We have been informed that 11 weeks from last night we absolutely have to be where we are going to be. I will be 28 weeks pregnant and of the 2 OBs I'm currently under (here and in America) neither of them will give me the written permission I need to travel during my 3rd trimester. Period. This, I have been informed, is non-negotiable.
That being said, we have zero idea where we are going and as fun as that is for single people and couples without kids, it's almost more fun to have a root canal when you're trying to move a family at last moment (I've done both. Atleast you get general anesthesia with the root canal).
But I'm straying from the original thought I had when posting this. I could go on for days about how I think businesses would be more...well, EVERYTHING positive...if they worked a little harder on their time management, but that's not where I'm going with this, and so I'll get on with it.
Where do I begin to get ready to go home??!!!??
I think I'm dragging my feet because I don't want to pack what we're taking home and sell/donate the rest if everyone's going to change their mind.
I've decided to pack what we aren't using that we KNOW is going home. That includes Hazel clothes that she's outgrown, books we've read, things I can't wear in my pregnancy.
Then we have to hold a Car boot sale to get rid of stuff. That'll consume one of the 11 Saturdays we have left.
Then I have to clean a house that never stays clean because I have a 2 year old. Anyone who thinks that will take a weekend is dillusional and should avoid ever having children.
10 weeks. 69 days. 1656 hours.
11 Saturdays.
-1 for Brett
-1 for Hazel
-1 for Me
-1 for Carboot sale
-3 for family outtings (which we are NOT giving up...don't even mention it or you'll quickly regret it, I promise I will not hold back and you'll wish you'd kept it to yourself)
= 4 Saturdays to get our affairs in order
Combine this stress with Pregnancy hormones (which, unfortunately, are not the happy-go-lucky hormones I had with Hazel), I'm a pretty mean human right now.
So as I sit and stare at my messy living room, all I can think is, where do I begin?
Friday 22 January 2010
Tuesday 19 January 2010
Why Can't I pick when I get to have energy?
Yesterday was planned out to be super productive. I had my plans set and I was feeling good, motivated, and set to make my plans happen.
But they didn't happen as I wanted them to, but that's a whole other story we won't get into.
Anyway, my kitchen is now full of mounds of laundry. My bedroom is barely showing hints at having a wood floor in it. Hazel's room is nice and tidy, bed is made. I feel accomplished in that and the amount of laundry I have succeeded in doing up to this point, but there's a long way to go, and as we're not exhibitionists, we dirty up more laundry every day, so unless i buckle down and stay on top of laundry that requires 2-3 hours a load, it'll never get done...but DARN IT, I am determined. It will absolutely happen.
Hazel and I are stayng home from mom and tots to get stuff done, but today I am exhausted, and although I've had a shower, she's had a bath, we've done a load of laundry, folded another and put it away, I still need to do so much more and can't muster the energy. Hazel's clearly worn out from the past couple days b/c she's so mellow and having a good time watching TV, and building with her blocks, that I feel guilty pushing us too hard today.
In other news, Little Miss has decided that being potty trained sounds great, although it's only at her discression and when she wants a gummy bear. Otherwise she's in no hurry and really has no interest in actually BEING potty trained. Suppose to wait until we move home in April anyway, so I'm not too worried. She's wearing a large 3T, but 4T in most things, plus she's got this enormous vocabulary and comprehension skills, so we tend to forget that she is only 2 years and 4 months, not 4. There's no rush. It'll happen. She's proven she can do it, so it's just a matter of waiting until she's ready and willing.
I've recently (as in 2 months ago) discovered Bakerella. If you've never seen or heard of this blog, run as fast as your web browser will let you and just spend 1/2 hour skimming. You'll never be the same, I swear. Go to the Brownies section and try the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies. Brett's addicted, they're sinfully simple and you can mix and match the cookie dough in it. I used the Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookie mix once...fantastic. Then, if you're daring and don't mind a little mess, try the Cake Balls. Oh my goodness, will life at your house never be the same. Bakerella rocks my socks off.
Now, I'm a die hard fan of The Yarn Harlot, as many of you know, but I'm slowly being won over by the dear lady who gives us free baking recipes and tips....sorry, Stephanie, you'll never be replaced, but you're quickly having to share a spot in my heart....
But they didn't happen as I wanted them to, but that's a whole other story we won't get into.
Anyway, my kitchen is now full of mounds of laundry. My bedroom is barely showing hints at having a wood floor in it. Hazel's room is nice and tidy, bed is made. I feel accomplished in that and the amount of laundry I have succeeded in doing up to this point, but there's a long way to go, and as we're not exhibitionists, we dirty up more laundry every day, so unless i buckle down and stay on top of laundry that requires 2-3 hours a load, it'll never get done...but DARN IT, I am determined. It will absolutely happen.
Hazel and I are stayng home from mom and tots to get stuff done, but today I am exhausted, and although I've had a shower, she's had a bath, we've done a load of laundry, folded another and put it away, I still need to do so much more and can't muster the energy. Hazel's clearly worn out from the past couple days b/c she's so mellow and having a good time watching TV, and building with her blocks, that I feel guilty pushing us too hard today.
In other news, Little Miss has decided that being potty trained sounds great, although it's only at her discression and when she wants a gummy bear. Otherwise she's in no hurry and really has no interest in actually BEING potty trained. Suppose to wait until we move home in April anyway, so I'm not too worried. She's wearing a large 3T, but 4T in most things, plus she's got this enormous vocabulary and comprehension skills, so we tend to forget that she is only 2 years and 4 months, not 4. There's no rush. It'll happen. She's proven she can do it, so it's just a matter of waiting until she's ready and willing.
I've recently (as in 2 months ago) discovered Bakerella. If you've never seen or heard of this blog, run as fast as your web browser will let you and just spend 1/2 hour skimming. You'll never be the same, I swear. Go to the Brownies section and try the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies. Brett's addicted, they're sinfully simple and you can mix and match the cookie dough in it. I used the Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookie mix once...fantastic. Then, if you're daring and don't mind a little mess, try the Cake Balls. Oh my goodness, will life at your house never be the same. Bakerella rocks my socks off.
Now, I'm a die hard fan of The Yarn Harlot, as many of you know, but I'm slowly being won over by the dear lady who gives us free baking recipes and tips....sorry, Stephanie, you'll never be replaced, but you're quickly having to share a spot in my heart....
Monday 18 January 2010
Scrambled Eggs**
**please be aware that this post contains gross child related content. those of you with weak tummys...just be prepared...
Yesterday started out as every Sunday does. Brett got up, then Hazel, then they had to con Mommy out of bed. Sunday mornings in America were always Church then Brunch at Bob Evans. Well, Hazel and I have attempted church 2ce here. The first time was a disaster. The 2nd was no less a disaster, but it was for a friend's baptism, so we endured. The thing about church here is that they don't have nursery's during the service. So I wrestle a antsy 2 year old, then take her to the narthex so she doesn't interrupt other parishoners, so I don't hear any of the sermon. Not worth it. I don't go to church for Bonus Points or to look good. I go to learn and be closer to God, and as that doesn't happen with a 2 year old and no nursery, we just don't go. Grill me all you want, but if you expect me to go when I can't be there for the proper purpose of going to church, then maybe YOU aren't going for the right reasons. End of story.
Anyway, back to my story...
Sunday mornings are dedicated to our family since we can't go to church, and we do our best to get to Breakfast between 9 and 10:30. Ulster Fry (google pics, it's a big heart attack on a plate) is Brett's fave meal over here, and Cafe Spice has the best we've found up to this point, so we get dressed and go!
We get there, get settled at our "usual" table, and I go order our breakfast. Brett's never changes, and Hazel's always varies between Eggs and Peem Peems (Pancakes...ask Brett), and mine is never the same now that I'm preggo and can't have fried eggs (I want runny yolks, none of this cooked all the way through business), so after figuring out what H wants, I go up and order for us.
Yesterday she wanted eggs, so I got her scrambled eggs.
Now, let me preface by saying that scrambled eggs over here...regardless of where you get them...are gross. As in, really really nasty, think really bad hospital/airplane scrambled eggs. I don't know what the collective masses over here do to their scrambled eggs, but they're either insanely watery (not under done watery, like soaked in water watery) or feta cheese dry. Both are equally nasty. But I digress...
She got her eggs, I got my bagel, and Brett got his fry.
We were happy.
We were together.
Life was good.
We were almost done with breakfast and Hazel got a very strange look on her face, then proceeded to let out this enormous belch. She giggled, we tried not to laugh (twas impossible) and let her know she should say, "excuse me," and then the funny look returned.
Without warning, scrambled eggs projectiled out and down. All down her front, all over the place.
And it smelled.
to this pregnant woman, it smelled so bad that Brett had to clean it up as I couldn't even be near the table (have I mentioned what an incredible hubby and daddy Brett is? Not lately? Oh, let me tell you he is by far the best and most amazing...hey, he cleaned up scrambled egg puke and didn't complain).
Breakfast was over. That fast.
Need a quick exit for a meal? Take a 2 year old and encourage her to vomit. Will do the trick every time.
All the way home she complained of her tummy hurting. We got home, got her some water, changed her into Jammies and she laid on the couch watching Tinkerbell for about 45 minutes, just being mellow. Near naptime, she acted better, and post naptime she was great.
We decided to end our Sunday with a family movie. It was our first family movie and it went great. Hazel inhaled a large popcorn, which was amusing, and luckily didn't end in a tummy ache. We watched Alvin and The Chipmunks 2, which, in it's defense was the perfect movie out for Hazel and was significantly better than the first. Worth taking your kids to.
That was our Sunday. Interesting, but memorable.
That's all I ask for any day of the week...
Yesterday started out as every Sunday does. Brett got up, then Hazel, then they had to con Mommy out of bed. Sunday mornings in America were always Church then Brunch at Bob Evans. Well, Hazel and I have attempted church 2ce here. The first time was a disaster. The 2nd was no less a disaster, but it was for a friend's baptism, so we endured. The thing about church here is that they don't have nursery's during the service. So I wrestle a antsy 2 year old, then take her to the narthex so she doesn't interrupt other parishoners, so I don't hear any of the sermon. Not worth it. I don't go to church for Bonus Points or to look good. I go to learn and be closer to God, and as that doesn't happen with a 2 year old and no nursery, we just don't go. Grill me all you want, but if you expect me to go when I can't be there for the proper purpose of going to church, then maybe YOU aren't going for the right reasons. End of story.
Anyway, back to my story...
Sunday mornings are dedicated to our family since we can't go to church, and we do our best to get to Breakfast between 9 and 10:30. Ulster Fry (google pics, it's a big heart attack on a plate) is Brett's fave meal over here, and Cafe Spice has the best we've found up to this point, so we get dressed and go!
We get there, get settled at our "usual" table, and I go order our breakfast. Brett's never changes, and Hazel's always varies between Eggs and Peem Peems (Pancakes...ask Brett), and mine is never the same now that I'm preggo and can't have fried eggs (I want runny yolks, none of this cooked all the way through business), so after figuring out what H wants, I go up and order for us.
Yesterday she wanted eggs, so I got her scrambled eggs.
Now, let me preface by saying that scrambled eggs over here...regardless of where you get them...are gross. As in, really really nasty, think really bad hospital/airplane scrambled eggs. I don't know what the collective masses over here do to their scrambled eggs, but they're either insanely watery (not under done watery, like soaked in water watery) or feta cheese dry. Both are equally nasty. But I digress...
She got her eggs, I got my bagel, and Brett got his fry.
We were happy.
We were together.
Life was good.
We were almost done with breakfast and Hazel got a very strange look on her face, then proceeded to let out this enormous belch. She giggled, we tried not to laugh (twas impossible) and let her know she should say, "excuse me," and then the funny look returned.
Without warning, scrambled eggs projectiled out and down. All down her front, all over the place.
And it smelled.
to this pregnant woman, it smelled so bad that Brett had to clean it up as I couldn't even be near the table (have I mentioned what an incredible hubby and daddy Brett is? Not lately? Oh, let me tell you he is by far the best and most amazing...hey, he cleaned up scrambled egg puke and didn't complain).
Breakfast was over. That fast.
Need a quick exit for a meal? Take a 2 year old and encourage her to vomit. Will do the trick every time.
All the way home she complained of her tummy hurting. We got home, got her some water, changed her into Jammies and she laid on the couch watching Tinkerbell for about 45 minutes, just being mellow. Near naptime, she acted better, and post naptime she was great.
We decided to end our Sunday with a family movie. It was our first family movie and it went great. Hazel inhaled a large popcorn, which was amusing, and luckily didn't end in a tummy ache. We watched Alvin and The Chipmunks 2, which, in it's defense was the perfect movie out for Hazel and was significantly better than the first. Worth taking your kids to.
That was our Sunday. Interesting, but memorable.
That's all I ask for any day of the week...
Friday 15 January 2010
It's a Rather Blustery Day
Wind. And lots of it. It's blowing over the chimney, making it sound like there's an air raid going on above our house. It's doing it's best to break in through the patio doors in the dining/toy room. It's cutting out our Satellite so that every so often while I was giving Hazel a "tubby" I would hear Brett cry out as it was interrupting his Rugby match (go Ulster!).
It's windy outside.
I'd never experienced real wind until we moved here. "Gale force" is such a mild sounding name for the insanity going on outside. Used to be that it would make me very nervous as, in the Midwest, if you get this kind of wind, you better be prepared for whatever season appropriate weather was blowing in. Now, it's just annoying to have to turn up the TV to hear. It's hard to ignore when you're trying to fall asleep and hear nothing but the banshees SCREAMING outside your walls. And all of it is just wind...for no reason!
I, personally, prefer Thunder. At least it has an almost symphonic resonance to it...
It's windy outside.
I'd never experienced real wind until we moved here. "Gale force" is such a mild sounding name for the insanity going on outside. Used to be that it would make me very nervous as, in the Midwest, if you get this kind of wind, you better be prepared for whatever season appropriate weather was blowing in. Now, it's just annoying to have to turn up the TV to hear. It's hard to ignore when you're trying to fall asleep and hear nothing but the banshees SCREAMING outside your walls. And all of it is just wind...for no reason!
I, personally, prefer Thunder. At least it has an almost symphonic resonance to it...
Monday 11 January 2010
Another Crazy Year Ahead
Hi Everyone!
Welcome to 2010!!!
Sorry it's been over a month, but what an insane month. Traveling home is wonderful, but doing so over the holidays is exhausting. We ran pretty much from the moment we left our house in Larne until 2 days ago when I dropped Matt and Eric off at the airport. It was a whirlwind, but it was fantastic. We saw lots of family and only a couple friends, but we weren't worried as we're moving back to the states in April! YAY!!! We SHOULD be able to catch up with all then :)
Matt and his friend Eric came back with us and did a very speedy visit of Northern Ireland...even made the trip to the Republic to see Dublin for one day. It was a lot of fun to have them here. We were all really really tired, but it was worth it. I, personally, think the coolest thing they did was sneak into Cairndhu house. They both took some cool pictures and Matt even got a little video. I'm so jealous. I am not, however, going to climb through an old derilict house while preggo. Things that aren't safe for someone who's not pregnant, is a major no-no for those who are, ya know? But they were sweet enough to bring me back a roof shingle...a shale tile. Too fantastic. It needs scrubbing.
I told Brett I was taking this week to recover from the past month, and then, on my honor, I am going to tackle this house. We have 13 weeks to divide everything up into "sell it", "ship it", or "recycle it". Marina and I are going to have a couple of carboot (think, TRUNK...brits call it the boot) sale to try to get something out of some of this stuff. It seems ridiculous to think that we moved over here with 4 suitcases full of stuff. It's grown a bit.
We are mid-cataloging our movies to start the organization process and just going through Brett's DVD case (H and I have one each, too) and NOT counting all the individual DVDs within seasons of different shows, he has 282. That being said, there's 3 DVDs unaccounted for in Little Britain, 25 DVDs not accounted for in Knight Rider, then there's the entire BSG series and miniseries, 2 seasons of Big Bang Theory, 4 seasons of Star Trek Enterprise, and well, you get the point. Tonight we have to go through Hazel and my cases and then we have a whole case in America. It's an illness, I swear.
Well, not much other to report, just taking it easy while we're here. Supposed to go to Emma's house today but we haven't heard anything from them and I suddenly have about 10 phone calls to make to America, so we'll see what happens!
Big hugs!
Welcome to 2010!!!
Sorry it's been over a month, but what an insane month. Traveling home is wonderful, but doing so over the holidays is exhausting. We ran pretty much from the moment we left our house in Larne until 2 days ago when I dropped Matt and Eric off at the airport. It was a whirlwind, but it was fantastic. We saw lots of family and only a couple friends, but we weren't worried as we're moving back to the states in April! YAY!!! We SHOULD be able to catch up with all then :)
Matt and his friend Eric came back with us and did a very speedy visit of Northern Ireland...even made the trip to the Republic to see Dublin for one day. It was a lot of fun to have them here. We were all really really tired, but it was worth it. I, personally, think the coolest thing they did was sneak into Cairndhu house. They both took some cool pictures and Matt even got a little video. I'm so jealous. I am not, however, going to climb through an old derilict house while preggo. Things that aren't safe for someone who's not pregnant, is a major no-no for those who are, ya know? But they were sweet enough to bring me back a roof shingle...a shale tile. Too fantastic. It needs scrubbing.
I told Brett I was taking this week to recover from the past month, and then, on my honor, I am going to tackle this house. We have 13 weeks to divide everything up into "sell it", "ship it", or "recycle it". Marina and I are going to have a couple of carboot (think, TRUNK...brits call it the boot) sale to try to get something out of some of this stuff. It seems ridiculous to think that we moved over here with 4 suitcases full of stuff. It's grown a bit.
We are mid-cataloging our movies to start the organization process and just going through Brett's DVD case (H and I have one each, too) and NOT counting all the individual DVDs within seasons of different shows, he has 282. That being said, there's 3 DVDs unaccounted for in Little Britain, 25 DVDs not accounted for in Knight Rider, then there's the entire BSG series and miniseries, 2 seasons of Big Bang Theory, 4 seasons of Star Trek Enterprise, and well, you get the point. Tonight we have to go through Hazel and my cases and then we have a whole case in America. It's an illness, I swear.
Well, not much other to report, just taking it easy while we're here. Supposed to go to Emma's house today but we haven't heard anything from them and I suddenly have about 10 phone calls to make to America, so we'll see what happens!
Big hugs!
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