Hello again from Bug Hill. It's been a long time since I posted (not quite 6 months, though, so it could be worse, right?). I have no excuses - I miss a few weeks because of too much going on, a little bit of the blues, etc and then each day it's just harder and harder to come back.
Bug Hill is a small town. And I mean a small town - smaller than Wasilla (which is not, in fact, the 2nd largest city in Alaska - what the heck is Karl Rove smoking?). I've lived in many small towns, some that are fairly liberal (or at least less conservative) and some that are really conservative. So imagine my surprise when the RNC was all about "small town values". How do you define small town values? Well, it seems that most people at the convention weren't able to define it, either. But people have been asking me and once I got over my knee jerk reaction of "bigotry", I decided to put some thought into it.
I finally decided that small town values can be summed up in one phrase - "We've never done it that way before". As I said, I've lived in many small towns and some have been more "home" than others. I no longer fit in in my "home town", but Bug Hill works for me, and here's why - in my home town, I am different from everyone there - I don't go to the Catholic or Baptist church (or any church for that matter); I believe that Christ truly wants us to: "do for the least of these", "turn the other cheek" and "be peacemakers"; I believe that "love is of God" and I don't care who a person loves, etc. In short, I'm a liberal. Now, it isn't that the people I grew up with don't believe these things, it's just that they've never lived those beliefs and "We've never done it that way before".
Small towns are incredibly resistant to change. They can change, but they have to be dragged into change kicking and screaming. Change scares them. I have a part of this in me - I found out this week that my office will be switching to Macs in the near future and I'm terrified, I don't deal well with change, I dropped yahoo because they had too many changes, I'm freaking out because my work computer uses IE 7 and I HATE it - so I understand the physical reaction to change. It's visceral. It's often overwhelming. Change is never seen as good - things are working fine now, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Now, small town people know that things don't work well for everyone but they feel those people should either change to fit in or move out. It's why you'll see very few mixed race couples and gay and lesbian couples in most of the small towns in the US (not all the small towns, just most).
Back to Bug Hill - school is back in session. The town council decided to try a pilot program - the elementary school zone is now a cell phone free zone. You can talk on a hands free phone, but no hand held or texting is allowed while driving. If you are caught, you will be fined $200. Parents can still park and call their kids, it's just while driving. Now for me, I'll just avoid the school zone (like I didn't already as much as possible). I do drive while talking on my phone - usually for directions or to find out where I need to be. I've tried handsfree devices and they don't work for me - they won't stay on/in my ear and I end up trying to feel around for the earpiece - which is not safe - while yelling "hold on, the stupid thing fell again, don't hang up".
Also at Bug Hill, we're trying a new idea of having a parade every month possible. We just had our labor day parade - that was a lot of fun. In October we'll have a "Fall Carnival" carnival and costume parade, November will be a Thanksgiving parade and December will be a "Winter Carnival" parade. The town council has asked for a permanent volunteer to coordinate the parades - there will be no pay for this, but it is hoped you'll have lots of fun. So if anyone wants to volunteer, they should call the city manager and let her know.
Finally, I've been asked to request that people donate any extra school supplies they can. There are still quite a few students who don't have all the supplies they need. Remember, with the cost of gas, electricity, and food rising, many of our people are finding that they just can't stretch a dollar as well as they need to. We'd also like to ask that you donate any extra clothing you have to the clothing bank, all clothes - even stained and torn. The plan is that volunteers will sort the clothing by condition - pristine, good, okay, and needs work. Then there will be work days to work on the clothing that needs work - ideas are still being formed but currently the plan is to dye clothing that is stained, sew patches, use clothing that is past mending to "frankenstein" into something new, etc. The local 4H and FHA chapters have volunteered to remake clothing as possible - this will be a new skill for them and the teachers are very excited.
Showing posts with label bug hill. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bug hill. Show all posts
Sunday, September 07, 2008
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Bug Hill update
Megan, my coworker who had the baby New Year's day is back at work. The bosses are nice enough to let her bring the baby to work with her. The baby had jaundice that lasted longer than 6 weeks, so they had her move the baby to formula. The idea, apparently, was to see if it was breastmilk jaundice, but they didn't test the bilirubin levels after 48 hours on formula, they just had her pump and dump for 48 hours and then start nursing again. Which seems bizarre.
Happily, Megan did continue to nurse after that 48 hours. I told her I was proud of her, so many women I know would have stopped at the first sign of problems.
Our receptionist, however, is not doing well. I don't remember if I've mentioned her here. She has a failing kidney and needs another kidney transplant. Part of the problem with her kidney is that her periods are lasting 2-3 weeks so she becomes anemic. But she can't get the hysterectomy she needs because she can't pay the co-pay. She looks awful - her skin is much darker and bruised looking. I'm really worried about her. She has a little girl.
Happily, Megan did continue to nurse after that 48 hours. I told her I was proud of her, so many women I know would have stopped at the first sign of problems.
Our receptionist, however, is not doing well. I don't remember if I've mentioned her here. She has a failing kidney and needs another kidney transplant. Part of the problem with her kidney is that her periods are lasting 2-3 weeks so she becomes anemic. But she can't get the hysterectomy she needs because she can't pay the co-pay. She looks awful - her skin is much darker and bruised looking. I'm really worried about her. She has a little girl.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
I got nothin'
My muse has left. So how about a Bug Hill update?
Megan is still pregnant. She's due Christmas day, but thinks she'll have the baby 2 weeks early. That's what she says her OB says. I predict an induction and a c-section around the 20th. I hope I'm wrong, but experience has taught me that this is the "natural" order of things anymore.
Bug Hill is planning their Winter Parade. Anyone who wants to enter a float needs to contact Leslie Johnson and she'll get you the specifications and guidelines for the float contest. She's advertised that there's very few floats entered so far, so chances of winning a prize are really good. Also, any merchants out there who would like to donate goods, etc for prizes are encouraged to contact Leslie ASAP so she can get their names and donations in the paper as soon as possible. Remember, the earlier your name is in the paper, the greater your advertising exposure is!
The Bug Hill Elementary Glee Club is performing at the December PTA meeting. Glee Club members need to have either a red or green t-shirt (I pushed for blue and white but was overruled) and jeans or tan pants. The meeting is open to all members of the general public. If you wish to join PTA it isn't too late. Dues are $5/family and all the money raised is being used to provide a shade structure for the playground equipment. You can join at the meeting.
Megan is still pregnant. She's due Christmas day, but thinks she'll have the baby 2 weeks early. That's what she says her OB says. I predict an induction and a c-section around the 20th. I hope I'm wrong, but experience has taught me that this is the "natural" order of things anymore.
Bug Hill is planning their Winter Parade. Anyone who wants to enter a float needs to contact Leslie Johnson and she'll get you the specifications and guidelines for the float contest. She's advertised that there's very few floats entered so far, so chances of winning a prize are really good. Also, any merchants out there who would like to donate goods, etc for prizes are encouraged to contact Leslie ASAP so she can get their names and donations in the paper as soon as possible. Remember, the earlier your name is in the paper, the greater your advertising exposure is!
The Bug Hill Elementary Glee Club is performing at the December PTA meeting. Glee Club members need to have either a red or green t-shirt (I pushed for blue and white but was overruled) and jeans or tan pants. The meeting is open to all members of the general public. If you wish to join PTA it isn't too late. Dues are $5/family and all the money raised is being used to provide a shade structure for the playground equipment. You can join at the meeting.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Pseudo-suitable
Bug Hill News
Marcia Jackson is available again. Bob turned out to be "pseudo-suitable - on paper he was perfect to take home to meet mom, in truth he had none of the substance to sustain a relationships". I directed Marcia to this post at Feministe and told her it was good and right to increase her expectations.
But she made me think about all the things in life that are "pseudo-suitable". The things that on paper look perfect, but once you really examine them you find they lack substance. And she added a new word to my vocabulary. Pseudo-suitable, what a perfect word.
Marcia Jackson is available again. Bob turned out to be "pseudo-suitable - on paper he was perfect to take home to meet mom, in truth he had none of the substance to sustain a relationships". I directed Marcia to this post at Feministe and told her it was good and right to increase her expectations.
But she made me think about all the things in life that are "pseudo-suitable". The things that on paper look perfect, but once you really examine them you find they lack substance. And she added a new word to my vocabulary. Pseudo-suitable, what a perfect word.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Sad day in Bug Hill
So Humberto Leal has been deported. Who knew he wasn't here legally? He's legally married to Karen (Johnson) a legal marriage performed here in the US. They have a 4 year old girl, Claudia.
He was dumped across the border from Laredo. INS took his belt and his new boots. They took his ID. He was dumped with nothing but the clothes on his back (I'm not sure if it was his own clothes or a government issued outfit). He was able to borrow a phone to call Karen to wire him money, but without ID he couldn't pick it up.
He was finally able to get in touch with his family in Mexico and they were able to cobble together enough transportation to get him to their home. If he'd had his new boots, he could have traded those for some money and it would have been easier.
So now Claudia has pretty much lost her father. For at least a year, maybe longer. It's not like Karen makes enough money to pay for his transportation back, if he even manages to be allowed to come back. A 4 year old Daddy's girl is going to have to give up her father.
Sigh.
Please keep Claudia, Karen and Beto in your thoughts.
He was dumped across the border from Laredo. INS took his belt and his new boots. They took his ID. He was dumped with nothing but the clothes on his back (I'm not sure if it was his own clothes or a government issued outfit). He was able to borrow a phone to call Karen to wire him money, but without ID he couldn't pick it up.
He was finally able to get in touch with his family in Mexico and they were able to cobble together enough transportation to get him to their home. If he'd had his new boots, he could have traded those for some money and it would have been easier.
So now Claudia has pretty much lost her father. For at least a year, maybe longer. It's not like Karen makes enough money to pay for his transportation back, if he even manages to be allowed to come back. A 4 year old Daddy's girl is going to have to give up her father.
Sigh.
Please keep Claudia, Karen and Beto in your thoughts.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Bug Hill update
Well, school starts next week. We in Bug Hill have been getting ready (okay, I haven't done diddly squat, but ...). I've been asked to remind everyone that donations of any extra supplies are always welcome. We need to remember that we have a high proportion of low income students who will likely start school without all the needed supplies.
I'm trying to decide whether to cut Hyperion and Oceanus' hair. They both have long hair. Oceanus' looks fine, but Hyperion's is so thick it looks oppressive and heavy. It's also inclined to smell. Technically, long hair is against dress code, but theirs doesn't touch their collars so it's okay for a little while. It's against dress code because "it's distracting". Well, it's only distracting because it's against dress code and somewhat unusual. I imagine the first girl with short hair was distracting, but we got over it. My theory is that if more boys had long hair, it would no longer be distracting. It's the same theory I had about breastfeeding - especially breastfeeding in public. I think I'll keep it trimmed just enough to be above their collar and call it good. Unless, of course, they ask to cut it. Hyperion can't decide if he wants it left alone or not.
I know the preacher's wife is more than ready for school to start. The twins are keeping her so busy - they're just starting to roll over now and they've learned to link rolls to move around the house. She's really going to have her hands full. She plans to send them to school for breakfast as well as lunch - which we all agree is a great idea.
I'm trying to decide whether to cut Hyperion and Oceanus' hair. They both have long hair. Oceanus' looks fine, but Hyperion's is so thick it looks oppressive and heavy. It's also inclined to smell. Technically, long hair is against dress code, but theirs doesn't touch their collars so it's okay for a little while. It's against dress code because "it's distracting". Well, it's only distracting because it's against dress code and somewhat unusual. I imagine the first girl with short hair was distracting, but we got over it. My theory is that if more boys had long hair, it would no longer be distracting. It's the same theory I had about breastfeeding - especially breastfeeding in public. I think I'll keep it trimmed just enough to be above their collar and call it good. Unless, of course, they ask to cut it. Hyperion can't decide if he wants it left alone or not.
I know the preacher's wife is more than ready for school to start. The twins are keeping her so busy - they're just starting to roll over now and they've learned to link rolls to move around the house. She's really going to have her hands full. She plans to send them to school for breakfast as well as lunch - which we all agree is a great idea.
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Bug Hill update
It occurs to me that I haven't given a Bug Hill update in a while.
Megan is finally in her 2nd trimester, and being the suggestible person she is, she immediately started feeling 100% better. I think she would feel even better if she'd switch to maternity clothes, but I remember wanting to wear my regular clothes as long as possible, so I understand (of course, I was pregnant in the mid to late 90s when clothes were not nearly as fitted as they are now).
It's so stinkin' not, no one is doing much. The city has seen an increase in weed abatement notices. All this rain coupled with all this heat has made the weeds and grass grow 2 feet overnight (or so it seems). No one feels like working in their yards to get rid of the weeds. Whole neighborhoods are having parties to work in their yards and meet the city requirements.
I harvested my first volunteer watermelon. It was pretty small, but the vine had shriveled, so it wasn't going to grow anymore. It tasted about like you'd expect from a volunteer watermelon. It actually tasted a lot like my first watermelon this season. Edible, but really not that good. The second watermelon is a lot larger and the vine is still green and pretty. So there's hope. That vine has a lot of pretty flowers on it, but they apparently aren't getting fertilized - there's no baby watermelons appearing as the blooms die.
All the church kids are back from their various camps. School starts in 2.5 weeks. Parents are scrambling for school supplies and trying to decide if it's worth forking over big bucks for new clothes that the kids won't be able to wear until December (by which time, they will probably have outgrown them).
The local elementary has asked that I remind parents that they always accept donations of extra school supplies. If you can afford to buy an extra package of lined paper, or glue or box of crayons, they will be put to good use.
Megan is finally in her 2nd trimester, and being the suggestible person she is, she immediately started feeling 100% better. I think she would feel even better if she'd switch to maternity clothes, but I remember wanting to wear my regular clothes as long as possible, so I understand (of course, I was pregnant in the mid to late 90s when clothes were not nearly as fitted as they are now).
It's so stinkin' not, no one is doing much. The city has seen an increase in weed abatement notices. All this rain coupled with all this heat has made the weeds and grass grow 2 feet overnight (or so it seems). No one feels like working in their yards to get rid of the weeds. Whole neighborhoods are having parties to work in their yards and meet the city requirements.
I harvested my first volunteer watermelon. It was pretty small, but the vine had shriveled, so it wasn't going to grow anymore. It tasted about like you'd expect from a volunteer watermelon. It actually tasted a lot like my first watermelon this season. Edible, but really not that good. The second watermelon is a lot larger and the vine is still green and pretty. So there's hope. That vine has a lot of pretty flowers on it, but they apparently aren't getting fertilized - there's no baby watermelons appearing as the blooms die.
All the church kids are back from their various camps. School starts in 2.5 weeks. Parents are scrambling for school supplies and trying to decide if it's worth forking over big bucks for new clothes that the kids won't be able to wear until December (by which time, they will probably have outgrown them).
The local elementary has asked that I remind parents that they always accept donations of extra school supplies. If you can afford to buy an extra package of lined paper, or glue or box of crayons, they will be put to good use.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Bug Hill update
Megan is driving me nuts. She's 13 weeks along (I seriously thought it was longer, but she brought in an ultrasound pic). So far, she's taken off work for swollen feet, possible hemorrhoids, and today gas. Yes, she left work at noon because she had gas. Had she taken anything for it? "No, I'm not sure what I can take". So call your doc and ask her. If she's actually going into the office for all these things, you know her OB is ready to scream. From what she's told us, she's had at least 6 OB visits (in 9 weeks, give or take).
Tammy Zain's husband is travelling. So if you see her out and about and she ignores you, don't take it personally. With her kids at summer camp and him gone, she's not sleeping very well. The house is "too quiet, except when it's not". All the little noises that a house makes wake her up because they're no longer just background noise to the snoring, rustling, etc in a full house.
Connie Anderson is starting to plan her mom's 60th birthday party. Theresa Maker reminded her that the "nice" restaurant in town doesn't have a kids' menu and that according to some that makes it completely unsuitable for kids. And then they had a nice belly laugh.
The First Baptist pre-teens are at summer camp for the week. It's been quiet in the town. I'm sure it's a coincidence. It's a great time to visit the municipal pool, though.
Leslie Johnson has asked that I announce that she needs volunteers for floats for the 4th of July parade. She also needs people to sing before the fireworks display and actors/readers for the town history play that will be between the parade and the fireworks display.
Tammy Zain's husband is travelling. So if you see her out and about and she ignores you, don't take it personally. With her kids at summer camp and him gone, she's not sleeping very well. The house is "too quiet, except when it's not". All the little noises that a house makes wake her up because they're no longer just background noise to the snoring, rustling, etc in a full house.
Connie Anderson is starting to plan her mom's 60th birthday party. Theresa Maker reminded her that the "nice" restaurant in town doesn't have a kids' menu and that according to some that makes it completely unsuitable for kids. And then they had a nice belly laugh.
The First Baptist pre-teens are at summer camp for the week. It's been quiet in the town. I'm sure it's a coincidence. It's a great time to visit the municipal pool, though.
Leslie Johnson has asked that I announce that she needs volunteers for floats for the 4th of July parade. She also needs people to sing before the fireworks display and actors/readers for the town history play that will be between the parade and the fireworks display.
Monday, May 21, 2007
This week in Bug Hill
I got to see and snuggle with the babies. They are sooo cute. I, of course, offered to babysit with them, but Marcia really needs me to help with the other kids (I understand).
Mrs. Miller finally got the results of her liver biopsy. She apparently has chronic hepatitis, but she didn't pay attention to know if it was hepatitis B or C or even if it is for sure viral and not autoimmune or some other cause. She's still in the process of coming to grips with the information. She has an appointment with the clinic to figure out next steps and hopefully to get more information. Well wishes and information would be greatly appreciated.
Megan is still so freakin' skinny it isn't funny. She's starting to complain about weight gain "I gained 4 pounds in two weeks!". I just smile and say "I know" and "I understand" and remember that I was once the super skinny pregnant woman who alternately embraced the weight gain and despaired of ever being thin again (I did get thin again, it just didn't last). She's still nauseated and calls in to be late more often than not. By my reckoning, she should be entering the 2nd trimester soon and so maybe the nausea will abate (I suspect not, she's enjoying the excuse too much, in my opinion).
Edna at Curl up and Dye is still gambling and had a decent win this week. Haircuts are not going well. Get your hair cut at your own risk.
Lizzie at the diner wants everyone to know that they are bringing back "Blue Plate Specials" featuring a meat, 2 veg, drink and dessert. This is one of those things that most of us thought were gone with the dinosaurs. She says that the prices can't compare to the original prices on a blue plate but reminds us that she is doing what she can to keep eating out affordable and help us remember bygone days. Then she adds "without the whole 'whites only' thing, so nobody better suggest it".
The FHA and 4-H group cooperated to have a rummage sale/fashion show this weekend. We're proud to say that they raised $1,000 and had people drive as much as 100 miles one-way to come. They send thanks to everyone who donated items for the rummage sale and all the help with the fashion show. I think we all had a great time and some of us even got some neat items (okay, I didn't buy anything, I'm saving money and trying not to get too much clutter in my home).
Mrs. Miller finally got the results of her liver biopsy. She apparently has chronic hepatitis, but she didn't pay attention to know if it was hepatitis B or C or even if it is for sure viral and not autoimmune or some other cause. She's still in the process of coming to grips with the information. She has an appointment with the clinic to figure out next steps and hopefully to get more information. Well wishes and information would be greatly appreciated.
Megan is still so freakin' skinny it isn't funny. She's starting to complain about weight gain "I gained 4 pounds in two weeks!". I just smile and say "I know" and "I understand" and remember that I was once the super skinny pregnant woman who alternately embraced the weight gain and despaired of ever being thin again (I did get thin again, it just didn't last). She's still nauseated and calls in to be late more often than not. By my reckoning, she should be entering the 2nd trimester soon and so maybe the nausea will abate (I suspect not, she's enjoying the excuse too much, in my opinion).
Edna at Curl up and Dye is still gambling and had a decent win this week. Haircuts are not going well. Get your hair cut at your own risk.
Lizzie at the diner wants everyone to know that they are bringing back "Blue Plate Specials" featuring a meat, 2 veg, drink and dessert. This is one of those things that most of us thought were gone with the dinosaurs. She says that the prices can't compare to the original prices on a blue plate but reminds us that she is doing what she can to keep eating out affordable and help us remember bygone days. Then she adds "without the whole 'whites only' thing, so nobody better suggest it".
The FHA and 4-H group cooperated to have a rummage sale/fashion show this weekend. We're proud to say that they raised $1,000 and had people drive as much as 100 miles one-way to come. They send thanks to everyone who donated items for the rummage sale and all the help with the fashion show. I think we all had a great time and some of us even got some neat items (okay, I didn't buy anything, I'm saving money and trying not to get too much clutter in my home).
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Happy Mother's Day
What would a holiday be without a few minor hiccups?
My day was wonderful. Mr. Gaia and the boys woke me up with pancakes (not in bed, but ready for me on the table) and gifts. Wonderful gifts.
Then we left the house to go to the butterfly garden. I looked up the directions last night, but Mr. Gaia didn't look at them saying "I'll check it out tomorrow". Needless to say, he didn't look it up and check it out. So we were stuck with my half-assed remembrance (it's somewhere I don't go so the roads didn't make sense to me and didn't really stick in my mind). We did eventually find it, only to find that right now it's really not much of anything. Not even any real trails to hike (not that we felt up to hiking in the 93F temps).
Okay, so that was a bust. So off to the new birding center. Oops, not open today.
Okay, so let's go to Target and get Oceanus the posterboard he needs for his school project due tomorrow (which he mostly forgot about and I reminded him). He picks out the last blue piece and we make our way to the checkout stand. At the checkout stand, the cashier mauls the poor thing and creases it to hell and back and it won't scan. So she calls for help and then clears our previous purchases out of the register and starts scanning the people behind us. We were in the express lane, so I mostly understand. However, the people behind us kept adding items, two here and two there until there was no end in sight and well after they had called with the correct scan information (or so we assume). At the point where they were adding 5 more items, I looked at the cashier and said "nevermind" and we left. I really do understand her ringing up the next people in line, but when it was clear it was waaaaay more than the 10 items, she should have figured something else out for us, rather than leaving us standing around forever and a day. So we came home and went to our local Target and the things we were going to buy were actually cheaper.
Between Target trips, we went to eat. Oh my goodness. Talk about noisy and crowded and pricy. They added an addition $3/person for the meal (it was a buffet and their normal prices were also posted). This wouldn't have been so bad, except it was the same exact food and it was stale. Yes, stale. It was a chinese buffet and the eggrolls were cold. The wonton soup had no wontons. The fish was ice cold.
But it was still a good day.
The preacher's wife had her twins Thursday. Esther and James were born at 9:39 am and weighed 7lbs4oz and 8lbs3oz respectively. They're absolutely beautiful and healthy as can be. They nurse like champs and adore their older siblings (thank goodness, Marcia (preacher's wife) needs all the help she can get).
My day was wonderful. Mr. Gaia and the boys woke me up with pancakes (not in bed, but ready for me on the table) and gifts. Wonderful gifts.
Then we left the house to go to the butterfly garden. I looked up the directions last night, but Mr. Gaia didn't look at them saying "I'll check it out tomorrow". Needless to say, he didn't look it up and check it out. So we were stuck with my half-assed remembrance (it's somewhere I don't go so the roads didn't make sense to me and didn't really stick in my mind). We did eventually find it, only to find that right now it's really not much of anything. Not even any real trails to hike (not that we felt up to hiking in the 93F temps).
Okay, so that was a bust. So off to the new birding center. Oops, not open today.
Okay, so let's go to Target and get Oceanus the posterboard he needs for his school project due tomorrow (which he mostly forgot about and I reminded him). He picks out the last blue piece and we make our way to the checkout stand. At the checkout stand, the cashier mauls the poor thing and creases it to hell and back and it won't scan. So she calls for help and then clears our previous purchases out of the register and starts scanning the people behind us. We were in the express lane, so I mostly understand. However, the people behind us kept adding items, two here and two there until there was no end in sight and well after they had called with the correct scan information (or so we assume). At the point where they were adding 5 more items, I looked at the cashier and said "nevermind" and we left. I really do understand her ringing up the next people in line, but when it was clear it was waaaaay more than the 10 items, she should have figured something else out for us, rather than leaving us standing around forever and a day. So we came home and went to our local Target and the things we were going to buy were actually cheaper.
Between Target trips, we went to eat. Oh my goodness. Talk about noisy and crowded and pricy. They added an addition $3/person for the meal (it was a buffet and their normal prices were also posted). This wouldn't have been so bad, except it was the same exact food and it was stale. Yes, stale. It was a chinese buffet and the eggrolls were cold. The wonton soup had no wontons. The fish was ice cold.
But it was still a good day.
The preacher's wife had her twins Thursday. Esther and James were born at 9:39 am and weighed 7lbs4oz and 8lbs3oz respectively. They're absolutely beautiful and healthy as can be. They nurse like champs and adore their older siblings (thank goodness, Marcia (preacher's wife) needs all the help she can get).
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Unloading thoughts
1) When will I figure out what I want to be when I grow up? Mr. Gaia has suggested I look into a master's of biology which is probably offered online. I know I would enjoy the classes, etc, but what would I do with it?
2) Mr. Gaia has found an online degree program he thinks would be great for him - $50,000 plus he would have to travel to the school 2-3x year. Part of me thinks "it's only money" the other part of me thinks "we have 2 kids who will start college 10-12 years from now, if we take on this debt now (and this is almost as much as our first mortgage) how will we possibly help them with their education?"
3) I get a solar oven and we finally get rain. I'm not saying the two events are connected, you understand, but it does stand to reason that our unrelentingly sunny days would suddenly become cloudy days as soon as I need/want sun.
4) Mr. Gaia and I have been married 12 years now. That's a really long time. I'll bet a lot of people are surprised that we're still married (okay, sometimes I am too). We clashed a lot at the beginning as we figured out our respective roles, and we're still working on what roles we play in the partnership, but I think we're probably happier for having hashed out our expectations and desires.
5) I'm tired of my negative self image with my body. I have a healthy weight. Yes, I have some fat around my belly, but some of it is loose skin from carrying big babies. But why did I have to be afflicted with cellulite even when I'm at my thinnest (and have a BMI that sends up alarm bells)?
6) The preacher's wife is "full term" now. She's hit 38 weeks and her OB is pressuring her to have an induction. As uncomfortable as she is (and she is) she's holding strong with the "are my babies okay? Am I okay?" line.
7) My blog's google hits mostly come from people asking "is Michelle Duggar pregnant again?" Well, this is the best source I can find. Their family website is very bare and doesn't say anything at all. Supposedly the new baby (babies?) is (are?) due July 27.
8) Things have been quiet in Bug Hill lately. We're all mostly waiting for the preacher's wife to have her twins. The knitting needles have been flying and the babies have more things than they can ever need - especially in our current heat.
9) While things have been quiet, there was a minor excitement 2 weeks ago in our office. Megan, our office assistant (for lack of a better title) took a pregnancy test at work (this one boggled my mind) and then proceeded to announce her positive result to everyone. She then hared off to Planned Parenthood (I'm still amazed we have a chapter here) and took another test and got prenatal vitamins, etc. She's about 7 weeks now. Geez, I actively denied my pregnancy at work until I was about 15 weeks along and hiding it was getting difficult. She's embraced her pregnancy - she's called in sick several times - once for excessive nausea and once for swollen feet. If she thinks her feet are swollen now, well, it's going to be a loooooong 33 weeks.
2) Mr. Gaia has found an online degree program he thinks would be great for him - $50,000 plus he would have to travel to the school 2-3x year. Part of me thinks "it's only money" the other part of me thinks "we have 2 kids who will start college 10-12 years from now, if we take on this debt now (and this is almost as much as our first mortgage) how will we possibly help them with their education?"
3) I get a solar oven and we finally get rain. I'm not saying the two events are connected, you understand, but it does stand to reason that our unrelentingly sunny days would suddenly become cloudy days as soon as I need/want sun.
4) Mr. Gaia and I have been married 12 years now. That's a really long time. I'll bet a lot of people are surprised that we're still married (okay, sometimes I am too). We clashed a lot at the beginning as we figured out our respective roles, and we're still working on what roles we play in the partnership, but I think we're probably happier for having hashed out our expectations and desires.
5) I'm tired of my negative self image with my body. I have a healthy weight. Yes, I have some fat around my belly, but some of it is loose skin from carrying big babies. But why did I have to be afflicted with cellulite even when I'm at my thinnest (and have a BMI that sends up alarm bells)?
6) The preacher's wife is "full term" now. She's hit 38 weeks and her OB is pressuring her to have an induction. As uncomfortable as she is (and she is) she's holding strong with the "are my babies okay? Am I okay?" line.
7) My blog's google hits mostly come from people asking "is Michelle Duggar pregnant again?" Well, this is the best source I can find. Their family website is very bare and doesn't say anything at all. Supposedly the new baby (babies?) is (are?) due July 27.
8) Things have been quiet in Bug Hill lately. We're all mostly waiting for the preacher's wife to have her twins. The knitting needles have been flying and the babies have more things than they can ever need - especially in our current heat.
9) While things have been quiet, there was a minor excitement 2 weeks ago in our office. Megan, our office assistant (for lack of a better title) took a pregnancy test at work (this one boggled my mind) and then proceeded to announce her positive result to everyone. She then hared off to Planned Parenthood (I'm still amazed we have a chapter here) and took another test and got prenatal vitamins, etc. She's about 7 weeks now. Geez, I actively denied my pregnancy at work until I was about 15 weeks along and hiding it was getting difficult. She's embraced her pregnancy - she's called in sick several times - once for excessive nausea and once for swollen feet. If she thinks her feet are swollen now, well, it's going to be a loooooong 33 weeks.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Bug Hill Update
I haven't mentioned the preacher's wife in a while. She's due May 14 which makes her about 28 weeks along. She's really getting big. Her new joke is to answer the question "How far along are you" with "56 weeks - 28 weeks times 2 babies". Most people don't get it - they don't think about 9 months equals 40 weeks (I know, it's really 39 but details) and get that 56 weeks puts her past full term.
She does look full term.
She's starting to think about the fact that she will have 9 kids under the age of 13. She told me that Michelle Duggar is pregnant again. That if Michelle can handle 17 (and possibly 18 kids, we haven't heard if it is for sure a singleton pregnancy) surely she can handle 9 and she must be a failure to feel worried. I reminded her that she breastfeeds until her kids are 2 years old (even when that means tandem nursing), that she cloth diapers. That she hangs all her laundry on the line. That she does not put her older kids in charge of a younger child or make them do most of the housework. She hasn't seen any of the TLC shows on the Duggars and hasn't really read much about them. She didn't realize that she does a much more intensive style of parenting than Michelle.
I told her that it's okay if she feels overwhelmed and to be sure to take any offers of help from anyone. And then I offered to have regular playdates with her 3 kids that are around the same age as my boys. I think I may be nuts. Playdates with 5 kids? Of course, her kids don't get to play videogames at home - how bad will it be if I let them veg in front of the Wii after their homework is done? I don't think she's against videogames, necessarily, they just don't have them. But I don't think I'm going to ask.
She does look full term.
She's starting to think about the fact that she will have 9 kids under the age of 13. She told me that Michelle Duggar is pregnant again. That if Michelle can handle 17 (and possibly 18 kids, we haven't heard if it is for sure a singleton pregnancy) surely she can handle 9 and she must be a failure to feel worried. I reminded her that she breastfeeds until her kids are 2 years old (even when that means tandem nursing), that she cloth diapers. That she hangs all her laundry on the line. That she does not put her older kids in charge of a younger child or make them do most of the housework. She hasn't seen any of the TLC shows on the Duggars and hasn't really read much about them. She didn't realize that she does a much more intensive style of parenting than Michelle.
I told her that it's okay if she feels overwhelmed and to be sure to take any offers of help from anyone. And then I offered to have regular playdates with her 3 kids that are around the same age as my boys. I think I may be nuts. Playdates with 5 kids? Of course, her kids don't get to play videogames at home - how bad will it be if I let them veg in front of the Wii after their homework is done? I don't think she's against videogames, necessarily, they just don't have them. But I don't think I'm going to ask.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Bug Hill Update
Valentine's day is next week. I'm not sure what V-Day is like in a large high school, but here it is something else. All the girls will get at least one flower arrangement (parents will buy for their girls so they aren't left out) and many will get multiples.
So, the school and the flower shops are working together to get their protocol in place. This involves very careful planning to organize times for delivery. They've tried it all - flower shops requiring orders at least 24 hours in advance for delivery, restricting deliveries to certain times, etc. Nothing ever works. Girls will drag flowers, balloons and candy from class to class. Some classes will be so full of flowers and balloons, the kids won't be able to see the teacher.
I don't have girls and thank goodness. I wouldn't want my girl to be left out, so I'd be one of those parents sending flowers. And those are so expensive. Some of the families have lobbied to stop all deliveries to the school and insist that they be done to homes after school. The flower shops point out (I'm sure truthfully) that this would severely impact their business.
In a small community you're constantly trying to balance everything. We can see that deliveries impact learning for that day. It impacts the pocketbooks of the parents and teens. But stopping it would mean that our flower shops would probably be forced to go out of business. It truly is their largest business day. Even bigger than prom. So we have to decide if we want to lose businesses in our community (which has shrunk way too much over the past few years) or decide that one day of reduced instruction in school just isn't that big of a deal.
Clearly, so far we've decided that it's just one day.
Now I just have to decide what Mr. Gaia is getting.
So, the school and the flower shops are working together to get their protocol in place. This involves very careful planning to organize times for delivery. They've tried it all - flower shops requiring orders at least 24 hours in advance for delivery, restricting deliveries to certain times, etc. Nothing ever works. Girls will drag flowers, balloons and candy from class to class. Some classes will be so full of flowers and balloons, the kids won't be able to see the teacher.
I don't have girls and thank goodness. I wouldn't want my girl to be left out, so I'd be one of those parents sending flowers. And those are so expensive. Some of the families have lobbied to stop all deliveries to the school and insist that they be done to homes after school. The flower shops point out (I'm sure truthfully) that this would severely impact their business.
In a small community you're constantly trying to balance everything. We can see that deliveries impact learning for that day. It impacts the pocketbooks of the parents and teens. But stopping it would mean that our flower shops would probably be forced to go out of business. It truly is their largest business day. Even bigger than prom. So we have to decide if we want to lose businesses in our community (which has shrunk way too much over the past few years) or decide that one day of reduced instruction in school just isn't that big of a deal.
Clearly, so far we've decided that it's just one day.
Now I just have to decide what Mr. Gaia is getting.
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