Ugh. Something hit me hard over the weekend. It wasn't pretty. I thought perhaps it was just a bit of morning sickness (which I actually got a little giddy about, I might add), but no. Clearly, there was more to it. I will not provide the awful details. C was so good at taking care of me, from running out to get ginger ale and saltines to keeping the fire going while I slept on the floor in front of it. Today is much better, I just have some residual chills/hot flashes and achy legs and abdomen.
Terrible timing, too. I missed dinner at MC's yesterday and didn't get any of the wrapping done that I had planned. Oh well, c'est la vie.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Friday, December 19, 2008
Merry and Bright
Despite the horror show that is my job where the politics and drama of big fish versus little fish vying for power in a large circumference of pond scum unfolds daily, I remain above complete demoralization and despair. The last two weeks at work have been the most difficult in my working life thus far. I do not exaggerate. But, no matter, I am cheerfully darting towards Christmas Vacation. And yes, Vacation is so important here it warrants a capital letter.
True to my word, I Grinched out on Christmas decorating: no 10-foot spruce, no balls, baubles, or garland; no lights, no baking. The only thing I could muster was some cards and a wreath on the door. To my delight, my husband did not indolently sit by and let this Christmas atrocity occur. He put out the plastic choir people on the porch, the tacky icicle lights, the fiber-optic tree, the stockings with our names in glitter glue, the nativity crèche and various other assorted items that just make me squeal with seasonal merriment and joy. He’s even made some cookies. Santa may stop here, after all.
We received a very special present on Wednesday at the RE’s office. Since I am now 6 weeks pregnant, we got to see the little gestational sac in my uterus via the ultrasound camera. The screen showed what looked like a little black bean with a white membrane around it. Apparently, our baby is in there: it’s little respiratory system, heart, and brain forming now. It’s hard to put into words the kind of joy I felt looking at the monitor and even now. I laughed nervously. It was a kind of release, I guess. All that worry and fear about the future unknown had to escape somehow, even if momentarily in the form of a giggle. And yes, there is only one. The other two embryos did not make it, obviously. While I feel sad about that, I am hopeful that the natal environment is now perfect for the single life in there.
I am very much ready to celebrate the holidays. I am savoring the idea of sleeping late on weekdays, relaxing on the couch with a fire going in the family room, reading a good book for hours - uninterrupted. There will be special time with family on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Another family party on the 26th, and a very special dinner with our truest friends on the 21st. These are the things that I am looking forward to doing. As the years go by (ever faster), I realize that there is just no substitute for my family and friends. Sure, my family is a bit nutty (isn’t everyone’s?), and the number of really honest friends close to my heart seems to get smaller all the time, but I wouldn’t trade what I have for the world.
To top it all off, a winter snow warning is in effect. We could get as much as 6 inches in these parts, and that’s just fine by me. I can finally break out my snow boots, favorite red hat and mittens. I’ve never been much of an athlete, and I never really got into such activities, but things like skiing and ice skating seem like such fun. I’d like to think that I could still ski or ice skate, although I’m probably more inclined to snow tube or go sled riding. For now, I’ll take the snow and enjoy it while it lasts.
True to my word, I Grinched out on Christmas decorating: no 10-foot spruce, no balls, baubles, or garland; no lights, no baking. The only thing I could muster was some cards and a wreath on the door. To my delight, my husband did not indolently sit by and let this Christmas atrocity occur. He put out the plastic choir people on the porch, the tacky icicle lights, the fiber-optic tree, the stockings with our names in glitter glue, the nativity crèche and various other assorted items that just make me squeal with seasonal merriment and joy. He’s even made some cookies. Santa may stop here, after all.
We received a very special present on Wednesday at the RE’s office. Since I am now 6 weeks pregnant, we got to see the little gestational sac in my uterus via the ultrasound camera. The screen showed what looked like a little black bean with a white membrane around it. Apparently, our baby is in there: it’s little respiratory system, heart, and brain forming now. It’s hard to put into words the kind of joy I felt looking at the monitor and even now. I laughed nervously. It was a kind of release, I guess. All that worry and fear about the future unknown had to escape somehow, even if momentarily in the form of a giggle. And yes, there is only one. The other two embryos did not make it, obviously. While I feel sad about that, I am hopeful that the natal environment is now perfect for the single life in there.
I am very much ready to celebrate the holidays. I am savoring the idea of sleeping late on weekdays, relaxing on the couch with a fire going in the family room, reading a good book for hours - uninterrupted. There will be special time with family on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Another family party on the 26th, and a very special dinner with our truest friends on the 21st. These are the things that I am looking forward to doing. As the years go by (ever faster), I realize that there is just no substitute for my family and friends. Sure, my family is a bit nutty (isn’t everyone’s?), and the number of really honest friends close to my heart seems to get smaller all the time, but I wouldn’t trade what I have for the world.
To top it all off, a winter snow warning is in effect. We could get as much as 6 inches in these parts, and that’s just fine by me. I can finally break out my snow boots, favorite red hat and mittens. I’ve never been much of an athlete, and I never really got into such activities, but things like skiing and ice skating seem like such fun. I’d like to think that I could still ski or ice skate, although I’m probably more inclined to snow tube or go sled riding. For now, I’ll take the snow and enjoy it while it lasts.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Throw Your Arms Around the World at Christmastime
So, today I mailed a box to Africa. I have never mailed anything to Africa before, so this was a first for me. For some quick background, very dear friends of ours moved to Tanzania a few months back. Not only are they dear friends, but their son is my sweet, beloved godchild. Since this will be the first Christmas without seeing them, I thought it a fine idea to pack up some gifts from Santa and other requested assorted things.
I priced out the cost of shipping this 16-pound box with various international carriers like DHL and FedEx. Several hundred dollars each and certainly cost-prohibitive. I got the best deal at the USPS for $88.50. When I went to the post office this morning to mail the package, I now know why the best deal is had at the USPS. Tracking or delivery confirmation for shipment of packages to Tanzania is not available. But, the USPS automatically insures the package for $110.00 or so, about the value of the contents at no extra charge. I had to fill out a 5-part form and write in big, block letters: GIFTS, TOYS. And check boxes that affirm there are no firearms, hazardous chemicals, agricultural products, meat, perishables, or medical waste in the box. I expressed some concern that if there is no tracking or delivery confirmation, how will I know that the box will make it to the destination in one piece. And what is the likelihood that customs will open the box at all? Not that Matchbox cars, Tinker Toys and Playmobil are contraband items…
According to the postmaster at my hometown post office, shipping gifts to any country is risky. Really? Even Canada or England? Why yes, she informed me. Not only are there taxes that are often collected from the recipient upon delivery, but also there are corrupt customs officials that steal items for themselves. Well, gee, thanks for fueling my fears. I feel a whole lot better. I paid the fee, put my gloves back on, thanked her and headed out to the car. I decided that our postmaster is one of those eternally pessimistic people you hear about (ahem, snicker snicker) and I should be careful to not to catch that kind of attitude, so I left the post office trying to convince myself that I just have to think positively that the box will make it safely to Dar es Salaam and that our friends will receive the box in totality. There will be no hold-ups in customs and the gifts will not be unwrapped or stolen. After all, it is Christmastime, there’s no need to be afraid.
I priced out the cost of shipping this 16-pound box with various international carriers like DHL and FedEx. Several hundred dollars each and certainly cost-prohibitive. I got the best deal at the USPS for $88.50. When I went to the post office this morning to mail the package, I now know why the best deal is had at the USPS. Tracking or delivery confirmation for shipment of packages to Tanzania is not available. But, the USPS automatically insures the package for $110.00 or so, about the value of the contents at no extra charge. I had to fill out a 5-part form and write in big, block letters: GIFTS, TOYS. And check boxes that affirm there are no firearms, hazardous chemicals, agricultural products, meat, perishables, or medical waste in the box. I expressed some concern that if there is no tracking or delivery confirmation, how will I know that the box will make it to the destination in one piece. And what is the likelihood that customs will open the box at all? Not that Matchbox cars, Tinker Toys and Playmobil are contraband items…
According to the postmaster at my hometown post office, shipping gifts to any country is risky. Really? Even Canada or England? Why yes, she informed me. Not only are there taxes that are often collected from the recipient upon delivery, but also there are corrupt customs officials that steal items for themselves. Well, gee, thanks for fueling my fears. I feel a whole lot better. I paid the fee, put my gloves back on, thanked her and headed out to the car. I decided that our postmaster is one of those eternally pessimistic people you hear about (ahem, snicker snicker) and I should be careful to not to catch that kind of attitude, so I left the post office trying to convince myself that I just have to think positively that the box will make it safely to Dar es Salaam and that our friends will receive the box in totality. There will be no hold-ups in customs and the gifts will not be unwrapped or stolen. After all, it is Christmastime, there’s no need to be afraid.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Consumerism, a Confession and Attempted Reform
I have not participated in the frenzied madness of extreme shopping on Black Friday in years. I simply cannot do it. First of all, I hate crowds and this day brings out the worst in people (see story of Long Island Wal-Mart worker trampled to death by frenzied mob that broke through the entrance way here if you can stomach it). Second, it’s come to represent greed, selfishness, and the kind of reckless consumerism for which Americans are infamous, and that I am not any longer comfortable being labeled. It’s hard to believe that we are in a recession when the footage of half-crazed shoppers climbing over each other to get a flat screen television or toaster is rolling.
I admit that I do mosey out to the Toy Kingdom late in the afternoon on Black Friday. It’s a local, independent toy store and they offer a 20% discount on everything on that day. Who doesn’t love a bargain, and since we purchase gifts for nieces, nephews and godchildren anyway… (I’m totally justifying here) Plus, they offer toys made in countries where materials of construction do not include dangerous chemicals and are not assembled by children themselves. But that’s pretty much it. I don’t comb through the circulars on Thanksgiving Day instead of enjoying the company of family and friends, and I certainly don’t rise so early to be at department stores at 4am. Oh, by the way, this commentary is certainly not a judgment pass on anyone who does participate in Black Friday shopping. It’s more about over-consuming, in general.
Another blogger that I follow recently posted an article from the NYT about a woman in Florida who “sacrificed” a pair of designer jeans so that her daughter could have a mother lode of plastic junk under the Christmas tree. This is it. I even think the woman interviewed in the article went so far as to state that she wants her child to remember that her parents gave her “stuff” even in an economic downturn. There are so many things wrong with that sentiment, it makes me want to cry. Isn’t the meaning of Christmas more than getting “stuff”? What kind of sacrifice is it if you are giving up “designer” jeans? And what’s with all that plastic? Certainly there are more durable and/or educational toys to be had. Or hand-made, even! I hope that if I ever get the opportunity to become a mother, I will live by and teach better values to my children.
In line with all the above, I am in the mode to simplify, as of late. My dad once told me that simplification is something to strive for as one ages, and I have to agree. As I look around my house, it is glaringly apparent that we just have too much stuff and too many things. For sure, I was all about collecting things not that long ago. Stangl pottery, anything pigs, books, CDs, Christmas decorations, etc. It’s so ridiculous now. Last weekend, I had become so agitated by the sight of my cluttered home that I insisted C help me remove the scores of trinkets and knick-knacks from the kitchen area. Just prior to this, we had asked our good friends if they would please refrain from giving us “things” for Christmas. Truly, we don’t need anything at all, and would love it if our friends just spent time with us instead of feeling compelled to buy things. I caught a lot of flack for that request from some friends, but not all.
When I look in my closet and see the count of handbags and shoes that I have, it’s embarrassing. I won’t even begin to speculate on the amount of money that has been blown on designer bags, but it’s shameful. Do I really need all that? Of course not. I do realize that I am lucky enough to be in a position to have purchased it. For sure, I have a great job, we own a nice home, we have stocks and retirement plans (not that they are worth a whole lot these days), and generally lead a financially comfortable life. But I am through with my over-consuming ways. I used to shop for the sake of shopping, as a way to kill time or collect more stuff. I still love antiques, but I’m quite done with collecting them. I have no more room for anything. And I would rather my money be better spent on things that matter or make a difference.
The question for me now is what, exactly, am I going to do with all the excess stuff? It’s hard to imagine parting with much of it. I do have some things tagged for donation. I wonder if I should try to resell at consignment? Yard sale? EBay? What do you think?
I admit that I do mosey out to the Toy Kingdom late in the afternoon on Black Friday. It’s a local, independent toy store and they offer a 20% discount on everything on that day. Who doesn’t love a bargain, and since we purchase gifts for nieces, nephews and godchildren anyway… (I’m totally justifying here) Plus, they offer toys made in countries where materials of construction do not include dangerous chemicals and are not assembled by children themselves. But that’s pretty much it. I don’t comb through the circulars on Thanksgiving Day instead of enjoying the company of family and friends, and I certainly don’t rise so early to be at department stores at 4am. Oh, by the way, this commentary is certainly not a judgment pass on anyone who does participate in Black Friday shopping. It’s more about over-consuming, in general.
Another blogger that I follow recently posted an article from the NYT about a woman in Florida who “sacrificed” a pair of designer jeans so that her daughter could have a mother lode of plastic junk under the Christmas tree. This is it. I even think the woman interviewed in the article went so far as to state that she wants her child to remember that her parents gave her “stuff” even in an economic downturn. There are so many things wrong with that sentiment, it makes me want to cry. Isn’t the meaning of Christmas more than getting “stuff”? What kind of sacrifice is it if you are giving up “designer” jeans? And what’s with all that plastic? Certainly there are more durable and/or educational toys to be had. Or hand-made, even! I hope that if I ever get the opportunity to become a mother, I will live by and teach better values to my children.
In line with all the above, I am in the mode to simplify, as of late. My dad once told me that simplification is something to strive for as one ages, and I have to agree. As I look around my house, it is glaringly apparent that we just have too much stuff and too many things. For sure, I was all about collecting things not that long ago. Stangl pottery, anything pigs, books, CDs, Christmas decorations, etc. It’s so ridiculous now. Last weekend, I had become so agitated by the sight of my cluttered home that I insisted C help me remove the scores of trinkets and knick-knacks from the kitchen area. Just prior to this, we had asked our good friends if they would please refrain from giving us “things” for Christmas. Truly, we don’t need anything at all, and would love it if our friends just spent time with us instead of feeling compelled to buy things. I caught a lot of flack for that request from some friends, but not all.
When I look in my closet and see the count of handbags and shoes that I have, it’s embarrassing. I won’t even begin to speculate on the amount of money that has been blown on designer bags, but it’s shameful. Do I really need all that? Of course not. I do realize that I am lucky enough to be in a position to have purchased it. For sure, I have a great job, we own a nice home, we have stocks and retirement plans (not that they are worth a whole lot these days), and generally lead a financially comfortable life. But I am through with my over-consuming ways. I used to shop for the sake of shopping, as a way to kill time or collect more stuff. I still love antiques, but I’m quite done with collecting them. I have no more room for anything. And I would rather my money be better spent on things that matter or make a difference.
The question for me now is what, exactly, am I going to do with all the excess stuff? It’s hard to imagine parting with much of it. I do have some things tagged for donation. I wonder if I should try to resell at consignment? Yard sale? EBay? What do you think?
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