Bloggie!!

My husband gave me the COOLEST thing for Christmas. I didn't ask for it and I had no idea I would be the recipient of such a thoughtful present. Meet Bloggie!It is a pocket HD camcorder :) He told me that I should turn my BLOG into a VLOG and just post video entries. I can now capture memories in little video snippets.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but truly a video is worth a million. Here are a couple from Christmas.

You can see from this video that there is no flash or lighting, so if you are in a dark room...well things are a bit dark. It can take photos while you are in the middle of recording a video too... pretty sweet. But like I said, without a flash it is best used in lots-O-light.

I also learned that taking the videos horizontal (instead of vertical like I did above) makes for a much better video.

I am trying to figure out if there is a better way to save and store videos than on youtube. Chuck bought me an external hard drive with lots of memory but I feel like I should back them up somewhere.

I am also wondering if anyone has video software they really enjoy? Right now I just use Picasa because it lets me up load to Youtube easily.

Many more videos to come.

Ps... I LOVE being on break from school!

28

I bought Fiona twin baby dolls for Christmas and then didn't even wrap them and just gave them too her. She kept talking to them in the box and I couldn't resist.

I was reminded that dolls have the delightful smell of baby powder infused into their plastic little heads and bodies. Ahhhhhh that new doll smell :)

If you didn't already know, December 23rd is my 28th birthday. I will wake up in the morning and eat my traditional sausage egg and cheese muffin sandwich and then I am going out to lunch with my mommies to Cossetta's to enjoy an artichoke salad. Mmmmm Mmmmm good.

Then I get to spend lots of quality time with my hubby.

OH Tannenbaum!

Last night our Christmas tree was officially set up in our living room.Which was a great accomplishment because it had been UN-officially set up for a few weeks.

My parents let us borrow their fake tree (which I really enjoy, I am not a fan of the mess or disposal of real ones). I asked for them to bring it over after Thanksgiving.

My Dad did, but we quickly realized that there was no tree stand. So the next day I went to Walmart to pick one up.

I got home with it excited to set the tree up, BUT it quickly became apparent that something else was missing.

I put the angel on and she was starring me right in the face.

I thought... I remember her being a little higher up than this, then Chuck pointed out there there was a whole section of the tree missing. Which after taking a step back was quite apparent.

We kept the tree like this in the living room for about a week until my parent found the missing section and the tree stand.

Much better!!! I love decorating for Christmas... can you see that I wrapped my air conditioner in the background like a present. :)

IN OTHER NEWS...

Fiona is sick, and not sleeping well. It's been a rough last couple of days... doesn't she know it's finals?!?! Kidding. We have been to urgent care and the regular doctor. She has red ears and a red throat but they said just to ride it out. Which is probably best, cuz we don't want to be pumping antibiotics into her unless it is necessary.

I went to get her from crying at 3:00am last night and when I picked her up she felt like a little hot potato. Her fever was 102.3 and she heartily puked all over me twice.

Yet, like the typical mom I did not clean myself up, but sat with her, got her medicine, and monitored her fever till it broke. I tried to sleep on her crib mattress with her (I pulled it out of the crib of course) and now I know that I am TOO BIG to sleep on a crib mattress next to a baby. BUT when you are sleep deprived you can fall asleep almost anywhere in any position.

And so I slept on a crib mattress, next to Fiona with my legs up on one of her toys.

And for some reason I found it necessary to BLOG this morning covered in dry baby puke.

Time to wash up:)

Are you UP for the challenge?

Every once in awhile I find an odd satisfaction in my cupboards being bare. Not because I don't enjoy eating... we all know I do! I like the challenge of having to dig into my food storage and seeing what kind of meals I can come up with.

This morning I awoke to the sound of metal scraping cement as the gas station next door plowed their lot at about 5:30 a.m. which also woke Fiona up, so I fed her and put her back to bed.

I thought I would be a sweet wifey and make my hubby something to eat before he had to shovel the entire apartment complex sidewalks and leave for work. I decided to make Banana muffins as I have a freezer stocked with old Nasty Nanas. My favorite recipe is an prize winner from Better Home and Gardens. It has flaxseed in it, and boy do I love flaxseed :)

The recipe also calls for Wheat flour... which in my food storage wheat is not ground into flour and so I found myself grinding wheat at 6:00 a.m. Then I realized the recipe called for applesauce which I also did not have, but I had some old withering apples that were being neglected, so I put them in the steamer basket, got out my food processor, and made applesauce.

I put them in the oven to bake and heard Chuck hit the shower... and since I was feeling so productive already I packed his lunch and then slapped on some boots and went and started shoveling the sidewalks.

I loved seeing the expression on Chucks face when he emerged from the shower to find that I had woken up early, ground wheat, made applesauce, baked muffins, packed his lunch and shoveled all before 7:00 a.m. Then we sat down and enjoyed a warm muffin before work. There is something very satisfying about impressing my husband... I like seeing him smile.

Who needs energy drinks!?!?!

Here is the recipe from Rita Morrow of Leonard Michigan. ENJOY!

Here is one on it's way into my mouth

Flax, Banana and Raisin Chocolate Chip Muffins

3/4 cup flax seed meal

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup whole wheat flour

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

1 egg, beaten

3/4 cup mashed banana (I just use two)

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup buttermilk (I always use milk + lemon juice)

1/3 cup canola oil (or vegetable... whatevs)

1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce

1 cup raisins chocolate chips

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease or line muffin tin. Mix all the dry stuff (flax meal - salt) in a bowl and make a well in the center of mixture.

2. Combine wet stuff (egg - applesauce). And add all at once to flour mixture. Stir just until moistened (batter will be lumpy). Stir in raisins or chocolate chips.... I also add walnuts because they are good and good for you... Ya for Omega 3's!

3. Spoon batter into muffin tin and bake 20 -25 minutes or until they pass the toothpick test.

4. Cool five minutes, and eat... because they are so good warm!

Hacked, Bushwacked and 12 Hours there and Back.

Maybe the title sums it up, but in case you want elaboration you can read on....

Fiona tried to help me fix it, but she just ended up making the font on my computer super small

HACKED!!! So somehow someway someone from Lagos Nigeria busted into my Facebook and Hotmail accounts. They proceeded to send an e-mail to everyone in my address book pleading for money because I had been mugged in Europe. Most people knew it was a hoax right away, yet I did get a few phone calls and e-mails of genuine concern.... Surprisingly enough even from my Dad who I was hanging out with the night before. The conversation went something like this.

"TACY?!" (In a concerned questioning voice)

"Hey Dad, what's up?"

"Where are you?"

"Not in Euorpe... Dad I was at your house last night."

"I know, I thought it sounded fishy."

Cousin Bowen "working' with Grandpa on his Barbie Laptop

SO just like that my Facebook Days are over for now because this hacker somehow set it up that everytime I change my password he takes if over again... Don't ask me how. AND Hotmail whom I have been going back and forth with, do not beleive that I actually own my e-mail account and will not let me recover the password or shut it down. So basically they are protecting a hacker.

Chuck working hard on his homework.

Do things like this every make you feel like bombing things. I really feel like I could bomb something right now. However that maybe more tied to the fact that I am completely and uterly...

BUSHWACKED...

My baby does not sleep through the night. I wake up with her like ever hour and a half to two hours. I am trying to sleep train.... wish me luck. I just wanna sleep!

This is a Sandwich I made and thought was photo-worthy... every time I see this picture I want a sandwich.

Diaper, Boots and Hat... I think I took like 15 pictures in this number. This is the only time I have actually been able to keep the boots on her feet.

12 HOURS THERE AND BACK

We spent Thanksgiving this year in Michigan with Chucks brother Anson. It was a great time, minus the 12 hour drive there and back in the middle of the night to try and keep Fiona from completely loosing it.

We were in Port Huron and we went to some river that leads into Lake Erie and watched huge boats go by. Oh and I went out for my first Black Friday every. I saved over $130!!! Whoot Whoot, I will most definitely do it again next year, what a riot.

I will have to say that I really enjoy adventures and spending time with family. That was probably the most time I've spent with my brother and sister and law and I really enjoy getting to know them better. Even if they keep their house at a frigid 66 degrees!! You guys are NUTS!

Karlene and Miss Clara Bell

Call Men

Cute Cute Cousins

Grandma provides a Holiday Bib

Anson's Happy Face

My first successful Action shot

Uncle Chuck and Clara Bell

Me and My Love

Fiona Stands!

Chuck realized today that he could prop Fiona up in the corner of a room to "stand" unassisted. It was an absolutely delightful sight, and made her really happy too.

She loves her independence.

You can tell how much a kick I got out of it by my initial squeal in this video.

The Lady Bug in her Natural Habitat

Fiona was a little lady bug for Halloween this year. These pictures are on Facebook, but I just can't get enough of them so I'm blogging them too. I went as Alice in Wonderland because I already had the costume and Chuck attempted to be Mr. Rogers but we couldn't get the last items of his costume together before the party. But on the bright side, he has a red zip up sweater that he can sport at Christmas time. We had a family photo taken by someone at church that I wanted to post but can't seem to save it onto my computer?!

My mom asked me to do a little photo shoot of Fiona with her camera. I think I took like 60 pictures, but here are just a couple of my favorites.

We went to the doctor yesterday... my little baby is now 29 inches long and 17 lbs 14 ounces. She is in the 99th percentile for height, that's one tall little bug :)

Invisible Tape

Today Chuck bought a juicer at the Goodwill for $9.99. Quite the steal when you consider they can cost hundreds of dollars. I was apprehensive about the purchase, thinking to myself... "Are you actually going to use this thing or is it just going to take up space in the cupboard?"

The second he got it home though he cleaned it and began tossing things from the fridge into it. He juiced a carrot, spinach, celery, Roma tomato and then a banana pepper which made it almost TOO spicy for consumption, but he chugged it down. I had a few sips too... not too shabby. Even if we don't use it that often, it was worth the 10 bucks to watch Chuck get excited in the kitchen.

So my dreams of being the characters from the movie the Labyrinth has died... it is just too much work to find all the stuff I need and I don't have the time. But I do still think Chuck would make a terrific 1980's David Bowie. It's probably best to not get dangerously close to crossing the gender line at Church Halloween parties anyhow. We are still dressing up, I will wait to show you until Halloween though.

Fiona is wearing 12 month old clothes, trying to climb up everything in sight like a little monkey, and she recently started reaching into her diapers the moment I open them to change her. Which.... if you have experienced this, you know that a baby with poop on it's hands is a really good equation for poop on just about everything! The second she touches it her hand immediately waves wildly touching everything in sight. I have had to start pinning her arms down.

Oh and there is a roll of invisible tape on my desk right now. It's incredible that I can even see it.

Doppy Docks and Flip Flops

"Doppy docks" is a phrase that I can only assume one of my sweet little old neighbors made up... because it is the first thing I have Googled and NOT found. But that is what she calls it when you don't have any shoes on. Fiona doesn't wear shoes, so my neighbor always grabs her feet and says, "your going doppy docks with mommy."

I don't often roll doppy docks, yet I do love a good flip flop and wear them in many circumstances. Today marked the death of my favorite pair of flip flops the strap completely busted in two. I seriously have had them for almost 10 years. They were cheap-O Old Navy ones but for some reason they had been worn to my exact foot shape and had a soft brown strap that never irritated the space between my toes and I loved them.

It has been a sad week for my wardrobe.

The crotch of two pairs of black workout pants completely wore out. It was destined to happen because when I run my thighs rub together and almost literally burn a hole in my pants. ( sorry for the use of the word crotch... I am not a fan of saying it but it is the best way to describe that area of a pair of pants. If someone knows an alternate word I would love to know it)

And I spilled bleach all over a long sleeved T-shirt and it has discolored splotches all over.

I also realized this week that going to school part time, working part time, being married to a man who is in school full time, works part time, on top of having a six month old... is a lot more difficult than I imagined it would be.

Fiona helps me to not feel so overwhelmed however... which seems crazy because she needs the most from me each day. Yet no matter how stressed out I am there is just something about her sweet little toothless grin that makes everything seem like not such a big deal. And so when I feel like pulling my hair out because I have a mountain of homework and Chuck is not home and Fiona wants to play... I just let her pull my hair out for me.

Hows that for stress relief?

Somehow today she managed to pull my pony tail to the complete top of my head

Look-ee See

I constantly take little clips of Fiona but don't always post them. Here are two from a few weeks ago I thought I'd share.

( I do have take 1 - 4 but they were all unsuccessful attempts)

Lesson Learned

If you should ever find yourself walking to Ace Hardware to pick up some Windex and you see a man with a camera and one with a microphone you might want to think twice about saying hello. But I just can't help but be friendly to people... CURSE my niceness, this is also the reason I get roped into a lot of mall surveys and end up spending 20 minutes talking to the animal rights people (Hey I served and LDS mission, I have sympathy for people who have to talk to strangers)

So Mr. Microphone asked if I wanted to talk to him about the Economy for Kare 11 news. I was like, "Um, yea I don't really think I have a lot to talk about on the subject." But he said, "Oh we are just looking for regular people." I thought... hey I'm regular.

So turns out there was a report today that is saying the recession is over and ended quite awhile ago.... You don't have to be any sort of economic genius to smell that load of crap....

But seriously after I answered this guys questions I was like there is no way they are going to put me on the news... I bet other people had much more exciting things to say. But right around 5:00 pm I started hearing from people that they saw me on TV. LOL and now I am in a video on the front page of the website. So for your viewing pleasure here is Tacy Call with the scoop on the economy.

Ps... after I talked to this guy I was like, I said I know lots of people who are unemployed... but who do I actually know. Chuck tackled me after he watched it calling me a liar and saying he wanted names. LOL... So I don't know lots of people who are unemployed. But I did talk to two guys on the phone the other day for work who said they were looking for jobs and Chuck knows three people at church, so I am not a total liar.

On the Defensive

I don't know if anyone remembers the incident we had with a certain pot-smoker in our apartment that Chuck gave the business to. Well he moved out and in the process accused Chuck and I of being dishonest and untrustworthy to our employer....

I confronted him about it and he replied, "I have to advocate for my best interests and I didn't feel that you had my best interests in mind."

Which is an interesting comment that has me a little miffed. Perhaps it was the smoke that has clouded his judgement... I thought I did have his interests in mind. I mean, I cleaned up after his messes in the hallways, put a smiley face on his move out report, didn't call the police and evict him when he was doing illegal drugs in his apartment, and I tried to save him over $300.00... I also open the door for him and always smiled and said hello.

How did he get the impression that we were sneaky snakes? And why do I care what this kid thinks about us? (Chuck most certainly does not care... whatsoever)

Our employer said the comment was "in one ear and out the other." As he complimented Chuck and I on our integrity. And he also noted, "It seems we have an angry little pot smoker on our hands."

So it boils down to this, Dude tried to defame our character to our employer because we would not let him spark doobies in the apartment.

In another sense though I felt like I could relate to him... I mean I live a lot of my life on the defensive. I have dealt with a lot of businesses and organizations that have not been looking out for my best interests. I wonder how many hours of my life I have spent on the telephone trying to fix bills, bank statements, loans, stuff for school (the U of M is currently on my list of organizations that drive me bonkers that is another post entirely). How many times have you been swindled, bamboozled are just plain lied to... had someone try to sell you something you told them you don't need? Had to call a company and wait on line for ever to try and get it fixed only to be treated rudely? Been sent on a wild goose chase where people tell you "your problem" should be handled by someone else... only to get there and be passed along.

Not only that I can't go running at night, I have to always lock my doors and guard my purse in public settings (especially the grocery store where the check out ladies tell me... Don't Leave your purse in the cart!)

Kind of sad... Oh what a world... what a world we live in. I don't want to be on the defensive all the time...

But do I have a choice?

The latest

A couple of things that keep whizzin around in my brain and just want to let escape.

• I have almost burned my kitchen down FOUR times since living in this apartment. Maybe "burning it down" is a bit of an exaggeration... but I have started four fires. Each time I usually scream FIRE! and then Chuck rushes in to save the day. Maybe I like starting them subconsciously so that I can see him do his super hero dash into the kitchen. BUT seriously I have an electric stove with no flame, how do I keep starting stuff on fire?

• I have given up on five for Friday... I am just not a consistent enough blogger and I need to keep my life nice and flexible for my ever fluctuating sleep schedule and the desires of Miss Fiona Grace.... Seriously her wish is my command. Maybe I will just call it "FIVE" and post it on any day of the week I feel like it. Like today sounds good.

• FIVE apartments are turning in our building this week. I wont bore you with all that this entails but... Poo Poo, I have a lot of work to do.

• For some reason I can't stop laughing about this... especially the duck at the end. My brother showed it to me.... THANKS BEN!

• Chuck and I watched a 10 video series on Sleep Paralysis this weekend. It was really eye opening and validating as it has happened to both of us. Here is the link to the first video and if anyone out there is familiar with this I would love to know your thoughts.

You've got to be kidding me!!!

Who the heck wrote "Mall of America Field" on the Metrodome? I have a sneaking suspicion it was the Mall of America... for someone who doesn't care much for sports I found myself quite bothered by this the other day. This is THE Metrodome, you can't rename THE Metrodome, this is a piece of Minnesota History that adds a puffy almost billowy essence to the Minneapolis skyline. I am sure it was a big financial matter, and good for the Mall of America for acquiring it BUT seriously did you have to change the name?

I am sure it happened months ago, but I am quite sheltered and spend many days inside of my little St. Paul bubble (it's quite cozy).

ColorFull

Fiona adds a lot of color to our lives.... not only with her ensembles and toys but also with her emerging personality.

She is NOT a quiet girl, and in fact we are finding her to be quite social. She loves to squeal and yell during conversation as a way to take part. She loves being at the dinner table at meal time and is absolutely fascinated by eating and food. (like mother like daughter) .

This is one of her new favorite toys... it is the Baby Einstein Discovery chair. She seems to love all of the animals and has successfully figured out how each toy works. But there is a parrot on it that she has an intense love/hate relationship with. She likes to suck on the feathers on the top of his head, but when he spins around on his perch she gets really ticked at him. I usually end up taking her out when she is yelling and smacking him.

I could not resist

Well it's the end of the semester and you might be saying to yourself, "Tacy, you are not taking any college courses right now." Ah yes, but my husband is, and the end of the semester stress and rush to get everything done directly effects me and Fiona.

Needless to say having just come home from a family reunion up by Canada and then having Chuck hit the books hard.... things seem a little hectic. Not to mention Fiona got a cold and Chuck spent an entire day with a fever over 100 degrees. I had plans to go jet skiing with my family in Wisconsin, yet I could not imagine leaving Chuck under such conditions. What fun would cruising over crystal clear waters on an incredibly humid Minnesota day be without Chuck there anyways? (I must admit the air felt extra hot and sticky that day and I dreamed of being hosed down) .

So I stayed home to play wifey, mommy, cook, and secretary (because who can think and read books when their brain is boiling!!?!?!) Due to the chaos the apartment is a dump. Chuck admitted this morning that this is the biggest backslide in our cleanliness crusade of our marriage. Chuck is unshaven... I spend long hours in my PJs.... you get the picture.

In spite of it all I just keep thinking about how happy I am with my life at this point. I love being married to Chuck, I honestly enjoy helping him out and playing mommy all day... even though I don't show it all the time. There are definitely times when I think of the major decisions that have led me to this point in my life and being so glad that it all worked out the way that it did.

Sometimes as I watch Chuck and I during these college years I wonder if he wouldn't have been happier pursuing his modeling career.... with flights all over the world, loads of cash, new trendy clothes and beautiful people where ever you look. Instead we are broke, wearing very old threads and hand me downs (but he still gets to look at beautiful people each day :) He assures me there is not other place he would rather be.

So....LOL! I begged Chuck to let me post these pictures. He does not show them to people often. But in my opinion it's like having a Van Gogh painting and not hanging it up. I consider these pictures (and my husband himself) a work of art.

In a way they remind me that life is filled with choices, that can be difficult to make... but choosing Chuck was the easiest thing I ever did.... I know he feels the same and that just makes life perfect, no matter what kind of clothes we are wearing or what our apartment looks like.

There are many more pictures from his portfolio but they are just for me to privately giggle at like a teenage girl reading Teen Beat magazine.

The Horse Says Neigh

I don't feel like my day is complete until Fiona has had a laughing attack. However each day it seems to take something new. Today it was my saying "Lions and Tigers and Bears Oh MY!" And when her dad said "Woop Woop and then yodeled like a cowboy" Over and over again. But usually it is just us making weird noises that does the trick.

Once we find the right sound or phrase that will set her into a giggle fit we do it over and over and over again until she gets totally sick of it. That is probably why she doesn't allow repeats. Here is a video of the day she really liked it when I brayed like a horse... sorry for the shaky camera but there was also an action that accompanied the sound and much to my delight you can not see me acting like a horse in the background.

The Greatest Company on Earth

I never dedicate my posts... but this one is for Toni

A few posts ago (who's been paying attention?) I mentioned something about wondering how I felt about blogging anymore. I like many people wonder if it is worth the time I dedicate to it and sometimes feel that the things I write are nothing of great importance to the world at large making me wonder... why do I publish this stuff to the world at large.

BUT in the past few weeks as I have sat mulling it over (I love that expression by the way) I have come to the following conclusion about why I shall and must continue TO blog and to read blogs.

First the Bullet Points

• Writing is therapeutic, and I have always loved journaling... Chuck tells me that once I write stuff on here it is never going anywhere. I think it might be fun someday for my kids to go back and see our little family history online. Because lets face it, I DON'T scrapbook and I have been neglecting my paper journal.
• Blogging is FREE!! Ok so maybe it costs a bit of your time, but you can always set limits for yourself. We had to do that in our house.
• People come to you... I like it because I don't feel like I am bombarding people with my life through countless e-mails or phone calls to talk about myself (seems a little narcissistic). People can come check in whenever they want and spend as much or as little time looking around as they want.
• Reading other people's blogs makes me laugh and is a good way to start my day. Plus it gets me thinking about things and subjects I might not have... for a stay at home mom without a TV I need a little bit of connection with the outside world if you know what I mean.

And now for the big reason and for the namesake of this post.

There are many different types of blogs that exist in the world. There are sports blogs and photo blogs, adventure, music, cooking, crafts, family... etc. etc. etc. I would classify mine under the family category as my blog is not directed to any one group of people and I don't market anything. I just write about family and friends for my family and friends.

If you blog often you know that there are probably millions of blogs just like yours and mine (especially from Utah they love blogging). They are filled with pictures of kids doing cute stuff, random stories, thoughts, and questions. You can almost anticipate posts as holidays roll around and there seems to be some standard posts that you will see from almost everyone, (The birthday post, The we're pregnant, The here's my belly, The family outing post...etc...etc)

I was reminded the other day of when I worked for a large company in downtown Minneapolis. When I started I had access to the company directory and could e-mail or call anyone in the company all over the US in a matter of seconds. It was really helpful because sometimes I had to figure out how to do something I was unfamiliar with or contact another department. There was also a company website which would publish newsletters and keep us all updated on the latest company happenings.

I would like to think of "family" bloggers as being a part of the Greatest Company on Earth. I mean if we strip away all the fluff in the world... family is the most important part of our lives. Blogging is a way for us all to keep connected in our business of raising the next generation... it is like our company newsletter, and a way to network and stay connected. Sometimes I read blogs for cooking tips, organizational advice, project ideas, and ways to have fun with my husband and baby. These are all aspects of my "job" as a mom and a homemaker, and I would like to think of Blogging as a part of my job.

Some of you may not realize this but I LOVE seeing random pictures of your kids, because it gives me that warm mushy feeling about how great being a mom is. It is motivation for me when days are challenging. And I love hearing about your lives and what you are up to... and sharing in your happy times and relating to and sympathizing with your hard times. It makes me feel like we are all in this together.

SO THANK YOU for blogging I have enjoyed the posts of the past and look forward to the posts to come. Happy Blogging :)

Five For Friday

5 noteworthy things from the past few weeks...

The past few times I have gone to the grocery store alone I seem to end up next to someone who is "a little off" which makes for an entertaining check-out experience. The first time it was a man who explained to me some of his purchases and then spent the rest of the time digging through my groceries and saying things like "Mmm chocolate chips, these are MINE!" Pretending to take them, laughing and then putting them back in the cart.

The last time this happened it was a cute little old man and he would grab tabloid magazines and show me pictures inside and then giggle in such a way that his shoulders would move up and down. The first picture he showed me was one of those "Worst dressed" pages and he pointed to some celebrity at an award show and said, "look at that dress... giggle giggle, and that one.... giggle giggle." As grocery store shopping can be an exhausting task I enjoy getting to chuckle a bit before I leave.

The absolute last thing I like to do is draw attention to myself while I am trying to feed my child in public. However as of late Fiona has decided that she does not like ANY sort of noise to disrupt her when she is dining, and thus will scream until she starts choking and gagging under my nursing shield leaving all eyes on me. I tried to have lunch with my Grandma at a restaurant the last week and Fiona had a meltdown. I was so flustered we ended up just leaving as soon as I got myself all tucked away again. I really do think nursing is amazing if it works out for you... but I still feel frightfully awkward about it unless I am in the comforts of my own home. I find myself in new situations wondering what the breastfeeding etiquette is...

I was only exposed to breastfeeding when I was a little kid myself and so I didn't really think of it in the terms of my being a women and someday be doing it. I find myself wanting to study other women who seem to feed their kids effortlessly and without drawing attention to themselves. Sometimes I feel like I might as well just blow a foghorn and yell. "HEY I'm ABOUT TO BREASTFEED MY KID!!!!"

I realized this week that I am quite competitive. Which is interesting because I have always considered myself NOT to be. I suppose it's just another example that just because we think something, doesn't make it true.

I have a big family reunion coming up with Chuck's family and I have to fix a meal for like 20 people. I kept stressing out about what I was going to fix and wanting to know what everyone else was making... Chuck jokingly said, "you know if you don't make something good my brothers will not like you anymore and you will get kicked out of the family." I laughed because it seemed so absurd, but it was actually a thought that had crossed my mind (which sometime I would love to write about all of the completely absurd scenarios I run through my head all day). Upon further reflection I realized that I was approaching this meal like I was asked to be on some cooking competition on national television. WIth this realization it almost seemed like someone lifted a fog from in front of my eyes and I could think of COUNTLESS other examples where I approach life like a contest. Anyway... I am working on changing my thinking.

I was able to run a race this last week in Downtown Minneapolis. It was a 5k called the Torchlight (because it is run at night). It felt good to get out and run with a big crowd again. That's one of the reasons I love doing races, I like that big group feeling... and listening to the sound of thousands of feet hitting the pavement. And I also had the chance to behold people wearing these:

There is a pretty big movement of people who run barefoot, or with these shoes which are really more like gloves with thick soles. There is a guy in our neighborhood with really long blond hair who Chuck and I see all the time running barefoot with his shirt off. Every time I see him I feel like I am spotting big foot in his natural habitat or something. It just seems so wild and primitive... only this guy wears Nike Shorts and is in the center median of Summit Ave in Saint Paul.

I was able to do a nutritional assessment of myself for three days (not a whole week like I had wanted). I am still analyzing the numbers because the program I have has like 7 different reports you can run about what you ate. BUT Being the lactating lady that I am I need over 2,700 calories a day just to break even. I tried to be really true to my diet and enjoy things like snacks and pizza. I realized that I am under my calorie need almost everyday (which is why I am steadily shedding the baby weight). Which made me feel like I would try another assessment after I stop breastfeeding.

I did find that I eat a lot more salt than I should... Pretty much if you eat anything processed or use pre-made sauces from the grocery store your sodium levels will be off the charts. I made "just add water" pancakes one morning and had no idea they were packed with sodium. That day I was like at 294% of what my sodium intake should have been.

I realized that I enjoy doing nutritional assessments and wouldn't mind keeping better track on a regular basis.

Pot Luck Nightmares

This weekend I learned that you should NEVER make a giant (I mean like 15 pounds) Tuna Noodle salad for a potluck, UNLESS you are ready and willing to eat the entire thing on account of three other people bringing basically the same salad.... which is exactly what happened at church on Sunday, and is why I have eaten almost nothing but Tuna Noodle salad for the last four meals.

Seriously I think one person took a scoop out of the bowl. I watched in horror as people continually took from the other bowls. NOOOOOOOOOooooooooo!!!!!!

Megan you know what I mean because you watched me make it, and witnessed Chuck pretending to be crushed under the weight of the bowl when he went to put it in the fridge.

And Clarinda, thanks for feeling sorry for me in the potluck line and eating a scoop... truth be told I ate your version and not my own.

Saturday night I had visions of a delicious fresh fruit salad... I only had to walk three buildings down to Whole Foods to pick up the ingredients. Yet at that precise moment the tornado sirens went off and the rain came down in sheets while tree branches flung through the air. My attempts to wait out the storm were unsuccessful as I waited until the store closed. My only back-up... Tuna noodle.

So if you have a craving for some chicken of the sea married with a delightful white sauce (MAYO BABY) and tossed with pasta, please don't make any. Just come on over I have plenty to share :)

And just for Fun...

Fiona has recently discovered that she loves paper... and her mother loves watching her rip pieces to soggy shreds with her slobber mouth and somehow get them stuck up her nose. I know... I know... I probably shouldn't give her pieces with ink on it. Shortly after I snapped this photo Chuck made me take it away from her and instructed me only blank pages next time.

The Sugar Story and my life in Nutrition

During the 1930's a young man had become obsessed with eating sugar. His mother became very upset with it, but no matter how much she scolded him and tried to break his habit, he continued to satisfy his sweet tooth. Frustrated, she decided to take the boy to see Mahatma Gandhi, who was the boy's idol. She believed that the boy would listen to him.

She had to walk many miles in the hot sun to reach Gandhi's ashram. When she arrived she shared with Gandhi her predicament and asked him to tell her son to stop eating so much sugar.

Gandhi replied, "Come back in two weeks."

The women looked confused, and left. She made the long journey home and in two weeks time made it once again as Gandhi requested. When they arrived Gandhi looked directly at the boy and said...

"Stop eating sugar, it is not good for your health."

The boy nodded and promised that he wouldn't. The mother was puzzled and asked Gandhi why he couldn't have just told her boy that two weeks ago.

Gandhi smiled and replied, "Two weeks ago, I was eating a lot of sugar."

On another occasion Gandhi also said...

Be the change you want to see in the world.

Part of my recent introspection has been about finishing school this year. While I am excited by everything that I have learned in school about nutrition I realized that I am somewhat lacking in the application. For the most part I already eat a well balanced diet... but thinking of this story reminds me I have a lot to work on.

Hypocrisy weakens your message... Gandhi waited two weeks to talk to the boy because he wanted his statement to have validity and to be powerful. The boy probably would have been hesitant to agree to his counsel if Gandhi had a Big Gulp Slushee in one hand and a Snickers bar in the other.

I really do want to help people improve their health and quality of life through food, and so I am analyzing my diet this week for weaknesses. Yesterday I started a week long dietary assessment. Which... if you have ever done one is kind of tedious, you have to measure out and keep track of every single thing you eat or drink all day long and report physical activity. It's pretty amazing what yo discover about yourself though when you pay such close attention.

So check back in a week for the results!

And ask yourself today, "What change can I make in myself that I desire to see in others?"

Five for Friday

Five things that make me UNcomfortable....

1. Phantom hairs that fall out and stick to your clothes and tickle the backs of your arms but no matter how hard you look you just can't seem to find them! This occurs almost every 10 seconds for me as I seem to be shedding at an alarming rate lately. I am told it is normal after you have a baby... but no less discerning.

2. My garage which is hot and steamy like a sauna and full of spiders. It is like a basement, which was one of my greatest fears in childhood. When I have to get in or out of the car I try to spend as little time humanly possible in there and I always check for spiders when I'm outta there. This should be no surprise though as all bugs make me uncomfortable even lady bugs.

3. Walking through the ghetto with my baby... and NOT because I am afraid of being snatched or something happening to Fiona. But for some reason (which I would love to have explained to me) Baby's Mamas are a hot item in the Ghetto. I get honked at and flirted with more pushing a stroller than I would at any other time. Is it the mom butt?

4. Having cool clean feet immersed in the water of the lake and then having to cross the beach which is hot and dirty (as it is made of dirt). Consequently sand granules get stuck all over the previously cool clean feet and so the struggle begins to try to get the sand off before sticking the now hot dirty foot back into a shoe/flip flop.

5. Having to use the toilet in a dirty Mexican rest stop. This only happened once (Julia, if you read this you may recall), but one time was enough for me to know that I never want it to happen again. SO I had to use the bathroom something fierce and I was in a car on an old Mexican road with a lot of bumps... we stopped at the tiniest little shanty in the middle of nowhere and I was told this would be the last chance to go for a few hours. I entered the bathroom, which had no door and was really just a hole in the ground of a big dark area with the dirtiest and most ridiculous imitation of a toilet seat I have ever seen. And of course there were bugs all over the place. I had my sister in law stand guard at the entrance and I attempted the squat method to avoid touching anything within sight. However a combination of stage fright (because I could hear a heard of banditos outside), fear of strange Mexican bugs crawling on me, and images of me falling in this hole and/or touching anything, were inhibiting my ability to relax and go. In addition there was a van full of people waiting for me... and I hate taking too long in bathroom situations, in reality NO ONE cares, but somewhere locked in my subconscious is that old middle-school fear that people are going to tease me about it. (you can probably tell that this happened to me often in my childhood... if you met my brother and sister you would understand, I will just add that to the reasons I need therapy!) ANYWAYS, under that kind of pressure and in a squatting position for over 5 minutes I lost all strength in my legs and began to shake trying to hold that position and relax at the same time. I zipped up and thought I would just hold it for a few more hours. My sister in law encouraged me otherwise.. and after a good laugh and having her give me water imagery out loud like "there is a waterfall pouring over the mountain" I finally had success.

In actuality this UNcomfortableness extends to all questionable restroom facilities and most port-o-potties. Just ask my dad about my bathroom denial of last weekend. I really could write an entire post about my public bathroom phobias and concerns.

I have issues.

Have a great weekend!

Summertime and the Living is Easy

(Flowers From Chuck)

Well the title pretty much sums it up. So far this summer has been quite relaxing. Chuck and I have spent lots of time taking long walks and just enjoying Fiona in the Air Conditioned Bliss of our apartment.

I am not quite sure why I have been neglectful to my blog, for some reason I am having mixed emotions about it. I keep writing posts and not publishing them... I still love all of you though, and blog stalk you often. I have been taking lots of photos though which you can find on my Facebook page if you want to snoop on me. I have just been in deep contemplation the last few weeks. Partly because I had my first female emotional meltdown in a long time. It was intense... I felt like I was drowning in a sea of irrational thoughts and it seemed that everything in my life suddenly became a huge crisis. I was scared to open my mouth for fear that fire and daggers would be emitted directly at my sweet sweet husband.

I called my mom in a panic, and she said that I should avoid talking about ANYTHING serious. (Great Advice) So I gave Chuck the silent treatment, which I felt bad about but was a necessary evil, as I waited for the crabbies to pass. I did some emotional release grocery shopping, took a power walk, ate a lot of Kettle Corn and pizza, and stayed away from sharp objects.

So crazy how hormones can change your personality and perspective on life. My husband bought me flowers and chocolate as a peace offering... what a genius! And my internal storm eventually passed on by. And none of the stuff I was all worked up about seemed like a big deal... well except my kitchen towel "dilemma" which has since been solved :)

Today I get to hang out with the cute little 8-11 years old girls from church, it is part of my new church calling. I put on activities for them twice a month. Today we are making friendship bracelets and enjoying frozen smoothies.

What a great summer this is turning out to be.

Making dreams come true...

LIVE with Regis and.... MY SISTER?

Ever since I can remember my sister has had BIG plans in life to be rich and famous. It started with an acting summer camp her and I did where we stared in a local high school production of The Wizard of Oz (we played munchkins as you may have guessed). She would spend the next few years of her life loving the theater and wanting to be an actress.

Then somewhere along the line she caught the modeling bug and wanted to put a portfolio together to send to agencies... but my family was way to poor to jump start that dream. Then there was some Business professionals club she was in where she traveled to New York, I am sure she was looking to be CEO of some major corporation.

She is quite the artist, and paints to this day... I am sure if someone would pay her for her art work she would be all over that.

Most of her life has been dedicated to her musical career, she was a singer in a pretty popular cover band in Fargo... got noticed by the right people and became a Radio Dj at ROCK 102. She had an album produced in a local studio as she writes and sings her own original songs.

Oh and then for awhile she almost became a local weather girl on television. She got to introduce Jay Leno at some local event too.... I think you get the picture. Oh wait I just remember that she went to Seattle for American Idol tryouts once.

Currently the stars in her eyes are fixed on Live with Regis and Kelly... They do some promotional thing where for one day they have a radio DJ fill in for Kelly and SURPRISE, my sister is dead set on getting the job. SOOOOOOO being the nice little sister that I am, I am trying to rope all of you into nominating her so we can make her dream come true...

Just think of the satisfaction YOU will feel when you watch the show say "Hey, I helped to make that happen!"

Alright so there are THREE WAYS you can nominate her. I will try to make this as easy as possible. AND DON'T say to yourself you don't have anytime.... I KNOW all of you out there in blog land like myself spend wasteful time on the computer so just reduce it by 10 minutes today:) THE DEADLINE IS JULY 16th.

1. Write a letter to Regis and Kelly and tell them why "Lucy Black" (that's her radio name) would make a good co-star. It can just be a few sentences, and if you want to listen to her radio show first just click on the Rock 102 link above between 10 and 2. You can stream the show online.

Women of Radio Co-host for a Day Search

Ansonia Station

P.O. Box 230233

New York, NY 10023-0004

2. Through the LIVE with Regis and Kelly website but you have to sign up to be a member of the show first, but I don't know how many fans I have out there of Regis who have been dying to do this.

3. You can send an e-mail to: lucy@rock102online.com

Here is what Regis and Kelly are asking you to provide along with your nomination…

***Make sure to tell Regis & Kelly in your nomination why Lucy Black will make a great TV personality.

Nominator must be a home listener (so if you have moral issues lying... which I sure do) you can click on the Rock 102 link and stream some of her show into your home from 10-2. I hope you like classic rock!

Nominator must provide the name of the nominated Broadcaster: Lucy Black

The radio station call letters: KRWK-FM

City and state of the station where the nominee works: Fargo, ND

If possible, a web address or link to picture, biography and a video or audio clip of the nominee may be included:

http://www.rock102online.com/lucy-black.php

*** For those of you who don't know my sister I have given you some reasons why she would make a great TV personality.

• She will laugh at Regis's jokes no matter how corny or stupid they may be (she's a laugher)
• She is quick witted
• She never grew out of thinking farts and bathroom humor are funny and might increase the viewers of the show to kids ages 7-17.
• Her last name matches her hair color... catchy huh :)
• She can be classified with the following adjectives: Spunky, determined, vivacious, alluring, ambitious, coherent, confident, entertaining, enthusiastic, friendly, jolly, silly and zealous.

THANK YOU FOR READING, NOW LETS MAKE HER DREAMS COME TRUE!!!

A Word on Wet Wipes

While taking the time to ponder the absurdity of my official United States Census 2010 "It's in OUR HANDS, BE COUNTED!" Antibacterial Wet wipe.... I flipped it over to discover the following printed on the label.

• The dimensions of said wet wipe 5" in. X 8" in. or for those who use the metric system (12.7 cm X 20cm)
• The location of origin for the product, in this case Waconia, MN 55387 followed by an American Flag and the statement "Proudly made in the U.S.A.
• And... The DRUG Facts (which is like the label you will find on a medicine bottle)

If you are like me and you think a lot about the FDA you might have said to yourself... Wet Wipes are considered Drugs? You Bethcha. This is because Antibacterial Wet Wipes make a claim about treating or preventing a disease, which by the standards of the *government make something a drug... in this case the claim states:

"Helps reduce bacteria on the skin that could cause disease. Recommended for repeated use as needed."

ARE YOU BORED YET?!?!

This Drug Label includes Warnings and Directions for use. The Warning for this Wet Wipe is a paragraph long...

Flammable. Keep away from heat and open flame. For external use only. In case of accidental ingestion seek medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center immediately. Avoid contact with eyes. If eye contact occurs, flush thoroughly with water. Avoid contact with broken skin. Discontinue use and contact a doctor if skin irritation develops and continues for more than 72 hours. Keep out of reach of children.

When in your life have you ever needed to know the dimensions of a wet wipe? And who uses them as a way to fight off disease? And how many times have you "Accidentally ingested one? And WHO reads the directions before cracking open the package? If you need to consult Wet Wipe directions you really don't get out enough.

We are talking about a piece of cloth with water, rubbing alcohol, vitamin E and Aloe Vera on it.

They make it sound like a dirty gasoline soaked rag.

Personally if I am using a wet wipe it is because I have just spilled something on my hands, or used a port-a-potty. Perhaps I am biased because I don't subscribe to the idea of "Antibacterial" as they remove the good bacteria from your skin as well as the bad... causing bacteria strains to mutate becoming resistant to such products (oh man I am a huge nerd).

I guess I find this extra ridiculous because to be considered a "Drug" in the United States a product has to undergo rigorous testing to give scientific evidence to whatever claim it is making. I would be curious to know the time, money and man power it took to conduct the Wet Wipe testing.

Which begs me to question how else the $873 million dollar budget alloted to the FDA specifically for Drug evaluation and research is spent.

Also, while I am on this topic, this is the reason that Cheerios got in trouble last year for their campaign that Cheerios could lower your cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. The FDA was in a huff about it because they felt that Cheerios were making claims to treat and prevent a disease and would therefore have to be considered a Drug to make such a statement.

Oddly enough the FDA does not regulate any weight loss products or medications as obesity is not considered a disease. That is why products like Fen-Phen which is potentiality fatal can hit the market and cause a lot of damage before it is pulled from the shelves.

And now I am just rambling.

*Definition of a Drug by the government: "articles intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease in man or other animals" and "articles (other than food) intended to affect the structure or any function of the body of man or other animals."