6/23/10

Family stuff (I couldn't think of a clever title)

Hubby, the boys, and I got back from Yosemite last night. We had an amazing time, and I've written all about it on our family site, if you care to know what we did. It was really fun! The boys will hate us when they're older and find out they've been there... same for Maui... and Oahu... and San Fran...

Now we'll be spending the next few days getting everything ready for... (drumroll)... Melody's* visit!!!!! WOO HOO!! We're so stinkin' excited!!!!

Now that the cat's outta the bag, I can blog about it. For her tenth birthday, we chipped in to buy her an airfare to come to CA and visit us, and it was a surprise (I held off blogging in the off-chance that she'd read about it). I don't know if she knows what to expect with California, but she really wants to hold JC. In fact, when we asked her what she wanted to do, the first and only thing she said was "Hold JC". Aw.

So, she and my MIL* will be here on Saturday! I can't imagine being a 10 year old girl and getting a trip to California for my birthday! Holy cow, is she lucky! :)

*Names have been changed to protect identity. And no, you can't know what their real names are.

6/17/10

Day 1 of pelvic rest

Ha. Really? Pelvic rest for a mama with a 20 lb+ nine month old and a two year old toddler? I'm trying, I really am!

Today, I've realized how much bad stuff I've been doing for my pelvis. I figured the uncomfortableness was just due to my cartilage thinning. I pretty much can't do anything, even stand, without a tiny bit of pain. Hm.

The garbage hadn't been taken out this morning, so I left it. Yeah, trash day only comes once a week, but I wasn't going to lift that huge bin just to drag it to the curb (our driveway is kinda long and kinda steep).

Exercise biking, which I thought would be a smart workout, actually isn't. Sooo, nix that. Swimming was a great workout- I'll be the next Michael Phelps by the end of this.

Picking anything up, even groceries, causes pain. Nix that, too.

Standing in front of my laptop? Can't do that, either.

So I'm pretty limited in what I can do. I'm trying to avoid anything that causes any twinge, pain, pressure, etc. Boy, is it hard...

6/16/10

And people wonder why I never want to get pregnant again.

Well, the verdict has been revised. Yes, I have cartilage deteriorating in the symphysis joint of my pelvis, but I also have a fractured pelvis. In fact, the doctor says she and three x-ray technicians have never seen a fracture like that, and they don't really know what to tell me about how to fix it. It'll heal, but no one knows how long it will take.

So let's sum up pregnancy for this NH girl. An allergic reaction to the pregnancy hormones, which resulted in a rare rash that only .03% of all pregnant women get. Two c-sections because of my giant babies getting stuck. Now, a broken pelvis. Seriously. I didn't get gestational diabetes or preeclampsia or bad morning sickness or feet in the ribs (those low-riders...). I got the stupid stuff that no one else gets.

Now, why on earth would I want to put myself through that again? The only positive is that nothing will fool me now, since I'm experienced in the rare stuff. But really, it would have to be something huge and important for me to get preggers again, like my sister needed a surrogate or something.

I'm going to heal from this fracture, then never look at another baby bonnet or pair of booties again.

6/15/10

Random Tuesday Thoughts

How often do you reach into a 56 oz bag of peanut M&MS and pull out a handful of only orange ones? I'm going to buy a lottery ticket tonight.

All is quiet in the house. It's an eerie feeling.

WTF, California?? I thought it was mid-June. It's still cold enough to crank the heat in the morning and wear pants and long sleeves during the day. I hear inland it's much warmer, like upper 80s, but here by the coast, it's only getting into the 60s.

No more bobcat sightings, but I'm sure it'll be around again.

I've gained two pounds this weekend. Hubby was in Vegas, so I had a little Vegas of my own. Ate crap and drank rum. And it was much deserved!

There's an amusement park called Gilroy Gardens here, and the admission is $45 per person. Yikes. As I was sipping my coffee at the gym (enrichment week for Hubby = more gym time for me, yay!), I read a magazine with a 50% off coupon in it for the park. I stole the mag... then realized it was free anyway. Ha.

The cute guy that works at the gym check-in counter was there this morning... again. He knows which days and times I come in to work out. I know this because he said yesterday "You're late today!", and today he said "Had time to come in on a Tuesday, too?". Uh, am I really that predictable? But I'm not complaining- I get to smile at a cute guy every Monday (and for this week, Tuesday... bonus)!

Once again, I am going to need to be a bitch to get myself heard. I asked the pharmacy to PLEASE not automatically refill my thyroid meds. I got a letter today saying that it's been refilled. On May 20th. They restock the meds if you don't pick them up within 7 days, so wtf??? I never get the letter in time, so it's pointless to do that. *sigh* Time to morph into Angry Biatch Lady (Angry Pregnant Lady's reign has ended, but she passed the crown on to Angry Biatch Lady).

Hubby's worried about me injuring my pelvis more by working out. He is right (ugh, don't tell him I said that!)- I do need to take it easy. But I'm having the hardest time being motivated to work out and not being able to do what I want to do. Geez, this must be how overweight people feel. I think about the Biggest Loser people and how limited they are, and I know how that feels. It's depressing! I wouldn't want to live like this forever... which is why I'm taking Hubby's concerns to heart. If I f*** it up, I'll be in pain for the rest of my life. No thanks.

6/13/10

Thank you, Bacardi.

Um, I swear, I'm not an alcoholic. But I did stop at the grocery store and picked up all the fixings for a Bahama Mama (kind of... I couldn't find grenadine). I had one while making and eating dinner, then one after bed time on the deck watching the sun set. It was perfection.

Gosh, I just get so bored and frustrated sometimes. It seems like LB doesn't listen unless I'm being a bitch, and I don't want to be a bitch all the time. I wish the kid would listen the first time.... but he's 2 years old, I guess I can't expect much else. :) My day is so boring, yet so busy, and sometimes I just need something adult-ish, like a nice drink.

I skipped bath time. The boys just brushed their teeth, got their pjs on, and climbed into bed. Voluntarily. LB must have been especially tired, seeing how he didn't put up a fight at all. And even though bedtime was easy, that second drink on the deck reminded me that I'm an adult and I need some time to myself.

In case you're interested, here's the recipe... kind of. I made some short-cuts. It's supposed to have rum, coconut rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, grenadine, and ice all blended together. Yeaaaaaah, no. I bought pineapple-orange-banana juice and plain rum. I couldn't find grenadine, so I got maraschino cherries. Put about an ounce of rum in a tall glass, fill with juice, drop some cherry juice and two cherries in it, and stir it up. If you leave it as is, the cherry juice will sink to the bottom, so it'll look really cool with yellow on top and red on the bottom, but I decided to stir it up. Serve over ice, or I guess you could blend it in a blender if you want something slushy.

I should dub this "Mommy's Mental Vacation".

6/12/10

The verdict

The cartilage in my symphysis joint has started to deteriorate. Fabulous.

6/11/10

At least I would have really good breath.

It's a cocktail kind of night... but there isn't a single drop of alcohol in the house. Even my mouthwash is alcohol-free. It would be pretty nasty to chug mouthwash in hopes of a little buzz, but this mama's desperate.

I always laughed at those jokes about how mommmy drinks because the kids cry. Little do people know, it's actually true. Except for my senior year in college when I'm pretty sure I couldn't go a day without a beer, I've never needed a drink more.

The boys have been really good today, up until "nap time". I use quotes because it never really was nap time. LB whined and made noise, and JC was completely entertained by it and didn't sleep a wink. For nearly two hours. When I finally gave up and got them from their room, they both were in bad moods and hungry and cranky. Right up until bedtime, they were just terrible. LB kept pushing JC's face or hitting his head or something, and JC was acting like a friggin soccer player from France. The slightest little bump and he was all tears, flailing on the ground. *sigh* Bedtime was pretty early at 6:30pm, but I don't care- these kids need some sleep.

I stopped at Costco today and they had a huge selection of beer, wine, and liqour. I SHOULD HAVE PICKED SOME UP. Seriously, next time I'm stocking up. It kind of baffles me that we don't have ANY alcohol in the house. Yikes... I need some emergency booze!

6/8/10

Random Tuesday Thoughts

randomtuesday

Usually, my two year old LB will play outside on the driveway while I clean the kitchen or whatever with the front door open. Today, he decided to take a nap on the kitchen floor. Random, but I'm so glad he did because after he woke up, I noticed a FUCKING 30 POUND BOBCAT walking across my driveway, 20 feet from the front door that would have been open. Animal Control said to not let our kids play outside any more. I'm so terrified of living here now.

On a related note, I'm getting a bow and arrow.

Mmmm, chinese food for dinner tonight, yummy.

Hubby will be in Vegas this weekend. I'm trying to think of what to do with the boys while he's gone. I'm thinking it definitely won't involve playing out in the driveway.

Adam Sandler is wearing a UNH t-shirt in his new movie- go Wildcats!

I met someone at the park today. She had a boy LB's age and we were pushing our kids on the swings next to each other. It would be nice to get to know her but she's moving away in a month.... and she also breastfeeds her kid. Her two and a half year old kid. Is that strange? It seems strange to me...

I'm going to swim laps tomorrow at 5am. Yup, I'm nuts.

Hubby is making me watch the NBA finals. I'm soooo not into basketball. I don't really know what's going on, and I honestly don't care to know. Besides, I thought the basketball season was supposed to be over in spring.

I'm not anti-sports. I actually love football more than Hubby does. And I really enjoy baseball and hockey. Uh, as far as playing, I'm not so talented- I'm more of a ski person. Water and snow.

I had the strangest dreams last night, but I can't remember them. I just know that I woke up thinking, WTF??

I know I'm usually shy (without liquor, ha), but I'm trying to make an effort to keep in touch. I'm pretty sure my shyness comes across as standoffish or bitchy. Oh well.

For more fun randomness, visit The Unmom.

6/7/10

In a mood

Today is a cool, sunny day. I got a good workout in and this morning went just smoothly with the boys.

But I'm in a bad mood because of a few things. After over a week of hearing nothing, I finally called my doc and asked what was up with that x-ray I had done. Apparently, nothing. It looked normal. Of course it did, because my body has a funny way of being messed up and not showing it. But clearly my pelvis is not right, because it shouldn't be achy just standing (like right this minute). So she ordered an MRI. I know what the outcome will be: it will be normal. Just like every other test I've had done. Maybe I really AM crazy...

Also, Hubby sent me this email that started "Don't take this the wrong way, but...". Any email with that will probably be taken the wrong way. Besides, did he really want to pick a fight over something so stupid right before finals?? For the sake of his grades, I'm not going to make a big deal out of it (it was about me not stocking the fridge with veggies enough... I suppose it would be impossible for him to add to the endless grocery list in the kitchen....), but it pissed me off big time. He's going to grocery shop for his own groceries now. Whatever. If that's how he wants it, then fine. If I'm damned if I do, and damned if I don't, then I just give up.

I kicked my ass this morning in the gym, and now my pelvis is all achy. I HATE THIS. I want this to be over!! Why can't I have gone back to the way I was pre-babies? And if my doc tells me again that there is nothing wrong with me, I'm going to piss on my chart and smack her upside the head with it. Clearly something is not right- I just wish I could do something about it.

6/6/10

I love to hate it.

My new favorite show: "You're Cut Off" on VH1. Spoiled girls get thrown into an average house to learn some humility and life skills and to quit mooching off their parents. LOVE it. Hate it, but love to hate it.

Just another guilty pleasure! :)

6/5/10

Reply hazy, try again later.

Hubby and I have been discussing our future, specifically where we might get stationed after departmenthead school and which bases we'd like. I was pretty sure that the next few years of our lives were planned, but now things are so indefinite (not that they ever weren't, really) and I HATE that.

One option is Bangor, WA. We both want to experience the northwest, and the crime rate is low and the schools are good (generally speaking). Any time I take the quiz on www.findyourspot.com (try it, you'll love it!), my first place is Medina, WA. And out of my top five, there are always three in WA (the other two are usually Arkansas.... really? Arkansas? No thanks).

The other option is Kings Bay, GA. There are only two options if Hubby gets back on boomers (which is definitely what we want... shorter deployments and rotating crews, heck yes!), and GA is the other one. I was strongly opposed to ever living in the south again, but he pointed out a lot of good things about that area. First, we wouldn't actually live in GA- we'd live just over the border in Fernandina Beach, FL. It's a nice area, apparently. It's close (relatively speaking) to Disney World, my cousin & her family, my grandmother, and my aunt and uncle. The town is affluent, so the schools are probably good, and for FL it will also probably have a low rate of white trash.

So there are the two options... if he goes boomer. If he gets put on a fast attack sub again (long deployments and even longer hours in port), he'll be at work so much that it won't matter where we live. So Groton, CT is obviously at the top of my list. It's close to both of our families and I already know the area (kind of). I know what there is to do and I like what there is to do up there. The boys would be able to see their families so much more, and when we have a rare weekend where Hubby isn't at work, we might actually get a family member to watch the kids so we could have a date night.

After CT, the other bases are distant seconds (or fourths?). I wouldn't mind Pearl Harbor again, as long as we didn't also do a shore tour there. I can take about a few years until I'm ready to leave the island! San Diego and Norfolk are neck-and-neck for being last, but I think VA has a little advantage over SD. We'd be within driving distance to NH, we know the area already (I'm getting sick of moving to a new place and having to learn the geography every year or two), and the illegal immigration population is much less than San Diego. The last thing I want to do is live within a half hour from Mexico!

So, our lives are looking more and more unsure. Ugh. I absolutely hate that. I want to know where we'll be and what we'll be doing two years from now.

Only 6 more years in the Navy until retirement....

WE BOOKED OUR FLIGHTS!!

So yeah, we have our itinerary and everything for this big NH/Spain trip. Woo hoo!!

We're going to be leaving here and arriving in Boston on Dec 19, then Hubby and I depart the 25th for Spain. Then we are coming back from Spain on Jan 1, then Hubby leaves on the 2nd because classes start up again for him on the 3rd. The boys and I will be hanging out in NH until the 8th... Um, I think I need to call my mom and actually tell her that we're staying an extra week. Somehow, I don't think she'll mind. :)

SO EXCITED!!! The boys need to see their families and I'm just itching to be back in NH during the winter. I know, I'm crazy. But I miss it!

6/4/10

I'm gonna kill it, I know it.

Our dill weed died. We have been growing herbs on our kitchen window sill, and it just withered away. Correction: Hubby has been taking care of them. Me, I kill anything green.

But I love lavender. There is wild lavender growing all over the CA wilderness, and I love the smell of it. So it inspired me to give it another go with the whole green thumb thing. I yanked the dill this afternoon and planted the lavender seeds.

We'll see what happens...

I'm sure I'll be turning to Hubby when they a) don't sprout at all, or b) sprout but have no flowers, or c) get to frustrated trying to figure this whole how-much-water-and-sun-should-it-get thing.

I'm optimistic, but I think I'm being falsely optimistic. Given my track record, I'm gonna say option a) is the likely outcome!

6/1/10

Random Tuesday Thoughts

randomtuesday

I'm probably the last person to do this, considering I'm in pacific coast time. But I always have something random on my mind.

What do you do with the crappy-junk-I-don't-know-where-it-came-from-or-where-it-belongs drawer? You know what I mean, the drawer filled with rubber bands and batteries and rubber door stops? Do I hang on to this crap because someday I'll need it, or do I throw it away to simplify all my stuff?

I hope everyone had a great Memorial Day and didn't forget why it's such an important holiday. And I hope no one drove drunk.

I don't think I'll ever get tired of watching talentless people audition for talent shows.

There should be breakfast, lunch, dinner, and chocolate time.

I know I'm a little behind on this, but I'm learning a lot about what went on with Enron. Those greedy pieces of shit.

June is shaping up to be busy.

I've been feeling the need to bake, but I don't want a bunch of cakes or cookies or pies laying around because *ahem* they'd mysteriously disappear... into my tummy.

Is it childish of me to actually look forward to the next Twilight movie? I really want to know what happens next. (But don't anybody dare spoil it for me!)

Ugh, I have to dress better. I'd like a personal shopper or something.

I got a new car, a Jetta Sportwagen TDI. It's my first stick shift and it's diesel- very different from my other cars! But I'm in love with it. I was getting 50 mpg on the highway.

"It's America's Got Talent... not Frenchie's Got Dance-y" -Hubby