpot and prepped my potatoes for dinner. Then I cleaned up after all my cooking, wiped up the cabinets, scrubbed the sink, and wiped up the kitchen floor. A few more sticks were put in place for our soon-to-be-full nest.
Saturday, September 22, 2012
The Nursery .... sort-of
It's finally a nursery - sort of - because it's also an office, and Art's closet, but there is room for baby! the giant recliner is going in the basement, but I've been sleeping in it fairly regularly. Soon it will go downstairs, and the room will be a little more open.
Now, if he could just arrive. 2 weeks to go... (But not until after next week, I've got school work to get done! After this week I'll be ready to walk away from school - THEN he can come.)
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Thoughts on Pregnancy
Today I had a shower with all my friends at work. They are so cool and low key - when I said we had a million cute outfits and we just needed essentials they were all over that. We got diapers, burp cloths, a bathtub, our port-a-crib, and much more - it was pretty awesome. Maybe, perhaps, we're ready for this little man to come.
He's got clothes, a name, diapers, a carseat, a bassinet, binkies, and lots of soft blankeys - what else could you need?
So, I am thinking about bringing my pregnancy to a close - in 6 (or more) weeks - and thought I'd share a few thoughts on pregnancy (you know, now that I'm an expert and all)
1. Pregnancy Brain is the truest thing in the world. Just now, I am trying to remember if I've already written this post, or just thought about it. I really don't know.
2. Pregnancy is a FULL BODY experience. From your nasal passages to your sore feet it effects everything in between.
3. Sleeping while pregnant is preparation for a newborn. I haven't slept through the night since February, and currently I sleep no longer than 2 hours because I have to get up - go pee - stretch my calves - drink water - maybe take some tums - climb back into bed - readjust the pillows - get the belly and knees properly supported - and then attempt to sleep - and by that time, I need to pee again.
4. Telling a pregnant woman that "You'll never make it that long" or "Are you sure it isn't twins?" or "6 weeks, wow, you've got a long way" - are NOT NICE THINGS! Stick with, "you're glowing" or "pregnancy suits you" - or I might cry.
5. Speaking of crying - it's uncontrollable, unreasonable, and most often unexplainable - but it's also unavoidable. As Art says, "go watch a chick flick or something so you at least have a reason to cry..."
6. Men don't understand. They try. But they don't get it. Accept that, and then talk to your sisters, girl friends, or even your female dog - they all have a better grasp on what you're going through.
7. There is no solution to eating. It either makes you nauseous, have a foul mouth, or causes heartburn. And no matter how much you eat, you feel like there just isn't enough room in your belly to house the food - so what's the point. Oh yeah, you're starving all the time.
8. Baby bellies are heavy! They make you tip over, they are nearly impossible to hoist out of bed, and hauling that thing up the stairs makes you completely winded. I knew it was "weight" but I never realized it would be 'heavy'!
9. Moving is not easy. I have tried to stay 'active' during my pregnancy. I walk or swim every day. I stretch every night. I do lots of things to keep me moving, but it is so dang hard. I used to think it was funny when Kassie couldn't put her shoes on because she had a big pregnant belly, or Kelli need a pedicure because she couldn't reach her toes. Karma sucks - I can't do either. Nor can I lift, twist, stretch, sit, stand or lie down. Please can I have my body back?!
10. It's 40 weeks. Whoever first said '9 months' is an idiot. I've been pregnant for 34 weeks, that's 8 1/2 months, that doesn't mean I only have 1/2 a month (2 weeks) left. Could we all please just say 40 weeks from now on? (And yes, I understand I've really only be PREGNANT for 32 of those 34, but those two were pretty dang important.)
So with that, I'm going to waddle my way through the next 6 weeks, they're considering a pool at work to predict his birth date since they all think I'm coming before 6 weeks. That's fine, as long as I get the money.
He's got clothes, a name, diapers, a carseat, a bassinet, binkies, and lots of soft blankeys - what else could you need?
So, I am thinking about bringing my pregnancy to a close - in 6 (or more) weeks - and thought I'd share a few thoughts on pregnancy (you know, now that I'm an expert and all)
1. Pregnancy Brain is the truest thing in the world. Just now, I am trying to remember if I've already written this post, or just thought about it. I really don't know.
2. Pregnancy is a FULL BODY experience. From your nasal passages to your sore feet it effects everything in between.
3. Sleeping while pregnant is preparation for a newborn. I haven't slept through the night since February, and currently I sleep no longer than 2 hours because I have to get up - go pee - stretch my calves - drink water - maybe take some tums - climb back into bed - readjust the pillows - get the belly and knees properly supported - and then attempt to sleep - and by that time, I need to pee again.
4. Telling a pregnant woman that "You'll never make it that long" or "Are you sure it isn't twins?" or "6 weeks, wow, you've got a long way" - are NOT NICE THINGS! Stick with, "you're glowing" or "pregnancy suits you" - or I might cry.
5. Speaking of crying - it's uncontrollable, unreasonable, and most often unexplainable - but it's also unavoidable. As Art says, "go watch a chick flick or something so you at least have a reason to cry..."
6. Men don't understand. They try. But they don't get it. Accept that, and then talk to your sisters, girl friends, or even your female dog - they all have a better grasp on what you're going through.
7. There is no solution to eating. It either makes you nauseous, have a foul mouth, or causes heartburn. And no matter how much you eat, you feel like there just isn't enough room in your belly to house the food - so what's the point. Oh yeah, you're starving all the time.
8. Baby bellies are heavy! They make you tip over, they are nearly impossible to hoist out of bed, and hauling that thing up the stairs makes you completely winded. I knew it was "weight" but I never realized it would be 'heavy'!
9. Moving is not easy. I have tried to stay 'active' during my pregnancy. I walk or swim every day. I stretch every night. I do lots of things to keep me moving, but it is so dang hard. I used to think it was funny when Kassie couldn't put her shoes on because she had a big pregnant belly, or Kelli need a pedicure because she couldn't reach her toes. Karma sucks - I can't do either. Nor can I lift, twist, stretch, sit, stand or lie down. Please can I have my body back?!
10. It's 40 weeks. Whoever first said '9 months' is an idiot. I've been pregnant for 34 weeks, that's 8 1/2 months, that doesn't mean I only have 1/2 a month (2 weeks) left. Could we all please just say 40 weeks from now on? (And yes, I understand I've really only be PREGNANT for 32 of those 34, but those two were pretty dang important.)
So with that, I'm going to waddle my way through the next 6 weeks, they're considering a pool at work to predict his birth date since they all think I'm coming before 6 weeks. That's fine, as long as I get the money.
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Oh Summer
Well it's that time again. You know how I feel about summer. It's long, and boring and hot. I know, I'll probably get fired from the teaching world for saying such a thing, but I can't help it.
However this year, it's worse. I have had my shoveling, ladder climbing, yard working privileges all revoked. So now I have to fill my days with non-hardworking activities. yikes! And Art is home to monitor it!
It's actually just been a weird summer because we're both home - Art working on projects and school work - me, trying to fill the time with curriculum, cooking, and classes. It's strange to be with your spouse all day long, but it's been fun too. We're trying to enjoy it since we're in the last months of 'just the two of us'.
I did get to go to Portland last week for a conference on assessment. It was really nice weather, great food, good company, and an informative conference. I so enjoyed eating a little fresh fish and getting to walk the streets of Portland every evening. I did stay up way too late, but it helped me sleep better.
We got back Friday night and I spent the weekend in Salt Lake so I could go see the derby bout and have a prenatal with Heidi. It's interesting to see her doctor side in the morning and her derby side in the evening... thankfully there is no blocking involved with prenatal visits - ouch!
However this year, it's worse. I have had my shoveling, ladder climbing, yard working privileges all revoked. So now I have to fill my days with non-hardworking activities. yikes! And Art is home to monitor it!
It's actually just been a weird summer because we're both home - Art working on projects and school work - me, trying to fill the time with curriculum, cooking, and classes. It's strange to be with your spouse all day long, but it's been fun too. We're trying to enjoy it since we're in the last months of 'just the two of us'.
I did get to go to Portland last week for a conference on assessment. It was really nice weather, great food, good company, and an informative conference. I so enjoyed eating a little fresh fish and getting to walk the streets of Portland every evening. I did stay up way too late, but it helped me sleep better.
We got back Friday night and I spent the weekend in Salt Lake so I could go see the derby bout and have a prenatal with Heidi. It's interesting to see her doctor side in the morning and her derby side in the evening... thankfully there is no blocking involved with prenatal visits - ouch!
This week I've been busily preparing for the start of summer school next week. I am actually really excited, and grateful, to have summer school to get me through July. It's 9-12 every day, and I get to teach math - can't ask for more fun than that (seriously).
Speaking of math, Arts major class this summer is getting through math. He's doing an independent study course where he learns, practices, then takes a test to move on. Well, the learning and practicing on your own self motivation thing was not going too well - so I had to take the reigns as teacher. The first few days were bad. I had to get out of 5th grade mode and he had to get into taking his wife seriously mode. But we got settled and now we do a couple hours of math every day. At first he was totally frustrated and lost but we got through it and I can proudly say he laid in bed doing algebra for a good 2 hours last night - of his own free will! (He had already taken the test and got 95%) I think I may have created another math nerd.
On the baby front - I've got quite the belly. I'd post a picture, but the only one that has been taken was immediately deleted for it's hideousness. I am just not photogenic. So you'll just have to believe me, I'm fat. But it's alright cause I have this wiggling little boy to remind me it's all worth it. He's so wiggly, it's fun to lay in bed at night and watch my belly move like there is an alien inside. Art can't really believe that it's him making all that raucous, trust me, it is. According to Dr. Sylvester we're measuring well and all is healthy so that's good - just a little over 13 weeks and it will be his arrival time (I'm expecting promptness young man!)
So that's summer..surviving, but grateful for the time to relax, be with my hubby, and enjoy a little cool Logan air...
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Snoop!
Ok, not really, cause I'm posting the pictures.
I've had several folks come to check out the house and they ooh and ahh appropriately. But few bravely open, or ask to open, the cupboards and frankly that's my favorite part! Art got a few more things installed the last few weeks and I am officially completely unpacked. (except for the missing 9x13 pan, where is that thing??)
Fancy sliding roll-outs for the food pantry...
Dedicated baking roll-outs, I still need a couple of organizational boxes, but haven't found the perfect - affordable- ones yet.
Pan storage and can pantry - cans and pans - it just makes sense. I feel as though I need more baking pans, it looks so sparse. Others (Art) might disagree.
Down below are pull out garbage, recycling and dog food. Can I just say that I love having all my dog food (an entire Costco bag fits) in one rolling location, it makes life so much easier!
Big pan storage in the pan garage...
Office station; still needs some organizational features. Notice the perfect fitting step stool in the bottom cupboard, it's essential - hidden - and necessary in a full height kitchen.
That is so much storage! One day I calculated the cubic footage and we determined we have more storage on one wall that in my whole old kitchen!
Drawers - soft close - it's awesome. Even Grandpa-Great was impressed by soft close. Art is building me the peg system to hold the plate and bowl stacks so they don't slide, but it's pretty amazing already.
The few 'uppers' we have...
Our very fancy pull out pot and spice rack.
Yep, the bottom two rows are all sprinkles. It's an obsession. I blame my mother.
Susans
One for 'metals' - like pans, metal bowls, colander, etc. The other for plastic and glass. yes, this is a very odd way to organize, and I'm not sure it's the best. But when I'm sorting bowls I like to choose the type by material so it just seemed like they should be organized by material. I'm weird.
Sink cabinet! This was the last to get doors and trim, it was tricky. Not sure why I didn't take an open picture - maybe because it's where I keep all my top secret stuff - maybe because I'm pregnant and after taking 15 pictures with the doors open, I forgot.
And that's my kitchen!! HOORAY! Did you look carefully and notice there is still a top cupboard full of tools? I would worry, but I don't know what I'm going to put in there. I really want a food processor, and I think it's because I now have a place for it. We actually have three cupboards that are nearly empty. We're debating shelves but haven't decided so they sit empty, or keep tools - cause everyone needs a chisel set in the kitchen.
I've had several folks come to check out the house and they ooh and ahh appropriately. But few bravely open, or ask to open, the cupboards and frankly that's my favorite part! Art got a few more things installed the last few weeks and I am officially completely unpacked. (except for the missing 9x13 pan, where is that thing??)
Fancy sliding roll-outs for the food pantry...
Dedicated baking roll-outs, I still need a couple of organizational boxes, but haven't found the perfect - affordable- ones yet.
Pan storage and can pantry - cans and pans - it just makes sense. I feel as though I need more baking pans, it looks so sparse. Others (Art) might disagree.
Down below are pull out garbage, recycling and dog food. Can I just say that I love having all my dog food (an entire Costco bag fits) in one rolling location, it makes life so much easier!
Big pan storage in the pan garage...
Office station; still needs some organizational features. Notice the perfect fitting step stool in the bottom cupboard, it's essential - hidden - and necessary in a full height kitchen.
That is so much storage! One day I calculated the cubic footage and we determined we have more storage on one wall that in my whole old kitchen!
Drawers - soft close - it's awesome. Even Grandpa-Great was impressed by soft close. Art is building me the peg system to hold the plate and bowl stacks so they don't slide, but it's pretty amazing already.
The few 'uppers' we have...
Our very fancy pull out pot and spice rack.
Yep, the bottom two rows are all sprinkles. It's an obsession. I blame my mother.
Susans
One for 'metals' - like pans, metal bowls, colander, etc. The other for plastic and glass. yes, this is a very odd way to organize, and I'm not sure it's the best. But when I'm sorting bowls I like to choose the type by material so it just seemed like they should be organized by material. I'm weird.
Sink cabinet! This was the last to get doors and trim, it was tricky. Not sure why I didn't take an open picture - maybe because it's where I keep all my top secret stuff - maybe because I'm pregnant and after taking 15 pictures with the doors open, I forgot.
And that's my kitchen!! HOORAY! Did you look carefully and notice there is still a top cupboard full of tools? I would worry, but I don't know what I'm going to put in there. I really want a food processor, and I think it's because I now have a place for it. We actually have three cupboards that are nearly empty. We're debating shelves but haven't decided so they sit empty, or keep tools - cause everyone needs a chisel set in the kitchen.
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