If you ask me what's changed the most since I got pregnant, I'll tell you I lost most compassion and sympathy. At least I can be honest. That being said, you've now been warned that if you come to me with a stupid problem or selfish complaint, I'll probably tell you it's stupid or selfish. I don't intend to be rude but you have to understand, this child in my belly is eating everything, to include the genetic code that determines one's mothering instinct. I eat like a hog but I can still wear a lot of my pre-pregnancy clothing. The only ones that don't fit are shirts that are now too short. That alone is evidence of my child's appetite so I'm positive she ate my sympathy gene.
According to my Dad, I'm just like him and have a tendency to view most situations without any emotional blinders. According to my Mom, I'm just like my Dad and don't try hard enough to see the emotional side of any given situation. According to my mouth, lately, not only do I lack the emotional blinders but I also lack the filter that reminds me to be tactful. If you're looking for a crying shoulder, mine isn't it. If you're looking for honesty, I'm your gal. I do make an attempt to sugar coat my words but have been finding more and more lately (usually post-conversation) that the sugar might have gone stale.
Honestly, I think I've hit that point in life where I feel like I'm too old for the bologna. The bad part is that I think I feel other people around my age and older should also feel too old for the bologna. I know I'm no where near GeezerTown yet but I think I might end up a resident well before my AARP application arrives in the mail. I'm ready to move forward and do big things. I know 25 is still young but, at the same time, it's not. I feel the push to focus on the adult I want to be, as opposed to the young adult I've been. Hearing about all of the bologna just irritates me more because it reminds me that I, too, am doing nothing with my life (at this time). I need to remind myself, instead, that I'm Rosie the Riveter, building a human in my torso.
I hate being unemployed. It just gives me too much time to feel lazy. Maybe it's time to start the online-job hunt, at least until baby arrives, settles in and I restart college. I'm too old (and too pregnant) to party like I'm 21 again and too driven to do nothing.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Monday, July 25, 2011
Online Education
Class is about to begin.
Out-cast: noun : one that is cast out or refused acceptance (as by society) - Taken from the Mirriam Webster online dictionary
An outcast isn't someone who puts him/herself in a position where no one (to include family) wants to be around him/her through selfishness, creating and maintaining drama, ignorance and tasteless behavior. That, my friend, is entirely different. Remember that boy in the 3rd grade that everyone was mean to because he couldn't read very well or the girl who's parents couldn't afford to keep up with the current trends (or her growth spurts) so she was stuck in Goodwill high water pants from the 1980's? Those are examples of an outcast. The guy that refuses, time and time again, to thank others for their hospitality and generosity, going so far as to purposely take advantage, he's not an outcast. The girl that can't stand the attention being removed from her and makes up stories to gain pity and the spotlight, only for those around her to figure out she's been lying each time, she's not an outcast either. A person cannot be an outcast if (s)he continuously behaves in such a manner as to send people packing.
A little common sense goes a long way. Do you enjoy being stuck with the bill because a specific friend repeatedly "forgets" his/her wallet each time you go out? Probably not. In fact, I'd go so far to say that after you've paid so much for his/her dinners/recreational activities, you'd stop going out together. So before you make your next move of forcing your "friend" into paying your bill, refusing to say thank you for that elaborate Christmas gift your Great Aunt Gertrude gave you or making your cousin feel two inches tall because something good happened to him and you're jealous, think to yourself, "Self, does this make me look like ajacka jerk? Would I be happy if someone did this to me repeatedly?" If either answer is yes, reflect on what you can do instead to make the situation a positive one. I don't know, you could maybe start with paying your friend's bill for a change, calling Great Aunt Gertrude and thanking her profusely for all the gifts you selfishly accepted without a thank you and congratulate your cousin before apologizing to all of them profusely for acting like an "amoeba on a flea on a dog," to quote the great Frenchie.
Out-cast: noun : one that is cast out or refused acceptance (as by society) - Taken from the Mirriam Webster online dictionary
An outcast isn't someone who puts him/herself in a position where no one (to include family) wants to be around him/her through selfishness, creating and maintaining drama, ignorance and tasteless behavior. That, my friend, is entirely different. Remember that boy in the 3rd grade that everyone was mean to because he couldn't read very well or the girl who's parents couldn't afford to keep up with the current trends (or her growth spurts) so she was stuck in Goodwill high water pants from the 1980's? Those are examples of an outcast. The guy that refuses, time and time again, to thank others for their hospitality and generosity, going so far as to purposely take advantage, he's not an outcast. The girl that can't stand the attention being removed from her and makes up stories to gain pity and the spotlight, only for those around her to figure out she's been lying each time, she's not an outcast either. A person cannot be an outcast if (s)he continuously behaves in such a manner as to send people packing.
A little common sense goes a long way. Do you enjoy being stuck with the bill because a specific friend repeatedly "forgets" his/her wallet each time you go out? Probably not. In fact, I'd go so far to say that after you've paid so much for his/her dinners/recreational activities, you'd stop going out together. So before you make your next move of forcing your "friend" into paying your bill, refusing to say thank you for that elaborate Christmas gift your Great Aunt Gertrude gave you or making your cousin feel two inches tall because something good happened to him and you're jealous, think to yourself, "Self, does this make me look like a
Sunday, July 17, 2011
On the Hunt
I'm feeling like a predator searching out my prey. Luke and I recently received a letter from our apartment office informing us our rent is going up $200/month at the signing of a new lease. For what we currently pay, we could already get a 2 bedroom townhome instead of a two bedroom apartment. For less than what they want us to pay, we can get a 3 bedroom townhome instead of an apartment.
I just like to take this moment to say apartment complexes are the devil. I've now rented from one landlord and two housing offices. I much prefer the landlord. I feel a little bit bad for all of the people I referred to live here. I was so happy to be leaving the last place (where we were gutted even more than we are now) that this seemed like paradise. The shimmer is quickly fading as our rent begins to sky-rocket. I'm still trying to figure out how our rental company thinks the rent needs to increase, especially by $200, when the housing market is taking a hit in our area, yet again. I'm entirely confused.
Needless to say, we're on the prowl for a new place. Today, we are looking at our first townhome. I'm a little nervous since a lot of the cities/neighborhoods in the area can go from upscale to scary in about 10 feet but I'm hopeful. The place we're looking at today sounds AMAZING. Seriously, who doesn't want a jacuzzi and a fireplace? We'll be a little farther from a few people than I wanted to be but closer than I thought we would be if we move to a different community. And we'll have more room. With a baby on the way, more room is a BIG plus. I know if we moved into a townhome in this community, the electric bills are only (on average) $10/month more than what we currently pay (crazy, right? I mean, these townhomes are generally 3 floors that need to be cooled and ours is all of 1 floor of 1200 sq. ft). So here's to hoping the townhome is in a nicer area and the electric bill isn't bordering insane on a monthly basis. And that our potential landlord is willing to wait until mid-September for us to move in or that our current "landlord" is willing to allow us to terminate our lease early so we can move and be settled before I'm due. Right now, we're looking at a lease termination date of October 22nd and a due date of October 25th. Please, God, let these people be understanding!
EDIT/UPDATE:
We decided place #1 was a no go since it was about 10 feet (okay, not really. More like 2 blocks) from one of the neighborhoods that are off-limits to military personnel. I figure if the area is so bad that Luke could get in trouble for missing his turn and getting shot while turning around in the (insert term of choice for rundown housing area), it's probably not the place to raise a child.
I just like to take this moment to say apartment complexes are the devil. I've now rented from one landlord and two housing offices. I much prefer the landlord. I feel a little bit bad for all of the people I referred to live here. I was so happy to be leaving the last place (where we were gutted even more than we are now) that this seemed like paradise. The shimmer is quickly fading as our rent begins to sky-rocket. I'm still trying to figure out how our rental company thinks the rent needs to increase, especially by $200, when the housing market is taking a hit in our area, yet again. I'm entirely confused.
Needless to say, we're on the prowl for a new place. Today, we are looking at our first townhome. I'm a little nervous since a lot of the cities/neighborhoods in the area can go from upscale to scary in about 10 feet but I'm hopeful. The place we're looking at today sounds AMAZING. Seriously, who doesn't want a jacuzzi and a fireplace? We'll be a little farther from a few people than I wanted to be but closer than I thought we would be if we move to a different community. And we'll have more room. With a baby on the way, more room is a BIG plus. I know if we moved into a townhome in this community, the electric bills are only (on average) $10/month more than what we currently pay (crazy, right? I mean, these townhomes are generally 3 floors that need to be cooled and ours is all of 1 floor of 1200 sq. ft). So here's to hoping the townhome is in a nicer area and the electric bill isn't bordering insane on a monthly basis. And that our potential landlord is willing to wait until mid-September for us to move in or that our current "landlord" is willing to allow us to terminate our lease early so we can move and be settled before I'm due. Right now, we're looking at a lease termination date of October 22nd and a due date of October 25th. Please, God, let these people be understanding!
EDIT/UPDATE:
We decided place #1 was a no go since it was about 10 feet (okay, not really. More like 2 blocks) from one of the neighborhoods that are off-limits to military personnel. I figure if the area is so bad that Luke could get in trouble for missing his turn and getting shot while turning around in the (insert term of choice for rundown housing area), it's probably not the place to raise a child.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Desperate HomeFolks
NEWS FLASH
If you are desperate and wanting to get married, oh, say, 5 days ago, you probably aren't going to find sexy prince(ss) charming to come sweeping in and rescue you from your lonesome life. I'm not saying there is anything wrong with wanting to be married and settled down but you can't be desperate and super picky, either. Beggars can't be choosers.
Ladies:
You can't go around acting like a Grade A Certified Hoochie and complain when guys want nothing but the horizontal polka (to use Steve Urkle's famous phrase. C'mon now, you know you loved Family Matters when you were a kid). Slip back into your pants, zip them up and make sure you aren't spilling out. A properly fitting shirt never hurt anyone, either.
Men:
If you look like a hillbilly, you are not very likely to find a hot woman who's life goal is to be at your beck and call. If you're the hottest man on earth, the only reason you'll be able to find one is because some magazine or agent has already picked you up and has flown you to Korea or Vietnam on your world tour and the chick you met there will do anything for a green card. Take off the camo, leave your chew at home, shave, buy yourself a decent pair of jeans and a nice collared shirt and learn to speak like you graduated the 6th grade. If that doesn't sound like you, ditch the stupid hat, shave, pull your pants up and buy yourself a properly fitting belt. They work wonders for keeping your nether regions covered when worn correctly. Trust me, no one wants to see your crack or your sack. Didn't your momma teach you crack kills?
All Genders:
If you are ugly, don't hold your potential spouse to a higher standard than you hold yourself to/appear to be. Learn to shave, buy some deodorant, join a gym, do whatever it takes to help yourself aside from plastic surgery but don't expect Megan Fox/Brad Pitt to be begging for your affection if you look like the Ugly Fairy kicked your face in and then came back for seconds. Be smart. Love comes in all shapes, sizes and covers. You should know... Just sayin'
If you are desperate and wanting to get married, oh, say, 5 days ago, you probably aren't going to find sexy prince(ss) charming to come sweeping in and rescue you from your lonesome life. I'm not saying there is anything wrong with wanting to be married and settled down but you can't be desperate and super picky, either. Beggars can't be choosers.
Ladies:
You can't go around acting like a Grade A Certified Hoochie and complain when guys want nothing but the horizontal polka (to use Steve Urkle's famous phrase. C'mon now, you know you loved Family Matters when you were a kid). Slip back into your pants, zip them up and make sure you aren't spilling out. A properly fitting shirt never hurt anyone, either.
Men:
If you look like a hillbilly, you are not very likely to find a hot woman who's life goal is to be at your beck and call. If you're the hottest man on earth, the only reason you'll be able to find one is because some magazine or agent has already picked you up and has flown you to Korea or Vietnam on your world tour and the chick you met there will do anything for a green card. Take off the camo, leave your chew at home, shave, buy yourself a decent pair of jeans and a nice collared shirt and learn to speak like you graduated the 6th grade. If that doesn't sound like you, ditch the stupid hat, shave, pull your pants up and buy yourself a properly fitting belt. They work wonders for keeping your nether regions covered when worn correctly. Trust me, no one wants to see your crack or your sack. Didn't your momma teach you crack kills?
All Genders:
If you are ugly, don't hold your potential spouse to a higher standard than you hold yourself to/appear to be. Learn to shave, buy some deodorant, join a gym, do whatever it takes to help yourself aside from plastic surgery but don't expect Megan Fox/Brad Pitt to be begging for your affection if you look like the Ugly Fairy kicked your face in and then came back for seconds. Be smart. Love comes in all shapes, sizes and covers. You should know... Just sayin'
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Jeremiah 29:11
I've heard the song "Blessings" by Laura Story so many times before, I'm sure, but I just really heard it for the very first time. Maybe it's because, though I can find the application for my own life, it's years passed but the recent events in the lives of two people I feel a deep connection with definitely bring the application back home. Facing a situation where you are suffering loss or know there is potential to suffer loss can be the hardest times ever but God promises His faithfulness in Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the thoughts I have toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you future and hope."
Remembering God's plan is the best plan isn't always easy. More often than not it's easier said than done but having been through what I felt (at the time) was hell on earth, I can honestly say there is a silver lining that we can look to when living those dark times. It's such a comfort to know that regardless of the outcome, you are in the best hands.
A loving God could never keep His children from life's struggles. How could we ever learn to rely fully on Him if everything we ever wanted were handed on a silver platter? A perfect world is not conducive to learning lessons, we need all of the negative in order to move forward in our spiritual lives and give us a better connection with our Creator. We don't go through struggles because God's forgotten us, we go through struggles because He loves us.
Remembering God's plan is the best plan isn't always easy. More often than not it's easier said than done but having been through what I felt (at the time) was hell on earth, I can honestly say there is a silver lining that we can look to when living those dark times. It's such a comfort to know that regardless of the outcome, you are in the best hands.
A loving God could never keep His children from life's struggles. How could we ever learn to rely fully on Him if everything we ever wanted were handed on a silver platter? A perfect world is not conducive to learning lessons, we need all of the negative in order to move forward in our spiritual lives and give us a better connection with our Creator. We don't go through struggles because God's forgotten us, we go through struggles because He loves us.
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