Blog world is confusing... so is the real world for that matter.

So since I've been gone the following things have happened in my life. In no particular order.

- Some best friends got engaged!

-I turned 26

-I packed up and moved out of our apartment ( not alone, shout out to the hubs and my parents)

-Painted and planned a sweet little nursery for our little bundle of joy

-Painted and got our bedroom prepared for when me moved

-Slept on a mattress on the floor while 9 months pregnant

-Gave birth to said bundle of joy, its a GIRL! by the way, and she's fabulous. She obviously deserves her own post more on my little nugget to come.

-Moved!

-Endured the july heat without the luxury of central air conditioning

-I gained a sweet little nephew named Charlie!! I just love him so.

-Celebrated 4 years of marriage to my fabulous hubs

-Lived without a dishwasher

-Lived without a TV, well a tv bigger than 12 inches.

-Had visitors, the grandparents from both sides and some friends!

-Endured a hurricane, I still hold firm in my belief that Irene is a bitch

-Packed up and drove from Winterport, Maine to Atlanta, Georgia without my hubs but with the help of my sister in law. Thank you Diana! The hurricane complicated things, like totally messing up new jersey and making the roads a little difficult to travel.

-Ate chickfila and Moes and in my world these are both cherished events.

-Threw a bridesmaids luncheon

-Kate got to meet all of her Aunts/uncle/family!

-Was in a wedding! Congrats Alex and Keri!

-Threw a wedding shower, Yay Melissa who gets married this month. so excited.

-Drove back to Maine

- My house burnt down.

-lived in a hotel

-moved again

-started working again

- had more visitors

those are just a few of the highlights. obviously i will elaborate further on multiple bullet points. For now, this girls gotta eat!

I say that blog world is confusing because i am currently trying to make my blog pretty like so many others out there. I unfortunately am not succeeding at this. You would think that copy and paste would be easy enough, but you can see the header on my blog. Clearly I am confused. Its a work in progress. I really want to be better at blogging, because i love reading other peoples blogs so why not keep up with my own.

really, going to fix dinner now!

True Life

As I type this I am watching True Life, “I am stuck with my parents”. Meaning these people are in their 30’s and are still hanging out/mooching off of their parents. Currently, there are 2 men who want to wrestlers (WWE style) trying out to be strippers. I am so glad I went to college. The previous segment was about a guy who went out to bars (alone) and was pissed when he had to go back to his hotel room alone. This hotel room was all a part of his deal, he obviously couldn’t meet these girls and then bring them back to his moms house. I have 2 bits of advice for this man.

1- going out by yourself is kind of creepy. Why don’t you have friends that want to come with you.

2- if you live in the same town you are going out in, why would you have a hotel room. In my mind I would think “ so he can take me back there, murder me and then put my body in a dumpster”. Paranoid? yes. But its a bit sketchy.

Speaking of sketchy, Patrick and I had quite the experience at the grocery store yesterday. We are walking along minding our own business and this man starts to uncomfortably stare at Patrick, while we are in front of the milk and I am busy checking out the new Trop-50 raspberry/lemonade. Which by the way is delicious, but will give you killer heart burn. My standard 2 Tums didn’t do the trick. But, I digress….  As it turns out, this man was staring at us because he happens to be a UGA fan and we happened to have a UGA reusable grocery bag in our cart.  Obviously the usual “ go dawgs” would not suffice, he is one of those typical huge UGA fans who have actually never set foot on the campus. He was a total creep.  He stands there, asks us how long we have lived in Maine. Since last summer we respond, and at this point we start trying to make our exit.  He then launches into his reasons for moving to Maine. He used to live by the coast but had a really hard time finding a job, since jobs are hard to come by up here. I would agree with him on this point, but then why the hell did you move here in the first place?  You don’t just hop in the car and think, humm Maine sounds good. Anyways, he asks us where we work.

a- why is this his business

b- we are not about to tell him what we do for a living. since has has mentioned the cost of things 3 times in the 2 minutes we have been talking to him.

Patrick who is only half paying attention and leaving me to deal with this conversation responds with “ i work at a hospital”. Could be be any more vague. The guy then says “OH THAYER HOSPITAL?!” and I say, yeah, I work there when it becomes obvious that Patrick has said his part and is going to further with this. This man then proceeds to tell me where he lives, which is on the same street as the hospital. I’m all like, oh that’s great. He then tells us about his employment at Goodwill and asks us if we think fishing licenses are expensive? he keeps his in his name badge from work, which is obviously where it belongs. Also, why are you wearing your name badge from work. We trust you, we don’t need proof of where you work.  He then keeps talking to us as we are walking away, asking what I deem to be inappropriate questions of strangers. We gave up on yogurt and cheese as those were too close in proximity to where he stood, by his wife who was checking out the facts on the MOST EXPENSIVE YOGURT that the store sells. If you cant afford a $25 fishing license maybe you should cut back to the Hannaford brand yogurt like the rest of us.

We then get home, and there are people chain smoking outside our apartment asking about bumming cigarettes off one another. She only has 5 left, but she will give him one.

I look at Patrick and I said, I am not bringing my baby back to this place. I cannot do it. I feel confident that the man at the grocery store would have attempted to “meet” my baby and I could have freaked out. I also feel confident that the chain smoke might be bad for developing lungs. I don’t know much, being a nurse and all that but smoking is pretty bad for your health.

Speaking of baby, I will be 32 weeks on Saturday! We were in Atlanta last weekend and had the best time. We had 3 baby showers in 2 days thanks to our fabulous families and friends. Little Zel’ is one lucky baby to have so many people that love him/her already. I’m getting so excited to find out if its a boy or girl, and find out what they look like. Although it would be nice to have the nursery set up and not just have boxes lining my hallway and my living room. Hopefully by June we will have things set up, in our newly rented house in Winterport. Very excited for that!

The Nursery!

It seems like most people expecting their first baby always post pictures of the nursery and the progress that is being made on the decorations, painting, putting the crib together, ect. So here is our current nursery!

Not quite sure where the crib is going to go, we just can’t decide. This corner has so much space to work with. I just hope the baby doesnt mind sharing its space with a sewing machine and a rubbermaid of clothes that no longer fit me.

We are so prepared for this child, we have one outfit and some burp cloths. That’s sufficient right? We do have some more things, but they are still back in Atl because we couldn’t fit stuff in our carry on luggage after our last trip.

I’m trying my best to not let this stress me out. I’m just really hoping right now that we don’t end up having the baby in West Virginia and staying at an extended stay hotel for a few weeks. I’m just not sure I can deal with that.

It will all work out, and I know that. But seriously ya’ll, think how you might feel.

So things have been pretty quiet here in Waterville. I’ve just been working nights which means that i’m pretty much tired all the time. We actually went out with some friends last weekend, so our social agenda has been filled for the month. I think this weekend we might go grocery shopping, pretty exciting stuff. Maybe we can squeeze in a little Target too.

We did go on a nice picnic last weekend at Colby College. We listened to the braves game on Patrick’s phone, Abby wandered around eating sticks, and we ate some PB&J sammies. It was just really nice to finally be able to get outside and enjoy the sun. It had been a few months since we had seen it.

I had a MD appt on Friday and things are going well. He confirmed that I am fat and i still have 3 months to go.  I cant really say this was a surprise to me. I go back next Friday for my glucose tolerance test to see if i have gestational diabetes.  I really hope i don’t. That would be unfortunate. I start going to the doctor every 2 weeks now, which I am excited about. If I could go to the doctor every day I would like it. Just to check in, you know.

I guess we might move doctors down to Lewiston ( where we would have the baby if still living in Maine) after this next appt. That will give us some time to get slightly acquainted with a new doctor and they have more education classes like breastfeeding and birthing classes. Instead of the once a month deal here in Waterville.

We get to head back to ATL next month and I am beyond excited! I have a few lovely people who are throwing me some fabulous baby showers. The end of April will be busy as well as May. We are going to visit Dan and Lindsey in 2 weeks, then we go to Atl, then we are taking a small babymoon to the beach here in Maine, then Dan’s graduation festivities! I’m so looking forward to having things to do.

That’s about all for now, I need to finish the laundry and then take a nap. Gotta work tonight, yay for that.

The Boy Vs. Girl Debate

So its really interesting to see peoples reactions when you tell them that you do not know the sex of the baby. 99% of people say, oh i could never do that, I just need to know. The other 1% think its cool. But I will tell you, 100% of people will take a guess at what sex they think the baby is. Including the lady who gives you a manicure at Walmart. Yes, you read that correctly. At Walmart. That is our local grocery store, clothing retailer, and nail salon. Oh how far i’ve come or Oh how far i’ve fallen. just depending on the view.

Anyways, I still think its fun to mess with people when they ask when I’m due. I always say, “i’m sorry?” pretending like i couldn’t hear/understand, which in the Walmart case I wasn’t lying. I couldn’t understand. But people get a look of panic on their face, but they usually ask again, to which i reply “ Oh, July!” Is this mean? probably. But i consider it one of the small pleasures of pregnancy.

So, according to most people at work and the lady at Walmart i’m having a girl. Is this because I always look like hell? I’m hoping not but it is a strong possibility. 12 hour night shifts catch up to you. 12 hour day shifts catch up to you. then flipping back and forth between days and nights is a toughie.

I do have a cute little “coming home” outfit picked out for the chance it is a girl. This includes, white denim shorts and a cardigan. OMG. Patrick and I went to register last weekend, which BTW was stressful and bless his heart he took me to baby gap. I could have died, all those little tiny clothes are so cute. I am pretty sure all he could think about was the dire state of our bank account and how it was only going to get worse.

So anyways, i am feeling good! The constant nausea has passed, but now I am hungry all the time. Now i am moving into the whale stage of pregnancy and i’ve still got a long way to go. oh well, grow on little baby, grow on. Although it would be nice if my ass would stop getting bigger, that is already big enough. The fact that it is girl scout cookie season is really not helping matters.

The doctor still thinks i’m crazy, which is nothing new.

I have been craving brown sugar and cinnamon pop tarts recently. as weird as that is.

Baby is kicking away, im pretty sure earlier today i actually saw the TV remote move because it was resting on my belly.

I have tried listening to the heartbeat with my stethoscope. I couldn’t hear anything, but i sure looked like an idiot trying to hear. good thing i was home alone.

Im still sleeping ok, but i get uncomfortable in the middle of the night. I wake up and realize im sleeping on my back or somehow i am mashing this giant belly. Therefore I have to pick myself and roll over. It gets complicated, trust me.

The ultrasound went well and the doctor says it all looks good! We got a 3D ultrasound and I swear Homozel who we have now shortened to ‘Zel looks just like Patrick when he was a wee one.

We still have no names picked out and the only baby things that are in our house have been purchased by others. So our child has one outfit, thanks Kpo!

I figure we will have it all worked out by the time ‘Zel arrives. Also by the time of the arrival I hope to have figured out, which hospital I will be having the baby at and  which state we will be living in. Just minor details… Until then I will ask Patrick daily, um what are we doing next year?

For now here are some pictures of our little Zel’!

It might be a bad thing if…

Is it a bad thing if your doctor tells you, “you should stay pregnant forever so you can keep entertaining me.” I can’t decide. I’m sure they talk about me when I leave that office. But the way I look at it, I cant be the worse patient they have and hopefully they think I am funny crazy not like crazy, crazy.

So our appointment went well yesterday. The nurse practitioner answered a bunch of my questions, regarding how things work at a rural hospital. I have been concerned about delivering at the hospital where my doctors are located. There is not staff in hospital 24 hours a day who can do c-sections, the doctors have to drive in if the need arrives. I was told they can be there within 15 minutes but that seems like a long time. There are no pediatricians or NICU staff on site if they baby has respiratory issues or needs resuscitation. Whoever is on call will be the one to deliver the baby, and that ranges from a doctor, to a nurse practitioner who will be just starting to deliver babies. I’m thinking we will be changing hospitals, we just need to make a decision… Patrick thinks i’m slightly neurotic and crazy, but like he said yesterday, he just doesn’t know what kind of questions need to be asked. Where I, thanks to nursing school am aware of all the things that can go wrong.

I get my 20 week ultrasound next Thursday, when my mom will be here! This would be where we would see the sex of the baby, but we are going to stay strong and not find out if little Homozel is a girl or a boy.  I just want to know that everything is ok, and the little tike is happy and healthy. According to the doppler yesterday the heart rate is 160 and we have a very active little baby on our hands. You can hear swishing movements and thats the baby just kinda floating and moving around. I can occasionally feel these movements, some days more than others, but i do enjoy feeling movement it lets me know things are ok.

How far am I : 18 weeks 5 days today!

weight gain- sure, but only 2lbs more than last time I was there, yay for that! and my pants still fit.well, my maternity pants still fit.

movement: yes! most days i feel at least something, but its not very consistent. The NP said yesterday that they don’t worry about kick counts until around 28 weeks.

cravings: nothing in particular right now, but i could always go for pizza. Last week I would have killed someone for waffle house, or just anywhere that serves pancakes during the day. I was almost in tears because there was no where to eat pancakes.

Names: we cannot decide, and probably wont decide until this little baby comes out. Although I did pick out a coming home outfit if it happens to be a girl. Did you know they make newborn little white shorts. I could die they are so cute.

nausea: It has been soooo much better. Although Abby has had a bit of a tummy ache recently and pooped in the bedroom yesterday. I gagged while cleaning that up. Patrick was holding a shirt over my face as a mask, it was a site to see.

sleeping: still sleeping ok, nothing out of the usual for me. I always wake up thinking I have missed the alarm.

I think thats about it for now, i cant thing of anything else really interesting to share. Anyone have and questions? just leave a comment.

I like dogs, I just don’t like their owners

I have a hard time understanding how some people survive as long as they do. Most specifically, people who I am fortunate enough to share my apartment building with. A few weeks ago as I am doing laundry a woman walks in behind me, stands too close to me, and then proceeds to pull her laundry out of garbage bags and use the machines as I pull my clothes out. This is a problem for a few reasons.

a- she reeks of cigarettes and booze, in the middle of the day. To my Georgia people, think of what you smelled like leaving downtown freshman year, before the no-smoking deal started.

b-she was burping, loudly, as I am pulling my clothes out of the washer.

c- SHE DOESNT LIVE HERE.

d-I have to eventually wash my babies clothes in these washers, and i am fairly certain her clothes carry diseases.

I have no idea who this woman is and why she was using our washer and dryer. I did what any sane person would do, I walked back to my apartment and called Patrick immediately and freaked out. Why is this homeless person in our building and why are they doing laundry? I wanted him to fix it immediately. From work.

Fast forward to this morning. I am in the elevator and here comes my laundry partner. Walking another one of our neighbors dogs. I guess they have a dog walker, and i guess she uses our facilities while she creeps around our building all day.

Here is where another issues arises. If your dog sucks and they are mean, stay away from me and my sweet puppy. Do not ask me to hold the elevator and then spend the five flight trip down wrestling the dog, saying “ she just has so much energy”. No she is crazy and she looks like she wants to bite me. Then when I am trying to walk back to the building after letting my dog go to the bathroom, STAY AWAY from me. Its like people here have no social skills, i should hold classes on how to be a human. I think that would be helpful. Of course I would have to give out cigarettes as door prizes to tempt people to come, but it just might work.

Last night as I am coming back from Subway and the grocery store where I purchased a foot long veggie sub, baked sour cream and cheddar chips, and peanut butter. Don’t judge me, I’m pregnant. I had another run in with a dog in the elevator. Abby my car riding partner and I were in the elevator, and the doors opened on our floor. As soon as the doors open, here comes this little shit of a dog who always barks and snips at Abby. Not on a leash, sprinting down the hall. She gets into the elevator, and starts to “attack” Abby. So i kinda toss this little dog up against the wall, all the while trying to keep Abby away from her and not get bit myself. Then the elevator door closes, and here I am with grocery bags, a purse, an 80lb golden retriever, and this little dog who i would love to punt across the hall. The owner finally makes it down the hall and the doors open, she picks up her dog and Abby growls at the dog almost knocking me down in her attempt to get away. The woman looks at Abby and says “whoa!!”… I wanted to punch her in the face.  So i say, “well, your dog just attacked her.” and got out of the elevator, pissed not even looking at this woman. Had this been the first time with this dog, it would be one thing. But this little dog is always on a retractable leash, fully out at 7 ft and she always barks and snips at Abby and the owner just kinda says, oh stop it. Hey, dumbass get your freaking dog under control. My dog is cowering against the wall. Again, i rush down the hall to home and start reliving the event with Patrick. He is pissed, and lord knows what he will do when he sees that woman and her dog again. He is already rude enough to her because he disagrees with her dog handling skills and choices. I wonder why we only have one set of friends here at this apartment, mostly because we dislike everyone else that lives here.

My brother-in-law, the photog.

So my brother-in-law and soon to be sister-in-law came to visit for new years! We had so much fun and it was such a relaxed visit. We went to bar-harbor and Acadia national park. I am so glad they came to visit.

Also, the BIL happens to be a bad ass photographer. You can check him out at alexthephotoguy.com. He does weddings and portrait secessions. I am so excited for him to take pictures of our little Homozel when the baby makes its debut. You should check him out. for real.

so here are some pictures he took while they were here visiting, and I have to say he makes this state look pretty good. also, he makes our dog look even more awesome than usual if that's even possible.

 

 

     

 

I’m a pro.

If they had an Olympics for vomiting, I would totally dominate and win a gold medal. This week I actually threw up outside, and here is how it went down. When Abby takes care of business there is a solid 3 feet of snow and i generally just kick some snow to cover up the poo. This is an acceptable practice up here in Maine and everyone else does it too. So don’t judge me. On this particular day an employee that works on one of the floors of the building ( note- not someone that actually lives here) walked passed as abby was doing her business. They gave me the stink eye as I covered the poo. Thus leading me to feel guilty, and get a baggie to pick up the nasty. As i’m doing this, i’m gagging. I had not had a chance to eat breakfast yet. There was no hope. So there I was heaving, leaning over to the side of the sidewalk with Abby sitting there staring at me.

On Friday, hubs and I went to a ski resort around these parts. I being with child got to get a pedicure and a massage while Patrick “carved”/tumbled down the ski slopes. Just kidding, he is actually quite good. Did you know people pack their lunches to go to places like this? I just kinda thought Patrick was saving money by taking his lunch, but no wonder people don’t buy the food there. It was $15 for a small pizza, a power aid, and a brownie. But buying food makes me happy, so that is what i did. And before you go thinking to yourself “nice lunch Jennifer” I realize this is not in the least bit healthy. But I did walk on the treadmill for 30 minutes yesterday so that totally evens out.  So back to my theme of puking, I had to go to the bathroom after eating my fabulous lunch. This place stunk. horribly. as soon as I walked in the power aid started to come back up. But seeing how we had just paid $15 for that food, there was no way in hell it was ending up in a toilet, or on the floor for that matter. Through will power I talked the baby into letting me hold on to my lunch. That and I just sort of ran out of the bathroom…

Other that that, things have been going well. I have only called the doctor twice asking stupid questions. They are always so nice about it, not making me feel like an idiot when I have questions like… “is it OK that I can feel my uterus?” and “ I petted a cat, is that OK”.. well I didn’t get to ask the doctor/nurse the cat question but through some internet stalking I have decided that it is in fact ok. I just couldn’t make myself call the hospital two times in one day.

weight gain- yes,duh. I’m growing an infant.

maternity clothes- that’s a yes! I may never go back to normal clothes. Elastic waist bands should be the standard on all women’s clothing. imagine how much happier we would all be. I say we start a petition, who wants to join in?

cravings- yes. anything that isn't good for me. in particular, egg and cheese biscuits from McDonalds. yum.

sleep- Besides having to pee during the night, yay for that! I sleep pretty well. except when I have dreams that I am late for work, which happens quite often. I would have sworn that my phone rang and someone was telling me I was late for work at the nursing home. I completely made this up. in the middle of the night.

movement- Yep! well, i think anyways. It could very well be gas. But i asked the doctor, and he told me that it was totally possible i was feeling the baby move. He said “ its totally possible, since you are thin,” in which my response was “bless you!” and then I stopped listening. He’s a smart man.

Best moment of the week: while waiting on my gold-encrusted pizza from the ski resort Patrick rubbed my tummy and said “ its starting to poke out”. I love this for 2 reasons. 1- it was really sweet of him. 2- it let other people know, that I am in fact pregnant not just “unfortunately fat” as I have been calling it.

What I am looking forward to- actually feeling movement all the time. I think that would help me feel, that things are ok. Since it would be a constant reminder that the baby is growing and moving around like it should be.

here are a few pictures from our ski-day:

People will in fact stare at you if you are wearing jeans and at a ski resort.

hubs the snowboarder. look at the “slopes” in the background.

Patrick is making me say “look at the sweet cord”… whatever that means.

This is what it would have looked like from the summit of the mountain. If I had gotten to go. But i had to get a pedicure instead. I made the right choice.

It looks like I ate an entire turkey…

We are going to be busy in July. We will be moving, somewhere… that part is still undecided. Maybe Atlanta maybe Bangor, ME. Patrick will be starting a new job- that also is still undecided. We have a wedding to attend. Our 4th anniversary will be coming up in August. Oh, and I will be having a baby! Location and state TBD. We are so very excited to be adding to our little family. Even Abby is super excited- she told me today as she was dragging my pregnant ass through the blizzard so she could eat the snow and then pee on my bath mat. Diana ( the SIL) introduced me to a blog that had a pregnancy weekly update. With my track record of blog postings, i can’t promise that it will be every week but probably more often than every 2 months.

How far along: 14 weeks today.

How big is the baby: according to my iphone app its a lemon

Total weight gain: yeah, right. Even I don’t want to know that information.

Maternity clothes: not really, but i ordered some online the other day. When sitting for long periods of time, i unbutton my pants. Occasionally even when not sitting i unbutton my pants, until I realize the zipper is falling down and then i just feel awkward.

Cravings/Get it out of here: not at this second, although I could go for a cupcake. Perhaps this is why i will not be sharing my weight gain numbers. I was having a hard time in the first part of the pregnancy, everything made me want to vomit. Unless it was fried or bad for me then i wanted it. I went through a Wendy’s double stack phase, as well as a subway veggie sub phase and pizza is always ok.  I was nauseous, all day everyday. I tried to make asparagus and broccoli for Patrick one night and ended up gagging over the sink. Veggies were completely out of the question.

funny things:

every time i brush my teeth i gag.

every time i pick up Abby poop, i gag. I was on the phone with my mom one day while doing this lovely activity. She thought it was hilarious.

Sleep: yes please, no problems yet. except i have to pee all the time.

movement: not yet

What I miss: nothing yet. Perhaps i miss not gagging in public places. Oh.. i almost forgot. Anyone that knows me, knows that i love TLC/A&E and any programming that involves people with problems. TLC’s new show- Strange addictions. I was so excited to watch tonight's episode. The girl that eats laundry detergent. Sadly this episode includes the girl that picks out her hair and eats the hair follicle.( just gagged a little) Obviously I cannot watch this as it is disgusting on so many levels. This would have never bothered me before, but now… i just cant deal.

Best moment this week: I was wearing tights and a fitted top. The neighbor says “ oh hey Homozel” and patted my stomach. then patrick told me I was looking more “rotund”. Which in husband land is a compliment. Apparently I am looking more pregnant, and less like I just swallowed the entire contents of my fridge.

Let me expand on the “Homozel” idea. When Patrick was at college, there was a building that was the “Homozel Mikel something or other” building. He always joked that he wanted to name one of his children that. So clearly, we had to nickname the little one in utero this. Most people stick with “peanut” or something like that… not us.

What I am looking forward to: Shamelessly sticking my stomach out, and rocking my new gap maternity jeans.

Pregnancy rant: I’m good for now. But when I get heated about something, ill let you know.

No pictures yet, none that I’m sharing anyways- but just imagine me.. with a puffy face, a slightly larger ass, and a stomach that sticks out over my pants. I’m a lovely sight, but its all for a good purpose!

New years resolutions

One of my new years resolutions was to blog more. Unfortunately, I have epically failed at this in the first 11 days of 2011. My bad.

So I will start by re-capping the last month of our lives, or what I can remember anyways.

How could i forget, my BFF Melissa came to visit. This was in the beginning of November, so not technically within the last month but still a very important event. We had a true Main-ah weekend, and went to a field in the middle of no where and made Melissa shoot a gun for the first time. It was so redneck, and i’m pretty sure she thought she was going to die the whole time.

We started December with a quick jaunt to NYC. I have always wanted to go at Christmas time and my sweet husband  made it happen, mostly because I made him take me. Unfortunately for me, the rest of America also likes to go to NYC at Christmas. We had a fabulous trip, even though we had a cab issue ( we were too far away from where we are trying to go, seriously?) which resulted in me walking 2 miles crying the whole way. But, you can’t let that ruin a trip can you?

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After NYC we headed to ATL for our family Christmas, and a friends wedding. In true Jennifer and Patrick style, we drove overnight to get there and to return to Maine. We were there for 5 days, but it seemed more like 20 minutes. We saw lots of friends and were very busy. This included trips to Chick-fil-a, Moes, and publix  for subs. Lord, I miss those places. Then we drove back, overnight, again. I drove a total of about 4 hours the entire time, sorry Patrick.

We had a “White Christmas” here in Maine, with just the 3 of us. Abby included. It was “white”, because it had snowed sometime in November, and the snow never melts. It just piles up, and turns brown and nasty and gets all over your pants.

Thats me in the brown jacket, the day after Christmas on a hike with the neighbors and our dogs.

I was lucky enough to get a new job this December as well, so the month has included me working, a lot.

For New Years my brother in law, and my soon to be sister in law come up for a visit. We headed to Bar Harbor, which is totally different in the winter. We explored parts of Acadia Natl park, and went to one of the only 3 restaurants open in the town for dinner/new years. We had a fabulous time!

I am sure I am missing some things, but ill have another post in a few minutes after i frantically clean the house and cook dinner. Which is what I was supposed to be doing today, but instead i chose to sit on the couch and watch hours of TV.

Thanksgiving in Vermont.

We had a fabulous turkey day this year, we actually got to celebrate twice which is always a plus. I mean really, the more food the better.

On actual Thanksgiving, I was slaving away at the nursing home so I came home to eat at the neighbors apartment. It was very nice to come home, change, and eat. Without having to do one bit of work. My favorite kind of holiday.

The next morning we headed out to Vermont to celebrate the holiday weekend with my brother,  sister-in-law, and friends Matthew and Liz. They have a fabulous house and a crazy golden-doodle named Silas. We mostly ate and drank and had a lazy weekend watching football on the couch. We had such a great time, and it was topped off by a huge thanksgiving feast and a little bit of snow.

Also, can I talk about how jealous I am of the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical center. It looks like a convention center, that happens to take care of sick people. I mean, its got nothing on The Maine General, Waterville campus….but still pretty fabulous. They even have a bank inside. and a travel agency. you know, just in case you need to plan a trip before you have your gallbladder taken out.

wtf were we thinking?

My loving husband had got it in his head that we were going to hike Mt. Katadhin (Fyi, I will probably spell this differently every time I type it. in fact, i shall call it Mt. K). This is the highest point in Maine, the elevation is 13 feet short of a mile. Which honestly once we got to the top just kinda pissed me off. they should have built something 13 feet high at the top, that we could have climbed so say we climbed a mile. but whatever. Patrick had made reservations at a “hotel” in milonocket ( again, probably spelled wrong). The whole drive he was telling me, its just one night. We wont be there for very long. He was preparing me for this…  A motor lodge. eww. Staying there was as horrible as you could imagine. The person above us weighed 400lbs, sounded like they were going to break the floor and crush us to death. And, they also didn’t sleep because the stomped around all freaking night. This fine experience was topped of by people yelling in the hallway at all hours of the night. If you look closely you can see why people were so loud, there were 25 cent natty lights at the attached bar. I think people came from all over, booked themselves a room and then proceeded to get hammered.

With a 4:45 wake up call, we were going on little sleep. but, we headed out with headlamps and flash lights. You have to get to the national park early, or else they give away your parking spot. Which you have to book weeks in advance. Also, we didn’t know how long this adventure would take so we figured we should start early. We hiked 5 miles up. I thought I was going to die. After scaling up the side of a mountain, we reach the top which I mistakenly thought was the end. But little did I know we still had another mile to go to the peak. The reason I didn’t know was because we couldn’t see the peak, why you ask? That’s because it was snowing, 50mph wind gusts, and we were in a freaking cloud.

With some encouragement, and some cuss words on my behalf we made it to the top. It was absolutely freezing. And we couldn’t see anything, just the sign that said we had made it to the top. It took quite an effort to get our picture taken, because there was a man proposing, and a Korean film crew trying to video tape the whole thing. All the while screaming, about making a nice DVD. This was all very sweet, but they needed to get the hell out of the way. I wasn’t going to stand there forever, I wanted to take my picture and get on my way. I was pretty sure hyp0thermia was setting in and I really wanted to keep all of my fingers.

So after taking a picture, we headed on our way out of the clouds. I promptly fell on my butt, cried a little, and then started our descent off the mountain. You would think going down would be easier, but it really wasn’t. The whole path is rocks, so you have to be careful. the WHOLE 10 miles. so toward the end, i of course end up tripping and falling because my feet and legs just no longer work. I cannot physically lift my feet off the ground. But, we survived and I can say that 2 weeks later I am glad we did it. although, there is absolutely no way I am doing it again.

5:30, starting out our adventure.

sunrise and freezing.

my cute little hiker.

rock climbing. for 5 miles. omg.

strait up hill.

me, being super happy.

very safe.

thank the lord, we made it.

I saw this once we had already been to the top.

we survived! exhausted, but alive.

How bout them apples

Ill start off by saying, that my computer is officially crap. I have an issue with technology and Patrick decided it might be a good idea to retire my computer for the time being before I throw it out the window.

So anyways, steve-o and Kpo came to visit a few weeks ago. We met up with them in Freeport in the pouring rain.The whole outdoor outlet mall is a lot more charming when it is not raining. After drying out we cooked some Lobsters for dinner, which we are becoming professional lobster murderers. Once again we bought them from a shack on the side of the road. This is a totally acceptable practice up here, but if someone was selling seafood on the side of the road in Marietta I would assume that it has some type of poison.

On Saturday we went to pick some apples at a pick your own farm around here. It was such a nice day out, and I felt very new englandy picking my own apples.

here is a picture of the apple trees. Does anyone else think its weird that apples grow on trees?

  I was a professional apple picker.

After picking more apples than we knew what to do with, we headed to a pub in downtown Skowhegan and sat outside overlooking the river for some lunch. It was a cute little place. It came complete with entertainment in the form of what I am assuming was a homeless man and his homeless friend. It was sad, I suppose. This crazy- kept talking about how he DOVE, not jumped, off of the bridge over the river. Ok, if he had really done that, I'm pretty sure he would not have been standing there, alive, telling us that story. Thank the lord he decided to bother another table of people because I really just wanted to enjoy my chicken cesar wrap.

In true Porter fashion we had some Mexican for dinner, completing our trend of eating our way through the weekend. It was such a short trip but it was so good to see my parents!

Abby goes to Boston

So Patrick had a continuing education course on Implant dentistry in Boston this week. This trip was funded by the government, thank you Togus VA hospital. We even drove a government Impala, which kinda sounded like the wheels were going to fly off, but its not our car so I dealt. Also, it is a government vehicle, so what did I expect.

The Sheraton in downtown is a pet friendly hotel, so of course we brought Abby. Although, I'm pretty sure pet friendly means having a yorkie in your purse. Not an 80 golden retriever. But they didn't specify. Their fault, not ours. Hauling the dog brought its own challenges but I had a good time hanging out with the pup. She rode the elevator, the subway, met some homeless people (which according to Jinks on MTV, they actually prefer to be called “houseless”) got snuck into an apartment, and ate dinner and lunch outside tied up to a fence or a tree, depending on what was available. She was even there with me when I got talked into “adopting” a child from a 3rd world country, I mean for only $22 a month they can get health care and go to a private school! Patrick did not understand this argument, and I didn’t do quite as good of a job selling the idea as the guy on the street. Basically, I had to un-adopt a poor child. Not a super fun phone call to make.

Anyways, we had a really good time. Visiting with Dan and Lindsey and just hanging out in the city, with a dog in tow.

Here are a few pictures from our adventure!

Abby rode the T, like a champ. People either loved her or were wondering what the hell she was going on the subway.

Lindsey and I had lunch outside, sammies with Boarshead meat. Lord, I miss good sandwich meat. Abby sat on a cement bench next to me, staring at my food while the street performer played in the background and a woman sat on the side of the street breastfeeding. We certainly don't have that type of thing going on here in Waterville, me.

Doesn’t she look tired? I guess walking around a city, smelling all sorts of crap, and getting petted by strangers can really take it out of a dog.

Thoughts

My BFF Melissa did a “brain dump” on her blog the other day, to basically just type stuff she was thinking. So here is my version.

1. House hunters is an extremely awkward show. I have a hard time believing people actually communicate with each other the way they portray it on the show. For example, today’s episode I was just watching. Children DO NOT comment on “nice counter tops” or the fact that their mother will now be able to get manicures that will last because there is a dishwasher.

2. Maine officially has the worst commercials ever created. If you are all lucky enough ( all 3 of you) I will try and find some examples here on the internets and link them to the blog. The lottery commercial makes my ears bleed, and some moron who works for chapter 11 furniture thinks that it is effective marketing to just repeat the name of the store for 3 minutes strait.  They may have also created the least effective anti-drunk driving campaign in history. Singing on the radio does not deter teens from not drinking. Am I the only one that gets that. No high schooler is going to hear this awful little ditty and think… “you know what, they are right”

3. I hate this computer. I have had to restart it 3 times because windows live writer keeps “not responding”. This also makes blogging slightly difficult.

4.I am still not liking the fact I have to scrape other peoples dryer lint out of the filter. gross.

5. Abby peed in the hall the earlier today while on her way outside. about a month ago, she pooped in the hall right outside the elevator. words cannot describe the embarrassment that followed this event. Abby taking a poo with me saying “ oh my god, oh my god.. what are you doing” while frantically trying to get the plastic bag detached from her leash. She keeps things interesting that little one.

6. I accidently paid $914.00 to Rooms to Go last month, instead of the required $62.00. I’m still trying to figure out how this happened.  I wrote the check. I signed the check. Without noticing that i was overpaying by $852.00. Way to go, Jennifer.

7. We’re going to Boston soon, and Abby will get to ride the subway. For this I am beyond thrilled. As long as she doesn’t poop on the train. or on the sidewalk. or in the hotel room. I am really looking forward to eating a canoli at Mikes bakery.

8. I really hate how jeans stretch out so much. It makes it impossible to buy the size that will correctly fit. Scrubs are also really hard to find a good fit. I always end up with pants that don’t stay up and i feel like my butt is always hanging out. And lets face it, no one wants to see that.

I like even numbers so Ill end on that one. I have some pictures to post from Diana and Wesley's visit as well as my brother and Lindsey visiting. We went to a sea plane fly in. I’m thinking you have to live in Maine to understand what that is, so perhaps the pictures will explain it better. On to that, when Patrick uploads pictures. For now, off to shower and off to a doctors appt.

happy thursday!

ode to the working woman.

Oh, how do you do it?

My excuse for not updating in a month, is the fact that I work 3 days a week. Yes, its a rough life. I was talking to my brother who so nicely put it. So wait, you only work like 15 days a month. When you put it that way is sounds a little pathetic that I am not better at this time management thing. But, in my defense when you work 4 days in a row 6am-6:30 pm leaving the house at 5:20 and not getting home until 7ish you cannot function after that. Then when you add visitors and camping into the mix things just don’t get done.

So. there is my excuse. onto my planned posts.

Where I discovered my love for everything blueberry…

On Friday morning we headed to Bar Harbor, Maine. We stayed at a cute little bed and breakfast and at the risk of sounding like a total fat kid, they had THE. BEST. SCONES. EVER.  This is where my love of blueberries started. It was then later confirmed by the most amazing blueberry pie at a harbor side restaurant. So on our first night there we walked around, did some shopping, and just enjoyed the place.

I have a firm belief that everyone that visits Maine should be required to buy this hat.

While it was slightly panama-cityesk, minus the air brushed t-shirts, it was still really beautiful. Somehow we decided it would be a good idea to watch the sunrise from Cadillac mountain. So we woke up at 4am, piled into the car, and drove up a scary mountain road in the pitch dark.

but this is what we got to see…

So after returning to the B&B and promptly passing out for a few more hours of sleep, we drove through Acadia and down to Southeast Harbor.

Acadia

Freezing cold water at a “sea wall” (That's what the sign there said). This picture makes me laugh.

lobster pot buoys.

The Lobstermen docked here and unloaded their boats. I just love the picture of the crabs with their hats on.

Over-exposed, but another harbor side restaurant where we had some beers and some blueberry pie. my new fav.

We headed back to bar harbor, showered and headed out to dinner. We walked along the coast, and saw all of the old homes and settled on a cute little outdoor place to eat dinner.

one of the old homes. which is now a hotel, I think.

Bob and Sylvia left Sunday morning and Patrick and I wanted to go ride our bikes on the carriage roads in Acadia. One of the Rockefellers bought the land a long time ago and prohibited cars from driving on these roads. So there are tons of bikers and runners and occasionally a horse. We picked a 6 mile loop around a pond, which I would actually call a lake. About half-way around we saw a small sign for a hike, so we decided to do it.

This is what we found at the top of the hiking trail.

This was at the end of the trail. Some nice old man offered to take our picture.

Patrick being Patrick.

We are totally going back, Dan and Lindsey y’all up for a hike in Acadia?