BarelyJen's Xanga

Where'd 2009 Go? (UPDATED)

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 16:45:31 GMT

In January, I wrote a post about my outlook on the new year. I'd like to share that with you, as well as my present thoughts on the months that have passed ...

Sit back and reflect on the beginnings, instead of overly-anticipating the end.
It will come; just enjoy the road that is taking you there.

Me, now: Being pregnant is the first time that I've been able to separate my anxieties about the future from living in the present. I don't worry too much about the birth, where the extra money will come from or what he'll be like as a toddler. No, I just take it day by day, and make sure that I'm healthy for the both of us. In the end, that's all you can do, because it's all you can control.

Learn to let go. Grieving is fine, but know it's okay to move forward.

Me, now: This piece of advice came in handy more times than I can count. It got me through some of the worst times in my life, and helped me move forward to some of the best memories I could have ever made.

Laugh and play. Do it often, Dr. Jen's orders.

Me, now: I probably haven't listened to myself as much as I should have. I flipped the workaholic switch this year, more times than I should have. BUT, I can recognize when I need to take a step back and just enjoy life, even if I don't do it as much as I should.

Take risks. Scared of heights (and ropes, and lack of floor)? Just do it. You'll never really know what something is like unless you TRY.

Me, now: I took a risk or two this year, and they've all paid off. I'm proud of myself for putting myself out there like that. When you're vulnerable and raw, you can't help but show your true self, and that's what needed to be shown.

Family should always come first. Yes, late nights and time away from them pay the bills, but never forget it's THEM you do it for.

Me, now: I am SO GLAD that I listened to this. Despite my workaholic ways, I ALWAYS made sure that family came first. And with Baby Boy on the way, I have a new appreciation for the priorities that I've set. Family is first. They've always been first. They will remain first forever.

Think about all the people that you don't understand and get to know them.
You may find your best friend under the misjudgments.

Me, now: I put forth the effort, and reconnected with several friends that had fallen by the wayside over the years. They are worth it.

Apologize when you're wrong AND when you know what you've done wrong.

Me, now: I struggle with this. I tend to over-apologize, even when it's not my fault.

If you can't say something nice, don't waste your breath. (Save it for something more productive ... like singing in the shower!)

Me, now: One word: AMEN!

2008 was a great year, but the best is still
to come for us all. Cheers, 2009!

Me, now: 2009 has run the gamut. I've seen both highs and lows, and I've survived them all. I am blessed with a terrific husband, awesome friends and family, and a beautiful baby boy on the way. 2009 had the best in store for us, and it's not even over. Cheers again, 2009!

T-minus ...

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 22:35:37 GMT

After we got the news yesterday, I can honestly say we are both super-excited to have a boy. I mean, what’s not to look forward to? Sports, video games, adorable hair cuts, and the love from a baby boy that we created. This is quite an adventure we’re going on, with baby boy in tow.

*love*

The Votes Are In ...

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:58:52 GMT

and the answer is clear ... read more ...

I'm A Big Kid Now.

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 12:37:42 GMT

In light of one of the most grown-up moments I am having—fully realizing I'm on my way to mommyhood—I wanted to share this with you.

As a little girl, I admired the grown-ups in my life. They always seemed to have the answers to everything. I didn't know how or why, they just DID. read more ...

But Who's Keeping Score? (I am.)

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 15:18:59 GMT

I didn't think it'd be possible, but this contest has me even more excited about my doctor's appointment! LOL, stirrups be damned, I'm finding out the gender in TWO DAYS!

And now, a tally of the votes thus far (and I must say, it's a nail-biter!):

Where Did THAT Come From?! (PLUS CONTEST!)

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 12:30:39 GMT

OMG, she blogs!

Yes, it's been awhile, but I've been busy cooking a baby, y'all! Hah, seriously, I've been taking advantage of the second trimester relief by work, work, working the days away. Sure, I need to take it easy, but I'm staying within healthy lines, I promise.

For example, I've only gained three or four pounds, and I'm now half-way there! I crave salads like it's going out of style. Veggies=yum. I don't exercise outside of walking, and yet I'm all belly. Not that I was a skinny chick before, but at least I'm maintaining, or sending the fat to the belly/boob area.

I got my flu shot a few weeks ago, which brought some underlying crud to the surface. I "enjoyed" a week of sick, with no GOOD medicines to relieve me. Ugh.

Thankfully, my bestest Sara and Xanga bud Lorie came to visit me this weekend, just as I recovered ... we had a blast!

Oh! As you can see to the right, Geoffrey the Giraffe was out at Babies R Us when Sara and I registered this past weekend. I'm not ashamed to admit it: he terrifies me!

Now, let's talk about (the) sex ... read on ...

Happy Birthday ...

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 20:31:46 GMT

TO ME!!!

... and as a side note, happy second trimester, too!

*giggle*

Rideshare Overshare ...

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 13:22:21 GMT

Husband and I rode to work together this morning. It doesn’t happen very often, but it’s a nice treat when we are able.

We discussed all the normal “going to work” topics—the weather (HOT), the traffic (sucky), and our dread for the day to come (normal). Then, Miss Hormones decided to change the subject.

“I have 28 more weeks of freedom,” she claimed. “28 more weekends of sleeping in and doing nothing, if I choose. 28 more weeks of peace and quiet and ...”

Dammit! Who told her she could talk?! STFU, stupid woman! You’ve wanted this your whole life! Sure, you feel miserable sometimes. Okay, you’re achy and whiny and tired. GET OVER IT. You’re growing a life in your tummy. This is the greatest miracle ever, and you have a direct hand in it!

Husband just held my hand, let me have my moment, and got out of the car for work. As he kissed my forehead, I realized: as long as I have Miss Hormones along for the ride, I’m pretty sure he’ll be driving his own car to work.

I've been gone for a very good reason ...

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 00:15:55 GMT

Okay, so I came back two months ago, only to abruptly leave again. Why, you ask? Well, the answer is simple: ...

I tried to quit you, Xanga. Really, I did.

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 18:40:33 GMT

Yes, I'm here, and I'm blogging. Crazy, isn't it? Let's see if I can get into the swing of things ...

What's new with me? A whole lot of nothing. I've been working non-stop over the past few months—oodles of overtime doesn't allow for much of a personal life, ugh.

It's sad to say that one sentence sums up the ins and outs of my prolonged absence. Hah. What else can I come up with?

husband and I saw a few movies. "Star Trek" and "UP" were particular favorites. While I cried (hard) at both of them, they were simply amazing.
my friend Steve moved to Seattle. Yeah, my IKEA buddy is gone. *sniff*
husband wants an iPhone. I knew I could convert him.
I cleaned my apartment. Fascinating, I know. (I did design my teeny tiny closet ...)
Damn you, Speidi. I wasted an entire Sunday on an "I'm A Celebrity ..." marathon and am shamefully hooked.
I missed my Xangaversary. 5 years, friends! Barring the past few months, that was almost daily blogging. Crazy.
we had an anniversary, too. Two years down, forever to go.
Milo is still adorable. Enough said.

And of course, last but not least:

I got a tan!

This is what happens when you step out from a dark computer room, I guess.

All in all, it's been nice to step away, but I'm glad to be back, Xanga. I could never quit you anyway.

<3jen