One of my recent clients, Donna, had some things to say about my art - she put me in her website links page:
"Highly Recommended! I personally had Darla do an 11" x 14" portrait for me. The portrait was a gift for a very special friend whose loving dog "Benjamin Franklin Pierce" past away after 14 loving and loyal years."
There is a link to see the portrait HERE
Donna offers virtual/personal assistant services in her business, Donna's Work Alternatives & Resource Center. Be sure to check out her site!
Thursday, September 29, 2005
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
There is (Ooops WAS, thanks Bob Griggs!) a run off election for State Representative, between Warren Auld and Melvin Everson.
I do believe in going out to vote, but I swear, because of all the annoying recorded calls I have been getting from both of them and people on their sides, I am about to vote and do a write in for Chuck E. Cheese. I couldn't even get this post published before the phone rang with two more of those calls...(seriously!)
Now I wonder, how a person gets off their harrassment list? Can I call them 2 to 3 times a day and advertise my portrait art? Would they mind? I bet they would.
UPDATE:
Melvin Everson's website added to post.
*Thanks also to Bob Griggs for giving me the website for Melvin Everson.
Duh...I should have known the election was yesterday...being Tuesday! I feel like such a dork!
Now I will just shad-dup, because I know next to zero about politics. Go to Bob's site for more scoop on politics. If you want to hear a preggo woman gripe about her aches and pains, then stay here on my blog LOL
I do believe in going out to vote, but I swear, because of all the annoying recorded calls I have been getting from both of them and people on their sides, I am about to vote and do a write in for Chuck E. Cheese. I couldn't even get this post published before the phone rang with two more of those calls...(seriously!)
Now I wonder, how a person gets off their harrassment list? Can I call them 2 to 3 times a day and advertise my portrait art? Would they mind? I bet they would.
UPDATE:
Melvin Everson's website added to post.
*Thanks also to Bob Griggs for giving me the website for Melvin Everson.
Duh...I should have known the election was yesterday...being Tuesday! I feel like such a dork!
Now I will just shad-dup, because I know next to zero about politics. Go to Bob's site for more scoop on politics. If you want to hear a preggo woman gripe about her aches and pains, then stay here on my blog LOL
Another cute one sent to me by Lori :)
---
You Know You Are Living in 2005 when...............
1. You accidentally enter your password on the microwave.
2. You haven't played solitaire with real cards in years.
3. You have a list of 15 phone numbers to reach your family of 3.
4. You e-mail the person who works at the desk next to you.
5. Your reason for not staying in touch with friends and family is that they don't have e-mail addresses.
6. You pull up in your own driveway and use your cell phone to see if anyone is home to help you carry in the groceries.
7. Every commercial on television has a web site at the bottom of the screen
8. Leaving the house without your cell phone, which you didn't have the first 20 or 30 (or 60) years of your life,
---
You Know You Are Living in 2005 when...............
1. You accidentally enter your password on the microwave.
2. You haven't played solitaire with real cards in years.
3. You have a list of 15 phone numbers to reach your family of 3.
4. You e-mail the person who works at the desk next to you.
5. Your reason for not staying in touch with friends and family is that they don't have e-mail addresses.
6. You pull up in your own driveway and use your cell phone to see if anyone is home to help you carry in the groceries.
7. Every commercial on television has a web site at the bottom of the screen
8. Leaving the house without your cell phone, which you didn't have the first 20 or 30 (or 60) years of your life,
is now a cause for panic and you turn around to go and get it.
10. You get up in the morning and go on line before getting your coffee.
11. You start tilting your head sideways to smile. : )
12. You're reading this and nodding and laughing.
13. Even worse, you know exactly to whom you are going to forward this message.
14. You are too busy to notice there was no # 9 on this list.
15. You actually scrolled back up to check that there wasn't a # 9 on this list.
AND NOW U R LAUGHING at yourself.
HAVE A GREAT WEEK!
10. You get up in the morning and go on line before getting your coffee.
11. You start tilting your head sideways to smile. : )
12. You're reading this and nodding and laughing.
13. Even worse, you know exactly to whom you are going to forward this message.
14. You are too busy to notice there was no # 9 on this list.
15. You actually scrolled back up to check that there wasn't a # 9 on this list.
AND NOW U R LAUGHING at yourself.
HAVE A GREAT WEEK!
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
I am so ready to go to the obstetrician again...later this week I'll go and Dr. G will decide if I can have my labor induced. Well maybe it will happen 'naturally' before then...but somehow I doubt it. I have always had to have my labor induced, even when I had twins (and that was 13-14 POUNDS worth of babies!) .
As Sandy Cheeks the Squirrel in SpongeBob would say, "I'm one miserable critter!" and don't forget to put the Texas twang on that. I move like a snail, I drop things, tip over drink glasses (thanks to hands swelling), have carpal tunnel in feet and hands (again,thanks to the swelling), can't get comfortable to sleep, back hurts, etc etc. At least one thing that can be said about pregnancy is that it's not the same thing all the time...the complaints at least change somewhat. But for me, the very end of pregnancy always seems like it will go on forever.
I think we will go car shopping this week. We have decided to just get a small four door car that is pretty good on gas...hopefully one we can just pay for outright. We do not want a car payment. There has to be a good little reliable car for a few thousand out there somewhere. From looking online, there aren't many, but I think that's because the dealerships just aren't going to bother putting those on their websites. Too much effort for them for the money. I am still trying to get over most cars being 22K to $35K. Oh puh-leeze!
I did buy a brand new car one time, and have vowed that I will never again get a brand new car...so much depreciation. One a few years old is just fine. A good little car for $3000 that will last 2-4 years will work just fine for us. I really hate playing the car buying haggle game. I want us to have another car, but the whole car buying process is annoying and tortuous.
I'll let you know what we find out later this week...
As Sandy Cheeks the Squirrel in SpongeBob would say, "I'm one miserable critter!" and don't forget to put the Texas twang on that. I move like a snail, I drop things, tip over drink glasses (thanks to hands swelling), have carpal tunnel in feet and hands (again,thanks to the swelling), can't get comfortable to sleep, back hurts, etc etc. At least one thing that can be said about pregnancy is that it's not the same thing all the time...the complaints at least change somewhat. But for me, the very end of pregnancy always seems like it will go on forever.
I think we will go car shopping this week. We have decided to just get a small four door car that is pretty good on gas...hopefully one we can just pay for outright. We do not want a car payment. There has to be a good little reliable car for a few thousand out there somewhere. From looking online, there aren't many, but I think that's because the dealerships just aren't going to bother putting those on their websites. Too much effort for them for the money. I am still trying to get over most cars being 22K to $35K. Oh puh-leeze!
I did buy a brand new car one time, and have vowed that I will never again get a brand new car...so much depreciation. One a few years old is just fine. A good little car for $3000 that will last 2-4 years will work just fine for us. I really hate playing the car buying haggle game. I want us to have another car, but the whole car buying process is annoying and tortuous.
I'll let you know what we find out later this week...
Monday, September 26, 2005
The kids are out of school today and tomorrow because GA Governor Perdue asked all the government schools in Georgia to close to conserve fuel. It is using two 'snow days' up.
It has been very hard on moms and dads who work outside the home to find last minute childcare so they can go to work. I guess that many of them found out the way I did...my kids ran in the door at 4:30 pm on Friday afternoon going "FOUR DAY WEEKEND! FOUR DAY WEEKEND!" So if I was a mom who worked outside the home, that sure wouldn't leave me any time at all on that Friday workday to make arrangements.
I so far have two people on the list to draw in the Fallen Heroes project.
CNN has a list of the casualties HERE .
I go and look up the people and then find I feel more like I 'know' them and their family more,
and it's pretty moving. Pam at IraqWarNews.net was nice enough to post the info on her blog.
I found out my idea isn't new, (and that's okay, I'm not doing it to be a trendsetter anyway)
I found a site for an exhibit called Faces of the Fallen,
( http://facesofthefallen.org/ ) but apparently they are only doing portraits up to a certain date.
I noticed that one of the portraits was listed as 'unassigned' so I emailed them and offered to do that one if they would like me to. Their portraits are on canvas and mostly painted, but I could probably do conte' crayon on canvas. I hope I will hear from them soon.
I am determined to get one of VB's daughter's age regression portraits done today/tonight.
I am going to go through my art table and get everything organized too. Maybe this is nesting instinct? I don't know, all I know is I am sooo behind it's not even funny right now. I am going to hustle and get caught up, but not sacrifice quality.
I got the baby's bassinet emptied out today. What a weird sentence to type isn't it? It has become a catch-all for laundry etc. There are some people who have the perfect baby nursery set up, and then there's me, the Sidetracked Home Executive (SHE)! I also got the kitchen cleaned up and called a client. I go bouncing from home-work to work-work...someday I will have all the kids in school and be able to get work done in blocks of time and be more effective. Someday someday someday...
It has been very hard on moms and dads who work outside the home to find last minute childcare so they can go to work. I guess that many of them found out the way I did...my kids ran in the door at 4:30 pm on Friday afternoon going "FOUR DAY WEEKEND! FOUR DAY WEEKEND!" So if I was a mom who worked outside the home, that sure wouldn't leave me any time at all on that Friday workday to make arrangements.
I so far have two people on the list to draw in the Fallen Heroes project.
CNN has a list of the casualties HERE .
I go and look up the people and then find I feel more like I 'know' them and their family more,
and it's pretty moving. Pam at IraqWarNews.net was nice enough to post the info on her blog.
I found out my idea isn't new, (and that's okay, I'm not doing it to be a trendsetter anyway)
I found a site for an exhibit called Faces of the Fallen,
( http://facesofthefallen.org/ ) but apparently they are only doing portraits up to a certain date.
I noticed that one of the portraits was listed as 'unassigned' so I emailed them and offered to do that one if they would like me to. Their portraits are on canvas and mostly painted, but I could probably do conte' crayon on canvas. I hope I will hear from them soon.
I am determined to get one of VB's daughter's age regression portraits done today/tonight.
I am going to go through my art table and get everything organized too. Maybe this is nesting instinct? I don't know, all I know is I am sooo behind it's not even funny right now. I am going to hustle and get caught up, but not sacrifice quality.
I got the baby's bassinet emptied out today. What a weird sentence to type isn't it? It has become a catch-all for laundry etc. There are some people who have the perfect baby nursery set up, and then there's me, the Sidetracked Home Executive (SHE)! I also got the kitchen cleaned up and called a client. I go bouncing from home-work to work-work...someday I will have all the kids in school and be able to get work done in blocks of time and be more effective. Someday someday someday...
Sunday, September 25, 2005
Free Portrait of Military for Families
Portraits Drawn Free of Charge for Families of Fallen Military Personnel
If you had an immediate family member die in Iraq/Afghanistan/War Against Terrorism and would like one FREE pencil portrait done from photographs of the loved one, please just email me at darla.dixon@gmail.com to make a request and for instructions of where to mail reference photos.
There is no catch, except I would like the request to be made only by the parent, spouse, or immediate family member of the person. These 9"x12" or 11"x14" portraits will be completed on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Website
There is no catch, except I would like the request to be made only by the parent, spouse, or immediate family member of the person. These 9"x12" or 11"x14" portraits will be completed on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Website
Friday, September 23, 2005
I went to the obstetrician yesterday, the problem I had 'down South' is clearing up - *yay!*
I had an ultrasound, they are guessing that the baby is 9 lbs already *yikes*
So I am going to go to the doctor again in a week, and he might decide to have my labor induced.
Goodbye ice cream, my old friend....
They got the lab results back on the cultures and it came back positive for Strep...apparently it's nothing to worry about for me or the baby, it just means that at the hospital they will need to give me antibiotic in the IV. But you know me, I'll have to go look it up online to know all about it!
I can't sit at the PC for long anymore, usually about 10 mins is all I can stand, I have to keep moving - sit, stand, lie down, etc...
I had an ultrasound, they are guessing that the baby is 9 lbs already *yikes*
So I am going to go to the doctor again in a week, and he might decide to have my labor induced.
Goodbye ice cream, my old friend....
They got the lab results back on the cultures and it came back positive for Strep...apparently it's nothing to worry about for me or the baby, it just means that at the hospital they will need to give me antibiotic in the IV. But you know me, I'll have to go look it up online to know all about it!
I can't sit at the PC for long anymore, usually about 10 mins is all I can stand, I have to keep moving - sit, stand, lie down, etc...
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Ever wonder what Steve from Blues Clues is up to these days?
Nope, he didn't die, although there were rumors that he did, he seems to be
breathing, since there is music: See his site to download some samples of his new music for
kids...called Songs for Dust Mites
http://www.steveswebpage.com/SongsForDustMites.html
If you have kids, you are aware that there's been a new host of the Blues Clues program since about 2001. Personally, I can't stand the new host, although Steve Burns speaks highly, says Donovan is better than he was at the job. (all my kids and myself say otherwise).
Check out the Video for What I Do on Saturdays (Directed by Steve) ...
if he's not careful he'll turn into Elvis Costello. His looks, mannerisms, and also the style in which he directed the video remind me of Elvis Costello...but maybe I just like Elvis Costello too much...lol
Nope, he didn't die, although there were rumors that he did, he seems to be
breathing, since there is music: See his site to download some samples of his new music for
kids...called Songs for Dust Mites
http://www.steveswebpage.com/SongsForDustMites.html
If you have kids, you are aware that there's been a new host of the Blues Clues program since about 2001. Personally, I can't stand the new host, although Steve Burns speaks highly, says Donovan is better than he was at the job. (all my kids and myself say otherwise).
Check out the Video for What I Do on Saturdays (Directed by Steve) ...
if he's not careful he'll turn into Elvis Costello. His looks, mannerisms, and also the style in which he directed the video remind me of Elvis Costello...but maybe I just like Elvis Costello too much...lol
Elvis Costello portrait by me...colored pencil, graphite pencil, micron black ink pen.
Posted by Picasa
I am feeling so much better today. I woke up about 7:30 am and guess what, the girls didn't fight a bit! No wait a minute, yes they did. DD2 had worn DD1's tennis shoes and part of the sole has started peeling off, so of course, that had to be DD2's fault, in DD1's mind...ok is that confusing enough? But you can see, even if the arguments get down to only one or so per morning, I am thrilled! I finally had to declare if I heard one more thing about those dang shoes, I was going to throw them in the trash! The problem with such pronouncements is that once it's out of my mouth, I realized that I would have to carry through with the threat..(my mind went, whoops!) ..but it did end the complaining, so it worked in this case!
(PS...DD1 means Dear Daughter 1, and DD2 means Dear Daughter 2...they are fraternal twins).
I got the donation items ready for the American Kidney Fund to pickup. A small thing like that is like a victory to me these days! I went through Little Man's clothing and found a couple bags worth to donate. I am keeping things for the new baby to grow into, but some things I didn't even use for Little Man, so I doubt I will use them for the new baby, so it's time to let go of some clutter.
I emailed the City of Snellville about a street sign in our neighborhood that was run down by a car. It was bent over for quite awhile, until a neighbor did a temporary fix up.
Yesterday, when I was taking the dog out, I saw the sign and realized that residents should really work to contact the city to get small things fixed before they turn into big eyesores.
So I emailed the city, and this morning, the very next day after emailing them, someone was out there fixing the sign before 9 am!!! I was very impressed! I thought I would have to nag and nag to get it fixed... which is my habit...lol It was so nice to see people actually doing their job. I emailed my contact and thanked him. I know it is a little thing, but I bet people whine about stuff all the time and they never get told that it's appreciated.
A writer from the Gwinnett Daily Post called me yesterday with questions about blogging. She is wanting to do an article about corporations blogging in Gwinnett County. I am of course, not a corporation, but she wanted to know if I knew any. I gave her some possible leads, and I hope they worked out for her. She also asked me, "why do you blog?" and to my surprise, I actually had answers!
Most blogs are either for business or personal, not both...but mine has turned into sort of a strange morphed thing. I would proabably do better with my blog if I kept it business oriented, but I'm not just out to make a buck.
(PS...DD1 means Dear Daughter 1, and DD2 means Dear Daughter 2...they are fraternal twins).
I got the donation items ready for the American Kidney Fund to pickup. A small thing like that is like a victory to me these days! I went through Little Man's clothing and found a couple bags worth to donate. I am keeping things for the new baby to grow into, but some things I didn't even use for Little Man, so I doubt I will use them for the new baby, so it's time to let go of some clutter.
I emailed the City of Snellville about a street sign in our neighborhood that was run down by a car. It was bent over for quite awhile, until a neighbor did a temporary fix up.
Yesterday, when I was taking the dog out, I saw the sign and realized that residents should really work to contact the city to get small things fixed before they turn into big eyesores.
So I emailed the city, and this morning, the very next day after emailing them, someone was out there fixing the sign before 9 am!!! I was very impressed! I thought I would have to nag and nag to get it fixed... which is my habit...lol It was so nice to see people actually doing their job. I emailed my contact and thanked him. I know it is a little thing, but I bet people whine about stuff all the time and they never get told that it's appreciated.
A writer from the Gwinnett Daily Post called me yesterday with questions about blogging. She is wanting to do an article about corporations blogging in Gwinnett County. I am of course, not a corporation, but she wanted to know if I knew any. I gave her some possible leads, and I hope they worked out for her. She also asked me, "why do you blog?" and to my surprise, I actually had answers!
Most blogs are either for business or personal, not both...but mine has turned into sort of a strange morphed thing. I would proabably do better with my blog if I kept it business oriented, but I'm not just out to make a buck.
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
Today's posting is a bit of a rant, let me warn you. I think it is due to the ongoing pregnancy aches and pains...but whatever the excuse of the day, it's a rant. Unlike many other people blogging, I can rant without profanity.
Why are there bloggers who allow comments to their blogs, but they will delete your comment if you do not agree with them 150%?
I just had to comment on a blog in which the writer spewed venom about the Katrina evacuees, about how they deserved what they got, since they didn't have the gumption to at least walk out of New Orleans, no matter how poor they were, etc. That they were big whiners and complainers and expect the US Government to do everything for them.
I commented that although true in some cases, mean spirited blog posts like that one hurt honest people overall. Yes there will be the users/takers in society (approx. 10% I'd guess) but that 90% are just good folks like you and me, and to lump everyone in the same category as whiners/users is wrong. People will see posts like that and then not want to help others.
I am betting she took one look at my blog, saw I was an artist and immediately made the assumption that I am a (GASP!) Liberal. Well, I'm not. I'm not really into labels, but I'd say I'm Libertarian with a Conservative edge and a twist of caring and compassion. I'm also Christian (not perfect!) and I think that God will judge us with the same severity or kindness that we judge others.
How can you judge the situation until you have spent some time in their shoes? Hopefully the Gwinnett Blogger will never have to find out what it's really like for herself. She might not be nice and control her own behavior under such a harsh situation.
So don't post your diatribe to the World Wide Web and then get all bunched up in knots when everyone doesn't agree with you completely. Mature people can accept others' views.
If you are unable to accept other's views, then don't allow comments on your blog!
Why are there bloggers who allow comments to their blogs, but they will delete your comment if you do not agree with them 150%?
I just had to comment on a blog in which the writer spewed venom about the Katrina evacuees, about how they deserved what they got, since they didn't have the gumption to at least walk out of New Orleans, no matter how poor they were, etc. That they were big whiners and complainers and expect the US Government to do everything for them.
I commented that although true in some cases, mean spirited blog posts like that one hurt honest people overall. Yes there will be the users/takers in society (approx. 10% I'd guess) but that 90% are just good folks like you and me, and to lump everyone in the same category as whiners/users is wrong. People will see posts like that and then not want to help others.
I am betting she took one look at my blog, saw I was an artist and immediately made the assumption that I am a (GASP!) Liberal. Well, I'm not. I'm not really into labels, but I'd say I'm Libertarian with a Conservative edge and a twist of caring and compassion. I'm also Christian (not perfect!) and I think that God will judge us with the same severity or kindness that we judge others.
How can you judge the situation until you have spent some time in their shoes? Hopefully the Gwinnett Blogger will never have to find out what it's really like for herself. She might not be nice and control her own behavior under such a harsh situation.
So don't post your diatribe to the World Wide Web and then get all bunched up in knots when everyone doesn't agree with you completely. Mature people can accept others' views.
If you are unable to accept other's views, then don't allow comments on your blog!
Monday, September 19, 2005
Okie dokie...because I am basically needing to take a 'sick day' today,
I decided to have a guest host, although she doesn't know it yet, my friend Susan :) ...
Susan describes in her latest email newsletter
how you can make a box and lid using cardstock.
This should hold the artsy craftsy parts of our psyches for awhile.
Visit her site and sign up for her monthly newsletter for more free
goodies and advance notice on sales etc.
I decided to have a guest host, although she doesn't know it yet, my friend Susan :) ...
Susan describes in her latest email newsletter
how you can make a box and lid using cardstock.
This should hold the artsy craftsy parts of our psyches for awhile.
Visit her site and sign up for her monthly newsletter for more free
goodies and advance notice on sales etc.
TIPS & IDEAS - BOX CARD and LID Instructions
Decide the size of box you want to make (for these instructions, I am
using a 12" x 12" sheet of cardstock for a box large enough to hold a
Christmas ornament or similar gift). Start with a square of card stock
3 times the size of the finished box (i.e. if you want a box that
measures 4" across, begin with a 12" x 12" piece of cardstock).
Score the cardstock at 1/3 and 2/3 the width of the cardstock (for the
12" x 12" box, you would score at 4" and 8"). Turn the cardstock 90
degrees then score at 1/3 and 2/3 again so that your score marks form a
square cross.
Cut across each corner from scoremark to scoremark (you will wind up
with 4 triangles of cardstock cut off your square).
Fold the cardstock in at each scoremark. Then fold each remaining
triangles in the corners in and pinch in the middle, so that the
cardstock forms a box.
For the lid, begin with a square of cardstock equal to one quarter the
size of your box cardstock (for the 4" box, you will use a 6" x 6"
sheet of cardstock for the lid).
Score equally in from each edge so that the center square is just
slightly larger than the size of your box (for the 4" box, you will
score the 6" x 6" piece of cardstock at 7/8" in from each edge, leaving
a 4 1/4" square in the center of the cardstock).
Once you have scored each edge, cut a slit from the edge of the
cardstock to the scoremark on one side of each corner.
Fold each scored strip down. Fold the flap created by slitting each
corner in and adhere to the back of the strip beside it. Repeat for
each corner.
The lid will hold the box closed.
These instructions may be difficult to follow if you have not seen the
box card demonstrated or seen an image of the patterns and sample.
Email me for images of the patterns and a sample.
**********
Have a great week!!!
Susan Boswell
Independent Demonstrator for Stampin' Up!R
This email newsletter is a service to the customers and past hostesses
of Susan Boswell. You are welcome to forward this to your friends,
family, and co-workers. For more information about ordering products, attending
classes, kids' events, hosting a workshop, or the Stampin' Up!(r)
business opportunity, please contact me at via email at
sjrboswell@yahoo.com.
Website:
www.susanboswell.stampinup.net
Sunday, September 18, 2005
Warning: this post contains entirely too much personal information on hemorrhoids, pain, fiber, and other complaints of the late stages of pregnancy. It also includes the word 'heinie.'
But, since most of that was in this warning, you are past most of it now, so you might as well go on reading. I have to complain to someone, and it might as well be you.
I am suffering back nether-region pain now if you get my drift! (the dreaded hemmorrhoids). If I can't get it to subside before the girls go back to school on Monday, I don't know WHAT I'm going to do to keep up with Little Man. He's 2, so you know I have to get up and down all the time to look after him. I gave myself a sitz bath today, I have a 'donut' pillow - which somewhat helps, I just took some fiber (argh) and I'll try to drink a lot of fluids today. The pain was so bad last night that I was actually sobbing!!! I was thinking, I can't believe this! How am I going to get through this?!? But probably some of it was due to hormones too, they are SO FUN!!!!
I keep having fantasies of having a syringe of novacaine to shoot my heinie with...LOL That's the problem with having worked for an oral surgeon several years ago...I know how easily the pain could just go away if only I had the proper stuff! :)
You may wonder, what on earth is a sitz bath? I didn't know either, I had to go online and look it up. Basically you take 1/2 cup salt and 1/2 cup vinegar and put it in warm tubwater that's at least hip deep. Then you sit in it for about 20 minutes or until the water starts getting cold - genius, huh? It comes from a German word that means 'sit.' We Germans are SO creative! Typical, I only had maybe 2 tablespoons of white vinegar. I did have apple cider vinegar on hand also, and considered using it to make up the shortage, but not sure if apple cider vinegar would do the trick. I'd also go around smelling like an apple orchard.
At least the thought of that gave me something to laugh about.
I hate having to ask my husband to go out and buy Tucks for me. What an embarrassing purchase that is.
What it comes down to - the only thing that's really going to end all this discomfort is to have the baby...I hope that will be soon. Getting the bag packed and thinking positive thoughts.
And of course all the time in my mind is, what am I going to tell my art clients? I really can't sit, stand, or lie down (you name it, any position is uncomfortable in the least) for any amount of time to get any artwork done. I'll just email and /or call them and let everyone know, and then to decide what to put on my website. I guess I'll just put maternity leave notice on there, and not take any commissions that need a firm deadline.
I will take any tips/advice!
But, since most of that was in this warning, you are past most of it now, so you might as well go on reading. I have to complain to someone, and it might as well be you.
I am suffering back nether-region pain now if you get my drift! (the dreaded hemmorrhoids). If I can't get it to subside before the girls go back to school on Monday, I don't know WHAT I'm going to do to keep up with Little Man. He's 2, so you know I have to get up and down all the time to look after him. I gave myself a sitz bath today, I have a 'donut' pillow - which somewhat helps, I just took some fiber (argh) and I'll try to drink a lot of fluids today. The pain was so bad last night that I was actually sobbing!!! I was thinking, I can't believe this! How am I going to get through this?!? But probably some of it was due to hormones too, they are SO FUN!!!!
I keep having fantasies of having a syringe of novacaine to shoot my heinie with...LOL That's the problem with having worked for an oral surgeon several years ago...I know how easily the pain could just go away if only I had the proper stuff! :)
You may wonder, what on earth is a sitz bath? I didn't know either, I had to go online and look it up. Basically you take 1/2 cup salt and 1/2 cup vinegar and put it in warm tubwater that's at least hip deep. Then you sit in it for about 20 minutes or until the water starts getting cold - genius, huh? It comes from a German word that means 'sit.' We Germans are SO creative! Typical, I only had maybe 2 tablespoons of white vinegar. I did have apple cider vinegar on hand also, and considered using it to make up the shortage, but not sure if apple cider vinegar would do the trick. I'd also go around smelling like an apple orchard.
At least the thought of that gave me something to laugh about.
I hate having to ask my husband to go out and buy Tucks for me. What an embarrassing purchase that is.
What it comes down to - the only thing that's really going to end all this discomfort is to have the baby...I hope that will be soon. Getting the bag packed and thinking positive thoughts.
And of course all the time in my mind is, what am I going to tell my art clients? I really can't sit, stand, or lie down (you name it, any position is uncomfortable in the least) for any amount of time to get any artwork done. I'll just email and /or call them and let everyone know, and then to decide what to put on my website. I guess I'll just put maternity leave notice on there, and not take any commissions that need a firm deadline.
I will take any tips/advice!
Saturday, September 17, 2005
I have been feeling nauseated the last few nights. The first night, I figured it was my cooking LOL...But as it went on, I did feel like it had to be connected to something, pregnancy-wise. I went to the Obstetrician yesterday, and it is getting close. If you are a guy and you are grossed out by anything women/gynecology/pregnancy related, then stop reading this paragraph and jump on down to paragraph two... ok, ready? I am dilated 2 centimeters. Now, what that means exactly, I don't know...every pregnancy is different...it could mean things are going to go fast, or I could just hang on this way until I have to be induced. I have had to have labor induced both times before...even with twins I was late and had to be induced! All I know is, the carpal tunnel syndrome is continuing, I waddle, I am very tired. Just turning over in bed is a major undertaking. Put a fork in me, I am done! I'm ready to hold the baby and get rid of this stomach :) To make a long story short, the doctor said that the nausea came from the hormones that were involved in the cervical changes.
Little Man has been coughing this morning. He's only two years old, and he has only been sick about 3 times in his life. I hope he is not getting sick again, if I go into labor this wouldn't be the best time! Yesterday he helped me a lot with the laundry. He loves taking it out of the dryer and bringing it to the couch so I can fold it, etc. I can also hand him the wet clothes and he'll put them into the dryer. That really helps, not to have to take that big bend sideways to put clothes in there. He says, "I haillp!" It is very cute. He has started picking out his own clothes now.
baby
Little Man has been coughing this morning. He's only two years old, and he has only been sick about 3 times in his life. I hope he is not getting sick again, if I go into labor this wouldn't be the best time! Yesterday he helped me a lot with the laundry. He loves taking it out of the dryer and bringing it to the couch so I can fold it, etc. I can also hand him the wet clothes and he'll put them into the dryer. That really helps, not to have to take that big bend sideways to put clothes in there. He says, "I haillp!" It is very cute. He has started picking out his own clothes now.
baby
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
I just updated the "About the Artist" page of my website. I reallllly hate writing or talking much about myself. I just always feel so dorky. But I had to re-do it, because it was getting out of date. I put a new (but actually, kind of old) picture in there too. I changed the picture to black and white, because at the time the photo was taken, I had a reddish-brunette hair color, and it was turning brassy. Of course, under the sunlight, it looked even worse, and I had a Ronald McDonald look going. Not really a good look. I already have the big Ronald McDonald feet, I certainly don't need the hair too!
DS (just over two years old now) has really been running me ragged today. I played on Noggin.com with him. He really enjoyed the Oobie games. He has been a good helper, putting things in the trash, helping me mix apple juice concentrate ("Me KOOK!" which is his version of "Me cook") He had some Spam (he loves it, I make no excuses) in cubes and cheddar cheese cubes. He tried to commandeer the knife. Not for violent use, but he wanted to cut the cheese up, with the knife upside down.
I have had to take other multiple pointy objects away from him today, including pencils, pens, and a fork. Finally, after he colored all over his hands and his face (and lips) with a blue Crayola marker, momma had had it. I took him to the bathroom mirror so he could view his artistry. Cleaned him up with a baby wipe. Off to bed for the 2nd nap of the day. Questioning myself, does he really need a nap? Well maybe not, but I sure need him to take a nap. I'm in week 37 of pregnancy, and I am just so tired of getting up out of a chair to keep the boy from hurting himself with sharp objects. The dog is nervous too, he chewed up a Bratz doll shoe.
I'm going to get some rest and maybe I can draw a little bit tonight, if the carpal tunnel syndrome (temporary because of pregnancy) will behave for me.
DS (just over two years old now) has really been running me ragged today. I played on Noggin.com with him. He really enjoyed the Oobie games. He has been a good helper, putting things in the trash, helping me mix apple juice concentrate ("Me KOOK!" which is his version of "Me cook") He had some Spam (he loves it, I make no excuses) in cubes and cheddar cheese cubes. He tried to commandeer the knife. Not for violent use, but he wanted to cut the cheese up, with the knife upside down.
I have had to take other multiple pointy objects away from him today, including pencils, pens, and a fork. Finally, after he colored all over his hands and his face (and lips) with a blue Crayola marker, momma had had it. I took him to the bathroom mirror so he could view his artistry. Cleaned him up with a baby wipe. Off to bed for the 2nd nap of the day. Questioning myself, does he really need a nap? Well maybe not, but I sure need him to take a nap. I'm in week 37 of pregnancy, and I am just so tired of getting up out of a chair to keep the boy from hurting himself with sharp objects. The dog is nervous too, he chewed up a Bratz doll shoe.
I'm going to get some rest and maybe I can draw a little bit tonight, if the carpal tunnel syndrome (temporary because of pregnancy) will behave for me.
Monday, September 12, 2005
Scary huh? I'm having a good day!
Feeling this way a lot these days! We can't figure out what to do. We need to get a second car.
When the baby comes, that'll make us a family of six. I was leaning toward getting a used minivan, probably a Chrysler Town & Country, but with the gas prices being the way they are, we are wondering if we should just get a compact car for my husband to drive to and from work in, to save on gas. (he drives a long way).
That would mean anytime the entire family needed to go somewhere, we'd need to take two cars, which is a pain, but overall I think it would save money on gas. I was wanting to get the new used car before the baby arrives, but now I think we should sit back and watch and see what happens with fuel prices. I really need the second car before the baby comes, so I sure hope that gas prices will settle.
What would you do? I would love your opinion and comments.
Sunday, September 11, 2005
I haven't been posting on here for awhile because I've been so busy and tired...I guess it is to be expected. My latest pregnancy issue to deal with is carpal tunnel syndrome, which should go away after pregnancy. It's caused by swelling pressing on nerves. Hands and feet fall asleep and feel like they're burning - parts of my feet actually turn red! It really hurts. My hands will be asleep often when I wake up, even though I haven't been lying on them. I try to elevate my feet and hands often. Sometimes running cold water over my hands helps. The baby is kicking me really hard under my right ribs - often wakes me up doing that. Ah well this is all temporary I tell myself, and I am looking forward to the baby being here!
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
The WAHMhumor guide to working at home...it is an e-book
read closely and you'll see a few words of advice in there from 'yours truly!'
Open pdf file
read closely and you'll see a few words of advice in there from 'yours truly!'
Open pdf file
Sunday, September 04, 2005
Good article called Do You Know What It Means to Lose New Orleans? by Anne Rice.
Found this on a New Orleans television station's website.
Found this on a New Orleans television station's website.
Friday, September 02, 2005
Atlanta Gas Prices, etc.
Relatives and friends from outside our state are calling or emailing concerned after hearing about the gas prices in Atlanta. The media overdramatizes...the highest we have seen is $3.29, but a friend of ours said he saw $6.00 in downtown Atlanta, but they were of course, price gouging.
My husband has worked for TV stations for over 20 years. He says that television news used to be considered a public service, so they would just report the things as they were...but now, it's all a ratings game and competitive, so that brings in the overdramatizations, the risk taking we see the reporters taking out in the storms, etc.
It's all about who can be the most shocking...and who can get the highest ratings and therefore, the biggest bucks. That is sad. I guess I already knew that, but it is hard to face the truth sometimes!
Some gas stations did have long lines and ran out of gas, but it's just like when there's the threat of an ice storm here, and all the grocery stores run out of bread and milk, we don't worry that there will never be bread and milk again, nor do we worry that the prices of bread and milk will skyrocket... we just realize that they got bought out...but somehow people have trouble realizing that just the same situation is happening with the gasoline supply.
I think a list should be kept of all the gas stations that are trying to rip people off during this time. Later, when everything normalizes, we should all work to boycott those stations. I don't want to do any business with unethical people anyway.
In short, we are fine here. If people can just relax a bit and stop panicking and think about how they can help their neighbor instead of worrying about everything, but it's easier said than done. Who cares about gas prices as long as everyone is healthy?
Help the hurricane victims/refugees by donating to the Red Cross!
You will feel blessed to give any amount, even a dollar. You will be amazed at how much it's a gift to yourself too.
Message from the American Red Cross:
Thank you for your donation to the American Red Cross in response to the Hurricane 2005 Relief effort. Your donation enables the Red Cross to provide immediate relief and long-term support through shelter, food, water, comfort kits, and other relief supplies. The Red Cross is mobilizing thousands of volunteers from our nationwide network of 850 chapters to assist those in need. The American Red Cross encourages you to learn more about these and other efforts by visiting www.RedCross.org.
Together, we can save a life.
American Red Cross
Relatives and friends from outside our state are calling or emailing concerned after hearing about the gas prices in Atlanta. The media overdramatizes...the highest we have seen is $3.29, but a friend of ours said he saw $6.00 in downtown Atlanta, but they were of course, price gouging.
My husband has worked for TV stations for over 20 years. He says that television news used to be considered a public service, so they would just report the things as they were...but now, it's all a ratings game and competitive, so that brings in the overdramatizations, the risk taking we see the reporters taking out in the storms, etc.
It's all about who can be the most shocking...and who can get the highest ratings and therefore, the biggest bucks. That is sad. I guess I already knew that, but it is hard to face the truth sometimes!
Some gas stations did have long lines and ran out of gas, but it's just like when there's the threat of an ice storm here, and all the grocery stores run out of bread and milk, we don't worry that there will never be bread and milk again, nor do we worry that the prices of bread and milk will skyrocket... we just realize that they got bought out...but somehow people have trouble realizing that just the same situation is happening with the gasoline supply.
I think a list should be kept of all the gas stations that are trying to rip people off during this time. Later, when everything normalizes, we should all work to boycott those stations. I don't want to do any business with unethical people anyway.
In short, we are fine here. If people can just relax a bit and stop panicking and think about how they can help their neighbor instead of worrying about everything, but it's easier said than done. Who cares about gas prices as long as everyone is healthy?
Help the hurricane victims/refugees by donating to the Red Cross!
You will feel blessed to give any amount, even a dollar. You will be amazed at how much it's a gift to yourself too.
Message from the American Red Cross:
Thank you for your donation to the American Red Cross in response to the Hurricane 2005 Relief effort. Your donation enables the Red Cross to provide immediate relief and long-term support through shelter, food, water, comfort kits, and other relief supplies. The Red Cross is mobilizing thousands of volunteers from our nationwide network of 850 chapters to assist those in need. The American Red Cross encourages you to learn more about these and other efforts by visiting www.RedCross.org.
Together, we can save a life.
American Red Cross
The book I illustrated is now available for pre-ordering, and you can enter to win one of the actual, original illustrations! When you pre-order or order a copy of the book, you are automatically entered to win one of the 8 illustrations, but you can also enter for free by sending in a postcard to them.
You can also see how the book cover design came out here:
http://www.bramleybooks.com/
Scroll all the way down to see the book illustrations.
Darla
http://darladixon.com/
You can also see how the book cover design came out here:
http://www.bramleybooks.com/
Scroll all the way down to see the book illustrations.
Darla
http://darladixon.com/
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