Today, in my rush to get out of the office and to meetings, I lost my cell phone. I realized it a few hours later, when it was too late to retrace my steps. My initial thoughts: Someone is going to pick up the phone and call Canada or Australia! I have everybody's phone numbers saved on that thing! I have to buy a new phone!
I literally felt sick to my stomach.
Then, I got a message on my Palm Pilot:
A very nice young gentleman student stopped by and returned your cell phone! He called me (my number must be in your phone) and he said he found the phone outside and wanted to return it for you and he dropped it off. I didn't get his name (sorry! I realize now you may have wanted to thank him...), but I did say thank you and that it was very nice of him to bring it back!
I couldn't believe it. I went about the day, wondering who this person was who was kind enough to find my office and return the phone.
When I got home tonight, there was a message on the answering machine:
Ummm, hi, this is a random guy who found your phone on the street. Please call me so that I can return it. Thanks.
Then I spoke to Mike. He told me that the young man had called him, since he was the last number on my phone, and inquired who I was and how he could get my phone back to me. Mike told him where my office was and the kid hung up.
Later, Mike called him back to get his name (Drew) and thank him profusely. He said was no big deal.
Maybe it was no big deal to him, but to me, it was a HUGE deal. He went out of his way on large college campus to make sure my phone got to the right place. He made it a point to call various numbers on the phone to find me.
I'm officially paying it forward, starting tomorrow.
Thanks, Drew!
Monday, April 30, 2007
This is what is all boils down to...
Last night, I was clearly upset watching The Amazing Race. I was extremely disapointed to see my favorite guys, Oswald and Danny, be eliminated from the race. All that's left are tree teams that, in my opinion, stink on ice.
I wish I was in Hawaii, sleeping on a hammock on the beach.
That's all folks.
I wish I was in Hawaii, sleeping on a hammock on the beach.
That's all folks.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
On Being the Worst Mother in the World
Today, I had an appointment with the doc. I am doing well: no weight gain, even though I am already in my second trimester, my blood pressure is great, and my blood sugars are excellent. The doc was pleased and at this point, asked me to rest as often as possible and continue taking care of myself as I have been.
FeeNo is also looking pretty good: another strong heartbeat and progressing as should be expected.
The child is already showing signs of being difficult - first, FeeNo didn't want to move. He didn't want to face us. He was laying there, all curled up, with his legs in the air (yes, we got to see the legs, but they were crossed - we either have a very demure girl or an extremely shy boy in there).
When FeeNo finally started moving, he kept turning his back on us, never allowing for a good picture.
I hope this difficult stage only lasts while in utero, because I am sure that FeeNo is going to be facing all kinds of paparazzi upon arrival. Not only does FeeNo have grandparents that are going to be all over him, he also has aunts, uncles, and countless friends who are going to be snapping picture after picture. This kid better get used to the attention.
I finally scanned and posted all pictures of my ultrasounds. Unfortunately, I can't figure any of them out. I can't see a single image (except for the third picture), so I have to go based on what the ultrasound tech and Mike say.
March 13 - first pic. At this point, FeeNo is just a blob.
April 25 - third pic. This is a picture of FeeNo's face. You can make out where his eyes, nose and mouth are (on the right hand side). It's definitely a face only a mother could love - and it totally freaks me out!
April 25 - third pic. According to the tech and Mike, this is FeeNo's profile. I can't see a darn thing. I am told he is facing toward the upper left of the pic and that you can see the profile of his face. Tell me, people, can you see that?
FeeNo is also looking pretty good: another strong heartbeat and progressing as should be expected.
The child is already showing signs of being difficult - first, FeeNo didn't want to move. He didn't want to face us. He was laying there, all curled up, with his legs in the air (yes, we got to see the legs, but they were crossed - we either have a very demure girl or an extremely shy boy in there).
When FeeNo finally started moving, he kept turning his back on us, never allowing for a good picture.
I hope this difficult stage only lasts while in utero, because I am sure that FeeNo is going to be facing all kinds of paparazzi upon arrival. Not only does FeeNo have grandparents that are going to be all over him, he also has aunts, uncles, and countless friends who are going to be snapping picture after picture. This kid better get used to the attention.
I finally scanned and posted all pictures of my ultrasounds. Unfortunately, I can't figure any of them out. I can't see a single image (except for the third picture), so I have to go based on what the ultrasound tech and Mike say.
March 13 - first pic. At this point, FeeNo is just a blob.
April 10 - second pic. Today, we heard the heartbeat, nice and strong. The kid wouldn't hold still for the picture. He kept twisting and turning.
April 25 - third pic. This is a picture of FeeNo's face. You can make out where his eyes, nose and mouth are (on the right hand side). It's definitely a face only a mother could love - and it totally freaks me out!
April 25 - third pic. According to the tech and Mike, this is FeeNo's profile. I can't see a darn thing. I am told he is facing toward the upper left of the pic and that you can see the profile of his face. Tell me, people, can you see that?And, please, tell me: am I the worst mother in the world for not knowing what I am looking at in the picture?
Friday, April 20, 2007
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Monday, April 16, 2007
Aloha, Don Ho
Mike, posing with Don Ho (who I thought looked like Yoko Ono but with more personality), in Hawaii, July 2005 "Tiny bubbles
in the wine
make me happy
make me feel fine."
Ah, memories of Hawaii. But also, memories of meeting Don Ho while on my honeymoon in July 2005. It was a complete fluke to see him in Oahu, on our last night on the island. We thought it would be silly, something to remember Hawaii by.
The show was typical dinner theater. Terrible food. Two drink minimum. Many old timers. But we were on our honeymoon - nothing could upset us. Well, except that we had to leave the next day.
Don appeared on stage, playing a keyboard, singing old Hawaii songs, making silly jokes, and showing tourists what good old Hawaiian hospitality was like.
At the end of the show, he invited all servicemen, honeymooners, etc to come see him for a free cassette tape of his music. A cassette tape, he joked, because his fans didn't own CD players.
We met him briefly, and he sent us back to the mainland with a tape for us and another for the mother-in-law, who he was sure would love it. As cheesey and hokey as it was, we had a good time.
Rest in peace, Don. I hope you are enjoying those tiny bubbles in the big wine bottle in the sky.
Click here to read more.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
FeeNo has rhythm... or something
So we went to the doc yesterday for an ultrasound and check up. Everything looks pretty good so far: FeeNo is over an inch long and is growing right on schedule. Heart beat is really strong too - THUMP THUMP THUMP - at 175.
The only thing is that the kid would not sit still for a picture! Somersaults in my belly! Rolling from side to side. Up and down. The kid was all over the place.
I think it might have something to do with the kid being part Cuban. I think the kid is going to be a great dancer, maybe modeling some people on Dancing With the Stars. Mike swears the kid was dancing the paso doble.
The only thing is that the kid would not sit still for a picture! Somersaults in my belly! Rolling from side to side. Up and down. The kid was all over the place.
I think it might have something to do with the kid being part Cuban. I think the kid is going to be a great dancer, maybe modeling some people on Dancing With the Stars. Mike swears the kid was dancing the paso doble.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
The truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth
Okay, folks, I promised details. Here is a chronicle of the last few weeks:
Wednesday, February 21 – Period is due.
Friday, February 23 – Take pregnancy test. Negative. Fly to Miami for Heather’s wedding.
Wednesday, February 28 – Still no period. Decide to take another pregnancy test and have Mike read it. Conversation goes like this:
Me: Take a look at this. What do you see?
Mike: What am I supposed to see?
Me: I’m not telling you. Just tell me what you see.
Mike: It looks like a line. And then another light line next to it.
Me: A. Light.Line. Next. To.It?
Mike: Yes.
Me: Holy shit. I’m pregnant.
Mike begins to strut around the house and begins calling himself “Macho Man.” He begins to talk about his virility. The strutting and talking continue for days.
Thursday, March 1 – Have blood drawn to confirm pregnancy.
Saturday, March 3 - Call Miami and let the Abuelos know what's going on. Abuela is happy. Abuelo is beyond happy. Drive down to see Grandma. She dances an Irish jig.
Sunday, March 4 - Have a birthday dinner with Mike's side of the family. Am secretly jealous that I cannot partake in the Sake Bomber drinking escapade. But really not that jealous.
Monday, March 5 – Hear from my OB/GYN. She congratulates me on being pregnant and sends me to a perinatalogist to have me checked out. She also sends me for more bloodwork.
Wednesday, March 7 - Feeling paranoid because I don't feel any different. Take another pregnancy test. It becomes positive in about 3 seconds. Just to make sure the tests are functioning properly, I have Mike take one too. His result (thankfully): negative.
Thursday, March 8 - My birthday. I work all day. Then I go home and fall asleep at 8:30 p.m.
Friday, March 9 – Mike takes me to the Melting Pot to celebrate my birthday. On the drive there, I get nauseous and Mike threatens to take me home and celebrate another time. I refuse to go home because dammit - it's my birthday dinner. And it's damn delicious.
Monday, March 12 – Hear from my OB/GYN again. My bloodwork is back and my hcg and progesterone levels are even higher. I ask the nurse if I am ‘really knocked up.’ She laughs and confirms that I am.
Tuesday, March 13 - Visit the perinatalogist. My blood sugars* have been wonderful for the past few years. Not too much concern over that. But, my blood pressure is elevated. Am referred to a cardiologist (WTH?) for treatment. But, thankfully, I am cleared for treatment and sent back to my regular OB/GYN. Before I leave, they do an ultrasound and we see the blob that is FeeNo. We can see the heart beating! Holy smokes. Mike and I share a moment. We are having a baby! Baby is due November 1. It's all very cheesey.
Everyday - I'm tired. I'm sleepy. I can't keep my eyes open. I fall asleep during my favorite television shows. Did I mention I'm tired?
Saturday, March 24 - I stay indoors all day. I finally take a shower at 9 pm. I put on fresh pajamas.
Sunday, March 25 - I get morning sickness. It lasts all day long. Stay in pajamas all day again. Make Mike go out and buy me plantains. And a skirt steak. And white rice. I love that man.
Monday, March 26 - Mike cleans the entire house because I was 'resting' the entire weekend and didn't do a damn thing.
Friday, March 30 - Have a regular OB/GYN appointment. Everything is fine with FeeNo. On my way out of the doctor's office, I experience a hypoglycemic episode. My blood sugar drops too low, they have to call the paramedics. I am given glucose through a vein in my hand and 'revived' me. They sent me to the ER for observation. While there, my new doctor came down to see me - a perinatalogist. I am now back to being a 'high-risk pregnancy.' I asked him, "So, you are going to delivery my baby?" and he responded by saying, " I am going to deliver your healthy baby." That's all Mike and I needed to hear. The doc sent me home to rest. Told me to take it easy.
Saturday, March 31 and Sunday, April 1 - Spent time at home, taking it easy. On Sunday night, Mike begins to explain the ins and outs of baseball statistics to my stomach. I fall asleep immediately.
Monday, April 2 - The Gators are playing for the National Championship for the second year in a row. I watch 5 minutes of the game before I fall asleep from exhaustion. When will this fatigue end?
Tuesday, April 3 - Wake up to the news that the Gators won AGAIN. The day is a good one. Except for the morning sickness. Ugh.
Friday, April 6 - The anticipation of telling everyone about the pregnancy is making me very anxious. I just want it to be Easter already!
Sunday, April 8 - We finally spill the beans to people. There is an excess of merriment and joy. Who knew that FeeNo would make everyone so thrilled?
More reports to come as the weeks and months pass, I promise.
* I have never written anything in my blog about my blood sugars and the type 1 diabetes I was diagnosed with when I was 18. It's never been an issue for me and over the years, I have learned to control it, live with it, and even embrace it as a part of my life. But I have never let it define who I am. There are many other things in my life that define me. However, having diabetes is going to play a significant part in the development of FeeNo and I will be writing more about it and how it affects my pregnancy. Please be patient with all the terminology and most importantly, send us good thoughts and prayers. They are greatly appreciated.
Wednesday, February 21 – Period is due.
Friday, February 23 – Take pregnancy test. Negative. Fly to Miami for Heather’s wedding.
Wednesday, February 28 – Still no period. Decide to take another pregnancy test and have Mike read it. Conversation goes like this:
Me: Take a look at this. What do you see?
Mike: What am I supposed to see?
Me: I’m not telling you. Just tell me what you see.
Mike: It looks like a line. And then another light line next to it.
Me: A. Light.Line. Next. To.It?
Mike: Yes.
Me: Holy shit. I’m pregnant.
Mike begins to strut around the house and begins calling himself “Macho Man.” He begins to talk about his virility. The strutting and talking continue for days.
Thursday, March 1 – Have blood drawn to confirm pregnancy.
Saturday, March 3 - Call Miami and let the Abuelos know what's going on. Abuela is happy. Abuelo is beyond happy. Drive down to see Grandma. She dances an Irish jig.
Sunday, March 4 - Have a birthday dinner with Mike's side of the family. Am secretly jealous that I cannot partake in the Sake Bomber drinking escapade. But really not that jealous.
Monday, March 5 – Hear from my OB/GYN. She congratulates me on being pregnant and sends me to a perinatalogist to have me checked out. She also sends me for more bloodwork.
Wednesday, March 7 - Feeling paranoid because I don't feel any different. Take another pregnancy test. It becomes positive in about 3 seconds. Just to make sure the tests are functioning properly, I have Mike take one too. His result (thankfully): negative.
Thursday, March 8 - My birthday. I work all day. Then I go home and fall asleep at 8:30 p.m.
Friday, March 9 – Mike takes me to the Melting Pot to celebrate my birthday. On the drive there, I get nauseous and Mike threatens to take me home and celebrate another time. I refuse to go home because dammit - it's my birthday dinner. And it's damn delicious.
Monday, March 12 – Hear from my OB/GYN again. My bloodwork is back and my hcg and progesterone levels are even higher. I ask the nurse if I am ‘really knocked up.’ She laughs and confirms that I am.
Tuesday, March 13 - Visit the perinatalogist. My blood sugars* have been wonderful for the past few years. Not too much concern over that. But, my blood pressure is elevated. Am referred to a cardiologist (WTH?) for treatment. But, thankfully, I am cleared for treatment and sent back to my regular OB/GYN. Before I leave, they do an ultrasound and we see the blob that is FeeNo. We can see the heart beating! Holy smokes. Mike and I share a moment. We are having a baby! Baby is due November 1. It's all very cheesey.
Everyday - I'm tired. I'm sleepy. I can't keep my eyes open. I fall asleep during my favorite television shows. Did I mention I'm tired?
Saturday, March 24 - I stay indoors all day. I finally take a shower at 9 pm. I put on fresh pajamas.
Sunday, March 25 - I get morning sickness. It lasts all day long. Stay in pajamas all day again. Make Mike go out and buy me plantains. And a skirt steak. And white rice. I love that man.
Monday, March 26 - Mike cleans the entire house because I was 'resting' the entire weekend and didn't do a damn thing.
Friday, March 30 - Have a regular OB/GYN appointment. Everything is fine with FeeNo. On my way out of the doctor's office, I experience a hypoglycemic episode. My blood sugar drops too low, they have to call the paramedics. I am given glucose through a vein in my hand and 'revived' me. They sent me to the ER for observation. While there, my new doctor came down to see me - a perinatalogist. I am now back to being a 'high-risk pregnancy.' I asked him, "So, you are going to delivery my baby?" and he responded by saying, " I am going to deliver your healthy baby." That's all Mike and I needed to hear. The doc sent me home to rest. Told me to take it easy.
Saturday, March 31 and Sunday, April 1 - Spent time at home, taking it easy. On Sunday night, Mike begins to explain the ins and outs of baseball statistics to my stomach. I fall asleep immediately.
Monday, April 2 - The Gators are playing for the National Championship for the second year in a row. I watch 5 minutes of the game before I fall asleep from exhaustion. When will this fatigue end?
Tuesday, April 3 - Wake up to the news that the Gators won AGAIN. The day is a good one. Except for the morning sickness. Ugh.
Friday, April 6 - The anticipation of telling everyone about the pregnancy is making me very anxious. I just want it to be Easter already!
Sunday, April 8 - We finally spill the beans to people. There is an excess of merriment and joy. Who knew that FeeNo would make everyone so thrilled?
More reports to come as the weeks and months pass, I promise.
* I have never written anything in my blog about my blood sugars and the type 1 diabetes I was diagnosed with when I was 18. It's never been an issue for me and over the years, I have learned to control it, live with it, and even embrace it as a part of my life. But I have never let it define who I am. There are many other things in my life that define me. However, having diabetes is going to play a significant part in the development of FeeNo and I will be writing more about it and how it affects my pregnancy. Please be patient with all the terminology and most importantly, send us good thoughts and prayers. They are greatly appreciated.
Monday, April 09, 2007
The Bathroom Trip that Changed My Life
The reason I have been exhausted for nearly three months:
More details to come...
Friday, April 06, 2007
Update
So, yesterday, I was all happy and cheery because it finally started to feel like Spring.
But in the later afternoon, as I was sitting in my office, I happened to look out the window. Snow was falling.
Snow.
It started coming down a little harder. And then, as quickly as it started, it stopped.
Very strange.
I feel kind of bad, posting on Good Friday. Me entire childhood, I wasn't allowed to do anything on Good Friday - no tv, no radio, no jokes, no rollerskating. No unnecessary lights on. No unnecessary speaking. Codfish for dinner. It was the way my family observed.
It feels so wrong - to be using technology today. But nothing is like is used to me. I have to work. There's no observance anymore.
For my Christian readers out there - how has Good Friday changed for you?
But in the later afternoon, as I was sitting in my office, I happened to look out the window. Snow was falling.
Snow.
It started coming down a little harder. And then, as quickly as it started, it stopped.
Very strange.
I feel kind of bad, posting on Good Friday. Me entire childhood, I wasn't allowed to do anything on Good Friday - no tv, no radio, no jokes, no rollerskating. No unnecessary lights on. No unnecessary speaking. Codfish for dinner. It was the way my family observed.
It feels so wrong - to be using technology today. But nothing is like is used to me. I have to work. There's no observance anymore.
For my Christian readers out there - how has Good Friday changed for you?
Thursday, April 05, 2007
I Think Spring Has Sprung
Really, I do.
For the first time in many weeks, I am feeling pretty darn happy. I mean, I'm pretty much a happy person and have a pretty good disposition all-around, but today, things are different somehow.
Maybe it's the shining sun - especially after a rainstorm yesterday that lasted the entire day and flooded streets and such - that's helping with my mood.
Whatever it is, I hope it doesn't go away.
This weekend, we will be celebrating Easter at my mother-in-law's. The house is going to be filled with the entire family - in-laws, nephews, even my aunt and uncle. We hope it'll be a good day for everyone.
And to make it all better, I've been recruited to make cocktail weenies. Apparently, they are my specialty. Doesn't that say alot about me? I make terrific cocktail weenies.
Happy Easter everyone! May you enjoy the blessings of the holiday and of this beautiful Spring!
For the first time in many weeks, I am feeling pretty darn happy. I mean, I'm pretty much a happy person and have a pretty good disposition all-around, but today, things are different somehow.
Maybe it's the shining sun - especially after a rainstorm yesterday that lasted the entire day and flooded streets and such - that's helping with my mood.
Whatever it is, I hope it doesn't go away.
This weekend, we will be celebrating Easter at my mother-in-law's. The house is going to be filled with the entire family - in-laws, nephews, even my aunt and uncle. We hope it'll be a good day for everyone.
And to make it all better, I've been recruited to make cocktail weenies. Apparently, they are my specialty. Doesn't that say alot about me? I make terrific cocktail weenies.
Happy Easter everyone! May you enjoy the blessings of the holiday and of this beautiful Spring!
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Back to back and Belly to Belly!
I know that's what John Sterling says when the Yankees double score, but it's very appropriate this morning.
Go Gators!
It's a good day, most definitely.
Unfortunately, I fell asleep after five minutes of the game. What can I say? I'm a loser.
Go Gators!
It's a good day, most definitely.
Unfortunately, I fell asleep after five minutes of the game. What can I say? I'm a loser.