acid

I realize it's been a while since I've graced you with a real post. It's not like I don't have a lot to say...or a lot going on...I think it's really just the result of being tired most of the time and not wanting to do much except go to work (which I really don't want to do 95% of the time, truth be told..but who does, right?). Anyway. So besides being tired, pregnant and having horrible swelling, the one thing I was managing to avoid was chronic heartburn...until last week. This now gives me the opportunity to tell you about my antacid ratings...now that I've tried so many of them. Maybe you'll find this useful.

#4 - Tums


I used to think Tums were fine...until I had to take them on a regular basis. And while they do the trick in a pinch, I think they are gritty and the taste isn't that good (yes..I realize they're not life savers!!!)

#3 Maalox

This used to be higher on my list, but then of course I tried more antacids and so had more experiences to use for my rating system. Maalox tastes better than Tums, but still gritty...and a not so nice aftertaste.

#2 Tums Smoothies

Tums makes a comeback in the #2 position. The smoothies are way not so gritty..I guess that's why they're smooth...and don't have a gross aftertaste. These used to be in the #1 position because I couldn't find the #1 brand...but now that I can...these have to take a backseat to.....

#1 Rolaids!!!

Love Rolaids. The flavor is good, the texture is good...and they work fast! My favorite by far are the cherry...but the tropical ones are good too. These were really hard to come by early in my pregnancy...so good thing I had a few already...and the company who makes them - who was dealing with a recall- made sure to get them on the shelf again! Thank goodness for Rolaids...or as I like to call them...my 3 a.m. snack.

So there you have it...my rating for antacids....hope this helps you through your future heartburn attacks.

Oh..and all have calcium :)

Seriously? Again?

It's like this is already being taken over by childish things...sorry...couldn't resist.

TrueMud

This is why I love Sesame Street

We're back...and we're tanned...

We are back from our vacation...and now I need a vacation to recover! We've been sleeping way too late in the morning which is mildly interfering with getting to work...and we're both wiped out by the time we get home. Hopefully we'll snap out of it soon. I am sure that for me, the baby that is growing isn't helping with the fatigue...or the swelling....

anyhoo....I'll try to post some photo's soon....

Cheese and Boats

There's definitely a once a month theme going on here...and it's totally not intentional.

This past weekend my parents came into the city - we went for Fondue and on the Architecture Tour to celebrate their birthdays.

Please note that I am the only one who took pictures...which is why I am not in any of them.


We made fondue at home last New Years - I think it was New Years....this is the pot at the Melting Pot...

And this was ours at New Years....

Let me say that the cheese was maybe equally as good...but the meat we did at home...well...it sucked..and chocolate is chocolate :)

Anyway...so back to September Fondue... Paul was happy because I am not eating meat really so he got to enjoy a double helping of meat... Doesn't he just look happy??? He must of been because he normally doesn't let me take his picture!


Then on Sunday we went on the Architecture Tour. At least the weather was nice and we didn't die of sun and heat exposure during the boat tour :) That's all I have to say about that! I even had to wear a sweater for part of it (clearly I had more to say...)

So we had a nice weekend. This coming weekend we're leaving on vacation....to Puerto Vallarta...where I am ok with the sun...and hopefully don't need to wear a sweater!!!!

See you when we get back...there will be pictures....but I won't be in them :)

garlic

I am horribly unmotivated today...and am distracted because one of my dear co-workers was eating something for lunch that smelled super garlicky...which probably wasn't very garlicky at all..but with my Super Spidey Sniffer these days, I may have well been bathing in it. Anyway..so now I am sitting at work...thinking of how I am going to have garlic bread for dinner...with mozzarella cheese...and marinara sauce...and how my stomach is going to hate me for it.

But on the plus side...won't have to worry about any vampires.

We almost made it...

..to another month between posts. Well...I am sure you all know by now that I have been so exhausted lately...and have the most horribly swollen feet...all because of this.

Now don't get me wrong...I am not complaining...believe me. This is what we worked for 2 years on..and ended up spending thousands of dollars to get...but you'd think that given all that...that someone could just have pity on me and make this easy.

I don't want to get a cramp...

Clearly I think I must wait 2 months between posts or I'll get a cramp. I realize there is no scientific evidence to back up my thought process...but when is there ever anyway.

Also, since it has been a while...2 months...I though I'd unload some pictures or video to post..maybe something from the Cubs game...or something from our fireworks viewing on the lake. The pictures were ok..which I'll share shortly...but the video...I'm afraid you'd get motion sick if you watched it. Why does it seem like I am moving the camera SSSOOOOO SSLLLLOOOOWWWWLLLYYY...but then when I look at it things are zooming by and I start feeling seasick? I must work on my technique.

So here are a few pictures...I should have used my camera instead of the video camera...but I used what I had :)




And from the Cubs game...we had great seats..and even got them a few days before the game. Bonus...Cubs won.


..see you in 2 months...if not before...because you never know...I may have something to say...even with a cramp...

March 10th

March 10th??? March-freaking-10th was my last post? Wow...it's like I have become a missing person.

Sadly...nothing exciting to report since MARCH 10TH....so I guess I'll report non-exciting things.

WARNING: This is going to become totally random. If you cannot deal with this format...well..go away...

hmm...we're moving....to another place in the city...but you probably already knew that. We're going in 26 days...and it can't come soon enough because the place we're in now has no air circulation and could easily be mistaken for being a sauna.

Paul bought me one of these little video cameras totally out of the blue...

So far it's kinda fun...but it would be more fun if he'd included a vacation with it :) Anyway, so I've been taking video..mostly of the dog....shocker there. You can also take pictures with it - which I think my normal camera takes way better pictures - but it would be ok in a pinch. Did I tell you its waterproof? I think I must have issues with spilling or something because everything I get these days seems to be water resistant...hmm...

And just for cuteness...here's Izzie...


I've also bought some new shoes lately but haven't taken their picture. Some of you may be disappointed...and for that, I apologize....

I don't know if this is an age thing or what, but I've totally lost all ability to sleep much later than 6:30...and am considering getting rid of my alarm clock if this is the case. Crazy right? I suppose this may be related with the fact that I go to bed by about 10:00 and am getting 8.5 hours of sleep..but seriously...I'd like to sleep past 6:30 on the weekend. Here it is just after 7:30 and I feel like it's been a long day already :)

I guess that's it for now. I have a lot to do today (so maybe it's a good think I am up so early) including picking up my parents at the airport. I know, you're jealous that my life is so exciting....it's ok...

Handsome

Kate...you made my day with this one...

What's in a name?

This made me laugh when I saw it on the Today show...and I have continued to mention it here and there because it's just so absurd. What are some parents thinking??

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Hoover wins gold! Hoover wins gold!

It was an exciting morning at the Olympic games this morning when Julie Hoover hailing from Chicago, Illinois won her first, of what may be several gold medals here today in the Morning Combined. In case you aren't familiar with this sport, its combines false starts out the door with not being able to find your keys - a sport she's been noted as a favorite here in these winter games..heck...the summer games as well.

Lets go to Izzie for the play by play...

"Hi everyone..thanks Bob Costas....it was an exciting morning here...one incredible athlete...2 challenges...first...to get out the door with everything she needs...a feat all on its own. She said bye...gave me kisses...no treat though (I'd just had breakfast) and off she went. I watched the door as I always do...I could hear them talking on the other side...then the key was in and the door was open. Mama's home!!!! Wait..no..that wasn't long enough..the light didn't come on yet...she's looking in her coat...she's going into the other room...looking in her sweatshirt pocket...nope...still not finding it...in her bag again...nope...she looks confused...oh wait...there they are....she found her keys....there she goes...Bye Mama....

She never hesitated..not for a second. That mama...she's a gold metal champion. Back to you in the studio Bob."

And here you have it folks...was there really any doubt? It looks like something she was born to do. Another Olympic dream coming true.

This Olympic moment was brought to you by the letter I, the letter K and the number 2.

I'm feeling very Olympic...

I hope everyone has been enjoying the Olympics. I think I've said this before...but I am a huge fan of the games...Summer or Winter...there's something about being out there representing your country...and having such a LOVE of a sport that you'd basically devote your life to it. And honestly, sometimes I get teary eyed during a medal ceremony...


So, in spirit of the games, I started thinking about some things I am good at that I'd like to lobby as new Olympic Sports.

1. Grocery Shopping - I can shop with the best of them...I can deal with a cart where none of the wheels go straight...I can shop quickly off a list...and quickly without a list. I don't mind elbowing someone to get the last bagels either...

2. Grilled Cheese making - Paul says I make a restaurant quality grilled cheese sandwich...it's perfectly buttered, crispy and melty....a gold medal performance.

3. Procrastination - Do you know me? Can you really argue here? I would rather do anything other than what I am supposed to be doing. If I am supposed to be cleaning...I'd rather knit...or pet the dog...or anything... and it takes me 5 times as long to do something as it should...because...well...procrastination...

4. Loosing my phone, debit card, and anything else that's supposed to be put away...and then not being able to find it when I am going somewhere...or realizing when I get there that..oops..left it in my pocket from when we went out yesterday...DRAT!

5. Clipping coupons and then never taking them with me. I think there would be lots of competition here.

6. Filling my online cart. I love to shop on line, fill up my cart..and then just close the window. I am the champion!!!! I am the greatest of all time!

7. And last, but not least, napping! I could nap for the United States and win a record number of gold medals. I'd rather nap than just about anything...any time...any place.


So there you go...these are my 7 Olympic sports...who needs ski jump or one of those other sports where they crash and you could break a bone!

Mary had a bicycle

I don't usually blog from work...mostly because I am doing..well...work...but also because I don't have any pictures...but I've been singing this song all day. I looked for just the song...but the lead up to the song is so great I couldn't resist...

I'd rather...

..be at home watching the Olympics...and knitting.

I think that the mid-part of winter is really getting to me. I miss the sun - though we do have some days when we get to see it and I miss being outside...let me clarify...I miss being outside without a coat and hat and gloves. I must have forgotten - or conveniently blocked out - this part of living in the Midwest. I think I may also be suffering from SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) and might need to get one of these...

yep..its a light that you sit in front of for 30 minutes a day. I could bring it to work and sit in front of it for 8 hours..which might make me too happy...and that would likely be frightening. They're like $150 if anyone wants to buy me one :)

Olympics

I am super excited that the Olympics are starting! There is something about them that totally draws me in...I'll watch more TV in the next 2 weeks than is normal!

sick

I've been SO sick since Monday night...I actually think I may have thrown up half of my stomach...where does all of this come from?

Anyway, I'll be back once I am feeling more than 70%.....until then...

We're back...

...I'm tired...

The End

Howdy Partner

Paul and I are leaving in the morning to go to Texas for a short visit. Not really sure what we have planned....besides Paul's plan to eat his way through San Antonio...and probably make himself sick. Other than that, not a whole lot going on. Maybe I'll have some time to do some reading...and maybe come up with some good ideas for future blog posts. You know, I do that a lot..and then I laugh...and forget what they were. Ya'll are missing out on some seriously funny stuff.

Don't miss me too much.....oh ok...you can miss me all you want.

children

There is a reason why I shouldn't watch sad things on television....I am watching the Haiti telethon...and though I have already given to several charities...I just feel like it's not enough. And then they show the children and all I want to do is pick them all up and bring them home. It is so very sad.

Please please please please give what ever you can!

the 5 foot zone

I'd like to declare a five foot zone around me as the "No Bullshit Zone". Maybe I have been extra moody lately, I have a lot on my mind, but it seems like everything..EVERYTHING is annoying me...from every driver on the road who can't stay in their freaking lane to people at work who think I care about what they are trying to tell me. Now don't get me wrong, I do my job..and my immediate co-workers..no problem with them...but its all the OTHER stuff...like stuff people are supposed to do themselves. Why do so many people now claim that they are clueless? it's like I need to hire them a babysitter or something. Or I am supposed to be their babysitter....hmm..I wonder what that pays these days.

So...to sum it all up...

I feel like posting this up at work..or sending it out to people via email..oohh..like my new email signature???

Julie Hoover....shut the fuck up...has a nice ring to it....and wow..that would totally improve my mood!

You're FLYING THROUGH THE AIR

A friend shared this today...it made me laugh...but also made me appreciate how great things are.



On a side note, I have a cold and I haven't been feeling very well..which means I keep climbing back into bed..when I am home...in case I needed to clarify that I am not climbing into bed at work...but wow...that would be something. Anyway, my house is kind of messy...and my bed hasn't been getting made...

motivation

I'll admit it...I've been having a really hard time getting motivated lately. It starts first thing in the morning when I don't want to get out of bed...and it ends when I am too lazy to put my ass back in the bed. Maybe I should just stay there and then I'd never have to start or end...and..wait...nope...not a option...NOT AN OPTION!!!!

Ok, so I had the day off today...which started with a 7:10 appointment. Why do I torture myself? Who does that to themselves on a day off? Anyway..once I consumed enough coffee and had enough good company (you know who you are..) I did manage to do the few things I had planned today. I've even got dinner on way earlier than usual. This means we'll be eating at senior citizen hour..again...but ready for bed on time :)

So..motivation...I've been thinking that I really need to start getting some exercise in. They have put a fitness center in our building which should be opening any day now. Honestly..I ask you...how long can it possibly take to put in some treadmills? This better be one super fantastic fancy fitness center where someone does the exercise for you...because blast it's has taken a really long time. (Blast??? ) Regardless, once it does open, I am going to try to use it...mostly because it's free..and I love free stuff. I was going to say I love free shit..but I really don't love shit...even if it's free. I do have a line.... Anyway..my point was that maybe I need to be getting up in the morning and going for a walk before work. There really is no reason that I need to stay in bed until 7..besides lack of motivation..but maybe this will be motivation...right? maybe??

Whew...I think I may have just burned 5 calories....

Exactly!

I got this from Kate's Blog. How anyone can be so hateful...well it really is beyond comprehension. I think Keith sums it up perfectly. Thank you for posting it.

Oxfam

I talked about Oxfam a while back during the holidays. They are also on the ground in Haiti...right now...making a difference. Please consider supporting them as the try to help in this mass devastation.

They can be found at http://act.oxfamamerica.org

Please give whatever you can give - even if it's only $5. Every penny counts!!! And if this was happening to you, you'd want someone to come and rescue you. The poorest of poor are waiting and can't make it without you.

help!

Haircut

We're in the suburbs this weekend and everyone needs a haircut. Actually, this started just because I have an appointment tomorrow afternoon...and then I told Paul and he said...well it's been a while and I need a haircut. I agree..he's looking a little shaggy. Then I took a good look at Izzie...aka Miss Harry Fuzzball. And she REALLY needs a haircut. So that's it...all of us. I think you'd agree it's time...

I seem to have failed in record time...

I thought I'd make it until at least the end of January...but nope...I didn't...on January 5th...I have officially already failed on my new years resolutions. I haven't even told you what the rest of them are!!!! Now I bet you are wondering which one it is right? I mean..am I being a sloppy mess at work or did I not make my bed? I'm not going to to tell you yet - this is called building anticipation...oohhh....you so want to know....I know.....

So Resolution 3 is to watch less TV and read and knit more. You might be saying to yourself...now this is one isn't really fair because you don't really watch all that much tv and you knit plenty....and in a way you would be right. But what I am getting at here is that I either need to start turning the TV off...or leaving the room if there is something on that I don't really want to watch. I think we all get sucked into watching something just because it's on...and I seem to be doing this more and more. There are certain shows I have to watch..and I've talked about them here before:

House
Here's the preview for next week in case you're a fan too.


I am in love with this show and could watch reruns 24 hours a day even though I've seen all the episodes eleventy billion times and I have all the seasons on DVD...whew....see..it's a problem.

The Big Bang Theory
One of the best shows on TV..and honestly, I don't know that we can be friends if you don't watch this...



So those are my two favorites that are on all the time. Next summer I'll be happy to welcome back True Blood....LOVE it... and I am a big fan of NCIS and Two and a Half Men...and Fringe...and then Lost will start again really soon..but I really think that's it...those are the shows I'd miss if I didn't see them... But for now, I think what I should do instead of getting sucked into 10 hours of HGTV and yelling at the people trying to buy houses who are SO picky and would buy a house for a closet because they are complete morons...and who need 5 bedrooms and 5000 Sq ft for the huge family of three...ugh..just makes my head spin... maybe I need to walk away, knit more, definitely read more...and remember to make my bed! So there you go...

Resolution 2

My second resolution is that I will make the bed every day. Should this be hard? Not really...but there are a few obstacles I face.

1. I HATE to get up in the morning. I set my alarm for 45 minutes before my drop-dead-get-up-or-you'll-never-make-it time and I always push it as far as I can. I'd rather just stay in bed...where it's warm. What I am getting at is I don't have time to do one more thing...ok..I do..but I don't want to spend that time making the bed.

2. Does it make reasonable sense to make a bed just to then unmake it and get back in it later? What if I want to take a nap? Seems a little wasteful... BUT there is nothing better than getting into a made bed at night...and not having to sort out all the twisted covers and sheets that are un-tucked...and a cover that isn't tucked in the bottom so the toes get cold. Ok...ok...point taken...not a good excuse.

3. And this is the most serious of all obstacles....

How am I supposed to kick that out of bed????

Resolution 1

Hey there. I know...a few posts in a row..exciting right? Well I did say that blogging more was going to be one of my resolutions and I don't want to fail until at least January 25th, right?

So...resolutions...I said I would be talking about them, so keeping my promise, here goes.

Resolution 1. Care more about my appearance.

Hmm...a lot can be said about that right? Well let me start by saying that anyone who knows me is aware that I am very casual. I can't even remember the last time I put on a skirt...or a dress...actually, I wore them in the summer, but they were wrinkled most of the time :) What I am really getting at with this one is I need to make sure I start getting up and getting myself ready for work...maybe even some mascara...and maybe dry my hair ( just a little because big hair and hairspray have NEVER been my friend). And seeing as how I only go to work, at most, 3 times a week, I should be able to do this right? I am under no delusion that I am going to be dressed up or fancy...just together.

(Now anyone who doesn't know me has this picture going through their minds)


I am just super casual - nothing wrong with that - but maybe I need to make 10% more effort. On days I stay at home or weekends...you can plan to find me in my t-shirt and jeans...and whether or not I'll have my hair brushed..well...that'll be a toss up...I like to keep things interesting.

Fruitcake

I think I may be way behind on this lady...but my sister emailed this to me a while back and today I was cleaning out my email box (another of my new years resolutions...which I'll go into more detail on in a future post) and really don't know why I didn't open the email. Well, I probably didn't because I didn't see it or I was on my work computer so I didn't want to open it there. Regardless, I've opened it now...so if you're as behind as me and you haven't seen it either...I give you...The Fruitcake Lady...

update: the the link to the fruitcake lady video is below...while I still think it is funny....I think it's annoying that it plays automagically when you view my blog. This annoys the crap out of me so it must annoy you too...

click for the Fruitcake lady video

2010 Resolutions

One of my resolutions for this year was to blog more...oops...failed already :)

I've been busy because my parents have been here since 12/31/2009...haha..since last year..and so we've been hanging out..eating...and eating mostly...drinking a little and even Wii Bowling. I have pictures that I'll post later.

Today we're going to see a movie..oh..and go out to eat....sheesh! Glad a diet wasn't one of my resolutions.

Catch you all in a little while.