So Greg says he can see a baby-bump. I say that I'm just a little chubby and try to suck it in. What do you think? Is it a bump or burgers?
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
In Arizona for real now
So my husband and I have made it to Arizona. The drive was long but ok. We weren't in any big hurry and stopped when we were hungry or tired. We've moved all of the stuff I could cram in my car into the apartment. It's looking more like a home everyday. I attached a pic. or two. I let you know more when there's more to tell. Everything is just kind of putting along. Thanks to everyone who helped me put things together especially my parents and in-laws! Love you all
Monday, October 19, 2009
In Washington
Well, here I am back home in Washington again. Greg is home (Yipee) and we're packing up the last of our things before we head down to AZ for good; well at least for a while. We're taking my car down to AZ, and unfortunately, it has been acting up, so before we begin the expedition across the country, we have to get it looked at. Greg did everything he could to fix it, but it's still running rough.
Before coming up here to get the rest of our stuff, we were down in AZ making sure we had a place to live. We moved his stuff into an apartment down there and looked around for jobs for me. There are places down there hiring so the job-hunt looks promising. Everyone cross your fingers!
While running around and getting things accomplished, we stopped for a check-up on me and the baby. We finally saw our little angel. S/He has hands and a head; that we know for sure. S/He gave us a wave and doesn't have any brothers or sisters in there. We were very excited and came home to plan plan plan. We'll be back in AZ hopefully later this week.
Before coming up here to get the rest of our stuff, we were down in AZ making sure we had a place to live. We moved his stuff into an apartment down there and looked around for jobs for me. There are places down there hiring so the job-hunt looks promising. Everyone cross your fingers!
While running around and getting things accomplished, we stopped for a check-up on me and the baby. We finally saw our little angel. S/He has hands and a head; that we know for sure. S/He gave us a wave and doesn't have any brothers or sisters in there. We were very excited and came home to plan plan plan. We'll be back in AZ hopefully later this week.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Long Distance
Long Distance relationships are a ... belly-ache; they'll hurt periodically. Often, they'll make you cry, but isn't it worth it for the gal. of ice cream?
"Communication is the key" That's what "they" all say, but no matter how much or how little one person communicates with the other who is far away, there always seems to be something in between the two. Hmmm, I wonder what that might be.
I've heard myself say over and over, "it's like he just doesn't get it. How can I tell him? How can I show him? I'm at a loss." And the worst thing is that my only answer to those questions is that long-distance is not meant to be a permanent situation. It's meant to be a temporary situation until the relationship reaches togetherness. There are some things I will not understand about my husband until we move-in together, and there are some things that he will not understand about me until he lives with me and sees me everyday, but as long as togetherness is our ultimate goal, we can make those differences work. We can compromise. We can keep up the lines of communication.
So, I guess that's my advice to anyone thinking about a long distance relationship: know that it will be difficult; there are things s/he will not understand, and there are things you will not understand, which will cause frustration and fights. But, if you know that they're the one you want to be together with in the end no matter what and that is both of your ultimate goal, then it's worth it.
"Communication is the key" That's what "they" all say, but no matter how much or how little one person communicates with the other who is far away, there always seems to be something in between the two. Hmmm, I wonder what that might be.
I've heard myself say over and over, "it's like he just doesn't get it. How can I tell him? How can I show him? I'm at a loss." And the worst thing is that my only answer to those questions is that long-distance is not meant to be a permanent situation. It's meant to be a temporary situation until the relationship reaches togetherness. There are some things I will not understand about my husband until we move-in together, and there are some things that he will not understand about me until he lives with me and sees me everyday, but as long as togetherness is our ultimate goal, we can make those differences work. We can compromise. We can keep up the lines of communication.
So, I guess that's my advice to anyone thinking about a long distance relationship: know that it will be difficult; there are things s/he will not understand, and there are things you will not understand, which will cause frustration and fights. But, if you know that they're the one you want to be together with in the end no matter what and that is both of your ultimate goal, then it's worth it.
Friday, September 4, 2009
What did your husband say?
You may be curious as to how I found out about the baby and how I told my family, especially if you know me and/or my family. This isn't something that my friends (or husband) expected from me, but ready or not...
I was at home painting a shelf, now I know I shouldn't paint in my condition, but of course, I didn't know that at the time. I was talking to my husband (who had recently left Washington to go back to Afghanistan) on the phone, and we were joking about me being pregnant, which we had done several times before. I told him that this time it was an actual possibility because I had the normal "warning signs." I was overly exhausted, my breasts were tender, I couldn't think about eating most things I normally loved, and the obvious: Aunt Flow had not made her usual unwelcome visit. He said something like, "Babe, just take a pregnancy test. It will make you feel better, and it will be all over." This sounded logical enough to me, so I told him to hold on while I completed the necessary business.
After peeing on the stick that I had bought at the Dollar Tree months ago, it was obvious. Immediately there were two pink lines. It didn't even take the 3 min they tell you to wait. When I told Greg this, he didn't believe me (thinking I was trying to pull the scariest, meanest prank ever). I had to send him a picture of the test to get him to believe it; this cracked me up! I was so nervous that everything was hilarious. Then Greg frantically said, "Go get another one; Go get another one!" Trying to stifle my laughter I got into the car and said, "Baby what are we going to do?" He had no idea, still partially thinking it wasn't true I'm sure.
I told him that I had never had a false positive, and that honestly I never heard of a false positive before. I learned later that this can happen rarely. He made me laugh harder when he said "Can you go to the Dr. and get a picture of the baby like in that movie Knocked Up?" Why don't guys understand this stuff? Didn't they pay attention in health class? I suppose I payed a little closer attention to the baby-growing process in middle-school health class because I knew that it would happen to me some day. I told him that it would be too early to tell, but I could go to the clinic and have them give me a test that would be a little more reliable.
Then at the clinic, as nerves grew, Greg and I got into an argument. He was being Mr. Critical/Negative, and I told him that I would call him later. He didn't like the sounds of that, apologized, and we continued our visit with him on the phone. They told me that there was no question. I was super-duper obviously pregnant. They said it's good because that means my hormones are nice and high, which makes for a healthy baby. They asked all the questions they were supposed to, and I left scared, and still laughing. Now it was just a knowing smile and disbelief, but it felt almost euphoric.
I shared with Greg all my fears about being a mother, and Greg asked me if it were still ok for him to go hang out with friends that night and go hiking the next day. Of course I said yes. Staying at home and stressing about this wouldn't do either of us any good, even though it was my activity of choice for the next day. I just thought it was funny how quickly my mind went from fear to acceptance. I wasn't worried about that night or the next; I was worried about what I would tell my 7 year old son who asks about sex. I was turning into a mother over-night. It was like some kind of metamorphosis that they show on some nerd-errific sci-fi drama called "Transformation: Co-Ed to Desperate Housewife"
Now here I am, pregnant, still scared, but getting a little more ready everyday.
I was at home painting a shelf, now I know I shouldn't paint in my condition, but of course, I didn't know that at the time. I was talking to my husband (who had recently left Washington to go back to Afghanistan) on the phone, and we were joking about me being pregnant, which we had done several times before. I told him that this time it was an actual possibility because I had the normal "warning signs." I was overly exhausted, my breasts were tender, I couldn't think about eating most things I normally loved, and the obvious: Aunt Flow had not made her usual unwelcome visit. He said something like, "Babe, just take a pregnancy test. It will make you feel better, and it will be all over." This sounded logical enough to me, so I told him to hold on while I completed the necessary business.
After peeing on the stick that I had bought at the Dollar Tree months ago, it was obvious. Immediately there were two pink lines. It didn't even take the 3 min they tell you to wait. When I told Greg this, he didn't believe me (thinking I was trying to pull the scariest, meanest prank ever). I had to send him a picture of the test to get him to believe it; this cracked me up! I was so nervous that everything was hilarious. Then Greg frantically said, "Go get another one; Go get another one!" Trying to stifle my laughter I got into the car and said, "Baby what are we going to do?" He had no idea, still partially thinking it wasn't true I'm sure.
I told him that I had never had a false positive, and that honestly I never heard of a false positive before. I learned later that this can happen rarely. He made me laugh harder when he said "Can you go to the Dr. and get a picture of the baby like in that movie Knocked Up?" Why don't guys understand this stuff? Didn't they pay attention in health class? I suppose I payed a little closer attention to the baby-growing process in middle-school health class because I knew that it would happen to me some day. I told him that it would be too early to tell, but I could go to the clinic and have them give me a test that would be a little more reliable.
Then at the clinic, as nerves grew, Greg and I got into an argument. He was being Mr. Critical/Negative, and I told him that I would call him later. He didn't like the sounds of that, apologized, and we continued our visit with him on the phone. They told me that there was no question. I was super-duper obviously pregnant. They said it's good because that means my hormones are nice and high, which makes for a healthy baby. They asked all the questions they were supposed to, and I left scared, and still laughing. Now it was just a knowing smile and disbelief, but it felt almost euphoric.
I shared with Greg all my fears about being a mother, and Greg asked me if it were still ok for him to go hang out with friends that night and go hiking the next day. Of course I said yes. Staying at home and stressing about this wouldn't do either of us any good, even though it was my activity of choice for the next day. I just thought it was funny how quickly my mind went from fear to acceptance. I wasn't worried about that night or the next; I was worried about what I would tell my 7 year old son who asks about sex. I was turning into a mother over-night. It was like some kind of metamorphosis that they show on some nerd-errific sci-fi drama called "Transformation: Co-Ed to Desperate Housewife"
Now here I am, pregnant, still scared, but getting a little more ready everyday.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Finding Out
Well, I wasn't kidding when I said that if you aren't facing hardships now, you will be soon. Although I was facing some hardships, I didn't see what was coming next. I recently found out that I'm pregnant. Now, I'm not saying that children aren't a blessing. In fact, I know very well that they are; I've been close to a few couples who have found it difficult to conceive. I know what joy a little baby can bring. But, I also know what commitment and responsibility little-ones also require, and this is what scares me.
My husband and I are both unemployed (or will be soon). We don't own or even rent our own place, and we've never actually lived together. My husband is in the military, and I have been going to school. So now my life has completely changed. This is exciting and (when looked at with the right attitude) really fun. I'm moving across the country where I will be with my husband but not my family, and I am looking for some type of employment to pay of debt before the baby comes, which is difficult because I haven't moved yet.
I'm in a state of utter inactivity: in between plan and chaos. But I've been diligent in my discipline and positive attitude. I'm going to do well with all of this some how or another.
If God only gives us what we can handle, then he must have a lot of faith in me and what I can handle. I thank God everyday for allowing me to believe in him, while he believes in me. I will learn from this experience, and some day, I know I will look back on this scary new and uncertain time, and I will miss it terribly because it's the scary and unknown that helps us define who we are and why.
My husband and I are both unemployed (or will be soon). We don't own or even rent our own place, and we've never actually lived together. My husband is in the military, and I have been going to school. So now my life has completely changed. This is exciting and (when looked at with the right attitude) really fun. I'm moving across the country where I will be with my husband but not my family, and I am looking for some type of employment to pay of debt before the baby comes, which is difficult because I haven't moved yet.
I'm in a state of utter inactivity: in between plan and chaos. But I've been diligent in my discipline and positive attitude. I'm going to do well with all of this some how or another.
If God only gives us what we can handle, then he must have a lot of faith in me and what I can handle. I thank God everyday for allowing me to believe in him, while he believes in me. I will learn from this experience, and some day, I know I will look back on this scary new and uncertain time, and I will miss it terribly because it's the scary and unknown that helps us define who we are and why.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Bored but busy
Have you ever had one of those days in which you have so much to do but nothing to do?
There are things I could do to help out my parents, and I will.
There are things I could do for myself, but they can wait until tomorrow; I'm not really in any hurry. So now, here I am with a to-do list but no desire to get off my but and do anything. Today, I've gone for a walk with my dog, talked to my husband, and cleaned the kitchen... I've taken a shower and made my mother some lunch. I don't think I could ever be a stay-at-home wife. I would go crazy. I think I'm going nuts from not having a full-time job... I know I'll miss these days when I'm back at school and work but as for now. I'm bored.
My dad used to always say only boring people are bored. And honestly I'm not BORED so much as I feel guilty for not working.
There are things I could do to help out my parents, and I will.
There are things I could do for myself, but they can wait until tomorrow; I'm not really in any hurry. So now, here I am with a to-do list but no desire to get off my but and do anything. Today, I've gone for a walk with my dog, talked to my husband, and cleaned the kitchen... I've taken a shower and made my mother some lunch. I don't think I could ever be a stay-at-home wife. I would go crazy. I think I'm going nuts from not having a full-time job... I know I'll miss these days when I'm back at school and work but as for now. I'm bored.
My dad used to always say only boring people are bored. And honestly I'm not BORED so much as I feel guilty for not working.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
"Faith that isn't tested is worthless"
I went to church today at Citipoint in Mount Vernon, and I really love being there. I always learn a lot about myself and my personal obstacles when I'm there. Here are some things that really hit home for me:
I've always gone with the flow, but when I decided to do the right thing and follow my heart and God, I pivoted to go against the flow. In doing so, I've faced staggaring obsticals, and I am consistantly tempted by what tempts me. For example, I'm not tempted by stealing or killing, but I have my vices that work to get me to do and say things I shouldn't. What has worked to convince me to do the wrong thing in the past, will be able to convinve me again if I am not strong enough to avoid it. Good choices are never easy, but fighting to make the right choice and do the right thing is what makes me a good person and a Christian.
In his sermon, Pastor Ken shared that he found in his research that 398/413 of the most successful people in the world overcame major hardship to achieve their goal. He used the story of David and Goliath to explain that we all have hardships and opposition to doing the right thing everyday, and these things are keeping us from our potential. But real contenders, real fighters, become strong by doing the little things; it's practice and technique that prepares a great fighter for battle, and it's fighting for the good everyday that helps to prepare me for the real battles in life. If I can stay faithful everday in the small things, then my strength will build to aid me in the fight. It will be there when I need it most through the most difficult times in my life as long as I don't abandon it now when things are relatively easy.
Now, to be honest, things are not easy in my life. Being married to a member of the United States Military is emotionally draining, and fighting financial battles everyday because I love my job, but it doesn't love me back ($), is exhausting. But all of this is a cakewalk to what life could be, and when it gets worse (and it will get worse), I know that I can lean on the faith that I have to pull me through. The faith that carries me through the little things everyday will also help me out when things get really hard, as long as I've practiced.
And now, here, on my new blog, I'm learning to share my walk with God and what I have learned with others in the hopes that it will help me become a better Christian, and I can help others think about their lives and what they really want and deserve. If any of this has made you think, and you want to share your experiences comment back. Or, if you saw the sermon and have different ideas about it, let me know.
I've always gone with the flow, but when I decided to do the right thing and follow my heart and God, I pivoted to go against the flow. In doing so, I've faced staggaring obsticals, and I am consistantly tempted by what tempts me. For example, I'm not tempted by stealing or killing, but I have my vices that work to get me to do and say things I shouldn't. What has worked to convince me to do the wrong thing in the past, will be able to convinve me again if I am not strong enough to avoid it. Good choices are never easy, but fighting to make the right choice and do the right thing is what makes me a good person and a Christian.
In his sermon, Pastor Ken shared that he found in his research that 398/413 of the most successful people in the world overcame major hardship to achieve their goal. He used the story of David and Goliath to explain that we all have hardships and opposition to doing the right thing everyday, and these things are keeping us from our potential. But real contenders, real fighters, become strong by doing the little things; it's practice and technique that prepares a great fighter for battle, and it's fighting for the good everyday that helps to prepare me for the real battles in life. If I can stay faithful everday in the small things, then my strength will build to aid me in the fight. It will be there when I need it most through the most difficult times in my life as long as I don't abandon it now when things are relatively easy.
Now, to be honest, things are not easy in my life. Being married to a member of the United States Military is emotionally draining, and fighting financial battles everyday because I love my job, but it doesn't love me back ($), is exhausting. But all of this is a cakewalk to what life could be, and when it gets worse (and it will get worse), I know that I can lean on the faith that I have to pull me through. The faith that carries me through the little things everyday will also help me out when things get really hard, as long as I've practiced.
And now, here, on my new blog, I'm learning to share my walk with God and what I have learned with others in the hopes that it will help me become a better Christian, and I can help others think about their lives and what they really want and deserve. If any of this has made you think, and you want to share your experiences comment back. Or, if you saw the sermon and have different ideas about it, let me know.
Amanda's First Real Blog
I've blogged on Myspace and Facebook, but I've never free-styled before. I'm a free-style blogger now! I came home from church today and spent some time with my niece and my mom. We introduced my niece to my dog Chunk; it was pretty amazing. Raichel is the cutest little one-year-old in the world!
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