Blonde Story Short

Oh for crying out loud. No this is not my first post-baby post- where I talk about how much babies cry, out loud. I'll try to refrain from obvious-masked-as-*epipharyngeal-blogging when the time comes. *Yes it's 4:30 in the morning and I just looked up the adjective for "epiphany."  Nausea has interrupted my slumber and here we are.  Downstairs and writing in front of the new Heat Dish, a fantastic alternative to having the fireplace going. Did you know I live in Idaho and the current temperature is 4 degrees?  Of course you did. Why on Earth (you ask) does this woman have nausea when she's been pregnant for like a year.  Or maybe you don't ask...but if you are or are observing one of the gazillion other expectant ladies right now, you could be confused. I too thought I was past the vomiting and feeling like I should be vomiting phase months ago. Falso (that's Spanish for False ). It turns out my clockwork pregnancy got a bit off somewhere along...

Well guess who made a friend today? You guessed it...I'm guessing. I'm not all that concerned that this is going to be problematic since I might live in the friendliest town in America.  I do put a big emphasis, probably too big, on making friends as quickly as possible- in my head. I try not to make this too obvious in social settings when these opportunities actually come up, since that could get awkward. Seriously though, friendships are very important to me. Leaving San Diego after college didn't even enter my mind since my buddies there had become like family. They made staying for another 8 years the easiest thing in the world! Naturally those initial relationships are going to be a bit different now, here in the City of Trees.  I'm not 17 and here to go to college, I'm 30 and just arrived with my husband and almost-baby... to go for the American Dream (dramatic enough?) I have spent the majority of the last month (our total time here) staying ho...

We have made the move and are now Idahoans. Although I haven't spent too much time out and about (you can generally find me home unpacking, cleaning, cooking and engaged in other "nesting" activities) I have noted, sometimes dually, that there are things here that can only be explained with: HASHTAG IDAHO. On the evening of Sunday October 5th (just over 2 weeks ago) we got into town and made a quick stop to fuel up the car, the final stop on the 1,000 mile trip before getting to our new home.  Since Meridian   totally has a Costco (so mod) it only made sense to stop at our favorite warehouse's station. Expectant to find the usual line 5-8 cars deep, we rolled right up to get our cost-efficient gas.  The only way I could express how pleased I was..."How cute!" Idaho happens to be a RED state. No commentary. One mere example of how this is different than anything I've ever seen (#Idaho)... There is one Planned Parenthood in town (I can t...

Sometimes life happens all at once.  In fact most of the time it happens this way.  My husband and I think it's best (apparently) to not just have a baby- have I mentioned I'll be doing that soon?- but to also alter our life completely by MOVING it all to... IDAHO. Yup, I'm moving to Idaho. We bought a house, today starts my last full week of work,  and just about everything in life is changing. Let me tell you, moving away from the state you've spent all your life in...is  no small potatoes. Aside from only having lived in two cities thus far *Azusa and San Diego, moving out of California is pretty significant.  I'm not going to hate on this beautiful state, but I will say it is clear that the next chapter for us and our family is meant to be outside of this place. *Okay I usually claim to be from Covina, (Glendora if I'm feeling fancy & San Dimas if "Raging Waters" is someone's only point of reference) but the reality is living on Cit...

During my work day I find myself getting up to go to the restroom, stopping to do something productive on the way back to my office (check my mail box, tell a colleague something, things of that nature) then deciding since I'm up I might as well just go to the bathroom again.  Lord knows it'll only be a matter of minutes anyway. I could literally spend all day just being pregnant. There was probably (okay definitely ) a time when I would have responded to someone saying something like this with some cynicism like... I dunno..."Oh BOOHOO."  If that's your response right now...just wait. You'll find the Third Tri is a real kick in the pants. I tend to put a decent amount of pressure on myself to be good at life; send Thank you cards in a timely manner, take vitamins, stuff like that. What I want more than anything right now is to be good at being pregnant.  My Doctor (and husband too) would probably say I'm doing aight, but I could REALLY *show 'em ...

While the element of surprise can be exciting…I’m a big fan of knowing what to expect when it comes to pregnancy (and life in general, let’s be honest). So far my body (saying “my womb” makes me feel like a total creep) has proven to be running like clockwork.  The clocks I go by:  My OBGYN/NP and my apps.  I have two apps (not like Buffalo wings, apps on my phone.  Mmmm buffalo wings…) One is meant to be read daily and the other on the weekly.  *It’s amazing to me that the minute you become pregnant your brain’s frame of reference regarding time transforms and instead of thinking “4 and 1/2 months” you say “18 weeks.”  Based on observation, the minute the kid comes out, you're supposed to go back to talking in “months” and say things like “20 months” instead of ”A year and 8 months” or something normal like “almost 2.” So much to take in. They (my medical staff and applications) said nausea would be wrapping up around fourteen weeks.  This mean...

Of course "posting" big news for the world to see is exciting.  Even if you're not completely obsessed with Facebook, all the "likes" and "comments" can be a fantastic distraction from work for as long as 48 hours. But... there is just nothing like telling Grandma you're pregnant. I've written about my Grandma here and there, mostly early on in my blog. She played a huge role in my childhood and while I want to be intentional about taking nothing away from my incredible parents, I have to say that I spent the majority of my time growing up with my Grandma. When all after-school days and most summers are spent at Grandma and Grandpa's house, the hours quickly add up. I find that there are ways I behave in my adult life that just have to be a product of being so close and so influenced by my Grandmother. One example: my devout belief in the idea that "neatness counts." Since I'm just about 30 now, that unfortunately m...

They say all pregnancies are different.  I don't know who "they" are.  But if "they" are Doctors, I believe it. If not, I'll be asking my OBGYN at my next visit.  I listen to everything my OBGYN says.  What other source would I trust?  Some sort of online forum?  I don't think so. As far as this pregnancy is concerned, "morning sickness,"  translates to day-long-nausea, and reared its ugly head on Easter Sunday (5.5 weeks along).  From that sacred day on, I have felt sick every day at various times throughout the day.  Ironically enough, evenings are the worst. When my breathing starts to slow and a look of utter seriousness appears, it's pretty clear we're "workin' through some things."  My household knows what this means.  If uncertain sometimes the husband will ask, "You okay honey?  Just working through some things?"  Yep. I pride myself on having limited the use of official "Sick days" to a mer...

3 months:  The amount of time it takes to grow out a bad bang trim.  The amount of time it takes some of us to finish a book.  AND the amount of time one should wait to announce she is PREGNANT. I am pregnant. I didn't anticipate my big announcement being one that took place via social media/the blogosphere...but let's get real- I either spend the time calling everyone I know or the postage sending them all some sort of clever photo (with vintage font overlay). Unfortunately I'm just very tired, and not that clever. I AM absolutely thrilled.  As is the man responsible, my husband.  There are so many things that we are finding incredible, shocking and even hilarious about this process (for lack of a better word).  Now I can finally start posting! Coming soon:  "HE is not all that's risen- morning sickness begins on Easter Sunday"

Well there is no doubt it is wedding season.  It's of course typical for weddings to take place in the Spring and Summer, and when you're between 25 and 35, it's even more typical.  I actually had the weddings-every-month-streak in my early 20's (if I were one of those people that "hashtag" I might include a little #ChristianPeopleProblems). This Spring has a different focus for me these days. I seemed to have skipped some steps somewhere and here I am in....PROM season. I've referenced my love for prom dress shopping before, so in no way am I looking for sympathy.  However, don't underestimate how terrible it is to think about your kid going to a Post-Prom party. But hey ya gotta let 'em live...and trust that they won't drink any Zima or Mike's Hard Lemonade . What is actually the most terrible thing about Prom season....this: Teen’s Tan For $10  Yep.  If you're under 17, we'd like to get you HOOKED on tanning!  W...

Never (ever) would I post something about parenting that was titled "How to..." or "The best way..."  I know better than to make such claims, and I know that I really don't know anything at all. Instead, today I'll share what seems to me, to be working (not even Haters can hate on that). Relatively recently I became a "Mommo" to two teenagers. I really should say I grew into being their Mommo, since it surely didn't happen over night (it was more like a week. JK) Odd to "become" a parent to teens, especially as a spry sub-30 year old. It's a long story and one that not even this blonde could make short. What I will say is that my two girls were made to end up mine and over time God has taught me how to properly be theirs. Always a work in progress... With the killer insights of my patient and thoughtful husband, and just a dash of female instinct, some house rules have been established, that seem to be working for us in ...

My husband and I try not to be an annoying couple that brags about not watching TV, but for the most part, we don't watch TV...Excluding (obviously) that sweet, sweet Bachelory time of year when NOT watching means missing out on fantastic break room conversation and numerous opportunities to make fun of foolish women. After weekends upon weekends of back to back plans, dressing up, packing bags, "crafting" and everything else that busy weekends entail... I got my TV on (you can take that as 1. I am trying to sound "ghetto" and "cool" or 2. I literally turned my TV on to watch it. Much like my taste in music, I prefer the 90's hits much more than what is on the tube these days. I do give present shows a shot.  Just last week I tried to get into some Law & Order SVU (being that it's all the rage).  Man, could that show get any Rape-ier?  Ugh. I lasted about 2 minutes. So, with a comfortable fort built in the living room, I embarked on a...

If ONLY I was snoring! Though I have completely faked energy and enthusiasm thus far this week...I am exhausted! My recent crafting at home and project-taking-on at work would lead you to believe otherwise.  So tricky. Monday started out alright. For some strange reason I woke up with Gloria Estefan and M iami S ound M achine's "Rhythm is gonna get you" in my head.  I know...what on earth? Gloria is the first artist I ever danced (on stage) to...that's another story, and one that still doesn't explain how her collaborated 1987 hit found its way into my subconscious. Things improved on the way to work- in my own car. I did love the extra A.M. time with the Hub, but I have to say having my ride back is just a real treat. Channel surfing (radio frequencies) is one of my favorite things about driving alone.  I also like talking to myself. A rhythm that really "got me" hit the airwaves just in time for my 8 East merge... Is there anything b...

One of my mottos in life ("mantras" if your verbiage is cooler than mine) is Make it Work .  I attribute this one to my mother, who is the ultimate make-it-worker. As a single mom she did just this! I spent a lot of time, especially in high school, doing a LOT of stuff.  Most if not all of my activities made my mom's time, money and "rides" a must. Side note: Now that I have teens, it is very apparent to me that they never   say "Can you drive me..." they always  say "Can I get a ride ..."  "Heidi needs a ride ..." "Can we give Nick a ride ...." (profound observation from yours truly.  Another quasi obvious one: they say "I was all like" every time they quote themselves) More on teenagers later...and I used to think I wanted to write a book on being a bridesmaid. This material grows by the day! Making it work means being flexible and staying positive. If you went to PLNU or perhaps another institution that fo...

Awwwwwwwwwkward  It is a challenge to really structure this "recap" post, so instead I turn to bullet points- let's call them Besitos. If I had to use one word over and over again, and I did from 8-11pm last night, it would be Awkward ! Awkward scenes with Claire, Awkward Venezuelan family scenes, Awkward that Nikki isn't loved...just so awkward. Did anyone else feel I don't know, NOT surprised at all , when Claire shared that she had never "told off" a man before? Yea...we could tell.  We like you for the most part...but that move needs some work.  The worst thing you can ever do while telling someone off is stumble over your (awkward) words.  Truly the only part I could get behind was her Stand-Back-Buddy! pose when he immediately went in for a hug after dumping her (in lieu of proposing).  Where it all began...the big TELLING Off, that is Hey Nikki, stop pretending you DON'T care if this man says he loves you or not.  It'...

Alright this just got real. It's March. As of last week I skied for the last time this season and Winter is officially over. So is not being in shape because it's cold outside.  Between you and me it's really only been cold like twice. I will readily admit that the only way I work out regularly (which I should do  every month, not just March through November) is if I can get it done in the morning before  work.  After work I have this total distraction called a family that I want to spend every possible moment with...plus it's dark and scary  outside! Even though 2014 is the year I become a "Morning Person," I still struggle to get out of bed an hour early to exercise. We're only a quarter way through the year right? This morning I got to work at 7:15 to get in a pre-work-work-out. Much like I've confessed that I'm not a style blogger, before taking this any further I'd like to also say that I don't think I'm a fitness blogger.  T...

As I've mentioned recently, I've been doing a little "labeling" around Blonde Story Short.  The funnest part about it (funnest not being a real word) is being reminded of what life was like up to six years ago and seeing the patterns throughout my stories.  One label that I couldn't help but create was titled "WHY?" The WHY? posts typically centered around something ridiculous...spilling coffee directly onto the boobs on my way to tutor junior high boys, falling in the middle of a "dance circle" (while doing the "shopping cart"), things of that nature...feel free to check out the 12ish posts labeled WHY?  I have no idea how you do that, but I'm sure Blog spot has a tool for it. Today, as I prepped my 10am morning snack, I like structure okay?, I asked myself this very broad question.  I cut up a half banana and already sliced apples (into now cubed apples) and wondered WHY eating these two half fruits together on a plate with ...

I'm really torn about where to go on this one. HAPPY, CRAFTY Valentine's post?  I DIDN'T MAKE HEART SHAPED pancakes  either   Valentine's  post? Let's just see where we end up. There is so much one could do to celebrate Valentine's Day, every other holiday, milestones, friendships, pretty much anything... One word sufficiently explains exactly what I'm talking about- Pinterest .   I dare you to go on Pinterest, especially around a holiday, and not end up feeling like a total shmuck when you eventually "X" out of the page. I'm sort of kidding, but not really.  I usually start off totally pumped and pretending that I have time to go to "Michael's" for project materials. Is that where people go for project materials?  I honestly have NO idea.  Please don't misunderstand my opinion of Pinterest.  I literally go on every other day and love it. I use it mostly for inspiration since I likely won't do ex...

I'm pretty good at labeling things. I particularly enjoy the kind of labels that explain where things go, like on a stack of plastic drawers maybe... I tend to feel like everything should be labeled or loosely fit into a category. Socks and sports bras in the same drawer?! Whaaat?! They both are worn under  things. And I just created a category. In all seriousness how do my husband and kids put up with this? It's a true miracle. One of the many things I love about blogging is that I don't have to fit all that I want to share into just one category.  I can pretend one day that Blonde Story Short is a (fill in your favorite type of blog) blog and the next week it's a (fill in your second favorite type of blog) blog.  I can write whatever I want!  Thank you Blog Spot.  What a contribution you have made to my life, and hopefully others'. Since the beginning of the new year, I've been setting aside time to write, because I really LOVE writing. Since I foun...