2 things...1 cool, 1 not-so-cool

The cool one:

I stole this from another blog. This is a word cloud. It's free and analyzes your blog. Then, it makes a visual of the most common words you use in your blog. The size of the word means that word has been used more often. Should I be concerned that objectionable and love are the same size?

Here's the website to make your own. It's easy.

http://snapshirts.com/custom.php

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The not-so-cool one:

Fall fashion. Several of my blog friends have written about this already, but it's really getting to me now. I was at Northpark Mall last week, and every store window I looked into appeared to have taken a step back into time...to the 80s! I can't believe that I'm finally old enough to actually remember wearing trends that are re-appearing.

I just can't believe people are serious about this. Leggings...again? The bubble skirt? Skinny jeans? Wide belts? I beg the fashionistas out there picking trends, just don't bring back tight-rolled pants!

What were your favorite trends of the 80s...you know, the one outfit that you just knew you looked so cool in? :) Mine was anytime I could layer my colored socks with my colored Keds. I thought I was pretty hot stuff!

You Say It's Your Birthday!

31 years ago today, Robert Wade Strzinek (a.k.a. Strz, Wader, Spaz, Wadely, George, etc.) was brought into this world. Many of you would probably agree that the world was never the same...for the better, of course!

As a birthday tribute, here are 31 reasons to celebrate Wade (in no particular order):

1. He gives 110% to whatever he commits to.

2. His music taste is pretty eclectic and ranges from the Beatles to U2 to Wayne Newton (yep, Wayne Newton).

3. He is one of the most honest people I know. In fact, I've never caught him in a lie.

4. He is a great VBS emcee...the kids love him.

5. He can laugh at himself.

6. He is romantic.

7. He is well read. I really have no idea how he makes it through so many books so fast.

8. He knows no stranger and can make friends immediately.

9. He is a history buff and really knows what he's talking about.

10. He can communicate to all ages...from the 5-year-olds in a Sunday School class to grandparents.

11. He appreciates and desires family time.

12. He is a wonderful, fun uncle.

13. He knows how to play the drums.

14. He takes his job seriously and does a great job at it.

15. He doesn't act like he's 31.

16. He speaks French.

17. He teaches me that it’s OK to take risks.

18. He always dresses nice and is put together.

19. He rode his bike 150 miles in 2 days for charity.

20. He’s funny.

21. He does dishes.

22. He will be so embarrassed by this, but, he is a good kisser!

23. He’s a creative and entertaining blogger.

24. He can laugh with me for hours after watching an episode of “The Office.”

25. I have full confidence that he’ll be a great dad.

26. He loves my family and fits in perfectly with our quirkiness.

27. He’s a great dog dad. Macy looks around the house for him when he’s gone.

28. He’s been very supportive and understanding throughout the entire pregnancy.

29. He does great yard work.

30. He is trustworthy.

31. His faith is genuine, real, and his own.

Sounds like a pretty good guy to me. Happy Birthday Wade…love you!

Here's a Weird One

Lately peanut butter and jelly sandwiches have sounded and tasted so good to me. But not your normal PB&J. I've been eating them with plain Baked Lays inside the sandwich. Yummy....crunchy, salty, sweet, and soft all in one!!! Is this weird or what?

Waterworks

The waterworks have been flowing lately.

Last week Wade and I ate a nice dinner at home. All of a sudden, instant tears, as I thought to myself that very soon things will never be the same. I'm still over the moon that we're going to have a baby, but I was also really sad that the past 7 years we've had just the 2 of us are over and will be different.

So then I'm at my sister's house and the tears start coming down when I hear a song in a TV commercial from the movie "She's Having a Baby."

The worst (and most embarassing) was Friday on my way home from traveling for work for 5 straight days. I was tired, hot, and wanted to be home. Troubles at the rental car company made me 2 minutes too late to be able to get on my flight home. Instant tears...serious tears...that I couldn't stop. I'm sure the airline attendant was confused, since the next flight was just an hour later. But it was too late, the tears were flowing.

It's all a little embarasing, and I don't seem to be able to stop the tears once they start. I hate to pull the pregnancy card, but these hormones are taking over.

Let's hope this isn't a permanent side effect!

Airport Observations

Some airport observations from my morning @ DFW Airport today:

Security wasn't actually that bad. I went almost 45 minutes before I normally would've arrived. But, I flew through security and had no problems. I had to check my bag and put my purse in the bag. So, the hardest part was not having some lipstick handy. Considering, that's not too bad.

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With all of the world events, London terrorist plot and Israel ceasefire, it gave me a new perspective of the men and women in military attire. I travel a lot for work and pass by them often at the airport. Today I couldn't help but say thanks to the two that I saw. I was nervous about what I should or shouldn't say. Finally, I realized all I needed to say was literally "thank you." It's amazing how quickly their faces lit up with a genuine "thank you" right back to me. No matter my feelings on the war, those soldiers are doing something I never could. I'm thankful for their dedication.

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Last I heard the arrests were up to 40 or so connected to the London terrorist plot. Today was the first time I've flown since last week. Sitting on the plane, I was absolutely perplexed that there are 40+ people in this world with that much hate and rage to want to destroy so many innocent people.

Sweet Saturday

Ahhhhh...today is one of those perfect Saturdays. Nothing scheduled. No place to be at a certain time until later tonight. No timetable.

I have plenty of things I need to do and check off my to-do list (which has become way too long), but I get to decide what and when. Hopefully this doesn't sound too self-absorbed. But during the week at work, I'm pretty much scheduled with conference calls, meetings, and deadlines from the second I walk in the door to the second I leave. So a day like today feels a little liberating! :)

Something tells me 4 months from now my Saturdays will be quite different. For today, I'll enjoy my Sweet Saturday.

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End-of-day update -

Mission accomplished: caught-up on Project Runway, watched a movie, paid bills, balanced the checkbook, read a magazine, had a quick nap, cleaned out the junk room, and had a nice dinner with Wade. It was a Sweet Saturday.

A Scare

2:00 a.m. I can't sleep. I guess it makes sense after the last few days we've had.

Before I go through the scenario, I'll give the ending away first. Our baby is doing great and is growing. We just had to go through 3 days of not knowing for sure.

Late last week, I received a surprise call from my doctor's office that they'd like me to come back in for another sonogram. The main sonogram technician reviewed my 20-week pictures and said she couldn't see the baby's 4th chamber of the heart.

Originally I assumed the call from the office was an issue with insurance paperwork. Not quite. The nurse tried to be very reassuring that it was probably just the way the baby was positioned.

But, the next 3 days were tough. In the back of my head, I knew the odds were working for this little guy, not against. I had just been in for a check-up, and heard the heartbeat. It sounded and measured good.

Surely, it was just like she said and it was because the baby was in a bad position. Although logic makes for the best argument there, it's hard to feel that everywhere else. I later told the nurse (in between muffled sobs of crying) that I've had a miscarriage, and I work for the American Heart Association (I hear these stories all of the time). Hopefully she could understand why this news/question is hard to hear.

So, 9:00 a.m. Monday morning comes around, and we headed back to the doctor's office. The news was good. Everything seems to be in place as it should be. Obvious relief and thankfulness.

So, I should be sleeping fine now? I guess the emotions of the day are still settling and keeping me awake. This experience made me realize how vested we are in this baby. This baby that we haven't seen, haven't heard, haven't held, haven't even named yet. But somehow, God is forming this little guy each day, and I seem to grow more attached and in love.

I am so thankful that the report was good and continue to pray that he will develop into the son that we hope for.

Back to 30

To go back to what got me started on blogging, I thought I'd share something interesting a friend sent me on turning 30. I've bolded the ones I've got taken care of and put my own commentaries in parentheses...looks like I'm a little behind.

30 Things Everyone Should Know How to Do Before Turning 30 by (Adcock, Siobhan) "provides idiot-proof instructions for mastering these and other essential, face-saving, and possibly life-saving skills.

You'll learn how to...
1. wrap a present (my favorite!)
2. start a successful fire in a fireplace, at a campsite, and in a barbecue (maybe I can start one on accident)
3. finish a piece of furniture
4. get a raise
5. order wine at a restaurant without getting stiffed
6. parallel park in three breathtakingly beautiful movements (maybe about 10)
7. dance a "slow dance" without looking like an idiot (it's all in the sway)
8. use a full place setting properly, including chopsticks and Asian soup spoons
9. clean your place in under 45 minutes, when friends or relatives,are coming by unexpectedly
10. hold your liquor
11. cure a hangover
12. do the Heimlich Maneuver
13. use a compass
14. change a flat (yeah right!)
15. jump start a car (double yeah right!)
16. open a champagne bottle
17. send a drink to someone's table
18. cook one "signature meal" (that one is easy for me, since I only have a few)
19. whistle with your fingers (huh???)
20. take good pictures
21. fold a fitted sheet
22. remove common stains
23. sew a button (sad, but true that I don't know how)
24. carve turkey, lasagna, and birthday cake
25. hold a baby
26. change a diaper
27. keep a plant alive for more than a year
28. make dogs and cats love you
29. help someone out of a car
30. write superior thank you notes