The Moment of Truth

For any of you who have seen the advertisement for this TV show on FOX, I would be interested to hear your views on what this show represents or stands for. In a television era where "reality" is king, we are delivered a myriad of mind-numbing crap to fill our evenings with. There are shows like "A Shot at Love with Tila Tequila" and "Cheaters" which seem to reward moral bankruptcy, but this new show, "The Moment of Truth", which FOX seems so proud to promote, is the absolute bottom of the barrel. Let me be the first to say that I completely understand that people actually do sign up for this show. Why anyone would actually risk personal relationships or their psychological well-being for financial gain is beyond me. It then occurred to me that media companies, like most politicians, will do or say anything to gain almighty market share in such a competitive landscape. My persuasion to those reading this is that you will not endorse this crap that seems to be thought up by conscience-less idiots. If this is the kind of stuff that appeals to our generation, then I feel sorry for the generations to come (wow, that sounds like a grandad). If our society is so bored that we need to watch people humiliate themselves voluntarily on national television, then I hate to think what it will be like in a few years. An that, my friends, is what really grinds my gears. Please comment as I would like to see if I am the only one who has a major issue with this stuff. Peace

Poll results and random musings...

It looks like most everyone thinks that the baby is a girl. In two weeks, Bud will get a real name and we will all know what he/she is! We are more excited every day. My mom came to town on Saturday so we could look at baby furniture, bedding, etc. It was great fun! I can't wait to decorate the nursery. I informed Hays that as soon as we find out boy or girl, he will be moving the furniture from the office to the guest room. He was NOT excited about that.
My belly is finally starting to poke out enough where it is obvious that I am pregnant, not fat! If I am not too embarassed then I will post a pic up here soon.
We went to a church yesterday that we really liked. The people there were so nice! We went out to lunch, shopped a little, and then a nice lady from the church came by and brought us a little "thanks for visiting" gift. We will definitely be going back there.
On Hays' poll, you guys said you would like to be updated on daily happenings, so that is what I am doing today, since we don't have much going on! Let me know if you have any blog ideas.

The Joys of Home Ownership: When Stuff Breaks

Considering we have owned our home since May of last year, I feel fortunate that we have not had any major issues that we couldn't handle. Props to the previous owners for keeping things taken care of in their house! If you read Meredith's blog below, then you already know that our garbage disposer burned out on Monday. It has always amazed me how a machine can go from fully functional to defunct in a spilt second (this includes my old Acura), but I guess that is the nature of the beast. Anyhow, I pose a question to those of you reading: What do you think is the filthiest place in your house. Answer: The part of your garbage disposal you can't see! There is a specific reason why these things are made with opaque materials; no human being should ever be exposed to the substances within! Unless it is part of chemical or biological warfare, and even then its use would be ethically questionable. The whole process began on Monday night when I tried to run the disposal, and all that happened was a buzzing sound. What was the next logical step? I'm so glad you asked! To keep the disposal switch turned on for an inappropriate amount of time. This was followed immediately by the smell of electrical fire and burning plastic. When I looked under the sink, sure enough the disposer was smoking like Clint Eastwood's pistols in (Insert Western Here). So that led me to Lowe's, where I decided to purchase the "In-Sink-Erator Badger 5". The only cooler names I could think of for such an item would be "the Jackal" or "the Abyss". So leaving Lowe's $91 poorer, I was a proud owner of a new garbage disposal. Next next hour is kind of a blur because it involved trying to dismantle the broken disposal, which Lowe's should recommend buying some sort of smell-proof, protective suit before trying. Anyways, I eventually was able to remove the old disposal, and my hands were covered in bacteria-rich food sludge, so naturally I wanted to wash my hands. I proceeded to turn on the sink faucet when I realized that THERE WAS NOTHING TO CATCH THE WATER! So I helplessly watched water puddle into the cabinet under my sink. If Meredith had seen me do this I would have never lived it down. In comes neighbor Jason to save the day and finish the job, and we now have a functional garbage disposal. But back to my original point; if you are not prepared to see the nastiest part of your dwelling, don't attempt to replace your garbage disposal. If you do, have the CDC on speed dial, because you may be the lucky recipient of some identified bacterial infection! All in all, it was a fun job, and I'm glad I did it...

Heathcliff Huxtable

Monday night Hays was cleaning some dishes and realized (after he had put SHRIMP in there) that our garbage disposal no longer worked. Our AWESOME neighbor, Jason, came over to look at it (he can fix anything) and said it was unfixable. So, Hays made a trip to Lowe's without my knowledge and purchases a new garbage disposal and begins installing it himself. I called him on my way home from work, and he let me know what he was doing. Now, remember, pregnant people aren't always the most rational people in the world, but I tried really hard. I said "You're installing it by yourself?" To which he said "Yeah, I have the instruction manual." Now, to me, those words were not reassuring. I said ( panicky) "Where did Jason go?" " To buy a video game," Hays said. So when I got home I came in and flipped out a little inside my head when I saw the mess in the kitchen, but the important thing is that I KEPT IT IN. Victory over myself. I also ran next door when I saw Jason was back home and asked him to please help "Heathcliff Huxtable" under the sink before he ruined my kitchen! He laughed, and by the time I got back inside and changed out of my work clothes, Jason was done installing the disposal. Not without Hays' help, though. Turns out there was some pipe cutting involved, and if I had known that was going to be done I would have really been nervous! Hays took some pictures, but unfortunately I didn't get a pic of the funniest thing, which was him sitting in the middle of the kitchen floor, surrounded by tools.

On another note, did anyone watch the male performances on American Idol last night? Some of them were pretty embarassing. I keep having these flashbacks of Hays making fun of some of the guys, and I have to struggle not to laugh out loud!

My Valentine

Yesterday, as I am sure everyone was blissfully aware of, was Valentine's day. I had a great one. Sweet Hays left me a surprise card in my purse, sent me flowers to school, and set up a lovely candlelight dinner of takeout Italian food last night. I was so content when it was all over, I fell asleep on the couch. What time did I fall asleep, you ask? 7:30. Hays says it was more like 7:28. Whatever. I sure was happy when I fell asleep, and that is really all that matters.

Some of you that are Hays' friends may think he sold out to the "Hallmark Holiday" as he calls it, but that's fine. The first year we were together, I got nothing. NOTHING. I searched stores and racked my brain to come up with a thoughtful, inexpensive gift for Hays our first Valentine's Day together. He had just moved to Nashville to a new apartment, so I bought him a coffeepot (he loves coffee), a travel mug (so he could make it at home and take it instead of spending $3 at Starbucks every day), and a framed photo of us on our first date. My roommates visited their respective boyfriends in Nashville and came back with lovely, thoughtful presents. "What did you get?" they asked. My reply: "NOTHING." I was so sad. I was convinced that because of this, history was repeating itself and I was in another dead-end relationship. I was unloved, uncared for, unworthy, etc. I told Hays how I felt (selfishly, yes I KNOW) and found out that it was all he could do to pay for the gas to meet me between Nashville and Auburn. He was broke, due to the sad trap of a job he had fallen into. Boy, did I feel stupid. I really did enjoy seeing him that weekend, and that is what should have mattered. Now I appreciate the "little things," and even though I was so selfish, Hays is STILL nice enough to send me flowers at work to brighten my day and go the extra mile to make that day special. I like to think I overacheived in the husband finding category.

Comments and Stats

A few months ago I was reading one of Laura's posts about her blog stats, so I decided to track the views on our blog as well. I have tried to suggest that you post comments, however, not everyone is doing so! If we write it, we want to know that you are reading it! I can't see WHO is reading but I can see how many people are reading, where they are and how often they visit! So if you are one of our friends in a far away city or state, eg. New York, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, and you are reading we can see you and we appreciate! Please leave us some comments so we know who you are and what you think.

The Doppler Chronicles: Part Deux

Well, I have to say that was a VERY eloquent post by Hays. Well Done! Every doctor's appointment has been so exciting. I was worried for a few minutes when the nurse couldn't find the heartbeat, but she just had to search for it for a second, and there it was!
I wanted to add a little about our doctor. He is rather new to the practice, and at the office where we go, the OB docs are broken off into "pods," where you are supposed to rotate through and see each doctor in the "pod" at least once before you deliver. This is so you are comfortable with whoever happens to be there when you have your baby. Yesterday, they were planning on rotating us to a different doctor, but when I was writing down all of my questions I pictured myself asking MY doctor and I felt really comfortable with that. So when they told me they were going to rotate me I said "Okay," because I knew it was necessary, but I was a little disappointed. When our doctor saw us walking down the hall, he stuck his head in the room to say hello and I told him I had all of these questions ready for him, and he said "Well, ask me real fast!" So I showed him my long list and he decided to see us instead of rotating us to the other doc. I don't think he was ignoring a scheduled appointment, like Hays said, I think he just had an extra minute. He also got out the Doppler again so he could hear the heartbeat too! That time it was much easier to find because I knew where it was.
And, I am SO excited to find out the sex of the baby in less than 4 weeks! I still have no idea what it is and I just pray that when we have the ultrasound we see a healthy little boy or girl in there.

Week 13: The Doppler Chronicles

For those of you who don't understand the title (I hope none of you do, actually), today was Meredith's 3rd doctor's appointment, marking the beginning of the 13th week of her pregnancy. We went into said appointment expecting to hear our baby's heartbeat, which was interesting because we could only see it on the 9-week ultrasound. The method of hearing the heartbeat was a "Doppler", which is nothing more than a handheld device that looked like a walkie-talkie with a cord attached to a probe. Now upon hearing the word "Doppler", I secretly hoped ABC 33/40 Chief Meteorologist James Spann would show up to facilitate the test and assess the results, but to my displeasure it was just a nurse. She was really nice, though. As she gooped the jelly on the belly and began to probe around, I initially heard a loud "whoosh, whoosh, whoosh", which I naively assumed was the baby's heartbeat; either that, or Meredith's heart had fallen into her abdomen! Shortly after, the nurse said that was Meredith's heartbeat, so I'm glad I didn't speak up. For the next few seconds, she moved the probe around only to pick up what sounded like a tin roof blowing off a house in a tornado, then followed by a "wsh, wsh, wsh" that was much faster and lighter than Meredith's heartbeat. The sophisticated device that is the "Doppler" showed a heart rate of 156-158, which is good, so nothing but good news for us today. I couldn't be more thankful! After the belly probing was done, Meredith had a list of 7 or 8 questions neatly written out and double-spaced (I was so proud) to ask our doctor. We weren't expecting to see our normal doctor, but he popped his head in to say hello, and decided to see us instead of his scheduled appointment! I like to think it was our welcoming aura and irresistible charisma that drew him in, but I think he was actually pleased that Meredith had written down specific questions to ask him. She got a gold star today! To wrap up the appointment, he told us that we should be able to see the gender of the baby in 4 weeks, so we excitedly scheduled the next ultrasound for 4 weeks away. March 10th it is! All in all, the visit couldn't have gone better, and if Meredith is this good of a mommy now, I can't wait to see her in 6 months!

On another note, my parents just added another dog-child to the family. It is an 8-week old Pomeranian who it yet to be named...but I did hear mention of "Boscoe" and "Grizz". With names like that, how could he not be a man?

Dr.'s Appointment Today

I have a Dr's appointment this afternoon, so I will post tomorrow to let everyone know how it went. After today, we should have an exact date that we can find out the sex! Notice, however, when I type the word sex in reference to our baby's gender, I don't feel that it is necessary to "giggle" afterwards like Hays.

Sandi

I want to give everyone an update on my sister-in-law. Some of you may not know, but about 3 and a half years ago, when Alan and Sandi were in Indianapolis, Sandi was diagnosed with breast cancer. She was 30 years old. She had chemo and surgery, and we all thought it was gone. Well, almost a year after they moved to Dothan, we found out that it was back again, but this time it was stage IV, metastatic. We were all very scared to head down the treatment road again, but Sandi was a trooper. She even shaved her hair into a mowhawk when her hair started falling out, which was hilarious and it actually looked good, I can't imagine a mowhawk looking that good on anyone else! She is doing very well now. Her scans show that much of it is gone and she looks better every time she has a scan!

I just wanted to mention this because I am very lucky to have Sandi in my life. She and I are very close to be "in-laws." I put it in quotes because I don't like using the term, she is my sister! She has been there for me through so many different situations, good and bad, and she always tells me the truth, not just necessarily what she thinks that I want to hear.

I think Sandi is the bravest, most beautiful person that I know. She never hesitated (that I saw) to have any of her surgeries or treatments, she just did whatever she had to do to get on with her life! I can't even imagine how I would be in the same situation, but I know that I wouldn't be able to handle it with a fraction of the grace and dignity that she has. I should have known she was so brave, she married Alan!

Please remember to keep Sandi in your prayers!

Correction

I've already hit a snag. I can't figure out how to add anything but posts, so after I get some advice, I'll add a poll!

Are you voting?

I case you're wondering if I'm referring to the primary elections, I'm not. While I have followed it in bits and pieces, I don't get the overwhelming urge to cheer in the streets for any of these candidates. I know, I did a disservice to democracy by not casting my ballot, but the real reason for not voting on Tuesday is beacuse I didn't receive my "voter card" that tells you where to vote. And I was not about to walk into random establishments in my neighborhood (churches, etc.) in search of my voting location. The question refers to whether or not you voted on Meredith's poll on the sex (giggle) of our baby. I initially had the strong feeling that is was a girl, but I guess I have a 50% shot either way. So, ladies and gentlemen, exercise your God-given right to vote!!! On another topic, this is my first attempt at blogging, and I have already experienced writers block. Great writing is highly underrated in my opinion; some people are better at expressing their thoughts and feelings on paper. I am not one of those people. So if anyone actually reads this blog (all 5 of you), hopefully you will see Meredith and I go through a metamorphosis from rambling, incoherent dribble to award-winning diction. See, I'm already getting better! Actually, Meredith is a good writer already, so cheer me on. I am now going to attempt to create another poll (I love polls), so feel free to contribute!!

Over and out

Exciting

So I just checked one of my fave blogs, The Bachelor Recaps, http://thebachelorrecaps.blogspot.com/ , and there is a new bachelor starting next month! A British one! Yay! Check it out.

Thank Goodness!

I am SO proud to announce that the morning, noon, and night sickness has (I think) passed. I am starting to feel a little better and am getting some of my energy back, which is a great thing! I am putting up a new poll today because I want to see what you guys think. Is is a Boy or a Girl? Hays says he is about 95% sure that it's a girl, but I have no feelings either way. Amanda told me a while back that she thinks it's boy, so I have no idea! So please, tell me what you guys think. Also, I know that peeps are reading, but very few are leaving comments. I like comments, and those of you who leave them are in my good graces! I hope the blog gets more interesting soon because I have given Hays access as a contributor, so I am waiting anxiously to see what he brings to the table!

Resolutions

This year, Hays and I decided to find a church and join it. This is our major goal for the next few months. I am Episcopalian, and Hays is very comfortable with the Episcopal Church, so we have decided that this is the denomination for our family. Yesterday we went to church for the first time, I am embarassed to say, in MONTHS. I have been so tired and sick that on Sundays all I want to do is sleep in, but since that is starting to ease up a little bit, I have made the commitment that when we are in town on Sundays, we will be going to church.
I really enjoyed the sermon we heard yesterday. It was about "Mountaintops and Valleys" and basically said that you feel God there when you are in a great place in your life, but it is so much harder when you are in the lower points in your life. It also said that Christianity is not a religion of feelings, but of FAITH. I really felt like this applied to me for several reasons, a few of which I will mention.

I have felt lately like some people think I am much less fun and interesting now that I am pregnant. I am finding out who my true friends are, which I think is a good thing, all things considered. But it has really made me sad and has made me reevaluate what is really important to me. Even though we didn't plan this pregnancy, we feel like it is such a blessing and a wonderful gift from God. We are so excited and as much as you may try not to, when you are pregnant it takes over every part of your life. It is the first thing you think about when you wake up in the morning and the last thing when you go to bed at night. You eat, sleep, drink, read, and dream around it. But it doesn't mean that it is everything that I am now, or everything that I want to talk about. I still need my friends and my family, and many, many people understand that, but a few do not, or just don't care.

This applies to my faith discussion because I have faith that even though I may not understand my feelings now or how other people may feel about it, I know God is taking care of me, Hays, and the little gift He is busy making for us. I know somehow He is using these feelings and situations to prepare me for what is down the road and to help me to understand my true character and the kind of family member and friend that I want to be from now on. He is helping me to understand what a precious gift Hays is and to appreciate that He brought us together at the perfect time.

Right now, I may be in a little "valley," but I know I see mountaintops in my future.

Are these seriously coming back?!

Okay, I am SLOWLY getting used to the "skinny jean," even though I know I will never wear them because of my body type, but I honestly NEVER thought that I would see tight-rolled jeans again. In the high school where I teach, I am constantly suprised about how fashion forward these kids are, even in Alabama. Well, I guess I have seen everything, because this pretty cool kid walked by me in the hall with his jeans tight-rolled. HA!