Simba, the cat with a very small brain and super smelly urine, 1. Me, with the large brain and no cleaning product that seems to deter him from peeing on things other than litter, 0.
So. We all know about the cat and how when we first moved in here, I brought the neighbor's cat into the house to "make friends" with Simba. Well, Simba hates cats. I must've had a memory lapse at the time and forgotten how there had been a towel to block him from seeing the cat in the cage next to him when we'd adopted him. I must have forgotten how he'd hissed at the cat when the towel was removed. He must think he's the only cat that belongs anywhere near this house as well. Anyway, after my not so great introduction of the two cats, which ended with the other cat cowering near the front door and Simba poised to attack - I removed the cat from the house. Shortly thereafter, Simba began marking his territory. I tried to clean the carpet where he peed; but it quickly grew out of hand. Nothing took out the smell completely, and he stopped peeing in the litter box all together. He'd marked the entire carpet area around the tiled front entrance. I was defeated, completely. Still, I toiled on, trying to cover the carpet and block the assault; buying $25 bottles of pet cleaner. I never won. It always lingered. When Adam returned from Iraq, we pulled up the carpet and layed down hardwood flooring instead. It was the most disgusting thing I ever saw or smelled when we ripped that carpet up. It truly looked like I had done nothing.
Now, the assault has begun again. But this time, the target are our couches. Once, we went away for a week and left Simba here. Ortiz and Rylee checked on him frequently, at least once a day. They must've had the scent of their cats on them one visit, because we returned to a couch covered in cat urine smell. When we talked to them, they told us that yes, they had been sitting where the smell was. It seemed as though we'd won when we removed the covers to the cushions and laundered them; treating the filler with bleach and vinegar and whatever else took away the smell. Nope. Now, he marks both sofas, whenever no one is home. When we had the Saldanas staying with us, it began again. I don't know what to do. I'm having hometown carpet cleaners, a local house and carpet cleaning company come and clean the sofas. They have a process that removes the urine crystals and/or dissolves them; then they steam clean the sofas. If this doesn't work, we'll have to get new couches. I've already thrown out all the filling for all the throw pillows; there's no way to clean it and retain the shape. I don't want to have to buy new furniture. I just want a cat that doesn't piss all over the place.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
29Sept2009 - Day 53
Today was, to put a positive spin on it, challenging. I was in a fantastic mood this morning, until I walked into work. I really like to just leave work at work, but let's just say that I am sick and tired of being treated disrespectfully by managers, two of them specifically. I am closer to thirty than thirteen, and truly do my job with the utmost of professionalism. The longer I work here, the more I feel the need to branch out on my own. More than anything, I want to own my own bar. It seems so far away, so out of reach. And the only reason I say that is because of the financial risk, and capital needed to even think about doing it. I am 100% positive that if $100,000 fell into my lap, I would open an incredibly successful restaurant and bar. Perhaps, I need to focus on that fact, and that will help me to secure the capital that I need. It's not like right now, with Adam in the military and our lives so transient and up in the air, is really a good time to be thinking about it anyway. Still, it's days like today that really get me thinking.
Taylor is still amazing. It's because of her that I am able to leave work at work every day. When I am not in that building, none of the nonsense that goes on there matters even a little bit. (On a side note, I am watching biggest loser for the first time. What is so addicting about watching morbidly obese people try not to eat cupcakes and sweat all over themselves? It's almost wrong.)
Anyway, she didn't cry when she saw me today at Darina's. It felt good. I know that I say it doesn't bother me when she does; but maybe it does smart just a little. We left Darina's and headed to Costco for diapers and wipes. I decided while we were there that we would stay for dinner...lol. So we shared a slice of pizza and a churro. That's when it happened. I feel like I say that alot, "that's when it happened". It happens a lot when you aren't expecting it and you have a 14month old. It is usually messy, smelly, crying, hurt, bleeding, poopy, peeing through its diapers, snotty, drooling, throwing food, or eating something gross. Not that it is Taylor, just usually something yucky or terrifying that she does. She was sitting next to me on the picnic bench, eating pizza, and all of a sudden she fell backwards- on her head- in front of a bunch of people. Immediately I scooped her up, after gasping "oh my god!", and comforted her; and that must have eased the upsetness of the surrounding parents because everyone resumed their pizza and hot dog eating. Her crying was brief, as it always is - perhaps because her attention is also brief. For churro time, she sat securely in the cart. At home it was business as usual, and before I knew it, I was putting her to bed and hadn't even changed out of my work clothes.
On a positive note, the class six called to tell me that my special order beer was in. I had gone in and asked them if they could order some "Ironhorse Irish Death", which is a draft that I'd had at McNamara's in Dupont. It's brewed in Ellensburg, WA and is perhaps my favorite beer ever. They call it a dark smooth ale. I call it heaven in a glass. It's dark, and malty, and delicious. I bought a case, which is 12 22oz bottles. I plan on either saving or buying more for Adam.
Time to take the dog out.
Taylor is still amazing. It's because of her that I am able to leave work at work every day. When I am not in that building, none of the nonsense that goes on there matters even a little bit. (On a side note, I am watching biggest loser for the first time. What is so addicting about watching morbidly obese people try not to eat cupcakes and sweat all over themselves? It's almost wrong.)
Anyway, she didn't cry when she saw me today at Darina's. It felt good. I know that I say it doesn't bother me when she does; but maybe it does smart just a little. We left Darina's and headed to Costco for diapers and wipes. I decided while we were there that we would stay for dinner...lol. So we shared a slice of pizza and a churro. That's when it happened. I feel like I say that alot, "that's when it happened". It happens a lot when you aren't expecting it and you have a 14month old. It is usually messy, smelly, crying, hurt, bleeding, poopy, peeing through its diapers, snotty, drooling, throwing food, or eating something gross. Not that it is Taylor, just usually something yucky or terrifying that she does. She was sitting next to me on the picnic bench, eating pizza, and all of a sudden she fell backwards- on her head- in front of a bunch of people. Immediately I scooped her up, after gasping "oh my god!", and comforted her; and that must have eased the upsetness of the surrounding parents because everyone resumed their pizza and hot dog eating. Her crying was brief, as it always is - perhaps because her attention is also brief. For churro time, she sat securely in the cart. At home it was business as usual, and before I knew it, I was putting her to bed and hadn't even changed out of my work clothes.
On a positive note, the class six called to tell me that my special order beer was in. I had gone in and asked them if they could order some "Ironhorse Irish Death", which is a draft that I'd had at McNamara's in Dupont. It's brewed in Ellensburg, WA and is perhaps my favorite beer ever. They call it a dark smooth ale. I call it heaven in a glass. It's dark, and malty, and delicious. I bought a case, which is 12 22oz bottles. I plan on either saving or buying more for Adam.
Time to take the dog out.
Monday, September 28, 2009
28Sept2009 - Day 52
Ah, glorious day of not feeling nauseous! I feel like I've been sick so much since having Taylor. Taylor ate today, which she hadn't been most of the weekend since throwing up. She had two entire veggie sausages. The Little Gym was great, although I noticed that Taylor seemed to really have much more independence than the other children. I wondered if it was normal for her to have so little interest in joining us all in the circle for song time and other various activities. She really only wanted to participate in the activities that were very physical in nature, and to otherwise explore the gym, climbing and practicing walking on the low balance beam. I didn't mind that she wanted to do her own thing, I just didn't know if I should try to discourage it or just allow her to explore. I think she just doesn't like to be still. Sabrina had a different thought on it. She approached it from the thought that children need to be trained and that she would train Taylor to know when it was appropriate for her to explore, and when it wasn't. I agreed there, too. I guess I am conflicted. I just wonder if she's too young to really stifle her curiosity. Then I wonder if I am going to keep on telling myself that. I think, honestly, I should just trust my insticts. I think I will know when it is time to rein her in. ( I so almost put reign. lol) As for her little gym classes, I will definitely take the advice of the instructor; because today it worked. She said that if I ignore her exploring at the wrong times, she'll come to us when she sees we aren't paying attention to her. It seemed to work today. I know it won't always work; sometimes she'll just want to explore. But, it seemed unnatural to not encourage her to come to the group. Oddly, though, that is when she came. We ignored, and sung and she just came running up and stood next to the instructor, staring at her. It was strange, and somehow it made me feel better that she was there. I was also feeling a little uncomfortable, because she was just standing there staring at her. It made me worried that something was wrong with her. Does she have ADD? Does she have autism? I'm sure none of these things are true, but when your little one is odd girl out, and totally marching to the beat of some other random drum; you wonder. Then I realized, she is her own girl. She does have her own drums with her own beat. And I am here to help her learn to dance her best dance to that beat, whether that beat is in the circle or not.
I've felt a lot lately that Sabrina and I have really been connecting. I feel like our friendship is strengthening, growing. We are communicating more, and I feel like she's really opened up to me. I also feel like she's really, truly been there for me since Adam has left. I feel much more supported this deployment than the last. I also feel like I am much more vocal about my feelings. I am more vocal about my needs, and I think that Taylor's irresistable adorableness doesn't hurt. They are a great aunt and uncle, and babysit whenever they can or whenever I need help even if it's last minute meet-me-at-the-starbucks-on-the-side-of-the-highway, and come to her little gym classes even when hungover. I am truly lucky to have them as friends, although I consider them family more than friends.
I've been whining about how I can't get housework done, no time, sheer exhaustion at the end of the day, and Taylor running all over the place. I told Sabrina and Rylee that I was thinking of getting a woman to clean the house, you know, do a really good deep cleaning, for my birthday present from Adam. (lol, he didn't know that!) She actually said that she'd come over and help instead. She is willing to scrub my bathtub that hasn't been scrubbed since, gulp, I have no idea when. In my defense, I clean the toilet and sinks and lysol almost every other surface of the house pretty regularly. Well, most surfaces. Ok, so my housekeeping has definitely gone down hill since I've had Taylor...Since I was pregnant, and couldn't clean...Since Adam came home from Iraq and brought his stuff and messiness...ok fine. Since I didn't live with Sabrina anymore. I am not as clean as I thought. I'm not as bad as when Adam is here, but I just really can't even keep up anymore. I think I am trying more than normal, but between Taylor pulling everything out that I put away, and the animals, and working...ugh. I'm sick of myself complaining. Today I tackled a few things that have been driving me nuts since Adam came home from Iraq.
I love him, but men are different. Maybe he will understand this. I view the house the way he views the garage. He wants organization. He gets mad when I am the cause of disorganization in his garage. He sometimes blames me for disorganization in his garage unfairly. I clean his garage. This is all the same for the house. The drawer organizers in his tool box for each screwdriver to fit snugly into can be compared to a clean and organized linen closet. I now know that we have way too many extra towels. (Yet, somehow, I couldn't bring myself to throw them out?!) I also now know exactly where the ibuprofen is, and the ten bottles of sunscreen that we have because I could never find any and kept buying more. We have enough sunscreen to shield the entire Seattle metro area for an entire year. (which is less than one may think, considering the limited sun we get during the fall, winter and spring) I organized the drawers in the kitchen, throwing out six bags of dog treats and cat treats that are old and crusty and that the cat had somehow clawed into the bags of, spilling them into the drawers. I found a pork tenderloin left over from May 28 (yes, it's the end of September) that had fallen behind the drawers in the refrigerator. I threw away an entire trash bag of bathroom products that I don't use, need, or want- yet still had. I accomplished a lot. I put away all Taylor's summer clothes, to make room for the fall ones. It seems an ongoing, never ending task just to keep up with rotating her wardrobe properly. Between the changing seasons, and the fact that she grows out of things so quickly; I am constantly rotating clothing, shoes, socks.
How can someone so small have so much stuff? And be so much work? Oh, thank heaven for little girls....but not for all their stuff!!!!!
I've felt a lot lately that Sabrina and I have really been connecting. I feel like our friendship is strengthening, growing. We are communicating more, and I feel like she's really opened up to me. I also feel like she's really, truly been there for me since Adam has left. I feel much more supported this deployment than the last. I also feel like I am much more vocal about my feelings. I am more vocal about my needs, and I think that Taylor's irresistable adorableness doesn't hurt. They are a great aunt and uncle, and babysit whenever they can or whenever I need help even if it's last minute meet-me-at-the-starbucks-on-the-side-of-the-highway, and come to her little gym classes even when hungover. I am truly lucky to have them as friends, although I consider them family more than friends.
I've been whining about how I can't get housework done, no time, sheer exhaustion at the end of the day, and Taylor running all over the place. I told Sabrina and Rylee that I was thinking of getting a woman to clean the house, you know, do a really good deep cleaning, for my birthday present from Adam. (lol, he didn't know that!) She actually said that she'd come over and help instead. She is willing to scrub my bathtub that hasn't been scrubbed since, gulp, I have no idea when. In my defense, I clean the toilet and sinks and lysol almost every other surface of the house pretty regularly. Well, most surfaces. Ok, so my housekeeping has definitely gone down hill since I've had Taylor...Since I was pregnant, and couldn't clean...Since Adam came home from Iraq and brought his stuff and messiness...ok fine. Since I didn't live with Sabrina anymore. I am not as clean as I thought. I'm not as bad as when Adam is here, but I just really can't even keep up anymore. I think I am trying more than normal, but between Taylor pulling everything out that I put away, and the animals, and working...ugh. I'm sick of myself complaining. Today I tackled a few things that have been driving me nuts since Adam came home from Iraq.
I love him, but men are different. Maybe he will understand this. I view the house the way he views the garage. He wants organization. He gets mad when I am the cause of disorganization in his garage. He sometimes blames me for disorganization in his garage unfairly. I clean his garage. This is all the same for the house. The drawer organizers in his tool box for each screwdriver to fit snugly into can be compared to a clean and organized linen closet. I now know that we have way too many extra towels. (Yet, somehow, I couldn't bring myself to throw them out?!) I also now know exactly where the ibuprofen is, and the ten bottles of sunscreen that we have because I could never find any and kept buying more. We have enough sunscreen to shield the entire Seattle metro area for an entire year. (which is less than one may think, considering the limited sun we get during the fall, winter and spring) I organized the drawers in the kitchen, throwing out six bags of dog treats and cat treats that are old and crusty and that the cat had somehow clawed into the bags of, spilling them into the drawers. I found a pork tenderloin left over from May 28 (yes, it's the end of September) that had fallen behind the drawers in the refrigerator. I threw away an entire trash bag of bathroom products that I don't use, need, or want- yet still had. I accomplished a lot. I put away all Taylor's summer clothes, to make room for the fall ones. It seems an ongoing, never ending task just to keep up with rotating her wardrobe properly. Between the changing seasons, and the fact that she grows out of things so quickly; I am constantly rotating clothing, shoes, socks.
How can someone so small have so much stuff? And be so much work? Oh, thank heaven for little girls....but not for all their stuff!!!!!
27Sept2009 - Day 51
Ugh. So, as I was finishing last night's blog...nausea crept over me. I thought it was nothing, so I went to bed. It was nausea that reminded me of the motion sickness that I felt the first day and a half of the cruise. I went to sleep, only to be awoken (awakened?) at about 12:30am running to the bathroom to throw up. Then again at 1:30, and 2:30, and sometime during the 3am hour...and then there was no more left to throw up. But still, again at 4something, 5 something, and 6 something I ran to the toilet. I remember hugging it, clinging to it really. At some point, I am pretty sure I puked on my hair. I also think I was laying on the bathroom floor directly in a small tumbleweed of cat hair. It was all pretty wretched. I texted and called the Delmos sometime in the early morning asking, almost begging them to come get Taylor around 7 or 8 am for me. I knew there would be no way I could function, let alone care for another human being. Besides getting zero sleep, I felt like I was going to vom every time I stood up.
And thank you thank you Delmos. Sabrina came, almost uncannily perfect in her timing, just as Taylor was waking up. She took her, and I went back to sleep. Until Adam called. Our conversation was brief, as I was on death's doorstep. Then mom called. Then Adam's mom called. I didn't answer. I just needed sleep. I woke up sometime shortly after noon, and hobbled into the shower to wash the vomit out of my hair. Shockingly, I didn't have to throw up again; but feeling totally dehydrated and terrified to drink anything, I sipped a tiny bit of water. Talking to mom confirmed that I needed to leave and (gulp) drive to go get some coke to settle my belly. Apparently, keeping a few cans in the fridge is something I am now supposed to do at all times. (Another thing that is not in the manual.) So I manage to get to the gas station, looking I'm sure a hot mess. I called Delmo to let him know that I'd be over.
I had packed my things for the night, as I was pretty sure we'd be going to Taylor's class in the morning. I figured that since I hadn't puked again, I was safe to assume the worst was over. I grabbed two liter sized bottles of coca cola classic. (I still prefer cans, but they didn't have any) Just as I was about to leave, something caught my eye.
Jack in the Box had pumpkin spice milkshakes. Oh, the sweet temptation. I decided to get one. I'd take my chances. Besides, milk always settled my belly when I was hungover when I was younger. I grabbed a small sized shake, and was on my way.
In the car, I managed a few swallows of the milkshake. It was ridiculously sweet. No more of that for me. Craving was satisfied, anyway. Arriving at the Delmos, Sadie and a few liters of coke in tow, I heard her before I even got to the door. She was whining. She was fussy. She was punky pants. Poor Delmo; he said she was punky pants all day. I knew she probably wasn't feeling great, and that she was definitely teething. So, we rested awhile, then took a bath. Sabrina arrived from work, with the baby orajel and infant motrin drops that I'd requested. Upon administering the orajel, she grimaced, cried out and then was slightly placated. I think the numbing feeling scared her a bit. She drank a bit of her bottle and fell into a peaceful slumber. I rejoined the Delmos downstairs, and we watched the Cleveland show, Family Guy, and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Afterwards, I went upstairs and fell into a peaceful slumber.
And thank you thank you Delmos. Sabrina came, almost uncannily perfect in her timing, just as Taylor was waking up. She took her, and I went back to sleep. Until Adam called. Our conversation was brief, as I was on death's doorstep. Then mom called. Then Adam's mom called. I didn't answer. I just needed sleep. I woke up sometime shortly after noon, and hobbled into the shower to wash the vomit out of my hair. Shockingly, I didn't have to throw up again; but feeling totally dehydrated and terrified to drink anything, I sipped a tiny bit of water. Talking to mom confirmed that I needed to leave and (gulp) drive to go get some coke to settle my belly. Apparently, keeping a few cans in the fridge is something I am now supposed to do at all times. (Another thing that is not in the manual.) So I manage to get to the gas station, looking I'm sure a hot mess. I called Delmo to let him know that I'd be over.
I had packed my things for the night, as I was pretty sure we'd be going to Taylor's class in the morning. I figured that since I hadn't puked again, I was safe to assume the worst was over. I grabbed two liter sized bottles of coca cola classic. (I still prefer cans, but they didn't have any) Just as I was about to leave, something caught my eye.
Jack in the Box had pumpkin spice milkshakes. Oh, the sweet temptation. I decided to get one. I'd take my chances. Besides, milk always settled my belly when I was hungover when I was younger. I grabbed a small sized shake, and was on my way.
In the car, I managed a few swallows of the milkshake. It was ridiculously sweet. No more of that for me. Craving was satisfied, anyway. Arriving at the Delmos, Sadie and a few liters of coke in tow, I heard her before I even got to the door. She was whining. She was fussy. She was punky pants. Poor Delmo; he said she was punky pants all day. I knew she probably wasn't feeling great, and that she was definitely teething. So, we rested awhile, then took a bath. Sabrina arrived from work, with the baby orajel and infant motrin drops that I'd requested. Upon administering the orajel, she grimaced, cried out and then was slightly placated. I think the numbing feeling scared her a bit. She drank a bit of her bottle and fell into a peaceful slumber. I rejoined the Delmos downstairs, and we watched the Cleveland show, Family Guy, and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Afterwards, I went upstairs and fell into a peaceful slumber.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
26Sept2009 - Day 50
Ah, the joys of not getting up and going to work. For one, I don't have to wear all black. For two, I don't have to wear ugly shoes. For three, it was a beautiful freakin' day and I got to spend it with all my girls. Taylor, with me of course, Sabrina and I went to Rylee's craft fair thing. On the way I didn't know what to expect, and as we drove further into Graham (aka the middle of almost nowhere)(think rural suburb, where turning right onto the road the house was on led down an unpaved road...) we were a touch nervous and pondering which horror movie plot involving pitchforks and old trucks was going to come true. If you hear the song, run! (jeepers creepers...)
We arrived to a log cabin? (random, considering it wasn't in the mountains) with lots of little gazebo tents set up pawning their hand-crafted wares. It was great! There were twelve different vendors, some antique refinishing, some candles with no fire, a donut tent, another one where everything was french...you know writing it down makes it sound a lot weirder and suckier than it was. It was, in fact, great. I bought a beautiful ____ for Dana. (I know she reads this). I got Taylor a rocking chair that's just her size...ate some yummy fresh little mini donuts, and ordered a custom made apron (sounds crazy, but they're adorable!) for myself. Afterwards, I dropped Sabrina at home so she could go to work and Taylor and I went to Ikea. I wanted to look for a toy chest and small table and chairs for her. Darina has a set, and the kids eat there now. I thought she might enjoy it. We had a blast at Ikea, but she was a touch cranky. I really think she has a tummy bug. I didn't get any table or chairs, but I did find a play rug. It is exactly what I wanted, a little rug with a city scape on it and roads to drive little cars on. I got a runner for the dining room table, and a pillow for the couch since Simba has ruined all of the rest of the small ones.
Since we got a car playmat, and Taylor owns no cars, I thought it an appropriate time to go to Toys R Us. We went and she truly had a great time. I didn't take the stroller in, allowing her to guide me in the store instead. I did lead her a bit, because she tended to spend an awfully long time at the beginning of the store playing with a price tag hanging in front of halloween candy. She spent a ton of time at the "you and me" doll section. I would have bought one for her, but I was totally overwhelmed by the selection. If I'd gone by what she had an interest in, we'd have come out of the store with an african american doll. Her gravitation towards it made me ask myself if I would buy it. It seems that, as parents, people always encourage their child to get a doll that looks like them. Why is that? Wouldn't it be better for her to have dolls of all hair, skin and eye colors? I don't know the future implications of my doll choices for her as a young child, but I will definitely be reading up on what they might be. I really feel like I should get the doll that she wants, regardless of what it looks like. After the dolls, we went to the preschool section. She kept going to the "popper" thing that kids push and the balls pop inside and make noise. A few things about the popper. One, we have one. Two, I was extremely impressed by her ability to get the popper off of the small metal hook. She reached for it, and did it with such dexterity that I was truly taken aback.
After steering her from the popper, we explored all the preschool aisles and she busily littered each one with various stuffed animals before we saw the little wagon/stroller? Looking it up, it's the Step2 Ride Whisper Ride buggy in pink. It was great. I could push her around, and she enjoyed the ride around all the bicycles. I think I will get it for christmas. Instead, we opted for two of the balls in the big bins that you always want when you go to toys r us. The same balls that absolutely no child can walk by without taking one out...I also got two small, cushy and plastic cars for her mat. Lastly, we got a basketball net and ball for her age and it grows with her. She really enjoyed the one at the little gym, so I firgured it would be great for her at home.
After Ikea, we came home and her to bed shortly afterwards. Now it's tired mommy's turn.
We arrived to a log cabin? (random, considering it wasn't in the mountains) with lots of little gazebo tents set up pawning their hand-crafted wares. It was great! There were twelve different vendors, some antique refinishing, some candles with no fire, a donut tent, another one where everything was french...you know writing it down makes it sound a lot weirder and suckier than it was. It was, in fact, great. I bought a beautiful ____ for Dana. (I know she reads this). I got Taylor a rocking chair that's just her size...ate some yummy fresh little mini donuts, and ordered a custom made apron (sounds crazy, but they're adorable!) for myself. Afterwards, I dropped Sabrina at home so she could go to work and Taylor and I went to Ikea. I wanted to look for a toy chest and small table and chairs for her. Darina has a set, and the kids eat there now. I thought she might enjoy it. We had a blast at Ikea, but she was a touch cranky. I really think she has a tummy bug. I didn't get any table or chairs, but I did find a play rug. It is exactly what I wanted, a little rug with a city scape on it and roads to drive little cars on. I got a runner for the dining room table, and a pillow for the couch since Simba has ruined all of the rest of the small ones.
Since we got a car playmat, and Taylor owns no cars, I thought it an appropriate time to go to Toys R Us. We went and she truly had a great time. I didn't take the stroller in, allowing her to guide me in the store instead. I did lead her a bit, because she tended to spend an awfully long time at the beginning of the store playing with a price tag hanging in front of halloween candy. She spent a ton of time at the "you and me" doll section. I would have bought one for her, but I was totally overwhelmed by the selection. If I'd gone by what she had an interest in, we'd have come out of the store with an african american doll. Her gravitation towards it made me ask myself if I would buy it. It seems that, as parents, people always encourage their child to get a doll that looks like them. Why is that? Wouldn't it be better for her to have dolls of all hair, skin and eye colors? I don't know the future implications of my doll choices for her as a young child, but I will definitely be reading up on what they might be. I really feel like I should get the doll that she wants, regardless of what it looks like. After the dolls, we went to the preschool section. She kept going to the "popper" thing that kids push and the balls pop inside and make noise. A few things about the popper. One, we have one. Two, I was extremely impressed by her ability to get the popper off of the small metal hook. She reached for it, and did it with such dexterity that I was truly taken aback.
After steering her from the popper, we explored all the preschool aisles and she busily littered each one with various stuffed animals before we saw the little wagon/stroller? Looking it up, it's the Step2 Ride Whisper Ride buggy in pink. It was great. I could push her around, and she enjoyed the ride around all the bicycles. I think I will get it for christmas. Instead, we opted for two of the balls in the big bins that you always want when you go to toys r us. The same balls that absolutely no child can walk by without taking one out...I also got two small, cushy and plastic cars for her mat. Lastly, we got a basketball net and ball for her age and it grows with her. She really enjoyed the one at the little gym, so I firgured it would be great for her at home.
After Ikea, we came home and her to bed shortly afterwards. Now it's tired mommy's turn.
Friday, September 25, 2009
25Sept2009 - Day 49
Today does not feel like the beginning of the weekend. The other day when I went to pick Taylor up from Darina's, she waved goodbye, told me goodbye to me and turned away to play some more. When I attempted to pick her up to take her to the car, she threw a fit. I believe I discussed this previously. I believe I understood. I believe my feelings weren't hurt.
Well, today as soon as she saw me, she started to cry and reach for Darina. I still get it. But, I think I prefer the enthusiasm she used to have when she saw me. She used to get so excited to see me, and run to me and want to pull me all around to show me what was going on there, to share toys...I wonder if she'll ever be excited to see me again?
After work, which was busy enough to keep me occupied for the day, I went to get her and the usual routine ensued. In the car, I couldn't tell if there would be a nap or not. There wasn't, so we both took Sadie for a walk and got the mail. Inside, I prepared dinner and started her out with some mandarin orange wedges while she waited. She also enjoyed some Phineas and Ferb on Disney Channel. I noticed, as I sat down with my dinner, that she hadn't even touched one of the slices of fruit. Very unlike her. I reasoned that she'd had a late snack, and as it was only 5:30, that she wasn't hungry. She confirmed my thought by reaching for me, and attempting to get out of the chair. Just as I had the tray removed, and was unbuckling her - it happened.
She let out a small wail, leading me to believe she just wanted to get up, but instead a horror movieesque amount of vomit came out of her mouth and onto her, the chair, and the floor. I didn't know what to do, so I tried to get her up quicker, and then she did it again! I've never seen so much vomit. Let alone, tried to catch it. Or from such a small person. Or without any sort of verbal warning. Or other symptom. It was real puke, too. Not cute baby puke. I'm talking violent spewing of a massive amount of chunky liquid. In case you were wondering, yes. It was extremely traumatizing. I grabbed her up, holding her away from me (which killed me, because I wanted to comfort and cuddle her but she was covered in puke) and took her to her bathroom to undress and bathe her. After undressing, and a brief wiping off of chunks, I placed her in her crib to go clean the mess up and start the bath. As soon as I got downstairs, I spied it.
The second grossest thing of the night. Sadie was on her two legs, stretching, tongue out to get all the juicy bits out of the corner of the high chair. I was repulsed. There was literally nothing to clean up, except what was left on the chair. This, more than the actual expulsion, made me want to be sick. She had literally licked it ALL up. It made me shudder. I cleaned up what was left, and went back up to administer the bath.
I called Darina to see if she'd eaten too much, something weird, or had been sick at all. No answer. I called mom to find out what to do. No answer. I was on my own. I panicked for a few seconds, then let me instincts take over. I actually made a conscious decision to do what I felt intuitively. Weird. I relaxed, noting that she seemed just fine, and tried my best to relax and comfort her.
Needless to say, my dinner, which was still sitting on the table untouched, did not get eaten. I threw it out, because I just was not hungry. Eventually both mom and Darina called back. Nothing odd from Darina, and mom suggested coke. It settles the belly. Put a bra on, and drove the two of us up to the gas station. I ran in quickly, and grabbed Taylor a small coke. At home, she attempted to drink some from a regular cup. She did wear a good bit of it, warranting a wardrobe change, but injested enough of it to make me feel a bit better.
She's in bed now, without a bottle tonight, and my only worry is that she'll throw up again and choke on it in her sleep. Because of my paranoia, I'll probably scoop her up to sleep in my bed tonight. Just in case.
Well, today as soon as she saw me, she started to cry and reach for Darina. I still get it. But, I think I prefer the enthusiasm she used to have when she saw me. She used to get so excited to see me, and run to me and want to pull me all around to show me what was going on there, to share toys...I wonder if she'll ever be excited to see me again?
After work, which was busy enough to keep me occupied for the day, I went to get her and the usual routine ensued. In the car, I couldn't tell if there would be a nap or not. There wasn't, so we both took Sadie for a walk and got the mail. Inside, I prepared dinner and started her out with some mandarin orange wedges while she waited. She also enjoyed some Phineas and Ferb on Disney Channel. I noticed, as I sat down with my dinner, that she hadn't even touched one of the slices of fruit. Very unlike her. I reasoned that she'd had a late snack, and as it was only 5:30, that she wasn't hungry. She confirmed my thought by reaching for me, and attempting to get out of the chair. Just as I had the tray removed, and was unbuckling her - it happened.
She let out a small wail, leading me to believe she just wanted to get up, but instead a horror movieesque amount of vomit came out of her mouth and onto her, the chair, and the floor. I didn't know what to do, so I tried to get her up quicker, and then she did it again! I've never seen so much vomit. Let alone, tried to catch it. Or from such a small person. Or without any sort of verbal warning. Or other symptom. It was real puke, too. Not cute baby puke. I'm talking violent spewing of a massive amount of chunky liquid. In case you were wondering, yes. It was extremely traumatizing. I grabbed her up, holding her away from me (which killed me, because I wanted to comfort and cuddle her but she was covered in puke) and took her to her bathroom to undress and bathe her. After undressing, and a brief wiping off of chunks, I placed her in her crib to go clean the mess up and start the bath. As soon as I got downstairs, I spied it.
The second grossest thing of the night. Sadie was on her two legs, stretching, tongue out to get all the juicy bits out of the corner of the high chair. I was repulsed. There was literally nothing to clean up, except what was left on the chair. This, more than the actual expulsion, made me want to be sick. She had literally licked it ALL up. It made me shudder. I cleaned up what was left, and went back up to administer the bath.
I called Darina to see if she'd eaten too much, something weird, or had been sick at all. No answer. I called mom to find out what to do. No answer. I was on my own. I panicked for a few seconds, then let me instincts take over. I actually made a conscious decision to do what I felt intuitively. Weird. I relaxed, noting that she seemed just fine, and tried my best to relax and comfort her.
Needless to say, my dinner, which was still sitting on the table untouched, did not get eaten. I threw it out, because I just was not hungry. Eventually both mom and Darina called back. Nothing odd from Darina, and mom suggested coke. It settles the belly. Put a bra on, and drove the two of us up to the gas station. I ran in quickly, and grabbed Taylor a small coke. At home, she attempted to drink some from a regular cup. She did wear a good bit of it, warranting a wardrobe change, but injested enough of it to make me feel a bit better.
She's in bed now, without a bottle tonight, and my only worry is that she'll throw up again and choke on it in her sleep. Because of my paranoia, I'll probably scoop her up to sleep in my bed tonight. Just in case.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
23Sept2009 - Day 47
Happy Birthday little sister Dana! Or I should say, younger sister. She's taller than me. Either way, I got some great presents and a fantastic card. Too bad it's all sitting in the box that I put everything to mail. I did get to call her, though. I can't believe my little anad is 22. And I can't believe she's only a year younger than Rylee. Weird. They seem so different. That was probably dumb to say, but Rylee seems much older than her age. She doesn't look it, but she acts it.
Today was day 2 back to work. It was so slow, it was painful. When I went to get Taylor from Darina's, they were outside playing. Darina picked her up and walked over towards me, and Taylor was super cheerful (despite not having a nap, according to Darina). Taylor looked at me, smiled, and said "bye bye!" and looked away. LOL She wanted to stay and play. Darina handed her over to me, and you'd think the world had ended. I totally understood why she was acting that way, so it made it much easier not to have hurt feelings. It wasn't that she didn't want mommy, it was that mommy coming to Darina's represented the end of playtime. And no child wants playtime to end. Especially an overtired one. So, needless to say, she was asleep before we even got out of Darina's neighborhood. She stayed asleep on the sofa for awhile, as I cooked dinner. Until she woke up and promptly fell off and into the coffee table. I had her propped and blocked, but still she managed to fall off. Her poor little cheek is all scratched up, too. I will say, despite the fact that she was hurt and screaming crying, it never seems to last long. She cries, gets it out, and moves on quickly. She is a trooper. Dinner was challenging, as it always is with a cranky baby. Afterwards, we shared a drumstick cone, where I met serious opposition if I tried to actually hold the cone. I basically had to bring the cone with her hand to my mouth so I could quickly lick it and prevent it from melting onto her hands. She thoroughly enjoys ice cream cones. I mean the actual cone itself. I ate most of the outer chocolate, because I was worried about it upsetting her stomach like it did Adam when he was her age. (and that's my story and I'm sticking to it.) Afterwards, we sat, me sitting mostly and her squirming around, then up, then back to sitting, then up, then...well, you get the idea, watching Duplicity. Eight rolled around, and I thought I should put her to bed before I fell asleep next to her on the couch and she fell off again....
Today was day 2 back to work. It was so slow, it was painful. When I went to get Taylor from Darina's, they were outside playing. Darina picked her up and walked over towards me, and Taylor was super cheerful (despite not having a nap, according to Darina). Taylor looked at me, smiled, and said "bye bye!" and looked away. LOL She wanted to stay and play. Darina handed her over to me, and you'd think the world had ended. I totally understood why she was acting that way, so it made it much easier not to have hurt feelings. It wasn't that she didn't want mommy, it was that mommy coming to Darina's represented the end of playtime. And no child wants playtime to end. Especially an overtired one. So, needless to say, she was asleep before we even got out of Darina's neighborhood. She stayed asleep on the sofa for awhile, as I cooked dinner. Until she woke up and promptly fell off and into the coffee table. I had her propped and blocked, but still she managed to fall off. Her poor little cheek is all scratched up, too. I will say, despite the fact that she was hurt and screaming crying, it never seems to last long. She cries, gets it out, and moves on quickly. She is a trooper. Dinner was challenging, as it always is with a cranky baby. Afterwards, we shared a drumstick cone, where I met serious opposition if I tried to actually hold the cone. I basically had to bring the cone with her hand to my mouth so I could quickly lick it and prevent it from melting onto her hands. She thoroughly enjoys ice cream cones. I mean the actual cone itself. I ate most of the outer chocolate, because I was worried about it upsetting her stomach like it did Adam when he was her age. (and that's my story and I'm sticking to it.) Afterwards, we sat, me sitting mostly and her squirming around, then up, then back to sitting, then up, then...well, you get the idea, watching Duplicity. Eight rolled around, and I thought I should put her to bed before I fell asleep next to her on the couch and she fell off again....
22Sept2009 - Day 46
Oh, the first day back to work after vacation. Never the best day, never the worst. Poor Taylor experienced the same, as she didn't have a nap the whole day. She was a crankston for sure when she came home.
Not too much interesting or exciting, but it was odd to come home to such warm weather. I thought that we'd come home from fifty degrees to fifty degrees. Not so. We came home to like eighty degrees. Needless to say, Taylor had long sleeves and long pants on. LOL
I've also decided that saucony shoes, particularly the ones I buy for Taylor, are cursed. She was shoeless when I arrived at Darina's and her shoes were out in the sun on the front porch- soaking wet. She'd stepped in dog poo and had to have them washed. I swear, we are jinxed with shoes. I guess there are worse things we could be jinxed with.
Not too much interesting or exciting, but it was odd to come home to such warm weather. I thought that we'd come home from fifty degrees to fifty degrees. Not so. We came home to like eighty degrees. Needless to say, Taylor had long sleeves and long pants on. LOL
I've also decided that saucony shoes, particularly the ones I buy for Taylor, are cursed. She was shoeless when I arrived at Darina's and her shoes were out in the sun on the front porch- soaking wet. She'd stepped in dog poo and had to have them washed. I swear, we are jinxed with shoes. I guess there are worse things we could be jinxed with.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
21Sept2009 - Day 45
Whomever said "be careful what you wish for" was obviously dead before it applied to my situation. However, if they were to still be alive, I'm sure they would say it again about my Monday. We woke up, I to Taylor in the playpen chatting me up, and Dash, and Sadie crowding me up in the bed. I must have slept well, because I didn't bring any dogs to bed. They somehow appeared during the night. You'd think a sixty pound lab clumsily falling into the bed would have woken me up. Alas, I may have had a few cocktails. That might have been the reason for my undisturbed slumber.
So, as I'd planned, I didn't shower; just freshened and brushed teeth. I fed Taylor some of her veggie sausages, made coffee, and oatmeal. The oatmeal sucked, but the gatorade was deliciously hydrating. Off to the Little Gym we went, and I had instructions to drive aggressively so that we'd be on time. I didn't really do too well on that, partly because I was a touch hungover and partly because I don't like to bob and weave with Taylor in the backseat.
We arrived just a minute or two late, and we got into the gym and the class began. Then it was over. Seriously. It flew by. Taylor was markedly disinterested in the group, and preferred to wander around and explore every square inch of the gym during all of the group time. It reminded me of how Sadie has to thoroughly explore the entire yard before finding a spot to pee. She did occasionally run upto a random classmate and they'd stand and stare at each other for a moment. Mostly, she wanted to walk. She loves to walk. If a 14 month old could have a passion, then hers would be walking. She'll do laps in any area she's in. Front door, by the couch, to the kitchen, back to the front door. Over and over, she'll lap. But, alas, she does also possess the excruciatingly short attention span of a one year old, so the laps- while intense and practiced very seriously, usually only last a few minutes. After the class, we went back to the Delmos. I gathered Sadie, and our belongings, ate a piece of pizza left over from last night, and off we went. I drove towards the house, or Darina's. If Taylor fell asleep, I'd take her home to nap. If not, I'd take her to Darina's house first. So, she fell asleep. To the house we went, and to the couch to finish her nap went Taylor upon our arrival. I went to change the time of my dentist appointment, as it will overlap with the Little Gym class and to make an appointment for her 12 month (oops!) checkup and shots. I called the dentist, and ended up having to reschedule for a month later. I feel ok about it though, because I am following the dentist's instructions. Then, I called for Taylor. They suggested today. Whoa!
Now, anyone who knows me knows that I already had a plan for today: after nap, drop the Mayter to Darina's, grocery shop, bring it home and put it away, shower, get Dana and Rylee's presents, mail Dana's present, get the wubba mayter, go to the mall for new Taylor shoes, then meet the Delmos and Rylee for dinner at Bjs. So, of course, I know how difficult it is to get an appointment in the first place. With a bit of trepidation, I accepted the offer. So, this meant waking up the mayter to go to Darina's right away. Off we went, after Sadie inspected the backyard for a few minutes. I dropped her at Darina's as quickly as I could, while still trying to inquire about her week and tell her about ours and Taylor's new achievements. Off I went to the px, purchasing cards, one of Dana's presents, and some magazines for Adam. Then, in a frenzy of an overawareness of the limited amount of time, I pulled next door to the commissary. $167 later, tons of fresh produce and the surprising find of a macaroni grill chicken piccata meal kit later...I left. I had a bag of ice in the trunk, cold and frozen items packed around it so that it could last throughout the doctor's appointment. I picked Taylor up, shockingly quickly as she had shoes on and was right by the front door when I arrived. We went to Madigan, only a five minute drive from Darina's house, but you must allow ten to fifteen minutes to park and walk to the hospital from your parking spot, a likely three and a half miles away. lol. I joke I joke! I kid I kid! We arrived a few minutes early, and I was starting to remember that I'd not eaten since ten that morning and had only had a slice of pizza. It was 2:45 or so by the time we were called, which was a relief because I was running out of Magic Distract a Baby Cheerios.
We met first with the medical student, who asked all the routine questions. She was weighed, length measured, head circumference taken. On the scales, she was 29% weight at 20.5lbs and 66% in height at 30.5 inches. Her head was about average, down from 90% during her ninth month check. So, I can't say I was surprised to hear that she was tall and thin. Just. Like. Her. Daddy. (so far anyway). Perhaps, he will offer her a bit of height. I've only ever wanted like two more inches in height, so I'll be thrilled if she gets that! All went well, and the doctor and student were quite impressed that Taylor had so many words in her arsenal. The low weight percentile was of no consequence or concern, because she eats like a horse, is extremely active, and isn't skinny or unhealthy. She'll just need to keep eating and not fall below the curve for her next checkup. The doc said that children don't settle into a pattern of growth that becomes their normal growth pattern until about 18 months.
After the pleasantries came the shots. We both received flu shots, and she also received her 12 month boosters. The nurse that administered them was, thankfully, extremely quick. Taylor was a trooper, and only cried a few minutes. It was over quickly, as the pain must have also been over quickly, because she walked out on her own two feet to the waiting room. I had planned on dropping her back at Darina's while I went home to get ready, because we live close, and picking her up would be on the way to the restaurant; but we were out of time to do all that maneuvering. I also was out of time for a shower. I went home, Taylor falling asleep in the car again, my stomach so empty and I so hungry I thought I would throw up. Still, no time for snacks. I put her in her crib upstairs while I got ready, took Sadie out again and off we went. I had to beat Rylee and the Delmos to the mall so I could get Rylee a gift card from the Gap and Auntie Anne's pretzels. (Her prego craving is pretzels.) As I was speeding around the mall, not 4 stores from the Gap, Rylee walks up to me. Bullocks! She later comfirmed what I'd suspected then, that my face did not look happy to see her. Needless to say, I only had the pretzel gift card. We went back to BJs and saw the Delmos pulling in. I thought of a plan b, and while the other women went into the restaurant, I convinced Delmo to get a gift card for me from Ann Taylor Loft. (Rylee and I had walked by, and she saw a lot in there that she liked.)
Our dinner was great, and everything worked out in the end. We had pizookies for desert, and then proceeded to Nordstrom's for shoes for Taylor because it was only 8pm when we were done. After trying on 4-5 pairs on a very squirmy baby girl, I settled on another pair of Saucony for $40 that were pink and white. Taylor, bless her heart, walked the entire mall. Until she was exhausted and ready for bed and Uncle Delmo carried her the rest of the way. They sat by the Comcast area, catching up on the results of the Colts game. (They won.)
We parted ways, came home and I watched House and an episode of Top Chef.
I truly love that I'm busy. I would like a day on the couch to do nothing, but there is no such thing. Taylor must still be cared for, Sadie and Simba must still be cared for. There is always de-cluttering to be done, always dishes or laundry to clean, vacuuming to be done. I think that I would be miserable like I was last time without all of this responsibility on my shoulders. During the week, when I'm working, and especially after a few weeks or a month of working and doing all this; it gets to me. It's too much. But, without it, all that I have is empty, lonely time. Thank goodness for season premier season. Thank goodness for classes, and appointments, and chores to be done. I need an oil change, for sure. I really should clean the bathrooms thoroughly soon. As in, more than lysol wiping everything. The summer is melting away, and before it's totally gone, I really should make sure we can take some late afternoon park jaunts, or a last couple trips to the dog park.
I really, and truly miss Adam. I don't feel as though I miss needing him. I feel as though I miss being with him. I miss his sense of humor. I miss things like last night. I opened the freezer, and glancing at the absolut bottle, I wondered aloud to Delmo what temperature alcohol would acutally freeze at. He said "alcohol doesn't freeze." ugh. Then Sabrina said the same thing without hearing our previous conversation. It would have been a big, awesome conversation between Adam and I. Best of all, he may have known the answer. I now know that it's something like -73 degrees. Not sure if that's celsius or not. Delmo looked it up, so it could be either. lol
I miss his smell. I miss his arms, the dimples in his butt, his walk, his total fascination and utter devotion to Taylor. I miss the warm furnace that slept next to me each night, stealing covers and warming me up even on the coldest of nights. Winter is coming. Perhaps an electric blanket?
Nothing is the same. I'll just have to look forward to keeping warm with him next winter.
So, as I'd planned, I didn't shower; just freshened and brushed teeth. I fed Taylor some of her veggie sausages, made coffee, and oatmeal. The oatmeal sucked, but the gatorade was deliciously hydrating. Off to the Little Gym we went, and I had instructions to drive aggressively so that we'd be on time. I didn't really do too well on that, partly because I was a touch hungover and partly because I don't like to bob and weave with Taylor in the backseat.
We arrived just a minute or two late, and we got into the gym and the class began. Then it was over. Seriously. It flew by. Taylor was markedly disinterested in the group, and preferred to wander around and explore every square inch of the gym during all of the group time. It reminded me of how Sadie has to thoroughly explore the entire yard before finding a spot to pee. She did occasionally run upto a random classmate and they'd stand and stare at each other for a moment. Mostly, she wanted to walk. She loves to walk. If a 14 month old could have a passion, then hers would be walking. She'll do laps in any area she's in. Front door, by the couch, to the kitchen, back to the front door. Over and over, she'll lap. But, alas, she does also possess the excruciatingly short attention span of a one year old, so the laps- while intense and practiced very seriously, usually only last a few minutes. After the class, we went back to the Delmos. I gathered Sadie, and our belongings, ate a piece of pizza left over from last night, and off we went. I drove towards the house, or Darina's. If Taylor fell asleep, I'd take her home to nap. If not, I'd take her to Darina's house first. So, she fell asleep. To the house we went, and to the couch to finish her nap went Taylor upon our arrival. I went to change the time of my dentist appointment, as it will overlap with the Little Gym class and to make an appointment for her 12 month (oops!) checkup and shots. I called the dentist, and ended up having to reschedule for a month later. I feel ok about it though, because I am following the dentist's instructions. Then, I called for Taylor. They suggested today. Whoa!
Now, anyone who knows me knows that I already had a plan for today: after nap, drop the Mayter to Darina's, grocery shop, bring it home and put it away, shower, get Dana and Rylee's presents, mail Dana's present, get the wubba mayter, go to the mall for new Taylor shoes, then meet the Delmos and Rylee for dinner at Bjs. So, of course, I know how difficult it is to get an appointment in the first place. With a bit of trepidation, I accepted the offer. So, this meant waking up the mayter to go to Darina's right away. Off we went, after Sadie inspected the backyard for a few minutes. I dropped her at Darina's as quickly as I could, while still trying to inquire about her week and tell her about ours and Taylor's new achievements. Off I went to the px, purchasing cards, one of Dana's presents, and some magazines for Adam. Then, in a frenzy of an overawareness of the limited amount of time, I pulled next door to the commissary. $167 later, tons of fresh produce and the surprising find of a macaroni grill chicken piccata meal kit later...I left. I had a bag of ice in the trunk, cold and frozen items packed around it so that it could last throughout the doctor's appointment. I picked Taylor up, shockingly quickly as she had shoes on and was right by the front door when I arrived. We went to Madigan, only a five minute drive from Darina's house, but you must allow ten to fifteen minutes to park and walk to the hospital from your parking spot, a likely three and a half miles away. lol. I joke I joke! I kid I kid! We arrived a few minutes early, and I was starting to remember that I'd not eaten since ten that morning and had only had a slice of pizza. It was 2:45 or so by the time we were called, which was a relief because I was running out of Magic Distract a Baby Cheerios.
We met first with the medical student, who asked all the routine questions. She was weighed, length measured, head circumference taken. On the scales, she was 29% weight at 20.5lbs and 66% in height at 30.5 inches. Her head was about average, down from 90% during her ninth month check. So, I can't say I was surprised to hear that she was tall and thin. Just. Like. Her. Daddy. (so far anyway). Perhaps, he will offer her a bit of height. I've only ever wanted like two more inches in height, so I'll be thrilled if she gets that! All went well, and the doctor and student were quite impressed that Taylor had so many words in her arsenal. The low weight percentile was of no consequence or concern, because she eats like a horse, is extremely active, and isn't skinny or unhealthy. She'll just need to keep eating and not fall below the curve for her next checkup. The doc said that children don't settle into a pattern of growth that becomes their normal growth pattern until about 18 months.
After the pleasantries came the shots. We both received flu shots, and she also received her 12 month boosters. The nurse that administered them was, thankfully, extremely quick. Taylor was a trooper, and only cried a few minutes. It was over quickly, as the pain must have also been over quickly, because she walked out on her own two feet to the waiting room. I had planned on dropping her back at Darina's while I went home to get ready, because we live close, and picking her up would be on the way to the restaurant; but we were out of time to do all that maneuvering. I also was out of time for a shower. I went home, Taylor falling asleep in the car again, my stomach so empty and I so hungry I thought I would throw up. Still, no time for snacks. I put her in her crib upstairs while I got ready, took Sadie out again and off we went. I had to beat Rylee and the Delmos to the mall so I could get Rylee a gift card from the Gap and Auntie Anne's pretzels. (Her prego craving is pretzels.) As I was speeding around the mall, not 4 stores from the Gap, Rylee walks up to me. Bullocks! She later comfirmed what I'd suspected then, that my face did not look happy to see her. Needless to say, I only had the pretzel gift card. We went back to BJs and saw the Delmos pulling in. I thought of a plan b, and while the other women went into the restaurant, I convinced Delmo to get a gift card for me from Ann Taylor Loft. (Rylee and I had walked by, and she saw a lot in there that she liked.)
Our dinner was great, and everything worked out in the end. We had pizookies for desert, and then proceeded to Nordstrom's for shoes for Taylor because it was only 8pm when we were done. After trying on 4-5 pairs on a very squirmy baby girl, I settled on another pair of Saucony for $40 that were pink and white. Taylor, bless her heart, walked the entire mall. Until she was exhausted and ready for bed and Uncle Delmo carried her the rest of the way. They sat by the Comcast area, catching up on the results of the Colts game. (They won.)
We parted ways, came home and I watched House and an episode of Top Chef.
I truly love that I'm busy. I would like a day on the couch to do nothing, but there is no such thing. Taylor must still be cared for, Sadie and Simba must still be cared for. There is always de-cluttering to be done, always dishes or laundry to clean, vacuuming to be done. I think that I would be miserable like I was last time without all of this responsibility on my shoulders. During the week, when I'm working, and especially after a few weeks or a month of working and doing all this; it gets to me. It's too much. But, without it, all that I have is empty, lonely time. Thank goodness for season premier season. Thank goodness for classes, and appointments, and chores to be done. I need an oil change, for sure. I really should clean the bathrooms thoroughly soon. As in, more than lysol wiping everything. The summer is melting away, and before it's totally gone, I really should make sure we can take some late afternoon park jaunts, or a last couple trips to the dog park.
I really, and truly miss Adam. I don't feel as though I miss needing him. I feel as though I miss being with him. I miss his sense of humor. I miss things like last night. I opened the freezer, and glancing at the absolut bottle, I wondered aloud to Delmo what temperature alcohol would acutally freeze at. He said "alcohol doesn't freeze." ugh. Then Sabrina said the same thing without hearing our previous conversation. It would have been a big, awesome conversation between Adam and I. Best of all, he may have known the answer. I now know that it's something like -73 degrees. Not sure if that's celsius or not. Delmo looked it up, so it could be either. lol
I miss his smell. I miss his arms, the dimples in his butt, his walk, his total fascination and utter devotion to Taylor. I miss the warm furnace that slept next to me each night, stealing covers and warming me up even on the coldest of nights. Winter is coming. Perhaps an electric blanket?
Nothing is the same. I'll just have to look forward to keeping warm with him next winter.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
19Sept2009 - Day 44
So, Brian (Sabrina's brother) was visiting them while I was on the cruise. Today was his last full day in town. It was so great to see him! He looked as though he'd lost a bit of weight since the last time I'd seen him. He was on leave before he goes to Germany, his new duty station, on the 1st. We went to Seattle for the day, the Delmos, Brian, Taylor and I. We started our day at the Woodland Park Zoo, which was by far and away the BEST zoo I have ever been to. Sabrina and Delmo have been to the San Diego Zoo and they, too liked this one better. It was huge, first of all. The weather was chilly and rainy, which seemed to bring all the animals out. The enclosures were amazing. It didn't smell, and the habitats were huge, and full of water features that were impeccably clean. We didn't have time to see every exhibit, but we will definitely be back. It was well worth the $16.50 that it costs. Taylor was free, and she was worth her admission price. lol She was in awe of some of the larger animals. When the 485lb gorilla came to sit by the glass and was only inches from us eating leaves from a branch, it was surreal. The penguin habitat, which are usually notoriously smelly, was clean and beautiful. They were swimming in a school? or pack or whatever, almost as though in a race. Occasionally, one would stop and flap around near us. It was great. We had an amazing time, and got lots of great pictures.
Afterwards, we went to city center to the Ride the Ducks tour. In half boat, half tour bus we were carted and narrated around Seattle, then onto Lake Union. It was a blast, and the driver played music and Taylor, bundled in her hat and mittens, danced and sang with all of us.
We decided on dinner at Buca di Beppo. As soon as we walked in, the smell hit me. It was an overpowering smell of garlic. It made me immediately hold my breath. I did not like it. As dinner began, I got feverish and then nauseous. I could hardly eat, and by the end of the dinner was sure I was going to throw up. We left, and the fresh air seemed to help. Given my state of nausea, Brian drove us home. I started to feel better on the way home. After we dropped them off, I drove Taylor and I home (her fast asleep) and after taking Sadie out, immediately fell into bed.
Afterwards, we went to city center to the Ride the Ducks tour. In half boat, half tour bus we were carted and narrated around Seattle, then onto Lake Union. It was a blast, and the driver played music and Taylor, bundled in her hat and mittens, danced and sang with all of us.
We decided on dinner at Buca di Beppo. As soon as we walked in, the smell hit me. It was an overpowering smell of garlic. It made me immediately hold my breath. I did not like it. As dinner began, I got feverish and then nauseous. I could hardly eat, and by the end of the dinner was sure I was going to throw up. We left, and the fresh air seemed to help. Given my state of nausea, Brian drove us home. I started to feel better on the way home. After we dropped them off, I drove Taylor and I home (her fast asleep) and after taking Sadie out, immediately fell into bed.
18Sept2009 - Day 43
It was a great cruise, and I know there are tons of things I am forgetting:
the captain and how he and the officers hung out in the crow's nest bar all the time, me getting embarrassed and leaving the dining room almost in tears one night because of Taylor's and Dad's behavior, Susan's father and his involuntary mouth movements, Dad and Taylor bonding and playing with her toys, how their relationship changed in the course of a week and her becoming comfortable enough to crawl into his lap, and he looking as though he really did enjoy it (oh, it makes me misty to think of it!), how susan was so wonderful and let me sleep in a couple of days and took taylor, how she'd be at the playpen and comforting taylor in the middle of the night before i could even be out of my bed, how donna was just fantastic and patient with taylor...
It was a tremendous trip, and my favorite part was being with my family. Rarely, because we live so far away, do we get to spend a week together without having to run all over hell and creation trying to squeeze in as much time with various relatives as we can. I loved it, and would do it all over again!
the captain and how he and the officers hung out in the crow's nest bar all the time, me getting embarrassed and leaving the dining room almost in tears one night because of Taylor's and Dad's behavior, Susan's father and his involuntary mouth movements, Dad and Taylor bonding and playing with her toys, how their relationship changed in the course of a week and her becoming comfortable enough to crawl into his lap, and he looking as though he really did enjoy it (oh, it makes me misty to think of it!), how susan was so wonderful and let me sleep in a couple of days and took taylor, how she'd be at the playpen and comforting taylor in the middle of the night before i could even be out of my bed, how donna was just fantastic and patient with taylor...
It was a tremendous trip, and my favorite part was being with my family. Rarely, because we live so far away, do we get to spend a week together without having to run all over hell and creation trying to squeeze in as much time with various relatives as we can. I loved it, and would do it all over again!
17Sept2009 - Day 42
Oh, one thing I forgot about Ketchikan. And possibly another reason why I like it so much. I bought two liters of Absolut vodka (one peach, the other vanilla) and yes, liters; not the 750ml size that is standard in the store...for $15.90. Not each. Total. They were $7.95 in the duty free liquor store. Try not to turn too green with envy over the pricing.
Today was Victoria, CA. Sort of. Something else I forgot. Last night was the second formal night. We got all dressed up, and Taylor even took her afternoon nap (which has been elusive since the cruise began). We had reservations in the formal restaurant, the Pinnacle Grill. Upon arrival, however, Taylor had a screaming fit because she wanted to walk around. I realized that it wasn't going to work, so I made the executive decision that we'd forego the fancy for the regular dining room. I was dissappointed, but knew I'd have to make some concessions when I boarded the ship, so it was ok. Susan was very upset and looked as though she was going to cry. So, we went to the dining room and actually had an incredible dinner together. The staff was all over her, and she was eating it all up. She loves the attention and was smiles and coos and flirts all the way. Daddy will truly have his job cut out for him when she is older. After dinner, (a dinner in which she polished off an entire slice of key lime pie, lime slice included) we met up with everyone just as they were also finishing. I left Taylor outside the restaurant with Susan and went to greet dad, who was speaking with the maitre d. He asked me if I'd like to go to dinner with him tomorrow night! It was so thoughtful. I was super exicted. He made us reservations, for just the two of us, in the Pinnacle Grill restaurant.
The dinner was extraordinary! I had a filet mignon. It had the perfect seared crust on the outside, and was cooked to a perfect medium rare. I couldn't have been happier. Plus, it was super great getting to spend quality time with dad.
We were late, due to weather and not being able to maintain the speed that the captain had hoped for, docking in Victoria and it left us with only 3 hours in port. Considering that the town is a 20 minute walk from the dock, or a cab ride away...we decided not to go ashore. It was a night time port, from 830 to 1130. Donna and I did go on shore, and through the border (in which we didn't need any ID or anything..just our room key to get back on the ship) and to the gift shop right by the border. We were really dissappointed; because Victoria is a really great city, and would have been fantastic for us all to visit. It was fun, though, to run across the border and back. When we came back, Susan and Dad and Donna went to the Crow's Nest to get us some drinks to drink on our balcony the last night of our cruise. Dad returned with a silver tray containing a jager bomb, and an espresso martini. Then the girls returned, and I went to get more espresso martinis to bring back to the room because they were truly delicious. I got to see the crow's nest bartenders one last time, which was great. They were the best on the ship, as far as service was concerned, and I was glad to be able to tell them au revoir and to thank them for making our cruise memorable.
Today was Victoria, CA. Sort of. Something else I forgot. Last night was the second formal night. We got all dressed up, and Taylor even took her afternoon nap (which has been elusive since the cruise began). We had reservations in the formal restaurant, the Pinnacle Grill. Upon arrival, however, Taylor had a screaming fit because she wanted to walk around. I realized that it wasn't going to work, so I made the executive decision that we'd forego the fancy for the regular dining room. I was dissappointed, but knew I'd have to make some concessions when I boarded the ship, so it was ok. Susan was very upset and looked as though she was going to cry. So, we went to the dining room and actually had an incredible dinner together. The staff was all over her, and she was eating it all up. She loves the attention and was smiles and coos and flirts all the way. Daddy will truly have his job cut out for him when she is older. After dinner, (a dinner in which she polished off an entire slice of key lime pie, lime slice included) we met up with everyone just as they were also finishing. I left Taylor outside the restaurant with Susan and went to greet dad, who was speaking with the maitre d. He asked me if I'd like to go to dinner with him tomorrow night! It was so thoughtful. I was super exicted. He made us reservations, for just the two of us, in the Pinnacle Grill restaurant.
The dinner was extraordinary! I had a filet mignon. It had the perfect seared crust on the outside, and was cooked to a perfect medium rare. I couldn't have been happier. Plus, it was super great getting to spend quality time with dad.
We were late, due to weather and not being able to maintain the speed that the captain had hoped for, docking in Victoria and it left us with only 3 hours in port. Considering that the town is a 20 minute walk from the dock, or a cab ride away...we decided not to go ashore. It was a night time port, from 830 to 1130. Donna and I did go on shore, and through the border (in which we didn't need any ID or anything..just our room key to get back on the ship) and to the gift shop right by the border. We were really dissappointed; because Victoria is a really great city, and would have been fantastic for us all to visit. It was fun, though, to run across the border and back. When we came back, Susan and Dad and Donna went to the Crow's Nest to get us some drinks to drink on our balcony the last night of our cruise. Dad returned with a silver tray containing a jager bomb, and an espresso martini. Then the girls returned, and I went to get more espresso martinis to bring back to the room because they were truly delicious. I got to see the crow's nest bartenders one last time, which was great. They were the best on the ship, as far as service was concerned, and I was glad to be able to tell them au revoir and to thank them for making our cruise memorable.
16Sept2009 - Day 41
Ketchikan. I really liked Ketchikan. Until, Ketchikan ate $25. Let me elaborate. Susan elected to stay on board with her father as we arrived in Ketchikan on a chilly, rainy morning. Dad, Donna, Taylor and I were going to go ashore and explore the town. If Sitka is a small, sleepy fishing village, then Ketchikan is a larger, slightly less sleepy fishing town. We arrived, stroller rain cover on and all. Taylor was fast asleep in her morning nap as we navigated various streets of shops filled with whale bones, native art, and smoked fish. We arrived to Creek Street, which was not a street (although, it was named as a street with a sign and all) but a boardwalk of shops that meandered up the side of a creek. The creek was directly emptied into the larger bay area of the marina where the ships were anchored. We walked in and around the various shops, and the rain let up and eventually stopped. Taylor awoke, in a cheerful disposition, as we watched in awe of the tens of thousands of salmon swimming upstream to spawn. What luck! This doesn't happen all year long, and how exciting that we were here when it was. There was also a seal, named Spot as we learned from one of the shopkeepers. He lived there year round, but I'm sure this was his favorite time of year. It was an amazing site, and they would jump out of the water to get farther up. Very cool. We learned from the same shopkeeper that this was not a good time to catch and eat the salmon because all of the valuable nutrients were being stored in the reproductive areas for spawning. So, we're walking back towards the ship when someone compliments Taylor "Oh what a cute baby!" followed immediately by "But, she's lost a shoe!" OH NO! We looked around the stroller, under her, under the blanket, in the diaper bag. No shoe. Who knows when she lost it? She is constantly taking them off. Usually I catch it when she flings one from the stroller. I had no choice but to retrace our steps through the town completely. I did, and it didn't take too long; but the trip was totally fruitless. There was no shoe to be found. I was devastated. Angry, frustrated...the shoes were fifty dollar shoes. They were the only pair of tennis shoes we brought, they were her first shoes! Well, I rationalized, if this was the worst thing that happened...thoughts of diving overboard to catch a falling baby came to mind and I was calmed. We can always buy new ones. Looking back, it's kind of funny. But, I'm still mad that I didn't find it. Where could it have gone? More than anything, I just want to know where it is even if I can't have it back.
15Sept2009 - Day 40
So yesterday was where my notes stopped for the blog; the next few from our vacation may not be as detailed as the first were. Today was Sitka, which totally made me think of a sleepy fishing village in Alaska. Wooden structures, old west, old timey, small marina, old boats. We had to anchor and tender in because the water near the docks was too shallow. This meant that Susan's father was unable to come ashore, as he would've had to walk and he isn't able to walk very far anymore. As we boarded the tender, it was nearing Taylor's nap time. She fell asleep in my arms on the boat on the way to shore, which was remarkable considering the noise and chill and all the people around us. She slept for most of our time ashore, comfortably in her stroller. I was on a mission to find Alaskan Brewing Company's Oatmeal Stout, as our guide on the zipline tour said it was great. We only get the Alaskan Amber in Seattle. We walked all over, and I must say that Alaskans are not nice people. They aren't friendly, they don't smile, and those with businesses (like a particularly unfriendly and complaining coffee shop woman) seem even annoyed with all the people and business that the cruise ships bring to them. The only friendly people we ever encountered were transplants. The drugstore guy who seemed a nature buff, and gave us directions to an off-the-beaten-path bar to check out the scenery inside, the bartender from miami that served dad and i (and the oatmeal stout is every bit as good I was told), but those from Alaska were awful. In the islands, all of the people we came into contact with were friendly and hospitable. The Alaskans were quite the opposite. As if the beauty and splendor of their part of the country should belong only to those deserving of it. It was shocking, really, because we are all so friendly and making conversation was tough. The weather, we were told though, is eerily similar to Seattle weather. Only a ten degree difference or so, year round. In this part of Alaska, it doesn't get bitterly cold. Just hovering in the twenties, I imagine. That would be a ten degree difference from what we experience. Not bad, but I imagine that moving there would be tough considering all the overwhelming welcome you'd be sure to receive. lol. NOT! They'd probably run you out. Maybe the isolation is what people there crave. Perhaps they do like it better when it's not cruise season.
14Sept2009 - Day 39
Oh, glorious beautiful glacier bay cruising! Oh, glorious oversized verandah balcony! Oh, martini flight to share on the balcony! Oh, hilarious dad returning from the spa in his robe and looking like hugh heffner with his martini! Oh, good hair and makeup days, especially when seeing the people who came into my bar and were on the same cruise! Oh, cranky Taylor hence Donna, Taylor and I eating dinner on the lido instead of the dining room! Oh, OMG spaghetti everywhere! Oh, giant temper tantrum in the cabin as I try to put Taylor to bed! Oh, funny comedy magician! Oh, collecting shot glasses from holland america! Oh, wonderful time with Susan and Dad and Donna!
12Sept2009 - Day 37
Holy violent North Pacific batman! Waking up, I thought my ride on the nausea express was over. I showered, and got Taylor ready and we met the rest of the gang in the dining room for breakfast. Dad, however, went to the spa. He had a massage appointment. He was very easy to locate for most of the cruise, because he spent all morning in the spa and evenings in between dinner while Taylor was being put down to bed in the casino. I had no idea he was such a spa/massage fanatic. He even showered there. I think he enjoyed the hot tub too, which had a view.
At breakfast, it hit me again. I barely was able to touch my bagel. Susan and Donna assured me that Taylor would be in good hands, so I quickly made my way back to the room. I'd forgotten my key, but I saw the room steward and seeing how green or stark white (not sure which) he let me into the room. I'd taken some motion sickness pills at breakfast, so I hung the privacy sign outside of the room and went back to sleep. I woke up at 11:30, feeling a lot better. Noon was the suite lunch in the dining room, so I attempted to track the crew down for that. I went to the dining room first, no sign. I scoured the 4th and 5th decks, no sign. Back to the dining room, no sign. Up to the lido deck...Jackpot! Everyone had forgotten the lunch. I was hurriedly looking and didn't realize that I was hot and almost sweaty from running around the ship. I'd just missed Susan, who had gone back to look for me in the room. I went to the room, leaving Dad and Donna and Ray (Susan's father), and the steward told me I'd just missed her. Back at the lido deck, I gathered the troops to go down to the restaurant, as I was sure Susan would have seen my note in the room that I'd gone to the dining room. Finally, we were all together. Lunch found me starving, from the little I'd ate last night and in the morning. I had two servings of the carved filet, which was delicious. After sharing a plate of desert with everyone, I took Taylor back to the room for her nap; as she was getting cranky. Dinner was a formal affair, and I was looking forward to dressing Taylor up more than I was myself. She was absolutely beautiful in her brown dress, and fancy shoes. All that she passed on the way marveled at her. People love babies, especially those in the twilight of their own lives. It's just what the represent, I guess. A clean slate, a hope, and unabated joy. It's a good thing for her that she is so beautiful, because her behavior at dinner wasn't the most impressive I've seen. Throughout dinner, she shouted and squealed and threw food on the floor. Trying not to seem outwardly angry at dad's sshing, and embarrassed by Taylor's display of fine toddler behavior, I made it through dinner without any permanent damage. Putting her to sleep was also a challenge, and turned out to be almost impossible. Charlene, from the spa, arrived for Maytersitting, and was noticably upset that it was Taylor's bedtime and that they wouldn't be staying up for late night fun. She was a tiny thing, thin and petite, with a thick Jamaican accent. She seemed very sweet, and was really looking forward to her time with Taylor. Taylor provided an opportunity for some get-to-know-you time, because after repeated bedtime attempts, I left Charlene with her and made my way out to the Crow's Nest bar to meet Dad, Donna, and Susan. It was the first night she'd ever been with someone watching her that wasn't Delmo and Sabrina, or Darina and I was very nervous. I was also a little stressed about the unsuccessful bedtime attempts. Susan agreed to walk back to the room with me and poke her head in to check on Charlene. She said that Charlene had Taylor in her arms and was rocking her. Everything was ok. I was relieved enough to try to have a good time. We started to enjoy ourselves and the bartenders, and I felt like it was a real vacation for the first time. Getting to know Donna was great, she was totally a sweetheart and loved Taylor and had a blast without drinking with all of us drinking. It was karaoke night, and Barbara Bush took to the microphone for a rendition of some song I'd never heard of. Looking around, there were quite a few people seated around the karaoke area and I was impressed with the turnout; but it seemed as though we were all about 30 years too late for the party. The average age had to be close to 75, and there were some folks close to the age that were truly good dancers. I felt good, and comfortable. When everyone else around is a bit older, it seems easier to relax and be yourself and not worry too much about impressions. Sort of like Taylor. No matter what she does, she's adorable to all of us just because she's so young and new. I realized that, even though this cruise was going to be much different than the Carnival cruise, it was going to be a blast. I was really ejoying Susan, and Dad and Donna's company.
At breakfast, it hit me again. I barely was able to touch my bagel. Susan and Donna assured me that Taylor would be in good hands, so I quickly made my way back to the room. I'd forgotten my key, but I saw the room steward and seeing how green or stark white (not sure which) he let me into the room. I'd taken some motion sickness pills at breakfast, so I hung the privacy sign outside of the room and went back to sleep. I woke up at 11:30, feeling a lot better. Noon was the suite lunch in the dining room, so I attempted to track the crew down for that. I went to the dining room first, no sign. I scoured the 4th and 5th decks, no sign. Back to the dining room, no sign. Up to the lido deck...Jackpot! Everyone had forgotten the lunch. I was hurriedly looking and didn't realize that I was hot and almost sweaty from running around the ship. I'd just missed Susan, who had gone back to look for me in the room. I went to the room, leaving Dad and Donna and Ray (Susan's father), and the steward told me I'd just missed her. Back at the lido deck, I gathered the troops to go down to the restaurant, as I was sure Susan would have seen my note in the room that I'd gone to the dining room. Finally, we were all together. Lunch found me starving, from the little I'd ate last night and in the morning. I had two servings of the carved filet, which was delicious. After sharing a plate of desert with everyone, I took Taylor back to the room for her nap; as she was getting cranky. Dinner was a formal affair, and I was looking forward to dressing Taylor up more than I was myself. She was absolutely beautiful in her brown dress, and fancy shoes. All that she passed on the way marveled at her. People love babies, especially those in the twilight of their own lives. It's just what the represent, I guess. A clean slate, a hope, and unabated joy. It's a good thing for her that she is so beautiful, because her behavior at dinner wasn't the most impressive I've seen. Throughout dinner, she shouted and squealed and threw food on the floor. Trying not to seem outwardly angry at dad's sshing, and embarrassed by Taylor's display of fine toddler behavior, I made it through dinner without any permanent damage. Putting her to sleep was also a challenge, and turned out to be almost impossible. Charlene, from the spa, arrived for Maytersitting, and was noticably upset that it was Taylor's bedtime and that they wouldn't be staying up for late night fun. She was a tiny thing, thin and petite, with a thick Jamaican accent. She seemed very sweet, and was really looking forward to her time with Taylor. Taylor provided an opportunity for some get-to-know-you time, because after repeated bedtime attempts, I left Charlene with her and made my way out to the Crow's Nest bar to meet Dad, Donna, and Susan. It was the first night she'd ever been with someone watching her that wasn't Delmo and Sabrina, or Darina and I was very nervous. I was also a little stressed about the unsuccessful bedtime attempts. Susan agreed to walk back to the room with me and poke her head in to check on Charlene. She said that Charlene had Taylor in her arms and was rocking her. Everything was ok. I was relieved enough to try to have a good time. We started to enjoy ourselves and the bartenders, and I felt like it was a real vacation for the first time. Getting to know Donna was great, she was totally a sweetheart and loved Taylor and had a blast without drinking with all of us drinking. It was karaoke night, and Barbara Bush took to the microphone for a rendition of some song I'd never heard of. Looking around, there were quite a few people seated around the karaoke area and I was impressed with the turnout; but it seemed as though we were all about 30 years too late for the party. The average age had to be close to 75, and there were some folks close to the age that were truly good dancers. I felt good, and comfortable. When everyone else around is a bit older, it seems easier to relax and be yourself and not worry too much about impressions. Sort of like Taylor. No matter what she does, she's adorable to all of us just because she's so young and new. I realized that, even though this cruise was going to be much different than the Carnival cruise, it was going to be a blast. I was really ejoying Susan, and Dad and Donna's company.
11Sept2009 - Day 36
Alas, departure day! The source of much anticipation and anxiety, the reason for purchase of my first winter coat since leaving maryland, the jarring sunlight peeking in the window as my alarm wakes us up at half past way too early after drinking that much!!!
I woke up to Taylor sleeping next to Sabrina, instead of in her play pen; and a room that looked like it had been tossed by burglars or trashed by rock stars. Our clothes, shoes, and Taylor's toys were everywhere. And I was quite hungover. Water, and ibuprofen to the rescue! I called for some room service breakfast for us all, except Rylee who had to leave early in the morning. After a quick shower, and some breakfast, the world wasn't quite as scary and painful. The excitement was back!!! We ordered an egg white omlette, and eggs benedict. Both had to be sent back. The omlette was all the eggs, and my eggs benedict eggs were closer to hard boiled than they were to poached. For $19 a plate, they'd better be right! Finally, we got our breakfasts made correctly. Getting packed up and out of the room was hectic, but we managed; with the help of the bellhop and his luggage cart. After a goodbye to the Delmos, we were on the van and on our way to the cruise terminal. As we arrived and the monstrous ship came into view, I thought I would actually scream in excitement! We'd arrived early to board, around 12:15pm so that we wouldn't have crazy lines to wait in; but it looked like everyone else had the same idea. They took pictures of us for their computer, and the videographer couldn't get enough of Taylor. A quick glance around noted that there were no other children in site, and at least fifteen walkers and hoverrounds. It made me think of the carnival cruise, with the hood rich guy, and I resolved that this would definitely be a different experience than our last cruise experience. We boarded the ship, and I noticed how unremarkable the lobby was. The ceiling was not giant and open, but rather like a regular floor. I'd expected vaulting grandeur. It was immediately apparent that this ship was not new, and that the decor had been lost somewhere between the 70s and 80s. Our room was great, though. Spacious, with a balcony the size of the room we'd had on Carnival. The bathroom was big, with room for someone to bathe in the actual bathtub and someone else to stand at the sink. Then there were three mirrored closets and a dressing area! My favorite part was the view of the Olympic mountains from our balcony. It was a fresh, beautiful day. Blue skies, a slight breeze. It felt like the perfect fall day. We went up to the lido deck for lunch, which was ok. I noticed that the outdoor space was more appropriate for the Alaska weather than it was for the Caribbean. On Carnival, we'd had quite a bit more open space. But, the pool on this ship was heated and the roof retractable. It kept the area temperate, and inviting even on the coldest of our cruise days.
Dinner presented more of a challenge than lunch. The kitchen is on the 4th deck. The dining room is at the far rear (aft) of the ship, and is deck 4 and 5. We took the elevator to deck 4 and proceeded aft, only to discover that in order to get past the kitchen you have to go up to deck 5, farther to the rear to the very last elevators, and down again to deck 4. Ugh! When you are travelling with a stroller, and a scooter and 4 other people, it presents quite a challenge. We eventually made it, and were seated immediately. It wasn't until the last day of the cruise that we realized that our suite number, which the maitre d asked for was our ticket to priority seating. We never had to wait for a table. We received a table far to the rear, next to the picturesque wall of windows. It was really warm, though, and Taylor wasn't feeling quite as happy as usual. It made it a little more tense, because dad kept trying to talk her into being quiet. It was comical, but frustrating. He also did a lot of sshing. I knew he would, but it was already driving me a bit crazy. I had anticipated a little bit of unrealistic expectations, and vowed to figure out a way to allow Taylor and dad to coexist at the dining room table. The service was appallingly bad. Never were our tables pre-bussed, and the entire experience took about 1 1/2 hours. We did enjoy the valet parking of the scooter, especially since the guys that "parked" the scooter near the wall enjoyed turning the speed up and zig zagging in between tables. After dinner, I noticed that the ship was getting more and more rocky as we'd entered the straits of juan de fuca. I put Taylor down, and Susan stayed with her in the room because her knee hurt. Donna and I grabbed a drink (hers was coffee, most of the cruise...she's not a drinker) and mine was a blue coconut mojito. We went down to look for dad in the casino, and it was about then that I had to excuse myself for the evening to the cabin. I was super sick. I took a dramamine, and layed down to sleep. I hate throwing up, and I know that if I do it once, it won't stop. The ship rocked me into an uneasy sleep, still feeling sick but without throwing up. I determined that tomorrow would be better!
I woke up to Taylor sleeping next to Sabrina, instead of in her play pen; and a room that looked like it had been tossed by burglars or trashed by rock stars. Our clothes, shoes, and Taylor's toys were everywhere. And I was quite hungover. Water, and ibuprofen to the rescue! I called for some room service breakfast for us all, except Rylee who had to leave early in the morning. After a quick shower, and some breakfast, the world wasn't quite as scary and painful. The excitement was back!!! We ordered an egg white omlette, and eggs benedict. Both had to be sent back. The omlette was all the eggs, and my eggs benedict eggs were closer to hard boiled than they were to poached. For $19 a plate, they'd better be right! Finally, we got our breakfasts made correctly. Getting packed up and out of the room was hectic, but we managed; with the help of the bellhop and his luggage cart. After a goodbye to the Delmos, we were on the van and on our way to the cruise terminal. As we arrived and the monstrous ship came into view, I thought I would actually scream in excitement! We'd arrived early to board, around 12:15pm so that we wouldn't have crazy lines to wait in; but it looked like everyone else had the same idea. They took pictures of us for their computer, and the videographer couldn't get enough of Taylor. A quick glance around noted that there were no other children in site, and at least fifteen walkers and hoverrounds. It made me think of the carnival cruise, with the hood rich guy, and I resolved that this would definitely be a different experience than our last cruise experience. We boarded the ship, and I noticed how unremarkable the lobby was. The ceiling was not giant and open, but rather like a regular floor. I'd expected vaulting grandeur. It was immediately apparent that this ship was not new, and that the decor had been lost somewhere between the 70s and 80s. Our room was great, though. Spacious, with a balcony the size of the room we'd had on Carnival. The bathroom was big, with room for someone to bathe in the actual bathtub and someone else to stand at the sink. Then there were three mirrored closets and a dressing area! My favorite part was the view of the Olympic mountains from our balcony. It was a fresh, beautiful day. Blue skies, a slight breeze. It felt like the perfect fall day. We went up to the lido deck for lunch, which was ok. I noticed that the outdoor space was more appropriate for the Alaska weather than it was for the Caribbean. On Carnival, we'd had quite a bit more open space. But, the pool on this ship was heated and the roof retractable. It kept the area temperate, and inviting even on the coldest of our cruise days.
Dinner presented more of a challenge than lunch. The kitchen is on the 4th deck. The dining room is at the far rear (aft) of the ship, and is deck 4 and 5. We took the elevator to deck 4 and proceeded aft, only to discover that in order to get past the kitchen you have to go up to deck 5, farther to the rear to the very last elevators, and down again to deck 4. Ugh! When you are travelling with a stroller, and a scooter and 4 other people, it presents quite a challenge. We eventually made it, and were seated immediately. It wasn't until the last day of the cruise that we realized that our suite number, which the maitre d asked for was our ticket to priority seating. We never had to wait for a table. We received a table far to the rear, next to the picturesque wall of windows. It was really warm, though, and Taylor wasn't feeling quite as happy as usual. It made it a little more tense, because dad kept trying to talk her into being quiet. It was comical, but frustrating. He also did a lot of sshing. I knew he would, but it was already driving me a bit crazy. I had anticipated a little bit of unrealistic expectations, and vowed to figure out a way to allow Taylor and dad to coexist at the dining room table. The service was appallingly bad. Never were our tables pre-bussed, and the entire experience took about 1 1/2 hours. We did enjoy the valet parking of the scooter, especially since the guys that "parked" the scooter near the wall enjoyed turning the speed up and zig zagging in between tables. After dinner, I noticed that the ship was getting more and more rocky as we'd entered the straits of juan de fuca. I put Taylor down, and Susan stayed with her in the room because her knee hurt. Donna and I grabbed a drink (hers was coffee, most of the cruise...she's not a drinker) and mine was a blue coconut mojito. We went down to look for dad in the casino, and it was about then that I had to excuse myself for the evening to the cabin. I was super sick. I took a dramamine, and layed down to sleep. I hate throwing up, and I know that if I do it once, it won't stop. The ship rocked me into an uneasy sleep, still feeling sick but without throwing up. I determined that tomorrow would be better!
10Sept2009 - Day 35
Every time I get a manicure and pedicure, I think to myself that I should do it much more often. I love sitting in the chair, catching up on gossip magazines, having someone rub my feet...and the end result: beautiful toes and soft, pampered feet! Working on my feet all day, I have so much appreciation for a good pedicure and foot massage!
Today was departure from home, to Seattle, day. We went to stay at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel in Seattle for the night before we depart for the cruise tomorrow. For dinner, Rylee, Sabrina and Delmo joined us. Susan, her father and Susan's friend, Donna went with Susan's father to dinner. He is getting along in years, and doesn't fair well at large tables where he can't hear much. He's hard of hearing, so keeping up with the conversation is too much of a challenge for him. So dad, myself, the Delmos, Riley and Taylor proceeded to walk around near the hotel to find some dinner. We ended up at Wild Ginger, which was wildy innappropriate for Taylor. She had a difficult time with the sitting for a long time, and was a bit fussy. We made it through, and I vowed never to bring her there again. The potstickers were great; the salmon satay was not. Afterwards, it was back to the hotel so that Taylor could get tucked in with Riley and the rest of us were going out for some drinks. The area surrounding the hotel turned out to be a little too bourgeois for us. Mostly it was wine bars, and the air in the rooms was super stuffy. So, we hopped a cab to amber, which was recommended to me by several people. It turned out to be the right spot for us, despite the singing Jack Johnson-esque guy who was a touch to loud for normal conversation. We had a good time, anyway. Dad and I split a pitcher of mojitos. After Amber, it was time for the rents to turn in; so they hopped a cab back to the hotel and we walked across the street to another one of the bars. It had a dance floor, full of mostly drunk dancers. There were a lot of people dressed up, as if they'd just come from a wedding. They were also smashed, and a few of the guys were a bit aggresssive. It wasn't too bad, though. We did notice, though, a table of two guys who seemed a bit sketchy. A drunk girl walked by, presumably from the wedding party judging from her dress, and they said "isn't this your beer?" gesturing to a half-full corona. She started to pick it up, but I tapped her on the shoulder and told her that it wasn't her beer and that she shouldn't drink it. She wasn't the first girl they tried to give it to. They tried it on Sabrina and I a bit later. It was creepy. Just another reason that I love being married. And why I don't ever set my drink down in a bar like that!
A cab ride later, we were back to our luxurious hotel to sleep off our buzzes...
Today was departure from home, to Seattle, day. We went to stay at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel in Seattle for the night before we depart for the cruise tomorrow. For dinner, Rylee, Sabrina and Delmo joined us. Susan, her father and Susan's friend, Donna went with Susan's father to dinner. He is getting along in years, and doesn't fair well at large tables where he can't hear much. He's hard of hearing, so keeping up with the conversation is too much of a challenge for him. So dad, myself, the Delmos, Riley and Taylor proceeded to walk around near the hotel to find some dinner. We ended up at Wild Ginger, which was wildy innappropriate for Taylor. She had a difficult time with the sitting for a long time, and was a bit fussy. We made it through, and I vowed never to bring her there again. The potstickers were great; the salmon satay was not. Afterwards, it was back to the hotel so that Taylor could get tucked in with Riley and the rest of us were going out for some drinks. The area surrounding the hotel turned out to be a little too bourgeois for us. Mostly it was wine bars, and the air in the rooms was super stuffy. So, we hopped a cab to amber, which was recommended to me by several people. It turned out to be the right spot for us, despite the singing Jack Johnson-esque guy who was a touch to loud for normal conversation. We had a good time, anyway. Dad and I split a pitcher of mojitos. After Amber, it was time for the rents to turn in; so they hopped a cab back to the hotel and we walked across the street to another one of the bars. It had a dance floor, full of mostly drunk dancers. There were a lot of people dressed up, as if they'd just come from a wedding. They were also smashed, and a few of the guys were a bit aggresssive. It wasn't too bad, though. We did notice, though, a table of two guys who seemed a bit sketchy. A drunk girl walked by, presumably from the wedding party judging from her dress, and they said "isn't this your beer?" gesturing to a half-full corona. She started to pick it up, but I tapped her on the shoulder and told her that it wasn't her beer and that she shouldn't drink it. She wasn't the first girl they tried to give it to. They tried it on Sabrina and I a bit later. It was creepy. Just another reason that I love being married. And why I don't ever set my drink down in a bar like that!
A cab ride later, we were back to our luxurious hotel to sleep off our buzzes...
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
9Sept2009 - Day 34
Nine Nine Nine! All the radio stations all day have been saying that over and over again with a hitler accent. Ugh. Over it! I can't believe that the big departure day is upon us! Oh, so I ordered a coat from eddiebauer.com and checked 2 day shipping. This was Friday. Well, they didn't process my order until Tuesday, shipped it Tuesday for it to arrive tomorrow. Before 430. Why would I do 2 day shipping if it was going to take 4 days to process the order?? I sent an email complaint, and low and behold, I got a response today (I sent the complaint last night) and they explained why there was a delay (the holiday weekend) and refunded the shipping cost to me. Yay! I am shocked at the efficient, and adequate customer service. I will definitely not hesitate to do business with eddie bauer again...not like the Pottery Barn debacle with Taylor's furniture. Oh, if they didn't have such beautiful merchandise, I would start an I hate pottery barn website!
So, somehow I've managed to load a large suitcase, a small suitcase, the large stroller (for Taylor's and my comfort during the trip), her carseat, five packages to send to Adam, my backpack, Taylor's backpack (really, I wear it. It's a diaper bag), Sadie's folded up cage, the large bin of litter for Simba, a bag of pet goodies and still have room on one side of the backseat and both front seats clear! My car rocks.
Tomorrow is looking pretty hectic (yet enjoyable!). I have to load us all (including the cat, who is quite the reluctant car traveller) into the car, drop Taylor to Darina's, take the packages to the post office, drop the pets to the Delmos, go to BJ's and drop off the newsletter to Tom, meet Sabrina for a mani/pedi, go back and get Taylor, pick up Rylee and head to the city. Whew. Then, dinner, Taylor to sleep, drinks with Dad, Susan and the Delmos! We are going to go to Amber, in Belltown. I've heard it's a must see from several people. The drink menu online is crazy! There are like fifty martinis I'd like to try. At $10 a piece...well, you do the math. Maybe I'll just try one or two.
While I may not be able to type in my blog every night on the ship, I will be typing it up on Susan's laptop so that I can just put it together when I get home. I can't wait to figure out how to put pictures on here. Well, you can always look at them on facebook!!!!
To a wonderful vacation, salud!
So, somehow I've managed to load a large suitcase, a small suitcase, the large stroller (for Taylor's and my comfort during the trip), her carseat, five packages to send to Adam, my backpack, Taylor's backpack (really, I wear it. It's a diaper bag), Sadie's folded up cage, the large bin of litter for Simba, a bag of pet goodies and still have room on one side of the backseat and both front seats clear! My car rocks.
Tomorrow is looking pretty hectic (yet enjoyable!). I have to load us all (including the cat, who is quite the reluctant car traveller) into the car, drop Taylor to Darina's, take the packages to the post office, drop the pets to the Delmos, go to BJ's and drop off the newsletter to Tom, meet Sabrina for a mani/pedi, go back and get Taylor, pick up Rylee and head to the city. Whew. Then, dinner, Taylor to sleep, drinks with Dad, Susan and the Delmos! We are going to go to Amber, in Belltown. I've heard it's a must see from several people. The drink menu online is crazy! There are like fifty martinis I'd like to try. At $10 a piece...well, you do the math. Maybe I'll just try one or two.
While I may not be able to type in my blog every night on the ship, I will be typing it up on Susan's laptop so that I can just put it together when I get home. I can't wait to figure out how to put pictures on here. Well, you can always look at them on facebook!!!!
To a wonderful vacation, salud!
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
8Sept2009 - Day 33
Countdown to Alaska departure: 2 days, 18 hours, 53 minutes...52, 51...lol
Today was like a recovery drink after a crazy workout. Like, I was busy enough to stretch my legs; but not too crazy. I thought it would be really awkward at Darina's after yesterday's debacle; but everything was ok. This will be short, because I have to transfer the large folded pile of clothing, all the snacks, and a few toys and toiletries to actual suitcases. I can't believe the cruise is here already. I'm nervous, and excited. In order to alleviate my nervousness, I will share my "what if" list. (side note: According to my mother, I've been this way since I was little...always wondering what would happen if...)
What if...
1. Taylor gets away from me, runs into an elevator as it's closing, runs out of it as it opens onto the deck, and falls overboard before anyone on the elevator realizes she's by herself?
2. Taylor refuses to sleep, and is totally uncomfortable in the cabin, forcing me to go "to bed" at 8pm every night?
3. There are no babysitters available from the front desk, forcing me to go "to bed" at 8pm every night?
4. Everyone on the ship cringes whenever they see her, and she obliges them with her newly discovered talent of screaming?
5. I don't pack enough....shoes, clothes, warm clothes, cool clothes, underwear, diapers, lip gloss, money!!!
6. I forget our passports, the pack and play, to unplug the coffee pot, the camera, to lock the front door?
7. Taylor is on her worst behavior the entire trip?
8. She starts teething, like she always seems to do when we are on vacation?
9. one or both of us gets sea sick?
10. She drives dad and susan crazy?
lol
I feel a little better, but as I was writing more things just kept popping into my head. I just need to relax. This is vacation, not stresscation. Now, onto packing. ::shudder::
Today was like a recovery drink after a crazy workout. Like, I was busy enough to stretch my legs; but not too crazy. I thought it would be really awkward at Darina's after yesterday's debacle; but everything was ok. This will be short, because I have to transfer the large folded pile of clothing, all the snacks, and a few toys and toiletries to actual suitcases. I can't believe the cruise is here already. I'm nervous, and excited. In order to alleviate my nervousness, I will share my "what if" list. (side note: According to my mother, I've been this way since I was little...always wondering what would happen if...)
What if...
1. Taylor gets away from me, runs into an elevator as it's closing, runs out of it as it opens onto the deck, and falls overboard before anyone on the elevator realizes she's by herself?
2. Taylor refuses to sleep, and is totally uncomfortable in the cabin, forcing me to go "to bed" at 8pm every night?
3. There are no babysitters available from the front desk, forcing me to go "to bed" at 8pm every night?
4. Everyone on the ship cringes whenever they see her, and she obliges them with her newly discovered talent of screaming?
5. I don't pack enough....shoes, clothes, warm clothes, cool clothes, underwear, diapers, lip gloss, money!!!
6. I forget our passports, the pack and play, to unplug the coffee pot, the camera, to lock the front door?
7. Taylor is on her worst behavior the entire trip?
8. She starts teething, like she always seems to do when we are on vacation?
9. one or both of us gets sea sick?
10. She drives dad and susan crazy?
lol
I feel a little better, but as I was writing more things just kept popping into my head. I just need to relax. This is vacation, not stresscation. Now, onto packing. ::shudder::
Monday, September 7, 2009
7Sept2009 - Day 32
Ever have one of those days that feels like it just whooped your butt from start to finish. Today, I am beyond emotionally drained. Last night, while reading "what to expect: the Toddler years" (side note: Only on the first chapter, and already have learned so much...like 13 month olds have horrible vision, with little to no depth perception and are extremely farsighted. 20/20 isn't achieved until age 10. wow. Also, I think Taylor has milk allergy. More on that later.) and while reading I had Dane Cook on in the background on Comedy Central. Hilarious. After him, Dave Chappelle came on. Even more hilarity ensuing. Needless to say, I didn't get to sleep until almost 1:30 in the morning. Bad idea when you have to get up at 7am. So, I awoke, as did Taylor. Drat! There goes the peaceful shower. Since I didn't have to wash my hair, I hurried and got ready anyway. She was really quiet, which meant no poopy diaper. We got up and got ready in the usual fashion, but there is very little food in the house due to our impending travel plans. I skipped her breakfast in favor of an early start to Darina's and mailing out Adam's packages. We arrived to Darina's and I rang the doorbell. No answer. We knocked. No answer. So, I called her. She was asleep. She was closed. She seemed really annoyed that I was there, but I didn't know she was closed. I know she's closed on holidays; but I didn't realize that Labor Day was one of those days. Also, on Friday, I said "see you monday!" and she said ok. Every other time she's been closed, she's reminded me. So, I guess I assumed she'd be open. Also, considering her forgetting about the dentist appointment not too long ago, I guess she's also a little stressed and forgetful with her husband deployed. Still, I was totally freaked out. I picked up today, and couldn't not go in. I admit, I cried. I was embarrassed, a little angry, and scared. I called Sabrina and she said that they could watch Taylor. I told her about the situation, and she said she'd meet me right away at the Starbucks and take Taylor for the day. Thank you, thank you good friends. Sigh. So lucky. Darina offered to watch Taylor until Sabrina arrived, but I just couldn't leave her there. I was humiliated, almost. I had one of those "I have to get out of here" reactions. I had to leave or I would start hyperventilating. So I met Delmo there, and he (almost cheerfully, despite being woken up to my crisis) took Taylor. He said not to cry anymore that early in the morning when I call, though, because he thought something had happened to Adam.
So, still shaken up, and mascara all over my face, I drive to work. I fixed my face before I went in, but I had taken extra care in my eye makeup today (with my newly acquired skills from practicing) so I was pissed that it wasn't quite how I wanted it to be. I knew today would be busy. Monday on a holiday weekend, the last holiday weekend before school. It's always busy as hell during the day, slower at night. Ghost town after dinner hour.
I get set up, and am ready. It wasn't a busy start, but fairly normal. I finish all the prep work for the day. Then it hits. It hits hard and doesn't stop. Then it gets worse. My bar was full. Then empty, then full. I had 3 couples getting up and sitting down at a time. Service bar was out of control. Mojitos, martinis, beer from the far side, taster sets (which means 7-5oz beers, from all over the bar. We have a huge bar, with over 40 beers on tap.) Kegs blowing, bottles empty, wine to be opened. Glasses and service tickets were piling up. I went down with the ship. I didn't crack; I even tried to keep a smile. But, I was sinking. Kim came back and did service for a bit. Charles did dishes. I am sure that, to my guest, I looked like I was cracked. My forced smile, the look of terror and sheer annoyance in my eyes. I'm sure it wasn't a pretty picture. Another thing about holidays. The people that go out on a holiday to a restaurant, or bar are never people that normally do it. They are high maintenance, have never been there before, have a ton of questions and aren't fun. In fact, mostly, on holidays (mother's day is the WORST) they are usually jerks. Today a man sat at the bar, and had one of those bluetooth headsets on. He was my first guest, so the bar was empty. He sat down, and so I greeted him with the usual question about starting a beer for him. He rudely said, "Just a minute." and put his hand up. Really?? How was I supposed to know he was on the phone??? There is NOTHING ruder than a person who is on the phone and sits down in a restaurant and tells the server/bartender to hold on while they finish their conversation. Especially in a rude manner. He could've easily finished his conversation before sitting at the bar. Or, he could have been more polite. He was my first guest. You can see how the day began.
On a high note, Shelby arrived an hour earlier than I thought she was going to. She came at 3, and just when I was really about to lose it. My help had vanished back into the restaurant, as the lunch rush was over. It was still a ridiculous service well day, and I was still unable to do anything but tread water. The bar was trashed, unstocked, and I was over it. Her arrival was the saving grace to reset everything, and collect myself. Still, it was busy enough that I ended up staying there until 5.
All in all, I made good money; but it was so hard that I dare say, it was almost not worth it. That extra money almost cost me my sanity!
The drive to Delmos wasn't bad. I stopped and got teriyaki chicken on the way, for myself and Taylor. Delmos are doing P90X which has a crazy diet and exercise plan. He is doing all the crazy cooking and recipes. They say the food is great. If only I had the time! Maybe when things settle down, I will get into something like that. They seem to really like it, even with the brutal workout routine. He'd gone to toys r us and gotten a little rocking horse on wheels that plays music, clipo blocks, a ring stack and a portable high chair to keep there. So cute. Taylor loves the horse. She gets on it and bounces up and down, as if she's really riding a horse. I remember them telling us to do that when I took lessons as a kid. (I'm telling you, she's sheer genius.) We ate, and it wasn't enough food! She was ravenous. I was ravenous. We finished the whole thing. We never do that. Not to mention, I'm not the biggest teriyaki fan. But, this was the best I've ever had. Random! Delmo gave her some lunch meat, and she happily ate most of it and proceeded to throw the rest on the floor- her usual M.O. Scruffy and Dash didn't mind, though. Despite Delmo's efforts to the contrary, I think Scruffy got a few bites.
Finally, we made our way home. I had to give her a bath, because it's been a few days. We made it a quick one, though. In lieu of a full 6oz of milk, I gave her half milk and half water. I think I will return to formula, which she tolerated really well. Lately, the past month or so; since she's been drinking milk exclusively instead of formula, she's had really loose poopy. (oh, I am such a mother. Sorry to the non-moms reading that are grossed out and probably equally amused that I am actually talking about her poop) Also, she sounds like a fat kid mouth breather when she breathes. It sounds like she's always phlegm-y. In the book, asthma like symptoms and diarrhea are signs of milk allergy. Apparently, it only occurs in 12% of 1-2 year olds, but I don't think all the dairy is working out for her. I don't know if the liquid poo is from milk, or too much juice/fruit. I do know that she didn't have these issues when I gave her formula, and so I will try that for awhile; especially considering the cruise. I don't want her to be uncomfortable there. She's also been fighting a wicked diaper rash, which seems to come when she poops. It's better now, but I still worry. I just don't know. Enough about her butt.
On the way to Delmo's house, I did notice that it was fall. Like, all of a sudden it was a new season. It wasn't summer any longer. I love the crispness. It was warm, but there was a crisp breeze. There was also a smell, like things were changing. It was positively beautiful. I love the in-between seasons. It's like, they signify change. They make you think about what lies ahead. Halloween, leaves falling off of the trees, thanksgiving, christmas. It builds a bit of anticipation, and excitement. There's a buzz in the air, like something is going on and we're all in on it. We can all appreciate the glorious perfect weather, even if it's just for one beautiful afternoon. There were also two rainbows (it'd been raining earlier in the day) on the way to Delmo's house. Two, one on top of the other. The top one was, by far and away, the best rainbow I've ever seen. They are pretty common out here, but that one today was the best.
It's almost like the weather was my savior today. The weather reminded me that work was over, Taylor was in safe hands, and fall is coming. Beautiful, crisp, refreshing, autumn. I just needed to stop and take a deep breath.
So, still shaken up, and mascara all over my face, I drive to work. I fixed my face before I went in, but I had taken extra care in my eye makeup today (with my newly acquired skills from practicing) so I was pissed that it wasn't quite how I wanted it to be. I knew today would be busy. Monday on a holiday weekend, the last holiday weekend before school. It's always busy as hell during the day, slower at night. Ghost town after dinner hour.
I get set up, and am ready. It wasn't a busy start, but fairly normal. I finish all the prep work for the day. Then it hits. It hits hard and doesn't stop. Then it gets worse. My bar was full. Then empty, then full. I had 3 couples getting up and sitting down at a time. Service bar was out of control. Mojitos, martinis, beer from the far side, taster sets (which means 7-5oz beers, from all over the bar. We have a huge bar, with over 40 beers on tap.) Kegs blowing, bottles empty, wine to be opened. Glasses and service tickets were piling up. I went down with the ship. I didn't crack; I even tried to keep a smile. But, I was sinking. Kim came back and did service for a bit. Charles did dishes. I am sure that, to my guest, I looked like I was cracked. My forced smile, the look of terror and sheer annoyance in my eyes. I'm sure it wasn't a pretty picture. Another thing about holidays. The people that go out on a holiday to a restaurant, or bar are never people that normally do it. They are high maintenance, have never been there before, have a ton of questions and aren't fun. In fact, mostly, on holidays (mother's day is the WORST) they are usually jerks. Today a man sat at the bar, and had one of those bluetooth headsets on. He was my first guest, so the bar was empty. He sat down, and so I greeted him with the usual question about starting a beer for him. He rudely said, "Just a minute." and put his hand up. Really?? How was I supposed to know he was on the phone??? There is NOTHING ruder than a person who is on the phone and sits down in a restaurant and tells the server/bartender to hold on while they finish their conversation. Especially in a rude manner. He could've easily finished his conversation before sitting at the bar. Or, he could have been more polite. He was my first guest. You can see how the day began.
On a high note, Shelby arrived an hour earlier than I thought she was going to. She came at 3, and just when I was really about to lose it. My help had vanished back into the restaurant, as the lunch rush was over. It was still a ridiculous service well day, and I was still unable to do anything but tread water. The bar was trashed, unstocked, and I was over it. Her arrival was the saving grace to reset everything, and collect myself. Still, it was busy enough that I ended up staying there until 5.
All in all, I made good money; but it was so hard that I dare say, it was almost not worth it. That extra money almost cost me my sanity!
The drive to Delmos wasn't bad. I stopped and got teriyaki chicken on the way, for myself and Taylor. Delmos are doing P90X which has a crazy diet and exercise plan. He is doing all the crazy cooking and recipes. They say the food is great. If only I had the time! Maybe when things settle down, I will get into something like that. They seem to really like it, even with the brutal workout routine. He'd gone to toys r us and gotten a little rocking horse on wheels that plays music, clipo blocks, a ring stack and a portable high chair to keep there. So cute. Taylor loves the horse. She gets on it and bounces up and down, as if she's really riding a horse. I remember them telling us to do that when I took lessons as a kid. (I'm telling you, she's sheer genius.) We ate, and it wasn't enough food! She was ravenous. I was ravenous. We finished the whole thing. We never do that. Not to mention, I'm not the biggest teriyaki fan. But, this was the best I've ever had. Random! Delmo gave her some lunch meat, and she happily ate most of it and proceeded to throw the rest on the floor- her usual M.O. Scruffy and Dash didn't mind, though. Despite Delmo's efforts to the contrary, I think Scruffy got a few bites.
Finally, we made our way home. I had to give her a bath, because it's been a few days. We made it a quick one, though. In lieu of a full 6oz of milk, I gave her half milk and half water. I think I will return to formula, which she tolerated really well. Lately, the past month or so; since she's been drinking milk exclusively instead of formula, she's had really loose poopy. (oh, I am such a mother. Sorry to the non-moms reading that are grossed out and probably equally amused that I am actually talking about her poop) Also, she sounds like a fat kid mouth breather when she breathes. It sounds like she's always phlegm-y. In the book, asthma like symptoms and diarrhea are signs of milk allergy. Apparently, it only occurs in 12% of 1-2 year olds, but I don't think all the dairy is working out for her. I don't know if the liquid poo is from milk, or too much juice/fruit. I do know that she didn't have these issues when I gave her formula, and so I will try that for awhile; especially considering the cruise. I don't want her to be uncomfortable there. She's also been fighting a wicked diaper rash, which seems to come when she poops. It's better now, but I still worry. I just don't know. Enough about her butt.
On the way to Delmo's house, I did notice that it was fall. Like, all of a sudden it was a new season. It wasn't summer any longer. I love the crispness. It was warm, but there was a crisp breeze. There was also a smell, like things were changing. It was positively beautiful. I love the in-between seasons. It's like, they signify change. They make you think about what lies ahead. Halloween, leaves falling off of the trees, thanksgiving, christmas. It builds a bit of anticipation, and excitement. There's a buzz in the air, like something is going on and we're all in on it. We can all appreciate the glorious perfect weather, even if it's just for one beautiful afternoon. There were also two rainbows (it'd been raining earlier in the day) on the way to Delmo's house. Two, one on top of the other. The top one was, by far and away, the best rainbow I've ever seen. They are pretty common out here, but that one today was the best.
It's almost like the weather was my savior today. The weather reminded me that work was over, Taylor was in safe hands, and fall is coming. Beautiful, crisp, refreshing, autumn. I just needed to stop and take a deep breath.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
6Sept2009 - Day 31
Today, I am faced with the daunting task of packing for Alaska. UGH! I hate packing for trips. I used to be ok with it. Now, I am filled with anxiety. I feel like Adam does such a better job. There is so much to pack, so many outfit and shoe decisions to make. It's very overwhelming. Plus, Susan told me to try to pack light. I don't even know where to begin to do that. On the plus side, I found a red cardigan for over my black formal dress, discovered the earrings that are red that I have from Sabrina's wedding, and figured out how to do evening makeup. I practiced makeup today while Taylor was asleep. The fuschia eye shadow wasn't for me. I wanted so badly for it to be for me, but alas. It was not. Currently, I am wrestling with what to pack for myself. I think Taylor will be easier. I don't know if I'm bringing too many pairs of shoes; but I get really anxious when I think about bringing less. What if I am wearing my black lounge pants and want to run down to eat breakfast on the lido deck? I can't very well wear my north face shoes that are brown and orange. But, I have to bring those for any excursions that might require hiking or walking through widernessy stuff. (That's what they're for. Who am I to banish them to the closet because I need black tennis shoes to wear around the cruise ship?) It's almost appalling to me that this is my biggest problem today. I feel spoiled; but honestly, I can feel my blood pressure rising. I think I just need to go upstairs and tackle the task. I can always re-pack or re-organize later this week. I think that packing light, in all its glorious simplicity, is just not for me.
5Sept2009 - Day 30
Ahh, long day shopping at Alderwood Mall and University Village with Rylee. Her belly is adorable. She was officially 17 weeks today. She finds out what the baby is next Friday! I can't wait to go shopping for him/her!
Exhausted last night, so I am writing this a day late. Oh, well. At least I brushed my teeth before bed last night!
Exhausted last night, so I am writing this a day late. Oh, well. At least I brushed my teeth before bed last night!
Friday, September 4, 2009
4Sept2009 - Day 29
OMG. TGIfingF. That was so not PG. That was not something a mommy says. But, I did. Because it's my last Friday before the cruise! Sometimes, you just have to drop an F-Bomb or two. Ok, so today was productive. I got up at 7, which is a miracle. I usually snooze way too long, and then Taylor is awake and my whole shower-before-the-wubbamayter-wakes-up plan is out the window. Today, it worked. She awoke as I was finishing my hair and makeup. Perfecto. Needless to say, we were out of the house by 830; which has to be a record, and I was on my way to having time to stop at babies r us before work! Dropped her at Darina's, and proceeded to the store. I was early; they open at 930, so I went to jack in the box for breakfast. $1.04 gets an egg, ham and cheese sammy on a bun. wow. It was an actual egg, too. Not the liquidy stuff. Not too shabby for a buck. Unfortunately, babies r us had...nothing. I got a rain cover for the stroller (which I've wanted for a year now; but always went to late in the fall and they were sold out) and made my way to work. It was a busy, but not overwhelming day. Really, everything sailed along at a smooth pace. I left closer to five than four, which worried me. Holiday weekend + 1 major route out of the area + me having to drive that route = hella traffic + a two hour drive home. Shock and awe, though. I-5 was clear all the way to Ft Lewis. It was insane. All summer long my Friday commutes have been at least 45 minutes. Today, nothing. It was almost eerie how little traffic there was. Where was everyone??? Why aren't they flocking out of town for their last chance at a summer weekend before school starts???
Who knows, but I wasn't mad! Taylor was surprisingly cheerful when I arrived. She's usually cranky because she's so tired. Her naps aren't very long at Darina's. Too much to do, too many other kids and toys to play with. We went home and ate dinner; spaghetti for her wasn't the best idea I've ever had. After dinner, a thorough baby wipes wiping down, and a new outfit; we were off to Kohl's. Kohl's was relatively successful. Since mom had bought Taylor "jumping beans" clothes from there, I've been in love. They are perfect playclothes. They're cheap (2 for 10), mix-matchable, and comfortable. While they do stain easily, if not pre-treated right away...who could argue for a shirt or pants or leggings for $4.50 a piece??? I got 5 or 6 outfits, some with leggings, some with pants, one with jeans. Still, no hat or mittens or formal dress. So, we stroll next door to Target. And I am so glad we did! I found just about everything I needed for the cruise. (and then some. sigh. I spent a jillion dollars.) I did alleviate some money spending guilt, though, because I found GI Joe sheets for adam and a full sized pillow for super cheap. (it was $2.99. wow) If it gets torn up, I'll send a new one! I got her a dress, another pair of shoes, two sets of hat and mittens (winnie the pooh, too. They're so cute!), another coat that is water resistant and has two pieces that come apart and a hood!!!, loungy pants and shirt for me, eye shadow for me, underwear for me...and a few travel toiletries. Tarjay totally came through for me tonight!!! Now, I can sit; jillions of dollars spent, and feel prepared for the cruise and pretty much most of winter, lol.
Who knows, but I wasn't mad! Taylor was surprisingly cheerful when I arrived. She's usually cranky because she's so tired. Her naps aren't very long at Darina's. Too much to do, too many other kids and toys to play with. We went home and ate dinner; spaghetti for her wasn't the best idea I've ever had. After dinner, a thorough baby wipes wiping down, and a new outfit; we were off to Kohl's. Kohl's was relatively successful. Since mom had bought Taylor "jumping beans" clothes from there, I've been in love. They are perfect playclothes. They're cheap (2 for 10), mix-matchable, and comfortable. While they do stain easily, if not pre-treated right away...who could argue for a shirt or pants or leggings for $4.50 a piece??? I got 5 or 6 outfits, some with leggings, some with pants, one with jeans. Still, no hat or mittens or formal dress. So, we stroll next door to Target. And I am so glad we did! I found just about everything I needed for the cruise. (and then some. sigh. I spent a jillion dollars.) I did alleviate some money spending guilt, though, because I found GI Joe sheets for adam and a full sized pillow for super cheap. (it was $2.99. wow) If it gets torn up, I'll send a new one! I got her a dress, another pair of shoes, two sets of hat and mittens (winnie the pooh, too. They're so cute!), another coat that is water resistant and has two pieces that come apart and a hood!!!, loungy pants and shirt for me, eye shadow for me, underwear for me...and a few travel toiletries. Tarjay totally came through for me tonight!!! Now, I can sit; jillions of dollars spent, and feel prepared for the cruise and pretty much most of winter, lol.
3Sept2009 - Day 28
Alright, I'm getting sloppy here. I need to stay on top of these blogs. I'm actually writing this one on the 4th; but we'll keep that as our secret.
So tonight, the 3rd...(lol) I had the best idea ever that didn't work! I thought that I could get off of work, go get Taylor, go home and eat, give her a bath, put her in her jammies, then take her to the super mall (a thirty minute drive) and give her a bottle there while I shopped and she'd go to sleep. Eh-eh. No ma-am. It all went according to plan, until we arrived at the mall. She sucked the bottle down, and....stayed awake. The whole time. She was a bit fussy around 8-830 when it was her normal bedtime. Otherwise, it wasn't as terrible as I thought. I must say, at Banana Republic, I was trying clothes on and she was particularly fussy and ruined it for me. I bought nothing. Just as well, though. She did, on the upside, fall asleep on the way home. I even managed to remove her from the car, put her in her crib, change her diaper and she stayed asleep.
It was a pretty fruitless shopping trip, too. Mom had told me that Old Navy had an adorable coat, and on the picture text that she sent...it was. But when I got there, it wasn't. It was a weird shade of pink, and looked kind of cheap. That Old Navy has the most picked over, awful kid section. It's never as good as other ones. All I got from Super Mall was a cute pink vest from Gymboree. I went to look for mittens, hats, coats, a dressy dress, loungy clothes for me...NADA. Like, no one had any mittens or whatnot. Either way, it was dissapointing; but I was glad to know that I'd scoured the entire outlet mall before deciding it was full of nothing I needed.
So tonight, the 3rd...(lol) I had the best idea ever that didn't work! I thought that I could get off of work, go get Taylor, go home and eat, give her a bath, put her in her jammies, then take her to the super mall (a thirty minute drive) and give her a bottle there while I shopped and she'd go to sleep. Eh-eh. No ma-am. It all went according to plan, until we arrived at the mall. She sucked the bottle down, and....stayed awake. The whole time. She was a bit fussy around 8-830 when it was her normal bedtime. Otherwise, it wasn't as terrible as I thought. I must say, at Banana Republic, I was trying clothes on and she was particularly fussy and ruined it for me. I bought nothing. Just as well, though. She did, on the upside, fall asleep on the way home. I even managed to remove her from the car, put her in her crib, change her diaper and she stayed asleep.
It was a pretty fruitless shopping trip, too. Mom had told me that Old Navy had an adorable coat, and on the picture text that she sent...it was. But when I got there, it wasn't. It was a weird shade of pink, and looked kind of cheap. That Old Navy has the most picked over, awful kid section. It's never as good as other ones. All I got from Super Mall was a cute pink vest from Gymboree. I went to look for mittens, hats, coats, a dressy dress, loungy clothes for me...NADA. Like, no one had any mittens or whatnot. Either way, it was dissapointing; but I was glad to know that I'd scoured the entire outlet mall before deciding it was full of nothing I needed.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
2Sept2009 - Day 27
Driving on base today to get Taylor, I got to looking around at everyone in the traffic line to leave base. I like people watching, and on base; totally awesome. There's a little bit of everybody there. When we first got here, I spent so much time looking for people like us. There really wasn't a lot of people that are like us. But, it taught me to appreciate the differences in people. Still, as I look around even now I am sometimes struck by how different we all are; yet how much we really have in common. 15,000 soldiers from 3 brigades are now deployed. So, are all these people I'm seeing spouses? Are they feeling the same as me? We have so little in common on the surface; but so much in common underneath. They, too, wait. They, too, are struggling to find their way alone. Struggling to give meaning to all the lonely, monotonous days. They, too, are trying to raise children alone. Trying to explain to the very young who daddy is. Trying to comfort the older ones who know who daddy is and miss him so badly. They, too, cope with the tremendous sacrafice and hardships that our military life is so full of. In a sense, we can all share each others' pain; but also each others' pride. I feel proud that we are a strong family that is so determined to overcome this major obstacle in our lives. I feel proud of my husband's service. I feel, also, guilty. Trying to make each day amazing and meaningful, and fun is daunting enough. But, knowing that he is there and it is so dirty, and dangerous, and extraordinarily empty makes it really hard not to feel guilt. He is there living in a place where drinkable water inside the building is a luxury and I am taking a cruise to Alaska. How can I find a way for my guilt and my enjoyment of life to coexist? Or should I feel guilty? I don't know the answers to any of that; but as a mother (even for the short year that I've been one) I feel as though guilt is something I should have a merit badge in, anyway. All I can do is to remember a few things. One thing is that I should have fun and make every day great. Not only for my sanity's sake, but also for Taylor's childhood's sake. She deserves that. If I focus on doing things that are great for her, and not just for me then perhaps some of the guilt that I feel will subside. Also, I can support him in the best way I can from 10,000 miles away. I can send him what he needs, and answer when he calls- even if I'm in bed. I can indulge him when he comes home, even if it's just a back rub (which he loves) before bed. He deserves it. Even if I don't do it every night for the rest of our lives, I can do it sometimes. And I'll to remind myself to do it happily, and cheerfully despite fatigue from the day. Because, he's giving up so much while we are here in our verrandah cruise suites.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
1Sept2009 - Day 26
Ah, the first day back to work after a long and glorious 3 day weekend. It's always tough. I always miss my baby girl all day long. Nothing exciting at work, but it wasn't too slow, so I felt productive and busy.
Adam called this morning and we talked for awhile, which was really nice because I've missed the last two calls. He's finally where he's going to be. It's quiet, violence wise, from what he says. He says the unit that was there for the last year said that it wasn't a lot of activity at all. That makes me feel a bit relieved. The building that they are staying in is a super old condemned building that was fixed and retro-fitted with air conditioning. He says that it is in such bad shape that I wouldn't even walk in there. Adam's pretty tough, so for him to say that he has trouble sleeping because he's afraid of the camel spiders crawling on him...it must be bad. He said that they have indoor plumbing (a plus!) and the water in the bathroom is potable (drinkable)(another rare plus), except that the building is so dirty he asked for ajax! He says that there are spiderwebs and cobwebs everywhere. I don't understand if the unit they are relieving didn't sleep there or what. I can't imagine they wouldn't have cleaned it.
(side note: I just googled camel spiders. They are wicked nasty looking. And apparently, nocturnal. His fears aren't unfounded.) Take it from someone who literally pees herself when confronted with a large spider that wants to kill me, I totally understand it. I sent him raid, and lots and lots of cleaning supplies. Poor thing. Well, I'll send whatever spider-killing equipment, and chemicals that he asks for!
Taylor's cute little self was blowing kisses with her hand to everyone behind us in line at the commissary. I didn't really think it was weird until I thought about it afterwards. I don't know if it's something I should encourage, her blowing kisses to strangers. Adult, male strangers. I know she's too young to get it, but it makes me a tad uncomfortable. She also discovered this foot in the bathtub today sticking out of the bubbles. It was hilarious, watching her grab at this foot and try to pull it out of the water. It was stuck, of course. She didn't realize, either, that it was hers. Too cute.
I'm getting the "I-must-go-outside-right-now" eyes from Sadie.
It felt great to talk to Adam, I feel a bit relieved. A bit lighter. A bit more relaxed.
Adam called this morning and we talked for awhile, which was really nice because I've missed the last two calls. He's finally where he's going to be. It's quiet, violence wise, from what he says. He says the unit that was there for the last year said that it wasn't a lot of activity at all. That makes me feel a bit relieved. The building that they are staying in is a super old condemned building that was fixed and retro-fitted with air conditioning. He says that it is in such bad shape that I wouldn't even walk in there. Adam's pretty tough, so for him to say that he has trouble sleeping because he's afraid of the camel spiders crawling on him...it must be bad. He said that they have indoor plumbing (a plus!) and the water in the bathroom is potable (drinkable)(another rare plus), except that the building is so dirty he asked for ajax! He says that there are spiderwebs and cobwebs everywhere. I don't understand if the unit they are relieving didn't sleep there or what. I can't imagine they wouldn't have cleaned it.
(side note: I just googled camel spiders. They are wicked nasty looking. And apparently, nocturnal. His fears aren't unfounded.) Take it from someone who literally pees herself when confronted with a large spider that wants to kill me, I totally understand it. I sent him raid, and lots and lots of cleaning supplies. Poor thing. Well, I'll send whatever spider-killing equipment, and chemicals that he asks for!
Taylor's cute little self was blowing kisses with her hand to everyone behind us in line at the commissary. I didn't really think it was weird until I thought about it afterwards. I don't know if it's something I should encourage, her blowing kisses to strangers. Adult, male strangers. I know she's too young to get it, but it makes me a tad uncomfortable. She also discovered this foot in the bathtub today sticking out of the bubbles. It was hilarious, watching her grab at this foot and try to pull it out of the water. It was stuck, of course. She didn't realize, either, that it was hers. Too cute.
I'm getting the "I-must-go-outside-right-now" eyes from Sadie.
It felt great to talk to Adam, I feel a bit relieved. A bit lighter. A bit more relaxed.
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