Attack

I don't really want to complain, because I know things will get worse*, but being pregnant and short sucks.

We successfully closed on the house yesterday. Thank you, thank you. We've been formulating a plan of attack because this house needs an attack, and fast. We knew it would need work, and luckily, it's all cosmetic. But deciding what needs to be done first is a battle. But we both agree that painting the joint needs to be first. Blue is nice (we're actually painting our bedroom the same blue we had in Vegas), but the colors they have are, well, a little crazy. And bright. And very, VERY blue. And turquoise and green.

So we'll be priming everything this weekend. Any extra hands are welcome because I can't paint. I can, but we don't want a retarded fish-frog baby - so no painting for me.

Justin is gladly letting me stock up on things now, knowing the deals I'm getting. For those who have a CVS near them, I strongly urge you to use them. They have a program where you earn dollars for qualifying purchases. At first I was like, "I don't need that right now." But I changed my thinking to, "I will need it and use it eventually - say, in a few weeks or a month." THEN, can you score killer deals.

Here's what I got for $3 last night:
2 - liquid laundry detergents
2 - big bottles of shampoo

The best part, I earned $6 to spend at CVS as well as a $5 off my next $20 purchase. Once you start earning Extra bucks, you can roll them over to your next purchase and use them like cash. And if you have coupons, the deals are even better. (I used coupons for both products last night.)

How many of you know about this program? How has it worked out for you?

*Ok, "worse" probably isn't the best word for pregnancy. But I meant, I know I'll be getting bigger and the belly, it grows fast now. I have short arms, how the heck am I going to drive or type at my desk?

31

I'm 31. It didn't really shock me until I was playing Sudoku on my DS when Dr. K from Brain Age said, "You're 31 right? Happy Birthday!"

It was somewhat shocking to see it. 31. I think that puts me in a whole new age bracket on forms. You know, the one that lumps middle-aged people in one category and spans across generations. That sucks.

And my Nevada driver's license expired too. No longer will I have braces and cute, little red cheeks on my photo, somewhat angelic looking. Now I'll just look pasty, bloated and 31.

Justin let me do whatever I wanted this weekend. So Friday night, we saw "Doubt". Excellent movie if you get the chance to see it.

Saturday, we hit up the huge clearance of Wilson's Leather items. Since they are closing all of their stores, they've sent all stock to this one location in Minneapolis. We went and scored: 1 suede purse, 1 leather purse, 1 not leather or suede purse - just cute, 1 wallet for me, 1 wallet for Justin, a belt for Justin and a leather messenger bag for his laptop.

All for $100. We rule.

Then we drove up north to the outlet malls and hit up a few stores. The best score was at Old Navy. All already discounted items were an additional 50% off. Justin found a pair of jeans for $6 and I got a top for $4. We totally forgot about the 50% when we checked out (or I would have grabbed more shirts), and the total was only $6! Seriously, even if he uses those jeans to work on cars, it was still a better deal than Saver's!

Target was our last stop. No big scores there but I did manage to buy 3 big bottles of cranberry juice for $2. I'm smart like that. Now that we're closing on the house on Wednesday (EEEEEEEEEEE!), I'm trying to restock my pantry. Plus it's just the nesting urge I've had to suppress for so long. Must.restock.NOW!

It was a double feature Saturday night with "Frost/Nixon" - also very good and "Benjamin Button" - another good one. It'll be an interesting Academy Awards this year.

And then it was Sunday. 31. Baby kicked me all day. Maybe it was "Happy Birthday" in Morse code? No, it was probably all the sweet treats I had for breakfast. And for lunch. And for dinner.

As much as it can suck to have a birthday so close after Christmas, it wasn't bad this year. I know, I know. Last year I got to go to London for my Birthday. Ya, it was cool but this year was better for different reasons.

Semi Wordless Wednesday

It's amazing what a little black can do.



Hide a belly! 19 weeks today. Belly has no where to go but out. Impressive, huh? Say "HI" Scully!



In preparation for a baby who we don't know the sex, I've started working on some clothes. I used Kwik Sew 3090 and tried it out on new niece, Natalie. (I don't know what happened with the snaps. It was all even at the leg.)



She's tiny. I'm sure it won't fit her until Spring. Justin practicing his football hold on Natalie. It was a reality check, apparently.

Minus

19.

Minus 19 kids (not counting wind chill). I've got the picture on my camera to prove it. Oh, and the frostbite on my toes too. And the Silly Car didn't want to start, and the car seats (cloth car seats) were like sitting on a brick. And my snot froze instantly. And I need a latte to warm up.

BUT! I made it to work on time.

That is all.

Minus 19.

Ya, Ya, It's Cold. So What

The last time it was this cold here (well, close enough. The highs were about 5 - in the afternoon), I was miserably taking the bus from the house to work. Over an hour commute, because both of our cars were down. But, BUT! now we're a two car family again! Justin's the best auto mechanic around!!!

Kids, it's cold this week. I took a photo of the bank sign on my way to work this morning and it was negative 7. Normally at that time it would be five, ten or 25 degrees. Not today. Negative 7 everyone. At 9am. Apparently, this is the coldest and crappiest winter Minnesota's seen in decades. I love the drama they put into it. Whatever. It's cold. Bundle up. Stay inside. Who cares.

I finally ordered some winter boots. I don't know why it took me so long, but I can't wait til they show up. Hopefully they'll fit since I ordered them online. Some say your feet grow a size when you're pregnant. Is this true? If so, do they stay that way afterward?

So besides the unbearable cold weather I live in (and the drivers who can't drive on ice), what else is going on? We close on the house in 2 weeks. Since we sold most of our furniture and electronics in Las Vegas and everything we own is in a 10x10 storage unit, we'll be doing a lot of shopping. But first, we have to pick out paint colors again.

(This reminds me: Mike, I lived in a 300 sq. foot basement apartment in SLC. It was perfect for one person. It was easy to maintain and simple furnish. Once Justin moved in, it became a little cramped; lack of storage space. I'd love to downsize again, but not with baby on the way.)

Can anyone recommend a good place to find dog winter booties? The stores can't seem to keep them in stock here and Scully REALLY needs a pair.

Shopping

I scored a few good deals this weekend. First, Bath & Body Works had their "Semi-Annual Sale" and I was able to get TONS of yummy smelling stuff for $20. They had all their stuff on sale; $1, $3, or $5. So I stocked up on anti-bacterial hand soap (pump dispensers), travel size lotions and shower gels (all for $1) and a few other items. I want to go back today and get more because seriously, that stuff is normally expensive.

I also read that Macy's was closing a bunch of their stores so expect a sale at local stores. I went looking for a few things that could accommodate my growing belly but didn't see anything I liked. But I did find a layette set for $10. Guess what color it is? Yellow and white. It's cute and Justin liked it, but I'm getting discouraged with the lack color options that can be used for any sex. But for $10, I can't complain.

I ended my shopping spree at Target. I found a few tops on clearance ($3 for a maternity top!) and found another layette set that I waffled on. It was discounted down to $9. I'm glad I got it though because it rang up as $2! Oh, Target, how I love you. AND, I was with my Father-in-Law so I got an extra 15% off.

So I did pretty good for my first trip out post Holiday season. But really, preparing for our baby is going to be hard because we've opted not to find out. I might have to bust out my sewing machine and make some super cool, non-yellow or green clothes.

Now if I can find this stroller on clearance somewhere, I'd be happy.

Poll up. Take a guess.

Everything is Just a Few Hundred Clicks Away

Justin just sent this to me. Too bad we moved and can't go to CES anymore.


Apple Introduces Revolutionary New Laptop With No Keyboard

Out of the Bag

I, at least, have always thought the news of a pregnant worker is bad news to a boss. Apparently, I was wrong. And for this reason, why I'm happy I'm employed at Public Television. My boss was happy and said, "Family comes first, don't worry about your job while on maternity leave. Congratulations!"

Phew! My last hurdle done and done. Now I don't have to suck in as much when I walk by offices or talk to people. Cause this belly is going no where but out.

I moved offices yesterday but not before I killed my computer with this stupid virus. The Rapid Antivirus is apparently just an upgraded version of an old one. I have no idea how I got it, but I did. Luckily, I called IT when Justin said, "Ummm, you really need to call IT with that." But it still hosed my computer.

That was Friday, and now it's Tuesday and the IT dude said, "I'll bring your tower down in 15 minutes." That was an hour ago. So, I'm working on my Mac but it's really a pain to get work done on it (for various reasons, not Mac related so don't hate me Mac lovers).

So the office move, totally awesome! I was at the end of the hall where no one knew I was even there. Now I'm part of the action and my office is way bigger and RED! No window, but I'm next to my boss who has a window, so I do get some sunlight. Except, it's January and there isn't sunlight in Minnesota until, oh, about when baby will be born. So in June.

Did I mention I bought a house? Well I did. We close at the end of January. It deserves a post itself because it was stupid drama trying to get it. But our offer got approved and now I'm just waiting for FHA to do their end of the deal. It needs some cosmetic work but overall, a solid house for a great price.

Ok, gotta go find my computer. Mac, you're cool and all, but I need to get work done.

No Resolutions

I finished the 30-day blogging challenge with 17 posts. So, I did suck, but hey, 17 in one month, that's a lot for me. Maybe I'll do it again when I don't have 5 to 6 days off in a row.

New Years was very quiet and respectable. If pregnancy lets you be one thing, it's respectable. No boozing, no screaming running down a street, no hangovers. You really can't beat it.

We went bowling at the dumpiest bowling alley where we watched the Ms. Hooters Competition. A chick from Austin, Texas won. Her name was - and I'm NOT kidding - Hoots. Can't remember her first name, Justin would know that. But her last name was seriously Hoots. How could she not win such a contest? I called it the white trash of Ms. America.

Has anyone else tried to bowl while pregnant? It's the weirdest thing. I'm still sore from it and I only used the 8 pound ball. I'm so weak. And my game sucked.

We carried on our white trash festivities at home where I took a bath and I tried to increase my brain power (or as Homer says, "Increase my killing power.") with Brain Age. The tub is the perfect place to play. Once done getting smarter, I watched Justin and his friend launch fireworks about 30 minutes after midnight. Better late than never. Actually, Justin will light fireworks anytime of year.

I passed out, they sobered up and that was it.

16 weeks and growing. During the Holiday's I tried to eat reasonably and I think I succeeded. But for some reason, the belly has popped out all of a sudden. No weight gain yet, but I go in next week for a check-up and a lot can happen til then. I have a photo but it just looks like I'm bloated so I probably won't post it. Unless I get an overwhelming cry to see it. But I don't want to scare anyone.