tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86752186295352264272024-03-13T15:55:34.221-04:00peacefulshoutrants, whispers, songs, tales, and mumblingsErinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16912023036026868047noreply@blogger.comBlogger226125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8675218629535226427.post-3411814471296635782014-07-07T11:33:00.000-04:002014-07-07T11:33:14.476-04:00ultrasounds (or lack thereof) :)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We went to an in-law family gathering on Saturday, and during the course of conversation, I revealed that we never had an ultrasound while pregnant with Zoey. Now I keep thinking about it and being annoyed with myself for not discussing it a little more, as everyone seemed rather shocked that we wouldn't have gotten one. Nicely shocked, of course, but confused nonetheless. :)<br />
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So, because I really think it's important for experiences that are 'outside the norm' to be shared more often, I am going talk about it here on my blog. Not as good as regular conversation, of course, but I'll feel less regret regarding the fact that I didn't elaborate on the topic in person.<br />
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Also, keep in mind I'm completely understanding of others' choices, but I feel the need to share due to the fact that our choice is the choice less taken. And actually, I think people probably don't even realize there is a choice, as many docs these days take it as a given that folks will want an ultrasound (or 2 or 3 or 4).<br />
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We decided not to get ultrasounds done with Zoey for a variety of reasons. For one, the American Pregnancy Association recommends ultrasounds "when medically necessary". Had one been medically necessary for us, we would have done it. We didn't want to know the sex of the baby ahead of time, and we knew that other things (like twins, fluid, or positioning, etc.) would have been detected by the midwife using non-invasive methods. And other things that couldn't be 'felt' with a midwives hands would show up in other observable symptoms, which would then lead to that medical necessity mentioned above. Many folks get ultrasounds to determine due date... I was very aware of my ovulation date and figured out Zoey's due date based on that (and was apparently spot on, as she was only 6 days late, typical for a first time mom). It's an example of knowing and trusting your body, which unfortunately we aren't really encouraged to do in our society. Finally, it's only been in the recent past that ultrasounds have suddenly been performed soooo frequently and as a definite part of prenatal care. So to me that signals it's not a 'need' but more of a 'want', plus it just made us worry a bit about long-term research that hasn't been done.<br />
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So there you have it. Again, I do not judge anyone for their choices, and I hope you don't judge me for mine. I just needed to share this perspective, as I think it's one we don't hear in the modern medical world.<br />
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p.s. The Zoey birth story is still coming one day... I started it and have notes that I took the week after she was born so as not to forget anything. You know, it's just tough finding time in baby land, ha ha. At the moment she's snoozing, so maybe I'll start on it. ;)</div>
Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16912023036026868047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8675218629535226427.post-53506358086972789252014-01-02T18:40:00.001-05:002014-01-02T18:40:16.238-05:00Welcome, Zoey Indira!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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So, yes, indeed we did it naturally, and Zoey was born at home on November 15, 2013 in our bedroom. :) I am completely grateful for amazing midwives, as my labor experience was quite the epic adventure (5 days long), and I now acknowledge that birth involves pain-- but the pain is completely worth it, and my body was able to bring Z into the world even after a week of crazy contractions, back labor, and physical/emotional exhaustion. Our bodies are amazing. I'm glad I chose the home birth route, because a hospital would have declared 'failure to progress' very early on.<br />
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Birth story will be told eventually, once I have the time/energy to devote to its depth. For the moment, we are just basking in the beauty of parenting and enjoying every moment with our beautiful Zoey.<br />
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(top photo: a day or so old; bottom photo: 1 month old)</div>
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Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16912023036026868047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8675218629535226427.post-59177060616047392982013-10-31T17:24:00.000-04:002013-10-31T17:44:52.597-04:00Over 38 weeks pregnant... The end/beginning is suddenly in sight!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I wish I knew HTML, because then I bet I could get these photos to lay out nicely. Alas, I do not, so you will have to just deal with this hodge-podge look. :) I wanted to give you a snapshot (or 9) of life before baby.... with baby always on my mind! The above framed pics are of me with both sets of grandparents. My mom gave me those and some other frames for my birthday (the 26th), and I set them up in our bedroom to give me peace and bring me inspiration during my home birth. And even further up, you can see the bitty bumpkin's closet packed with clothes. Our top dresser drawer broke, so we had to add more to the closet as well as a clear bin under the bed. I think we've got plenty of clothing to choose from! Lots of those onesies were decorated by family at a shower. Too cute.<br />
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Then of course there is my belly pic. 38 weeks and bursting with baby! :) I just looked back at my 18 week belly, and it's soooooooo crazy to think I was ever that small (or that baby was that small!). I'll be 39 weeks pregnant in two days. Overall I still feel really good, and it's weird to imagine that belly baby will soon be real world baby. We are very, very excited. Bilbo is a little jealous, but that's to be expected. I am truly going to miss having my baby bump for when I hold the Bilbo boy-- It's a perfect perch!<br />
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The biggest change in the past week or so is that it's simply uncomfortable everywhere I am... The exercise ball has saved me, but even that isn't comfy for a long period of time. The other night (like 3 or 4 nights ago) I had some weirdness-- This might be too much info, but I like to document all the weirdness! Anyhow, I went to bed at 11, and between 11:30 and 4:30, I went to the bathroom 4-5 times, first thinking I was nauseous and going to puke, then sitting down to pee, then completely "clearing out" my system. Sounds gross, was actually slightly relieving. I also felt kind of feverish, but my temp had dropped to below the norm. So that happened 4 or 5 times, and then finally I slept the rest of the night. Soooo strange, and I had heard about systems "clearing out" to prep for labor. So of course I was on the alert for any labor sign the next day! One of midwives said that it is very normal, due to the nutty hormones, and that I could expect it to happen maybe one more time before baby comes. Today, Halloween, I'm just feeling baby sooo low down, all up (down?) in my privates! Silly bean. <br />
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I am all caught up (and have worked ahead) in my classes, so it's suddenly 'go time' for being baby ready. Nate of course has tons of work to do, but his profs all know about me, so they will cut him some slack if needed. We have our birth kit plus other supplies sorted into totes for us and the midwives. And we're really trying to keep things organized so as not to interfere with my mind's peace. Here's hoping this kiddo stays stuck with her/his head down low (I kind of don't think baby could move it out if he/she tried)! I am really looking forward to laboring and giving birth. I feel like a dork saying how excited I am. Everyone's always like, but what about the pain? Maybe I'll regret saying this, but I think our bodies naturally know how to handle positive pain, and I've practiced relaxation with Nate and working with my uterus to do what it's made for. In a couple of weeks (or more!), we can share with you how our experience goes and whether we were able to handle it the way we thought we would. Can't believe it's coming so soon!!!!!<br />
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Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16912023036026868047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8675218629535226427.post-41848757313202893232013-10-17T13:40:00.001-04:002013-10-23T13:06:25.168-04:00Hugeness at 36 weeks pregnant :)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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On Saturday I will be at 37 weeks, but I wanted to share the 36 weeks photo, as I am enormous. I will add more to this posting later when I have time. For now, I'll just say that I feel like baby is ready to fall right out of me. Extreme heaviness super low down and endless Braxton Hicks. But other than those things, I am feeling good!<br />
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I'm back, and it's now Wednesday, the 23rd. In 3 days I will hit 38 weeks pregnant!<br />
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We had a great appointment with the midwives at our house last Sunday. Talked a bunch, measured out pool-sink distance, and looks like the pool can go in our bedroom! And baby is indeed head-down (more like 'head-stuck'!) and very low. Back is on my right belly side and oftentimes that side of my uterus rises up super high and looks super weird! <br />
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This week I am attempting to get most of my classwork done, so that I won't need to worry about projects/papers once baby is here. I'll still have readings to do and then of course the final exams, but it will feel good to have everything else out of the way. IF I manage to get productive enough! I've been feeling really worn out a lot in the mornings, and my belly 'fullness' is just so uncomfortable. It's hard to sit and do work, even if I'm using the exercise ball. <br />
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My Bilbo cat has been cuddlier with Nate, which is an excellent thing. However, he's also been a bit needier with me, doing odd things like putting his feet up on my back/shoulders from behind me and other such antics. I do love that little cat baby. He sits on my belly so often that I am hoping baby is getting to know his purrs! ;)<br />
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We stocked up on some Trader Joe's goodies to have on hand... Super turkey bacon, Indian veggie burgers (not soy-based!), toilet paper, and dark chocolate. :) The bacon and Indian burgers will be handy to have when we are overwhelmed by new-baby-ness and just want something quick and tasty to eat. <br />
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I can't remember if I mentioned having my last shower. My mom did an awesome job-- it was a lovely time with family and family friends! Nate and I are truly soooo very lucky to have such amazing people in our lives. And little baby will be lucky too! <br />
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We've got some name choices narrowed down. But feel free to comment with suggestions... Just remember we're looking for an earthier, not-too-common, but not too hippie dippy kind of name. We've got lots of girl options, but only 3 boy options.<br />
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With Braxton Hicks happening all the time, I am curious if I'll even know if I'm in the early first stage of labor! But I suppose if I don't, that's a-okay too. </div>
Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16912023036026868047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8675218629535226427.post-8298597276074776072013-09-26T15:46:00.003-04:002013-09-26T15:46:22.851-04:00Almost 34 weeks pregnant <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It's funny how very many people say, "I bet you're ready to be done with pregnancy!" at this point... because I don't feel that way really at all. I mean, sure, I look forward to being 'comfortable' again, but I'm also still really enjoying being pregnant. The other thing people always say is, "I bet you're feeling nervous about giving birth!" (or something similar), and I have NO way of relating to that statement. This midwife/home birth journey has done amazing things for my sense of self and belief in my body... I feel like I even have my mind in a good spot if something were to happen and require a hospital transfer. We've been doing Bradley classes as well. While I feel like I am already in that sort of 'Bradley mind space', it's nice to get to know other couples seeking a natural birth, and it's fantastic for Nate to experience the vibe I've been feeling for the past 8 months (and learn how he can be an amazing birth coach).<br />
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So my belly is feeling very full and tight as of late, and I think that's mostly because baby has shifted to a more central position in my uterus... which is good, but it's definitely a different feeling. The head still seems to be down, as it's been for the past couple of months, so hopefully baby just loves it like that and will avoid crazy flipping maneuvers. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vMkdWLQt9_U/UkSNxJspyTI/AAAAAAAAAv0/g9ankc_xRTw/s1600/DSC05824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vMkdWLQt9_U/UkSNxJspyTI/AAAAAAAAAv0/g9ankc_xRTw/s320/DSC05824.JPG" width="320" /></a>We had an amazing Karnes/Burgess family shower, and then last weekend my friend Elise and sister-in-law Thea gave me a lovely friend shower. It was so nice to have friends from different parts of my life in the same spot (but definitely missed those who couldn't make it). I'd been really worried about having a shower without Nate there too (I hate having the attention on just me), but it was completely comfortable, which means I must have some very cool friends in my life. Oh, and then Nate and I had a party that night and stayed up past 2 a.m. (that's a pretty big deal for this tired mama)! Had to get one last 'party' in. ;) <br />
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My mom took me shopping for some possible birthing outfits. I know, I am a dork. But I really wanted to be sure that I have a couple of options for something comfortable, cool, and somewhat cute... Not for the photos (well, maybe a little) but just for my mind, so I don't need to focus on anything but the incredible laboring adventure. I am also hoping we can keep our house in a state of psuedo-organization once we get closer to 40 weeks, as I don't want to have any mental blocks caused by un-finished business. Luckily we have everything pretty much ready for our little one, so even if it happened early, we'd be able to handle all things baby (just maybe not the kitchen or the cleaning or the bookshelf reorganization, ha ha).<br />
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I had told myself that I wouldn't really give much weight to the whole "full term at 37" thing, because I want this baby baking as long as possible, but I can't help but think about the time left being in a time range now, rather than just thinking, "I have 6+ weeks left!" A friend of mine was surprised by her little one arriving at 35 weeks (I think), and there's always that chance, no matter how unlikely statistically. So I am trying to work ahead a great deal in my classes... JUST IN CASE. <br />
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Most guesses of baby's sex have been 'boy', due to people's gut feelings, my very 'boyish bump', etc. I still don't really have any gut feeling myself, although I did dream that we had a baby girl complete with curly golden locks (too funny). We shall see, and we shall be very happy with either! <br />
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We are headed up north to Lake City this weekend with my parents to visit our best family friends. Very excited to being heading north during my favorite time of year. I love fall so much. Crisp air, sometimes-sunny skies, autumn colors everywhere. I think we're going to go to the pumpkin patch up there too. <br />
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Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16912023036026868047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8675218629535226427.post-21694411011385362922013-09-14T16:34:00.002-04:002013-09-14T16:34:50.954-04:0032 weeks pregnant... huge, happy, sneezy, uncomfortable, excited, etc.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I'll get my 32 week photo up here soon, but for now let's look at a jealous Bilbo cat instead... That's a fabulous organic Baby K'tan carrier (not done up properly, fyi) I'm using. I'd wondered if the size small would work, and I think it will definitely do the trick if it can manage a kitty boy. :)<br />
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If you are a stranger (or friend, or even foe, I suppose), feel free to leave a comment on my blog entries. I just finished my obsessive blog search "33 weeks pregnant blog" (I like to look at the week I'm coming up to), and I was thinking how I should really leave comments on the entries I so enjoy.<br />
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The last two nights I've woken up probably around 2 a.m. and not been able to go back to sleep for 2+ hours due to sneezing and nose-blowing. Darn ragweed. It's turning into my favorite season, and I can't fully enjoy it because I don't dare venture outside for too long. I only just started feeling like I have a normal nose, and it's already 4 p.m. the following day! Hopefully this ragweed season comes to an end soon. It's tough adding that to an already rough night's sleep.<br />
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My walks to class have brought on Braxton Hicks like crazy. I just try to grin and bear it and say, "It's great; my body's preparing for what's to come". It's not painful, per se, just extremely uncomfortable.<br />
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Our weekends through October 6th have suddenly filled up with fun stuff. We have our first baby shower tomorrow-- with Nate's extended family! Then the next weekend I'm having a more traditional one thrown by a good friend and my sis-in-law, and that night we're having a hopefully huge house party to celebrate one of our last "pre-baby" days with friends. It's funny to think back to last summer/fall, when we seemed to have friends over frequently for porch beers or late-night games. I obviously was not pregnant then, and Nate was only taking a couple of classes, so we loved hosting impromptu gatherings. <br />
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I can't even express how relieved/lucky I feel that we're able to do this baby adventure during a time when I'm just taking classes (that aren't terribly tricky) and Nate is also just taking classes. It means we are home way more than we'd be in any other situation. And my classes are always night classes (and I'm actually going to try for an online one in the spring term), so I can sleep in and rest whenever needed. And we've always been super frugal with money (splurging only on healthy groceries, for the most part, and going out to eat at local yummy places... oh yeah, and also things like a homebirth midwife, Bradley classes, and placenta encapsulation), so that won't be an issue. <br />
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It's kind of funny how I've never really been a big baby fan (and neither has Nate really), and quite honestly, I don't really even know if you could call me one now. But it's so amazing how consuming it all becomes... I mean, I hardly ever think of much else, like an obsessed woman. The cool thing is that a couple of friends of ours just had their first/only baby, and I imagine they are a bit like us, not the type to go baby crazy over other babies but excited and fascinated by their own. I do wonder, though, if I'll start being more 'into' others' kiddos once I go through it myself, you know? I have definitely had moments the past 8 months when I've thought back to how I reacted to friends' pregnancies... and I wish I had reached out more, asked more questions, been more interested in what was going on with them, etc. But I think it's something that you just can't connect to without something similar to relate it to.<br />
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I've now gotten into the 'hungrier' part of pregnancy, perhaps because it feels like baby shifted down a bit, freeing up my stomach. Whatever the reason, I can eat more in one go, and I am craving the unhealthier things (and usually not giving in). The one thing I could eat and eat is crushed ice, so that's not terrible. I think I'm going to be a big frozen drink fan once baby's out (think: margaritas, etc.). But the other things I keep wanting are chocolate cake with sweet icing, ice cream, and cinnamon rolls. And I don't even normally like chocolate cake!<br />
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And now I must stop this endless update. RAMBLING is my new talent.<br />
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Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16912023036026868047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8675218629535226427.post-8884132923755122842013-09-07T12:07:00.001-04:002013-09-07T12:07:51.718-04:00And we are getting closer... <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I am actually at 31 weeks pregnant today, but haven't done my weekly photo yet. Boy, my belly is sure out there now. Feeling good still, though, which is a happy thing.<br />
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The strangest change in the past week has been how very very HEAVY I feel. My abs are achy, and when I walk to class, I feel such pressure down low, almost like the baby is starting to drop. Might be early for that, but I think some people drop early, and from what I've read, it doesn't really mean labor is coming soon (although plenty of people say that). I've also had some intense Braxton Hicks on that walk to class, usually at around the 15 minute mark (it's 30 min. there and 30 back). I told Nate it's so interesting how it's not really painful, just an uncomfortable tightening. Pregnancy is fascinating.<br />
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I'm trying to be a diligent student and work ahead for my classes, and it seems like my two courses should be timed nicely pregnancy-wise. The nearest thing to a conflict that I have is a presentation on October 30th, a bit over a week before my due date. But everything else is very workable, and missed classes just take points off my total (which is out of a huge number of points), so I'm thinking this should be okay.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TeRp9MVkksw/UitOxDpWyDI/AAAAAAAAAvM/SRkSHuYKOAc/s1600/DSC05753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TeRp9MVkksw/UitOxDpWyDI/AAAAAAAAAvM/SRkSHuYKOAc/s320/DSC05753.JPG" width="320" /></a>We've also gotten baby's room ready, more or less. It will be a LONG while before baby is in there (planning on bed-sharing or a co-sleeper if that doesn't work for quite a while), so in the meantime, people will be able to enjoy the cozy vintagey eclecticness of our baby room as it acts as a guest room (our 2nd guest room, so hopefully we'll have many visitors!). :)<br />
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Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16912023036026868047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8675218629535226427.post-65876105563285323882013-08-30T11:56:00.002-04:002013-08-30T11:56:31.729-04:00catch-up<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;">(This formatting is aggravating, so sorry for the odd placement of the photos.) As you can see, some time has passed since the last post. Tomorrow I'll be at 30 weeks pregnant! Baby belly has been growing, and I've made the frequent remark, "Them's birthin' hips!" Everyone is guessing boy based on my prominent out-in-front low-carrying bump. I'm guessing boy based on the fact that all of our friends are having girls. Yes, I know neither one of these guesses has a scientific basis, so we shall be surprised come November (or late October? eeks!).</span></span><br />
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Baby has been head down for quite a while now, so here's hopin' she/he stays that way (or gets back that way should a flip happen). I've become pretty good at feeling out baby's body parts, especially the bumpy butt. Kind of fun-- makes me feel all midwife-y! <br />
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As someone who has been reading pregnancy blogs like a madwoman, I'm going to put tons of details in here that probably most people don't care about at all. Because I know there's some pregnant woman out there who will be so thankful for all the info. It's really easy to feel kind of alone in pregnancy. Even though Nate is awesome and excited, he just doesn't get it, biologically speaking. <br />
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This third trimester has brought a whole new meaning to the word "hormonal". I had no idea that this was part of it. I'm somewhat of an emotional wreck... like all of my feelings blend together, so I end up being a mess of angry/happy/sappy/lonely/sad/anxious/excited/etc. It's rather exhausting. And I really don't love how quickly I cry over dumb stuff. I'm hoping that when classes start next week, I'll be better due to more distractions.<br />
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I'm not a fan of the pre-made preg. blogs, but I do like some of the things they share. One of the things they talk about are things that you miss. Here's what I miss: laying on my stomach at night (or to have Nate give me a good back rub), being excited to hit up fun breweries over summer, NOT being an emotional wreck, having the energy to bust out a ton of projects all at once, having a stomach that's not squashed so that I can actually eat a whole meal, being able to roll over/get up/etc. without finding it to be a tricky thing, and that's about it. <br />
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Things I LOVE: baby movements, turning the baby room into a somewhat-bohemian-ish hangout ;), organizing hand-me-down clothes & cloth diapers, finding out we have amazing friends who have donated us almost everything we actually will need, seeing how excited my mom is, watching the Bilbo cat boy express his concern over the new baby stuff (and his joy over being held in our Baby K'Tan carrier!), interacting with baby's movements, reading birth stories (I especially loved the ones from Ina May's Guide to Childbirth book... really gave me an actual picture of what birth entails), and so much more.<br />
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So many friends are having babies this year... One friend just had hers like a month early (baby is fine!), another one is a week past her due date and getting anxious, another was a week before her scheduled c-section, Nate's cousin's was over a week past the due date, and another friend's came 2 weeks early. Oh, and our midwife had her baby boy 2 weeks past the due date! So, I need to be prepared for any timeline! :) I sure am glad we are planning a home birth, because I think that alone will ease my anxieties about the timing and everything. Hospitals and such cause me a whole lot of anxiety. Obviously if there's a need, we will be transferred (and our midwife has an awesome relationship with one of the local hospitals that is close by and would stay with us there through everything), but I'm hoping things work out here at home where I feel comfortable. We'll have a pool here for labor, but I am not planning on a water birth. I'm not the biggest fan of water, and even though I *know* the baby wouldn't take its first breath until surfacing, I think it would make me panic.<br />
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Phew, this was a whole lot of info. I feel like pregnancy brain has turned me into a rambler. I never used to email people very much, and I certainly never had so much to say about one topic, so this is purely a pregnancy symptom.<br />
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Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16912023036026868047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8675218629535226427.post-12585553590488582932013-06-09T15:27:00.001-04:002013-06-09T15:27:25.049-04:00newness<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I think it has been a long, long while... new house, </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">another new kitty, new baby belly, new career path. :)</span> </div>
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Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16912023036026868047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8675218629535226427.post-6182036523843686392011-05-21T14:10:00.005-04:002011-05-21T14:31:01.493-04:00I...feel free<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0A2KI7egoNE/TdgEETJNepI/AAAAAAAAAto/AqkCnBO6-i0/s1600/DSC02938.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0A2KI7egoNE/TdgEETJNepI/AAAAAAAAAto/AqkCnBO6-i0/s320/DSC02938.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609237807794846354" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Signs of summer... fresh air through screens, happy music blasting, bicycle rides to everywhere, smiles, lilac smells, motivation, local produce, rainy warmth, dirty contentment, pleasantly aching muscles.</span><br /><div><br /></div><div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FBnWcNd2MXs/TdgD00nYiHI/AAAAAAAAAtg/hTV-aLrKiIk/s320/DSC02725.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609237541901863026" /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/0aFByioqlPE?fs=1" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" width="425"></iframe></div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16912023036026868047noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8675218629535226427.post-17696884917466313602011-04-18T17:24:00.004-04:002011-04-18T17:43:37.943-04:00to do or not to do<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p_Gi2aT5b18/TayvtawGo0I/AAAAAAAAAtQ/QbyacTXelBk/s1600/DSC02773.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p_Gi2aT5b18/TayvtawGo0I/AAAAAAAAAtQ/QbyacTXelBk/s320/DSC02773.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597041631724741442" /></a><b><i><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><b><i>to do:</i></b><i> run, bicycle, do push-ups, do crunches, write the beginnings of a story, research bilingual education (dual immersion?), write new cover letter, do more laundry, do dishes, fill the goodwill bin, write Alena a letter (yes, by hand)</i></span></div></i></b><div><br /></div><div>It is so easy to think of the many things waiting to engage my brain and body. I'm not even imagining my school 'to-do' list, because that stuff will 'get done' at school. However, these household 'to-dos' will not get done. Why? Because I find zero motivation after waking up to a snow-covered car. I feel no purposeful energy after coming home from a half-day training that covered everything that was already covered in the previous training. I lack any sort of drive to accomplish things when all I want to do is snuggle up under a blanket and find a relatively empty contentment... as in an EMPTY mind. I get tired of the daily racing-mind frustrations and today I opt for the opposite extreme, which sounds soooo incredibly lazy. Yet, on this COLD mid-April day, I am quite okay with my choice to do absolutely *nothing*. I'll get to my to-do list... tomorrow.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>p.s. It helps to have a kitty and a hubby feeling the exact same way. The extent of our workout today will be the creation of a thai curry dinner (with some needy meowing thrown in by the feline friend).</i></div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16912023036026868047noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8675218629535226427.post-33289717477351679822011-04-13T19:28:00.005-04:002011-04-13T20:07:17.819-04:00please excuse this blog for hibernating (we're back!)Already mid-April? Time has been moving quickly, and of course, as we move into warm weather, my brain gets all discombobulated, thoughts going every which way.<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>That fresh air rush of emotions to the mind... making me happy with a bittersweet base. We are in a good place.<br /><br />Crazy job that I love in a crazy district that I laugh about and have learned to navigate. I've made a few friends at work, including one fantastic partner-in-crime. We seek out the good in our middle school world, encouraging the kiddos and spreading a 'positive' vibe. I often say to people that I'm lucky I'm old, and that I have years of experience, because otherwise this job would have suffocated me. But instead I was able to make it my own, even with no support or direction. Hmmm... I suppose it helped that I had the Abu Dhabi experience first-- couldn't get any more disorganized than that!<br /><br />My hubby and the Bilbo cat snuggle me regularly, so I can say that home life is fantastic. Nate has been substitute teaching this year, and he is really good at it. He also scored high enough on the LSAT to qualify for a full-ride to law school at Cooley next year, so that will be a new adventure. Bilbo has gone from being the under-the-bed-only cat to a cat that cries sadly when I leave and sprints over to me when I get home. Mr. Bilbo Baggins Boy is quite possibly my best friend.<br /><br />Friends! It's been especially fun to make some new down-to-earth friends here in Grand Rapids. People here seem more inclined to venture out or come over or have us over, and we do wine nights and game nights and bar nights. I'm definitely excited for this warmer weather so we can do more bicycling to friends' houses. We biked to a fun bar last weekend, and it was great to get the exercise and also feel that we were saving gas. Nate has been obnoxious (but yes, admirably so) all winter with his "I bicycle to school" gig; he refused to get dropped off at his sub jobs and instead opted to ride his bike ALL WINTER LONG. Awesome, most def, but obnoxious because he simply put me to shame. Maybe now warm weather will help me redeem myself.<br /><br />I've also never fully known how nice it is to have family close by... Nate's folks are a half-hour away, my parents an hour away, and Nate's brother's family lives within walking distance. And it's just perfect. I feel a little lucky that we did our crazy brief UAE stint-- It made 'this' all the more valuable; 'this' being our space in time here in lower Michigan.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nT-IPJrzxEQ/TaY5CSEr3BI/AAAAAAAAAtI/dflOwKBpekM/s1600/DSC02681.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nT-IPJrzxEQ/TaY5CSEr3BI/AAAAAAAAAtI/dflOwKBpekM/s320/DSC02681.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595222298428431378" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />p.s. Follow this link to find a yummy recipe blog as well as a cha</span><span style="font-style: italic;">nce to enter and win the give-away; I was kind of excited about the mug I could win (it looks like a large one, quite pleasing to the hand)... So, add your comment to this blog entry, and we'll see who wins. The oopsitsvegan folks live in Ann Arbor, my old college town. :)</span><br /><a href="http://oopsitsvegan.blogspot.com/2011/03/national-pancake-dayand-give-away.html">http://oopsitsvegan.blogspot.com/2011/03/national-pancake-dayand-give-away.html</a>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16912023036026868047noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8675218629535226427.post-37173145075600692142010-12-30T13:36:00.003-05:002010-12-30T13:42:07.735-05:00...and a happy new year<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GXT_RJWffr4/TRzRYsEMYVI/AAAAAAAAAs0/ZW5nX9tQVtI/s1600/Photo%2Bon%2B2010-12-20%2Bat%2B11.46.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GXT_RJWffr4/TRzRYsEMYVI/AAAAAAAAAs0/ZW5nX9tQVtI/s320/Photo%2Bon%2B2010-12-20%2Bat%2B11.46.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556546262344163666" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">2010 comes to a close, and we are in a happy place that we never were really trying to find... which is a welcomed surprise. My job is fine (both vague and VAST, but I'm working on defining it), we have an awesome apartment in the Heritage Hill neighborhood of Grand Rapids, we got a new cat Bilbo, Nate took the LSAT (awaiting results) and is subbing, and we are super close to family and friends on both sides. I guess sometimes surprises are good. :)</span></div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16912023036026868047noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8675218629535226427.post-76963087301626859792010-11-01T23:41:00.002-04:002010-11-01T23:59:02.161-04:00residual anxietyLindsey asked me today if I have "residual anxiety" from my UAE experience. And I think it's funny that I didn't realize it until now. Let's look at the things I've been worrying about...<div><br /></div><div>*Will the principal know I am coming on Wednesday? </div><div><br /></div><div>*Will I have any guidance whatsoever?</div><div><br /></div><div>*What if everyone hates that I don't speak Spanish as fluently as the other teachers?</div><div><br /></div><div>*What if my paperwork doesn't get processed and I don't get paid?</div><div><br /></div><div>*What can I plan for the day in order to be 'prepared' in every single possible scenario upon my arrival?</div><div><br /></div><div>But don't worry, because I'm no longer worrying. After emailing the HR person to inquire about the situation Wednesday, I have learned that the Response to Intervention teachers (that's me!) will be meeting with the RTI Coordinator before going to our sites. We will get the full scoop on job expectations. (Wow, you mean they'll actually make sure I understand my job?) </div><div><br /></div><div>And after Lindsey pointed out my anxiety (and commented how I have never shown anxiety in the past), I realized that indeed Abu Dhabi still haunts my brain, and I can leave it at that. It can haunt all it wants, but my mind is moving on to better things. </div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16912023036026868047noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8675218629535226427.post-39506429397818036912010-10-20T16:16:00.003-04:002010-10-20T16:26:59.493-04:00the little things<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GXT_RJWffr4/TL9Ok6pTIhI/AAAAAAAAAso/4ZmDHCE-abs/s1600/DSC02292.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GXT_RJWffr4/TL9Ok6pTIhI/AAAAAAAAAso/4ZmDHCE-abs/s320/DSC02292.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530225263558992402" /></a>cat stevens, fall leaves, smiling hubby, crisp almost-arm-swinging speedwalks, contemplative jogs, interviews already, kitty cat craziness, family time in both kzoo and gr, the lovely niece nora racing 'round the block, not being in the uae, songs songs songs, chill of winter waiting in the wings, new friends that were old friends (eric!), hopcat drinks, the best salads in the world, friends forever funny (jenny!), the giving tree (thanks to the ali b girl), and being 'me'.Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16912023036026868047noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8675218629535226427.post-9641100227115537052010-10-10T16:51:00.002-04:002010-10-10T17:31:19.119-04:00culturally speaking...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>The following are things I heard in the UAE news, stories from fellow teachers' blogs, or tales from friends currently teaching in Abu Dhabi... I've changed all friends' names to either John or Jane to protect identities. It sounds strange to say that, but it's probably the reality that frightened me most-- that the UAE government seems to be able to do whatever it wants. It is most unsettling. As Nate says, even though here in the States the government upsets us on a regular basis, at least we have the "ideals" as a foundation... you know like free speech, innocent-until-proven-guilty, and all that. And so, here we go...</i></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">**John gets in a car accident (not his fault). The police say he has two choices... He can accept blame and pay a huge fine, or he can deny fault and spend a few nights in jail while they investigate.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">**Jane gets hit, spit on, bitten, and her hair pulled during her regular work day. And the crazy thing is that this happens to other Janes too.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">**John is asked to remove student work from the walls, because the principal finds it ugly.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">**One day, a student accused John of hitting him in the eye. Luckily, another student knew enough English to say it wasn't true. The Arabic teacher told John, "God saved you today." The Arabic teacher said that if the police had come, they would have believed the lying student.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">**A couple of Janes walked out of their school the other day because they have had no support. In this school kids have ganged up on other students, a student's eye was stabbed with a pencil and gushed blood, students climbed up dangerous shelving, and the Janes work together to cover classrooms because no one wants to be left alone with the students. They are afraid for their safety and the students' safety.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">**John had a 45 minute meeting with his principal. The principal told him that he cannot use "discipline" or "consequences" in his classroom... CANNOT.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">**A journalist spoke out about the practices of a newspaper (sexual favors in exchange for work, etc.)... He, the journalist, is being charged with "disparaging over the internet an English-language newspaper and accusing its management of being unethical and immoral." </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">**An Emirati man is sentenced to three months in jail for having consensual sex. He was accused of kidnapping and raping a Tunisian woman, but the courts evidently did not believe her. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>(There are sooo many stories like the final one, even regarding young boys/girls being raped and then being blamed. Quite eye-opening, since the UAE is a very "progressive" middle-eastern country. I recommend keeping up on the crime section at www.gulfnews.com, simply because it can be both fascinating and frightening.)</i></span></div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16912023036026868047noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8675218629535226427.post-25400465724822809822010-10-07T04:25:00.005-04:002010-10-07T05:24:41.233-04:00Abu Dhabi in the distance...... and we are safely on American soil. Funny how I never referred to myself or things here as American before. Always felt that was too arrogant, since North and South America are bigger than just the US of A. But, over in the UAE, we are "Americans", and I've taken a liking to this, even to the extent of using a fake accent when I say it. But, all kidding aside, I am quite thankful that we were welcomed back to America.<div><br /></div><div>As you could probably tell from previous posts, Nate and I entered this Abu Dhabi teaching adventure with the openest of minds. I embraced the go-with-the-flow pace of life, the endless sitting around and waiting, the chaotic organization of meetings and document-gathering/receiving. I didn't mind waiting 3 hours to get my med card or bank card... Well, maybe I minded just a little, but you didn't hear us complain. I was the perfect picture of someone who went over there with no expectations, as they keep telling people to do. </div><div><br /></div><div>But after two weeks of nothing-getting-done-and-it's-okay, on the first day of school, I was thrown into my classroom with zero guidance (after being told there that our first two weeks of school would be planned out for us). And from that day forward, anxiety began to eat me alive.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now, before I even begin with the details, I know there are people over in the UAE that are happy with their situations. Some people have good schools. I have noticed a lot of the folks enjoying their situations are in schools with western principals and a lot of western teachers. I'm also under the impression that most of the people who have stuck it out (or returned for their second year) are teachers who either have no choice financially, or have given up on the idea of 'really changing things'. They've accepted the system for what it is and are putting in their time.</div><div><br /></div><div>The first couple of days at the boys' school, I tried to stay positive... trying new things, using different manipulatives, moving around a lot, singing songs, etc... to no avail. Very quickly, I moved into the state of mind that it had to be solely about the money, because I was *not* going to be able to teach using the western methodologies we were brought there to share. And finally, I realized that my mental and physical health deserved better... I refused to compromise myself professionally, even for a huge salary and luxury apartment.</div><div><br /></div><div>The hardest, and most unexpected thing, was the behavior of my students, especially my Grade 2 group. At all times, there were students strangling, hitting, kicking, shoving, running, climbing, crawling, and destroying things. I have never seen anything like it in my life. Out of 24 students, I had 2 who behaved appropriately on a consistent basis (poor Amin and Hazza, right?!), probably 5 more who chose to behave occasionally, and about 15 students that ran wild and exhibited zero control. The strange thing for me was that I didn't connect to any of the out-of-control students. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here in the States, I've had students that exhibit violent tendencies and deal with anger issues... I've had kids knock over desks and chairs, throw things, and bang their heads-- and typically those are kids that I've formed special relationships with, because they seem to need the most loving. In the UAE, it seems to be the culture causing the behaviors, not some deeper issue. Students would run around the school, knocking other kids around and avoiding teachers. They would bring 3 bags of junk food plus lollipops for their snacks. They would keep smiling, even when hit by an Arabic teacher. </div><div><br /></div><div>As a plea for me to stay, they said they would put an Arabic teacher in my classroom. Well, for one, I didn't believe it would happen. A western teacher requested the same thing last year and is still waiting for them to follow through. And really, I wouldn't want an Arabic teacher in my room, at least not one from that school. The Arabic teachers suggested I "get a big stick" to control my students. They use hitting, twisting ears painfully, and smacking with a switch as their primary forms of behavior management. I wouldn't be able to stomach being around that every day.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyhow, back to the disrespectful behavior being a cultural thing... My friend Diana teaches kindergarten over there, and she had a parent ask her, "What's the difference between schools here and in America?" Diana told her, "In the States, the students don't usually hit the teachers, and they don't fight as much." The mom said, "Here we don't tell them no. They play how they want to play, eat how they want to eat. We don't say no this, no that." We confirmed her statements through observations of families at the malls. </div><div><br /></div><div>Malls are a really big thing in Abu Dhabi; I went to the mall more during our time there than in the past year here at home. We've heard that malls provided a safe place for Emirati women to come out without their husbands constantly alongside them. Anyhow, at the mall, you will see children running wild. I saw a young boy hit his dad hard, and the dad did nothing. Nate saw kids kicking each other while wearing ice skates. And the arcade was full of children at 9:30 at night on a school night. And, actually, now that I think about it, Diana and I noticed that the malls seem to be a kids' paradise... TONS of play areas, lots and lots of junk food places, and crazy statues of kid stuff (Snow White, dinosaurs, and more). Most of the kids are raised by their nannies, so you'd mostly see the children with their mother and nanny, sometimes with their dads.</div><div><br /></div><div>Each morning, before school, I would wake up around 4, stomach hurting and mind wishing the school day wouldn't arrive. Then, we'd get up and have breakfast, then I would cry as we said goodbye. Each afternoon, I'd come home and burst into tears. And so, instead of battling against a culture of wildly-behaving children, I decided to flee. And Nate supported my decision wholeheartedly, as he was not the biggest fan of the UAE. </div><div><br /></div><div>Abu Dhabi was a strange place. We met many amazing people... but the amazing people we met were not from there. We saw some neat sights... but something doesn't quite fit when I'm more interested in the slums than the flashy new buildings. There's obviously a whole lot more to write about, but this entry needs to come to an end. Stay tuned for my next analysis.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16912023036026868047noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8675218629535226427.post-71139294253487467382010-09-10T14:49:00.003-04:002010-09-10T15:45:03.634-04:00adjusting<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GXT_RJWffr4/TIqJ365cTII/AAAAAAAAAsg/bIvoccf8U0Q/s1600/DSC02225.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GXT_RJWffr4/TIqJ365cTII/AAAAAAAAAsg/bIvoccf8U0Q/s400/DSC02225.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515372287464590466" /></a><br />The cultural part of our orientation offered up a good challenge... turning 'tolerance' into 'acceptance' and 'appreciation' through understanding. A lot of teachers here are going out to expat bars and the hotel restaurants (beyond our free breakfast buffet), and quite honestly, Nate and I are staying strong in our determination to save as much money as possible. I most definitely don't judge any of those teachers who are having fun and living it up '5-star hotel style'; what a great way to get to know other teachers! But it is simply not in our personal reality, at least for the time being. <div><br /></div><div>Anyhow, the funny thing is that, because of our search for cheaper options, I think we are moving rather quickly into the acceptance and appreciation (well, maybe 'fascination') stages of this culture. For instance, in an effort to save money, we decided to try out the public bus system to see if we might use buses instead of taxis. A taxi ride costs about 14 dirhams to go to the Carrefour (the cheaper grocery store) and 14 to come back. A bus ride *anywhere* costs 1 dirham per person, making it a 4 dirham round trip for the two of us, so it's definitely the way to go if there isn't a time constraint. Anyhow, we rode the bus all around today with our friend Kim, and we gained some insights into the working world of Abu Dhabi. We walked the streets amidst sooo many Muslim men as we searched for a local place to eat (didn't find one open so ended up at Subway, but it was nice to be in a 'street' subway instead of a 'mall' subway)... We never once saw an Emirati woman on the bus or walking around neighborhoods; the only women we saw seemed to be of other nationalities, with most of them from India. </div><div><br /></div><div>I feel like we sort of witnessed the 'innards' of Abu Dhabi, if that makes any sense. And it dawned on us that the more we walked, and the more we rode the bus, the more comfortable we became in our surroundings. We realized that our bodies seemed to be adjusting to the heat, and we weren't worrying about looking funny or out of place. Adapting doesn't require any huge epiphanies; it simply takes time. So, I am thankful that our financial circumstances (or perhaps I should say financial hopes, as we really just want to save instead of spend!) are leading us to being a bit more local in our activities... cheap Indian dinner, free football game, bus rides, and more.</div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16912023036026868047noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8675218629535226427.post-26799881548481450022010-09-05T12:03:00.013-04:002010-09-05T15:30:47.703-04:00superficial bits of wonderfulness ;)My mind is feeling too tired to get into depth on Abu Dhabi's grand educational reform (which we learned a lot more about today), so instead, I will ramble about the fancy stuff and the little things that make me happy inside... things like fresh juice at breakfast (pineapple, orange, mango, watermelon, and grapefruit!), a climate that works wonders for my complexion (all of my facial flaws are drying up and disappearing!), and setting the air conditioning at 21 C to comfortably snuggle beneath the duvet.<div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GXT_RJWffr4/TIPd3qxhMHI/AAAAAAAAArY/YOePvp03uNc/s1600/DSC02167.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GXT_RJWffr4/TIPd3qxhMHI/AAAAAAAAArY/YOePvp03uNc/s320/DSC02167.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513494317276147826" /></a><br /></div><div>The city lights shine from the window wall of our hotel room at the Fairmont Bab al Bahr, and the cars pour into the lot... Ramadan evenings are very busy! I still can't get over the beauty of our hotel; never have I stayed in any place remotely like this. It is simply beautiful everywhere you look. </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GXT_RJWffr4/TIPhR33BkmI/AAAAAAAAArg/r9Bj6BCmkfA/s1600/DSC02169.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GXT_RJWffr4/TIPhR33BkmI/AAAAAAAAArg/r9Bj6BCmkfA/s320/DSC02169.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513498066000384610" /></a><br /></div><div>We walked to the Souk down the road this evening after swimming and lounging by the pool for a bit. The souk is like a fancy mall-ish place (see photos below), and we bought some cheap snacks from the deli and some hummus to have with our bell pepper bargains (from Carrefour, 4- with only 1 green- for what would be less than 2 u.s. dollars). A light breeze made the temperature somewhat comfortable for the walk home.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GXT_RJWffr4/TIPkXKuS-4I/AAAAAAAAAro/EGIBlKhuaLo/s1600/DSC02153.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GXT_RJWffr4/TIPkXKuS-4I/AAAAAAAAAro/EGIBlKhuaLo/s320/DSC02153.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513501455498279810" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GXT_RJWffr4/TIPmKs5ImWI/AAAAAAAAArw/NTCy-2U9ORg/s1600/DSC02154.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GXT_RJWffr4/TIPmKs5ImWI/AAAAAAAAArw/NTCy-2U9ORg/s320/DSC02154.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513503440355498338" /></a><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GXT_RJWffr4/TIPnVulqnTI/AAAAAAAAAr4/AYcBJDcDh0o/s1600/DSC02162.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GXT_RJWffr4/TIPnVulqnTI/AAAAAAAAAr4/AYcBJDcDh0o/s200/DSC02162.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513504729300901170" /></a>The signage here is so clear... I found it funny that I was so impressed by it, but really, they have everything marked so well in both English and Arabic, and often with pictures. For driving, this will be a welcomed sight! I also appreciated the "exit" signs here-- no words, simply a picture of a person opening a door with an arrow, lit up green. It just seems more universal (obviously) than our 'exit' signs in the States where people have to read. Nate also remarked on the fact that U.S. money is horrible for people who are visually impaired, since all of the bills are the same size. Here, the bills are different sizes.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Our shopping experience at the Marina Mall was... interesting. I was pleased that Carrefour (which they say is similar to a Walmart) has a stellar selection of fresh produce (photos below of Carrefour shopping); having heard it was the 'cheap' spot to shop, I imagined a lower quality. Not that I've seen anything else to compare it to, but this selection was indeed fantastic, so the Carrefour part of the mall trip was successful. As you can probably imagine, Nate and I are not the biggest mall 'fans'... In the case of Marina Mall, I found it interesting architecturally (as I find most everything here, including overpasses, bridges, and walls), but the shops were definitely not up our alley. Not the biggest buyers of Guess, Dior, Tiffany & Co., or Gucci products. ;) BUT- If we feel like going ice skating, the mall is the place to be.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GXT_RJWffr4/TIPpxUgDwrI/AAAAAAAAAsA/WGtqdeZ-fXE/s1600/DSC02135.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GXT_RJWffr4/TIPpxUgDwrI/AAAAAAAAAsA/WGtqdeZ-fXE/s200/DSC02135.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513507402357654194" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GXT_RJWffr4/TIPrdMAoG5I/AAAAAAAAAsI/M1WcIAWCQu0/s1600/DSC02136.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GXT_RJWffr4/TIPrdMAoG5I/AAAAAAAAAsI/M1WcIAWCQu0/s200/DSC02136.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513509255504206738" /></a><br /></div><div> (yummy fruit and spices!)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GXT_RJWffr4/TIPvIivXRdI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/eZiWl9OFJ_I/s1600/DSC02148.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GXT_RJWffr4/TIPvIivXRdI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/eZiWl9OFJ_I/s200/DSC02148.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513513298875074002" /></a>In spite of the crazy fanciness of it all, a line from the musical I've always dreamed of starring in comes to mind... "I think I'm gonna like it here." (can you name that musical? and yes, I know I could no longer play the lead.) :)</div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16912023036026868047noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8675218629535226427.post-53393141055668689252010-08-30T22:53:00.005-04:002010-08-30T23:29:43.581-04:00and the journey continues<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/_R5IQoIYvTM?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/_R5IQoIYvTM?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br />I really feel that my life has been on-the-go since meeting Nate... crazy bicycle trip, fun homeless summer, and now we are on our way to Abu Dhabi. We fly out of Detroit (short flight to O'Hare) this Thursday afternoon, then Chicago to AD that evening. When we arrive it will be evening the next day in the UAE (but only around noon here!). Jet lag will be our enemy for a while, I suppose. This life of journeying feels good. Especially happy to be taking it outside the United States. Going, going, and finally almost gone. But we'll be back... occasionally. :)Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16912023036026868047noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8675218629535226427.post-37058093955246299622010-08-23T11:39:00.002-04:002010-08-23T14:42:24.018-04:00while we wait<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GXT_RJWffr4/THLAU_oNFHI/AAAAAAAAArQ/J5jX7OGAFxY/s1600/45535_1536280096118_1508311230_1333043_3280791_n.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 237px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GXT_RJWffr4/THLAU_oNFHI/AAAAAAAAArQ/J5jX7OGAFxY/s320/45535_1536280096118_1508311230_1333043_3280791_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508676761137517682" /></a>I thought perhaps I'd put a photo of my "happy face" (courtesy of Lindsey Steffes, photographer extraordinaire), as a reminder that I need to stay positive as I wait and wait for the flight info. :) <div><br /></div><div>Visas are held up in the Abu Dhabi Immigration Offices, not because of any bad things, but I imagine simply because it's Ramadan, and the pace of life has slowed, and meeting the supposed 'needs' of impatient Americans is probably not their top priority. So, it looks like the last folks will be getting to the UAE in early September, and that includes me.</div><div><br /></div><div>And so, I'm going to keep this Hoxeyville smile on my face for another week or so.</div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16912023036026868047noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8675218629535226427.post-6092773081191679472010-08-17T15:05:00.003-04:002010-08-17T15:22:49.002-04:00a backwards glance...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GXT_RJWffr4/TGrdosTN46I/AAAAAAAAArI/8W5JabDtDBk/s1600/DSC02005.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GXT_RJWffr4/TGrdosTN46I/AAAAAAAAArI/8W5JabDtDBk/s320/DSC02005.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506457185570120610" /></a>So, Nate and I visited Detroit this past weekend. Stayed at Larry's, and Heather joined us for the evening too! I told Nate that I used to make it to Larry's at least twice a year, but it had really been a while, so I'm glad we made the trip.<div><br /></div><div>Anyhow, it got me thinking about my Markley friends... Larry and Heather were RA's with me at U of M (Markley was the dorm), along with many other fabulous friends, and most of us are still close. Honestly, I think it was a very rare, lucky thing that we all connected so strongly. Kind of dorky, but really, quite perfect. We would eat endless lunches and dinners in the cafeteria, and I don't think I have ever laughed that hard for that long that often. What an amazing year; I think it was the 99-00 school year. The RA's on-duty would meet late in the evening, and somehow a large group of us would manage to show up for some laughs before bed. We held the Best Damn Karaoke Jam Ever, and the famous Condom-Mania (complete with a dirty "soundtrack" of songs from the early 90's), and we spent our orientation week playing Mafia late into the night. And in the following years, we had weddings to attend together (including Amy and Matt's... RA marries Resident Computer Geek!), and we try to meet each winter for our annual gathering.</div><div><br /></div><div>And so, here's to us, Markley Gang! I love you guys-- Larry, Heather, Jen, Matt, Amy, Katacia, Erin, Steve, Dana, etc.!</div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16912023036026868047noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8675218629535226427.post-75472232575099294412010-08-16T11:08:00.000-04:002010-08-16T12:54:15.182-04:00going, going... not quite goneStill in that holding pattern... No ticket yet (perhaps that's not a big surprise), but the good surprise is that Nate is most likely going to fly out with me! At first I thought it may have been a fluke in the first travel group (that spouses got tickets too), but then it was confirmed by the ADEC email. Sooo, Nate and I should be on a flight together by the 28th of this month! <div><br /></div><div>The ping-pong table is still covered with my travel piles... carry-on section, clothing for checked luggage, and "other stuff" for checked luggage. Still need to do the power-of-attorney thing for my dad, let banks know we'll be going overseas, and get vpn witopia for the computer. I also want to go through the storage unit stuff again to be sure I didn't miss any teaching materials. I'll make a small box of things my mom could ship me if I discover I want them. We aren't bringing any extra luggage beyond our allotment. If you go over the weight requirement or add extra bags, you can end up paying a lot extra.</div><div><br /></div><div>I went for a short "sprint" around the block as it was getting dark last night. I am anxious to get back in shape... This waiting-for-flight-info time has been poorly utilized by me! I've become a couch potato, only instead of watching t.v., I can't tear myself away from the computer. So, I'll do another run today, and maybe a workout video? I'm going to do crunches and push-ups everyday too. And perhaps my dad will go play disc golf or mountain bike with me this week.</div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16912023036026868047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8675218629535226427.post-78710796942045177942010-08-11T11:56:00.003-04:002010-08-11T12:15:32.731-04:00the unspokenSo, I just posted a thing on facebook (oh, the horror) that might anger a few of my fb friends. And, I think it's rather wimpy of me that I haven't mentioned "this" before to many people. Even though I've always welcomed political debate, I feel like "this" is different... It gets my heart racing, my gut sinking, and tears rise up. Because really, it's ignorance. And soooo often, I think we (or maybe just I) let ignorance slide... We chalk it up to someone growing up in a small town, watching only certain news stations, and not seeing the world. We say, oh, well, that's because his/her parents were way worse than that, so somehow that's okay. Or we might say, "welcome to northern michigan". But I'm done with that. The thing she said was horrifying (she told it to my hubby Nate, who willingly engaged in a verbal battle with her, full of facts), and I do wish that she would have said it to my face.<div><br /></div><div>This is it... <i>Apparently, according to this acquaintance, I am going over to Abu Dhabi in order to teach English so that "they" can more easily infiltrate our country.</i> And you know, when Nate told me about it originally, I laughed at the absurdity. But it's just continued to eat away at me, because I know that there must be a lot of people that think that way (but simply don't say it out loud). I mean, this person I am talking about is an educator... That's how I know her. It makes me want to vomit.</div><div><br /></div><div>And what's funnier (if you can say that)... is that really Abu Dhabi has its act together. They *know* that they are going to run out of oil one day, and they are preparing for that by investing in education. They are spending a TON of money on their schools and teachers. I am honored to be heading to a country that values what I do so much, because the U.S. is certainly falling behind in that respect.</div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16912023036026868047noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8675218629535226427.post-69741908964939209322010-08-09T12:49:00.005-04:002010-08-09T19:46:02.986-04:00the weirdness of done<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GXT_RJWffr4/TGCTJCd4QJI/AAAAAAAAArA/kpZPtgqCXl0/s1600/DSC01867.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GXT_RJWffr4/TGCTJCd4QJI/AAAAAAAAArA/kpZPtgqCXl0/s320/DSC01867.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503560528137044114" /></a><br />This going-away-thing subtly exposes realities, like true friends and homeplaces. What I'll miss, who will miss me, how ideas of time differ from person to person... My time, this time, our little bit of time. <div><br /></div><div>People's priorities in part reveal their heart; what matters most, what can wait for later, what memories are made. I am thankful for this going-away-thing; thankful for kindred spirit friends who make time, thankful for the many homeplaces we've found along our summerway. </div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16912023036026868047noreply@blogger.com2