Self Help is my Thing (Books)

Right now, I'm not really sure where I want this blog to go. I still have writing as a part of me, I just don't know if it's this writing. On top of that, my life is full to overflowing. And that's wonderful. It's what I want. It's just that it doesn't leave a lot of extra curricular time unless I want to be a zombie. (which I don't)

So as I figure it out, I thought I'd post a list of books that have helped me through various issues.

Infertility Struggles

1. Unsung Lullabies - There's a whole book club review of this chapter by chapter on the blog. Click on the books tag to find it.

2. A Patient's Guide to PCOS - Understanding (and reversing) Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome - This book gave me a MUCH better understanding of what I was dealing with and how much lifestyle needed to change. Highly recommend.

3. Secret Thoughts of an Adoptive Mother - This was an amazing, raw, honest book that helped me chart my course through parenthood options

4. Taking Charge of Your Fertility - To some extent. This is where I learned a lot more about fertile signs.

Special note: Navigating the Land of If by Melissa Ford is definitely one of those helpful, wonderful books. The reason it isn't in my top three is that it came along after I was past most of the situations/help provided in the book. I loved it, but I was nearing the end of my journey. It was right before my pregnancy with E, and I had come to a very calm place with a very set plan on how we would go on according to various outcomes and timelines.

The pregnancy books are well documented and known, so let's move on to parenting and its issues shall we?

Parenting a Highly Sensitive (and introverted) Child

1. The Highly Sensitive Child - this woman has many books out based on this premise. This was not only helpful for parenting, but it was helpful for understanding myself.

2. The Happiest Baby on the Block - Love this Man

3. The Happiest Toddler on the Block - I would marry him if he asked. Seriously... if you don't like some of the "touchy/feely" language, please plow on. Wonderful gems in here.

4. Quiet - The Power of Introverts in a World that Can't Stop Talking - Amazingly scientific study based and fascinating. Delves much more deeply into the science of what the Highly Sensitive Child discusses.

5. Solve Your Child's Sleep Problems (the newest edition) - Jen let me borrow hers. I really need to give it back. (sorry Jen!) If you use it, read as much as you can. You may be missing important bits if you don't. For example, God bless Ferber for backing us up on what we already figured. E's problems with sleep often have an anxiety component and progressive leaving (which we had done) only makes it worse (which we've seen.) He has other ways of dealing with anxiety issues. Love, love, love this.

And Best Books for Taking me Away

1. Anything by Robin McKinley. You should love her too.

2. Harry Potter series - Duh

3.Twilight series - Duh again. I don't care if it's not great literature. It was great story telling.

4. Graceling series - This is a new one for me. I'm really digging it so far. 

5. Outlander series 

6. Ender's Game

7. Lord of the Rings 

Choices

So between being a mom, juggling housework, working full time, taking over extra tasks when Hub has a Big Project and various other obligations, my "me" time is fairly limited. I'm sure it also has to do with my time management skills, but I like how I live so.. Eh.

Anyway, my point is that when I do get that time I do a quick mental run down of what I'd like most (as we do so desperately in the newborn stages.. Just less so) to do with that time. Baths are pretty popular. Sometimes it's a TV show that doesn't feature sing-a-longs. Sometimes I even hang out (ALONE!) with Hub! But lately, I've decided I haven't read enough. I've been aching to get inside some good stories. So that's been my choice. Books. I obviously haven't been choosing blogging. I haven't even been doing much at all on the computer. I'm in a fatigued state with it honestly. I do this.

In the meantime, what am I reading?

I just re-read Breaking Dawn because I finally saw the movie. It's not great cinema but fun enough. Some things they changed were stupid. The books made me happy.

Thanks to Jen I'm reading Ferber's sleep book and like it though I haven't yet gotten to the details for our issues.

I continue to plow through Bible related readings when I'm feeling it, and I just picked up Hub's copy of Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norell. Anyone read it?

I Read 3 New Books!

I have to be honest and say that I still enjoy real books much more than Kindle versions. I also find it far easier and cheaper to either get books from the library or to buy them from Amazon. I gave in to that truth recently and ordered a bunch of books for delivery from our local library system. I just finished reading Two Kisses for Maddie by Matt Logelin, Bossypants by Tina Fey and Stories I Only Tell my Friends by Rob Lowe. I highly enjoyed all of them.

Two Kisses for Maddie is a beautiful, moving book that accomplishes what I think Matt Logelin wanted it to be - a memoir of the love and loss of his wife. It's obvious he's a newer writer, but the emotion and beauty in that writing make it so worth the read. It probably doesn't hurt for me that I had been following his story on his blog for some time before reading it.

Bossypants is hilarious. Tina Fey is so smart, sassy and fun that I found myself nodding my head and bursting out in giggles all throughout the book. People at work thought I was losing my mind. Among my favorite lines is... about people who barely know her who say that her scar is "beautiful.." "You might as well say, let me be amazing at you." She crystallizes what we all think so well. If you've read it or do read it, please let me know if you spit out your lunch like I did when you read the line where she describes how sad the YMCA Christmas is. You'll know the one. Also, if you read Here We Go Again, please tell me if this makes you think of Jen. Maybe it's just because I get to see her very sassy side. But she does write conversationally much like Jen. I think they would be great friends. 

Stories I Only Tell My Friends started out slow and disjointed for me. But by halfway through the book, I had gotten into it and ended up enjoying it a great deal. I was surprised when I saw Rob Lowe on various interviews for the book. I liked him in spite of myself. After reading it, I'm happy to say I think I still do. It's worth it if you have an interest in how Hollywood works without the glamour.

The best thing about all this reading is that it's nudged my writing back to life some. (well that and the fact that E has been a good sleeper lately.)

Overdue Kindle Fire Review

In short: I like it, but not as much as real books. I don't know how much the backlit screen plays into that and if I'd like the e-ink better. I love the internet and movie capabilities, and the sound is great.
Now for the list:

PROS
1. The price! I hear rumors that Amazon is taking a hit in the hopes that content sale will more than make up for it. Whatever. It's cheap for a tablet!
2. Good screen clarity and sound.
3. The category system and little rotating carousel and book shelves.
4. Good for on the go movies.
5. Cloud drive and automatic sync with your amazon account with wi fi.
6. The keyboard/spell check system is easier to use than Apple's in my opinion. (it's Android)
7. Holds its charge very well.

CONS
1. Not overly portable.
2. E books are often more expensive than paper books. And to get them from your library or the Kindle one is a hassle with VERY limited selection. At this point, I think I'd rather still order them the old way from my library.
3. Back lit screen. I just can't quite sink into the book as well as on regular paper.
4. Amazon Prime sounds great with the Kindle, but the one free book (lent) a month is hard with the poor selection, and all those movies you have access too? Not too many, and you still pay $2 or so per movie. No thanks. Unless we're on a trip, I'll go to Red Box or use Netflix.
5. I don't like their email set-up.
6. I can remove certain books from the device, but for many of them, the damn image of the book stays up there! You know how I detest clutter.
That's all I can think for now. Any questions?

Sensitive Sally

If you know me at all, then you know that it's no secret that I can be easily overwhelmed and that I shut down with too much input. It's not that I'm not intelligent enough to take it in. It's that my brain bounces ideas and images around like a ping pong match. It can be hard for me to find peace and focus. And lately, when I have the rare quiet moment just for me, I've felt more like finishing projects that require my whole attention or curling up in a chair in the sunlight and reading a book than getting too involved online. And if you know me, you also know that I run with my gut instincts.

I used to feel guilty about this aspect of myself as I've mentioned before. It felt like a failing. But maturity and learning have helped. I think reading the book, "The Highly Sensitive Child" closed the last big door on my doubts over that aspect of myself. It helped me see that this is just my personality from a psychological perspective and that to help E with that same personality, I should model confidence and peace with it. I think it wasn't a coincidence that I used to yearn for the simpler routine of Laura Ingalls Wilder, or that growing up on a forested mountain top suited me so well.

And don't get me wrong. It's worth it to step outside myself regularly for awesome experiences. But I guess all this is just to say that after having E, I finally learned (out of sheer necessity!) to save myself. I try to avoid my "triggers" for anxiety and only take on what I can. Thus why I am not on twitter, why I don't participate in FB games, and why I can have long absences from blogging. My natural, peaceful existence is a more quiet, self contained one. When I have an explosion of outside involvement, it's because something (often stress) has driven me there.

And there's your long ass version of the, "I haven't been blogging post."
Tell me more about how you process. I'm genuinely curious about how most people work through this hyper input world.

A Little Bit of Books

I've been sampling books on my Kindle Fire lately (post to come on its pros and cons). One of those was Chasing Rainbows by Kathleen Long. Have any of my fertility challenged homies read it? What did you think? I liked the first two chapter samples. WARNING: infant loss and infertility dealt with in those two chapters.
And secondly, am I the only one who has read all about what happens in the Hunger Games series out of fascination but is too afraid of the depressing aspects (children killing children because they have to) to read it for real? I liked the sample but am afraid to take the plunge. Please say I'm not the only dork.

Quickie Book Review

Remember I mentioned that I was going to read, "The Highly Sensitive Child?" I just bought it and find it awesomely helpful in understanding both myself and E. A lot of it we've been doing, but she offers a lot of great insights and suggestions. She speaks of "highly sensitive" as more of a technical temperament term.
I highly recommend this book so far. I even think her book, "The Highly Sensitive Person" would be really helpful for me as such.

Happy Things Post

Remember when I used to write these? If you don't, no worries. It's been years. In any case, I want to start doing them again. They made me feel good. And that is 95% of the reason for this blog eh?

So now... on to my Happy Things post of the moment.

1. Dove Nutritive Therapy conditioner. - I find Dove a little "crunchier" than other mainstream brands and less likely to have some of the vile ingredients in many of them. On top of that, this conditioner when smoothed on my painful eczema areas is one of the only things that has helped in a long time. I don't have much choice many days on whether I wash my hair or not, but sometimes I can just rinse it and use this conditioner and voila! All good to go. It's got real oils in it (coconut being one) and I love.

2. Boy and Bear - Got hooked on their song Mexican Mavis a while back when I got it free from the South by Southwest iTunes sampler. When I looked up more of their work, I found that I love them! After Christmas I hope to buy more of their stuff. (psst... you can still get Mexican Mavis for free on their site!) Great Aussie band.

3. Ginger dressing - God it's delicious. And I just found a local company that makes some just as tasty as that you'd find at a Japanese restaurant. HEAVEN!

4. My new Kindle! I just got a Kindle Fire as a combo present, and I LOVE IT! It is fabulous. I wonder sometimes if the e-ink kindles would be easier on the eyes for reading, but so far it's doing pretty well for me.

5. Where the Mountain Meets the Moon - My first borrowed Library book on the Kindle. It is one of the best books I've read in a long time. I'm absolutely adoring it so far. Beautiful adolescent fantasy. Note that some reviews say that some oft he stories in it are already existing Chinese folktales.

6. Seeing holidays through a toddler's eyes.

7. Playing with Hub and E in the gorgeous, gorgeous Florida fall.

8. My Salvation Army Angel - Boy of 5 whose wish is simply, "Batman." Melt. (melted Hub too)

Accident, Sickness, Book and Thoughts Jumble

• Thank you so much for your wonderful responses to my cousin's post. It was so well written and hit such a chord that I couldn't imagine others not getting to read it.
• We are home today as E's fever spiked to a crazy 104.4 last night with medicine, and that was an ear reading. Doctor today said to stay the course.
• I envisioned writing a post about the accident, but I think it's just taken up so much of my time and energy the past few days that I don't want to devote that much thought to it. So you'll get some bullets instead.
• I'm upset that it had to be the "good" car. If Hub's car had been totaled (no a/c, 170,000 miles, lots of rattles) it wouldn't have been such a bad thing. My car is the first "nice" one I've ever had, it's so dependable and lovely, and I got it on such a good deal that I don't think I could find that again. (There's a chance it will be totaled due to the extensive damage to the wheel system in the back.)
• As much as the accident sucked, I felt so horribly for the old man who caused it. (Is that weird?) He seemed wracked with guilt, and his wife wanted to make up to the baby so badly she ran around picking flowers from the roadside for him. She didn't understand that it was the presence of strangers he was upset about and not the accident itself.
• The state trooper joked with E, handed him my driver's license (E loved that as he loves cards), and even gave him a stuffed Nemo.
• That's twice now I've had a great experience with this area's police force whether it be state or county.
• E called Nemo, "GOLGISH! (goldfish)" before promptly throwing him down and asking for his lovey back. He hasn't touched him since.
• I also just got a red light ticket by mail (camera intersection) because I was being a stupid mommy brain. It is another BAD month for finances. They seem to unfairly outweigh the good months.
  
• I just finished reading, Number the Stars by Lois Lowry (recommended by Jen). It's about the Danish resistance to their Nazi occupation and dedication to their Jewish countrymen during World War II as seen through the eyes of a child. It's one of the most wonderful books I've ever read. I will always read Jen's recommendations without hesitation.
  
• We are working on a new five year plan for our lives about which I will definitely need to write when I have the time to formulate the proper thoughts. Stay tuned.
  

All Over the Place

• It's funny how different everyone is about blogging. Some need to do it daily to keep it going. Some do it when they see an interesting story or have a bone to pick. I only do it when I feel it. I have to need to blog. It has to be something I love doing. I can never make it happen. I guess writers are that way too.
• I have had some things I needed to say lately, but my need in other areas of my life trumped them for the time being. That's why I'm getting some bullets in to get it out of my head quickly!
• E ended up having some nasty allergies that turned into a sinus infection and possible ear infection - all complicated by the arrival of MOLARS! Poor child. Sleep has not been easy in this house the past few weeks.
• Soo... E got the go ahead to go on Zyrtec. Anyone have any advice/warnings? Doc said it should be ok, and I trust him but still...
• I had my first ever Mammogram today. It wasn't painful at all! Only one position was a tiny bit uncomfortable. I mentioned this to the tech, and she said that the plates used to be metal and hurt a lot more than the plastic. I also give props to my post baby ladies. They sure ain't so perky anymore. That makes it easier! Not so much to smoosh.
• They didn't find anything. So FavoriteOB is right. It's inflammation. (He's always right) Yay!
• Before I knew there was nothing, there were a lot of shots and re-shots, and I got a tiny taste of how horrible the waiting must be for possible cancer diagnosis. I did not like it one bit. All the ladies there today were for diagnostic testing, and it broke my heart. It made me glad to see they were treated so very kindly.
  
• The weather has been so incredibly beautiful, and I'm so thankful. We went to the sweetest little playground yesterday and had the most wonderful time.
• I need to write a letter for E. His growth is astounding! I know I'm biased, but he is soooo smart.
• I've been having lots of dreams that we have to leave Florida, and I cry. I guess we know it will be hard huh?
• Speaking of dreams, after reading the latest Sookie Stackhouse book, I had a doozy about trying to escape vampires myself. I was desperately trying to contact my Dad's oldest brother because he was the most powerful vampire I knew. And somewhere on the other end of the ether, my cousin, his daughter, is quite possibly spraying a drink all over her computer screen or choking on a bite of food in mirth.
  
• So much more to say, but time for that later. Sleep is calling.
  

It Sucked and then I Cried Review

I mentioned that I was reading, It Sucked and then I Cried by Heather Armstrong earlier. I have long since finished it and even bookmarked sections of the book I wished to discuss. Alas, most of my days do not permit such lengthy dissection of anything, let alone a book I only managed to finish after 2 library renewals. So I will run through a quick impression on what I thought of it.

The Bad
It was a little disjointed at points, and some of the chapters didn't flow well together. I felt that if I hadn't read as much of the blog as I have, I may have been a little frustrated at times. She also often didn't go into as much detail as I wanted. It was more a collection of anecdotes meshed together I think.

The Good
Much of the book was just as funny as I often find the entries on Dooce.com. Hub would cast me odd glances occasionally when I guffawed at particularly good points.

She gave words gloriously to the aching, anxious, painful, soaringly wonderful intensity of my feelings after giving birth to E and to how hard it was for Hub through her descriptions of John. I want to kiss her for expressing the good and the bad so well and giving people like us a voice. In fact, I did write to her to thank her, and I received a short, sweet reply back the very next day. Brownie points there. At one point I know I wanted to mention that she said when she was away from Leta that she felt like an "armless, legless nubbin," and that traffic lights would turn red purposely to keep her away from her baby. I remember explaining it similarly. I often told people it was like I was missing my right arm because that's how they could understand it in a way that wouldn't completely turn them off. In reality, it was like I was missing a vital organ and might die if it went too long.

It's a very entertaining read that also seems by its nature to call for more understanding, care and gentleness with one another and ourselves. I wish I had had it to read earlier. I do remember how she discussed trying to figure out the best thing to do for your baby. When talking about child care literature she mentions something about how every expert thinks that every other expert is out of their minds. I laughed out loud at that one because oh my GOD is it true. I've come to believe that if there are THAT many opinions on a subject in baby raising, and each is so very adamant that it must mean that there really ISN'T any one good way. You simply have to take advice in, figure out what's best for your family, and go with your gut. Too bad I didn't learn that lesson earlier. Also too bad we aren't going for a second, because I think I'd be more laid back this time. I wouldn't underestimate those hormones though.

So there ya go. It isn't a detailed review, but if you were thinking of reading the book, it's a little more to go on. If you are already a fan of Heather's, it's probably worth it. If you have gone through a lot of post partum anxiety or depression, it's probably worth it. If you hate the style in which her blog is written, I'd say it's a big no.

In other book news, I'm not almost finished with Pegasus by Robin McKinley. You know of my love affair with her right? This book is no exception. Next I'm on to the Pioneer Woman's book (much of which I read on her blog) and After Shock by Robert Reich.

Dooce Love

I just finished reading a few chapters of "It Sucked Then I Cried" by Heather Armstrong. I'm reading about the first month post partum right now, and all I can say is Thank God someone with more skill than I can convey those feelings and moments for others. Right now I want to run to Utah, find her, throw my arms wide and say "Oh my God YES!" and "Thank you a million times over for showing this and making me feel that much less alone or insane." Because even other Moms will do that to you. It's unfortunate how I know that. If you like her humor, read it. More after I finish.

The Time is Now! Life From Scratch Book Tour!

I don't often do book tours. I'm too much of a flake and don't trust myself to follow through well enough. However, every now and then a book captures me enough that I know I'll be dedicated enough to participate. The first one was Unsung Lullabies. This second and only other one is Life From Scratch by our very own Melissa Ford of Stirrup Queens fame.

I think this book caught me up so well for a few reasons.
1. I haven't been able to read much and was so excited to find that rare book that I think about even when I can't be reading it.
2. It appeared light and fun but in reality had such deeper meaning and layers to it.
3. The characters were HUMAN and beautifully fleshed out.
4. I love Mel.

If you want to read more of my gushing, see my original post after reading the book.

Now on to the book tour questions! Check out the link following to read about the rest of the tour and to learn how to get your hands on a copy of Mel's book!

1. Which character did you relate to the most and why? Could you see yourself in any of the characters of the book?

I actually related the most to Rachel. At one point, she describes what it's like to feel that you are an "average girl," and I felt a very strong connection to that description. I've often been shocked that someone I found "cool" would like me, this ho-hum everyday sorta gal. I've also often felt that while I'm not unattractive, I'm just your normal girl next door who would have difficulty ever standing out in the crowd or looking beautiful and glamorous. It's nice to know I'm not alone in those feelings.

The most poignant feeling of kinship I had with Rachel is when she describes sitting on the tub, watching a bug that she wants her husband to come home and take care of. It becomes more about missing him and needing his companionship and care than about needing help. I identify so closely with her thought process there... with how she spirals into feelings of depression and abandonment more and more as she waits and how his reaction to her is such a let-down, that it triggers drastic results. I can remember more than one time of feeling that exact way not explaining myself well enough to Hub. I have been guilty of expecting him to understand me in ways that I don't communicate effectively. I've also been guilty of piling on the hurt over time and then unleashing it in ways that are unexpected for him. I wonder if that's a "girl" thing to do?

Oh and the breaking down emotionally in front of someone stuff and feeling like such a dork after doing it. MAN can I connect with that. ;-)

2.If you have to take up a hobby after a life changing event, what would it be? Have you ever wanted to just try something new?

Hmm. I would want to try photography. More specifically, I'd like to try travel photography. When I change, I go big eh? Travel is an absolute passion, and I'd love to be able to capture that on film. And I've often wanted to try something new. I'm very fond of experiencing life to the fullest of my ability (which means nothing too horrifying like base jumping), and I find myself searching for new challenges and experiences often, or I feel, for lack of a better word, bored. That's how I started knitting, archery, show jumping on horseback, moving around the country and eating Thai food. It's also probably why this little white, naive, small town America girl is married to brown-skinned, slightly jaded, three different country connected, bilingual city boy.

3. Rachel learned more than one lesson in the course of this novel - which one impressed you most and which one could you relate to most?

Honestly, I know it's not the central theme of the novel, but I was most impressed with how she handled Gael and that whole situation toward the end. I liked that she didn't act like a wilting flower. I liked that she realized with adult clarity what had to happen in their relationship. I would like to think I'd be that adult but have a sneaking suspicion it wouldn't happen. However, I could relate most to the lesson on communicating effectively with your spouse before working yourself into such an advanced emotional state over a perceived issue.

To continue to the next leg of this book tour, please visit the main list at Write Mind Open Heart!

Interested in this lovely little book?

Buy it in paperback or Kindle edition!

Life From Scratch

It's always a little hairy when you read, eat, peruse or sample something a friend created. In my case, I never want them to feel any less than completely proud of themselves whether I like the object or not. I also certainly don't want to have to come up with adjectives that point out their creation's merits while not lying about my appreciation of it (or lack thereof.) The fact that it's someone you've only "met" online doesn't make things easier.

But I should have known. I should have known that there would be no worry about a book of Mel's. I always love her writing, not to mention the fact that she's brilliant. (Mel, you can pay me later.) No seriously, I loved this book. What starts out as a deceivingly simple read adds layers and layers until you're left with meditations on life decisions and depth of character. That's another reason I liked it so much. Give me a story with good characters and good character development, and I'll love you for it. The protagonist Rachel is lovely, warm, and flawed, and I found myself rooting for her. She's just so damn easy to relate to. At one point, Mel describes how an "average girl" feels, and just as in her blog posts, I found myself nodding my head as I read. I think most of us secretly (or not so secretly) think of ourselves as that "average girl." Furthermore, even the characters who would be considered the antagonists in this book are simply people. They may be people who are at odds with our heroine, but they are people all the same who move through life with their own set of flaws and merits, goals and motivations. They are not overly vilified; they are painted as who they are, and we are left to feel empathy for Rachel but not hatred for those causing her pain. That is gifted story telling.

Finally, the plot twists in the book are not formulaic. It's not, "Girl meets boy. Girl and boy fall madly in lust. Something happens to drive Girl and boy apart. Something happens to drive them back together again. The live happily ever after." It's more real than that. Yet at the same time, it's still a comfortable read. Speaking as someone who can't handle anything more sad or distressing than a Disney movie many times, that's high praise. I found myself thinking about the book when I wasn't reading it and eager to return to it. In fact, I read well into the night when I should have been sleeping I was so eager to finish. Those are both things I haven't done in months. Granted, I haven't been reading as much as usual, but it's still a blessing to find a book like that. It was so real and comfortable that I found myself hugging my Hub a little closer, thanking him a little more and thinking of us as I read it.

Thank you Mel for writing this. And thank you for saying you'll write a sequel. It's only a matter of time until you're on the NY Times list baby.

And there is my (completely unbiased I swear) report.

P.S. The cover is pretty too. I like pretty books.

Story Bullets

• E has two teeth on the bottom and the top FOUR are working on their appearance.
• Speaking of teeth, I have proof that your toothbrush makes a difference. My Dentist had given me a new type of toothbrush that I used for the requisite three months. That whole time I noticed more mysterious staining and teeth that just didn't feel as clean. Now that I'm back with my good old Oral-B, the stains have disappeared, and my teeth feel slick again.
• I'm really enjoying the book series, "Dealing with Dragons." (Thanks Jen!) It's rare that I like each book more than the last, but that is happening with these.
• I also read, "The Happiest Toddler on the Block" and found it enjoyable and sensible. A funny side note is that my family has been handing down a lot of Dr. Karp's wisdom for years but not in such a tidy package. He always says he uses information from how people have raised their babies in times past as inspiration, and I guess that's true! It's just that so many people these days don't have a family history or lots of help around.
• I miss my family. When I was home, I felt like me. I relaxed into my role as mother and found peace. It was like the final chapter in my healing. It felt like "real life" for some weird reason.
• When Hub and I were at BWI, he looked at me and said, "Let's just stay."
• I truly think if we could sell the house, it would be a very viable option to move closer to family again.
  
• Nice thing is, we will have a LOT of family visiting over the next 3 months.
• We may go a little crazy, and I may be very much less available, but it's still nice.
• At work the other day, I was talking to a customer about her beautiful little girl with Asperger's syndrome. We were discussing fun things for kids to do in the area - especially sensitive children. I mentioned a few things, and she said, "I wanted to, but my husband didn't. You know men." She repeated that a few times. I thought to myself, "Actually, luckily I don't. Hub is wonderful that way. He loves to do the things E would enjoy. He throws himself into being his Daddy and enjoys it whole heartedly when the baby is happy." It was nice to think about.
• An Older Version had a wonderful post recently about the struggle with accepting how people see you differently as a Mother. I agree that many gift you with kindness that they didn't before. However, my struggle through work has been very different. I have been seen as less dedicated, my loyalty questioned and my worth dismissed. In my line of work, many people see having children as foolish and irresponsible and have no interest in babies. Therefore, I have felt gagged sometimes when it comes to talking about him. Even the women who do have children seem to feel the need to "tow the line" and prove that they are "tougher" than the average mother. Quite frankly, it's frustrating and disgusting.
• At the same time, many of them are very quick to judge how much you love your child. Ridiculous.
• It's good to remember that everyone's experiences are different.
• I hope you've enjoyed my story bullets.
• Bring on the Christmas!!!!
  

Robin McKinley I Love You

Remember one of my favorite authors? She has a new book coming out. I need to read it.

ooooooh. Preeeetty.

Dear Amazon.Com

I love you. I love your credit card deal that gets us points and rewards with no strings attached. I love your amazing selection of books and everything else in the world. I love your awesome customer service. I love the ease of ordering with you. I love your fun features. I love your prices. I love your free shipping over $25.

In an age of crappy customer service and uncaring behemoths, you are unique.

Thanks a bunch. You make being a Mom much easier.

Sincerely,
Barb

Outlander

I recently finished the book An Echo in the Bone by Diana Gabaldon. I loved it. There are lots of series in my tops faves. For example: Harry Potter, Chronicles of Narnia, Twilight, Black Stallion, Little House on the Prairie and Ender's Game. The Outlander series is definitely in my top five though. I just can't get enough of the time traveling, swashbuckling, historical love story craziness of it all! Sometimes I think, "Just let them have an easy time of it for once!" But then it wouldn't be so exciting would it? The ending to this last one is killing me. Now I have to wait YEARS to get my last fix! ARGH. Is anyone else in this boat with me?

I Read a Book!

I just finished the book Quentins by Maeve Binchy. So many people seem to love her writing so when I saw it at our work lending library, I picked it up. I have to say that while it was somewhat entertaining, I wouldn't choose to read it again. Am I the only one who didn't love her writing? I also didn't so much love the main character. And there's a lot of infidelity going on in her books. Not lovin' that so much either. Yeah yeah, I'm a fairy tale sorta girl I guess.

Dear Internet

Growth spurts suck. And someone has decided he is a big boy who does not need nipple shields anymore thank you. (unless we're too sleepy)

Also been meaning to tell you to read Spindle's End by Robin Mckinley. One of my favorite books of all time. Jen can attest. I didn't put it in my book list because I wanted to surprise her with it. I wanted to write more about it, but ah the Hell with it.