Thursday, August 9, 2012
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Hello, neglected blog!
I've been putting most of my blogging energy into The Geeky Saver lately, but this is a personal thought that really has nothing to do with saving... so I'll share it here. :)
When I was a kid, I used to love playing Super Mario Bros. I would play for hours. But here's the weird part: I would sit within reach of the NES to hit the reset button in the event that that first red mushroom got away from me, if I didn't hit the box right or whatever. Because then on the next box I wouldn't get the fireflower and that, my friends, would be a travesty. So if I missed that perfect start to the game, I would just press reset and start over.
2011 is my reset button with my weight. I know it's a cliché New Year's Resolution time to start, but I truly think (hope) I am ready to make it to the finish line this time. And I know I'm not going to be a perfect little Weight Watcher all year, but at least I can get off to a good start. I've never been as heavy as I am right now, and I don't like it one bit. If I was insecure before, I'm borderline psychotic now. It is truly difficult for me to go to social functions, ESPECIALLY ones that require me to be "dressed up" - because it is so difficult for me to find clothes that fit and don't make me feel self-conscious.
Anyway, that's not really the point. The point is I am really giving it all I've got. And that's not to brag, although it is in the hopes of creating some measure of accountability. It's also to say please don't be offended if I turn down whatever yummy food creation you offer me, or don't give me grief if we go out to eat and I scour the menu for 20 minutes, phone in hand, calculating my points.
This weight issue has gone on long enough. I want to have confidence again like I did when I was within 20 lbs of my goal weight (which is now a good 50+ pounds away). I want to wear some of the really cute clothes that are in my closet that are much too small right now. I want to wear cute boots. Not because I want to stand out, but because I just want to feel like I don't have to hide in the back at functions and pretend not to be bothered when people make fat jokes or poke fun at something I'm eating. I want to go to the gym because of the great feeling I get when I walk out, the cool breeze on my face - not because I HAVE to in order to lose this excess baggage. I just want to feel like myself again.
This could all be quite rambly, I'm sorry for that. All that to say, I just feel like I'm in a good place to DO THIS. To COMPLETE this. Not to get on a roll with losing and get close to my goal and stop. But to get to my goal and keep it there. Or at least within a few pounds of it.
So, that's my post-workout thought for today.
When I was a kid, I used to love playing Super Mario Bros. I would play for hours. But here's the weird part: I would sit within reach of the NES to hit the reset button in the event that that first red mushroom got away from me, if I didn't hit the box right or whatever. Because then on the next box I wouldn't get the fireflower and that, my friends, would be a travesty. So if I missed that perfect start to the game, I would just press reset and start over.
2011 is my reset button with my weight. I know it's a cliché New Year's Resolution time to start, but I truly think (hope) I am ready to make it to the finish line this time. And I know I'm not going to be a perfect little Weight Watcher all year, but at least I can get off to a good start. I've never been as heavy as I am right now, and I don't like it one bit. If I was insecure before, I'm borderline psychotic now. It is truly difficult for me to go to social functions, ESPECIALLY ones that require me to be "dressed up" - because it is so difficult for me to find clothes that fit and don't make me feel self-conscious.
Anyway, that's not really the point. The point is I am really giving it all I've got. And that's not to brag, although it is in the hopes of creating some measure of accountability. It's also to say please don't be offended if I turn down whatever yummy food creation you offer me, or don't give me grief if we go out to eat and I scour the menu for 20 minutes, phone in hand, calculating my points.
This weight issue has gone on long enough. I want to have confidence again like I did when I was within 20 lbs of my goal weight (which is now a good 50+ pounds away). I want to wear some of the really cute clothes that are in my closet that are much too small right now. I want to wear cute boots. Not because I want to stand out, but because I just want to feel like I don't have to hide in the back at functions and pretend not to be bothered when people make fat jokes or poke fun at something I'm eating. I want to go to the gym because of the great feeling I get when I walk out, the cool breeze on my face - not because I HAVE to in order to lose this excess baggage. I just want to feel like myself again.
This could all be quite rambly, I'm sorry for that. All that to say, I just feel like I'm in a good place to DO THIS. To COMPLETE this. Not to get on a roll with losing and get close to my goal and stop. But to get to my goal and keep it there. Or at least within a few pounds of it.
So, that's my post-workout thought for today.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
It's not WHERE you shop, it's HOW you shop!
Okay, so Ralphs may not be the most economical choice for groceries. BUT, it's the closest besides Henry's. And I am enrolled in a loyalty program that we got when we activated our alarm system that gets me a $20 rebate every month as long as I spend $100 there, so I'm kind of married to it at the moment.
Some days, when I shop really carefully, I can make out like a bandit, like I did today!
I got:
6lbs of ground beef for $11.07 ($1.85/lb)
3 boxes of Betty Crocker loaded mashed potatoes for $1.50 (oops, only wanted to get 2, woulda been $0.25 each). Long story.
2 Pillsbury cinnamon rolls
2 Pillsbury crescent rolls
2 Pillsbury French loaves
2 Pillsbury Grands biscuit rolls
1 Betty Crocker chocolate chip cookie mix pouch
1 (pound?) of fresh parmesan cheese
All of the above was $35.01 and I got back $6 in coupons good towards my next purchase, so basically $6 in "Ralphs" money.
So my investment today really only cost me $29.01 and I will get at LEAST 12 meals from the ground beef, 6 meals from the potatoes, and God only knows how many from those Pillsbury packages.
Okay, so I could have gotten ground beef for $1.59/lb at Stater Bros... but like I said, I'm kind of married to Ralphs for now. :P
Happy hunting everyone, be sure to add my new blog to your feed reader or follow it or whatever you do.
Some days, when I shop really carefully, I can make out like a bandit, like I did today!
I got:
6lbs of ground beef for $11.07 ($1.85/lb)
3 boxes of Betty Crocker loaded mashed potatoes for $1.50 (oops, only wanted to get 2, woulda been $0.25 each). Long story.
2 Pillsbury cinnamon rolls
2 Pillsbury crescent rolls
2 Pillsbury French loaves
2 Pillsbury Grands biscuit rolls
1 Betty Crocker chocolate chip cookie mix pouch
1 (pound?) of fresh parmesan cheese
All of the above was $35.01 and I got back $6 in coupons good towards my next purchase, so basically $6 in "Ralphs" money.
So my investment today really only cost me $29.01 and I will get at LEAST 12 meals from the ground beef, 6 meals from the potatoes, and God only knows how many from those Pillsbury packages.
Okay, so I could have gotten ground beef for $1.59/lb at Stater Bros... but like I said, I'm kind of married to Ralphs for now. :P
Happy hunting everyone, be sure to add my new blog to your feed reader or follow it or whatever you do.
Monday, November 29, 2010
What's New
So, I am mostly using this blog now as a personal outlet and a place to put thoughts that are not quite polished enough for my NEW blog.
The new blog is going to be a source for saving money via coupons and amazing deals, as well as helpful hints for utilizing technology. I am planning to post a mail-merge tutorial on Friday for helping you save time on getting your Christmas cards addressed and mailed. Then the next Friday will probably be an Excel101 tutorial.
I am also going to be posting deals and coupon matchups for Henry's every Tuesday/Wednesday and those will be getting linked up via Money Saving Mom (yay!). Which should help get more traffic over there. :)
For now I'm thinking that Mondays I'll write a "Q&A" type post, assuming that somebody emails me a question. If not, I'll answer general questions which I've been asked in person.
I would greatly appreciate it if you would support me in this new endeavor. It is one way that I hope to contribute to supporting my family. You will find helpful information on my site for saving money, and if you really find a tutorial or something helpful you can always click donate. While you're there, you can grab printable coupons, sign up for Swagbucks, or shop Amazon.com.
Please let me know if you have a suggestion or idea for the new site, it is still very much a "baby" so I'm open to your feedback!
The new blog is going to be a source for saving money via coupons and amazing deals, as well as helpful hints for utilizing technology. I am planning to post a mail-merge tutorial on Friday for helping you save time on getting your Christmas cards addressed and mailed. Then the next Friday will probably be an Excel101 tutorial.
I am also going to be posting deals and coupon matchups for Henry's every Tuesday/Wednesday and those will be getting linked up via Money Saving Mom (yay!). Which should help get more traffic over there. :)
For now I'm thinking that Mondays I'll write a "Q&A" type post, assuming that somebody emails me a question. If not, I'll answer general questions which I've been asked in person.
I would greatly appreciate it if you would support me in this new endeavor. It is one way that I hope to contribute to supporting my family. You will find helpful information on my site for saving money, and if you really find a tutorial or something helpful you can always click donate. While you're there, you can grab printable coupons, sign up for Swagbucks, or shop Amazon.com.
Please let me know if you have a suggestion or idea for the new site, it is still very much a "baby" so I'm open to your feedback!
Saturday, November 27, 2010
A sneak peak...
Step into my office...
It's not 100% complete yet, but everything is installed so I can start putting things in their homes. :) This is a sneak peak complete with a handsome model.
What's left?
It's not 100% complete yet, but everything is installed so I can start putting things in their homes. :) This is a sneak peak complete with a handsome model.
What's left?
- Repainting the baseboards and window sill
- Curtains
- Cord management
- Figure out a good home for the laptop
- Set up sewing space
Monday, November 15, 2010
Lesson Learned!
DOH! I was all set today to shop this deal from Passionate Penny Pincher. I gathered my coupons this morning in a frenzy while Isaac was freshly awake (read: happily playing by himself). What I didn't think to check were my expiration dates! My binder and organization system has been feeling a little neglected with the office remodel this past week. :( I left my binder at HOME, shambles that it is, and went to Rite Aid without it.
BIG MISTAKE!
If I'd had it with me I'm sure I had other diaper coupons that would have worked to help bring the out of pocket cost on this deal down. Oh well, I'll chalk it up to a lesson learned. And I'll be cutting and organizing my coupons again SOON.
Anyway, it's still not bad considering what I got:
1 Jumbo pack of Huggies Pure and Natural Diapers (size 4)
1 Jumbo pack of Huggies Snug & Dry Diapers (size 3)
2 boxes of Betty Crocker Potatoes
Colgate Total Advanced Whitening Toothpaste
Colgate 360 Toothbrush
4-pack of Colgate Wisps
Gain Dishsoap
Dayquil (12 Liquigels)
Nyquil (12 Liquigels)
After my coupons, $2 in UP rewards from last week's shopping, and $3 I had left on a Rite Aid gift card, I spent $17.93, including tax. That's my "out of pocket" total.
I got $11 back in UP rewards.
So my actual "cost" for all the stuff listed above is $6.93. It gets a little convoluted.
In January I'll be starting a coupon clipping/swapping club. We can sit and clip and trade coupons together and help one another put together deals based on what we each need. Let me know via comment if that is something you would be interested in and I'll contact you with details as they become clearer. :) We can even share stories of times we made mistakes and learned from them (such as leaving our binders at home). ;)
BIG MISTAKE!
If I'd had it with me I'm sure I had other diaper coupons that would have worked to help bring the out of pocket cost on this deal down. Oh well, I'll chalk it up to a lesson learned. And I'll be cutting and organizing my coupons again SOON.
Anyway, it's still not bad considering what I got:
1 Jumbo pack of Huggies Pure and Natural Diapers (size 4)
1 Jumbo pack of Huggies Snug & Dry Diapers (size 3)
2 boxes of Betty Crocker Potatoes
Colgate Total Advanced Whitening Toothpaste
Colgate 360 Toothbrush
4-pack of Colgate Wisps
Gain Dishsoap
Dayquil (12 Liquigels)
Nyquil (12 Liquigels)
After my coupons, $2 in UP rewards from last week's shopping, and $3 I had left on a Rite Aid gift card, I spent $17.93, including tax. That's my "out of pocket" total.
I got $11 back in UP rewards.
So my actual "cost" for all the stuff listed above is $6.93. It gets a little convoluted.
In January I'll be starting a coupon clipping/swapping club. We can sit and clip and trade coupons together and help one another put together deals based on what we each need. Let me know via comment if that is something you would be interested in and I'll contact you with details as they become clearer. :) We can even share stories of times we made mistakes and learned from them (such as leaving our binders at home). ;)
I get by with a little help from my friends
Hi. I'm just putting this out there on the principle of "you have not because you ask not" and I figure if anyone of my friends out there was considering opening an account with ING if you did this it would help me out:
Monday, October 25, 2010
Thursday, October 21, 2010
$1.58 at Office Depot
I am so excited about learning how to do this.
Also, I am trying to come up with a clever name for my new saving blog. Any suggestions? I'll be starting it soon and posting sale/coupon info there as well as posts like this one.
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Monday, October 18, 2010
Today's Rite Aid Trip - $7.96
Trip #1
Huggies Snug & Dry Diapers - Size 3
$3/1 Huggies Snug & Dry Diapers
Received $4 in UPR
Maybelline XXL Mascara
$2/1 from Maybelline's Facebook Page
Maybelline Eyestudeo Trio
$2/1 manufacturer coupon (from 9/12/10 RP insert)
and $2/1 Rite Aid Video Values
B1G1 50% off, should have also received $4 in UPR... grr! this isn't working for a lot of people, apparently.
Used $5/$25 found here
and $1/any purchase Rite Aid Video Values
Trip #1 OOP total $16.15 after using $3 in UPR from last week (so for a newbie it would be $19.15)
Trip #2
Bee MD Cough Drops – $2.49
Get $2.49 SCR
Submit $1 Mail In Rebate
Free after rebate plus overage
Childrens Oscillococcinum $4.99 (say that four times fast)
Get $4.99 SCR
use $2.00/1 printable coupon
Free + overage after rebate
SimplySaline $3.99
Get $3.99 SCR
use $1.00 printable coupon
Free + overage after rebate and coupon
Simply Saline Children’s $3.99
Get $3.99 SCR
use $1.00/1 printable coupon
Free + overage after rebate and coupon
Plus $1 in UPR
Kleenex x3 1.59
$0.50/3 Kleenex Facial Tissue 10/3/2010 SS Insert (exp 11/28/2010)
$1/3 Kleenex Facial Tissue Rite Aid Video Values
Ban Deodorant - 3.49, B1G1 Free
(2) $0.75/1 Ban Deodorant or Antiperspirant 10/10/2010 SS Insert (exp 12/4/2010)
Used $5/$25 found here
and $1/any purchase Rite Aid Video Values
Trip #2 OOP total $9.27 after using $4 in UPR from Trip #1
Total OOP: $25.42
Total coming back in rebates: $17.46
Net spent: $7.96
Which, if you look at that just in terms of diapers, it's .08 cents per diaper. But I prefer to think I bought two sticks of deodorant and some kleenex and got everything else for free. :P
This would have been a moneymaker if I could have gotten the following items:
Therma Care $2.99
Get $2.99 SCR
use $1.00/1 printable coupon
Free + overage after rebate & coupon
Bioron Children’s Cough Syrup $4.99
Get $4.99 SCR
*keep an eye out for $1.00 peelies on the product
Free after rebate
And my $4 in UPR from the Maybelline products, of course. Then I would have spent around $15 total and gotten around $21 back, so $6 in overage. That's what you get for not going earlier in the sale, I guess. Now I know that West Coast Rite Aids sales start on Friday.
Still, not a bad amount to pay. It just would have been more fun to say I made $6 buying all of that.
Thanks, For The Mommas, for listing these deals every week!
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Rite Aid Deal Scenario
Okay, so this is going to be my first week as a fledgling deal-finder! :)
My main concern right now is saving money on DIAPERS. I told some friends last night I basically refuse to pay more than 11 cents per diaper, which is a pretty challenging task.
Now, you'll notice that this scenario actually includes a few things that AREN'T diapers, but that's because sometimes buying things you don't need or want helps you to get better deals on the things you do need when couponing to save big-time.
Single check rebate: 55.88
Mail-in rebate: 5.99
Up Rewards (unused): 3.00
Total Rebates/Rewards: 64.87
Total spent both trips: 107.31
Minus Rebates/Rewards of 64.87, I will have only spent $45.44!!!
What did I get?
Trip #1 - $47.99 out of pocket
Gain detergent (1 of 2)
$1/1 Gain Detergent, exp. 11-30-10 (P&G 10/10/10)
Gain detergent (2 of 2)
$1/1 Gain Detergent, exp. 10-31-10 (RP 09/12/10) Plus $2 in UPR wyb 2
Gain Dish detergent
$1/1 Gain Dish Liquid, exp. 11-30-10 (P&G 10/10/10)
Kit Kat/Reeses (1 of 2)
$1/1 Kit Kat or Reese Snack Size Candy RA printable
Kit Kat/Reeses (2 of 2)
Plus $1 UPR wyb 2
Dayquil
$1.50/1 Vicks Product, exp. 11-30-10 (P&G 10/10/10) Plus $1.50 in UPR
Garnier Facewash
$2/1 Garnier Ultra Lift Cleanser or Moisturizer printable and BOGO 50% Off
Garnier Anti-Dark-Circle Eye Roller
$2/1 Garnier Skin Renew Anti-Dark-Circle Eye Roller printable
Playtex (1 of 2)
$1/1 Playtex Gentle Glide Tampons printable
Playtex (2 of 2)
$1/1 Playtex Gentle Glide Tampons printable
Plus $2 UPR wyb 2
Luvs
$2 in UPR
Cotonelle Flushable Wipes
Free Tub
Rite Aid $5 off $25
$5/$25 Rite Aid Non-Prescription Purchase RA printable
Trip #2 - $59.32 out of pocket
Huggies Diapers
$2.50/1 Huggies Pure & Natural Diapers printable
Renuzit
B3G3 Renuzit Adjustables Air Fresheners, exp. 10-24-10 (RP 10/10/10) Plus $1 in UPR wyb 3
NeilMed NasoGel
and
FREE with SCR
NasaMist
FREE with SCR
PediaCare
$1/1 coupon from the 10/10 SmartSource insert
FREE with SCR
Blistex
FREE with SCR
Palmers Cocoa Butter Lip Butter
FREE with SCR
Sucrets
FREE with SCR
Antiox
FREE with SCR
NeilMed
FREE with SCR
Comtrex
FREE with SCR
Emergen-C Immune Shots
FREE with SCR
PediaCare Gentle Vapors
FREE with SCR
Kids-Eeze
FREE with SCR
Playtex (1 of 2)
$2/1 Playtex Gentle Glide Tampons printable
Playtex (2 of 2)
$1.50/1 Playtex Gentle Glide Tampons printable and $1/1 Playtex Gentle Glide Tampons printable Plus $2 in UPR wyb 2
Use UPR from Trip #1 for: 11.50 off of total
Rite Aid $4 off $20
$4/$20 Rite Aid Non-Prescription Purchase RA printable
Today's out of pocket cost was a little high... but keep in mind all that stuff that is going to be FREE once I get my rebates. And I have $3 left in Rite Aid money that just has to be used by the end of the month.
And a bottle of water... cause all that shopping and saving made me thirsty! :P
Here's what it all looks like:
I cannot believe how much stuff I got for that $46. Even if you just divide that out over the stuff I will actually keep and use in my own family, it's a great bargain! And what I don't need or can't use yet, I will donate to someone else who needs it or Mercy House. :)
Man, what a rush! It was so worth all of the clipping and organizing and calculating. And the more I think about it the more certain I am I can do better next time on my OOP (out of pocket) costs. But hey, not bad for a total rookie!
My main concern right now is saving money on DIAPERS. I told some friends last night I basically refuse to pay more than 11 cents per diaper, which is a pretty challenging task.
Now, you'll notice that this scenario actually includes a few things that AREN'T diapers, but that's because sometimes buying things you don't need or want helps you to get better deals on the things you do need when couponing to save big-time.
Single check rebate: 55.88
Mail-in rebate: 5.99
Up Rewards (unused): 3.00
Total Rebates/Rewards: 64.87
Total spent both trips: 107.31
Minus Rebates/Rewards of 64.87, I will have only spent $45.44!!!
What did I get?
Trip #1 - $47.99 out of pocket
Gain detergent (1 of 2)
$1/1 Gain Detergent, exp. 11-30-10 (P&G 10/10/10)
Gain detergent (2 of 2)
$1/1 Gain Detergent, exp. 10-31-10 (RP 09/12/10) Plus $2 in UPR wyb 2
Gain Dish detergent
$1/1 Gain Dish Liquid, exp. 11-30-10 (P&G 10/10/10)
Kit Kat/Reeses (1 of 2)
$1/1 Kit Kat or Reese Snack Size Candy RA printable
Kit Kat/Reeses (2 of 2)
Plus $1 UPR wyb 2
Dayquil
$1.50/1 Vicks Product, exp. 11-30-10 (P&G 10/10/10) Plus $1.50 in UPR
Garnier Facewash
$2/1 Garnier Ultra Lift Cleanser or Moisturizer printable and BOGO 50% Off
Garnier Anti-Dark-Circle Eye Roller
$2/1 Garnier Skin Renew Anti-Dark-Circle Eye Roller printable
Playtex (1 of 2)
$1/1 Playtex Gentle Glide Tampons printable
Playtex (2 of 2)
$1/1 Playtex Gentle Glide Tampons printable
Plus $2 UPR wyb 2
Luvs
$2 in UPR
Cotonelle Flushable Wipes
Free Tub
Rite Aid $5 off $25
$5/$25 Rite Aid Non-Prescription Purchase RA printable
Trip #2 - $59.32 out of pocket
Huggies Diapers
$2.50/1 Huggies Pure & Natural Diapers printable
Renuzit
B3G3 Renuzit Adjustables Air Fresheners, exp. 10-24-10 (RP 10/10/10) Plus $1 in UPR wyb 3
NeilMed NasoGel
and
FREE with SCR
NasaMist
FREE with SCR
PediaCare
$1/1 coupon from the 10/10 SmartSource insert
FREE with SCR
Blistex
FREE with SCR
Palmers Cocoa Butter Lip Butter
FREE with SCR
Sucrets
FREE with SCR
Antiox
FREE with SCR
NeilMed
FREE with SCR
Comtrex
FREE with SCR
Emergen-C Immune Shots
FREE with SCR
PediaCare Gentle Vapors
FREE with SCR
Kids-Eeze
FREE with SCR
Playtex (1 of 2)
$2/1 Playtex Gentle Glide Tampons printable
Playtex (2 of 2)
$1.50/1 Playtex Gentle Glide Tampons printable and $1/1 Playtex Gentle Glide Tampons printable Plus $2 in UPR wyb 2
Use UPR from Trip #1 for: 11.50 off of total
Rite Aid $4 off $20
$4/$20 Rite Aid Non-Prescription Purchase RA printable
Today's out of pocket cost was a little high... but keep in mind all that stuff that is going to be FREE once I get my rebates. And I have $3 left in Rite Aid money that just has to be used by the end of the month.
And a bottle of water... cause all that shopping and saving made me thirsty! :P
Here's what it all looks like:
I cannot believe how much stuff I got for that $46. Even if you just divide that out over the stuff I will actually keep and use in my own family, it's a great bargain! And what I don't need or can't use yet, I will donate to someone else who needs it or Mercy House. :)
Man, what a rush! It was so worth all of the clipping and organizing and calculating. And the more I think about it the more certain I am I can do better next time on my OOP (out of pocket) costs. But hey, not bad for a total rookie!
Friday, September 24, 2010
God provides
Sometimes God provides in creative and unexpected ways. Like a free case of bottled water with your office supply order for work. Or a good customer service rep to take care of an insurance claim that you were worried about. Or a traffic-free freeway and a parking space when you're cutting it close to make a movie that you already bought tix for (and that won't let you in if you're late). Or a free glider from a friend.
So many tiny little miracles that some might call coincidence or luck. I know they're winks from one who loves me and loves to provide for me and my family.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Woo-hoo!
So lately I've been loving finding all these little ways to make / save money.
And here is one I think anyone could love.
You can actually make (a teeny-tiny little bit of) money through this site called BeRuby.
!!! Just for going to your gmail, Google maps, twitter, facebook, etc through links on their page.
Here's a link to an article on it from a blog called Money Saving Methods.
Man! I'm so excited about this. If you want to sign up and have me earn a $1 for you signing up, let me know and let me know which email address to send your invite to. Of course, you can sign up on your own but I don't get a buck from BeRuby if you do it that way. :P
And here is one I think anyone could love.
You can actually make (a teeny-tiny little bit of) money through this site called BeRuby.
!!! Just for going to your gmail, Google maps, twitter, facebook, etc through links on their page.
Here's a link to an article on it from a blog called Money Saving Methods.
Man! I'm so excited about this. If you want to sign up and have me earn a $1 for you signing up, let me know and let me know which email address to send your invite to. Of course, you can sign up on your own but I don't get a buck from BeRuby if you do it that way. :P
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Baby blog
Sorry for neglecting you, blog...
For anyone who is interested, I just wanted to put out there that I do have a baby blog over at babycaloca.blogspot.com.
:)
For anyone who is interested, I just wanted to put out there that I do have a baby blog over at babycaloca.blogspot.com.
:)
Monday, September 21, 2009
Difficulty
There is so much to be joyful about. There is so much to be sad about.
I have friends who don't have jobs. I have friends who really want kids, but aren't even married yet. I have friends who really want kids, but can't get pregnant and adoption is ridiculously hard and takes so much time. Not that it's impossible, but it's challenging. I have friends who desperately need to get out of rent or house payments that are too high. I have friends whose marriages are crumbling to pieces.
Yet here I sit, feeling taken care of. I'm pregnant. Finally. Aaron still has a job. I have a job that I love. We have a cute dog. We have a house in the city that we want to live in. We love each other. I have so many friends that it is hard to see all of them as much as I'd like. I have so many people who support and love me it's borderline ridiculous.
I won't say it's perfect. We have a lot more debt than we would like and can never seem to dig our way out of it completely. But we pay the bills, thankfully.
And my heart still hurts. My heart hurts for my friends who are lonely. For my friends who feel as though they're not doing anything with their lives of value. For my friends who can't get pregnant. For my friends who must have only met blind and mentally inept members of the opposite sex because there is no reason why any of them should still be single.
Not that I'm feeling sorry for them, because I don't think any of them would want that. It just breaks my heart. I wish that there were some cut and dry "thing" that each of them could have that would bring them joy and peace. For those that have faith, maybe it's the answer to one of their "big" prayers. For those that don't, maybe it's a little faith that things could get better. Maybe it's a little bit of hope.
I am a problem-solver at heart. So maybe that's why I dwell on the problems in life. I think I get the concept of the best of times and worst of times. Especially lately, I have been experiencing some personal "best of times." But they are simultaneously the "worst of times" when I have friends who feel as though they're outside looking in. I don't know how many times I've prayed for so many of them to have __________ (the thing it seems they need most).
Ugh. Ramble, ramble, ramble.
If you are my friend, I wish you well. I pray for you to have peace, to experience joy in spite of difficulty and sadness. I hope that in some small way, you feel that today. And that what little bit of good you are able to find in each day is enough to get you through one more day without falling apart.
And if you need to go see a movie, or get a smoothie, or just do something fun, I'm here.
I have friends who don't have jobs. I have friends who really want kids, but aren't even married yet. I have friends who really want kids, but can't get pregnant and adoption is ridiculously hard and takes so much time. Not that it's impossible, but it's challenging. I have friends who desperately need to get out of rent or house payments that are too high. I have friends whose marriages are crumbling to pieces.
Yet here I sit, feeling taken care of. I'm pregnant. Finally. Aaron still has a job. I have a job that I love. We have a cute dog. We have a house in the city that we want to live in. We love each other. I have so many friends that it is hard to see all of them as much as I'd like. I have so many people who support and love me it's borderline ridiculous.
I won't say it's perfect. We have a lot more debt than we would like and can never seem to dig our way out of it completely. But we pay the bills, thankfully.
And my heart still hurts. My heart hurts for my friends who are lonely. For my friends who feel as though they're not doing anything with their lives of value. For my friends who can't get pregnant. For my friends who must have only met blind and mentally inept members of the opposite sex because there is no reason why any of them should still be single.
Not that I'm feeling sorry for them, because I don't think any of them would want that. It just breaks my heart. I wish that there were some cut and dry "thing" that each of them could have that would bring them joy and peace. For those that have faith, maybe it's the answer to one of their "big" prayers. For those that don't, maybe it's a little faith that things could get better. Maybe it's a little bit of hope.
I am a problem-solver at heart. So maybe that's why I dwell on the problems in life. I think I get the concept of the best of times and worst of times. Especially lately, I have been experiencing some personal "best of times." But they are simultaneously the "worst of times" when I have friends who feel as though they're outside looking in. I don't know how many times I've prayed for so many of them to have __________ (the thing it seems they need most).
Ugh. Ramble, ramble, ramble.
If you are my friend, I wish you well. I pray for you to have peace, to experience joy in spite of difficulty and sadness. I hope that in some small way, you feel that today. And that what little bit of good you are able to find in each day is enough to get you through one more day without falling apart.
And if you need to go see a movie, or get a smoothie, or just do something fun, I'm here.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
2 Years in the Making
You may or may not have noticed my attempt at artfully and creatively dodging pregnant people, babies, and questions about pregnancy or babies over the last 2 years.
Aaron and I decided in August of 2007 that it was time to start a family.
But God had other plans.
We had always had some reasons for thinking that we might have issues when it came to having kids, but we had faith that it would be okay.
And then it wasn't. We didn't get pregnant. Again. And again. And again. I got progressively more depressed about it. It became harder and harder to watch our other friends have children and wonder if we ever would be able to or if we would have to try every fertility treatment available only to end up empty-armed.
We kept putting off going for testing, thinking maybe this month it will be different. That times 27 months gets tiring. Meanwhile, I'm getting outright depressed over the circumstances. One of my closest friends has had 2 children in the time we've been trying (yes, they are close in age). And pretty much everyone in our Bible study has kids or foreseeably soon will.
So, we got an appointment for a consultation with a specialist at a reproductive health center. I was a nervous wreck going into it, it felt like we were about to jump onto the scariest (and most expensive) roller coaster imaginable. After waiting for our appointment for nearly an hour, we left that appointment yesterday feeling no more assured of any possibilities than we did when we walked in. We left feeling vulnerable, frustrated, and with no more answers than we already knew.
But then something occurred to me.
The doctor was asking me about the date of my last cycle, and I couldn't remember. Partly out of frustration.
As we were driving home I decided to count back and try to figure out when I should be expecting my reminder that I was not pregnant.
Wait, is that right? Am I really a day or two or three late?
No.
Scroll through and find a chat I remembered about my previous cycle.
Really? I'm late. Okay, I've thought I was "late" before and taken a test only to see a big fat negative result. I mention to Aaron that I *think* I'm late and wouldn't that be funny if this time we really were pregnant.
He wanted me to go buy a test and wait to take it until he got home from back to school night. Once he got home, I vaguely remember moving quite quickly to rip open the box and take the test.
What happened next was completely unexpected.
I swear the time waiting for a pregnancy test to turn is the longest 3 minutes you will ever experience. And I've heard they turn faster when they are positive. But when I saw the little "Pregnant" on the screen without the "Not" in front of it, I think I lost my mind. I called Aaron (well, screamed for Aaron to come in, in a crying weird sort of overwhelmed scream), and showed him the good news. I was in absolute shock. Pregnant. We are pregnant.
No more infertility and insurance run around, no more scouring the internet for potential causes and treatments.
Just scouring the internet to figure out what my little bean looks like right now.
Yeah... it's been quite the interesting evening / day. I truly have a hard time believing it's real. I swear I have had more placebo symptoms in months when I for sure have not been pregnant. Although I do feel like I have spidey-sense with my nose. I'm smelling every single particle in the air, I swear! :)
I won't lie, I'm still really scared I could have a miscarriage. It sucks to have to live in such fear, but they're really quite common. I absolutely feel that this is a total answer to prayer, and I don't know why God would arrange such extraordinary circumstances only to have it not come to full fruition... but if that does happen, I'm clinging to the idea that at least we know we did get there without any doctor's help, so there is still hope.
But yay! I'm pregnant! And if all goes well, I will be a mommy by Mother's Day! (due date May 4 according to the internet)
weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
See? Two out of two tests agree, I is preggo!!!
Aaron and I decided in August of 2007 that it was time to start a family.
But God had other plans.
We had always had some reasons for thinking that we might have issues when it came to having kids, but we had faith that it would be okay.
And then it wasn't. We didn't get pregnant. Again. And again. And again. I got progressively more depressed about it. It became harder and harder to watch our other friends have children and wonder if we ever would be able to or if we would have to try every fertility treatment available only to end up empty-armed.
We kept putting off going for testing, thinking maybe this month it will be different. That times 27 months gets tiring. Meanwhile, I'm getting outright depressed over the circumstances. One of my closest friends has had 2 children in the time we've been trying (yes, they are close in age). And pretty much everyone in our Bible study has kids or foreseeably soon will.
So, we got an appointment for a consultation with a specialist at a reproductive health center. I was a nervous wreck going into it, it felt like we were about to jump onto the scariest (and most expensive) roller coaster imaginable. After waiting for our appointment for nearly an hour, we left that appointment yesterday feeling no more assured of any possibilities than we did when we walked in. We left feeling vulnerable, frustrated, and with no more answers than we already knew.
But then something occurred to me.
The doctor was asking me about the date of my last cycle, and I couldn't remember. Partly out of frustration.
As we were driving home I decided to count back and try to figure out when I should be expecting my reminder that I was not pregnant.
Wait, is that right? Am I really a day or two or three late?
No.
Scroll through and find a chat I remembered about my previous cycle.
Really? I'm late. Okay, I've thought I was "late" before and taken a test only to see a big fat negative result. I mention to Aaron that I *think* I'm late and wouldn't that be funny if this time we really were pregnant.
He wanted me to go buy a test and wait to take it until he got home from back to school night. Once he got home, I vaguely remember moving quite quickly to rip open the box and take the test.
What happened next was completely unexpected.
I swear the time waiting for a pregnancy test to turn is the longest 3 minutes you will ever experience. And I've heard they turn faster when they are positive. But when I saw the little "Pregnant" on the screen without the "Not" in front of it, I think I lost my mind. I called Aaron (well, screamed for Aaron to come in, in a crying weird sort of overwhelmed scream), and showed him the good news. I was in absolute shock. Pregnant. We are pregnant.
No more infertility and insurance run around, no more scouring the internet for potential causes and treatments.
Just scouring the internet to figure out what my little bean looks like right now.
Yeah... it's been quite the interesting evening / day. I truly have a hard time believing it's real. I swear I have had more placebo symptoms in months when I for sure have not been pregnant. Although I do feel like I have spidey-sense with my nose. I'm smelling every single particle in the air, I swear! :)
I won't lie, I'm still really scared I could have a miscarriage. It sucks to have to live in such fear, but they're really quite common. I absolutely feel that this is a total answer to prayer, and I don't know why God would arrange such extraordinary circumstances only to have it not come to full fruition... but if that does happen, I'm clinging to the idea that at least we know we did get there without any doctor's help, so there is still hope.
But yay! I'm pregnant! And if all goes well, I will be a mommy by Mother's Day! (due date May 4 according to the internet)
weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
See? Two out of two tests agree, I is preggo!!!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Eerily accurate
Ah, listening to Imogen Heap's new album whilst playing Bejeweled Blitz... and I tune in to these lyrics which just speak my heart right now. It's really a beautiful song, sad, but beautiful. And if my heart could speak right now, I think this is what it would say:
If you wanna take a listen, you can. This song is #2. The whole album is pretty great, though, I recommend it:
Where do we go from here?
How do we carry on?
I can't get beyond the questions...
Clambering for the scraps,
in the shatter of us collapsed.
Is cuts me with every "could have been"...
Pain on, pain on, play repeating.
With the backup makeshift life in waiting.
Everybody says,
that time heals everything.
But what of the wretched hallow?
The endless in-between?
Are we just going to wait it out...?
There's nothing to see here now,
Turning the sign around.
We're closed to the Earth 'til further notice.
Stumbling cliché case,
Crumpled and puffy faced.
Dead in the stare of a thousand miles.
All I want, only one street-level miracle.
I'll be an out-in-out, born-again from none more cynical.
Everybody says,
that time heals everything.
All in the end.
But what of the wretched hallow?
The endless in-between?
Are we just going to wait it out...?
...and sit here cold?
We'll be long gone by then, and lackluster.
In dust we lay around old magazines.
Fluorescent lighting sets the scene,
For all we could and should be being,
In the one life that we've got...
In the one life that we've got.
Everybody says,
that time heals everything.
But what of the wretched hallow?
The endless in-between?
Are we just going to wait it out?
Sit here cold...
...just going to sweat it out?
Wait it out.
If you wanna take a listen, you can. This song is #2. The whole album is pretty great, though, I recommend it:
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Top Ten List: Self-Care
Ok, so the one suggestion I have received thus far for my blog is to do a "top ten" list.
And since I had a couple of funny realizations tonight, I figured I could give it a try.
Here are my top ten reasons why self-care takes precedence tonight:
And since I had a couple of funny realizations tonight, I figured I could give it a try.
Here are my top ten reasons why self-care takes precedence tonight:
10. Because I consistently fail to do this, and hide my laziness under doing things for others.
9. Because Red Vines are 3 points for 4, and I ate 3 before I even bothered to check.
8. Because my husband is gone and I have the house to myself.
7. Because my friend who I was going to hang out with tonight has another friend over.
6. Because I demolished some of my weight loss progress over the past 2 months.
5. Because I got EA Sports Active for the Wii thanks to a great and generous friend.
4. Because of EA Active, I can work out without leaving the house.
3. Because I am not leaving the house, the "dress code" is much more relaxed.
2. Because if I run out of water here, I can get more without begging quarters off of strangers.
1. Because the only one checking me out or judging me is my dog.
Picking up again
I must admit, some of the encouragement and feedback I got while I was trying to do the Thankful posts daily was great, and is missed.
I might try to pick those up again, even if only to get myself back into the habit of writing every day.
Or I might write about some other stuff, I'm still cooking up some kind of theme to keep me from meandering off into whiny-poor-me-blogland, or today I blew my nose 8 times blogland, or how cute is my dog blogland... you get the idea.
So, all that to say, stay tuned. And if you have a great idea for me, please, hand it over! :)
I might try to pick those up again, even if only to get myself back into the habit of writing every day.
Or I might write about some other stuff, I'm still cooking up some kind of theme to keep me from meandering off into whiny-poor-me-blogland, or today I blew my nose 8 times blogland, or how cute is my dog blogland... you get the idea.
So, all that to say, stay tuned. And if you have a great idea for me, please, hand it over! :)
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