Crazy Betty's Travel Tips

We are headed to Texas on Friday for the photography workshop - whoo hoo! I am finally getting excited, up until today I've been too busy to even think about it. I'm still busier than ever but at least I'm packed and one more marathon day at work and I'm free for a few days. Last night Crazy Betty called ... I knew it was only a matter of time before this swine flu scare got her riled up. She told me she wanted me to wear a mask on the plane. When she realized that I wasn't receptive to that idea, she asked me to just consider it for her sake. I have to say that the liklihood of that happening is about zero. I hate to be flip about this whole thing but I think the media hype is ridiculous and is scaring people who should not be freaking out. If it were up to Betty, I would board the plane wearing a Hazmat suit. I'd also board the plane 2 hours early because that's how Betty rolls when she travels - first in line to board the plane, regardless of what section is being called. She also starts packing about 2 weeks early and has the suitcase by the door several days in advance. I wonder if I'll be just like that when I'm an old lady, if I do, at least I know I'll never be late!

28 Weeks

I am officially 28 weeks (that's 7 months for all of you who don't speak in pregnancy terms). Only 3 more months and we get to meet the pretty little one :)

Since I haven't posted any pics on here so far I thought I would post one, even though I'm not big on sharing "belly pics." This was taken 2 weeks ago but I don't look a lot different at this point. I'll post another picture when things look more rounded out ... or maybe not, depending on how I feel about it (lol). Everything is going well, the doctor says she is in the 60th percentile and looks perfectly healthy!



I've also posted some new pictures on my photography blog ...

If I Were Oprah

I haven't been blogging very regularly lately and it's mostly because I am so busy that by the time I get home and finally relax, I can't even put a coherent sentence together. I feel like I have been in a marathon these past couple of weeks and I'm finally in the home stretch. I had a big event for work this past weekend, along with hosting a baby shower and a variety of other activities, and we have two more big events at work this week. Although I'll actually be on a plane to Texas when the events take place, I have to do so much of the prep work that it makes my head spin. Anyway, I like to blog about happy things and since I've just been tired and a little stressed, I've been keeping it to myself.

On a more positive note, I had a massage last week (it was heavenly) and while I was laying there I thought to myself "If I were Oprah, I would have a massage once a week." And then my mind started wandering to all of the other things I would do if I were Oprah (or at least had her bank account) ...

I would have someone wash and style my hair every day. Well, maybe not every day but they could be on call :) Having your hair washed and your scalp massaged is so wonderful and relaxing.

I would have a weekend chef to make me breakfast (fruit crepes and blueberry pancakes) and prep dinners for me to make during the week. I like to cook but with work it gets so hard to coordinate.

I would buy a bigger house but not a McMansion. I think it's wasteful to have rooms you never even use when so many people have so little.

I would travel all of the time. I love traveling, it makes me happy just thinking about it.

And yes, I would do lots of altruistic things like building wells in African villages and donating to literacy programs but I'm being honest, this was a self-indulgent little fantasy. What would you do if you were Oprah?

The Lost Generation

I had to go to a luncheon today to speak to a group of ex-POWs about the organization I work for. I have to be honest, I was dreading it a little bit. I often have to go out for public speaking engagements with various groups and this one just didn't sound like it was going to be all that exciting. When I got there, the woman next to me told me her husband was President of the local chapter because he was one of the "younger ones." He was 80 years old. At the beginning, the man giving the prayer said "and God bless our entertainer this afternoon," I almost laughed out loud because he was talking about me! I was wondering what kind of entertainment they were expecting from a 6+ months pregnant woman talking about domestic violence. I have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised by the overall experiences. During the 2 and a half hour lunch (they obviously did not have anywhere else to go that afternoon), I heard stories about how when their children were born the hospital bill was only $29. I was amused several times because they were telling the typical "my grandchild is better than yours" stories, one of them actually said her grandson was going to save the world. Other stories were humbling when they spoke of their experiences in WWII as prisoners and what they went through as they were captured and how they got out. I understand now why that has been called the lost generation ... there were so many stories and amazing experiences in that room and those people won't be around much longer. A few of them were a heartbeat away from a dirt nap.

All kidding aside, although the luncheon majorly cut into my productivity for the work day I am honored to have spent an afternoon among heros. They were so sweet and gracious and the good thing about speaking to retirees is that they always think you are an incredible speaker regardless of how you actually sound!

A drop of golden sun

I saw this on Tara's blog and just had to re-post it. This is fabulous!! I actually watched it to the end because it made me smile so much. I adore The Sound of Music and although I would love to say that I would totally participate in something like this, I am way too easily embarrassed. My mom would be the first one out there though :)

Bargain Hunting

We bought a new dining room table today! I got this table at a great price because Pottery Barn had some of their floor models on sale. I get to check one more thing off my list, and this one wasn't even on the list of "musts" - I'm super excited! Now I have a plan up my sleeve to get the chairs at a great price ... keep your fingers crossed that it works out (and pray that our antique table & chairs sell at a good price very soon, that would be an added bonus). I can't wait to go pick it up and see how it looks in our house. I heart Pottery Barn and I love a deal even more!

Fallen and it can't get up

My blog has fallen and it can't get up. I was really rolling there for awhile, posting almost daily and then ... nothing. I have never felt so uninspired when it comes to writing. I literally have nothing to say. Sure, I could post updates on my daily activities but is that really interesting? I'm thinking not. I think the blogger's block has a lot to do with the fact that I am expending my energy everywhere else these days. Between endless reading and research on various baby topics, household projects, a super busy work schedule and trying to meet all of my other obligations - I don't seem to have anything fabulous to share. I'm trying though because I really miss all of you!