It's been awhile, I know! So a few short little things to get you up to date:
1. I've recovered from Meg's bday, only to realize my big guy is turn in 5 in THREE WEEKS! Which he reminds me on a near hourly schedule. This will also be his first 'friends' party - which will also be a lot of fun.
2. Christmas was excellent, Santa was very good to us this year (PS3 and Rockband!Woot!) and I feel so blessed with good health, a warm home and most of all the people who fill my life with joy!
3. It's been snowy and crazy cold. DO NOT LIKE. But I live in Iowa, so I try not to whine too much about it.
4. I have all my xmas decs down except for the tree. Might be a new record for me.
5. I'm still nursing. Though only once before she goes to bed.
6. I learned out to knit in a round with the magic loop technique. Fancy.
7. I feel like I finally have my shiz together this year. I'm accomplishing lots, both with my home, as a mom and wife and working as a doula. I think 2010 is going to rock!
8. Rhys will be in kindergarten next fall - I can hardly believe it!
9. Aaron is 1/5 done with his masters classes. I love my accounting nerd.
10. I have a newly designed blog for my doula work. The testimonies my clients have sent in have brought me to tears. I'm so blessed to have finally found my calling.
Wishing you ALL the best for 2010!!!!
Showing posts with label About me. Show all posts
Showing posts with label About me. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
Saturday, October 24, 2009
What do you DO, exactly?
I get asked a lot about what a doula does, and what exactly I do.
I started my business blog, and thought I would share it with you. Here I post short birth stories, this and that about birth and doulas. I also share my story on why I became a doula and why doulas are a great resource in the birth and postpartum period.
It's an unusual name, but it means a lot to me. My journey to becoming a doula started when I was 17 and bought a book from a funky used bookstore in the Old Market in downtown Omaha. Mamatoto is a swahili word meaning Mother Baby and was the title of this book.
If you have any questions about doulas, or how to find one in your area, check out: http://www.dona.org/
Thursday, October 15, 2009
12 weeks, what?
So I'm having a bit of an insomnia moment and realized I wore "those jeans" last weekend and didn't tell you. Sorry blog world - how did I miss that milestone!
Yes, I wore them out and about. And still a bit tight on the waist - but it's a good thing. It means I eat less candycorn.
So - here ya go:
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Girl, you crazy
So a friend of mine told me about this National November Writing Month (ie NaNoWriMo) challenge of writing a 50,000 word novel in a month. The month of um, yeah, November.
Being that I'm a crazy person I decided, hey, I could do that.
That was after reading THIS statement on the website:
Because of the limited writing window, the ONLY thing that matters in NaNoWriMo is output. It's all about quantity, not quality. The kamikaze approach forces you to lower your expectations, take risks, and write on the fly.
Make no mistake: You will be writing a lot of crap. And that's a good thing. By forcing yourself to write so intensely, you are giving yourself permission to make mistakes. To forgo the endless tweaking and editing and just create. To build without tearing down.
I'm all about writing crap.
So - anyone else wanna give it a shot. Lucy? Annie? I'm looking at you, girlfriends......
Monday, October 05, 2009
Seriously - what are you doing?
Dear 2 followers and 4 readers - I'm sorry - I've been busy.
Doing what?
Well......
1. Meg is 10 months old. She's crawling...she's teething. She's nursing striking. Woe is me....
2. BFF had twins. TWINS! I'm getting lots of postpartum work.
3. Rhys is 4.5 and is going on 14. Let the huffing and eyerolling commence.
4. Preschool 3 mornings a week. It's a good thing.
5. I'm working again. 2 babies down (not including the twins) and 1 more to go til oncall again in a few weeks.
6. On call, you say? Hypothetically I should go to bed early and not blog like a fool. Keep on top of the housework and meals and have babysitters on speed dial. Phone on me at all times. Cannot travel further than, say, Iowa City.
7. Rhys ate liquid hand soap while sleepwalking. Called poison control for the first time.
8. Been writing fiction under a pen name. It may or may not be Twilight related fanfiction. Somehow entered my first piece in a contest and won awards. Both excited and embarrassed at the same time.
9. Husband starting masters degree on Wednesday. I'm kinda pooping my pants a bit and I'm not even taking the classes. It's in accounting, by the way. I love my Nerdboy.
10. Baking and gardening and canning like a pioneer woman. It's awesome.
11. In love with SKINS on BBCAmerica. I always think I'll hate the new kids, but I can't help but love them as much as Season 1 and 2. Another reason I'm up too late.
12. Twitter - it's the new heroin.
13. Reading - a lot. Can anyone say new Diana Gabaldon book?
14. Not losing weight fast enough to talk about it. Enjoying baked goods too much. And icecream. And onion rings.
15. Had to turn on the heat yesterday. I love fall though. Went to the pumpkin patch yesterday and U-pick apple orchard today. It was glorious.
16. I love being a doula. I just freaking love it.
I miss you all - promise to post pics of the pumpkin patch and apple orchard soon!
Doing what?
Well......
1. Meg is 10 months old. She's crawling...she's teething. She's nursing striking. Woe is me....
2. BFF had twins. TWINS! I'm getting lots of postpartum work.
3. Rhys is 4.5 and is going on 14. Let the huffing and eyerolling commence.
4. Preschool 3 mornings a week. It's a good thing.
5. I'm working again. 2 babies down (not including the twins) and 1 more to go til oncall again in a few weeks.
6. On call, you say? Hypothetically I should go to bed early and not blog like a fool. Keep on top of the housework and meals and have babysitters on speed dial. Phone on me at all times. Cannot travel further than, say, Iowa City.
7. Rhys ate liquid hand soap while sleepwalking. Called poison control for the first time.
8. Been writing fiction under a pen name. It may or may not be Twilight related fanfiction. Somehow entered my first piece in a contest and won awards. Both excited and embarrassed at the same time.
9. Husband starting masters degree on Wednesday. I'm kinda pooping my pants a bit and I'm not even taking the classes. It's in accounting, by the way. I love my Nerdboy.
10. Baking and gardening and canning like a pioneer woman. It's awesome.
11. In love with SKINS on BBCAmerica. I always think I'll hate the new kids, but I can't help but love them as much as Season 1 and 2. Another reason I'm up too late.
12. Twitter - it's the new heroin.
13. Reading - a lot. Can anyone say new Diana Gabaldon book?
14. Not losing weight fast enough to talk about it. Enjoying baked goods too much. And icecream. And onion rings.
15. Had to turn on the heat yesterday. I love fall though. Went to the pumpkin patch yesterday and U-pick apple orchard today. It was glorious.
16. I love being a doula. I just freaking love it.
I miss you all - promise to post pics of the pumpkin patch and apple orchard soon!
Monday, August 24, 2009
Ode to my mother-in-law
I know some people don't get along with there MILs. I totally get this - cuz it's hard to marry into a family and be accepted and "get" them, ya know? However I totally lucked out in this department. I freaking LOVE my MIL.
Why?
She is cool. I mean, she's a complete dork and totally owns it. She's a great listener and never seems to get tired of me yacking my jaw off.
Also, she buys me clothes. Always has. My own mother stopped buying me clothes in high school because I hated everything she picked out. My MIL buys me jeans! JEANS! And they always fit! How does she do this? For my birthday she got me a pair of jeans (in a size smaller than I thought I'd fit in - sweet!), a cute tshirt, a super pretty undershirt, cami sort of thing and this really pretty (and yeah, sexy!) silky top to go over the cami. I was floored. And they all fit!
For our anniversary she bought super cute things for the house. She knows I don't spend money on those sort of things - I mean, my mom took me shopping (YAY!) for my birthday since I hadn't bought anything for myself in two years. *sigh* I know. I did buy 2 'maternity' tops with birthday money last year, which I still wear because they are actually just regular tops in a size bigger and they stil fit fine since they are flowy-like tops.
I guess the thing is, it's fun to have a mom who is super sensible and sends me money to 'spend' on myself though I almost always use it to pay for our car tags or groceries or things like that. This year I made her take me shopping so I wouldn't do that sort of no fun stuff. And then it's fun to have a MIL who is brave and buys me jeans, of all things, and knows me well enough to buy the right size, even tho I haven't been in that size for almost 3 years.
When I have a chance, I'll take a photo of my cute outfit and post it!
Three cheer for MIL!
Why?
She is cool. I mean, she's a complete dork and totally owns it. She's a great listener and never seems to get tired of me yacking my jaw off.
Also, she buys me clothes. Always has. My own mother stopped buying me clothes in high school because I hated everything she picked out. My MIL buys me jeans! JEANS! And they always fit! How does she do this? For my birthday she got me a pair of jeans (in a size smaller than I thought I'd fit in - sweet!), a cute tshirt, a super pretty undershirt, cami sort of thing and this really pretty (and yeah, sexy!) silky top to go over the cami. I was floored. And they all fit!
For our anniversary she bought super cute things for the house. She knows I don't spend money on those sort of things - I mean, my mom took me shopping (YAY!) for my birthday since I hadn't bought anything for myself in two years. *sigh* I know. I did buy 2 'maternity' tops with birthday money last year, which I still wear because they are actually just regular tops in a size bigger and they stil fit fine since they are flowy-like tops.
I guess the thing is, it's fun to have a mom who is super sensible and sends me money to 'spend' on myself though I almost always use it to pay for our car tags or groceries or things like that. This year I made her take me shopping so I wouldn't do that sort of no fun stuff. And then it's fun to have a MIL who is brave and buys me jeans, of all things, and knows me well enough to buy the right size, even tho I haven't been in that size for almost 3 years.
When I have a chance, I'll take a photo of my cute outfit and post it!
Three cheer for MIL!
Friday, August 21, 2009
33
Someone helped me frost the cake - and lick the spatula - any guesses who?
Meg's first taste of birthday cake - Uh, I think she liked it. Plus she ate all but 4 bites of my baked sweet potato and 2 whole rolls at Texas Roadhouse. 
One of my favorite bloggy friends celebrated her 34th birthday with a post of 34 'things' about her. (Yeah Lucy!) I loved reading it and decided that I would do the same. However, yesterday went way faster than I planned and posting on my actual birthday didn't happen!
So, a day late - but here it is:
1. Watching movies is one of my favorite things to do. But please don't talk to me in the middle of one. Thanks in advance.
2. I never thought I'd be on twitter - and I am, and I love it. Same goes with texting - it's so addictive.
3. The answer is chocolate - every time. I will NEVER pick vanilla. EVER. E V E R.
4. I enjoy reading other people's blogs much more than posting my own.
5. One of my scariest dreams when I was a kid involved a man jumping through the window in my parent's bedroom (in our house in California) and stabbing me in the back. But I didn't die, I just layed there on the ground bleeding and praying he didn't kill the rest of my family. I think this dream started when I was 7 or so. I STILL have it, but now my family is my husband and kids, but I'm still stuck in my parents house in California. The mind is so messed up.
6. I remember most of my dreams. See above. They usually make no sense and involve people I don't know in real life. Who are these people in my dreams? Are they real people I've seen at the dentist office or Walmart? Or complete fabrications?
7. I put on a pair of jeans this morning (it's COLD!) and they fit better than they did the last time I wore them. Which is saying something because they were freshly washed (they always fit better the second day, right?) AND I ate my weight in cake yesterday.
8. Speaking of cake - homemade fudge frosting is better than ANYTHING you can buy in the store.
9. I get excited ever time I see a UPS or FedEx truck - I always think they are delivering something for me.
10. I have found I'm good at writing fiction. But everything above or below is true. I promise.
11. Sometimes I wish I had a 'real job' so I could get away for 8 hours straight and not feel guilty. But then I think I really like wearing pajamas until 10am. So, it's a toss up.
12. I still like real greeting cards better than virtual ones. I need to be better sending them out - because I think most of the world feels the same. However, facebook birthday wishes are amazing.
13. I write with far too many exclamation points - and dashes - and commas, but I refuse to apologize for it!!!
14. I can't write in pure cursive. My handwriting is a constantly changing evolution of print and cursive and slop. Sorry.
15. If I won the lottery - I would travel. I might upgrade to a bigger house, but actually I'd just pay it off, pay off all our debt and then travel. Travel to see the states I've missed, and then go to the UK, Europe and eventually work my way to Eastern Europe. I think I'd rather go to Austrailia than Asia and then maybe get to Africa. When I win the lottery I'll let you know my definite plans.
16. Joining Marching Band in high school and college was probably the best decisions of my life. I can't imagine how different my life would be if I decided not to do it. I wouldn't have met my best friends or my husband.
17. Same goes with studying abroad. My life would have been so much emptier. In some ways I think those changes were even bigger than having children. However, I think I'm still in survival mode, so I'm sure I'll see the impact in a few more years.
18. I only listen to CDs when I drive. However, I'm doing a lot more of it now since I'm trying to turn off the TV as much as possible.
19. I like bananas, but not banana flavored things.
20. My favorite starburst is lemon.
21. I only started eating peanut butter and jelly a couple of years ago.
22. Icecream will always be my dessert of choice.
23. I love to cook and bake, but despise cleaning up after myself.
24. When we moved into this house, my least favorite part was the kitchen (can you say 1960s green anyone?) but now it's my favorite part!
25. I used to not mind driving at night, and now I avoid it as much as I can. Weird.
26. I'm going to apply to the nursery at the YMCA so I can get a free gym membership.
27. My best friend is having twins on Thursday. We're both mourning the loss of our easy breezy friendship. It's like she's moving to a different country! But I know we'll survive it and we'll be back to 'normal' in 6 months or so. It only took about 3 months with Meg for her and I to hang out again on a whim, so I think doubling it will be a good guideline. Of course, it's twins, so who knows?
28. My favorite color is purple.
29. I think I love coloring and cutting my hair a little more than I should.
30. I love painting my toenails saucy colors, but refuse to wear nailpolish on my fingernails.
31. I only want to drink when I can't. Like when I'm pregnant or on call. Those are the times I really crave wine or beer. Then when I can have it, I'm not that bothered.
32. My kids are not cuddly - so when they do I nearly cry because I love it so much. And then when I'm holding other people's children who are cuddly - I hold them that much tighter.
33. I love my thirties - I really think it only gets better from here. And if you read all of this - then I love you too! Ok, I love you even if you didn't read all of this and just skimmed to the bottom. I promise. :)
So, a day late - but here it is:
1. Watching movies is one of my favorite things to do. But please don't talk to me in the middle of one. Thanks in advance.
2. I never thought I'd be on twitter - and I am, and I love it. Same goes with texting - it's so addictive.
3. The answer is chocolate - every time. I will NEVER pick vanilla. EVER. E V E R.
4. I enjoy reading other people's blogs much more than posting my own.
5. One of my scariest dreams when I was a kid involved a man jumping through the window in my parent's bedroom (in our house in California) and stabbing me in the back. But I didn't die, I just layed there on the ground bleeding and praying he didn't kill the rest of my family. I think this dream started when I was 7 or so. I STILL have it, but now my family is my husband and kids, but I'm still stuck in my parents house in California. The mind is so messed up.
6. I remember most of my dreams. See above. They usually make no sense and involve people I don't know in real life. Who are these people in my dreams? Are they real people I've seen at the dentist office or Walmart? Or complete fabrications?
7. I put on a pair of jeans this morning (it's COLD!) and they fit better than they did the last time I wore them. Which is saying something because they were freshly washed (they always fit better the second day, right?) AND I ate my weight in cake yesterday.
8. Speaking of cake - homemade fudge frosting is better than ANYTHING you can buy in the store.
9. I get excited ever time I see a UPS or FedEx truck - I always think they are delivering something for me.
10. I have found I'm good at writing fiction. But everything above or below is true. I promise.
11. Sometimes I wish I had a 'real job' so I could get away for 8 hours straight and not feel guilty. But then I think I really like wearing pajamas until 10am. So, it's a toss up.
12. I still like real greeting cards better than virtual ones. I need to be better sending them out - because I think most of the world feels the same. However, facebook birthday wishes are amazing.
13. I write with far too many exclamation points - and dashes - and commas, but I refuse to apologize for it!!!
14. I can't write in pure cursive. My handwriting is a constantly changing evolution of print and cursive and slop. Sorry.
15. If I won the lottery - I would travel. I might upgrade to a bigger house, but actually I'd just pay it off, pay off all our debt and then travel. Travel to see the states I've missed, and then go to the UK, Europe and eventually work my way to Eastern Europe. I think I'd rather go to Austrailia than Asia and then maybe get to Africa. When I win the lottery I'll let you know my definite plans.
16. Joining Marching Band in high school and college was probably the best decisions of my life. I can't imagine how different my life would be if I decided not to do it. I wouldn't have met my best friends or my husband.
17. Same goes with studying abroad. My life would have been so much emptier. In some ways I think those changes were even bigger than having children. However, I think I'm still in survival mode, so I'm sure I'll see the impact in a few more years.
18. I only listen to CDs when I drive. However, I'm doing a lot more of it now since I'm trying to turn off the TV as much as possible.
19. I like bananas, but not banana flavored things.
20. My favorite starburst is lemon.
21. I only started eating peanut butter and jelly a couple of years ago.
22. Icecream will always be my dessert of choice.
23. I love to cook and bake, but despise cleaning up after myself.
24. When we moved into this house, my least favorite part was the kitchen (can you say 1960s green anyone?) but now it's my favorite part!
25. I used to not mind driving at night, and now I avoid it as much as I can. Weird.
26. I'm going to apply to the nursery at the YMCA so I can get a free gym membership.
27. My best friend is having twins on Thursday. We're both mourning the loss of our easy breezy friendship. It's like she's moving to a different country! But I know we'll survive it and we'll be back to 'normal' in 6 months or so. It only took about 3 months with Meg for her and I to hang out again on a whim, so I think doubling it will be a good guideline. Of course, it's twins, so who knows?
28. My favorite color is purple.
29. I think I love coloring and cutting my hair a little more than I should.
30. I love painting my toenails saucy colors, but refuse to wear nailpolish on my fingernails.
31. I only want to drink when I can't. Like when I'm pregnant or on call. Those are the times I really crave wine or beer. Then when I can have it, I'm not that bothered.
32. My kids are not cuddly - so when they do I nearly cry because I love it so much. And then when I'm holding other people's children who are cuddly - I hold them that much tighter.
33. I love my thirties - I really think it only gets better from here. And if you read all of this - then I love you too! Ok, I love you even if you didn't read all of this and just skimmed to the bottom. I promise. :)
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Happy New Year, then.
I know my loyal bloggy readers forgive me for not writing in forever! But here's a quick note all the same. Merry Christmas, first off, since I missed saying it in a timely manner. Many of you will receive a Christmas card/baby announcement from me if I actually get around to mailing those suckers out. It may have to wait until I'm at my folks next weekend to do Christmas with them. Meaghan has gotten really fond of being held ALL THE TIME so it's hard to get much done unless she's in the sling.
Not complaining of course, but it's the fact of my life right now.
So happy New Years to you! I hope 2009 brings all the wishes and success and joy you desire. I'm joining the never ending bandwagon to become more fit and lose all the weight I've gained since high school! That's the number one. Other than that I'm really happy with my life right now, my fitness level is the only thing I want to change.
Thankfully breastfeeding is really helping me out here. I've now lost 24 pounds and am about 5 lbs below my prepregnancy weight. So I just really have to watch it with my intake and stay on my GD diet. On that note all is well too. Meaghan never had problems in the hospital and my blood sugar levels have been fine. Phew! However, I know for an absolute fact that losing weight is vital to keeping Type II Diabetes out of my life for good.
I'm flipping around the idea to take my weight loss journey, etc public. If so I won't do it here - this is more for family stuff. I'm trying to do something totally different to kick my butt into gear. I figure I have 3 more weeks to figure it out before I get the ok from the doc to exercise again. So once that happens I will have a plan and will let you all in on it.
Once again, Happy New Year!!!!!
Oh - ps! I'm on the Twilight bandwagon folks....just read the first 2 books and saw the movie last night. It was great until the last 10 minutes when Aaron texted me a pic of Meaghan screaming her head off. I don't think I'll be allowed to go to the movies again for awhile.....oh well..... The movie was really fun and I'm so happy to have girlfriends here to go with!
Not complaining of course, but it's the fact of my life right now.
So happy New Years to you! I hope 2009 brings all the wishes and success and joy you desire. I'm joining the never ending bandwagon to become more fit and lose all the weight I've gained since high school! That's the number one. Other than that I'm really happy with my life right now, my fitness level is the only thing I want to change.
Thankfully breastfeeding is really helping me out here. I've now lost 24 pounds and am about 5 lbs below my prepregnancy weight. So I just really have to watch it with my intake and stay on my GD diet. On that note all is well too. Meaghan never had problems in the hospital and my blood sugar levels have been fine. Phew! However, I know for an absolute fact that losing weight is vital to keeping Type II Diabetes out of my life for good.
I'm flipping around the idea to take my weight loss journey, etc public. If so I won't do it here - this is more for family stuff. I'm trying to do something totally different to kick my butt into gear. I figure I have 3 more weeks to figure it out before I get the ok from the doc to exercise again. So once that happens I will have a plan and will let you all in on it.
Once again, Happy New Year!!!!!
Oh - ps! I'm on the Twilight bandwagon folks....just read the first 2 books and saw the movie last night. It was great until the last 10 minutes when Aaron texted me a pic of Meaghan screaming her head off. I don't think I'll be allowed to go to the movies again for awhile.....oh well..... The movie was really fun and I'm so happy to have girlfriends here to go with!
Monday, October 27, 2008
The Complain Train
Glass half empty-
1. Our main level toilet is seriously messed up and has now leaked into the basement. We are going to try to fix it tonite, as we couldn't get it done before Aaron went to work and I had my weekly doc appt. Boooo to having to walk downstairs to pee 5 times a night and many more times during the day.
2. Rhys has decided his afternoon nap is only for quiet time, not for sleeping. God help me.
3. I scheduled my C-section today. I am not happy. I am technically due Dec. 5th and scheduled it for Dec. 4th. They still won't let me try vaginally even if I go into labor tomorrow.
Glass half full -
1. At least we have a toilet downstairs.
2. At least he's staying in his room until I tell him he can come out.
3. I will have a baby, one way or another. Now is the time to build up the positives and try to put a happy spin on it.
And that's what's going on here. Thanks for listening, peeps.
1. Our main level toilet is seriously messed up and has now leaked into the basement. We are going to try to fix it tonite, as we couldn't get it done before Aaron went to work and I had my weekly doc appt. Boooo to having to walk downstairs to pee 5 times a night and many more times during the day.
2. Rhys has decided his afternoon nap is only for quiet time, not for sleeping. God help me.
3. I scheduled my C-section today. I am not happy. I am technically due Dec. 5th and scheduled it for Dec. 4th. They still won't let me try vaginally even if I go into labor tomorrow.
Glass half full -
1. At least we have a toilet downstairs.
2. At least he's staying in his room until I tell him he can come out.
3. I will have a baby, one way or another. Now is the time to build up the positives and try to put a happy spin on it.
And that's what's going on here. Thanks for listening, peeps.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Ahhhhhhh. vacation......
So we're leaving town tomorrow for my brother in law's wedding on Saturday. Aaron is the best man and I just get to sit and enjoy the day! No singing, no speaking, no fancy dresses. Well, I DID get a pretty snazzy maternity dress. I decided I'd rather look pregnant (since it's now 17 weeks!) than a little more chubby than usual, so found a great deal and got a very pretty dress.
Don't worry - these nasty things (Mama Spanx) won't be coming in contact with my hot body.
Seriously tho, who in God's name wants to bend over to put panty hose on THAT pregnant, I could barely put socks and shoes on at that point??
In other news, I also got my Mia haircut. It's fantastic! I wake up with bed head and it actually looks better than the day before when I tried to style it. That's my kind of hair cut! Someday I'll get out of a nasty t-shirt and put on my makeup and take a picture of myself. Hopefully we can get a few nice pictures at the wedding and you can see the glorious new me. I'm very happy with it.
Speaking of maternity clothes, I finally dragged mine out of the basement. The good news is all of it fits, the bad news is quite a bit is stretched out (biiiiigggg tummy)!
About a week before I delivered Rhys
So now i have to separate them into 2nd tri and 3rd tri clothes. Usually I like organizing, but I'm really not in the mood right not.
So that's what's going down in this household. Oh, and I also have gestational diabetes. That totally sucks again...but after a few good cries, I'm getting a grip and dealing with the fingerpricks, strict diet, and number game.
I know that voluntarily tackling this early on will give me a better result... and because I'm going for a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After C-section) I want the smallest baby possible. With our genes, I need all the help I can get.
See you after vacation! (or maybe during, if I happen to open the laptop, but I might be too busy at the pool getting my tan on.) Happy 4th!
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Hair cut time
Well, I'm biting the bullet and getting another haircut tomorrow! Currently, I look a little like this:
Here is my inspiration - so we'll see what it ends up being.....
(And I wonder why chicks hit on me.....hmmm....... not that there's anything wrong with that...)
(And I wonder why chicks hit on me.....hmmm....... not that there's anything wrong with that...)
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
I never knew it would feel so good to come back for a bit
So - I am a member of Sigma Alpha Iota, a women's music fraternity. And now that I'm gradumacated I've been a member of the Alum chapter for the past 7 years. We thought (ok, I thought) it would be fun to put together a musicale for our end of the year meeting. No stress, just fun. So today I went to the home of one of the lovely SAI's to rehearse and pick out a couple of songs.
Side note - this SAI was my group piano teacher at Iowa and I'm sure the only way I passed Group II after my horrendous in my head keychange of the Star Spangled Banner was because I was an SAI and she was our advisor...
Anyway....
So I picked out a few songs to try out from college. Then she started playing and I started singing. And it was awesome amazing and better than I could have ever expected! It felt so good. Kind of like pulling out an old dusty toy you haven't played with since you were a kid and playing with it again for the first time and realizing it was just as fun as it ever was. There were no grades, no professors bringing me down or stress - just the piano, the music and my voice. All for fun - nothing else, purely for the joy of singing and making music.
It's taken nearly a decade, but I sang for the pure love of singing and music. Man, it felt great! And the cool part is that I wasn't half bad! Sure a few of those high A's didn't pop out like they used to, and my phrasing was lacking majorly....but you know, it's awesome what a few years growing up can do to your voice.
Aaron asked me when the last time was I actually sang. Like, sang for real. I've done a few weddings here and there - but that's not when I pull out the opera/classical voice, that's for sure. So I thought about it, and the sad thing is, I don't remember when. My guess was for that senior recital picture below.
So - what is it you haven't done in a long time that you should dust off and try again??
Side note - this SAI was my group piano teacher at Iowa and I'm sure the only way I passed Group II after my horrendous in my head keychange of the Star Spangled Banner was because I was an SAI and she was our advisor...
Anyway....
So I picked out a few songs to try out from college. Then she started playing and I started singing. And it was awesome amazing and better than I could have ever expected! It felt so good. Kind of like pulling out an old dusty toy you haven't played with since you were a kid and playing with it again for the first time and realizing it was just as fun as it ever was. There were no grades, no professors bringing me down or stress - just the piano, the music and my voice. All for fun - nothing else, purely for the joy of singing and making music.
It's taken nearly a decade, but I sang for the pure love of singing and music. Man, it felt great! And the cool part is that I wasn't half bad! Sure a few of those high A's didn't pop out like they used to, and my phrasing was lacking majorly....but you know, it's awesome what a few years growing up can do to your voice.
Aaron asked me when the last time was I actually sang. Like, sang for real. I've done a few weddings here and there - but that's not when I pull out the opera/classical voice, that's for sure. So I thought about it, and the sad thing is, I don't remember when. My guess was for that senior recital picture below.
So - what is it you haven't done in a long time that you should dust off and try again??
Friday, February 01, 2008
Calling all helpful people out there!!!
I am currently getting my postpartum and birth doula certification. What is a doula, you ask? Check out the info from http://www.dona.org/ or below.
But I need help from you! If any of you live in the Iowa City/Cedar Rapids area, or know someone who does, who needs postpartum or birth doula help, please let me know. Part of my certification is helping 3 separate families to earn my certification. I am going to work at a reduced cost to those who take me up on this special event!
Generally I will only charge mileage for my postpartum client (I just need one more) and $75 for a birth client. I am also open to bartering services/goods for this experience. In my area postpartum doulas charge $20-35 per hour and birth doulas charge $500 per birth.
Please read the info below for questions on what a doula is, and why it is great to have one! I have also included information on birth doulas as well. Every woman deserves a doula!!!!
What is a doula?
Giving birth to a baby is so much more than a physical phenomenon; it engages parents-to-be in a transformational experience, a key life event full of emotion and meaning. A doula who accompanies a woman in labor mothers the mother, taking care of her emotional needs throughout childbirth. A doula also provides support and suggestions for partners that can enhance their experiences of birth. A postpartum doula continues that valuable emotional support and guidance, helping a family make a smooth transition into new family dynamics.
DONA International doulas make the difference
Our doulas are educated and knowledgeable about childbirth and the postpartum experience. They are advocates and a listening ear for birthing mothers, as well as facilitators to her partner. When a family goes home with a new baby, a postpartum doula supports every member and the family unit as a whole.
DONA International doulas are educated to work within evidence-based standards of practice. The skills that they develop are medically proven to make a true difference in the experience of birth. A DONA International doula’s presence at birth improves outcomes for mother and baby. In the postpartum period, a doula’s guidance can empower and encourage new parents, inspiring self-confidence in parenting.
Why use a doula?
DONA International doulas mother the mother
Women have complex needs during childbirth and the weeks that follow. In addition to medical care and the love and companionship provided by their partners, women need consistent, continuous reassurance, comfort, encouragement and respect. They need individualized care based on their circumstances and preferences.
DONA International doulas are educated and experienced in childbirth and the postpartum period. We are prepared to provide physical (non-medical), emotional and informational support to women and their partners during labor and birth, as well as to families in the weeks following childbirth. We offer a loving touch; positioning and comfort measures that make childbearing women and families feel nurtured and cared for.
Numerous clinical studies have found that a doula’s presence at birth:
Tends to result in shorter labors with fewer complications
Reduces negative feelings about one’s childbirth experience
Reduces the need for pitocin (a labor-inducing drug), forceps or vacuum extraction and cesareans
Reduces the mother’s request for pain medication and/or epidurals
Research shows parents who receive support can:
Feel more secure and cared for
Are more successful in adapting to new family dynamics
Have greater success with breastfeeding
Have greater self-confidence
Have less postpartum depression
But I need help from you! If any of you live in the Iowa City/Cedar Rapids area, or know someone who does, who needs postpartum or birth doula help, please let me know. Part of my certification is helping 3 separate families to earn my certification. I am going to work at a reduced cost to those who take me up on this special event!
Generally I will only charge mileage for my postpartum client (I just need one more) and $75 for a birth client. I am also open to bartering services/goods for this experience. In my area postpartum doulas charge $20-35 per hour and birth doulas charge $500 per birth.
Please read the info below for questions on what a doula is, and why it is great to have one! I have also included information on birth doulas as well. Every woman deserves a doula!!!!
What is a doula?
Giving birth to a baby is so much more than a physical phenomenon; it engages parents-to-be in a transformational experience, a key life event full of emotion and meaning. A doula who accompanies a woman in labor mothers the mother, taking care of her emotional needs throughout childbirth. A doula also provides support and suggestions for partners that can enhance their experiences of birth. A postpartum doula continues that valuable emotional support and guidance, helping a family make a smooth transition into new family dynamics.
DONA International doulas make the difference
Our doulas are educated and knowledgeable about childbirth and the postpartum experience. They are advocates and a listening ear for birthing mothers, as well as facilitators to her partner. When a family goes home with a new baby, a postpartum doula supports every member and the family unit as a whole.
DONA International doulas are educated to work within evidence-based standards of practice. The skills that they develop are medically proven to make a true difference in the experience of birth. A DONA International doula’s presence at birth improves outcomes for mother and baby. In the postpartum period, a doula’s guidance can empower and encourage new parents, inspiring self-confidence in parenting.
Why use a doula?
DONA International doulas mother the mother
Women have complex needs during childbirth and the weeks that follow. In addition to medical care and the love and companionship provided by their partners, women need consistent, continuous reassurance, comfort, encouragement and respect. They need individualized care based on their circumstances and preferences.
DONA International doulas are educated and experienced in childbirth and the postpartum period. We are prepared to provide physical (non-medical), emotional and informational support to women and their partners during labor and birth, as well as to families in the weeks following childbirth. We offer a loving touch; positioning and comfort measures that make childbearing women and families feel nurtured and cared for.
Numerous clinical studies have found that a doula’s presence at birth:
Tends to result in shorter labors with fewer complications
Reduces negative feelings about one’s childbirth experience
Reduces the need for pitocin (a labor-inducing drug), forceps or vacuum extraction and cesareans
Reduces the mother’s request for pain medication and/or epidurals
Research shows parents who receive support can:
Feel more secure and cared for
Are more successful in adapting to new family dynamics
Have greater success with breastfeeding
Have greater self-confidence
Have less postpartum depression
Monday, January 14, 2008
My new 'do
I hope I dont' regret it and think of it as a don't.
Here's the situation - my hair hasn't been cut for 3 months, it was super bleached from this summer and over highlighting it myself. I needed to start fresh and just get rid of the old stuff!!! Yes, sad pic of Rhys after surgery - but the latest of my sucky long hair too:
So here is the result - my husband took the photo - so it's not great. 
Rhys also had to be involved in the photo session - much improved from the last pic, but his fever was up to 101 - so we're probably going to the doc tomorrow anyway. Poor guy:
Rhys also had to be involved in the photo session - much improved from the last pic, but his fever was up to 101 - so we're probably going to the doc tomorrow anyway. Poor guy:
Saturday, January 05, 2008
2007 - Year in Review
I have had fun reading friend's info, so thought I would share mine with you!
1. What did you do in 2007 that you’d never done before? Sprint triathlon
2. What are your New Year's Resolutions? none, but I'm going to lose "the weight" this year
3. Did anyone close to you give birth? Lots of my friends!
4. Did anyone close to you die? My sweet dog, Abby
5. What states/countries did you visit? Wales/UK, Illinois, Nebraska
6. What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007? Another baby!
7. What dates from 2007 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? Cerri and Alex's wedding (ok it was dec 30th, 2006, but we were there over the new year and beyond.), the whole Goodfellow clan visiting us in April, my first doula class in October and a few weeks later dropping out of school.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? The triathlon, and putting away a big dream to realize my calling - becoming a doula.
9. Did you suffer illness or injury? migraine that required a trip to the ER at 1am. Let's pray that will NEVER happen again! And a bout with plantar fasciitis that has sidelined me until now in training for my next tri.
10. What was the best thing you bought? Our new van. suuuuweeeeet!
11. Whose behavior merited celebration? Rhys has really come into his own. And my brother in law has also really grown up a lot.
12. What song will always remind you of 2007? That's a toughie - I mainly listen to old stuff
13. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? Happier
b) thinner or fatter? fatter - that sucks!
c) richer or poorer? about the same
14. What do you wish you’d done more of? been with my family. School really sucked the life out of me
15. What do you wish you’d done less of? studying for pointless classes
16. How did you spend Christmas? Were in Omaha and a week later in Illinois
17. What was your favorite TV program? The Office, Torchwood, anything on BBC America, travel or food channel that happened to come across
18. What was the best book you read? Loved Eat, Pray, Love and A Thousand Splendid Suns
19. What was your favorite film of this year? the new Harry Potter, just saw Stardust and really like that too
20. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? 31 - yikes. I don't remember, we did family stuff and Aaron got me an awesome cake!
21. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Quit school and started my doula business before I spent thousands more on tuition/applications
22. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007? my tri shorts were super sexy, I thought. Especially after they chaffed the hell out of my who-haw. Aren't you glad you kept reading this thing, huh?
23. What kept you sane? My husband, family and the pool
24. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2006
Putting away a dream is really hard. Life isn't easy, fair, or transparent. Cliche - but God has a plan and sometimes you have to close your eyes and ears and believe in choices that don't make sense at the time. Oh, and I have the best family in the world who supports and loves me more than I know.
25. Quote a song that sums up your year."My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,your dreams stay big, your worries stay small,You never need to carry more than you can hold,and while you're out there getting where you're getting to,I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,Yeah, this, is my wish"
(Thanks, Kate, I loved that)
1. What did you do in 2007 that you’d never done before? Sprint triathlon
2. What are your New Year's Resolutions? none, but I'm going to lose "the weight" this year
3. Did anyone close to you give birth? Lots of my friends!
4. Did anyone close to you die? My sweet dog, Abby
5. What states/countries did you visit? Wales/UK, Illinois, Nebraska
6. What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007? Another baby!
7. What dates from 2007 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? Cerri and Alex's wedding (ok it was dec 30th, 2006, but we were there over the new year and beyond.), the whole Goodfellow clan visiting us in April, my first doula class in October and a few weeks later dropping out of school.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? The triathlon, and putting away a big dream to realize my calling - becoming a doula.
9. Did you suffer illness or injury? migraine that required a trip to the ER at 1am. Let's pray that will NEVER happen again! And a bout with plantar fasciitis that has sidelined me until now in training for my next tri.
10. What was the best thing you bought? Our new van. suuuuweeeeet!
11. Whose behavior merited celebration? Rhys has really come into his own. And my brother in law has also really grown up a lot.
12. What song will always remind you of 2007? That's a toughie - I mainly listen to old stuff
13. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? Happier
b) thinner or fatter? fatter - that sucks!
c) richer or poorer? about the same
14. What do you wish you’d done more of? been with my family. School really sucked the life out of me
15. What do you wish you’d done less of? studying for pointless classes
16. How did you spend Christmas? Were in Omaha and a week later in Illinois
17. What was your favorite TV program? The Office, Torchwood, anything on BBC America, travel or food channel that happened to come across
18. What was the best book you read? Loved Eat, Pray, Love and A Thousand Splendid Suns
19. What was your favorite film of this year? the new Harry Potter, just saw Stardust and really like that too
20. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? 31 - yikes. I don't remember, we did family stuff and Aaron got me an awesome cake!
21. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Quit school and started my doula business before I spent thousands more on tuition/applications
22. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007? my tri shorts were super sexy, I thought. Especially after they chaffed the hell out of my who-haw. Aren't you glad you kept reading this thing, huh?
23. What kept you sane? My husband, family and the pool
24. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2006
Putting away a dream is really hard. Life isn't easy, fair, or transparent. Cliche - but God has a plan and sometimes you have to close your eyes and ears and believe in choices that don't make sense at the time. Oh, and I have the best family in the world who supports and loves me more than I know.
25. Quote a song that sums up your year."My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,your dreams stay big, your worries stay small,You never need to carry more than you can hold,and while you're out there getting where you're getting to,I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,Yeah, this, is my wish"
(Thanks, Kate, I loved that)
Thursday, December 27, 2007
My favorite things
1. Waking up to my son telling me it's 9 o'clock
2. Big hugs (not to be confused with crushing ones)
3. Eskimo kisses
4. Snow days
5. Someone else shoveling the driveway
6. Harry Potter
7. Singing with all my family
8. Loving my "new" relatives who are marrying in
9. A husband who "gets' me
10. Work that doesn't feel like a job
11. Reading a new book
12. Getting over $20 off on coupons at the grocery store
13. Finishing craft projects
14. Picking up conversations with friends like we just spoke moments ago, though it has been months or even years
15. Finding out that old friends are truly gold
16. Not being afraid of what the new year brings, and instead saying, "Bring it on!"
2. Big hugs (not to be confused with crushing ones)
3. Eskimo kisses
4. Snow days
5. Someone else shoveling the driveway
6. Harry Potter
7. Singing with all my family
8. Loving my "new" relatives who are marrying in
9. A husband who "gets' me
10. Work that doesn't feel like a job
11. Reading a new book
12. Getting over $20 off on coupons at the grocery store
13. Finishing craft projects
14. Picking up conversations with friends like we just spoke moments ago, though it has been months or even years
15. Finding out that old friends are truly gold
16. Not being afraid of what the new year brings, and instead saying, "Bring it on!"
Sunday, December 09, 2007
Top Ten Things To Do When Home Alone
That's right, no kids, no husband for 24 hours:
1. Paint toenails
2. Sew like crazy, I made a doorstop/keep the heat in/cold out thing, table runner and one sad little beanbag - I was too tired of sitting to make a friend for it.
3. Cut off the feet to a size 5T sleeper I bought Rhys that his feet are too big for. I did not like Aaron's idea of merely cutting the toe part off (we're not THAT WT), instead removed the rubber feet entirely and hemmed them up like a champ.
4. Eat my own food and not share.
5. Enjoy my chocolate stash in the living room watching TV (usually I hide in the bathroom).
6. Flipping the channel from the food network, to HGTV to Bravo and not hearing any bitching about it.
7. Clean the kitchen with no interuptions.
8. One hour of bellydancing and no husband to pop a beer can and enjoy the view behind me.
9. Silence.
10. Update my little blog.
1. Paint toenails
2. Sew like crazy, I made a doorstop/keep the heat in/cold out thing, table runner and one sad little beanbag - I was too tired of sitting to make a friend for it.
3. Cut off the feet to a size 5T sleeper I bought Rhys that his feet are too big for. I did not like Aaron's idea of merely cutting the toe part off (we're not THAT WT), instead removed the rubber feet entirely and hemmed them up like a champ.
4. Eat my own food and not share.
5. Enjoy my chocolate stash in the living room watching TV (usually I hide in the bathroom).
6. Flipping the channel from the food network, to HGTV to Bravo and not hearing any bitching about it.
7. Clean the kitchen with no interuptions.
8. One hour of bellydancing and no husband to pop a beer can and enjoy the view behind me.
9. Silence.
10. Update my little blog.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
My Holiday Open House!
Happy Holidays!!!
If you live in the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City area - I want to invite you to my open house featuring me, with Mary Kay Cosmetics and my friends: Rebecca with lia sophia jewelry, and Lisa with Tastefully Simple gourmet foods!
Holiday Happy Hour on Friday, Nov 16 from 5-9pm
Holiday Cookies and Carols on Saturday, Nov 17 from 10am-2pm
We are offering GREAT deals, free gifts for visiting, and THREE Grand Prize drawings - it's going to be fun AND a great way to start (and finish) your holiday shopping!
For those who live out of town - you can still enjoy my great holiday prices for a limited time. If you place an order by December 1st you can save:
- 20% off all Timewise products - including the miracle set!
- 30% off all Gift sets and Fragrances
- Buy 1, get 1 Half Price on all COLOR (eyes, lips, cheeks and bronzer!)
- And as always, a free gift with $40 purchase. This quarter it's the mini satin hands set - AWESOME!
Finally - if you want to hold a Look Book or online party (SO EASY!!) let me know. For this same limited time (til December 1st) if you book a party and have at least $200 in sales, you will get 10% off your next order AND the new Brush Set for FREE (worth $48!!).
Call or message me now!
Happy Holidays and hope to see you soon!
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Homecoming
To put it simply, we had a great time! It was a blast catching up with old friends and just hashing out old memories that only we can remember! Marching the parade was a riot, and the game Saturday was the BEST! Except the good football players apparently didn't show up for the Hawkeyes and we lost to Indiana.
We actually got to march the pregame show - but I think the best part was playing in front of the rec center for all the fans. It all came rushing back and I felt like part of the band again.
Enjoy the pics!!!
We actually got to march the pregame show - but I think the best part was playing in front of the rec center for all the fans. It all came rushing back and I felt like part of the band again.
Enjoy the pics!!!
After the parade at the airliner
Friday, September 28, 2007
Holding the space for some serious fun
This weekend is Iowa's homecoming! I have one friend driving and another flying to meet up and we're heading to the parade tonite! But the best part: we are marching in the alumni band. Whoooop whooop! Mollie and I are playing cymbals, and Hilary will be on melophone (a marching french horn for the laymen out there). So far I know several friends who are also going, who I haven't seen for years. We all marched from 1995-1997 (I think Hilary went to 1998 tho). So it's been 10 years since I've played the cymbals, done flips or anything like that. It should be a great blog entry.
Tomorrow is the football game vs Indiana where we get to march the pregame show and play during the game. Of course after pictures will be shared. But until then, enjoy the walk down memory lane just 11-12 years ago....
Hilary, Mollie and some weird backward hat, buckteethed girl at the Sun Bowl in El Paso, TX back in 1996:
All of the cymbals at the band extravaganza at Hancher Auditorium, Fall 1996:
Band Banquet, Spring 1997, Mollie, me and Hilary:
Badass biotches at the Iowa Sesquacentennial (that word sucks to spell) 1996:
Hilary, Me and Mollie Fall 1997- There are several reasons Big Ten college band is different from high school band. Beer vs Mt. Dew, Cigarettes vs lollipops, House parties getting busted by cops vs watching movies and a 11:30 curfew:
Tomorrow is the football game vs Indiana where we get to march the pregame show and play during the game. Of course after pictures will be shared. But until then, enjoy the walk down memory lane just 11-12 years ago....
Hilary, Mollie and some weird backward hat, buckteethed girl at the Sun Bowl in El Paso, TX back in 1996:
All of the cymbals at the band extravaganza at Hancher Auditorium, Fall 1996:
Band Banquet, Spring 1997, Mollie, me and Hilary:
Badass biotches at the Iowa Sesquacentennial (that word sucks to spell) 1996:
Hilary, Me and Mollie Fall 1997- There are several reasons Big Ten college band is different from high school band. Beer vs Mt. Dew, Cigarettes vs lollipops, House parties getting busted by cops vs watching movies and a 11:30 curfew:
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