- How do chin hairs grow overnight?
- Why do men take all of their clothes off at once and leave them attached?
- Why do you think of something you were supposed to look up immediately after you click "sign off"? Then forget next time you sign on?
- What are cats thinking about?
- How do kids manage to memorize every move on a computer game and forget something you told them to do five minutes later?
- Why do the people who complain the most, do the least?

Did you know that gummy bears do not taste good after you have brushed your teeth? And that the white ones look like the yellow ones? And the pink ones are hard to tell from the orange ones? And if are expecting pink or white and you bite into yellow or orange, you have to go brush your teeth to get the taste of the one you didn't want out of your mouth? Thus starts the process all over again...

Did anyone see James Frey on Oprah? Anyone else feel just a bit sorry for the guy? I did not read the book but does it really matter if he changed some facts? I am not an addict but if he helped a lot of people through his story, does it matter if some parts were changed? I am not a writer but does anyone else think that it is the responsibility of the publishing company to decide what category to put a book into... just like a movie is rated after it is made?
Am I missing something? Please let me know if I am.

I got a call last week from another Doula asking if I could help a pregnant teen who has no one else to be with her at the birth. She is due this week. I got in touch with the person who runs a wonderful program called T.A.M.I. (Teenage Mothers' Initiative) and got some info. Of course, I said yes.
On Tuesday, I went to the weekly meeting and saw teenagers with toddlers or babies, pregnant or both. It was tough to see. Especially since I have a son that is 15. The "girls" were there to hang out, eat and for the most part support eachother. They earned points for going to school, opening savings accounts, working and depending on the number of points, they earned gift certificates. Some of the girls were very sweet and some I wanted to smack upside the head. Today, I met the teen at her doctor's appointment and now we wait. This is going to be a tough one... she is scarred, unsure and knows nothing about the process. All I can do right now is reassure her that I will be there holding her hand.
My head is already spinning about what I can do for this group. Donate services, come to meetings to answer questions, free education... I have to be careful because I tend to get wrapped up in volunteering. I am taking a step back, letting it all sink in and waiting for this birth before I get more involved.

Ben looked like a baby in a cradle... he was taking a break from the snowball fight against the neighbors leaving his brother to fight off the attackers.

She was really just tired... but we will pretend that I have a very advanced neice.

I seem to have a lack of words when I get to the computer and start typing. However, my brain is working overtime. It seems to talk consistently... left side to right, right argues back, left throws a punch, right ducks... head rush. Maybe someone can invent a USB plug to get all that chatting from my head to the computer. As scary as that would be, at least I would have something to post.
I realized that this is the first winter in 3 years I have not been on Zoloft. This is a hard time... feeling stuck inside, kids in, can't open the windows, lack of sun, darkness at 5pm. Holidays... oh so glad they are over. My stomach has been in knots and even with Ahhhh Ambien, I am not sleeping very well. I am not sure if I am getting in a rut again or just a bout of crabbiness. We shall see...
On a more upbeat note... I have gotten on the treadmill twice this week. I am disappointed with the fact that I have to start over again, but glad I got downstairs to do it. I have to figure out what to do about the healthclub. I was an avid go-er for a long time and now I have no desire. Month after month, I see the charge appear and realize I went twice... once... oops, not al all. Maybe I need to look into a different one with different people and different options. Part of the problem is that this is the only one that offers classes, and I do like them... when I go.
I also have to start taking pictures again... my camera is getting dusty. My niece has been over twice and I have not taken a single photo... bad aunt, bad aunt!

I just wanted to share a letter I just received from an OB/GYN. I wrote her asking for a letter of recommendation to complete requirements for my CBE certification; a process that has taken me almost 2 years. (I am approaching the deadline) I have been putting it off wondering if this is something I really want to do... after receiving this, it put me back on track. I really did not expect a response, but I got this along with a hand written note letting me know to call if there is anything else I need.


To Whom It May Concern,
I have worked professionally with Lonna xxxxx for over 10 years. During that time Lonna has always exemplified unwavering concern for her patients, the utmost compassion and true respect for myself and other physicians in my group. My patients who have employed Lonna and utilized her services have always raved about the care and education they received. They have universally felt their birthing experience was enhanced because of Lonna's teaching. I know many of them have used her serviced repeatedly.
I would highly recommend Lonna xxxxx for Childbirth Education training. I know that myself and my partners look forward to using her new skills.
Sincerely,
Susan XXXXX M.D.

Taken from Christine's sidebar...

Contemplating... getting on the treadmill (nah, did it yesterday), reading a book (maybe), going to Target (that'll be the winner)

Irritated by... the fact that my son has finals this week and I haven't seen him pick up a book.

Humored by... www.wrybaby.com

Lessoned learned... Some past friendships are better left in the past.

Buy stock in... TV shows with former celebrities dancing, ice skating, singing, loosing weight, taping their lives, living together

I cracked up when I saw this shirt. Goto wrybaby.com to see more. I wish they still had the holiday ones to see...

A mom from my kids school is in the hospital. She is on a respirator with lung cancer...
Please send positive thoughts ... and if you smoke, please QUIT!

Thirteen Things about Lonna

1. The holidays went well, but I am so glad it's over. Kids are back in school, my house is quiet and I can breathe. I love shopping, but by December 25th I would do just about anything else than step one foot in a store. Luckly this year, there weren't too many returns to do.
2. Since Hanukkah fell on Christmas day this year and the following Sunday was New Years, my family has not done our annual brunch. We are getting together this Sunday to exchange belated gifts. The good thing is that I had an extra week and most of the things are on sale! Bad thing... that means more shopping!
3. Our annual New Years Day Open House was a success. The house was packed, lots of food was eaten and the kids played. It is nice to see neighbors in the winter that we would normally just see outside. Toni and her family made it... no illnesses this year.
4. My hubby made a consultation appointment for the big V. That was on my wish list. We will see if he goes through with it... baby steps. I also got a Roomba. That may sound cool, but a few years ago he got me a vacuum cleaner, and to me this falls into the same lame holiday gift category. Plus it is loud and takes too much time to do a room.
5. We totally surprised my 15 yr old with a guitar he wanted. It was his only gift and my parents pitched in... I had told him there was no way he was getting it when he asked, so he was shocked.
6. I need to start working out again. I have lost 12 lbs and am contributing it to going off Zoloft. I have done nothing and have been eating crap. Not complaining... but it is time to tome up. Plus I am paying for a club membership I never use.
7. No clients right now. I just got a call from someone due in February. It is so nice not to be on call... but I need to jump back in the game or I will get too used to it.
8. I FINISHED my exam for Childbirth Education certification yesterday. All needs to be in the mail by the 20th of this month. I still need to tape myself teaching a two hour class, but I am hoping to squeeze that in somewhere. If not, at least everything else is complete and I can get this off my list.
9. No New Years Resolutions for me. Just going to keep doing what I am doing and try to do it a little better.
10. Has everyone else gotten a million emails with... What I've learned and I believe and I'll continue and blah blah blah. Some of them are great inspirations and some are just mush.
11. Is anyone still reading?
12. Did I mention how quiet it is in my house now that my kids are back in school?
13. Happy 2006 everyone!
    

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