Jan 25, 2010

Make Me BEAUTIFUL Today – Baltimore MD – January 2010


Back in Memphis I attended a Bible study with other medical and dental wives. I think I’ve mentioned it before, but if not, it's called Side By Side. Several years ago we were studying Max Lucado’s Come Thirsty, and discussing how we sometimes find ourselves putting more faith and trust in things other than the Lord. I can distinctly remember that this was the week that I’d gone to my oh so awesome “stylist” David and had my eyebrows waxed for the very first time.

Note To Reader: That is a word I NEVER thought I’d use in normal conversation, “Stylist” not “David”.

Anyway, if you’ve ever had this done, you know that it takes a pretty high level of trust to know deep down in your heart that he will not slip and leave you looking suprised even when you aren't, lopsided with one brow going up and the other down, or wax your entire eye brow off all together. The hard part is that you pretty much have to sit there and pray while he does his thing. Then, at the end you get to take a look at his work. In my case, I was awed, and of course pleased, by his ability to make one eyebrow match the other. In the two and a half years since, he’s never let me down.

I can remember while reading that weeks chapter I was able to draw a connection. Each and every day women and men sit down in that comfortable swiveling chair, have that soft cape draped around them, and say to their stylists “David, do with me what you will” or “David, make me BEAUTIFUL today” and then an hour later he spins you around to look in the mirror and you sit for a moment marveling at his work.

In making this comparison, I had to ask myself, how often do I sit down before the Lord and say “Lord, do with me what you will” or “Lord, make me beautiful today”. Why is it sometimes so hard to sit back and let Him do his work? To know that he will take care of our every need and even more so than David the stylist, He will NEVER let us down.

All of this to say that as we, in a new city, work to find those creature comforts like a new stylist, a group of friends, a healthy work life balance, a grocery, or a church that feels just right, I can’t forget to trust in the Lord’s path for us. I must keep going to him to say “Lord, do with me what you will” and “Lord, make me beautiful today”.

Till next time,
Bon Voyage!

Jan 24, 2010

No Sushi - Baltimore, MD - January 2010

Note To Reader: Did you know that Pregnant women aren't allowed to eat sushi!?
Those of you that know me personally know that I am a total sushi nut. I could probably eat it 5 out of 7 days a week. In fact, I think I've probably eaten it at least 4 out of 7 days a week once or twice. Obsession would probably be taking it to the extreme, but let's just say I have a healthy love for raw fish.

Side step to my current position as host and lifeline to a tiny human being that I already have an unconditional love for and incomprehensible desire to protect. Put 2 and 2 together, and you can see where the dilemma lies.

So for the last 5 months, and next 4 or so months, I've sworn off sushi... Well the real kind that is... I've lived vicariously through the Hub as he's eaten tuna, salmon, mackerel, white tuna, spicy tuna, and all my favorites. No reason for him to suffer, right? I've sat and eaten my California, avocado, and salad rolls and even tried a smoked Salmon roll to try to get the fix, but nope there's nothing like the real thing. The Hub felt so bad for me this weekend that he gave me one of his spicy tuna roll pieces which contained the tiny tiniest piece of tuna in it, and the moment it hit my tongue I collapsed into the taste of it. Mmmmmmm....

So today, for all the world to hear, I am making my public request. I want my FIRST post pregnancy meal to be a GIANT plate of SUSHI!!! Tuna so sharp in taste that it makes your eyes open up, and salmon so buttery and rich that you saver every bite.

So to all my non-pregnant readers, if you are a sushi eater, and you are so inclined eat a piece for me. For these next few months, I am eating for the greater good.

Till next time,
Bon Voyage!

Jan 21, 2010

A Day off to Play - Baltimore, MD - January 2010

I can honestly say I was positively giddy in anticipation of my mid week Thursday off. When one of my co-workers asked me why I was so happy I gladly told them. "I have tomorrow off". Her response was " Oh really, you must have big plans." I smiled back at her and said without hesitation, "I plan to do NOTHING!" I must confess though that I will be praying throughout the day, at regular intervals, that my store will run without me. That they will not call me, and that they will accomplish everything I left them on the "To Do list".

And here I am, doing just that! I am literally sitting with my laptop perched on my knees in the HUB's robe doing the things I love to do just to pass the time; reading my favorite blogs, window shopping the Internet for baby gear, relaxing with one kitty cat on each side of me sleeping and Baby Sticks dancing around to what ever internal music I've got playing.

I think in a few I will make myself a root beer float (YES... it's before 9:00!) and some popcorn and watch Confessions of a Shopaholic.

Later I'll cook dinner. Not sure what that will be yet, but it may involve potatoes as that is what I am currently craving. I'll read a couple chapters of what ever book strikes me I'm currently most interested in Love the One Your With by Emily Giffin. And just for kicks I think I'll take a nap.because I can. And who knows, I may blog again... 2 in one day... Get CRAZY!!! I also want to spend time chattering with far away friends and catching up.

I am truly dreaming of a day in the not so distant future that I will be able to fill my days with my quickly growing family. I catch myself envisioning this tiny girl or boy and what they will sound like smell like and be like. Monday we go for our 20 week ultra sound (HALFWAY!!!) I am waiting with bated breath to see his or her face, to know they are okay, and to be reassured that I am doing a good job so far as their mother. I'll post pictures Monday night for all to see.

Till next time,
Bon Voyage!

Jan 18, 2010

Where'd That Come From? - Baltimore, MD - 2010

So, I've been hesitant to post any of the traditional "belly shots" because, well frankly until this weekend I really haven't thought there was enough there to even take pictures of. But I, for purposes of documentation, have taken photos every three to 4 weeks. So for all that have been asking, here goes...
6 weeks: The day after we found out
9 Weeks: Positive the camera would reveal way more of a belly than it actually did
13 Weeks: This picture looks the same as the last one!
16 Weeks: Maybe the shirt is hiding my actual progress... Nope!
17 Weeks: The sample dress for my brother's wedding actually gives me way more belly than is really there. =) But all the sales girls told me I was adorable! =)

19 Weeks: Where'd that come from!!! The HUB and I both agree this really happened over night but finally a little belly! =)
19 1/2 weeks: This was taken yesterday at my second fitting.

Till next time,
Bon Voyage!

Jan 8, 2010

White Christmas... White New Years... White Birthday!!! - Baltimore, MD - January 2010

***Correction***
I am actually 30, NOT 60!
That's what I get for posting before I'm fully awake =)
***
Happy 60th Birthday to me!!!

Till next time,
Bon Voyage!