This and That

There aren’t too many niceties about pregnancy in the first trimester. There’s gas, nausea (constant for me), bloated feelings, tender breasts (I can say that, we are all adults right?), and complete lack of motivation due to extreme tiredness. The one salvation for me is, effleurages! I received my first effleurage last night! Somehow it takes away my nausea…for a few moments anyway. Heck, even if you aren’t pregnant, ask your spouse to try this technique out on you. You will LOVE it.

Some of you know that Jeff over at Notes from the Trail has had the exciting opportunity to transform my blog to WordPress. Although I may not be the easiest person to work with (due to tiny details I want to change), he has been extremely patient nonetheless. I think I know now that he whistles and hums when he is frustrated (by the tenth question I would be too). Well I finally sat down and spent some time getting to know my template and how to tweek it just right. I invite you to enjoy it! Just Me will no longer be posting on Blogger, so don't be lazy change your sidebar links now! I am planning on posting the First Annual Angelina Awards (I had this brewing since way back in December) for 2006, so please don't miss it by forgetting to change your links. I have had a great year with blogger, but it was time I moved on. I tend to change my blog daily, and wordpress will allow me that pleasure without too much hassle. Stop by and tell me what you think!

I met a man today. It was someone who stirred up questions for me about my own spirituality. Someone who asked me (not directly), “how are you and Jesus?” It was at Dad’s Place this encounter occurred. Sidebar thought: I wonder if Jim knows how many needs he fulfills. He quenches my physical thirst for coffee (not matter if it’s hot or cold), provides pleasant familial conversations that tap into my emotional needs, and provides a solitary place for discussions such as the one today. It was there that I was touched spiritually. I found myself searching the archives of my brain seeking childhood Bible stories, and memory verses, for the answers that I thought I knew. Maybe I don’t know, maybe this man doesn’t know. He questioned me, encouraged me, and gave me motivations to disprove him. The questions were directed towards my basic foundation. Questions that I firmly believed I had answered back in my youngster years. Questions that I dare not discuss till I have resolved them in my own mind. I’m stirring clear of commenting controversies since my last post. I will seek. I will search for Jesus. I will search for the truth. I hope it sets me free.

I know one definite truth! There is no way Jesus would have enjoyed Starbucks coffee. He is not into that "burnt" taste. Starbucks is definitely brewed for Satan. "Satan for Starbucks" sounds better...don't you think (did I just create controversy again?). Satan probably perfected the burnt taste of coffee years ago! Off to bed (yes, I know it's 0530 but I think I have my days and nights mixed up). Tomorrow the troops come home! Yeah, we finally get to open the Christmas presents under the tree! Good morning and good night.

The Challenge: Have as many women as I can interpret what I meant by "Spending ever day looking for new ways to reinvent our relationship." Please leave your comments so that I know I wasn't speaking a foreign language with my spouse. Men, feel free to comment as well! I'm sure you will anyways.

Conversation with hubby:
Me: I have a New Years Resolution that I think would be fun for us, do you want to hear it?
Man: Sure
Me: I think every day we should look for new ways to reinvent our relationship?
Man: What do you mean?
Me: I just said what I meant.
Man: No you didn't really explain what you mean, though.
Me: You know, finding little things that would change our relationship...doing something each day.
Man: That seems taxing!
Me: Working on our relationship is work?
Man: Yeah, I wouldn't know what to do. That's 365 days, you know.
Me: There are calendars out there that will tell you things to do that are romantic! Buy one.
Man: Yeah, but most of them are dorky.
Me: I just thought it would be fun to work on us!
Man: It would, but you haven't said what you mean.
Me: I did say. Why is it men have a hard time hearing what women say?
Man: Because they don't say what they mean.
Me: Well, I don't know what else to tell you then. I thought I was pretty clear.

Disclaimer: Names were changed to protect the innocent (not so innocent, right women?). No men were harmed during the process of this converstation (probably because he is in Seattle). These words were not said in anger...just everday conversational talk. The conversation is also not word for word, but based on my memory of a conversation just 30 minutes prior (my memory is sharp as a tact).

Father Forgive me for I have sinned. It has been 10 minutes since my last confession...!

Aren't you glad when God picks you up in his arms, brushes away the tears and wraps his arms wide around you?

When did Monticello start feeling like home, and Seattle a place I visit?

This New Year:

1) Big Party or stay at home alone?
-Working:( 7p-7a. I already had my fun in Seattle, now I have to work like a dog to make it up!

2) Stay up to watch the ball drop?
-Probably miss the ball dropping since I will be concentrating/charting on my patients!

3) Will you make any resolutions?
-Yes, two so far! Hey, it never said to list them, so back off!

4) Is Dick Clark a good host for New Year's Eve?
-Doesn't he do it every year? Let's have Morgan Freeman, then none of us would be awake for the ball dropping! His voice can put the best of us to sleep. Ever watch March of the Penguins?

5) Do you know the words to Auld Lang Syne?
-Though all the saints be forgot and never more to reign???? Is that it? I think not but I can hum with the best of them. It gets me teary every time!

See ya all very soon. I leave today at 1515! Ahh, the peace of flying solo! All the time can be spent on my new electronic suduko or reading my book.

1. Arrived before the great Northwest Storm
2. Stayed in Tacoma because the in-laws electricity was out for 5 days.
3. Took a bus trip to Leavenworth Washington to watch the annual Christmas lighting
4. Shopped, shopped, and shopped some more.
5. Eaten Sushi twice
6. Purchased one sushi book
7. Ate at the Rain Forest Cafe...right under a pack of wild gorilla's!
8. Took pictures of Mount Rainer in all it's glory
9. Watched a "feel good movie" with the in-laws!
10. Played a round of "May I?" and lost
11. Played at a local park with new and unique toys...got sick off one of them (same concept of a tire swing).
12. Held my new nephew, kissed him, changed him, and wished him mine!
13. Helped my mom with her kids christmas party
14. Got held up in the worst traffic for 45 minutes! Grrrr!
15. Spent time with family....
16. Searched for some great coffee.
17. Noticed my MIL found a coffee system that makes some great brew :), and she has had it for years.
18. Called home to check on Choppers
19. Caught up on all my sleeping!

Things I have left to do

1. Take the kids to see the Space Needle
2. Go see Mark's Alma Mater
3. Spent Christmas Eve with my Grandma Gigi
4. Open Christmas presents x2 houses
5. Bake Christmas breads and goodies to continue my G. Grandmother's tradition.
6. Eat homemade curry with my sister and brother in law
7. Shop some more...after Christmas shopping
8. Get nails done with my mom on Christmas Eve
9. Pack, unpack, and repack for the various house skipping!
10. Drink more coffee
11. Visit the Great Wall Mall in search of a Tamago pan!
12. Eat more sushi.
13. Buy one more gift for Christmas
14. Take my Grandma Gigi out to lunch on the 27th at 1pm.
15. See Jinx, Katie, and Buddy!
16. Get the grandkids together for a picture
16. Spend more time with our family