Blog Retirement

No, I'm not retiring from blogging.

Yes, I am retiring from this blog.

My life has changed and I feel like it's time for something different.  Also, I feel like this blog has been taken over by google searches for Disney Hipster Meme.  Yes, for whatever reason I am still getting most of my hits going towards that post. 

So, if you wish to follow the new part of my life with my new baby (aka Squishy), feel free to check me out over at:

Squishy's Mama

**Side Note: I know there are a few of you who lurk this blog without actually following due to various reasons; but, everyone is welcome to follow me over there.  You probably know who you are ;)

Kinda Sorta Gestational Diabetes

How, can I have Kinda Sorta Gestational Diabetes you ask?  Yeah, I don't know either. 

It all started two Fridays ago.....  It was my first day of being a part time stay at home mom (SAHM) and it was my first opportunity to take my one hour glucose test.  I go in, book in hand, drink the nasty lemon-lime drink, and sat around for an hour people watching before getting my blood drawn. 

Tuesday of last week I get a call.  YOU FAILED!  Blah!  Well, a lot of people fail that test so off I went to get the 3 hour tolerance test on Wednesday.

I'll miss you cake :(

Oh so much fun, let me tell you.  I get in to the doctors at 7:30 a.m. because I wanted to be there at opening since you can't eat before the test.  They take some blood.  I sit while they analyze the blood.  (If that first number is too high they just call it and say you have gestational diabetes.  If it's not too high, they make you finish the test.  Oh joy, mine wasn't too high.)  I drink some even nastier drink.  Sit for an hour, they take my blood.  Sit for another hour, they take my blood.  Sit for one more hour and, you guessed it, they take my blood.  At this point I'm done.  It's 11:30 and I'm starving.  I'm also very thankful I've managed to not vomit since that last hour was a little touch and go.

I didn't hear anything the rest of the week.  I figured no news was good news; but, just to be safe, I thought I'd call for my results yesterday.  My reward for taking the tests?  I get to see a nutritionist at the diabetes info place!  Huzzah!

I Think I'm in Love

When I first started selling Scentsy a month ago, it was because I really liked the warmers and wax idea.  It's safer for my pets and soon to be here baby.  I liked all the different styles and I loved how long the waxes lasted.  That was the big draw for me.

As I've been selling it the last few months though, I've come to really love some of the other products as well.  Hubby has one of the scent tins in his office to make it smell all manly.  I got one of the baby nursery warmers for Emmaline's nursery.  I also got some more of the really nice smelling hand sanitzers for when I was still working and changing a ton of diapers each day (It was the only stuff that didn't burn my poor dry, cracked hands.  Thanks a lot pregnancy.)

BUT, I think I've picked out my new favorite thing.  

Wellington the raincoat wearing duck!

  Ahh!  It makes me wish hubby and I saw our nieces and nephews more often so that we could hook them up.  He's adorable.  I got him last month and I think I'm keeping him for myself.  I also love that you can open up his back and put a Scent Pak in there so that he'll smell nice as kids are carting him around.  He's definitely the coolest Buddy they've released so far. 

I think Wellington is perfect for Easter baskets or Spring b-day presents.  So cute!

As always, if you're interested in order check out my site SLOScents

It's a good time to look because Scentsy just released a ton of laundry and bathroom products this month.  They all smell AMAZING too. 

So Many Posts in One Day

Look at me, posting so much in one day.  I told you all I'd post more once I was a part time stay at home mom.  Plus, today I had my three hour glucose test to check for gestational diabetes and as a prize for myself for making it through that shenanigans, I'm planning on doing nothing of use this afternoon.  Huzzah!!

Let's start with a video why don't we.  Meet Kallie, full name Khaleesi, our adorable but spastic German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Chow puppy.

She's doing great so far blending into our family.  She's still learning and still spends some of her day in her puppy playpen; but, overall she's learning to be a nice member of the family.

Kallie joins 2 other dogs, 3 hens, 3 chicks, and 5 fish in our crazy house.  Meet them after the jump.

Book 6: Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Let me just start by saying, I am so excited to see The Hunger Games this weekend.  I am so thankful it's coming out this month while I'm still baking little Emmaline as I know it'll be nearly impossible to see movies once she pops out . (I'm praying she stays in until after I can see The Avengers and Dark Shadows too!) 

The more I've read, the more excited I've been about the casting choices.  With the exception of Peeta, that actor doesn't fit.  I also LOVE the idea of Lenny Kravitz as Cinna.  Yes, Cinna is supposed to be younger; but, something just feels right about that casting to me.  Hubby loves the casting of President Snow too.

Anyway, since it was time for another fiction book per my alternating rules, I jumped at the chance to read the second book in the trilogy.

6.
Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Going into this book I was really interested to see how the story was going to proceed from the end of The Hunger Games.  I knew Katniss wasn't going to be able to just live her life; but, I had no idea as to what her consequences would be.  In that respect, I really loved the way this book went and the way the story unfolded.

As I read, I did a few happy dances (hubby laughed) and there were a few times my mouth hung open in shock.  I think that's the sign of an excellent book.  I like that I can predict a few of the plot twists; but, definitely not all of them.   

The action is nothing like the first book and I know that would be discouraging for some readers.  I know that I missed some of the action that was played out in The Hunger Games; but, I also know that in a series like that, the first book is usually to suck you in, the second one furthers the plot, and the last one ends in a blaze of glory.  So, I expected it to be a book written to drive the plot.

Book 5: Flapper by Joshua Zeitz

5.
Flapper by Joshua Zeitz

I love me some history.  Well, usually.  I'm fond of books about America's history (especially where it pertains to ladies) and the history of the countries of my forefathers and mothers.  I also really like to learn.  Like a lot.  Like, I've considered taking junior college classes just so I can keep learning.  Like, when I was little my life plan was to go to school for a job, do that job, and then start all over.  Luckily, my mom talked me out of that expensive, job-history-ruining goal.

So, when my beloved Borders went out of business and had their mega closeout sales, I snagged this book.  I've always been intrigued by the twenties.  Even before I knew my great-grandfather was a bootlegger.  I also appreciate the fashions because it was a good time for small chested girls like me.  So, when the hubby picked this book out for me, I had to read it.
**Note:  So I can't remember if I've said this before or not, but we have so many books and it's so hard for me to choose what to read next that I have my husband pick them out for me.  I alternate between fiction and nonfiction most of the time.  It's just too hard for me to choose.

Book 4(again): The Hunger Games

Let me guess.  Right about now you're thinking, "Book 4 again?  What is she talking about?"  Well, my numbering has been a wee bit off.  You see, I have in fact finished 5 book[9s so far this year, but I've only read a total of 4 full books.  My previous book 1 (Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince) is actually book 0 since I was half way into it this year.  I hope that wasn't confusing.  If it was, oh well, we'll just say I finished book 4.

4.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

I'll start by saying that I'm not really a fan of dystopian novels as a general rule.  I'm also not a fan of novels set in the future.  Just not my cup of tea.  I probably would have never picked this book off of a shelf at the bookstore on my own.  However, I've been hearing about it incessantly for a few months now and decided I might as well read it. 

I'm glad I did give in too, because I actually really enjoyed it.  Was it the best book I've ever read?  No.  Did it keep my attention? Yes.  In fact, I read it through in two days.  Part of that was thanks to my Kindle.  It's amazing how much faster I read when I'm reading on the computer or on the Kindle.  (I'll admit, I read Twilight in one sitting one night after downloading a PDF.  It's embarrassing.  Don't judge.) 

Lurkers: Come out, come out, wherever you are

Unlike this cat here, I canz see you.

My blog has lurkers and it makes me sad :(  Of course, I'm not sad that you're lurking.  It's nice to know that people are reading; but, alas, I would like to interact with you as well.

I created this blog with the intention that anyone could read it.  I know I'm not super interesting; but, I know I'm interesting enough that random strangers read it as evidenced by my stats.  I encourage random strangers.  Some of my best conversations in life have been with random strangers (particularly drunk random strangers).

So, feel free to come out of hiding.  Feel free to follow me.  Feel free to comment.  I'd love to have more interaction and know what people dig about the blog and what they don't.  Plus, since I'm quitting my job, more interaction in general would probably be good for me :)

Even More Life Changes!

I swear, things have changed so much in the last year.  This time last year we weren't even thinking about buying a house, we weren't even thinking about kids, and we definitely weren't thinking about changing jobs.  Well, you already know how the whole baby and kids thing turned out so you're probably wondering about the jobs.

I resigned my position just over a week ago.  Crazy, I know.  This baby is just so big (90-95 percentile) and even though I have some meat on my bones I'm only 5'2, and she is doing a number on my back.  I work in a toddler classroom and am up and down off the floor all day everyday and most of my day is spent sitting in chairs meant for the two year old set.  Needless to say, I come home exhausted and sore.  So with a heavy heart I resigned my position as of March 15th.

* The gif is an accurate representation of my feelings about this whole thing ;)

I'm hoping to stay on the sub list for the center where I work, and I might start working with a friend at her in home daycare; but, spending more time at home will definitely be a change of pace.  I am very thankful that my hubby got a "salary readjustment" last month that makes up for some  of what I'm losing by quitting my job; but, it's enough.

Book 4: Ina May's Guide to Childbirth

This is a bit of a combo post; both personal and book review.  Personal because it's about my (desired) plans for my little one and book review because, well, I'll be reviewing a book.

4.
Ina May's Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin

Ever since I went through school (I have a B.S. in Child Development) I've wanted to have as natural a birth as possible.  Unfortunately for me, I was born with a heart condition that makes everyone worry and, although I haven't had any problems with it, everyone wants me to give birth in a hospital to make sure I'm safe if something goes wrong.  If I had my way, I'd be giving birth in a birth center.

Despite the fact that for this birth I'm stuck with a hospital I'm hoping to have as natural of a birth as I can still be allowed.  I don't want an epidural, I don't want to be induced, I don't want an episiotomy, and I definitely don't want a cesarean section if at all possible.   To further this goal, I've been lurking forums that highlight natural, unmedicated childbirth.  In doing so, I found out about Ina May's book.

Jaded or Just Broke?

That's the question I've been asking myself this week about my friends, and people my age in general.  Are we not fond of direct sales businesses because we just don't have the extra money or is it because we grew up with our mom's going to direct sales parties and dragging us along.

I was really excited to become an Independent Scentsy Consultant, and I still am; but, over the course of this past week I've realized that I'm going to have to build a customer base without the help of my friends.  Not a single one of my friends has ordered anything through my Launch Party, not even the ones who said they would.  Am I disappointed?  Absolutely.  Am I surprised?  Not really.

Trying this Book thing Again

Last year I was adamant that I would do a whole bunch of amazing posts about the books I was reading.  Yeah, well, I kind of sucked at it didn't I now?  Yes, yes I did.  You don't even need to answer.  Let me recognize my failings ;)

This year (yes, I know it's already mid-February) I'm determined to make up for it.  Or at the very least, make more posts than I did last year. 

My goal is still to read 50 books this year.  I didn't meet that goal last year, what with moving, and then being super tired once I got pregnant.  This year, I'm sure it'll be even harder since I'll have an infant for most of the year, and yet, I'm stubborn as all get out and I'm determined to not fail. 

Without further ado, check out reviews for books 1-3

Launch Party!

So, like I said last post, I decided to become an Independent Scentsy Consultant.  Yay me!  I'll be honest, and I may have said it before, I'm mainly into it because I got all of the samples to check out; but, I figured I might as well tell my friends (and readers) about it since it's actually a lot safer than candles around kids and pets (no flames, not hot to the touch).

Well, as part of starting, I'm throwing a Launch Party!  It's actually the perfect time too because almost everything is 10% off.   Most people do their launch party at their house or a friend's house; but, unfortunately, my friends and family are just so scattered that I am doing my first party online.

The nice thing about that is that anyone can stop by the website and join the party.  Whether we're friends or your just lurk my blog, every order will just ship straight to you.  Pretty snazzy right?  You don't even ever need to talk to me, which I won't lie, would be a nice incentive if I was on the other end of this post.

So, if you have the time, check it out at SLOScents

More Life Changes :)

I'm still a slacker blogger aren't I?  Oh well, being pregnant and working is kind of a lot; but, as always, I'm going to try to be better.

It might be a little late in coming, but I do have updates about a couple things.  Including: sex of the baby, a new addition to the house, and my new hobby!

I Think I'm Building a Nest

So, I've always heard about nesting.  That instinct, or perhaps compulsion, pregnant women seem to get where they feel the need to clean, rearrange, or completely redecorate their house.  I always thought it was a silly idea and figured it didn't happen to most people.

Well, I can without a doubt say it has hit me.  When the new year started I decided that I wanted to get on top of keeping our house clean again.  Part of that means having to do chores.  I don't like chores.  They make my heart sad.  I'd much rather watch TV or read.  However, I figured getting the house organized now, and getting in the habit of keeping it that way, would make it easier to keep it that way once the baby come.

To help me accomplish this goal, I downloaded the Motivated Mom's app for my phone.  I had it last year and didn't really use it; but, I'm determined to make the most of it this year.  It's actually really nice.  It tells you what chores to do each day and even puts in chores you don't really think about like cleaning the baseboards or washing the walls.  Also, it spaces out the chores fairly evenly which makes it so that you don't have one day during the week where you just have a ton to do.  I also like it because you can assign chores to specific people and color code them to match to that person.  You can also add chores of your own creation and set them at regular intervals or delete the chores they include if you don't do them.

I've had the app since Monday and I have to say, our house is looking nice.  In fact, on Wednesday my MIL (mother-in-law) who lives with us wondered if we were having guests coming since we were doing so much cleaning.  Honestly, the house is probably in the best shape it's been in since we moved in last July.  I got so wrapped up in cleaning that last night I finished all my chores and then felt like I hadn't done enough.  I just wanted to keep cleaning.  I blame the baby.  It's easy to blame things on the baby. :)  Probably one of my favorite parts of being pregnant.

Plus, now that the house is all spiffy, I'll try to remember to take those pictures of our house that I promised ages ago and you can check them out.