s'nose=contraction for snotty nose.
Heh.
That's what happens when at least one person in your family is sick for two months straight. You start making up words to describe things. MWH gets the credit for the contraction.
T's doctor visit (yea, the one where we had to wait an HOUR to see the doctor) revealed that she has another virus. That's good. No antibiotics necessary. We'll hope it goes away quickly. I was hoping that would be the outcome.
I rushed her in today, because last Friday she was diagnosed with a double ear infection. I wanted to make sure that was resolving. Her ears look good, as does her throat and her chest is clear. The doctor, whom I'd never met before, tried her best to reassure me that 102 wasn't that bad of a fever. I looked at her and said, "I know, my oldest doesn't slow down until she hits 105." She laughed and said, "Oh, you're not a first-time Mom."
I love our pediatrician, but if she's ever not available for some reason, I think I would like the woman we saw today. Did I mention how much she gushed over T? (I liked her for reasons other than that too.)
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Did you hear that?
Yea, that was me screaming in frustration. We had one rainy day this week and N (5) got another cold*. Now T (19 months) has a fever of 101.9. We're heading for the doctor in 3 hours. I am so sick of them being sick!
*I don't think the bad weather caused the cold... I think being stuck indoors all day at preschool that day wasn't good and there were germs there. I'm seriously considering not sending N back to preschool EVER.
*I don't think the bad weather caused the cold... I think being stuck indoors all day at preschool that day wasn't good and there were germs there. I'm seriously considering not sending N back to preschool EVER.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Snorting, revisited (and edited!)
A little while ago, I discussed snorting while laughing. Since that post, I've apparently cursed myself and have snorted several times. MWH has teased me about it. Tonight, I made him laugh so hard that he snorted. He was embarrassed. This made me laugh so hard that I cried.
Are we losing it?
Edited to add: When MWH read this post, he said, "The pitiful part is, you didn't even make me laugh that hard. I sort of chuckled and then a snort came out." I replayed the scene, and he's right. We didn't start laughing hysterically until after he snorted. Apparently, I have passed on the curse.
Next thing you know, we'll all be floating around on the ceiling like in Mary Poppins. (You know, the "I love to laugh" scene.) Heh. I think that may actually be fun.
Are we losing it?
Edited to add: When MWH read this post, he said, "The pitiful part is, you didn't even make me laugh that hard. I sort of chuckled and then a snort came out." I replayed the scene, and he's right. We didn't start laughing hysterically until after he snorted. Apparently, I have passed on the curse.
Next thing you know, we'll all be floating around on the ceiling like in Mary Poppins. (You know, the "I love to laugh" scene.) Heh. I think that may actually be fun.
What's for dinner?
One of our favorite dinners is this. It's pasta, onion, spinach, cherry tomato, turkey Italian sausage and parmesan cheese (on top). It's as easy as pie (though pie is not easy, but this dish is!). I used to have the recipe for that dish, but I don't know where it is... Here's what I do. Cook the onions and sausage well, cook the pasta (1 lb), save a cup or two of the starchy water from the pasta (before you drain it), add the bag of fresh spinach (9 oz) and cherry tomatoes to the sausage onion mix (cut the cherry tomatoes in half--or not, depending on how lazy you're feeling... heh), add the hot pasta-water, let the spinach get all wilty, then add the pasta, serve and sprinkle with fresh parmesan. Oh, and add those little red pepper things (you know the kind that come with pizza) while you're cooking the spinach and onion... Add to taste (I usually do 1/4-1/2 teaspoon, but I don't measure). It all only takes me about 20-30 minutes to make. Easy, and not too bad for you.
I made the Kamut spiral pasta (see post #3 in this one) and tried it in this dish. I liked it with it. The Kamut definitely tastes "healthier" than regular pasta, but, so far, all of the healthy pastas have tasted healthier. Kamupt is a little grittier. I feel good eating about them though so I'll continue and soon, I'll get used to them and not even notice the difference (or so I tell myself).
Anyway, when I made this recipe the last time, I bought 5 turkey sausages... I'm not sure why. I usually only use about 3 links (and then I squeeze the sausage goodness out of them and cook it so it's ground sausage) when I make the recipe, but I thought I might want more for the Kamut, but then I didn't, and I had 2 extra sausages.
What does one do with two extra sausages? Get your mind out of the gutter! We don't eat meat in our house very often (we probably eat meat once every 3 weeks or so), so I knew that there was a chance they wouldn't get eaten. I could have frozen them, but then it would have been 2010 before I remembered that I had done that and they wouldn't have gotten eaten...
So what did I do? I know you're all curious! I'm so proud. I invented a new dinner!
I cooked the sausage, then I took some ratatouille (Whole Foods sells one that is already made and frozen), added that, and put it over brown rice. Voila! A new dinner! Yippee! We liked it. Flavorful, fairly healthy and oh so easy! I think it took less than 20 minutes. Next time I make it I'll add some more vegetables (probably some red pepper) and yum! I'm so excited.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Just call me MCN...
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Short one...
N is sniffling and I am worried that we're on our way to cold #847. I just was almost feeling better... I'm at about 95% right now... I don't want another cold!
As far as my stress goes, there's nothing to report, nor will there be anything to report for at least a week or two. I have the 4 scenarios that I see as possibilities outlined and thought through, but it will be at least a week before I know which one is more likely. I've been stressing a lot since last Thursday and now, I think I'll put it away (if possible) for a while. I need to get some work done!
Here's my list:
1. Start work on slides for talk with my friend. We had a great meeting today. Now I won't really be able to do much on this until after Monday.
2. Finish grading the tests (adjust grades).
3. Grade the essays.
4. Grade the DB posts.
5. Make my lecture for Monday when I'll be observed. (started, but still needs 2-3 hours of work)
6. Work all day Thursday and Friday on two work projects.
I'll cross things off as I get them done.
As far as my stress goes, there's nothing to report, nor will there be anything to report for at least a week or two. I have the 4 scenarios that I see as possibilities outlined and thought through, but it will be at least a week before I know which one is more likely. I've been stressing a lot since last Thursday and now, I think I'll put it away (if possible) for a while. I need to get some work done!
Here's my list:
4. Grade the DB posts.
5. Make my lecture for Monday when I'll be observed. (started, but still needs 2-3 hours of work)
I'll cross things off as I get them done.
More about my childhood dream...
Or an alternative title for this post could be, I am such a geek!
In the meme I did the other day, I said this...
It's all true. I wanted to be a high school biology teacher. As I did the meme, I remembered what inspired my love of science. I watched this show when I was very young and it made me want to be just like Andrea Thomas (a high school biology teacher). I thought she was the coolest. It's funny, television gets such a bad rap, but I know that it inspired me (Isis in particular!).
The other thing that inspired me was this. Yes, I'm dating myself here. In the 70's and early 80's, Merlin was the most amazing thing. I begged my parents for one and they got me one of the first ones. Someday I'll have to tell you more about it.
There were so many other things in my life that tried to extinguish my interest in science. I'm not going to go into all of them now, but where I was raised girls were encouraged to be "pretty" and "not think too much." People worried that if you thought too much, you might scare off a potential husband. I played dumb a lot. I even got so good at playing dumb that I doubted my own capabilities for a while. But that's the subject of another post....
Anyway, I'm excited because the show (Isis) that I loved as a child is coming out soon on video. The meme made me think about the show again and then the Internet (oh how I love you!) helped me find out about the show and its status. (Yea, I am a geek.)
I will get the DVD(s) of the show and watch them. If they aren't too hokey, or bad*, most likely, I will pass Isis down to my girls to watch (and hopefully she will inspire the next generation).
Sidebar: There's been a lot of research about girls, math, science, technology and engineering. Women in these fields are somewhat scarce. I don't actually qualify as a "hard core" scientist... I'm a social scientist with a significant quantitative background who works a lot with technology. I've done some work with this organization in the past and plan to again in the future. There are other organizations with similar missions too. If you want to learn more, google girls, math, science, technology and you'll get some good hits.
*I watched the Jetsons as an adult and I was very disappointed in the show. I couldn't believe all the martini drinking, cigarette smoking, and adult jokes that were involved. Thankfully as a kid, I missed all that!
In the meme I did the other day, I said this...
Childhood dream? To be married to the love of my life, to be a scientist (I used to think biology), and of course to be happy. I'm not sure if kids were involved in my dreams when I was a kid, but I love my little girls now and if I hadn't been so egocentric (typical child) I would have dreamed about little girls like I have.
It's all true. I wanted to be a high school biology teacher. As I did the meme, I remembered what inspired my love of science. I watched this show when I was very young and it made me want to be just like Andrea Thomas (a high school biology teacher). I thought she was the coolest. It's funny, television gets such a bad rap, but I know that it inspired me (Isis in particular!).
The other thing that inspired me was this. Yes, I'm dating myself here. In the 70's and early 80's, Merlin was the most amazing thing. I begged my parents for one and they got me one of the first ones. Someday I'll have to tell you more about it.
There were so many other things in my life that tried to extinguish my interest in science. I'm not going to go into all of them now, but where I was raised girls were encouraged to be "pretty" and "not think too much." People worried that if you thought too much, you might scare off a potential husband. I played dumb a lot. I even got so good at playing dumb that I doubted my own capabilities for a while. But that's the subject of another post....
Anyway, I'm excited because the show (Isis) that I loved as a child is coming out soon on video. The meme made me think about the show again and then the Internet (oh how I love you!) helped me find out about the show and its status. (Yea, I am a geek.)
I will get the DVD(s) of the show and watch them. If they aren't too hokey, or bad*, most likely, I will pass Isis down to my girls to watch (and hopefully she will inspire the next generation).
Sidebar: There's been a lot of research about girls, math, science, technology and engineering. Women in these fields are somewhat scarce. I don't actually qualify as a "hard core" scientist... I'm a social scientist with a significant quantitative background who works a lot with technology. I've done some work with this organization in the past and plan to again in the future. There are other organizations with similar missions too. If you want to learn more, google girls, math, science, technology and you'll get some good hits.
*I watched the Jetsons as an adult and I was very disappointed in the show. I couldn't believe all the martini drinking, cigarette smoking, and adult jokes that were involved. Thankfully as a kid, I missed all that!
Afternoons with N.
N is just so much fun to hang out with. Yesterday, at the grocery store she was such a helper, and then she engaged the people in line in a huge conversation that was hilarious... She told them ...
how old she was, about her preschool class, where she'll go to kindergarten next year, her little sister T (19 months) throwing shoes at her this morning, her sister K (2.75) and how well she's doing with her potty training and sleeping all night in her bed, our cat, her preschool, how she needs new black shoes for the spring program, and how her class tomorrow is cancelled because it's spring break for the class.
Whew! She was just a chatterbox! To all the people in line at the store, I'm sorry she talked your ears off.... Heh.
Today, I picked her up from preschool and we had to go pick out grout for the tile in the shower that we're getting repaired (see this if you want to read about the shower). Anyway, we needed to match the old grout. I had a piece of it and N and I were looking at samples. She was a great help in matching the colors. She's got a really good eye for color. She's rather artistic and as we did the remodel, she actually helped a great deal when we were picking out things. I love taking her along to do this kind of thing.
I'm always amazed at how wonderful one-on-one time is. I love it.
how old she was, about her preschool class, where she'll go to kindergarten next year, her little sister T (19 months) throwing shoes at her this morning, her sister K (2.75) and how well she's doing with her potty training and sleeping all night in her bed, our cat, her preschool, how she needs new black shoes for the spring program, and how her class tomorrow is cancelled because it's spring break for the class.
Whew! She was just a chatterbox! To all the people in line at the store, I'm sorry she talked your ears off.... Heh.
Today, I picked her up from preschool and we had to go pick out grout for the tile in the shower that we're getting repaired (see this if you want to read about the shower). Anyway, we needed to match the old grout. I had a piece of it and N and I were looking at samples. She was a great help in matching the colors. She's got a really good eye for color. She's rather artistic and as we did the remodel, she actually helped a great deal when we were picking out things. I love taking her along to do this kind of thing.
I'm always amazed at how wonderful one-on-one time is. I love it.
Monday, March 26, 2007
Overheard Friday morning ...
Me to MWH: With everything going on and all that I'm considering, I'm feeling overwhelmed and fragile and I could really use some extra attention.
MWH: Okay (and then leaves the room).
20 seconds later....
MWH: (Looking sheepish as he comes back into the room) .... Ummmmm, that wasn't the best response or what you were looking for, was it?
Even when he's distracted, overwhelmed and just doing the "nodding so my wife will shut up" thing, he's still good.
Lots going on...Most of the stuff I can't blog about. My stress is still about work. Most of it is stuff outside of my control--and that's the stuff that is always hardest. Hopefully I'll be able to fill you in soon.
MWH: Okay (and then leaves the room).
20 seconds later....
MWH: (Looking sheepish as he comes back into the room) .... Ummmmm, that wasn't the best response or what you were looking for, was it?
Even when he's distracted, overwhelmed and just doing the "nodding so my wife will shut up" thing, he's still good.
Lots going on...Most of the stuff I can't blog about. My stress is still about work. Most of it is stuff outside of my control--and that's the stuff that is always hardest. Hopefully I'll be able to fill you in soon.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
A short sound clip
I captured T (19 months) saying her alphabet... or a little of it...
She'd totally sing/say it when I wasn't anywhere near the camera and as soon as I would get the camera she'd run and shake her head no. Typical Toddler! I managed to get her to say 9 letters and then now... If you want to hear it, leave me a comment.
She'd totally sing/say it when I wasn't anywhere near the camera and as soon as I would get the camera she'd run and shake her head no. Typical Toddler! I managed to get her to say 9 letters and then now... If you want to hear it, leave me a comment.
Rash girl...
Miss K has a rash all over (arms, underarms, legs and tummy)...
I think she either had an allergic reaction to some plant (she was playing and digging outside yesterday) or she got bit by some bug (many times) and had a bit of allergic reaction to the bug in addition to the bug bites. (I'm guessing it was the latter.) We gave her a little children's claritin to see if it would help. The rash looks a little better but I'm really glad she chose to wear long sleeves today.
I think she either had an allergic reaction to some plant (she was playing and digging outside yesterday) or she got bit by some bug (many times) and had a bit of allergic reaction to the bug in addition to the bug bites. (I'm guessing it was the latter.) We gave her a little children's claritin to see if it would help. The rash looks a little better but I'm really glad she chose to wear long sleeves today.
Little girls...
Riding on a broomstick.
Question for you... shutters on the windows? What do you think? I need window treatments!
HI
Again, with the alphabet...
Me singing... paused at G... T (19 months) said H-I.
My goal for today is to capture her singing the ABCs on video.
Me singing... paused at G... T (19 months) said H-I.
My goal for today is to capture her singing the ABCs on video.
ABC ... W
We're coloring... It's early again.
T (19 months) loves the ABC song. I sang it for her as I wrote all the letters on a piece of paper. A-B-C-D-E-F-G-H-I-J-K-L-M-N-O-P-Q-R-S-T-U-V... I paused because she took my crayon. She handed me the crayon and said, "double."
Wowza.
I love it when she runs around singing the ABCs... Lots of phonemes and then you'll hear a "Now I" at the end of her song.
This morning as I was trying to get her to go back to sleep or at least be quiet, (video) she was just TALKING. Again, lots of recognizable phonemes... a few morphemes, and lots of gestural actions. At one point she was saying something to the kitty and shook her head, "no" while talking. Pretty funny. When she decided I should get up she tried to pick me up and said, "OFF."
T (19 months) loves the ABC song. I sang it for her as I wrote all the letters on a piece of paper. A-B-C-D-E-F-G-H-I-J-K-L-M-N-O-P-Q-R-S-T-U-V... I paused because she took my crayon. She handed me the crayon and said, "double."
Wowza.
I love it when she runs around singing the ABCs... Lots of phonemes and then you'll hear a "Now I" at the end of her song.
This morning as I was trying to get her to go back to sleep or at least be quiet, (video) she was just TALKING. Again, lots of recognizable phonemes... a few morphemes, and lots of gestural actions. At one point she was saying something to the kitty and shook her head, "no" while talking. Pretty funny. When she decided I should get up she tried to pick me up and said, "OFF."
Saturday, March 24, 2007
hubris
Last night, MWH and I were discussing how wonderful it's been lately with the girls sleeping in past 9--sometimes until 10!
This morning, Miss T (19 months) woke up early, probably 'cause of the ear infection. She woke her big sisters up. It's Saturday and we were hoping for a little sleeping in action. Miss N (5) was so grumpy at first this morning...
Miss K passed out at 11:30 am this morning and took a 2+ hour nap.
No more talk about late sleeping.
This morning, Miss T (19 months) woke up early, probably 'cause of the ear infection. She woke her big sisters up. It's Saturday and we were hoping for a little sleeping in action. Miss N (5) was so grumpy at first this morning...
Miss K passed out at 11:30 am this morning and took a 2+ hour nap.
No more talk about late sleeping.
Hey bug...
"Hey bug, do you want to go swimming?" That's what Miss K (2.75) asked a roly-poly, as she filled up a big hole (she'd dug) with water.
I told her that I was pretty darn sure that the bug didn't want to go swimming.
Heh. Poor bug.
I told her that I was pretty darn sure that the bug didn't want to go swimming.
Heh. Poor bug.
Friday, March 23, 2007
To the doctor, to the doctor, to the doctor we go...
(sing the title to the "jiggety-jig" song)...
T coughed a lot last night. I got up with her and decided she needed to go to the doctor at 4 am. Got her an appointment and we just returned. Diagnosis: Double ear infection.
The four females (3 little ones and me) have all had antibiotics this winter. Sigh.
T coughed a lot last night. I got up with her and decided she needed to go to the doctor at 4 am. Got her an appointment and we just returned. Diagnosis: Double ear infection.
The four females (3 little ones and me) have all had antibiotics this winter. Sigh.
The Web
I like the Internet. I am amazed by it. I use it everyday. It has been a part of my life in a big way since 1995. I was using online communication technologies (email, bulletin boards and online communities) as early as 1991... I like this stuff.
This video, says things that have been said many times before in a pretty powerful way.
This video, says things that have been said many times before in a pretty powerful way.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
K's memory
K (2.75) has a phenomenal memory. Yesterday we went to the dentist. As we were getting in the car, she said to me, "To go to the dentist you go to the library and then you get to the dentist."
She was absolutely right. Our dentist is across the street from the library. I don't remember if I pointed it out to her the last time we were at the library or not. But even so, she's NOT YET 3 and she knows where things are!
She had a a bad dream (probably in November) and she still tells us about it...
She just added a new part about a pelican, but the first part has stayed the same since November. Amazing*.
*Maybe it's not so amazing, .... I know that that particular memory gets reinforced because she re-tells the dream fairly often, but still... I think it's pretty amazing given her young age!
She was absolutely right. Our dentist is across the street from the library. I don't remember if I pointed it out to her the last time we were at the library or not. But even so, she's NOT YET 3 and she knows where things are!
She had a a bad dream (probably in November) and she still tells us about it...
There was a squirfy fish (don't ask me what a squirfy fish is...) and it said pa-pa-pa-pa and it was in a bush and there was a stepmother (Cinderella is her favorite movie) and ...
She just added a new part about a pelican, but the first part has stayed the same since November. Amazing*.
*Maybe it's not so amazing, .... I know that that particular memory gets reinforced because she re-tells the dream fairly often, but still... I think it's pretty amazing given her young age!
Trying not to get ahead of myself...
When a new possibility, that I am excited about, comes my way I often get a little totally obsessed. I think about it constantly. I fantasize about it....
Today, two new possibilities came my way. Either would be good. They are very different from each other. My head is spinning. Going to see a friend (R) resulted in something I didn't imagine. It's still very early, but oh the fantasies!
If just one of possiblities had come my today I would have been ecstatic. I am very overwhelmed at the moment. I have significant fodder for two fantasies right now.
Today, two new possibilities came my way. Either would be good. They are very different from each other. My head is spinning. Going to see a friend (R) resulted in something I didn't imagine. It's still very early, but oh the fantasies!
If just one of possiblities had come my today I would have been ecstatic. I am very overwhelmed at the moment. I have significant fodder for two fantasies right now.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Two Rooms...
Follow-up to this post.
I was going to only give T (19 months) until 10:30 pm, but she really wanted to stay in the room with her sisters. The problem was that she was being really noisy and keeping her sisters awake. Everytime I went down to move her, she would shake her head no. Finally, around 11 pm I put her back in her own room. She fussed for a while, but her sisters fell asleep instantly. She'd been keeping them awake. The next day, we had a big outing to a park with a friend
and 3 little girls were exhausted.
On Sunday, T took a nap in their room (alone). Someday she'll sleep in there, but not yet! I think it would only take 3 or 4 days of hell to get her to sleep in there, but I'm not ready to go through that hell yet. When she's a little older she'll sleep better and it will be easier.
I was going to only give T (19 months) until 10:30 pm, but she really wanted to stay in the room with her sisters. The problem was that she was being really noisy and keeping her sisters awake. Everytime I went down to move her, she would shake her head no. Finally, around 11 pm I put her back in her own room. She fussed for a while, but her sisters fell asleep instantly. She'd been keeping them awake. The next day, we had a big outing to a park with a friend
and 3 little girls were exhausted.
On Sunday, T took a nap in their room (alone). Someday she'll sleep in there, but not yet! I think it would only take 3 or 4 days of hell to get her to sleep in there, but I'm not ready to go through that hell yet. When she's a little older she'll sleep better and it will be easier.
T stuff
T is still not sleeping as well as she was a couple of months ago, but I think she's doing better than she was a few weeks ago. She's crying less when we put her in the crib (like a minute or two) and sleeping better through the night. (I usually hear her cry out once a night, but it's only for a second... I don't even know if she's waking and crying or just crying out in her sleep.)
One thing she's doing when we put her in her crib at night is using the time before she falls asleep to practice words and other new things (N used to do this a lot). She's singing "Old MacDonald" a lot during this time... (actually, she's been saying E-I-E-I-O for a while now, but she's added on Moo Moo there, Moo Moo there... ) If you listen on her monitor you'll hear...
E-I-E-I-O
Moo Moo there, Moo Moo there
E-I-E-I-O
Moo Moo there, Moo Moo there
E-I-E-I-O
Moo Moo there, Moo Moo there
There's even a bit of the tune in her singing, and it is cute (to me) every single time she does it (and we're talking 100's of times each night!).
She's doing quite a few 3 word sentences. I've written most of these before: I want that. I need that. It is stuck. I want nethis (nurse). What is that?
One of my favorites is when she "scolds." She points with her finger and scolds people and things--whatever isn't doing what she wants. You can't tell all the words, but you know what she means by her tone!
She knows lots of body parts (nose, eyes, ears, hair, chin, cheeks, belly, tummy, toes, knees, fingers, hands, tongue, teeth) and the coolest, she knows the difference between Mommy's body parts and T's body parts.... It sometimes takes a while for this distinction, but she has it down!
Have I mentioned I love watching language acquisition and cognitive development?
The latest cute-T thing is that she loves to run around with a shirt on her head. I'm not sure if she's just trying to learn to put on the shirt or if she's just being a silly little girl. I think it's the latter. She's a ham! My 19-month old.
One thing she's doing when we put her in her crib at night is using the time before she falls asleep to practice words and other new things (N used to do this a lot). She's singing "Old MacDonald" a lot during this time... (actually, she's been saying E-I-E-I-O for a while now, but she's added on Moo Moo there, Moo Moo there... ) If you listen on her monitor you'll hear...
E-I-E-I-O
Moo Moo there, Moo Moo there
E-I-E-I-O
Moo Moo there, Moo Moo there
E-I-E-I-O
Moo Moo there, Moo Moo there
There's even a bit of the tune in her singing, and it is cute (to me) every single time she does it (and we're talking 100's of times each night!).
She's doing quite a few 3 word sentences. I've written most of these before: I want that. I need that. It is stuck. I want nethis (nurse). What is that?
One of my favorites is when she "scolds." She points with her finger and scolds people and things--whatever isn't doing what she wants. You can't tell all the words, but you know what she means by her tone!
She knows lots of body parts (nose, eyes, ears, hair, chin, cheeks, belly, tummy, toes, knees, fingers, hands, tongue, teeth) and the coolest, she knows the difference between Mommy's body parts and T's body parts.... It sometimes takes a while for this distinction, but she has it down!
Have I mentioned I love watching language acquisition and cognitive development?
The latest cute-T thing is that she loves to run around with a shirt on her head. I'm not sure if she's just trying to learn to put on the shirt or if she's just being a silly little girl. I think it's the latter. She's a ham! My 19-month old.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
so many posts...
I have so many posts floating around in my head... Hold on 'cause I'm going to do several in one.
1. My friend KJ recently wrote this post. I could write a similar post about "just one more bout with bronchitis..."
We'll see if the weight loss sticks when I'm fully well, but in the last 3 weeks I've lost 3.5 pounds due to bronchitis. A silver lining to being sick. I am currently about 3-4 pounds away from the pre-N-pregnancy weight.
2. Speaking of getting pregnant... I am about to hit a milestone... (No I'm not pregnant!) See if you can follow my complicated thinking here... T is 19 months old. When she is 19.5 months old, I will have been "not pregnant" for a longer duration of time than since before my first pregnancy.
(In other words, because that's still confusing... First pregnancy in 2000 (miscarriage); then about a year later the pregnancy that resulted in N; then 19.5 months later the pregnancy that resulted in K; then 6.5 months later the pregnancy that resulted in T. Now here we are 19 months later and hopefully all done.)
I am most likely done with pregnancy. It's the end of an era.
Recently, I joked to MWH about seeing if "http://4littlegirls-ohmy.blogspot.com/index.html" was available. He whimpered. No worries, MWH, I think 3 is a lovely number. Four would do us in. Seriously. I know this. Besides, I have a lot of other things I'm scheming about and a fourth baby would make those things impossible. (Stay tuned! I have a new mission!)
My friend KH of Team H is going to do four... I admire her and R (her husband) for their courage. When KH and I spoke the other day, she implied that I should do 4 because she was doing it.
Not going to go there was my reply.
I've heard that 4 isn't that much harder than 3, and in many ways, I believe it, but I don't think it's right for us. I have friends with 2 (DM!) who kept asking when we were going to do 4... I told her as soon as she and her husband did 3.
Though I'm sad that I won't have another baby, there's always a last baby. T gets to be the last baby of mine. And then in about 25-30 years there will be grandbabies (I hope)... and that will be FUN! I can spoil them and snuggle them and then leave them to their parents. Heh.
3. Whole-grain goodness
I've been on a whole-grain kick for a while now. I made a goal to try to get more whole grain foods into our diet at the beginning of the year.
Our biggest problem was pasta. We eat it often and I didn't know if we'd like the whole grain options.
We've liked a few of the ones we've tried. Our favorites so far are the Barilla one and the Rotini one. We had a Whole Wheat kind from Trader Joe's (not pictured) that we also liked. I didn't mind the Lifestream one (laying down) but MWH and N (5) really didn't like it! K (2.75) and T (19 months) ate it. (Note, if K eats it--she usually doesn't eat new things--it can't be too bad.)
I'm excited to try the Kamut one. I have a recipe with spinach, onion, tomatoes, Italian Sausage, and parmesan cheese that I love and this might work with it. I'll make a post with the recipe if it works well.
In general, we're eating a lot more whole grains. We're doing brown rice fairly often, whole grain pasta, and whole grain tortillas. We still eat a lot of sourdough bread...Sourdough is a white bread, but it has a lower glycemic index (about 30% lower from what I've read) than other white breads. It's not as good as whole wheat or other whole grains, because it lacks fiber and other types of nutrition (e.g., vitamins and minerals) but it's not as bad as plain old white bread. (The gylcemic index is lower because sourdough bread is more acidic than plain white bread. Cool, eh?)
I'm still figuring out how to cook with more whole grains. So far, I've learned that you need a little more spice in your cooking when you're doing whole grains. I'm also trying to work in more whole grains here and there... I've started buying whole grain sourdough bread sometimes. Change is hard. I'm working to improve our diet, but it doesn't happen overnight.
4. There's more, but I'm tired and I still have some work to finish.
1. My friend KJ recently wrote this post. I could write a similar post about "just one more bout with bronchitis..."
We'll see if the weight loss sticks when I'm fully well, but in the last 3 weeks I've lost 3.5 pounds due to bronchitis. A silver lining to being sick. I am currently about 3-4 pounds away from the pre-N-pregnancy weight.
2. Speaking of getting pregnant... I am about to hit a milestone... (No I'm not pregnant!) See if you can follow my complicated thinking here... T is 19 months old. When she is 19.5 months old, I will have been "not pregnant" for a longer duration of time than since before my first pregnancy.
(In other words, because that's still confusing... First pregnancy in 2000 (miscarriage); then about a year later the pregnancy that resulted in N; then 19.5 months later the pregnancy that resulted in K; then 6.5 months later the pregnancy that resulted in T. Now here we are 19 months later and hopefully all done.)
I am most likely done with pregnancy. It's the end of an era.
Recently, I joked to MWH about seeing if "http://4littlegirls-ohmy.blogspot.com/index.html" was available. He whimpered. No worries, MWH, I think 3 is a lovely number. Four would do us in. Seriously. I know this. Besides, I have a lot of other things I'm scheming about and a fourth baby would make those things impossible. (Stay tuned! I have a new mission!)
My friend KH of Team H is going to do four... I admire her and R (her husband) for their courage. When KH and I spoke the other day, she implied that I should do 4 because she was doing it.
Not going to go there was my reply.
I've heard that 4 isn't that much harder than 3, and in many ways, I believe it, but I don't think it's right for us. I have friends with 2 (DM!) who kept asking when we were going to do 4... I told her as soon as she and her husband did 3.
Though I'm sad that I won't have another baby, there's always a last baby. T gets to be the last baby of mine. And then in about 25-30 years there will be grandbabies (I hope)... and that will be FUN! I can spoil them and snuggle them and then leave them to their parents. Heh.
3. Whole-grain goodness
I've been on a whole-grain kick for a while now. I made a goal to try to get more whole grain foods into our diet at the beginning of the year. Our biggest problem was pasta. We eat it often and I didn't know if we'd like the whole grain options.
We've liked a few of the ones we've tried. Our favorites so far are the Barilla one and the Rotini one. We had a Whole Wheat kind from Trader Joe's (not pictured) that we also liked. I didn't mind the Lifestream one (laying down) but MWH and N (5) really didn't like it! K (2.75) and T (19 months) ate it. (Note, if K eats it--she usually doesn't eat new things--it can't be too bad.)
I'm excited to try the Kamut one. I have a recipe with spinach, onion, tomatoes, Italian Sausage, and parmesan cheese that I love and this might work with it. I'll make a post with the recipe if it works well.
In general, we're eating a lot more whole grains. We're doing brown rice fairly often, whole grain pasta, and whole grain tortillas. We still eat a lot of sourdough bread...Sourdough is a white bread, but it has a lower glycemic index (about 30% lower from what I've read) than other white breads. It's not as good as whole wheat or other whole grains, because it lacks fiber and other types of nutrition (e.g., vitamins and minerals) but it's not as bad as plain old white bread. (The gylcemic index is lower because sourdough bread is more acidic than plain white bread. Cool, eh?)
I'm still figuring out how to cook with more whole grains. So far, I've learned that you need a little more spice in your cooking when you're doing whole grains. I'm also trying to work in more whole grains here and there... I've started buying whole grain sourdough bread sometimes. Change is hard. I'm working to improve our diet, but it doesn't happen overnight.
4. There's more, but I'm tired and I still have some work to finish.
Monday, March 19, 2007
exhausted...
Tonight, while K (2.75) was eating dinner, I said, "Hurry up K, Mommy is exhausted and we need to get ready for bed." She said, "Okay, Mommy..... Mommy, what's exdehosted?" I said, "Really tired. Super-duper tired."
As we were snuggling, K said, "I'm exdehosted. Good night Mommy."
As we were snuggling, K said, "I'm exdehosted. Good night Mommy."
Things that make me say Hmmmmm....
I like to work. I enjoy it a great deal. I won't stop, but if I had a choice between working more and working less, which should I choose? Which would I choose?
What if I were working more, but being less crazy (and yes, that might be possible). Would it be possible for me to be less insane doing what I might want to do? (Only DM could potentially answer this one. And even then, maybe she can or can't.)
I just graded an assignment, and one of the questions asked about how much their parents' jobs affected their early lives. The kids who had stay-at-home-moms would always write about how much they loved having their mom their for them... at their beck and call. I'm feeling a wee bit of guilt. I'm there a lot, but there are times when I have to say, "Mommy needs to go work on X. Play with Daddy/Mary Poppins/CSWL." In general, I think this is a good thing, but my students are making me re-think this. Darn students! (Next time I teach the class, I'm changing the question!!)
What do you think? I know a lot of you stay-at-home.... I know a fair amount of you work.... We all make choices. I don't think I'd be a good stay-at-home Mom.... For example, I NEVER pick up toys. If we didn't have Mary Poppins and CSWL 1 and 2, and I were in charge all the time we'd all be buried under toys.
I seem to be lacking a gene for picking up toys. In my defense, I get overwhelmed by the sheer number of toys we have. I also get overwhelmed because if I organize them, they get disorganized in .2 seconds.... And then I feel I should re-organize them. If I kept things picked up, they'd have to be organized, and in a day or two of trying to keep up, you'd find me sitting in a corner rocking. I'm not kidding.
I also really need/like the structure of work. It makes me happy. It gives me the illusion of control and being competent. Children instantly suck those feelings out of you (as do students).
Feel free to comment and offer your thoughts.
What if I were working more, but being less crazy (and yes, that might be possible). Would it be possible for me to be less insane doing what I might want to do? (Only DM could potentially answer this one. And even then, maybe she can or can't.)
I just graded an assignment, and one of the questions asked about how much their parents' jobs affected their early lives. The kids who had stay-at-home-moms would always write about how much they loved having their mom their for them... at their beck and call. I'm feeling a wee bit of guilt. I'm there a lot, but there are times when I have to say, "Mommy needs to go work on X. Play with Daddy/Mary Poppins/CSWL." In general, I think this is a good thing, but my students are making me re-think this. Darn students! (Next time I teach the class, I'm changing the question!!)
What do you think? I know a lot of you stay-at-home.... I know a fair amount of you work.... We all make choices. I don't think I'd be a good stay-at-home Mom.... For example, I NEVER pick up toys. If we didn't have Mary Poppins and CSWL 1 and 2, and I were in charge all the time we'd all be buried under toys.
I seem to be lacking a gene for picking up toys. In my defense, I get overwhelmed by the sheer number of toys we have. I also get overwhelmed because if I organize them, they get disorganized in .2 seconds.... And then I feel I should re-organize them. If I kept things picked up, they'd have to be organized, and in a day or two of trying to keep up, you'd find me sitting in a corner rocking. I'm not kidding.
I also really need/like the structure of work. It makes me happy. It gives me the illusion of control and being competent. Children instantly suck those feelings out of you (as do students).
Feel free to comment and offer your thoughts.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Latissimus Dorsi
I hurt mine last night. I was sitting on the floor, and I kind of turned sideways to avoid coughing on MWH and I felt it twinge (in a big bad way). Now, when I reach with my left arm, it hurts. Apparently, I reach with my left arm a lot. I can't wait until this cough is gone.
We are all feeling better and can tell we're on the road to recovery, but it's a long, bumpy, windy, and dangerous road, apparently.
We are all feeling better and can tell we're on the road to recovery, but it's a long, bumpy, windy, and dangerous road, apparently.
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Meme
Memes are silly and fun. I do them so my girls will know some things about me that maybe I've not told them. This blog is for them (when they are older and can actually read). I found this one on Nino's blog.
Any one who reads this and wants to do it is tagged! (Especially the women who I link to over on the sidebar... If you want to do it, no pressure if you don't.) If you don't have a blog and want to do it, feel free to do it in a comment.
1. Can you cook? Yes. I'm very whole-grain oriented right now. I'm needing to find some more things we like that are whole-grain.
2. Childhood dream? To be married to the love of my life, to be a scientist (I used to think biology), and of course to be happy. I'm not sure if kids were involved in my dreams when I was a kid, but I love my little girls now and if I hadn't been so egocentric (typical child) I would have dreamed about little girls like I have.
3. What talent do you wish you had? If it were actually possible to wish and get a talent, I wish I could dance better and program (as in computers).
4. Favorite place? Hanging with MWH and my girls.... As long as no one is screaming!
5. Favorite vegetable? Spinach
6. What was the last book you read? One for work...
7. What zodiac sign are you? Aquarius
8. Any Tattoos and/or Piercings? No and Yes
9. Worst habit? Procrastination
10. Do we know each other outside of the internet? Possibly.... I know a lot of people outside the Internet (from meeting them there).... It's the reason I'm sort of anonymous. I don't mind if you know me if I know you're reading, but if you refuse to let me know who you are, then I don't want to tell you who I am either.
11. What is your favorite sport? If I had to watch something on TV it'd be gymnastics or ice skating.
12. Negative or Optimistic attitude? Most of the time optimistic... or else I'm bailing out because something actually is futile.
13. What would you do if you were stuck in an elevator? I'd hope I had my crackberry to play with. I get very bored easily. If I didn't, and I was alone, I'd exercise.
14. Worst thing to ever happen to you? This is a tough one. I've been in terrible situations, and have lost wonderful people in my life. It's hard to quantify something as "the worst." No loss is good.
15. Tell me one weird fact about you: I think I've shared more than one before.
16. Do you have any pets? I have a wonderful kitty who is no longer with us. MWH has a wonderful kitty still. The girls will get a kitty soon!
17. Do you know how to do the macerana? Yes. We have pictures of MWH and me and a whole slew of wonderful female friends doing it at our wedding. MWH was the only guy who would do it.
18. What time is it where you are now? 9:50 am
19. Do you think clowns are cute or scary? Yup.
20. If you could change one thing about how you look, what would it be??? I would get rid of my scars. They aren't that noticeable, but they remind me that I was a very klutzy kid. Heh.
21. Would you be my crime partner or my conscience? Conscience
22. What color eyes do you have? Blue
23. Ever been arrested? No
24. What is your favorite drink? COFFEE! and Ice Water with a splash of some type of juice.
25. If you won $10,000 dollars today, what would you do with it? I'm sure we'd spend it on something related to the house. We need furniture and to finish a lot of stuff.
26. What kind of bubble gum do you prefer to chew? I used to love gum... Now it hurts my jaw (although that's getting better slowly). Now I like trident with xylitol.
27. What 's your favorite place to hang? At home with MWH and my girls.
28. Do you believe in ghosts? I believe there are things we don't understand.
29. Favorite thing to do in your spare time? If you can't guess what my favorite thing to do in my spare time is from the number of blog posts I have.... Heh.
30. Do you swear a lot? When I'm forced to use stupid M$ products, or when I'm really really tired.
31. Biggest pet peeve? To be told by a salesperson, "The more you spend, the more you save..." Um, no, the more you spend, the more you spend. I HATE THAT. I am not dumb.
32. In one word, how would you describe yourself? Um, Me? This is actually impossible. There are too many dimensions to put into one word. I'll have to think about this and get back to you.
Any one who reads this and wants to do it is tagged! (Especially the women who I link to over on the sidebar... If you want to do it, no pressure if you don't.) If you don't have a blog and want to do it, feel free to do it in a comment.
1. Can you cook? Yes. I'm very whole-grain oriented right now. I'm needing to find some more things we like that are whole-grain.
2. Childhood dream? To be married to the love of my life, to be a scientist (I used to think biology), and of course to be happy. I'm not sure if kids were involved in my dreams when I was a kid, but I love my little girls now and if I hadn't been so egocentric (typical child) I would have dreamed about little girls like I have.
3. What talent do you wish you had? If it were actually possible to wish and get a talent, I wish I could dance better and program (as in computers).
4. Favorite place? Hanging with MWH and my girls.... As long as no one is screaming!
5. Favorite vegetable? Spinach
6. What was the last book you read? One for work...
7. What zodiac sign are you? Aquarius
8. Any Tattoos and/or Piercings? No and Yes
9. Worst habit? Procrastination
10. Do we know each other outside of the internet? Possibly.... I know a lot of people outside the Internet (from meeting them there).... It's the reason I'm sort of anonymous. I don't mind if you know me if I know you're reading, but if you refuse to let me know who you are, then I don't want to tell you who I am either.
11. What is your favorite sport? If I had to watch something on TV it'd be gymnastics or ice skating.
12. Negative or Optimistic attitude? Most of the time optimistic... or else I'm bailing out because something actually is futile.
13. What would you do if you were stuck in an elevator? I'd hope I had my crackberry to play with. I get very bored easily. If I didn't, and I was alone, I'd exercise.
14. Worst thing to ever happen to you? This is a tough one. I've been in terrible situations, and have lost wonderful people in my life. It's hard to quantify something as "the worst." No loss is good.
15. Tell me one weird fact about you: I think I've shared more than one before.
16. Do you have any pets? I have a wonderful kitty who is no longer with us. MWH has a wonderful kitty still. The girls will get a kitty soon!
17. Do you know how to do the macerana? Yes. We have pictures of MWH and me and a whole slew of wonderful female friends doing it at our wedding. MWH was the only guy who would do it.
18. What time is it where you are now? 9:50 am
19. Do you think clowns are cute or scary? Yup.
20. If you could change one thing about how you look, what would it be??? I would get rid of my scars. They aren't that noticeable, but they remind me that I was a very klutzy kid. Heh.
21. Would you be my crime partner or my conscience? Conscience
22. What color eyes do you have? Blue
23. Ever been arrested? No
24. What is your favorite drink? COFFEE! and Ice Water with a splash of some type of juice.
25. If you won $10,000 dollars today, what would you do with it? I'm sure we'd spend it on something related to the house. We need furniture and to finish a lot of stuff.
26. What kind of bubble gum do you prefer to chew? I used to love gum... Now it hurts my jaw (although that's getting better slowly). Now I like trident with xylitol.
27. What 's your favorite place to hang? At home with MWH and my girls.
28. Do you believe in ghosts? I believe there are things we don't understand.
29. Favorite thing to do in your spare time? If you can't guess what my favorite thing to do in my spare time is from the number of blog posts I have.... Heh.
30. Do you swear a lot? When I'm forced to use stupid M$ products, or when I'm really really tired.
31. Biggest pet peeve? To be told by a salesperson, "The more you spend, the more you save..." Um, no, the more you spend, the more you spend. I HATE THAT. I am not dumb.
32. In one word, how would you describe yourself? Um, Me? This is actually impossible. There are too many dimensions to put into one word. I'll have to think about this and get back to you.
Friday, March 16, 2007
Much easier...
MWH has been really busy this week with a deadline. He worked late Wednesday night (until 11:30) and tonight too. A year ago, this couldn't have happened. I would have cried. I don't think I could have gotten all 3 into bed by myself. Maybe I could have... I actually think I did it once or twice on my own last year, but it was hard and I didn't like it one little bit... (Remember, last year, Miss K (2.75) was SGR girl a lot. And Miss T was so little... And Miss N was not in a good place... )
I am glad that I can handle bedtime for 3 little girls all by myself without MWH. It's actually not bad--I might even try to let him work late once a week (or every other week). (He'll read this and get so excited.)
I'm still not sure if I'd take them out to dinner by myself, but my friend and inspiration Nino wouldn't take her 3 girls by herself either so I don't feel too bad. Maybe by the end of summer.... Maybe.
I am glad that I can handle bedtime for 3 little girls all by myself without MWH. It's actually not bad--I might even try to let him work late once a week (or every other week). (He'll read this and get so excited.)
I'm still not sure if I'd take them out to dinner by myself, but my friend and inspiration Nino wouldn't take her 3 girls by herself either so I don't feel too bad. Maybe by the end of summer.... Maybe.
One room?
Tonight, Miss T (18 months) declared she wanted to sleep in the same room as N (5) and K (2.75). So far, it's been an hour and no one is asleep yet, but they are all in the same room. Everytime I think I should go get Miss T and put her in her own room, she refuses to let me pick her up from the crib in their room. I'm letting them have until 10:30 to fall asleep and then T goes to her room. 29 minutes to go.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Question....
When you were a student... Did you turn in your assignments or not?
When I was a student, it NEVER occurred to me to NOT do an assignment. I may not have wanted to do them... I may have procrastinated and done them at the last minute, but I'd always do them, and I'd usually get good grades on them.
Tell me about what you did when you were a student. I think I have some slackers!
When I was a student, it NEVER occurred to me to NOT do an assignment. I may not have wanted to do them... I may have procrastinated and done them at the last minute, but I'd always do them, and I'd usually get good grades on them.
Tell me about what you did when you were a student. I think I have some slackers!
In a minute...
I've never run a marathon, but I imagine I'd feel a lot like I feel right now if I had. I am completely spent.
I just want to sit and write blog entries, or make web pages for my family site (email me if you want to see it or leave me a comment with your email in it and I will delete your comment and email and then send you my link).
I'm tired. Tired there should be pronounced closer to Tarred... like tar and feathers...
Here's a list of what I need to do while I'm "off." I'll put strikes through them as I finish so you can follow along with my progress. Fun, fun!
1. Finish grading assignments and recording grades for students; TH,I1, HW1, PH.
2. Finish creating HW2. (95% done)
3. Finish creating test. AND create the key (95% done) and figure out if I will mark them by hand or have the test center do it. Gah. If they do it I'll have to drive up to get ther results because they can't email. Hmmmmm.... What to do. On the other hand, I get STATISTICS about each question if they do it.... Hmmmmmm...
4. Finish creating essay questions (for test).
5. Think about what things I will do in review session Monday (will do this while working on test some, but then need to make final decision). (50% done)
6. Finish that last article from the Lit Review (so that that's DONE). (Got word that I should do it today/tomorrow so I'm not quite off yet.) (and may I add, WOO-HOO!!!)
7. Finish Chart for the project with my friend and get to work on reviewing some other articles for that. Turning my attention to that now... (First draft done)
8. Rest my weary body. if only the little girls would let me!
The funny thing was (funny as in, I'm insane, but not really funny), I woke up this morning somewhat refreshed (compared to how I felt yesterday) and I thought, Huh, maybe I don't need to take these two days off afterall, maybe I'm okay. NOT. I need to take the time for me. I feel like I've run a marathon.
I just want to sit and write blog entries, or make web pages for my family site (email me if you want to see it or leave me a comment with your email in it and I will delete your comment and email and then send you my link).
I'm tired. Tired there should be pronounced closer to Tarred... like tar and feathers...
Here's a list of what I need to do while I'm "off." I'll put strikes through them as I finish so you can follow along with my progress. Fun, fun!
2. Finish creating HW2. (95% done)
8. Rest my weary body. if only the little girls would let me!
The funny thing was (funny as in, I'm insane, but not really funny), I woke up this morning somewhat refreshed (compared to how I felt yesterday) and I thought, Huh, maybe I don't need to take these two days off afterall, maybe I'm okay. NOT. I need to take the time for me. I feel like I've run a marathon.
Trying to feel better
I don't like being in a funk. I need to go get some coffee. That will help pull me out of this funk too.
Two other good things...
1. A friend is coming to visit! I haven't seen her since February 2005. Yippee! She'll come in May.
2. I spoke with a colleague. He's a new colleague. He's done some work in the area I work in, but he's more on the evaluation side and I'm more on the training side. It turns out that we both went and worked with the same people in a state that is far away from here. Totally wild. He worked with them years after I did. It was fun to share stories.
It turns out that "that project" (we'll call them the sandwich project because they had BLT in their name) actually ended up doing some phenomenal things after I worked with them (note, I'm not taking credit for their success, but just documenting that they did succeed). When I trained them, I saw some glimmers there and I did see some activity after the training, but I didn't know how it would end.
It's nice to know that they worked hard and were pretty darn successful. In addition, in the story my colleague told me, there was even an indictment of one of the higher-ups since he was embezzling. Who knew?!
Okay... must run for coffee.
Two other good things...
1. A friend is coming to visit! I haven't seen her since February 2005. Yippee! She'll come in May.
2. I spoke with a colleague. He's a new colleague. He's done some work in the area I work in, but he's more on the evaluation side and I'm more on the training side. It turns out that we both went and worked with the same people in a state that is far away from here. Totally wild. He worked with them years after I did. It was fun to share stories.
It turns out that "that project" (we'll call them the sandwich project because they had BLT in their name) actually ended up doing some phenomenal things after I worked with them (note, I'm not taking credit for their success, but just documenting that they did succeed). When I trained them, I saw some glimmers there and I did see some activity after the training, but I didn't know how it would end.
It's nice to know that they worked hard and were pretty darn successful. In addition, in the story my colleague told me, there was even an indictment of one of the higher-ups since he was embezzling. Who knew?!
Okay... must run for coffee.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Really really really tired
Yup... at least 3 times as tired as normal.
I'm still recovering from my bout with bronchitis.... I'm feeling better. MWH can even hug me a little now (see post below from yesterday about how he couldn't because it hurt too much). However, I'm just exhausted... Here's why:
In which I drone on about the Lit Review
Remember my deadline of last Tuesday for the lit review? Well, on Tuesday it was decided we should all do 2 more things in our reviews... and then they extended the deadline. And then I suggested we make sure we've found all the articles in one area by going through a meta-analysis I read about. So I was tasked with that. And I found 2 more articles.
And then the deadline got extended a bit more because of the additional work... And then I got sick.... And then I was useless to do real work... and then I had to work really really fast yesterday to finish up in time for last night's new deadline... And I finished all but one article... I did everything. And then I had to stop and send off all but one article... And now, sometime within the next few hours/day I need to read that last article and send off the review info... or maybe not... I'm not sure. I need to check with the leader of the project. I hope I'm done, but I fear I'm not.
And then there is stress
We have some big things going on that I can't even blog about.... I cried today. I got so frickin' overwhelmed by it all that I cried. I don't mean to keep you in the dark, but if you know me in real life, and you call me, you'll hear all about the problems. These problems are work-related. MWH and little girls are wonderful as usual (and getting healthier even!).
And then my class
I have a new assignment to grade, and I promised theannoying buggers students that I'd calculate their grades before the midterm for them. Gah. In all fairness, I have all these online assignments that they have to complete and they are a little confused about what they have and haven't done and what they need to do. By giving them their grades they will know exactly where they stand.
Another project I do
A friend and I are going to give a talk somewhere in April. It's going to be fun and good for us to do this! I plan to work on this on the days I take off.... (see below!)
The good news
I'm going to take the rest of the week off work.... I have 160 hours of vacation accrued. I should use some of it. I deserve it. I'm going to email the Lit Review person and find out if I need to do anything else right now or if we can talk after Monday. I'm going to try sleep, recover the rest of the way from this illness, hang with my little girls, and catch up on things.... Maybe even do one of the new memes I've seen on different blogs.... What fun!
Note: You can tell I'm tired when I resort to using ... everywhere. Sorry... I'm exhausted.
I'm still recovering from my bout with bronchitis.... I'm feeling better. MWH can even hug me a little now (see post below from yesterday about how he couldn't because it hurt too much). However, I'm just exhausted... Here's why:
In which I drone on about the Lit Review
Remember my deadline of last Tuesday for the lit review? Well, on Tuesday it was decided we should all do 2 more things in our reviews... and then they extended the deadline. And then I suggested we make sure we've found all the articles in one area by going through a meta-analysis I read about. So I was tasked with that. And I found 2 more articles.
And then the deadline got extended a bit more because of the additional work... And then I got sick.... And then I was useless to do real work... and then I had to work really really fast yesterday to finish up in time for last night's new deadline... And I finished all but one article... I did everything. And then I had to stop and send off all but one article... And now, sometime within the next few hours/day I need to read that last article and send off the review info... or maybe not... I'm not sure. I need to check with the leader of the project. I hope I'm done, but I fear I'm not.
And then there is stress
We have some big things going on that I can't even blog about.... I cried today. I got so frickin' overwhelmed by it all that I cried. I don't mean to keep you in the dark, but if you know me in real life, and you call me, you'll hear all about the problems. These problems are work-related. MWH and little girls are wonderful as usual (and getting healthier even!).
And then my class
I have a new assignment to grade, and I promised the
Another project I do
A friend and I are going to give a talk somewhere in April. It's going to be fun and good for us to do this! I plan to work on this on the days I take off.... (see below!)
The good news
I'm going to take the rest of the week off work.... I have 160 hours of vacation accrued. I should use some of it. I deserve it. I'm going to email the Lit Review person and find out if I need to do anything else right now or if we can talk after Monday. I'm going to try sleep, recover the rest of the way from this illness, hang with my little girls, and catch up on things.... Maybe even do one of the new memes I've seen on different blogs.... What fun!
Note: You can tell I'm tired when I resort to using ... everywhere. Sorry... I'm exhausted.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
MoMelmo
MoMelmo=More Elmo.
Yesterday, T (18 months) learned that on my computer, you can see ELMO! (At the Sesame Workshop Site.)
When we shut the lid on the powerbook, she pawed at it and said MoMelmo! MoMelmo!
She just started "saying" more. She has been signing it for months (probably 6-9--I'm sure I recorded it) but she started verbalizing it recently... Or I just recently understood her verbalizing.
Yesterday, T (18 months) learned that on my computer, you can see ELMO! (At the Sesame Workshop Site.)
When we shut the lid on the powerbook, she pawed at it and said MoMelmo! MoMelmo!
She just started "saying" more. She has been signing it for months (probably 6-9--I'm sure I recorded it) but she started verbalizing it recently... Or I just recently understood her verbalizing.
It is stuck...
"It is stuck," is how T (18 months) greeted me this morning when I went to get her. Indeed, one of her toys was stuck between the bars of the crib. She kept saying, "It is stuck," over and over until I got it out.
I had no idea she knew the word stuck.
Tonight when she was trying to shut a door and it wouldn't go, she would say, "It is stuck."
She's also been working on the ABC song.... She's not anywhere close but she'll say a, o, g, p, t, r, and a lot of other letter sounds. She doesn't quite have the tune, but she has a rhythmic way of saying it. Then she'll look at me and I'll sing the song for real and she'll get a big grin. Then she'll make another attempt. SO CUTE!
I love it when they acquire language. LOVE IT.
I had no idea she knew the word stuck.
Tonight when she was trying to shut a door and it wouldn't go, she would say, "It is stuck."
She's also been working on the ABC song.... She's not anywhere close but she'll say a, o, g, p, t, r, and a lot of other letter sounds. She doesn't quite have the tune, but she has a rhythmic way of saying it. Then she'll look at me and I'll sing the song for real and she'll get a big grin. Then she'll make another attempt. SO CUTE!
I love it when they acquire language. LOVE IT.
ouch!
MWH hugged me this morning and I said, "Ouch!" My chest is so sore and so is my back.
I determined last night, with the help of google, that I have probably pulled a muscle from all the coughing. Ugh. In 2-3 days I'll probably feel better. Right now it hurts. All the way down my arm too. If your back is sore, a lot of other parts of you are going to be sore too.
After I said ouch, MWH said, "I can't make you laugh, 'cause that hurts and I can't hug you either. We need you to get well."
I agree.
I determined last night, with the help of google, that I have probably pulled a muscle from all the coughing. Ugh. In 2-3 days I'll probably feel better. Right now it hurts. All the way down my arm too. If your back is sore, a lot of other parts of you are going to be sore too.
After I said ouch, MWH said, "I can't make you laugh, 'cause that hurts and I can't hug you either. We need you to get well."
I agree.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Another trip to the doctor...
This morning, Miss K (2.75) woke up coughing a lot... I'll spare you the details of what all came out of the coughing, but think green. Ewwww!
She was hot. I took her temperature and it was ~101. I had figured she was over the worst of it yesterday, but apparently not. Since I am now convinced that we are too sick to fight things off on our own, I called the doctor. MWH took her in this afternoon because he was taking off sick today.
Miss K was excited to go to the doctor. She got all dressed up with lots of jewelry (her sparkly stuff) and had MWH put her hair in a pony tail with two barrettes. The last time we went to the doctor all 3 went and K didn't feel the doctor checked her out thoroughly. Today she had all of the doctor's attention and she was delighted.
Diagnosis: Ear infection. 10 days of amoxicillin 2x a day. It's a good thing she seems to like the medicine.
The rest of us... My chest still hurts... a lot. Any one know how long till your chest feels better after you take medicine? I taught my class. MWH's throat hurts... N (5) went to preschool but didn't stay for extended day care. T (18 months) has a fever and we'll see what tomorrow brings for her... Another day, another doctor's visit? I kind of wanted MWH to just take T with K, but he thought she was doing okay. We'll see.
She was hot. I took her temperature and it was ~101. I had figured she was over the worst of it yesterday, but apparently not. Since I am now convinced that we are too sick to fight things off on our own, I called the doctor. MWH took her in this afternoon because he was taking off sick today.
Miss K was excited to go to the doctor. She got all dressed up with lots of jewelry (her sparkly stuff) and had MWH put her hair in a pony tail with two barrettes. The last time we went to the doctor all 3 went and K didn't feel the doctor checked her out thoroughly. Today she had all of the doctor's attention and she was delighted.
Diagnosis: Ear infection. 10 days of amoxicillin 2x a day. It's a good thing she seems to like the medicine.
The rest of us... My chest still hurts... a lot. Any one know how long till your chest feels better after you take medicine? I taught my class. MWH's throat hurts... N (5) went to preschool but didn't stay for extended day care. T (18 months) has a fever and we'll see what tomorrow brings for her... Another day, another doctor's visit? I kind of wanted MWH to just take T with K, but he thought she was doing okay. We'll see.
Daylight Savings Anyone?
We've shifted. One thing, I never expected, was that being sick could cause the shift to be so painless. You know how normally you are tired for a few days around the shift? Well, if you're really sick, and really tired anyway, you don't seem to notice the shift. Heh! An advantage to being sick.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
sick status
MWH sick. Fortunately, it is "just a cold" so far.
K (2.75) seems to be over the worst of it. This morning she woke up not coughing. This is the first time she hasn't been hacking up a lung in a few days. Yesterday and Friday she had a low-grade fever. I haven't taken her temperature today. I think she's normal or 99. She's still very whiny. That seems to be one of the hallmarks of this cold. It turns them whiny and makes me cry (emotional R us). Oh, and goopy eyes. Did I mention the goopy eyes? Another distinct trademark of this cold.
N (5) seems pretty good. She doesn't want to go to school tomorrow (she says) but we'll see what happens tomorrow. She didn't have a fever yesterday (99 a couple of times) but nothing like Friday. She seems better today than yesterday.
T (18 months) is probably the sickest little girl today. She has a little fever (~100), but she is such a happy-go-lucky baby (#3's seem to be!) that other than a little whimpering occasionally, you wouldn't know.
Me... I am tired. My chest still hurts. I guess, given that it hurt for 2 weeks before I went to the doctor, I shouldn't expect it to be all better today only 2 days after antibiotics. I got coffee today (didn't have any Friday or Saturday... How I knew I was really sick!). The coffee is helping give me some energy.
We're all a little stir-crazy and twitchy today. MWH and I want to do some work and the girls, well they are bored. Off I go to try to play and then get some naps going.
K (2.75) seems to be over the worst of it. This morning she woke up not coughing. This is the first time she hasn't been hacking up a lung in a few days. Yesterday and Friday she had a low-grade fever. I haven't taken her temperature today. I think she's normal or 99. She's still very whiny. That seems to be one of the hallmarks of this cold. It turns them whiny and makes me cry (emotional R us). Oh, and goopy eyes. Did I mention the goopy eyes? Another distinct trademark of this cold.
N (5) seems pretty good. She doesn't want to go to school tomorrow (she says) but we'll see what happens tomorrow. She didn't have a fever yesterday (99 a couple of times) but nothing like Friday. She seems better today than yesterday.
T (18 months) is probably the sickest little girl today. She has a little fever (~100), but she is such a happy-go-lucky baby (#3's seem to be!) that other than a little whimpering occasionally, you wouldn't know.
Me... I am tired. My chest still hurts. I guess, given that it hurt for 2 weeks before I went to the doctor, I shouldn't expect it to be all better today only 2 days after antibiotics. I got coffee today (didn't have any Friday or Saturday... How I knew I was really sick!). The coffee is helping give me some energy.
We're all a little stir-crazy and twitchy today. MWH and I want to do some work and the girls, well they are bored. Off I go to try to play and then get some naps going.
My Da-da
Just a few minutes ago, Miss T (18 months) was sitting by MWH and she reached over, touched his arm and in the sweetest T voice said, "My Da-da my Da-da."
All together now... 1, 2, 3.... Awwww.
All together now... 1, 2, 3.... Awwww.
Doctor visits
Did I ever tell you how much I don't like going to the doctor? I like going to my OB/GYN, but not the doctor. I don't really have a "regular" doctor. When I was pregnant and seeing my OB/GYN all the time, it didn't matter so much. Now, I fear, it does matter.
I saw this one family practice doctor I liked, but now she's "full" and won't take any new patients. I am considered a "new patient" because I let 3 years go between visits to her. If they would have told me I needed to see her again, I would have. I think I may try to get back in to her because I did like her (7 years ago). My new doctor... The one they assigned me, I don't really like. I don't dislike, but I just don't feel anything towards her. I feel that if you're going to have as intimate of a relationship as you have with a doctor that you should like them. If they are going to be the one making decisions (with you) about your health, then you at least should agree on a philosophy.
Anyway, when I decide it's time to go to the doctor (e.g., what happened on Friday), I also think you should be able to get in to see a doctor right away. Maybe the rest of the world doesn't have the belief I do about waiting, and maybe that's why they book appointments four days later, but I would have probably been really sick by Monday.
(The antibiotics seem to be helping a great deal. I think I needed them. I still am exhausted and in pain, but it's a little better. I'll do a full update on the whole gang after we've been up for a while and can tell how everyone is doing.)
Anyway, in my copious spare time, I will try to find a doctor I like. I love the girls' pediatrician. I love my OB/GYN. Now I need to find a family doctor I love too.
I saw this one family practice doctor I liked, but now she's "full" and won't take any new patients. I am considered a "new patient" because I let 3 years go between visits to her. If they would have told me I needed to see her again, I would have. I think I may try to get back in to her because I did like her (7 years ago). My new doctor... The one they assigned me, I don't really like. I don't dislike, but I just don't feel anything towards her. I feel that if you're going to have as intimate of a relationship as you have with a doctor that you should like them. If they are going to be the one making decisions (with you) about your health, then you at least should agree on a philosophy.
Anyway, when I decide it's time to go to the doctor (e.g., what happened on Friday), I also think you should be able to get in to see a doctor right away. Maybe the rest of the world doesn't have the belief I do about waiting, and maybe that's why they book appointments four days later, but I would have probably been really sick by Monday.
(The antibiotics seem to be helping a great deal. I think I needed them. I still am exhausted and in pain, but it's a little better. I'll do a full update on the whole gang after we've been up for a while and can tell how everyone is doing.)
Anyway, in my copious spare time, I will try to find a doctor I like. I love the girls' pediatrician. I love my OB/GYN. Now I need to find a family doctor I love too.
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Making Frozen Pizza
Here are the steps to making and serving a frozen pizza in our house....
1. Buy an Amy's Frozen Pizza....
With ingredients like these, you don't even have to feel guilty about feeding it to your precious offspring! Ingredients (shamelessly copied from the Amy's Kitchen web site).
Cheese Pizza Ingredients:
ORGANIC WHEAT FLOUR WITH ORGANIC OAT BRAN AND WHEAT GERM, ORGANIC TOMATOES, PART-SKIM MOZZARELLA CHEESE, FILTERED WATER, ORGANIC EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL, HONEY, SEA SALT, ORGANIC RED ONIONS, EXPELLER PRESSED HIGH OLEIC SAFFLOWER OIL, YEAST, SPICES, ORGANIC GARLIC. CONTAINS WHEAT AND MILK.
2. Cook according to directions (almost) on the box.
(I actually never pre-heat the oven because usually N (5) is starving and I need the pizza FAST. If I preheat for 15 minutes and then cook for 15 it takes too long... not preheating probably saves 10 precious minutes total.)
3. Let the pizza cool for 1-2 minutes (or as long as you can before N whines too much!).
4. Cut the pizza into small pieces.
5. Put the cut up pizza back into the freezer to let it cool because N only likes COLD pizza.
6. After as long as N can wait, serve the pizza. (Remember, she's STARVING.)
Yea, It seems like there should be a way to minimize some of the steps here... Any suggestions?
1. Buy an Amy's Frozen Pizza....
With ingredients like these, you don't even have to feel guilty about feeding it to your precious offspring! Ingredients (shamelessly copied from the Amy's Kitchen web site).
Cheese Pizza Ingredients:
ORGANIC WHEAT FLOUR WITH ORGANIC OAT BRAN AND WHEAT GERM, ORGANIC TOMATOES, PART-SKIM MOZZARELLA CHEESE, FILTERED WATER, ORGANIC EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL, HONEY, SEA SALT, ORGANIC RED ONIONS, EXPELLER PRESSED HIGH OLEIC SAFFLOWER OIL, YEAST, SPICES, ORGANIC GARLIC. CONTAINS WHEAT AND MILK.
2. Cook according to directions (almost) on the box.
(I actually never pre-heat the oven because usually N (5) is starving and I need the pizza FAST. If I preheat for 15 minutes and then cook for 15 it takes too long... not preheating probably saves 10 precious minutes total.)
3. Let the pizza cool for 1-2 minutes (or as long as you can before N whines too much!).
4. Cut the pizza into small pieces.
5. Put the cut up pizza back into the freezer to let it cool because N only likes COLD pizza.
6. After as long as N can wait, serve the pizza. (Remember, she's STARVING.)
Yea, It seems like there should be a way to minimize some of the steps here... Any suggestions?
don't come over today...
I have declared that we are all sick and that no one is going any where until we are all well. As soon as I said this, N (5), without missing a beat, said, "But we can go shopping. We need some food."
Alas, she is right.
MWH is feeling sick too. He got up in the middle of the night (Thursday to Friday) when I was too exhausted and when K (2.75) was calling for him. (Yay was what I had to say about her calling for HIM!) Thursday to Friday night, I stayed in bed all night for the first time in a long time.
When MWH got up yesterday (Friday), he hinted at how exhausted he was (from getting up in the middle of the night) and that he felt like he was getting sick. I didn't feel sorry for him. I am a bad wife. Actually, I am a sick person. I have no sympathy at the moment because I have been going with a cold/bronchitis for 3 weeks now. I'm not expecting sympathy from any person out there because I chose to keep going. But now, I need some help. I am so exhausted. I reached the end of my rope. Not the "true end" but the "if I don't stop now, I will be really really really reallly sick" end. I felt the warning of this yesterday, and that is why I went to the doctor.
This morning (Saturday), MWH woke up sick too. We both feel achy and exhausted. I am now feeling a little sorry for him. I am grateful that he feels up to going out and getting food for us.
N wanted to go to gymnastics and that is when I declared our self-imposed quarantine...
I am rambling... I am tired. I think it's going to be a long weekend dealing with 3 little girls who are very bored and stuck at home with parents who are barely moving. Maybe we should get a new video or two.
Alas, she is right.
MWH is feeling sick too. He got up in the middle of the night (Thursday to Friday) when I was too exhausted and when K (2.75) was calling for him. (Yay was what I had to say about her calling for HIM!) Thursday to Friday night, I stayed in bed all night for the first time in a long time.
When MWH got up yesterday (Friday), he hinted at how exhausted he was (from getting up in the middle of the night) and that he felt like he was getting sick. I didn't feel sorry for him. I am a bad wife. Actually, I am a sick person. I have no sympathy at the moment because I have been going with a cold/bronchitis for 3 weeks now. I'm not expecting sympathy from any person out there because I chose to keep going. But now, I need some help. I am so exhausted. I reached the end of my rope. Not the "true end" but the "if I don't stop now, I will be really really really reallly sick" end. I felt the warning of this yesterday, and that is why I went to the doctor.
This morning (Saturday), MWH woke up sick too. We both feel achy and exhausted. I am now feeling a little sorry for him. I am grateful that he feels up to going out and getting food for us.
N wanted to go to gymnastics and that is when I declared our self-imposed quarantine...
I am rambling... I am tired. I think it's going to be a long weekend dealing with 3 little girls who are very bored and stuck at home with parents who are barely moving. Maybe we should get a new video or two.
Friday, March 09, 2007
Priorities...
I was all set to send N (5) to preschool this morning and then she whined at me about how tired she was. Since I was feeling tired this morning too, I was sympathetic. I asked MWH what he thought and he thought she was probably trying to manipulate me and not go.
Sidebar: Normally N loves preschool, but the last week or so she's been a little sick and trying to get out of it. I imagine it's a phase that will pass soon.
Anyway, I waffled. Back and forth... Send her, don't send her. I didn't really want to send her, but Mary Poppins agreed with MWH... I decided to be "tough" and send her to school.... And then I felt her forehead. She was hot. I took her temperature and it said 103. She'd even had ibuprofen. Miss N always runs hot when she has a fever. Needless to say, she didn't have to go to preschool. She certainly didn't look like a kid with a fever of 103, but she did look a little off.
I had several phone meetings today and a haircut appointment... And I decided to take myself to the doctor. N went with me to the haircut and then one of our wonderful college students came and got her so I could go to the doctor by myself. I was going to urgent care because I couldn't get in to ANY DOCTOR in the practice I see until Monday... I didn't want to take N with me not knowing how long I might be waiting there.
Note though, I did my haircut first and then the doctor... Priorities... Heh. But seriously, I made this appointment 5 weeks ago and I NEEDED to go. I went to a new person. So far, so good. I am breaking up with yet ANOTHER hair dresser (the one I've been seeing since 12/05). MWH laughs at how fickle I am with regard to hair people. I'm a love-em and leave-em kind of girl. MWH is glad I am only that way to hair stylists. I am truly devoted to almost everything else in my life... Same job for almost 10 years... Same MWH for almost 11. About 10 hairdressers in 11 years....So, pretty much, it sucks to be my hairdresser.... or maybe I just haven't met the right one. I am hopeful about this new one... I'll tell you more about her later.
Anyway, at the doctor.... I was diagnosed with bronchitis and got my antibiotics. I don't like antibiotics. I haven't been sick enough to warrant antibiotics since 1999.... Oh, actually I guess I had one bladder infection while I was pregnant with T in 2005, but I wasn't sick... It just showed up on the routine culture they run. I wasn't happy about needing antibiotics... But I digress. This was my first bronchitis diagnosis. Sigh.
I definitely feel that I'm running a little over my limit in terms of responsibilities right now. Oh, and then I found out my parents want to come visit for 10 days in April... While I am excited to see them, when they visit, it's work. You can look in November 2005 archives to learn more about why, if you want. I'm too tired and sick to go look up the post I made back then and link to it. (Edited: Link below now....)
That's kind of why I took myself to the doctor today... not because my parents are visiting, but because I feel BLAH. My cough wasn't that bad, but I find myself feeling more and more run down... and no desire to do anything... Very unlike me. I even almost cried yesterday... VERY unlike me.
Anyway... I'm now going to rest until MWH gets home to relieve the nanny... I'm not sure I remember how to rest during the day... It's been so long since I've done it.
Oh... One good thing at the doctor...
I want their scale...
I need their scale...
I love their scale...
I LOVE THEIR SCALE....
My weight, fully clothed (with jeans and all) was 8 pounds lighter than I expected! I think their scale was a little on the light side... I can see being 3 pounds lighter because I haven't felt like eating that much since I've been sick... but 8!!! In jeans! According to their scale I'm only 1 pound away from my goal weight... It is a lie, but I am enjoying and reveling in it right now.
Edited to add the link that my friend Ruth found for me... Thanks Ruth! here's the link. Seriously, thank you for finding the link.
Sidebar: Normally N loves preschool, but the last week or so she's been a little sick and trying to get out of it. I imagine it's a phase that will pass soon.
Anyway, I waffled. Back and forth... Send her, don't send her. I didn't really want to send her, but Mary Poppins agreed with MWH... I decided to be "tough" and send her to school.... And then I felt her forehead. She was hot. I took her temperature and it said 103. She'd even had ibuprofen. Miss N always runs hot when she has a fever. Needless to say, she didn't have to go to preschool. She certainly didn't look like a kid with a fever of 103, but she did look a little off.
I had several phone meetings today and a haircut appointment... And I decided to take myself to the doctor. N went with me to the haircut and then one of our wonderful college students came and got her so I could go to the doctor by myself. I was going to urgent care because I couldn't get in to ANY DOCTOR in the practice I see until Monday... I didn't want to take N with me not knowing how long I might be waiting there.
Note though, I did my haircut first and then the doctor... Priorities... Heh. But seriously, I made this appointment 5 weeks ago and I NEEDED to go. I went to a new person. So far, so good. I am breaking up with yet ANOTHER hair dresser (the one I've been seeing since 12/05). MWH laughs at how fickle I am with regard to hair people. I'm a love-em and leave-em kind of girl. MWH is glad I am only that way to hair stylists. I am truly devoted to almost everything else in my life... Same job for almost 10 years... Same MWH for almost 11. About 10 hairdressers in 11 years....So, pretty much, it sucks to be my hairdresser.... or maybe I just haven't met the right one. I am hopeful about this new one... I'll tell you more about her later.
Anyway, at the doctor.... I was diagnosed with bronchitis and got my antibiotics. I don't like antibiotics. I haven't been sick enough to warrant antibiotics since 1999.... Oh, actually I guess I had one bladder infection while I was pregnant with T in 2005, but I wasn't sick... It just showed up on the routine culture they run. I wasn't happy about needing antibiotics... But I digress. This was my first bronchitis diagnosis. Sigh.
I definitely feel that I'm running a little over my limit in terms of responsibilities right now. Oh, and then I found out my parents want to come visit for 10 days in April... While I am excited to see them, when they visit, it's work. You can look in November 2005 archives to learn more about why, if you want. I'm too tired and sick to go look up the post I made back then and link to it. (Edited: Link below now....)
That's kind of why I took myself to the doctor today... not because my parents are visiting, but because I feel BLAH. My cough wasn't that bad, but I find myself feeling more and more run down... and no desire to do anything... Very unlike me. I even almost cried yesterday... VERY unlike me.
Anyway... I'm now going to rest until MWH gets home to relieve the nanny... I'm not sure I remember how to rest during the day... It's been so long since I've done it.
Oh... One good thing at the doctor...
I want their scale...
I need their scale...
I love their scale...
I LOVE THEIR SCALE....
My weight, fully clothed (with jeans and all) was 8 pounds lighter than I expected! I think their scale was a little on the light side... I can see being 3 pounds lighter because I haven't felt like eating that much since I've been sick... but 8!!! In jeans! According to their scale I'm only 1 pound away from my goal weight... It is a lie, but I am enjoying and reveling in it right now.
Edited to add the link that my friend Ruth found for me... Thanks Ruth! here's the link. Seriously, thank you for finding the link.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
#743 for me #744 for them
K (2.75) was crying today because her ear hurt. We gave her some ibuprofen and it made her feel better. I don't want to have to take her to the doctor if it's not necessary. I'll make a decision when I see her tonight.
My throat and ears are bothering me. I think that this cold is focussing there. I'm not too bad (yet), and hopefully my zicaming will help. (I wish I would have thought of zicaming sooner than this morning!)
On a related note, a colleague and I were discussing germs... I was telling him how I thought preschool was the germiest place ever. My theory is that the flu and cold viruses have the perfect environment to mutate continuallly in our children. He came up with the idea that the germs are spontaneously generating at preschool. (Much like people used to think that fleas came from putrid matter as the Wikipedia says.)
(On another related note, did you know that knowledge generates spontaneously at the Wikipedia? Kidding! I love the Wikipedia.)
Okay... I'm obviously a little punchy. I should go finish up my work on that project that was supposed to have a dealine of Tuesday... Then Friday... Now Monday.... Sometimes my work increases and then NEVER SEEMS TO END.
Miss N (5) is such a good girl when she's sick. Last night, she was tired, and she said, I'm ready to go to bed now so I'll feel better. She went to bed a whole hour earlier than normal. Wowza.
My throat and ears are bothering me. I think that this cold is focussing there. I'm not too bad (yet), and hopefully my zicaming will help. (I wish I would have thought of zicaming sooner than this morning!)
On a related note, a colleague and I were discussing germs... I was telling him how I thought preschool was the germiest place ever. My theory is that the flu and cold viruses have the perfect environment to mutate continuallly in our children. He came up with the idea that the germs are spontaneously generating at preschool. (Much like people used to think that fleas came from putrid matter as the Wikipedia says.)
(On another related note, did you know that knowledge generates spontaneously at the Wikipedia? Kidding! I love the Wikipedia.)
Okay... I'm obviously a little punchy. I should go finish up my work on that project that was supposed to have a dealine of Tuesday... Then Friday... Now Monday.... Sometimes my work increases and then NEVER SEEMS TO END.
Miss N (5) is such a good girl when she's sick. Last night, she was tired, and she said, I'm ready to go to bed now so I'll feel better. She went to bed a whole hour earlier than normal. Wowza.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
I'm tired.
I can't tell if I'm coming down with cold #743 or if I'm just exhausted. I think it's probably just the latter at this moment, but since N (5) is sick and so is K with cold #744 this winter (they are at least one ahead of me, maybe 2... I've lost count), I might be. We'll know more in the morning.
The lit review... I completed all but 1 and 1/8 article before the meeting yesterday. I cranked and completed nearly 3 from 7 -8:30 am yesterday. I had more done than some of the team and about the same as some of the team. I now have to get one more article and check it out. If the article looks good, then I'll have to probably find a couple more that it references and go through those. Every one on the team was really close to completing everything, but no one was quite done so we now have a deadline of Friday for completion. I'll be done by the end of day tomorrow (hopefully).
What else... The little girls and I got more time than usual today. We had fun. We ate ice cream. I'd ask, who wants ice cream and T (18 months) would yell ME. It was so cute! I then did the "I scream and you scream we all scream for ice cream" diddy for them. They howled. I'm not sure T and K (2.75) totally got it, but they thought it was funny. I love an easy audience.
Okay... I'm exhausted now.
The lit review... I completed all but 1 and 1/8 article before the meeting yesterday. I cranked and completed nearly 3 from 7 -8:30 am yesterday. I had more done than some of the team and about the same as some of the team. I now have to get one more article and check it out. If the article looks good, then I'll have to probably find a couple more that it references and go through those. Every one on the team was really close to completing everything, but no one was quite done so we now have a deadline of Friday for completion. I'll be done by the end of day tomorrow (hopefully).
What else... The little girls and I got more time than usual today. We had fun. We ate ice cream. I'd ask, who wants ice cream and T (18 months) would yell ME. It was so cute! I then did the "I scream and you scream we all scream for ice cream" diddy for them. They howled. I'm not sure T and K (2.75) totally got it, but they thought it was funny. I love an easy audience.
Okay... I'm exhausted now.
Monday, March 05, 2007
Status Update
Lit Review:
4 more articles to go. I'll make it by midnight tomorrow for sure. I might even make COB (5 pm). I might get 2 more done before 10 am tomorrow. Or not. I'll see how tired I am at 6 am tomorrow.
N:
She's got a fever. She's got a goopy eye. The ear with fluid in it is hurting. I hope she's not too sick tomorrow, but preschool is out of the question.
I am so sad she's sick. She's such a little trooper. She rarely complains. If she feels sick, she just wants to go to bed. She's such a sweetie. I tucked her in with an extra blanket tonight because she was "cold" (the fever is making her feel that way). Poor girl.
4 more articles to go. I'll make it by midnight tomorrow for sure. I might even make COB (5 pm). I might get 2 more done before 10 am tomorrow. Or not. I'll see how tired I am at 6 am tomorrow.
N:
She's got a fever. She's got a goopy eye. The ear with fluid in it is hurting. I hope she's not too sick tomorrow, but preschool is out of the question.
I am so sad she's sick. She's such a little trooper. She rarely complains. If she feels sick, she just wants to go to bed. She's such a sweetie. I tucked her in with an extra blanket tonight because she was "cold" (the fever is making her feel that way). Poor girl.
Sunday, March 04, 2007
7 children????!
We're watching Sound of Music tonight. (I'm blogging while we're watching... I could give you a play-by-play if you want, but I'll spare you.)
N (5) is a bit shocked and apalled that there are 7 children in one family. She can't imagine being a nanny for 7 either. Though MWH and I agree with her, we're laughing because it's so funny to see her shocked reaction to 7 children.
N (5) is a bit shocked and apalled that there are 7 children in one family. She can't imagine being a nanny for 7 either. Though MWH and I agree with her, we're laughing because it's so funny to see her shocked reaction to 7 children.
Fountains in March
Yesterday, we went to the library. The library is great because of so many reasons, but the girls love the library because of the fountains in front! Even though it's only March (GOOD GRIEF HOW DID IT GET TO BE MARCH 2007????!), it was a warm day and before we left, K (2.75) and T (18 months) were so wet we had to take their clothes off before we strapped them into their carseats.
I too had my shoes off and was running around near the fountains barefoot and so was N (5). MWH was the only sensible (and dry) one among us. It was probably right around 70 and the sun was shining and it was fun. The water was cold, but it wasn't too bad. (Yea, I know some of you have blizzards or lots of snow and I can't even fathom that at all.)
As far as the lit review goes... 5 articles done ... I didn't get as much done as I wanted because I started working on my lecture. We'll see what happens today. I re-estimated and I think I have about 10-12 more hours of work on this task and the whole thing will have taken 18-20 hours. My first estimate range was 9-30 hours. Friday night I was hoping for 6-24 left and I did about 1.5-2 hours yesterday and now my refined estimate is 10-12 more. I will probably make the deadline if it's COB Tuesday and not in the morning. (When hours matter!)
On a related note, I need to rearrange my schedule a little so that I can have a little more work time during the day... I think April will be better because our gymnastics schedule will change (and be better!).
I too had my shoes off and was running around near the fountains barefoot and so was N (5). MWH was the only sensible (and dry) one among us. It was probably right around 70 and the sun was shining and it was fun. The water was cold, but it wasn't too bad. (Yea, I know some of you have blizzards or lots of snow and I can't even fathom that at all.)
As far as the lit review goes... 5 articles done ... I didn't get as much done as I wanted because I started working on my lecture. We'll see what happens today. I re-estimated and I think I have about 10-12 more hours of work on this task and the whole thing will have taken 18-20 hours. My first estimate range was 9-30 hours. Friday night I was hoping for 6-24 left and I did about 1.5-2 hours yesterday and now my refined estimate is 10-12 more. I will probably make the deadline if it's COB Tuesday and not in the morning. (When hours matter!)
On a related note, I need to rearrange my schedule a little so that I can have a little more work time during the day... I think April will be better because our gymnastics schedule will change (and be better!).
Friday, March 02, 2007
Large Lit Review Looms
I skimmed them last weekend and now this weekend I need to go through and pull all the details out of 14 articles. All this needs to be done by Tuesday. Best case scenario I have 6 more hours of work... Worst case 24. Wish me luck. Oh yea, and a lecture for Monday.
Previously she wrote...
Our previous house is now that. Thank goodness. It's been a long time coming.
I'm just sayin'.... (puppies)
If you're wanting a dog, don't go to this web site. Don't do it. DON'T! You'll be sorry!
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Another T skill
Tonight, after bath time, MWH was playing with T (18 months) and he was letting her run around. He knew the baby gate was shut so she couldn't go upstairs. She started running towards the stairs and then dropped to her hands and knees and shimmied under the baby gate. Free T__! He was shocked! He couldn't believe 1) she could do it, and 2) how fast she was.
Forever
When our girls start doing something new, we forget what it was like before they could do that skill... e.g., T's always walked and K and N have always spoken.
T's (18 months) new thing is crying when she goes to bed. I vaguely recall that for the longest time in T's life she would just lay down and snuggle with her blanket and go to sleep without a peep. I'm sure I wrote about it, but I don't feel like searching to find it. Okay, I felt guilty... Here's what I wrote... Apparently I didn't describe it very well, but it used to be so sweet. You'd lay T down in her crib and she'd just look at you with her big blue eyes and she'd clutch her blanket to her face and just lay there. It was so sweet.
That sweet sleep without a peep thing is a thing of the past. It seems like she's been screaming when we put her to bed forever. It's probably only been a week or 2. Who knows... Life is a blur. Anyway, now she screams. For about 5-10 minutes. If I hold her longer, she still screams when I put her down. Maybe if I held her until she was completely asleep she wouldn't scream, but who knows how long that would take because when I hold her she starts playing... she'll stick her fingers in my nose and say, "What's that?" Or start giggling. And not going to sleep. I dislike leaving her screaming, but it doesn't last long. I imagine this phase won't last long either.
On a related note, she is less of a T__adactyl during the day, but more at night going to bed. Conservation of screaming.
T's (18 months) new thing is crying when she goes to bed. I vaguely recall that for the longest time in T's life she would just lay down and snuggle with her blanket and go to sleep without a peep. I'm sure I wrote about it, but I don't feel like searching to find it. Okay, I felt guilty... Here's what I wrote... Apparently I didn't describe it very well, but it used to be so sweet. You'd lay T down in her crib and she'd just look at you with her big blue eyes and she'd clutch her blanket to her face and just lay there. It was so sweet.
That sweet sleep without a peep thing is a thing of the past. It seems like she's been screaming when we put her to bed forever. It's probably only been a week or 2. Who knows... Life is a blur. Anyway, now she screams. For about 5-10 minutes. If I hold her longer, she still screams when I put her down. Maybe if I held her until she was completely asleep she wouldn't scream, but who knows how long that would take because when I hold her she starts playing... she'll stick her fingers in my nose and say, "What's that?" Or start giggling. And not going to sleep. I dislike leaving her screaming, but it doesn't last long. I imagine this phase won't last long either.
On a related note, she is less of a T__adactyl during the day, but more at night going to bed. Conservation of screaming.
Trying to put it all together...
On the way to gymnastics yesterday, K (2.75) said, "If you run, you shouldn't run with ice cream and spill it on the sidewalk..."
Ummmmm, Okay. It seemed kind of random, but I figured it wasn't, so I asked her who she saw spilling ice cream on the sidewalk.
She said, "That boy on Curious George." Ahhh... (I am a bad Mommy and let my kids watch some TV. Okay, I'm over that guilt! I keep promising a post on why I don't think some TV, carefully chosen, is that bad, but I don't ever seem to get around to it.
Someday! I must also say that I don't really LIKE Curious George, but in the scheme of things he's not that bad... He annoys me now, but as a kid I liked reading books about him.)
Miss K spends a lot of time making sense of what she sees in the world around her and that includes what she sees on TV (she only watches educational or positive pro-social shows!).
It's all part of getting it together and gaining a better understanding of the world around her. I love how funny some of the things are that she says! She is so yummy! My little snuggler!
Ummmmm, Okay. It seemed kind of random, but I figured it wasn't, so I asked her who she saw spilling ice cream on the sidewalk.
She said, "That boy on Curious George." Ahhh... (I am a bad Mommy and let my kids watch some TV. Okay, I'm over that guilt! I keep promising a post on why I don't think some TV, carefully chosen, is that bad, but I don't ever seem to get around to it.
Someday! I must also say that I don't really LIKE Curious George, but in the scheme of things he's not that bad... He annoys me now, but as a kid I liked reading books about him.)
Miss K spends a lot of time making sense of what she sees in the world around her and that includes what she sees on TV (she only watches educational or positive pro-social shows!).
It's all part of getting it together and gaining a better understanding of the world around her. I love how funny some of the things are that she says! She is so yummy! My little snuggler!
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