Miles away from nowhere and the wind doesn't have a name.

SCHMOWZOW! I can officially say I'm having a baby this month!

I know this isn't the baby blog but I thought it had to be documented. A year ago at this time (I think even on this DAY), we moved into Castle Grayskull and were months into trying to breed. Now look at us? Our house is a home and we're going to have a baby THIS MONTH (even if he is the maximum 2 weeks late...which I would like to think he wouldn't do to his mama).

As a last major outting before motherhood, Todd and I met Tessa (Phoebe ended up being too under the weather to attend) at the Great Lakes Renaissance/Medieval Faire and had a rad, if not HOT, afternoon. First off, Renaissance Faire merchandise is pretty much all awesome. If I had a surplus of funds, I would have left with one of everything...especially this octopus ring that I fell in love with. I settled for what I truly wanted...a glittery ribbon crown, which I wore all day, and a dyed fox tail which put my little immitation tail from Target to SHAME. I think Dr. Nightmare thought the tail was her new boyfriend when I brought it in the house.

Besides merchandise, I loved the general feeling of the faire, being tucked back under the trees like I was in Sherwood Forest (except there were cream puffs and pizza available). I'll give them props, their selection of snacks was extensive but it was too damn hot to want to eat, though Todd did put a hurting on a turkey leg. If you're into people watching, this was the place to be. The costumes (of all people there, not just employees) were amazing. And there was no shortage of things to do and see. Dancing, comedy, demonstrations, and my favorite, the jousting.

I was proud of myself for putting in 3 hours under the baking sun. I really did have a great time, though my back got angry and my feet weren't much happier. But my good mood was quickly SMOOSHED when we got on the highway in Geneva and drove right into a traffic shit storm. It took us an hour to go 6 miles and then 10 minutes to go 1/10 of a mile. Bad News Bears. Todd said at least we were spending time together...but I was uncomfortable, exhausted, and starving. It was hard not to cry. At one point, we threw the car into park and switched seats because I was having contractions and my son was seeing how far he could stick some appeandage under my rib cage. Grrrr.

3 hours and 15 minutes later (YES, longer than the amount of time we were at the faire), we pulled into Castle Grayskull. I was in pajamas and in bed with Dr. Nightmare in 2 seconds flat. Todd made me some dinner and I fell asleep with Top Chef D.C.  Overall, I'm glad we went and I feel satisfied in my last roadtrip for awhile. We ran into Brother Ed and Natalie there and she told me about her short labor and (3 push) delivery. I hope I can channel her awesomeness on our big day! And just think, next year I can take Spencer to the faire.

HUZZAH! And let the final countdown begin!

I've seen it all. I was here first.

Throwing up certainly tops my list of things I loathe. I toss my cookies and start to whimper and become very melancholy. When it comes to throwing up (and you'd think I'd be a pro by now...I threw up ten times more when I WASN'T pregnant), I do NOT know how to suck it up, man up, what have you. I'm a puss when my insides end up on the outside.

Did I mention that I'm sick?

I don't think this is any late-in-the-game morning sickness creeping in. I thought I had food poisoning on Thursday night/Friday morning but it wore away, at quesadilla-induced food poisoning tends to do. So I think I just pushed myself too hard this weekend and am paying for it now. The downside to a little too much sun-n-fun, if you will. But luckily, I already had a check-up scheduled for today...it's always good to double check the baby machine. I like to be on top of things. You can make that dirty if you want.

Speaking of sun-n-fun, this weekend really was solid. Thank sweet zombie Jesus for Todd's schedule change. We actually got to spend some time being goofy together, outside of our steak-n-movie date. We went to the zoo one day which was pretty fun, even if we didn't see any wolves, and pool-hopped the next. Good, clean, American holiday fun. Or something like that.

Missed Heavy Rebel for the 3rd year in a row but not many people I knew made the trek. I think the allure is starting to wear off a bit for a lot of people. But man oh man, there's nothing like a Saturday night at Heavy Rebel! I have some phenomenal memories of those Saturday night. Phenomenal and blurred. Anyway, I'm not complaining because I had fun celebrating Independence Day the way we did. Low-key, lotsa fun.

Capgun Cowboys reunion show on Friday. MUST attend. MUST!

And MUST find a way to stop songs from being stuck in my head!

I was born to love her and I will never be free. She'll always be a part of me.

First off, let me say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to one of my best friends...probably my BEST friend, actually, on the planet, TESSA! Happy 32nd Birthday, love of my life. I hope that this next year finds you happier, healthier, and just showered in oodles of awesomeness. While I don't think I can make it to your shin-dig due to yesterday's hospital events, I will be there in spirit listening to you sing 99 Red Balloons...I ONLY like it when you sing it. Happy Birthday, Onionhead!

Still not happy with the layout. Irked more and more every day.

All my temporary posts have been removed as I believe my message has been received. What I hate about social networking and technology (I'll be honest, there isn't a lot) is that perception of tone and miscommunication are so easy. It was suggested that I do something via interwebs, I encouraged someone to get involved in the situation via text, and the next thing you know, everything is all effed up and lost in translation. How the Hell did you get THAT out of what I said?? I never said anything LIKE that! It ends up being a circus and I have enough clowns in my life.

And drama! Including me and my spawn which you can read about HERE!!

And if you don't feel like reading about my Emergency Room fiasco, just know that both Spencer and I are aces but we'll know even more about a doctor's appointment on Monday. I want to thank all my pals out there for their well-wishes and concerns. You're all cool in my book. And my book is illustrated for those of you who get bored easily.

New carpet came today bringing our formal living room/dining room remodeling project closer to completion. In fact, the room should be done by Sunday! Hooray! Having all these partially finished home projects is weighing heavily on my brain...especially now that my activity has been restricted a little bit more. It will be nice to walk in the door and not see pure havoc. And even though it's the room we use the LEAST in the house, it's probably the room that has the most of our quirky personalities in it. Beats the pants of the beige boredom it used to be. One thing we are not...is beige.

When THEY still lived here. Woof.

Before the destruction began.

During the destruction.

Yep, that's black-n-gray checkered carpet right there!

Formal living room...the first room you see as you enter Castle Grayskull.

Dining room that maybe we'll actually use now!

Next on the never-ending agenda or making a house a home? Finishing our patio/pool projects, putting the basement/man cave back together after the great flooding (thank you again, home owners insurance), putting finishing touches on the Spencer Dome...and whenever there's time (the other projects are priorities), painting the living room and re-doing our downstairs bathroom TIKI STYLE! Somewhere in that list I'd like to fit in some swimming and, oh yeah, giving birth.

That would be SWELL!

I've learned love is like a brick...you can build a house or sink a dead body.

HAPPY FRIDAY THE 13th!! Why has today been awesome??

-I woke up early even though I slept like junk...after our basement flooded from what my parents say was the worst rain they've ever seen in Brunswick.There wasn't much I could do since I can't lift or bend but the dudes handled it (APPRECIATED). And I still woke up sun-shiny early to get my day on.

-For the first time in my life, EVERY dress I tried on for the wedding tomorrow not only FIT but looked GREAT. I walked out with 4 non-maternity dresses, that can be worn post-Spencer! And walking out of the dress department, there they were! The perfect shoes...and they match all 4 dresses! Need more icing on the cake? I found great jewelry, too. This NEVER happens to me. Shopping usually makes me cry. Being pregnant has made me totally lurve my body right now, I guess. My mom said Spencer is good luck. HELL YEAH! But I had a front runner right off the bat.

-Spent some time at PJ's Day Spay getting my hair done did! Yep, you read that right. I actually got more than one haircut in a year. It's fresh and clean, the color is touched-up, brighter-n-fresher, and it's one more thing to help me feel wedding-ready! Ignore the fact that I'm sans make-up. It was early.

-I got home and did a little text fashion show for my manimal once I narrowed it down to 2 dresses: the black, strapless, Hawaiian and the blue, spaghetti strapped, garden party. STILL pumped with my purchases! Whichever one I don't wear tomorrow, I'll wear to the wedding we have next month. Lurve is the air. And Todd loved me in the dresses, saying something like "YUM!". Boy sure does love a summer dress and thought it would be cute if I showcases the bump a bit. Just call me pregnant in heels...or wedges. I don't want to be like "I look HAWT" but it's nice to feel good about your appearance when you're growing a monster inside of you!

Black Hawaiian

Blue Garden Party

-I made some delicious pasta for lunch with the windows wide open, enjoying the bad-ass weather. Red pepper flakes, garlic, broccoli, peas, tomatoes, and Bocconcini. It was yum, yum, yum. A good lunch and some bad TV, followed by painting my fingernails and toes (by the way, that's no longer an option...it's Todd's job now) just kept me on that good mood wave. It's the little things that matter.

-Horror of 59 is playing a free show with Cult of the Psychic Fetus tonight! I'm going to get to spend some time with my awesome pals, and my twin, COTPF's own Alex Murder! Pre-show, John Jackson (yeah, he's totally my partner-in-crime now) are going to stuff out faces solid with some Italian goodness. And as an awesome treat, my husband will be meeting us at the show, a pleasant surprise. I think the good day will end with a good night.

So yeah...VIVA FRIDAY THE 13th!! Hope it's as good for you!

I roam from town to town. I go through life without a care.

Our New York adventure was beyond what I could have possibly imagined. I have been there before but never did the touristy thing, never saw the sights. And I was never with this awesome a group of people: John Jackson, Sharon D., and my hubby. I now officially <3 NY. I want to die in Central Park...but not Law and Order: SVU style.

We left at 2:00am with yours truly behind the wheel. Time seemed to fly by (with the help of 250 jams of the 80s) and before you knew it, it was morning in the financial district of NYC and we were dropping our bags at the Downtown Marriott.

FRIDAY

We walked to Battery Park and had an NY hot dog while checking out the Statue of Liberty. The weather was a little chilly but nice for a day of hardcore walking around. We checked out Wall St. and the cemetery at Trinity Church. That church blew my mind and for a good portion of the trip was my favorite thing. Utterly beautiful. Stopped at the seaport and had lunch at the NY Merchant Cafe and then went to our room for a cat nap in the most comfy beds on the planet. But on the way back to our hotel, we stopped at Ground Zero which was around the corner. It was really incredible...heartbreaking and mind blowing.

Post-nap we went to Times Square. The plan was to go to MoMA but the line was around the corner (damn art lovers) so we changed gears and wandered through Rockefeller Center then went to Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum. The Lady Gaga statue was my favorite, of course, but I wish it would've been a little less crowded. We hit the subway (I was a pro by the time we left) and grabbed a slice on the chilly patio at some pizza joint on Bleeker St. in the Village. Does that need to be capitalized? Make a note next time you're in NYC...that particular pizza place serves Presidente.

A lot was crammed into the first day. I was proud of myself AND Spencer for doing as much as we did.

  

SATURDAY
First thing on this verrrrry rainy day, we headed back to Times Square where I had left my heart the previous evening and grabbed some coffee (peppermint hot chocolate for me and the monster) to warm up. There's a booth in the square that sells same-day discount tickets for Broadway shows. Lo and behold, they had tickets for the matinee showing of the Addams Family musical for 50% off! That had Todd and me written all over it, and it was Sharon's first musical.

To kill time, we walked to Central Park and stopped in at the Jekyll and Hyde Club for a drink ($3.25 for a soda...I'm still on fire about it). That was one of the major places on my list that I wanted to see and it was a BUST. The more I think about that mess, the happier I am that we didn't eat dinner there as planned. Moving on, we waltzed with our umbrellas around the horse and carriages at Central Park where we saw obvious SVU "raping spots" and I educated Sharon on roofies. Then we headed back to the Lunt-Fontaine theater (and passed Le Bernardain on the way!!!) to dry off and wait for the show.

The theater was beautiful (I'm glad I wore a hat, it made me feel more New York) and somehow we ended up with amazing 11th row seats! It felt very romantic somehow. And the show was very charming, though I would've paid to punch the lisping kid that played Pugsley. PUNCH! When we exited the theater, the rain had stopped and we headed back to the Village for lunch at Jack's French Bistro and a walk through Washington Square Park. Lots of cute pups and adventurous squirrels. A drink at the Slaughtered Lamb Pub and Jekyll and Hyde's Bar and Grill (FAR superior to the club, though they sure do push the shots) and then we were back at the hotel, resting our tired bones. Another A+ day.

EASTER SUNDAY
We woke up to a BEAUTIFUL day, warm and sunny - heavenly, and had breakfast (banana split pancakes) at a local deli. Sharon parted ways with us to spend time with her step-sister who lives in NYC. It was just me and my dudes, left to our own devices, under the beautiful NYC sun. It always stuns me how a lovely day can make you feel.

First, we saw where John Lennon was shot (OK, not so lovely) and walked through Central Park where I fell in love twice, with the park and with my husband (again). He made sure that I saw (almost) everything I wanted to and that the monster and I got the attention we needed.Yeah, I LOVED the park, can't stress it enough. If I lived in NY, I would spend as much time as possible there, but maybe all non-New Yorkers think that way. If only I had a sketchbook. We walked to the MET and then back to the American History Museum. We could have spent DAYS in that museum but our feet, backs, legs would NOT allow it. We restaurant hopped until we settled on Lansky's Jewish Deli for our Easter feast. I loved Sunday. I felt like a new person...a new and VERY pregnant person! A happy person.

We went back to the hotel because 3 days of serious touring had wrecked us, physically and, for me, mentally. Sharon met up with us and after I rallied, we ended up in the hotel restaurant which was a fun time. It was a laid back and fun way to wrap up a trip that was go, go, go. I can't tell you how many times we were on the Subway but by the end of our trip, I felt like a pro. Lots of laughs that evening.

MONDAY

Monday morning we had our last NYC meal in the financial district, stopped in the Village one more time (picked up a 6-pack of Presidente, my favorite, to celebrate Spencer's birth when the time comes), and then checked out. Homeward bound. It was one of the first times post-trip that I wasn't dying to go home but wasn't dying to stay. Every minute of the trip was filled with something awesome and fun, and I'm sure that I have forgotten plenty of adventures we had. And I know there are plenty more adventures to be had since we didn't get to go to MoMA and missed out on Coney Island. I guess I'll just HAVE to go back in June for the Mermaid Parade!

New York was a dream. Everything I hoped for but nothing I expected. I needed to de-stress and I did. I spent time with good friends and a great husband in a city I thought I hated. And when I came home, my house was still standing and my dogs were still alive! It was the perfect long weekend and I wouldn't have done anything different. Except maybe brought a 2nd memory card. 400 pix just weren't enough!!!

But at least I have my favorite pic...father-n-son, loves of my life, in NYC.

The streets are paved with diamonds and there's just so much to see.

"I can't wait to walk hand in hand with you on the streets of NYC" - Weasel text.

I. CAN'T. WAIT. EITHER. BABY. I feel like I need to buy some hats. New York City seems like the kind of place where you should wear hats. Like I've said, I've been there but it was usually with a guy who was a total nightmare, zero dollars to do anything with, and just a generally bad disposition. Though I did once go to Pickliscious Pickle-On-a-Stick, which doesn't seem to be in business anymore.

Shucks.

This time around, I'm going with people I'm bananas about and we're going to do awesome shtuff! One day, we're having "Museum Day" and going to MoMA, The Natural History Museum, Madam Tussaud's Wax Museum, The Museum of Sex, and the Central Park Zoo. That sounds like a great effing day (especially if it includes a hot dog from a street vendor or a deli pickle)! This day also includes me having a  moment outside of Tiffany's. What could be better?

And I'm totally enjoying the fact that if anyone asks me what I did on Easter, I can say, "I had a lovely brunch with friends in New York City". Hopefully that isn't followed with, "And then we got mugged by some total hooligans at gun point and I wet my pants". I'm hoping a pregnant person isn't a large (no pun intended...I can button my pants again, after all) target for crime. Even though I'll be 23 weeks then, I WILL kick-ass if need be.

Kicking Ass in New York City. Sounds like a movie staring Kurt Russell.

You called me last night on the telephone.

And I was glad to hear from you 'cause I was all alone.

You said, "It's snowing, it's snowing! God, I hate this weather."

Now I walk through blizzards just to get us back together

We met in the springtime at a rock-and-roll show.
It was on the Bowery when it was time to go.
We kissed on the subway in the middle of the night.
I held your hand, you held mine, it was the best night of my life.


'Cause everyone's your friend in New York City!
And everything looks beautiful when you're young and pretty!
The streets are paved with diamonds and there's just so much to see.
But the best thing about New York City is you and me!

Statue of Liberty, Staten Island Ferry, Co-op City, Katz's and Tiffany's!
Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge, The Empire State where Dylan lived!
Coney Island and Times Square, Rockefeller Center!
Wish I was there!


You wrote me a letter just the other day.
Said, "Springtime is coming soon so why don't you come to stay."
I packed my stuff, got on the bus, I can't believe it's true.
I'm three days from New York City and I'm three days from you.


'Cause everyone's my friend in New York City!
And everything looks beautiful when you're young and pretty!
The streets are paved with diamonds and there's just so much to see.
But the best thing about New York City is you and me!

Welcome to your life. There's no turning back.

Let's add Miley Cyrus and Kesha to the list of people I want to punch. Thanks.

Now on a less violent note...HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY, Y'ALL!

I like Valentine's Day. I'm not one of those people who drones on and on about how stupid it is and how they can't wait for it to be over. I like the pink and red and the cookies and flowers and silly cards and bad stuffed animals. Even when I haven't been in a relationship, I've liked the concept and always had a friend as a Valentine. Sure, you don't (and shouldn't) NEED a day to tell the people you care about how you feel. but it's still nice to hear. And nice is nice.

I slaved away on my day off making Todd cookies and brownies and got him a card letting him know that if we were in prison, I'd totally shiv someone on his behalf, which is true. It felt good just to go the extra mile to let him know I think he's aces. He took me to see an impromptu movie (we NEVER see comedies in the theater so it was a TREAT) and we watched Futurama in bed afterwards. It was just what Valentine's Day (even if we celebrated a day early) should be. Lowkey yet awesome. Lots of hand holding.

So Happy Valentine's Day, y'all. If I happen to hate you, you get a free pass today. Take advantage of it. This kind of generosity only comes once a year. If I happen to LURVE you, then I hope you have a down right great day. And to my other Valentine, Lady Gaga, I really can not wait to go home and watch your nasty self hatch out of an egg. I love you more and more every day!



You're there sucking on a lollipop like you haven't aged a day!

As of yesterday, I am 32 and I feel pretty good about it.

I am a big fan of my birthday. Always have been. This year, my birthday has been kind of low-key. Probably the first year in a decade that the celebration won't involve jello shots and live bands, and that's alright. There's still been plenty of worth-while recognition of the big 3-2.

Tessa took me to Olive Garden Friday night where we gabbed and stuffed.

My family birthday party was Saturday but it was kind of mucked up due to snow and one of my sisters and her family had to miss out. Bummer. I got a super cool baby book that is all about birthdays which I'm psyched about and a stuffed Lowly Worm! I was told it's for the monster but we'll see about that. My parents gave me  a super soft baby blanket and The Complete Idiot's Guide to Teaching a Baby Sign Language - I collect Idiot's Guides AND I took American Sign Language In College. And I pocketed some cash...

...which I spent every last dime of the next morning! I got a Finn t-shirt, new royal blue (or maybe aqua) Converse, Top Chef DC, socks, drawers, and a few roomier t-shirts and old man cardigans for my expanding guts! SCORE!

Yesterday, on my actual birthday, I woke up to cinnamon rolls and a card from my husband and stepson. It was sweet but I felt off all day. People wished me Happy Birthday at work and I got a gazillion Facebook messages (nothing means anything if it's not on Facebook) but it just felt like...Monday. I guess I had the birthday blues. I came home to an empty house and put myself to bed with a headache.

I awoke to the Jaws theme as a GIANT stuffed shark was swimming towards me. It was a Pillow Pet! Yep, I'm a 32 year old pregnant woman who got a pillow pet for my birthday.  Todd said since (due to his new work schedule) he'll be coming to bed after I'm asleep, I needed a substitute snuggler. Enter shark Pillow Pet. I bet he didn't bank on me snuggling it all night and totally ignoring him. I couldn't help it. So sofffffffft. So comforting. My husband loves me.

He also got me DC Villian skate shoes which I LOVE! Bright blue is my new thang.

Tonight, we're going to my favorite restaurant,  Benihana, to rock the chopsticks with Tom, Carol and Ben, which I am SO looking forward to. For some reason, I bawled the entire way to work...no more Florence and the Machine until this baby is born! The remedy for musically induced sobs is good food with good friends. It's a mighty fine was to wrap up a lowkey birthday, if I do say so myself.

Off topic but NOT off topic...R.I.P. Tura Satana. Sorry, but you're just another cool person to fall victim to the wrath of my birthday. Horrible things tend to happen mere days before February 7th rolls around...Big Bopper, Richie Valens & Buddy Holly's plane crashes, The Beatles release "Hey Jude", Patty Hearst was kidnapped, Sid Viscious OD'd, Falco got hit by a bus (we'll never hear "Rock Me, Amedeus" again), Lux Interior croaked, and now, Tura has met her demise. It's a curse.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

You just want to wash me to the drain...but you can't make me go away.

700 POSTIES!!!

In the tradition of landmark posts a la 500, 600, I am going to present you with some fun facts in a fun way rather than just blather at your eyeballs per usual. First, I'm going to copycat some thingamabob (I refuse to call it a 'meme') that Bizzle is currently doing. And secondly, I'm going to jump on board the whatchamacallit that Donny is currently entertaining himself with. I like those kids so what's good enough for filling their time is good enough for filling mine.

Happy 700 Posts, Cleveland "A". You're just delicious.

PART 1: Stolen from Phee-Bizzle.

One: Ten things you want to say to ten different people right now.

-I wish I had even a fraction of your guts. Whenever you tell me you're nervous about something, it shocks the Hell out of me. In my mind, you are totally fearless, which I think is totally awesome.

-Becoming a mother is the best thing that ever happened to you. I've always been crazy about you as a person but when I look at you now, you're just so damn beautiful. Inside and out. You've come a long way, baby.

-The negative way you treated me pushed me...not to be a better person because I was just fine. And not to prove you wrong because I don't have to prove anything to anyone. But it pushed me...and now, I have a GREAT life. What the fuck have you got?

-All of my most ridiculous memories took place with you. I don't think we're going to be making any more memories like that. Kind of makes me wish the last "story worthy" thing we did together didn't take place at a Taco Bell.

-I'm probably not as sad as I should be that I don't really know who you are anymore. I'd rather fondly remember who you used to be.

-I'm really, really proud of you. You've grown leaps and bounds from the person you were 10 years ago. Not that that person was bad, by any means. You're just pretty damn amazing now. I can't tell you how much it means to me that you're still in my life after all these years and our ups and downs. My days just aren't the same when you're not around. You're one of my best friends.

-I could not function without you. You are the love of my life.

-The two of you make me feel like I'm worthless. And I refuse to let ANYONE make me feel that way. So where do we go from here?

-You're going to get through it. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, but the tunnel might be 1,000 miles long and filled with snakes. Regardless, I know you will get through it and you will manage to come out relatively unharmed on the other side. I'm happy to go through it with you...but you have to deal with the snakes.

-You're a monster and most of the people who know you agree.  The rest of them will figure it out. Eventually, you will be left with nothing but regrets. In the words of Phil Collins, a very wise man, "If you told me you were drowning, I would not lend a hand".


Two: Nine things about yourself.

-I have always been told that I am my mother's daughter. I don't doubt this in the least. We're both totally bananas, laugh at our own jokes, like the same music. and movies. But after flipping over a relatively important document to draw a diagram to illustrate a point, I was told I was my father's daughter. It was the first time.

-If I'm crying, and someone else starts crying, I stop crying.

-I'm not a lazy person, per se, but my favorite days are the ones where you stay in your pajamas, eating junk, watching movies, reading magazines. Lazy days. So many of my favorite days involved Becky, romantic-comedies and Chinese food, or Phoebe, bad movies, brownies and mac-n-cheese. Simple. Perfect. Honestly...I'm easy to please.

-I can day-dream like nobody's business. I have about 1,000,000 different lives.

-I try to be as honest as I can with people. I don't believe that holding things back or sugar-coating things, especially when asked directly, helps anyone. HOWEVER, I am not blunt. I believe there is a huge difference between being honest and being blunt. I don't think blunt people care about who they hurt with their words. I still try to protect people's feelings...because I know I can take things very personally at times. You can be honest. You don't need to be an asshole.

-I'm trying to be less of an asshole.

-I hate the word 'asshole'. Not as much as I hate 'butthole' though.

-I really and truly have very little regrets about my life and how I've lived it. Sure, there are things I wish I'd never done or people I wish I'd never wasted my time with, and so on. But overall, every experience I've had has made my life what it is in one way or another. And right now, I truly love my life. There's nothing more I could ask for.

-It's been incredibly difficult to just talk about myself.


Three: Eight ways to win your heart.

-Love me for me, quirks and all. Don't expect me to change and don't ask me to. Treat me how you expect/want to be treated.

-Trust me and be trust worthy. Simple as that.

-Little things go a long way...like laying out my pre-natal vitamins and a banana for the morning or texting me to let me know it's icy out because you know I'm clumsy or bringing me lunch to work because I forgot me and leaving a sweet note in the bag. The sweet, little gestures mean more to me than any expensive gift.

-Be yourself. It's your weird little quirks and silliness, the stuff that sets you apart, that make me swoon.

-Love my friends like I love them. Take them into your life. Make them your friends. Because if I was forced to choose...


-Be supportive and encouraging. A pat on the back or "way to go" or an offer of help from you means more than from anyone else in the world.

-It may sounds dumb, silly, pathetic, juvenile...but a random snuggle, a hug, a smooch, a head/back rub, hand holding, pulling you close at night...aces. All of it.

-Accept that I'm a chick and will do chick things like get moody or emo. Cutting some clack from time to time is always appreciated.


Four: Seven things that cross your mind a lot.

- "We're sooooo close to being in good financial shape. It's going to feel so good to have a surplus of money every week. What a weight that'll be off my mind."

- "If I never saw you again, I wouldn't miss you. I wonder if that's bad."

- "I can't wait to find out if you're a boy or a girl."

- "BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

- "If I go to bed this early, will that be pathetic?"

- "Life is good."

- "Gross."


Five: Six things you wish you’d never done.

-Various tattoos and facial piercings automatically come to mind.

-Dated not 1 but 2 raging alcoholics who treated me like garbage while I wasted my youth keeping them alive.

-Eloped when I was just a young idiot.

-Let you make me feel bad in order to feel better about yourself.

-Put myself in some of the bad positions I put myself in.

-Erased the photos of the damage you caused


Six: Five people who mean a lot (in no order whatsoever)

1. Todd
2. Tessa
3. Carol
4. Becky
5. The monster


Seven: Four turn-offs.

-Frat-boy syndrome...where pounding beers is SO AWESOME.
-Excessive cussing for no reason.
-Phonies a.k.a. no original personality.
-Know-It-Alls...even if they DO know it all.


Eight: Three turn-ons.

-A genuine, happy smile and rad sense of humor.
-Something that sets you apart from the pack.
-A positive attitude without being too hippie-ish.


Nine: Two images that describe your life right now, and why.

Why? Because NOTHING means more to me right now than these things:

Ten: One confession.

-This was exhausting. I think Donny's project might have to be post 701. My brain aches.

I feel the chemicals creeping in.

 My new obsessions! I am going to try and pick up the book of patterns today and get cracking on crocheting these awesome little dolls. Of course my unborn monster needs ALL of them, but I also want to make some for Vincent, Evan, Livvie, etc. So I need to get started so I can get over the first pancake phenomenon.

I taught myself how to knit from a book so I'm sure I can learn how to crochet. I heard the patterns can be a little tricky if you're already used to typical crochet patterns...but I'm not! I'm unspoiled! Working on these little critters will give me something to do besides watch 7 seasons of Gilmore Girls when my stomach is feeling lame. I'm really pumped.

First up for my bundle of horror...robot, ninja, and possibly Spartan.

CAN'T WAIT.

Looking back at my short life, the few pleasures that I've found.

AWESOME. LIKE. WHOA.

...

LIKE WHOA!

I'm so chock full of smutty adrenaline, thanks to Weasel. Yesterday I was feeling so exhausted and down-in-the-dumps due to this rot we call 2010 (R.I.P. Stella...I only met you once last Halloween but you were super snazzy and will be missed by your many friends, I'm sure). But he turned my frown upside down in BIG ways. Feeling 16 again is the cat's pajamas!!

Seeing him this morning, naive and vulnerable looking, I left like this:

I was pretty much ready to rip him to shreds with my tiny, ineffectual fists and eat him alive! I felt like a hormonal teenager, all VA-VOOM, acting first and thinking later. It's hard to concentrate today and I'm blushing quite frequently, to be honest. But I have a smile plastered on my mug and that's what counts. Gotta grab onto the awesome moments of this backwards year and run for the door!

AWOOOOOOOOGAH!

I'm right behind you, win or lose.

Post Secret is getting worse and worse as the weeks go by. It is officially no longer on my list of time-sucking entertainment options. I guess I don't find the revelations of strangers very interesting any more.

Or maybe I'm just edgey because I have a frozen core.

...

That wasn't any sort of wishy-washy psychological commentary on my life. I'm actually physically freezing to the point where my skin hurts. We camped out this weekend and despite 24 hours of rain, it was a good time. The rain was light and misty most of the time so it felt very Fall. Very Halloween. And I was physically fine the entire time...slept like a baby zombie in my new sleeping bag.

It was nice to see this before departing...

When we returned to Castle Grayskull, it all hit. We were cold, wet, and filthy. I took the best shower of my life and pajamas never felt so good. I made cheese soup, crawled back in my bag (on top of my bed...far better than on the ground), and tried to warm myself from the inside out. I think I'm still thawing out.

Fall is here. October is here. It's time to get my paint on.

I haven't used my new art room at all and it's my favorite room in the house. I've got paints, brushes, canvas, and an on-going list of things to paint: Stephanie's stomach-eating girl (no longer a uterus since we found out they're useful!), bacon & eggs to send to California, a ginourmous Castle Grayskull, Hissem's Linda Von, a shark eating a cupcake for my neice, and who can remember what else?? What do I want to do just to DO??

Oooh, Alphabastards!!!

And I keep thinking about black on stripes. Need to take that from head to canvas.

I can't wait to be slathered in acrylics, and not just because that's when Todd finds me most attractive! Plus, I think I'm going to give water colors a whirl. I've never been super awesome at them but it's time to step out of my comfort zone and learn something new. And I'll get on that just as soon as I'm done being uber-chilly.