Sometimes you gotta be brutally honest...

Well apparently my blog has been uninteresting lately because my blogger follower is slowly going down! LOL! Oh well. I love you all, but I have to write what I want to write...that's what blogging is all about right? I hope you still love me for it!

Today's topic is going to be one that REALLY gets under my skin. Being late. Not MY lateness (although in the rare occurrence this does happen, it does cause me major stress and frustration) but today I'm talking about people being late to hang out with me.

For some reason, it feels like people of my generation have made this a reoccurring bad habit. I have a lot of friends who do this to me. Honestly, if I ask you if want to hang out and say "7 o clock", I plan my entire day and evening on being ready for you to be there at 7 o'clock! Seriously, I really don't mean 7:30 or 8!

When you are late to hang out with me, it sends me a message that my time is not valuable to you.

Now, I understand (because I know a lot of these people) that maybe you just don't understand why it bothers me so much (what's the big deal Nicole, Gosh!!). Here's the thing. I have planned to be ready at exactly 7pm. When you aren't there, I am then sitting around for you. Being bored. I do not have any last minute "prepping" to do or anything to fill my time, because I don't want to get stuck in the middle of something and then be late for you! So instead I choose to sit around waiting for you, most likely bored. Realistically, this doesn't promote good thoughts or vibes as I sit watching the clock go by wondering when you will show up (and staring to think how frustrating it is when people can't show up on time!).

SO! Instead of just complaining here about it, which I thank you my dear bloggers for letting me do ;), I am going to tell you how it is that I show up to things on time (95% of the time at least). Hopefully this may help some of you who are wondering "is that me!?"

Nicole's steps to good time management:

1. I set a concrete time that I believe will be manageable and practical. If I have ANY doubt that I won't be able to be there by then- I either DO NOT set it, or I warn the person that there is a chance I may be late "because..."

2. When I get to the day of the "set time" I rearrange my day in order to make that goal time happen! I don't wait until the last minute to do something. Or if I do, I choose to NOT do it because again, I am choosing to show up on time and make that person know I care about honoring it!

3. 1-2 hours before I have to leave, I ALWAYS have this conversation with myself:

"I need to be there by 7pm. It takes me 25 minutes to drive there. I will give myself 5 minutes to get out the door. I will literally PUT MY SHOES ON at 6:30pm- no later!"

Ok, you may all be laughing right now at how crazy I sound, but if you only knew how many times I've wanted to have this conversation with someone!

Now, I want you all to know I did say I show up on time to 95% of all planned dates. There are acceptable excuses for being late, and I understand this! (flat tire, kid just pooped his pants, you forgot your wallet, etc). But let's be honest people, these "not on timers" usually have just really bad time management and no real valid excuses! Most of them don't even realize or apologize that they were being rude!

Hope I helped someone today.

Rant over.

Gotta go! I'm out the door by 6:55pm tonight :)

Us...

I have nothing new or exciting to write about today so I thought that this little "meme" would be fun today. Stolen from Melissa's Little Mrs. Married Blog!

1. When is your "engagement" anniversary?

December 23, 2006

2. When is your "marriage" anniversary?

July 7, 2007

3. How long have you known your spouse?

We met when I was 15 and he was 16....about 7.5 years ago.

4. How long did you date before you were engaged?

Two years.

5. Where did you meet your spouse for the first time?

Island Lake summer camp. We both were working on high school staff.

6. What is your spouses full name?

Um...I feel compelled to decline.

7. Do you have any children?

One in my tummy.

8. How many? Boys/Girls

-6 months/unknown for now!

9. Do you have any house pets?

Not anymore :(

10. Do you own a house or rent?

We bought our house in April 2008.

11. Do you live in the country/town/city?

Country/suburbish. Actually, it's a Native American Reservation! (we are not Native American, we just live here)

12. What is one of your favorite activites to do together?

Watching TV series/movies. Really just being at home and spending time together, or being with friends.

13. Do you have a favorite vacation spot?

We've been a lot of places together. For "vacation" I'd have to say Hawaii, but "adventure" would be our trip to Europe.

14. When did you first kiss?

March 20, 2005. I made him wait two long months! :)

15. What church do you attend?

NewLife Church

16. Is this the church you were married in?

Nope. We weren't married in a church. We were married outside by the pastor that lead our marriage counseling. When we got married, we both didn't have a home church.

17. What town is current address at?

Disneyland, USA :)

18. Do you work or stay home?

I work part time as a nanny. Hoping to transition to stay at home soon!

19. Where did you go on your honeymoon?

Maui, Hawaii.

20. What was the funniest gift one of you gave while dating?

He made me a "mixed" cd but the cd had only one song on it over and over- "wouldn't it be nice" by the beach boys. He's kind of strange one. But that ended up being "our song."

21. How long have you been together?

6 years together, 3.5 years married.

22. How long did you know each other before you started dating?

1.5 years?

23. Who asked who out?

No one really. We just started hanging out and then had a "DTR" (determine the relationship). He confessed he liked me over AIM though! (hehe!) We were young!

24. How old are each of you?

I am 22, he's 23.

25. Where do each of you go to school?

He goes to University of Washington online. I don't go anywhere!

26. Which situation is hardest on you as a couple?

Finances. It always seems like when you get somewhat on your feet, something happens to knock you back down. :(

27. Did you go to the same school?

We went to the same college when we first got married.

28. Are you from the same town?

Nope! 1 1/2 away actually

29. Who is smarter?

Different smarts. I'm book smart, he's street smart. We balance each other out well!

30. Who is more sensitive?

Totally me. I cry about a lot of stuff!

31. Where do you eat out most as a couple?

There is a mexican food place in our town that sells authentic REAL mexican food. We go there all the time.

32. Where is the farthest you two have traveled as a couple?

Berlin, Germany would probably be farthest from home! Either that or Rome.

33. Who has the craziest exes?

We both don't really have exes.

34. Who has the worse temper?

Kellen. He gets fired up pretty easily. He would probably disagree though :).

35. Who does the cooking?

Both of us, but mainly me.

36. Who is more social?

Great question...I don't know! We both go through phases of wanting to go out and staying at home. Just depends!

37. Who is the neat-freak?

Neither! We are both pretty messy people!

38. Who is more stubborn?

Kellen. Hands down.

39. Who hogs the bed?

Kellen! He always "cuddles" me off the edge!

40. Who wakes up earlier?

Usually Kellen, for work.

41. Where was your first date?

Shopping at value village? hehe. I don't really know. We never really had an official first date, we hung out a lot before we were "official"- but the ride home from value village is when we decided we were "an item"

42. Who had more boyfriends/girlfriends?

Really, neither. I think he maybe had some couple month long high school things, but nothing serious.

43. Do you get flowers often?

Not really, but every once in a while he surprises me!

44. How do you spend the holidays?

We usually see both our families on different days. It's getting tireding though...so we may have to cut down!

45. Who is more jealous?

We both have our small moments, but we've set up great boundaries and it really is never an issue.

46. How long did it take to get serious?

I joke with him that he told me he wanted to marry me within two months. He denies it, but I know whose right. :)

47. Who eats more?

Kellen! He is an endless pit. And skinny as a stick.

48. Who does the laundry?

Mostly me. He sometimes helps to fold.

49. Who is better with the computer?

Me! When I met him, he could barely turn a computer on.

50. Leave a piece of advice for other couples.

Laugh. At everything.

Feeling Better :)

Hi Everyone!

I'm feeling much better today. I've been semi productive and that always make me feel much better.

I started the grass on the nursery. Unfortunately, the green paint we got looks way more like yellow than green against the blue sky :(. Frustrating because we bought nice behr wall paint when I really should of just gotten acrylic. Would have been much more cost effective!

I'm having such a hard time staying active. I haven't really felt too "sick" yet in this pregnancy (other than a couple waves of nauseous early on), but I have just been SO tired. I literally feel like sitting on the couch all day long. This isn't really me! I mean, sure, there has been periods of time (ok, most of the time) where I wasn't an "active" person at all. But that still didn't mean I wanted a nap 24/7.

Every time I think I will have some free time to go running/jogging or even walking, I feel so exhausted and end up sleeping!

I'm hoping my second trimester brings a little bit more energy? We will see...only 1.5 weeks away!

Digging for Worms

What a beautiful and sunny fall afternoon here in the Pacific Northwest. I decided to get out a bit today and take advantage of the rare sun and doing some digging. Digging for worms, that is!

Ok, you may think I'm joking, but I'm really not. I actually needed these little fellas for my brand new compost bin I started in the backyard. Worms are a really great way to break down your compost faster and more efficiently.

I never really thought of myself as the "tree hugger" or "green" type. I like the idea of recycling, but to me, all it really is is tossing a bottle or a newspaper in a can and shutting the lid.

But with this whole composting thing....it's kinda fun! Yes, you still really only toss stuff in a can- but you get to see the results! And, if you are daring enough, even benefit from them! I'm pretty proud of my compost "bin" actually. While your local hardware store might sell a nice and pretty one for 100 bucks, I made mine for under 25 using a 32oz garbage bin, a drill with a big huge bit (hubby helped with this part), some mesh screen for windows, and some duct tape. Pretty handy!

Now if you have followed me for long enough you will know I "attempted" my first garden last spring until my horribly behaved yet adorable husky demolished it. Well I can't really blame all the failure on the dog. Apparently the soil surrounding my house was not really the greatest and most healthy soil on the planet.I'm pretty sure that even if the pup had not destroyed it, the veggies probably wouldn't have done so well in that stuff anyway.

BUT! I am not defeated! I WILL grow and maintain my own veggie garden someday. And I'm hoping this compost will help!

Baby News:

We heard the heartbeat friday!! It was so thrilling. The midwife found it right away, which pretty much melted all fears away of possibly not finding it and having to make a return trip. Kellen was there with me- this made it SO special. He said it sounded like a "locomotive" and when the midwife said the "squishing" noises was our baby swimming, he was smiling from ear to ear. What a melt your heart moment.

Honestly, I'm in awe. My belly is barely protruding past my pants line (no one can tell yet but me), and I have a plum sized baby in my belly doing the disco! (ok, so maybe not the disco, but kellen and I decided it would be fun to pretend its dancing in there). It's crazy!

As far as preparation, I am OVERJOYED from a little brown package I got in the mail today from Laura at Life Happens. You guys have probably already heard me rant and rave about her, but seriously, she's awesome. And she sent me a present!!

"On Becoming Baby Wise"

I am so stoked to start reading this right away. I see so many of my friends having honestly horrible schedules with their kids and to be honest it frightens me. I want adult time! I want my baby/toddler/child to have a routine! Maybe you're thinking "well good luck with that!"....well then, I wonder if you've read and followed the book? And if so...please don't rain on my parade! :)

I'll leave you all with a little picture my mom took this weekend. 11 weeks...just a bit chunky or is there a baby in there??!?

you decide! ;)

PS- don't I have the prettiest momma ever?

Update on baby lime

Hello everyone,

I want to thank you all for your funny and encouraging responses to my last post- I was a bit annoyed at that point and thought that it would make for a funny conversation topic :). You all made me smile. Rest assured, those kind of people definately annoy me, but ive also learned over the years to just laugh at those things.

As far as an update on me and my baby lime...we are doing well! Super excited for Friday as we have an appointment to hear the heart beat. Kellen is going with
me and I hope is just as special as so many have told me their experience was.

On the health front, things are going ok. Ive gained about 2lbs so far in these last 11 weeks. I can't deny that seeing the scale up just irks me to no end, but I know its not in vain. My belly looking like ive gained 10 however, is a different story. Man does it suck to be only 11 weeks. Its like you feel fat and your convinced everyone else notices the weight, but you wanna scream to everyone "its ok! Theres a lime size baby in here!!!"


Well just thought id give you all an update! By the way. les schwab gave me free tires today!!! Life is good!

Common (NO) Sense

This is going to be a bit of an angry post. Just a warning.

I shouldn't have to tell you why the next things I'm going to write are the WRONG things to say to someone. I shouldn't, but I'm going to, because apparently there are people in this world that don't use much common sense or any kind of social decency in public.

1. Do NOT, in any circumstance, ask me if I think I am "too young" or "ready" to have a baby.

First of all, I AM PREGNANT. There is a baby ALREADY in this equation. What in the world do you think you are going to accomplish in asking me this question when the decision has already been made? I'll tell you what you will accomplish: only fear and nervousness for me. Thank you.

I do understand a conversation about someone thinking about getting pregnant and maybe suggesting they wait for whatever reasons. But honestly, it's just a moot and negative point to ask this kind of question when there is no real decision left.

2. Do NOT, if you are a stranger on the street, ask me whether or not my pregnancy was planned!!

What the heck? Ok, let's make this clear, if you are friend of mine or possibly asking me through, let's say, a formspring box, this question is not completley inappropriate. But for a complete stranger to ask me this? If you don't even know my name, why in the world should you know the "terms" on which I conceived my child?!

I realize I may look young. I realize that maybe you think there is a "story" to hear. But it's none of your gosh DARN business.

3. Do not, if you find out I am ENGAGED, MARRIED or PREGNANT, tell me I am "young" when you don't know me.

Oh my gosh?!?! Really? I didn't realize. I wasn't aware of my own birthday or the fact that I have had several family members and friends express there concern. I'm not really sure how to think logically on my own, so I'm super glad you pointed out to me that I'm not an "appropriate" age to be thinking about such things. sarcasm

5. Do NOT tell me how horrible and painful your birth experience was and how you would NEVER EVER do it again.

Along with that, please, please, please, if I don't ask, DON'T SHARE (bloody, gruesome, disgusting) DETAILS.

6. Do not try to tell me something I am doing or taking to help with my pregnancy is "unnecessary."

Honestly, you are NOT my doctor and you do not know how I've derived at the decision that this is necessary in my life, so please, spare me.

The following has not yet happened to me, but I feel must be warned against:

7. Do not ask if someone is "having twins" because "they look really big!"

Really? Do I really have to explain this one? Wow.

Anyone else have some common (NO) sense remarks that have just astounded you? I have a feeling there may be a round two of these in a couple of months from now.

Couch to 5k: Pregnancy Edition

Hi Friends!

Well today I completed my first day of the couch to 5k program. Well, actually, it's technically my "second first day" since I'm an already graduate from the program as of last February. However, I am about to admit to you all that I actually haven't ran since my 4th of July run and haven't worked out in over a month. I'm out of shape and I need to so something about it!

When I first found out I was pregnant Kellen did the whole "first time dad" thing and told me he didn't want me to run. I told him it was ok, I've done the research and it's ok to continue my running throughout pregnancy. But secretly I succumbed to his daddy jitters out of running boredom combined with a fear to run in the summer heat....not my idea of fun.

Then when I went to see my new naturopath doctor a couple of weeks ago she asked about exercise. Shudder. I told her I HAD been running...and she asked why I stopped. I explained the daddy fears and she assured me that I will "not shake the baby out" and that it was actually an excellent thing for me to be doing. Not only that, but running can help with giving birth (who knew?).

So I come to today. The first day was actually challenging. I definitely think I'm more out of shape than I thought I was. Combine that with the constant feeling of having to pee (when I came home I peed and I think the "flow" lasted a whole two seconds), and I can already see that running during pregnancy is going to be a whole new animal!

I secretly always had this dream of running across a finish line with a giant belly. I hope I make that happen in the next couple of months!

I wanna take a couple minutes to thank all my readers of this blog. I am so encouraged by your comments and thank you for just being there for me, even if that means just a few words to encourage me with!

Shout out to Ruth Ann who left me a comment through my formspring about an award she gave me. I would love to follow you on blogger, hopefully this post will allow you to comment so I can find you! Thank you!

Also thank you to Whitney at finally getting healthy for another blog award! I am a new follower!

I got one other question on formspring:

Are you going to find out the baby's gender??

and the answer is...

yes,yes,yes! I can't wait. There is just WAY to much planning, shopping, and other fun things I want to do that involve knowing the gender. I will be at 20 weeks November 19th so I have a feeling the news will come sometime around then. I will definitely keep you all updated!

Hi, Baby, I'm Nicole.

One thing I've started to see as I see my friends and family members are starting to have children and starting families is the way in which moms so easily "lose themselves." It's like they were this person with all these interests in life, dreams, aspirations and well...personalities. And then they have children and all of the sudden all of that goes out the window and they become "blah's mom" and no longer an actual person themselves. This is kinda sad to me.

I mean, don't get me wrong, there is nothing in my mind that doubts that my children will be my number one priority in my life (other than God). I will love them immensely and they will know this. But I also don't plan on giving up Nicole, and becoming just someone's mom. Just like when I got married....I'm not just Kellen's wife: I am Nicole, and I am ever changing and ever working on me as a person.

This will be a constant thought in the next 6 months as I prepare for baby number one. What will this look like for Kellen and I? How will we help each other out to not let who WE are fade away (not to mention our marriage!).

I have to give a shout out to my friend Laura over at Life Happens. She has written two different posts on this subject, and she really says it how it is. I'm going to quote her posts below but please, if you are interested, go and check her out and follow her- she is so raw, honest, and refreshing.

From Laura's Blog:

"I've seen this a few times on facebook this week as people's status...

I traded eyeliner for dark circles, salon hair cuts for ponytails, long showers for hairy legs, late nights for early mornings, designer purses for diaper bags, nice dinners for McDonald's and I wouldn't trade a thing!! With Mother's day drawing near lets see how many Mom's repost this!

Of course this has been changed as it's gone through people and you see things like...

"Mom's don't care what we have to give up for our kids."

and

"I would give everything up for my kids without a second thought."

Ugh.

I DO CARE. And no I won't give up everything. I am a person. I have a name. I don't want to be known as Liza and Jason's mom. I am LAURA! Yes I am their mom but I am still an individual and I have things that I am not giving up. And I don't think anything is wrong with that.

Sure I might have to put a few things on hold. I know I can't do my hobbies as often as I would like. BUT... I need to keep my heart alive because some day my kids will move out and I will need to know who I am because people will no longer be calling me Liza and Jason's mommy all the time and instead they are going to want to know who Laura is.

Don't throw yourself and your dreams out the window when you have kids. Find a way to BE YOU while being a mom.

Kids are being raised these days to think they are the center of everything and the world revolves around them. This is not healthy! It's alright to have your kids sit in their bed for ten minutes and read books so you can shave your legs. It's ok to put on a video for a little while if you want to fix your hair and put on makeup. These things don't make you a bad mom... in fact they just might make you a BETTER mom (now there's a thought!) because you took time to make yourself feel better.

I know. I'm radical like that.

But you know that saying "if mama ain't happy ain't nobody happy"... I believe there is quite a bit of truth to that.

So... it's ok to change over the years. But please do not give up who you are because the world needs YOU!"

The other post of hers I loved can be found here:

http://laurablogsagain.blogspot.com/2009/10/laura-first.html

Check her out, she's a wise one :)