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Monday, August 30

Doubling Up and Bowing Out

These past 3 weeks or so have been spent back home in Ireland, and only as I approach the curtain-closing shopping spree-ing final few days of civilian reprieve do I find myself in anyway motivated or inspired to write. I can’t deny that the dry-spell wasn’t in the slightest unsettling and/or to the fore of my mind as I’ve profited as much as possible from one of only a handful of (unofficial) geographical regressions each year. Unsurprisingly ironic, however, is the fact that I now find the fingers tingling over un-tapped keys with increasing enthusiasm the closer the return voyage back to my own private post-Armistice Arkham gets. Oh Danny Boy!!!

The Legion’s annual Summer break allows the more proximal party poppers (such as yours truly) to skip off towards native shores for rekindling of home comforts in all their guises; visiting family, letting the hair down, rediscovering old watering holes, the list goes on. The further flung, visa-less recruits are forced to find contentment in the Legion’s little Marseille-based hotel with cheap rooms, beach-access and blistering sunshine. Not quite home but not too shabby either. Understandably, my primary activity while home on these flying visits is catching up with old acquaintances. Intriguingly, this particular activity has found itself slowly becoming an ever more complicated, unpredictable and
rarely un-eventful exercise in relationship creation/maintenance/ evolution/navigation/termination. And obviously, I’m a glutton for a little exercise.

I do feel obliged to hold my hands up at this early point and admit that, upon first enlisting in the French Foreign Legion, I rather sub-consciously allowed a misguided idea concerning the world’s rotation to enter my freshly-shaved head. Unsure, even now, whether or not it was as a result of extraordinary circumstances in friends’ lives during those early days, or merely the realisation of how much time in general was actually lost before reconnections were finally made, I can only conclude that an overdue slap to the face was just what the doctored ordered. I needed to wake-up to the lives being lived concurrently with mine, and to the challenges and obstacles equal to anything I had experienced being constantly overcome by my friends while I "toiled" away inside these crazy walls. Yes, I took a plunge in flying out to sign up, but since then the only way has undeniably been up. Weekends in Paris, enviable photo opportunities from all over France, Africa and (not soon enough) Afghanistan, and interesting tales scrap-booked along the way were having to compete with the recession, redundancies, family bereavements, financial and health problems, not to mention the loss of poor auld Gerry Ryan! Returning home and (quite frequently for the first time since I left) meeting friends from my old - let’s say "indefinitely suspended" - life, I’ve discovered that some lost time is genuinely irretrievable and it’s adapting to visible, sometimes scar-like gaps that provides me with my truest challenge to date.

Now everyone has the old workmates on Facebook, the same old bus drivers driving the same old routes, the same shopkeepers selling you The Mirror and a MORO in the local Spar. Quietly deciding the ties subtly worn away to nothing by advancing time is easy. A warm but non-confusing walking-wave lets them know they’re remembered, but no longer quite worthy of direct engagement. The elite group of close friends never changes, irrespective of whether or not its respective members’ circumstances do. Indeed, it only serves to provide more material for conversation, before drifting back to eternally recyclable nostalgia takes over. Then there are the middle men. The ones who were abandoned unclassified and never quite returned to with the same inter-personal ambience which would have otherwise prolonged the relationship. I could try to blame it on the distance ("These things never work out, right??") but that would be forgetting a very close friend who has left me perpetually awestruck through their successful and thoroughly thriving long-distance relationship now spanning several years. Perhaps it’s a question of extremes. Knowing someone so little facilitates the inexhaustible and inoffensive walking-wave. Knowing someone powerfully intimately allows for mutual time spent saying nothing at all, merely enjoying their reassuring presence and company. But those pesky middle men, they’re the frown-formers if ever I saw them. Stepping off the plane in Dublin Airport is like tumbling straight on to a giant see-saw. Only by rocking the shit out of it for the duration of my respective stays can it be determined who will soar up into the confidante scaffolding and who will come crashing to earth with a thud, forever destined to receive and reciprocate the infamous walking-wave.

I honestly hope I sent more monkeys flying up to the bars than tailbones tumbling down during this trip. After all, one can never have too many friends. Either way, I had a fantastic time sipping from the source once more, and look forward to the next foray into the jungle of friends, strangers and those pesky but delightfully unavoidable in-betweeners.

Wednesday, August 18

Trapped in the Combats

So I suppose at a time when the world media’s spotlights are centred firmly on the topic of same-sex marriage, an enlightening tale (regrettably in a solely bigotry-confirming sense) from the cloisters of our sacred legion is in order.

Homosexuality in the army has always been (and continues to be) the most cherished of taboos. It’s not denial. Even the cream of the disadvantaged demographical crops pumping raw recruits into military systems worldwide can’t be ignorant enough to just plain DENY its existence. Soldiers just prefer not to talk about these things. Like getting blown up on duty, or catching venereal diseases from hookers (also, unsurprisingly, on duty), avoiding discussion lengthens the distance between the idea and the reality. Men, eh? Always afraid to communicate their feelings, afraid of appearing weak, afraid to open up. Well, evidently not all men, and certainly not here Chez les Abrutis.

Arriving at regiment slap-bang in the middle of Winter and (due to an administrative error) - having yet to be issued with our ID cards permitting us to step outside the walls - there wasn’t a whole lot going on. On top of our lashings of solitude, we added just a pinch of long-weekend (for those with ID cards, of course) and our recipe for boring, vacuous isolation was complete. Fortunately, a rather spicy hair in the soup presented itself in the form of Corporal Ramires. Ramires, a Colombian with a penchant for dancing to Katie Perry on tea-light-covered counter tops long into the night, was my first liaison upon reaching our combat company. During this eternal weekend in Ghost Town, Ramires opened up the company bar and dutifully slipped behind the counter to cater to our beer-guzzling needs; he passed us his portable DVD player along with an extensive library to keep us amused, and implored us to report to him if any of the older lads gave us a hard time. All in all, we were delightfully impressed by his friendliness and approachability. In fact, most of the company were of a similar mind.

A few weeks ago Ramires was caught having sex with a fellow corporal during a Sergeant Training Course. Scandalous? - Very. Formally prohibited? - not quite ("severely frowned upon" would be the military heirarchy‘s preferred classification). Just plain wrong - oh please! (although Iris Robinson, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and the entire state of Utah may argue otherwise). Ramires’ former "camarades" back at base have all but turned on him, baying for blood (or regimental sanctions, at the very least). Crude, unimaginative yet highly offensive jokes have started circulating in higher numbers than our annual ammunition allowance regarding Ramires’ ill-advised but completely harmless and ultimately consensual faut-pas. Hompophobia has quickly overtaken Shakira as the favourite past-time back at base, and frankly it angers me more than I can fully describe.

There's nohing tougher than having to listen to hate-fuelled rants against gays from guys you'd previously considered close friends, combat buddies and general brothers. Nonetheless, let’s try (if at all possible with these Neanderthals so very recently cavorting as "friends") to rationalise the situation. Had Ramires been caught shagging a female colleague (only possible in the French regular army, as the Legion do not accept female recruits), the bloke’s back would’ve been raw from all the admiring and macho, awe-fuelled slaps and pats cascading from his peers. Instead, despite (I imagine) attempted discretion, he now finds himself completely ostracised from the general population at our barracks, and with any hopes of further career-progression severely impaired by inherent ignorance and bigotry. A physically fit, emotionally stable, socially impeccable Sergent in the French Foreign Legion, but above all that a filthy fag not fit to wear the fatigues of our "honourable and fidelity-filled" band of brothers. They say that the Legion is your homeland, and yet I’m forced to witness an upstanding, highly professional soldier be forced into exile because of others’ inane backwardness. One thing’s as sure and certain as anything; once my little rosy-cheeked contract reaches deep-voiced, stubbly maturity I’m quitting this dysfunctional horde of rabble once and for all.

This pathetic excuse for an army isn’t worthy of soldiers like Ramires. Bon courage a lui…

Sunday, August 8

Identity Crisis

So you’ve joined the French Foreign Legion. Don’t worry, it’s not that bad. Sure, they shave your head, change your name, date and place (town, anyway) of birth, starve you for a month, make you execute bizarre and nonsensical orders (like change from sports gear to work combats to parade wear in 3 minutes or else….), give you 90 second cold showers with a bar of soap, walk over your hands while you do push-ups for somebody else’s mistake, smack you full force on the back of the head when you make one yourself. But at least you get to keep your nationality. Your national identity. The one thing that sets you apart from the other desperate, last-gasp cut-throats fighting shoulder to shoulder on the front lines with you (ie. Little 19 year old Brazilians come to France to "make sex with horny european girls").

So what exactly does it mean to be Irish here in the Legion?

Well, as most of the Irish readers would agree, being Irish in a foreign country is almost always met with startling warmth, friendliness and positivity. Here follows an amusing tale to prove said point.

I had only just arrived through the formidable gates of Fort du Nogent in Paris before falling in with a group of 6 or so Brazilians (yep, they’re a frequently encountered bunch alright) huddled in a corner of the TV room. One particularly chubby fellow, upon hearing I was Irish, became extremely animated and started blurting out some incomprehensible jibberish. I smiled politely, not having the slightest idea what he was trying to say. Later that evening however, I was brought up to speed, and in the most unsettling of circumstances.

I was in my shower cubicle with the door closed when suddenly a thunderous banging descended on the waifer-thin partition. It was my little barrel of samba trying once more to communicate. "SAN AD CANROW , SAN AD CANROW". What in God’s name is going on here, I thought. Did I miss some crazy shower-initiation in my research of the Legion?? What the hell does this guy want?? I shouted back "Yeah, right mate, haha, Yeah" all the while thinking "Jesus, don’t let a bar of soap slide under the divider and between my toes" (and I hadn’t even brushed my teeth!!). The confusion continued for another minute or so, but then all of a sudden the clouds parted, the earth fell silent and the angels began to sing;

Well strike me down and tickle me mickey, Sinéad O’ FUCKING Connor!! I couldn’t help but burst out laughing; half in sheer comedic bliss at the insanely surreal situation in which I found myself, and half out of hysteric joy at the passing feelings of mortal fear and dread. What a first night!

So my amazonian karaoke partner eventually bowed out (ironically after the psycho-technic tests) and on I went to become a full-fledged Legionnaire. The skin has since thickened sufficiently from constant references to "EERA" (I.R.A.) and more mischievous superiors addressing me as "Johnny English" and "Rosst Bif" (Roast Beef). Not surprisingly, few at the time seemed to take much notice of my coming from working in a bank to directly joining the French Foreign Legion right around the time the toilet chained was violently tugged with the world economy nestling snugly in the bowl. They just wanted to talk numbers, failing to comprehend the difference in salary and just what the hell my motivation was for volunteering. (Answers on a postcard please).

However, being Irish remains a highly favourable weapon in the arsenal over here (despite 3 fellow countrymen having deserted during my time, leaving me our proud little nation’s perpetual sole flag-waver for now).

Then again, those who know me well enough know I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Monday, August 2

Roads, Rendez-Vous and an Almighty Downpour

These days, one can’t help but wearily submit to the niggling truth that life itself is quite generic. The range of its emotions and experiences have been irreversibly exaggerated by an insatiable mob of post-modern hyperbolists; a mob completely overwhelmed by their sheer pathos and compelled to seek justification of an existence already long passed its sell-by date. There is no progression, no discovery; just regurgitation, recycling and global warming. It’s not the mob’s fault. Nor is it mine, or yours. Blame it on the bankers, I say!

ANGLO!!! - Je t’emmerde!!

The late great Robert Frost once described the bank as "a place where they lend you an umbrella in fair weather and ask for it back when it begins to rain". Now, when I left my old banking job in 2008 to come to France and enlist, I didn’t so much steal an umbrella as build myself an outright protective vessel capable of carrying me safely through this relentless shitstorm of post-recession recovery.

Kind of like Noah’s Arc meets Pimp My Ride.

All the umbrellas in the world won’t save a system already soaked through and through by reckless lending, corporate hand-shaking and government negligence, but then that’s no longer my problem. Locked away here in the sunny south of France with my false name, modest wage, bank accounts, health insurance and an ever-improving second language, I can’t help but feel that choosing that road less travelled has reaped dividends. Hard earned dividends, it must be said, but I’m still floating comfortably in the green as many around me gurgle from the murky, deathly debt-ridden depths.

So Frost’s road not taken and the Anglo mob all got me thinking of how society today is less about exploration and more focused on depiction. The last rock on the long road of life has long since been upturned, but the ways in which said rock can still be described, celebrated, painted, hailed, worshipped, hated, berated and loved remain infinite. Each of us will still inevitably pass along this road, kicking leaves and disturbing stones as we go. What we find beneath will be nothing new to the imperial oaks and sapphire skies observing our voyage since time began, but how we interpret, describe, ingest, digest, egest these images, sounds, smells, sensations, it is THIS which keeps the game interesting.

Frost will never be beaten in terms of expressing the emotions encountered when a tough decision must be made in life, but that’s not to say that wordsmiths and spin-doctors the world over can’t still delight and excite us with their own attempts. For all who read this I hope that, when the time comes to take the road less travelled, solace can be found in the knowledge that you won't have been the first to have chosen or travelled that road. Equally though, we must pride ourselves on the courageous yet certain reality that the footprints you leave shall be entirely, uniquely your own. Thank you Mr. Robert Lee Frost.


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Apartment in Aloha Hill Club

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Reference : 324-00076P

For Sale 595.000 €
2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 1 Garage Print

Apartment in Aloha Hill Club

This is a fantastic 2 bedroom penthouse located in the award winning complex Aloha Hill Club, Nueva Andalucia.

The property is one of the best apartments in the complex offering stunning views over the “golf valley” and the sea. It’s also equipped with a lot of extras such as brand new air-condition, modern open plan kitchen, floor to ceiling windows in the dining room and to top it all of a fabulous roof terrace.

The complex offers an array of facilities including four swimming pools, a poolside bar and restaurant open all year round, reception and concierge service, gourmet shop, a wine cellar where you can purchase and safely store your personal collection, top of the range gym, SPA and indoor pool, a kids club to entertain the children during the school holidays and on top of this the community has their own shuttle bus that will collect you from the airport or take you down to Puerto Banus or the town centre when you require.

A splendid home with excellent rental potential!

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Sunday, May 8, 2011

Moooochas gracias!

I am a kindergarten teacher and last week we had a Mother's Day tea party.  Several school staff members really went above and beyond to help my co-teacher and I get things ready and pull off the big event.  In addition, one student's mother got us each a nice box of chocolates.  (I work at a low income school, so gifts are pretty rare, and all the more meaningful.)  We wanted to make sure to thank each of these people, so I offered to make some thank you cards.  I love punny cards, so I made one that works in English and Spanish.  Here is a close-up of one of the Spanish ones.

As I said, I needed several, and I used some scraps of coordinating paper that I had, so I ended up with lots of variations:

I also made a few with English moos:

The cow is from Create a Critter.  The sombrero is from Graphically Speaking.  The image on the cart had no layering, so I used my Gypsy to create the layering.  The sentiments were printed from my computer.

These cards will be entered in the following challenges:
Skipping Stones Design--No rules
Die Cuttin Divas--sketch challenge
Creative Cutter Room--Fiesta!

  1. Great set of cards! Great way to use your scraps! Thanks for joining us over at the Creative Cutter Room! DT Member Carri

  2. Cute, love the pun! Thanks for playing with the Stamp Tramps this week!

  3. these are adorable!! Love, love the cow and the punny sentiment! Thanks so much for joining us at SSD!

  4. That is too fun! Thanks for joining us over at SSD!

  5. WoW super sweet!!!I love the boldness of the colors. Great Job

  6. Super job!!
    Wow!! what a fun card I love it.


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Contract Management

Enterprise Contracts Management services help companies gain visibility into contractual obligations, mitigate regulatory risk, and save money by upgrading procedural controls and improving compliance to contract terms and conditions.

While contractual agreements are the foundation of most business relationships, the processes of contract creation, compliance management, and performance analysis often are inconsistent and under-resourced.

  • Labor-intensive processes waste resources.
  • Nonstandard terms and conditions erode profit and increase compliance risk.
  • Obstacles to retrieving information hinder contract compliance.

Providing exceptional value

When companies hire Bareki, they know that powerful results will follow. However, it is our collaborative and approachable style which ensures that the change delivered is sustainable. Our focus on results speaks for itself as fees are intrinsically linked to the savings delivered.


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Thursday, December 26, 2013

Christmas roundup

This post should be about 10 different blog entries, but Christmas has come and gone and I have not sat down (for writing or much else) in weeks.  So here it is, all smashed up and thrown together like a Christmas fruitcake.  A Barkalow Christmas.

We began with school parties.  Rosie and Andy had a ball at theirs.  Bubbles, candy and games and a lot of fourth grade silliness.  Zadie would have loved her party, too, I'm sure, if she hadn't been at home with the throw up bug that day.  Poor sweet Zadie, I think her friends will write in her yearbook, "were you in my class?   I don't remember seeing you... oh yeah, you're the one who was always out with the throw up bug."

She did recover in time for a trip to the zoo light festival with our friends Abby and Michael.

Rosie was there, too, but was acting too beastly to get in any of the pictures.  Two year olds are not at their best at 8:00 at night.  Neither are mommys.

Then, we spent 6 hours in the car last Saturday so that Andy could see his favorite cousin (also his only cousin).  He says it was totally worth it.

And the girls got lots of presents, so they went willingly.

Did I mention there was weaponry?

 And swinging?

And people who love us?

Yeah, it was worth the drive.

We also managed to gather a few friends for our annual gingerbread house building party.  I'm not exaggerating when I tell you that over half of the families we invited this year were down with the flu.  They were sweet enough not to share it with us.

This was also the first year Rosie made a gingerbread house.  She wouldn't let anyone help AT ALL.  So it was a bit of fun mixed with a bit of frustrated toddler screaming, but it wouldn't be a Barkalow party without a two year old throw down.

We made it to church on Tuesday night (almost) on time, but of course not early enough to stop for a picture of children in their nice Christmas clothes.  I'll settle for this one in their Christmas pjs.  Look, no one throwing up!  A Christmas miracle.

 Santa came, presents were opened, games were played, messes were made, cleaned, and remade.

Am I a terrible person if I say I'm glad it's over?

Now we have two weeks to recover, eat leftovers, and learn lots of new ways to use our rainbow loom.   I may not take my pajamas off for the next 10 days.... and it's not just because I've eaten so many cookies they're the only thing I have that still fits.  Although that is also true.

Merry Christmas, y'all!  I sure hope you don't have the throw up bug!

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Wednesday, December 2, 2009

The Book Review Club (December 2009)

Come in! Grab a coffee or, better yet, some warm apple cider and a plateful of homemade holiday cookies. Yes, those shortbread are from my kitchen.

Welcome to our last Book Review Club meeting of 2009. Wow! How time flies when you've got good books! We hope you enjoy our book reviews and maybe get a few ideas for holiday gifts!

I LOVE this book! Or, as 14 year-old Georgia Nicholson, the protagonist would say, I LURVE this book! A lot of other people love this book too. The first in a series of ten, it debuted in 1999 to a starred review from Publishers Weekly. And it was a Printz Honor Book.

It is an absolutely, laugh-till-you-cry funny young adult novel! You know what would be really fun? Getting invited to a cocktail party with the author, Louise Rennison, who is actually a British comedy writer.

From the back cover:

Her dad's got the mentality of a Teletubby (only not so developed). Her cat, Angus, is trying to eat the poodle next door. And her bet friend thinks she looks like an alien--just because she accidentally shaved off her eyebrows. Ergghhhlack. Still, add a little boy-stallking, teacher-baiting, and full-frontal snogging with a Sex God, and Georgia's year just might turn out to be the most fabbitty fab fab ever!

Told in diary form, this is the story of Georgia and her BFF, Jasmine, and some other girlfriends and how they navigate school, boys and friendship. It's a YA version of Bridget Jones Diary--only much funnier!

Guess what else? This book was made into a British movie, Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging. Which will be released on DVD on this side of the Atlantic on DECEMBER 22. Yes, it's at the TOP of my Netflix queue!

Here's a link to the official movie site and delightful movie trailer.

I've giggled my way through this entire review. :)

Now .... Onto to our brilliant reviewers and their brilliant reviews...

Keri Mikulski: SWEET TURNAROUND J by PV Beck (young adult)

Thao of Serene Hours: BLOOM by Elizabeth Scott (young adult)

Kaye of the Book Review Forum: THE HUNDRED DRESSES by Eleanor Estes (lower middle grade)

Stacy Nyikos: BULL RIDER by Suzanne Morgan Williams (upper middle grade)

Sarah Laurence: I SO DON'T DO SPOOKY by Barrie Summy
**Seriously, folks, I did not pay Sarah to do this!! Although now I'm thinking I'd pay her to take down the photo of my as a 16 year old!!**

Kathy Holmes: MISTLETOE AND MURDER by Florence Case (romance)

Scott Parker: HOLMES FOR THE HOLIDAYS, edited by Martin Greenberg, et. al. (mystery short stories)

Jenn Jilks of My Reflections: A SIGHT FOR SORE EYES by Ruth Rendell (mystery)

Alyssa Goodnight of the Writers' Road Less Traveled: FAST WOMEN by Jennifer Crusie (humorous women's fiction)

Linda McLaughlin: THE LOST SYMBOL by Dan Brown

Ellen Booraem of Freelance Ne'er-do-well: RESTORATION LONDON by Liza Picard (adult)

Sarahlynn of Yeah, but Houdini didn't have these hips: THE SURRENDERED WIFE by Laura Doyle (self help)

**Exceptional previous reviews are only a click away.**

Note to Reviewers: You know the drill.:) If I missed you, leave me a comment and I'll rectify the situation straight away. And award myself one less cookie today!

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Sarah Laurence said...

The Angus book looks fun (got to love that has to be British title) and the movie looks adorable. It made me think of Gregory's Girl.

As for the photo of you as a teenager, my daughter saw me posting it and said you were so pretty and you haven't changed much.

Thanks for hosting the book review. I probably won't have time for other comments today, but I'm looking forward to visiting the other reviews when I can.

Keri Mikulski said...

Love this series!! :) Adorable and hilarious and one of the first YA books I read and fell in love with. :)

And thanks always for hosting our club, Barrie. :)

Thao said...

You forgot me hehe. Please add my review:

Thank you ^^

Kathy Holmes said...

Oooooo, I love British comedy - this book written by one sounds hilarious!

Linda McLaughlin said...

Sounds like a cute book, Barrie. You forgot to list my review of THE LOST SYMBOL by Dan Brown.

Barrie said...

Thao and Linda--ack! So sorry. You're up and linked now. I don't know where my mind was at! :(

Barrie said...

Sarah: Good to see you this morning. I didn't think I'd *bump* into you until later today. and, please tell you daughter thank you!!!

Barrie said...

Keri, you're very welcome. :) and, just think, it's not too too long until we actually meet in real life!

Barrie said...

Kathy, this book is completely up your alley. Completely!

Alyssa Goodnight said...

I've had my eye on this book/series for some time now. You've pushed me over the edge. Loved that you were giggling while writing the review--that says it all!

Linda McLaughlin said...

Barrie, thanks for adding our reviews. It happens.

Ellen Booraem said...

The book sounds like a hoot, and the movie trailer is very enticing for those of us who love the British sense of humor. Thanks for the tip, Barrie!

Travis Erwin said...

I've been trying to learn and read more Y since I have taken on a literature club for kids.

If you haven't checked out the blog for it I'd love to hear your comments.

Also wondering if you would liek to be the featured author for the second semester. Basically we would read and use your book for discussion for a couple of months as we have done with Erica's this semester and then have some sort of conference call where the kids could ask you questions. let me know if you would be interested.

Rinkly Rimes said...

Thank you for suggesting I join this group, but I really think I haven't the time. My hobby is writing ridiculous melodramas. I have a group of friends who act them and we go round local clubs etc putting them on. It's very time-consuming, but great fun. Not very intellectual though!

Beth said...

Books to give, books to receive for Christmas! Yes!

Carrie Harris said...

They're making a movie out of Angus? WOOT!!!! I'm adding that to my list o' things I must purchase. I bet it'll be hilarious.

Green Girl in Wisconsin said...

YES!!! They're making a movie out of this book! (Wild cheering ensues.)

thriftymomma said...

Just found your blog at BlogFrog and very cool. thanks, come and visit me at:

Stacy Nyikos said...

I totally loved Bridget Jones. Must buy this one and read (and then see the movie). So neat!

Solvang Sherrie said...

Barrie at 16? Must visit that website!

If Snogging is anything like Bridget Jones, I am going to love it. Thanks for introducing me to it!

Christina Farley said...

What a fun idea! I like your list of books reviewed and I'm a big fan or Bridget Jones. I'll check it out!

Anonymous said...

Hey are you a professional journalist? This article is very well written, as compared to most other blogs i saw today….
anyhow thanks for the good read!

Barrie said...

Anonymous, I hope you click through to our other reviews. You won't be disappointed!


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Chasing the Aces and the Pennants

Jake Peavy delivers a pitch at Petco Park in S...
Image via Wikipedia

It’s officially trade rumor season in the MLB and teams are now just beginning to assess their needs and see what is available on the market. This season marks a special one in the starting pitching department as we have four key names playing for underperforming teams looking to slash payroll and stock their farm system with top young talent. As always, the question must be asked if the team looking to acquire established big league talent is ready to part with younger, untested talent. Here are four teams, in addition to their payroll at the start of the season, who just might be willing to take the plunge and get the ace to anchor their staff through the remainder of the dog days. In addition, we’ll give you the prospects that could be shipped off in return for these aces and what they have done so far this season.

nymets62New York Mets ($135,733,988/2nd highest in baseball)

While the Mets have been streaking lately, their inability to avoid the injury/illness bug has to have the front office worried and we might have seen the last of Oliver Perez in the starting rotation for the Metropolitans this season. The Mets have finished behind the Phillies for the past two seasons and have not advanced out of the National League since the Subway Series back in 2000, (Edgardo Alfonzo anyone?), and the faithful in Queens are beginning to get a little restless.

Johan Santana was a major addition to the club before the start of the 2008 regular season but it came at the cost of some major talent. The decision to not go after Derek Lowe was a questionable one and now it becomes increasingly apparent that the Mets need another starter to make their rotation legitimate. Erik Bedard could be a low cost option for the Mets as they probably do not want to add much more on to their existing payroll. To avoid arbitration, the Mariners signed Bedard to an incentive-laden one-year deal with a base salary of $7.75 mil.

Bedard has posted solid numbers since recovering from his torn labrum last year. As of June 3, he’s 4-2 with a 2.37 ERA and 61 Ks. Seems like he’s playing for a contract. Just a thought there. Since the contract is an expiring one, the Mets would probably have to only deal one major player from their farm system and maybe a pitching prospect or two. A thought that instantly comes to mind is Jonathan Niese since he is one of the Mets’ best pitching prospects and has already made a handful of starts for the big league club between last season and this year. In those starts, which is a total of five, Niese is 1-1 with a 6.57 ERA with 21 Ks and 10 BB in 24.2 IP. But what might get overlooked is that he is just 22 and still needs to develop. At this point, he’s due to only get better with major league experience and the Mariners lack starting pitching depth. Toss in Fernando Martinez to play left for the M’s in place of losing Adam Jones in the deal that brought Bedard to Seattle and the Mets just might have themselves a deal.

chicagocubs03 Chicago Cubs ($135,050,000/3rd highest)

“Wasn’t this starting rotation supposed to be one of the best in the NL already,” you probably have asked yourself after seeing the lovable losers on this list. Unfortunately, the Cubs failed in their much-publicized attempt to snag Jake Peavy from the San Diego Padres and if not for Peavy’s full no-trade clause, could have lost him to their AL neighbors on the South Side.

As of June 2, the Cubs were in fourth place and four games back of the Milwaukee Brewers in the suddenly competitive NL Central. Starting pitching has been a glaring concern for the Cubbies this season as Rich Harden has not made a start since May 17 and has been sidelined by an ailing back. Carlos Zambrano starts at various points because of injury and is currently serving a six-game suspension for his latest on-field tirade at Wrigley Field back on May 27. Ryan Dempster has been a shell of his 2008 self with an ERA of 4.48 in 11 starts this season.

So no, the Cubs do not have one of the best starting five in the NL because of injuries/suspensions and flat out inconsistency this season. The only starter with reputable numbers has been Ted Lilly, going 6-4 with a 3.50 ERA and an even better WHIP of 1.09. Randy Wells has given the rotation a short-term shot in the arm as well with a 1.69 ERA and a WHIP of .97 in five starts. But with the inconsistency of Dempster and Zambrano and Harden’s ailing back, the Wrigleyville outfit will need to add another piece to the staff.

If fans and management alike are tired of getting burned by both Peavy and the Padres then maybe Roy “Doc” Halladay of the Toronto Blue Jays could be a nice addition to their staff. So far this season, Halladay has put himself into position to be an early Cy Young award candidate with a 9-1 record to go along with his 82 Ks and a WHIP of just 1.04.

A few names that could be shipped to north of the border would be Jay Jackson, who is currently pitching for Double-A Tennessee of the Southern League. In nine starts, he has a 3-3 record and an ERA of 3.35. Jackson works because he could help replenish the Jays’ minor league system since Jesse Litsch, Shawn Marcum, and Dustin McGowan, all currently on the disabled list, are now in the Jays rotation. Another name who could be included would be Andrew Cashner, who played his college ball at TCU, and is now playing for the Daytona Cubs of the Class A Advanced Florida State League. In seven starts, Cashner has a 1.99 ERA and 20 Ks.

Halladay will be owed $30 million over the final two years of his contract but as he’s proving this season, he’s certainly worth the investment and be a great addition to a pitching staff that is loaded when healthy and hitting their stride.

chicagowhitesox91Chicago White Sox ($96,068,500/12th highest)

Alright, so we get the point. Jake Peavy wants no part of the city of Chicago. White Sox GM Kenny Williams will have to get over that sooner much rather than later if he still wants to add an ace to his staff to put pressure on the AL Central leading Detroit Tigers. Southpaws Mark Buehrle and John Danks have won a combined 10 games for the Southsiders but are looking for Gavin Floyd to continue making strides as he has done over his past three starts. In those starts, he is 1-1 with a 1.95 ERA 24 Ks. Talk about a revival.

With a payroll of just over $115 million, it is unlikely that the Tigers will make any additions to their payroll and are more likely to hope and wish for Dontrelle Willis to be the fourth reliable starter in that rotation in addition to Edwin Jackson, the young Rick Porcello, and the dominant Justin Verlander. If the White Sox want to avoid a one-game playoff like they had to endure last October, then they will need a fourth starter of their own to give them a solid staff.

“Calling Mr. Roy Oswalt to the office, please. Mr. Oswalt, your presence is needed please. Thank you.” It would be ridiculously unwise for Houston to deal Oswalt within their division to the folks in Wrigleyville so just ship him a few miles south. On the year, Oswalt’s ERA has been a bit inflated at 4.28 and that is thanks to a high amount of hits allowed, (74 in 69.1 IP), in addition to 12 home runs allowed. The Astros currently sit in the cellar of the NL Central, seven games in back of the Brewers but chances are slim that the ‘Stros will make any movement in the division this year.

Oswalt’s contract runs through 2011 with a club option for $16 million or a $2 million buyout in 2012. In order for the deal to be successful, the White Sox know that they would again have to include both Aaron Poreda and Clayton Richard. Poreda takes the bump currently for Double-A Birmingham of the Southern League and has a 2.62 ERA in 10 starts this season. His 62 Ks and .214 BAA are remarkable even for the Double-A level. If allowed to progress he could make a difference in the Astros rotation in the near future. Richard is already starting games for the White Sox and through four starts is 2-0 with a 2.70 ERA. It makes sense, doesn’t it? Well, the only person to whom it matters if it makes sense or not is Williams himself.

phillies– Philadelphia Phillies ($113,004,048/7th highest)

Sometimes, it pays to have a little pitching to help carry you to a championship and the Phillies were beneficiaries of clutch starting pitching from Brett Myers, Jamie Moyer, and most importantly “California Cool” Cole Hamels. But this year is different as Moyer is beginning to show his age with an ERA of 6.75 and 14 HR allowed in 10 starts. Myers will go under the knife to repair a torn labrum in his hip and might not return to the Phillies until late August. Hamels has been highly inconsistent in his first nine starts and has instilled a worry in fans that there might be something wrong with that fragile left elbow of his. He is just 3-2 with an ERA of 5.21 and was torched for eight hits and six earned runs in last start May 30 against the Washington Nationals.

All of this has led to the Phillies having the worst starting staff ERA, near 6.0, in the majors. Even still the Phillies are the current leaders of the NL East thanks to a stingy bullpen and an offense that can score at-will in hitters one through eight in the order. There are several young pitchers who have stepped in such as southpaws J.A. Happ and Antonio Bastardo to fill in while GM Ruben Amaro, Jr. figures out what do to fix his starting rotation problem. The perfect ace to make his arrival in the City of Philadelphia would be none other than Peavy himself.

That might sound a little odd at first considering the Phillies have long been known as a penny-pinching franchise. But since the opening of Citizens Bank Park, the Phillies brass have been shedding their miserly habits and are finally spending the money accumulated from great attendance and benefitting from having one of the more popular fan bases in all of baseball. That is why Peavy makes the most sense for the Phillies. Without a doubt he is an expensive option, but also the best option on the market. Peavy will want to go to a contender and the Phillies certainly have to be in the contending conversation.

Peavy currently sits at 5-6 with a 4.10 ERA this season but has one of the worst offensive teams in the majors playing behind him in the Padres. They have the worst batting average in the NL at .239 and have the second least amount of runs scored in the league with a total of 208. It is clear that they are in rebuilding mode and dealing Peavy will help get them on their way with young talent to replace him. At 28, Peavy is an attractive option based on his youth and skill alone. He will also not need a renegotiated contract because he is currently signed through 2012 and a club option worth $22 million for 2013.

The Phillies would probably have to give up a combination of either shortstop Jason Donald, slugging outfield prospect Michael Taylor, and projected future ace Carlos Carrasco. Carrasco’s stock has dipped slightly since encountering a stumbling block at Triple-A Lehigh Valley. In his ten International League starts, Carrasco has surrendered 63 hits in only 55 IP and his ERA is at 5.40. He dealt with a blister issue on the inside of his right thumb and was battling a sore elbow as well. Besides the injuries, his upside is huge and will benefit whoever he starts for when he makes it to the majors. Many have projected Michael Taylor to become the next Ryan Howard and if he blossoms into a major leaguer with the current crop of Phillies the amount of damage that lineup can do is beyond anyone’s imagination. In 168 ABs for Double-A Reading of the Eastern League, Howard, er Taylor, is slugging at a .613 clip with 10 homers, 10 doubles and a .339 average. It takes talent to get talent but this deal could help both teams achieve their aspirations for 2009 and beyond.

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Price $
Bedrooms: > Baton Rouge real estate for sale > Baton Rouge homes for sale

Posted: Sunday, June 11, 2017 8:57 AM

NO WATER IN 2016! LOCATION WITH EASY ACCESS TO BATON ROUGE, PRAIRIEVILLE AND THE INTERSTATE. The open floor plan will be wonderful for entertaining your friends. The kitchen was recently updated to include custom cabinets, 3cm granite slab countertops and a terrific pantry. The Breakfast Room can be used for Formal or Casual dining. The Master Suite is very accommodating with beautiful real wood floors. The Master Bath has double vanities, garden tub, separate shower and a huge walk-in closet. The other bedrooms are spacious with walk-in closets. The laundry room has built-ins and plenty of room for a freezer. The patio was enclosed about two years age and makes a fine office/media room. In 2015 a 5 ton A/C and Heat unit was added. The architectural roof is about 10 yrs old. The two storage units in the backyard remain for your convenience. Nice size backyard and very private with the wood fence. Over all, it’s a wonderful, well maintained home that you can move in, enjoy the home, the yard and the location!

18548 Lake Camellia Ave, 70817    google map | yahoo map

Bedrooms: 3

• Location: Baton Rouge

• Post ID: 20684026 batonrouge is an interactive computer service that enables access by multiple users and should not be treated as the publisher or speaker of any information provided by another information content provider. © 2017


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Comments on: RSS Blender: Interesting Prototype Thoughts on the intersection of search, media, technology, and more. Thu, 01 Jun 2017 05:15:10 +0000 hourly 1 By: Peter Scott Fri, 10 Sep 2004 11:24:45 +0000 Works for me:

Although I would like to use my own Amazon affiliate code!

By: ID:entity Fri, 10 Sep 2004 00:01:18 +0000 I also concur the above example works well in bloglines.

What I like about this approach is I get to chose the value add, thus I create the synergy between the content types, creating the right cold fusion…for me. Pull rather than push, it works.

“Give a man a fish and feed him for a day.”

“Give him a net, and he’ll feed himself for life”

By: Tony Thu, 09 Sep 2004 22:09:10 +0000 John Battelle’s Searchblog: RSS Blender: Interesting Prototype

Battelle’s friend Toni Schneider points him to RSS Blender, a service that inserts new posts linking to Amazon books into your blog feed, based on contextual “analysis” of your other blog posts.

When I first read Battelle’s description, I assumed that it worked like VibrantMedia, i.e., it would insert links into the body of my posts, thereby compromising my editorial integrity (laugh).

But the Blender approach is fantastic! Ads in my feed were generally relevant (and reasonably plentiful, about one adv for every four posts), and most importantly, were clearly marked as Blender posts.

Obviously the prototype only runs against Amazon’s book database, but could be applied to any database of products/services/ads, etc.

Companies such as Moreover might do well by themselves to consider integrating such a solution into their free aggregated feed offerings.

By: Peter Caputa Thu, 09 Sep 2004 19:13:13 +0000 here’s some conversation on it, too…

I had no problem using it.

By: Steve Thu, 09 Sep 2004 18:52:27 +0000 John,

Thanks for giving it a spin. It is, as you’ve pointed out, very prototypical. We’re tuning and honing and growing our product set…as well as figuring out our business model.

I created a feed blending the Searchblog and BoingBoing feeds with Amazon books and it seems to work for me. Give it a spin and see what you think:

I’m not sure why you’re having trouble, though chances are it’s not your fault, but ours. The UI is equally prototypical right now. If you’re up to it, I’d like to work with you to figure out went went wrong.


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EDSA Shrine is DOH-NCR’s next target for anti-dengue spraying Azer N. Parrocha

MANILA, Aug 30 — The Department of Health-National Capital Region (DOH-NCR) stressed its plan to mist and disinfect the EDSA Shrine on Friday as it is “one of the public places regularly visited”.

According to DOH-NCR director, Eduardo Janairo, everyone should take extra precaution from rainy-day related diseases whether it be a disease like dengue or simple conditions like cough, cold and flu.

“I advise those going to church to wear raincoats and always bring umbrella as protection from the rain,” Janairo said, explaining that devotees with fever should also seek medical attention and stay at home and take proper medication.

The EDSA Shrine disinfection and anti-dengue spraying activity is in coordination with the present rector of EDSA Shrine Reverend Father Leo Nilo Mangussad.

“I enjoin the local government units and residents of Metro Manila to continue their anti-dengue activities and clean-up activities in the community in order to further lessen the cases of dengue in the region.” conduct regular Janairo said.

A total of 7,093 dengue cases were reported from January 1 to August 24 this year, according to the Epidemiology Surveillance Unit (RESU). This is 65 percent lower compared to the same period last year with 20,292.

Ages of cases were from 16 days to 94 years old, while the most affected was the 15 to 49 years age-group. Majority (54 percent) were male. There were 11 deaths were reported.

Quezon City still leads with the most number of cases with 1,904, followed by Manila City with 988, Caloocan City with 822, Paranaque with 432, Marikina City with 419, Pasig City with 406, Valenzuela City with 366, Malabon City with 288, Pasay City with 243, Las Pinas City with 231, Makati City with 207, Mandaluyong City with 189, Taguig City with 183, Muntinlupa City with 173, San Juan City with 135, Navotas City with 96 and Pateros with 11 dengue cases. (PNA)

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text: BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:1.0 PRODID:BAV Web Calendar TZ:-08 BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Meat-Out Street TV & leafleting - SF DESCRIPTION;ENCODING=QUOTED-PRINTABLE: Please visit Bay Area Vegetarians event calendar for more information or updates on this and other vegetarian and animal rights events.=0D=0A=0D=0A =0D=0A=0D=0AHost: Nora=0D=0A=0D=0ANotes:=0D=0A=0D=0AIn recognition of the billions of animals killed every year for food, Bay Area Vegetarians is participating in the Great American Meat Out activity organized by FARM (click here for more info). This is a great opportunity to raise awareness of the plight of farmed animals and encourage folks to go veg!=0D=0A=0D=0A=0D=0A=0D=0AFor the SF event, we will be screening "MEAT YOUR MEAT" (a documentary narrated by Alec Baldwin) and leafleting with "Why Vegan" brochures.=0D=0A=0D=0A=0D=0A=0D=0AVolunteers and activists of all skill levels are welcome. If you are a new activist, or feel in need of a refresher, we will have a brief orientation so please arrive promptly by 7 pm.=0D=0A=0D=0A=0D=0A=0D=0AAll materials will be provided. If you have a car, and can help transport the TV/VCR set-up (for screening Meat Your Meat), please let me know.=0D=0A=0D=0A=0D=0A=0D=0ALocation: SF (tenatively cable car turnaround at Market/Powell - location will be confirmed shortly, please check back or watch the local mailing lists for an announcement)=0D=0A=0D=0A DTSTART:20060318T190000 DTEND:20060318T210000 END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR


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in it to win!

March 26th, 2009

bad BBG @ 11:39 pm

Current Location: my awesome new chair.
Current Music: Shawdow of the Day-Linkin Park (yup, you and i both which i was kidding.)

hi girls.
i miss you all like WHOA. the last week of my life has been crazy. way too much alcohol. it's ok though because this is the last week of my life as i now know it. i start school monday. my schedule will be 8am-9:30pm mon-thur, off fridays and sundays and at the school from 9-5pm on saturdays. i mean, it really could be worse. it's actually going to be great. i cant wait to do all your guys' hair (a long time coming). tach and i can tag team it up.

i did have soda. once. it was gross and i hated it and i'm not gonna do it again. i'm still doing good on the vending machine snacks and cigarrettes. this is kind of just making me realize how terrible i eat in general. like, i act like i can do whatever i want when i want to and that goes with what i put into my body. i don't think i'm going to drop a ton of weight or anything. i'm just hoping this will teach me some self discipline.

i'm taking hip hop again tomorrow. i'm pretty excited. with i could have all my BBGs there grapevinin' and raisin' the roofon my left and right. one day. one day soon.

how's everyone else's commitments!
again, miss my BBGs.
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in it to win!


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Wondercon: Part DEUX!

Exhibitors You Need To KNOW! (Continued)

Up next is the booth that I picked up gifts for my kiddos.  They’re very much in to “Minecraft” just like most kiddos playing on line games right now.  Again, another item I didn’t see in the 100’s of booths there.  These are 3D printer plastic figures that are fully jointed too!

To make sure I picked out the character the kiddos most wanted I took a picture of the display and they responded with a circled character.  This brought a smile to the owner as I showed him which they wanted.  Ha!  My kiddos are quite creative and exact, thankfully.

The website offers customized Minecraft characters for you to order in 4″ or 7″ at very affordable pricing.  He also ships Internationally… ding.. ding… ding!

I have to tell you, my kiddos are going to want one printed with their own Minecraft characters… heck I want one myself, but need to start playing first.

Website:  www.seuscraft.com
Facebook:  www.seuscraft.com
Youtube:  www.youtube.com/user/seuscorp

 My last booth was also a treat!  I fell in love with the “Pixie Ear Cuffs” and decided to complete my look with the gold wired that are very light and slipped right over my existing large pearl earrings.  I’ve worn other ear cuffs and these were very comfortable and beyond gorgeous!

Their Etsy Shop carries many designs from the gold tone to steam punk.  I think these are some fun accessories I would love to collect and use as a weekend accessory.  They completely transform you style by a slip of the “ear.”  Ha!

Website:  www.Etsy.com/shop/Bottivingelo

Facebook:  <<<CLICK HERE>>>
Instagram:  <<<CLICK HERE>>>

Can you tell I had a BLAST here?!  It was a bit overwhelming for a bit with so many people but the exhibit halls are enormous and accommodated the attendees well.  There was something for just about every budget and large food courts in two of the 3 exhibit halls.  In addition there were a multitude of gourmet food trucks lined up at the main entrance of the convention center if you’re in the mood for something more exotic.

There’s A LOT of walking involved.  Please keep this in mind when planning your outfit and health status.  I did find a couple of people struggling to make it back to the parking lot – which are a long ways from the center.  Bring your walkers with seat if you’re not on a motorized device as there aren’t any seats to rest during the trek to/from the parking lot.  There is ADA access as well as restrooms available as well.

There’s 1-3 Day passes available.  I purchased the 1-Day pass ($27 *May change each year)  as I wanted to do a short visit and plan for next year’s attendance with my children. Parking was $15.

Note:  YOU MUST REGISTER on line BEFORE HAND to be able to purchase passes.  Your one registration will work for both Comic-Con and Wondercon.  You can not purchase at the door so just get on line right now and register:

There is an intense schedule of exhibits that happen throughout the day and change with each date of attendance.  They’re quite interesting and sadly I wasn’t able to attend one as I had to rush back home to care for my Momz.  You can view the itineraries on line prior to the event and map out which you’d like to take part in.

There were many families there and was a great environment.  Many kids wore their own suits and their excitement was contagious.   I recommend this event for those that love comics and/or dressing in their favorite characters… even if you like to people watch as this is the event for you!  Make it a family affair and theme you outfits.  The families that COSPLAY together have more fun! Ha!

Here’s some more pictures I remembered to take… Sorry, my lens went out of whack and didn’t know until I got home to upload them.  Also, I was asked to take many pictures and forgot to take pictures myself.  This is when I miss my children to go camera crazy at the event.  I promise to bring them with me next time for a more thorough and clear pictures.  🙂

Did you miss my previous post on Wondercon?  How about the “comic inspired convertible dresses” shown below?  Go take a read:
<<<CLICK HERE for Part1>>>

Will you be attending this event next year?  I would just LOVE to meet a few of you there so let me know!

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Wednesday, July 2, 2008

American Society of Parasitologists Award for Leech Research

The best student paper presentation at the 87th Annual American Society of Parasitologists went to Anna J. Phillips for her present entitled "Hirudinidae3: Towards a Revision of the World's Medicinal Leeches". Here's the abstract...
Hirudindae contains the most notorious of the bloodfeeding leeches, the medicinal leeches. These worms gained in popularity with physicians practicing bloodletting, or phlebotomy, due to anticoagulants in the saliva that causes the bite to bleed freely, even after the leech has left. This treatment was performed worldwide, for centuries, with a member of the Hirudinidae native to the area. While a higher-level analysis of the Arhynchobdellidae, by Borda and Siddall (2003), found that the Hirudinidae is surprisingly comprised of two groups, this more intensely focused preliminary analysis shows that the Hirudinidae is actually split among three groups. A morphological analysis of twenty-two morphological characters, based on jaw dentition, sexual anatomy, and external morphology, failed to provide a resolution for most of the relationships in the family. DNA sequence data from nuclear 18S rDNA, nuclear 28S rDNA, mitochondrial 12S rDNA, and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I, were examined separately, and in combination, in a parsimony analysis. This analysis of representative species of the Hirudiniformes indicates that the world’s medicinal leeches comprise multiple independent groups. Clade membership is only partially indicated by continental origin. The African Hirudinidae are split between two clades, with the unexpected results of the North African and Eastern European taxa being sister to select genera of Central and South America, one of which is a new genus with a unique morphology among leeches. These results suggest that, what was previously considered the family Hirudinidae, is actually 3 families: the Macrobdellidae Richardson, constituted by most New World taxa; the “true” Hirudinidae, with the type species (Hirudo medicinalis); and a new family, including the subset of African species grouped with Limnatis nilotica and associated New World taxa.

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Propaganda, to some
March 29, 2006

Posted by BDM Historian

I've attempted to write this post a couple of days ago, but then Blogger (the program I use to create these notebook entries) buzzed, popped, and fizzled, and ended up taking my whole long post with it. Such is life. But back onto business.

I've been meaning to talk about two books for some time, both of which were published by the Junge Generation (young generation) publishing house; one in spring of 1939, the other in 1940. Both, like most books published by Junge Generation, were aimed at a young, teenage reader audience, and particularly at members and prospective members of the League of German Girls.

The books are on either end of the propaganda spectrum. The first book, published in 1940, is Ruth Krieger's "Deutsche Maedel im Osten", German Girls in the East. The subtitle on the cover reads, Erzaehlung vom Kampf um Grossdeutschland - A tale of the fight for Greater Germany - and this is a clear clue to the content of the book. The book's story is about the difficulties ethnic German girls were facing in areas of Poland that had been German prior to World War I, and the problems they faced trying to set up BDM groups.

As you might guess, this book is fairly heavy on propaganda - from Polish mistreatment of its ethnic German population to the evil Jewish press that does not publish anything but anti-German propaganda. The book is on the very far side of the propaganda scale, as are many other books published by Junge Generation.

However, that should not automatically mean that all books that were put out by this publisher were along the lines. Let's take Suse Harm's "Sommertage in Heidersdorf", Summer days in Heidersdorf, as an opposite example. Billed as "an entertaining camp story", Suse Harm's book appeals to a much younger readership both in style as well as in content than Ruth Krieger's book does. The story follows a Jungmaedel from Berlin, Irm, on her first summer trip to a youth hostel in Heidersdorf. We hear about Irm going to the leadership office to drop off her application and go for her medical exam. We read about the train trip and find out that Irm has never been outside of Berlin before - the closest she's ever come to the Baltic Sea or the big forests have been the ponds and small wooded parks in Berlin.

If there's any propaganda artfully hidden in this book, I'm at a loss where I might find it. As a matter of fact, this book could probably be found on many shelves today if you changed "League of German Girls" to "Girl Scouts" because it would still appeal to the same demographic of young girls on their first trip to camp. And while a group leader nowadays isn't very likely to play the accordion and girls carry expensive hiking backpacks instead of the small Tornister BDM girls had, youth hostel stays and adventures don't seem to have changed much over the years.


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Funnel Web Bean Bag System

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The funnelweb bag can also be stored INSIDE a filled bean bag for ease and convenience of unfilling.

As a guide, most Ambient Lounge standard range bean bags (such as Evolution Sofa, Studio Lounger, Conversion Lounger) take around 300 litres of filling, which can be found in a standard Funnelweb and transport bag.

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Ambient Lounge ottomans, Pet Lounge and Versa Tables require between 150-200 litres of filling.

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Depending on you country, supplier and region, the polystyrene bean bag beans may be large or small - which will impact the way they feel and perform inside your cover.

As a general rule, the smaller the beads, the better - the more dense they are and the less they will compress after use. We recommend the use of beads 2-4 mm in diameter for the best results.

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If you are looking to buy bean bag filling to refill one or more of your bean bags, please contact your local Ambient Lounge dealer. They will sell bean bag beads in a Funnelweb outer bag that conveniently zips onto your cover. Buy them for top ups or refill.

If you own a bean bag - after a while, you may find that it doesn't seem as comfortable as it used to be. This is probably because the beans have been compressed. Buy good quality polystyrene beads and bring the comfort back.

As a general rule, the smaller the beads the better. 2-4mm diameter beads are preferred size. This means the medium-term compression will be lessened, it should be much quieter and the many more 'balls' inside to give you a greater comfort/massaging effect on your body.

Remember a good quality bead means greater quality lounging.

Ambient Lounge® is a worldwide brand of bean bag covers and filling. The group has representation in most major countries.

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Contact: Curt Hurlimann

Ambient Lounge Spain/Portugal
Contact: Jose Luis Cabello

Ambient Lounge Italy
Contact: Daisy Laramy-Binks

Ambient Lounge Greece

Ambient Lounge UK/Ireland
Contact: Geoff Whittaker

Asia Pacific

Ambient Lounge Korea
Contact: Mr Jason Yang

Ambient Lounge Singapore
Contact: Chin Leng Yao

Ambient Lounge Australia
Contact: Gary Morris

Ambient Lounge New Zealand
Contact: Tim Larkin

Ambient Lounge China
Contact: Rover Wang

Ambient Lounge Hong Kong
Contact: Allan McKenzie

Middle East:

Ambient Lounge Arabia
Contact: Mr Muaz Kadi

Ambient Lounge USA
Contact: Grant Morris

Puerto Rico & Carribean Islands

Ambient Lounge Puerto Rico
Contact: Daniel Santiago

Ambient Lounge Sth Africa
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Wednesday, April 4, 2012

the womanly art of breastfeeding...

OK, so, here i am in Mommy Land! our little munchkin came out of my cookie and and into the world on March 22! :) so introducing our little munchkin, Baby Hazel! :)

these are the many faces and phases of breastfeeding.
alert. eyes on the prize. giggles and a happy full tummy. thinking about her full tummy. and last but not least- milk coma.

i know, i know, those who have ever breastfed before are probably thinking, "HA! where are the screaming-crying pics?" well, when little Hazel is crying and having a fit, i'm trying my hardest to get her to not cry and scream and my hands are full and i'm unable to snap a picture of her in this phase. but TRUST ME, i've experienced that face and phase, all too many times.

 the title of this post is seriously, no joke- breastfeeding is an art and an art i have yet to master. but with the help of the the said book, The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, a La Leche League meeting and a meeting with a fabulous lactation educator... both Hazel and I are slowly starting to get the hang of it. as frustrating as breastfeeding can be, it's also very rewarding. after she has a full tummy, she looks at me and gives a little lazy smile and then knocks out in my arms, she's just such a little doll. :)

sometimes i wonder if she knows that i'm her mommy or if i'm just the girl who gives her magical milk boobies for her food. i know she's only two weeks, but i wish i can know what she was thinking. i love holding her and giving her little kisses and seeing her smile. she'll be bigger before i know it and then i'll be sad and be wishing that she was a little newborn again. le' sigh.

hope everyone is doing well, does anyone else have a new little munchkin? :)

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Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Father's Day and walks...

What a kooky but great week it's been! kooky 'cos I've been busy but great because, well... Just because I suppose. :) on Sunday it was Father's Day and that means my Cutie got to celebrate his first holiday as a proud papa! yay! :)

Now that little Munchk is a little older , my mama is helping out a bit more a few days a week so I can work on some projects that I've completely neglected while the, you know, whole pregnancy thing and being a new mom and all. :D I was supposed to go back to work at the end of the month but am now extending it until the end of August- if my job approves it (fingers crossed!). I'm feeling very optimistic and motivated at the moment and really want to finish up some stuff. Said "stuff" will hopefully be revealed by the end of the week or mid next week. So much to do and so little time!!!

here are some pics below of my Cutie and I celebrating as well as some shots that I took while taking a walk with the baby Munchk. :)

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Thursday, April 26, 2012

My Wedding Attendee Make up

You can also call it my, "Loo scrubbing look." Yes, I'm so glamorous, I scrub bathrooms with make up on! LOL! Anyway, you'll find out more about that in my primer review.

Speaking of primer, why don't make up artists in weddings use any?! I don't get it! That poor bride had her liner melt off and smudge under her brow.. And you can't mention it either.. AWKWARD! That lady has to stand under blazing hot lights and have her every move scrutinised by a camera (or three), the least that dumbass make up artist can do is put on some primer! #end rant.

Anyway, this was the look I did, I had around 20 minutes to get ready so I had to do something fast.. SO, I used the easy smokey eye idea and played with it. Here's how it goes:

Step 1: After priming, fill in the outer third of your eyes with black pencil, preferably waterproof.

Step 2: Smudge it inwards but not all over the lid and make sure the outer corner is still the darkest.

Step 3: Pat on a purple/ plum eyshadow all over the eye till the crease and before the inner corner.

Step 4: In the inner corner pat on some gold shadow, you can use both shadows on the lower lid as well.

Step 5: Sweep on a bronze shadow above the crease.

Step 6: Blend the bronze into the inner corner. And blend the bronze above the crease, upwards. You can use some gold to blend it out as well.

Step 7: Using a black gel/ pencil liner draw on a simple winged liner. Also tightline and line the water line.

And done! Very simple and fast and great for formal occasions. :)

I'm really loving that you guys are giving me requests! Keep them coming! ♥

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YA Thriller Read For Your Armchair Vacay

YA Thriller Read For Your Armchair Vacay - With Malice by Eileen Cook

Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers (June 7, 2016)
Language: English

If you are a fan of Young Adult fiction (or know a young adult who is), pick up a copy of With Malice by Eileen Cook. This is one twisty, turn-y thriller of a read that will excite book lovers. This plot had me wide-eyed with surprise at every turn. I love a book that can do that!

With Malice is a psychological thriller that has been compared to Paula Hawkins’ The Girl On The Train for all the twists that occur in the plot, just when you think you can see where Ms. Cook is going with the story you get punched in the gut as the roller coaster takes a sudden dip and flips the script on you.

Some chapters are straight-up storytelling, while others are excerpts from various interviews, social media posts, newspaper articles or other such items. I found this presentation to be incredibly intriguing and fresh. Not that I was ever in danger of getting bored, at all. As a matter of fact, I was so riveted by the story, the characters and the plot twists that I found the book extremely hard to put down!

I usually do most of my reading in bed before going to sleep. I spent several nights up later than I knew I should so that I could continue reading. You know the feeling, right? “Just ONE more chapter…”

There’s absolutely nothing I like better than a movie or book with an unsettling ending, and I firmly put With Malice in that category. Read it. You will not regret it. At the end of the book, you will be left wanting more as I was. I promise!

Eileen Cook has many publishing credits to her name, including: Unraveling Isobel, Remember, The Fourth Grade Fairy series, and The Almost Truth, among others. I’m very interested in reading more from this young adult author, probably starting with Unraveling Isobel and Remember. Her books have been optioned for film and TV, no small feat! You can read about her other titles HERE.

Aside from being an author, Eileen Cook is also an editor and a writing consultant. If you are an author interested in either if these services you can find more information about requesting them on her website.

With Malice by Eileen Cook

For fans of We Were Liars and The Girl on the Train comes a chilling, addictive psychological thriller about a teenage girl who cannot remember the last six weeks of her life.

Eighteen-year-old Jill Charron’s senior trip to Italy was supposed to be the adventure of a lifetime. And then the accident happened. Waking up in a hospital room, her leg in a cast, stitches in her face, and a big blank canvas where the last 6 weeks should be, Jill comes to discover she was involved in a fatal accident in her travels abroad. She was jetted home by her affluent father in order to receive quality care. Care that includes a lawyer. And a press team. Because maybe the accident…wasn’t an accident. Wondering not just what happened but what she did, Jill tries to piece together the events of the past six weeks before she loses her thin hold on her once-perfect life.

*          *          *          *          *          *          *          *          *          *          *          *

Have you read With Malice or are you interested in reading it? I’m really interested to hear your thoughts about this or any other of her available titles. Share with us!!!

Connect with Eileen Cook: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

Connect with HMH Books for Young Readers: Website | Facebook | Twitter

Purchase this title: Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Disclaimer: I was provided this title free of charge to facilitate review. No other compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own.

© 2016, Beauty Brite. All rights reserved.

About Wendy

SAHM of 2 kids, one adult kid (my 21 yr old daughter) and one middle-age kid (the hubby). Currently interviewing to return to my career working with juveniles in foster care and/or with cases in the district court system after taking time off to raise my own children. Avid animal lover who cares daily for our dogs, cats, fish, rat and chickens. My MIL says I need a cow for fresh milk; I say No Way!!! (LOL) Hobbies include listening to music, reading, writing, blogging (a new passion), watching TV (Homeland and True Detective are new TV-drama obsessions) baking, cooking, crafting, crocheting, and cross-stitching. I'm a laid-back mama who prefers not to micro-manage the lives of my family (though I feel sometimes like they micro-manage mine as my schedule mainly consists of coordinating all of their schedules). But, I love it and wouldn't have it any other way.

  1. Katharine says:

    Sounds very suspenseful and exciting! My kind of book!

  2. I have been wanting to read this book because I have already read some reviews of it. Love the suspense.

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Friday, 29 July 2016

Find out what I keep in my bag!!

Hello everyone,

I want to start by saying I'm sorry I didn't post at all last week I was away for a week in suffolk with no internet to upload any blog posts, however I did take lots of pictures so expect a blog post all about it soon!

In this post I'm going to talk you through the items that I keep in my bag and carry around with me. Recently I have been loving using this gorgeous nude coloured bag with gold detailing on it, I purchased this from primark and it was £12 which is an absolute bargain! I find that it is a great size for everyday use and it fits a lot of items in without it being a squeeze.

Contents of my bag :

Macbook - I like to carry this round with me if I'm going out for awhile as I use it to edit a video  on the go or plan out some new blog posts.

Notebook - I always carry a notebook so that if I get any blog inspiration on the go I can make note of it.

Purse - I always keep this with me incase I need some money for anything.

A book -  I like to carry a book as a distraction technique for if I feel anxious when I'm out and about, the book I'm currently reading is sleepless in Manhattan.

Reading glasses - I carry these for if I need to read or if I'm staring at screens for a long period of time otherwise I will get a headache (Which reminds me I should be wearing them right now!)

Handgel - You never know when you're going to need this, so always best to carry it.

Phone - I use this to check my social medias and I like to catch up with all my favourite blogs whilst I'm in the car.

Phone charger - This is an absolute must for me as my phone likes to die ALL the time.

Variety of snacks - Being gluten free I sometimes find it a struggle to find places to eat so I carry snacks so that if I'm hungry I know i've got them to eat if I can't find any food.

Sunglasses - Living in england the sun likes to appear every now and then so by keeping my sunglasses in my bag it means I'm prepared.

Water bottle - I always keep a bottle of juice in my bag for if I'm thirsty when I'm out and about because you've got to stay hydrated.

Mini perfume - I always keep a mini size of my favourite perfume in my bag so that I can top up throughout the day.

Headphones - I like to keep a pair of my apple earphones in my bag for if I want to listen to some music or a youtube video whilst I'm out and about.

Rescue Remedy spray -  This is a spray infused with flower oils which helps you calm down in an anxious situation,  I like to take this with me for if I'm in a crowded place or if I'm catching a bus, I just find it help to put myself at ease.

Inhaler - I have exercised induced asthma but I sometimes find it hot stuffy places I get short of breathe, so I like to carry this at all times just incase.

Keys - I just keep these so I can get back into my house if my family is out.

Tissues - Im usually that annoying person who never carries tissues but always needs them so I decided to put a pack in my bag just incase.

Lipstick - Whatever lipstick I am wearing that day I like to put in my bag so that I can top up throughout the day.

Lip balm - My lips are always dry so I like to keep a lip balm with me so I can keep my lips hydrated.

Pen & Highlighter - I keep these with me so I can write any ideas down in my notebook.

I hope you enjoyed finding out what I keep in my bag and ill see you on monday with my next post.

Q- What are your handbag essentials?

Tasha xox

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Thursday, June 20, 2013

Moyers - Update show on ALEC THis Week

This is a good thing.
It is great for the American people that Moyers is choosing to do another show.  The first expose' he did on ALEC has been a tremendous asset - educating people nationwide about the extremist pro-corporate Ameircan Legislative Exchange Council.

The trailer
- the whole 50 minute program is available on the Moyers webpage

This week, Moyers & Company reports on the most influential corporate-funded political force most of America has never heard of — ALEC, the American Legislative Exchange Council. A national consortium of state politicians and powerful corporations, ALEC presents itself as a “nonpartisan public-private partnership”. But behind that mantra lies a vast network of corporate lobbying and political action aimed to increase corporate profits at public expense without public knowledge.

Updated coverage includes new examples of corporate influence on state legislation and lawmakers, the growing public protest against ALEC’s big business-serving agenda, and internal tactics ALEC is instituting to further shroud its actions and intentions.

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22 February, 2013

Disappeared. Away. Now back, for sometime.

Oh my god, what a year it was for me. It's almost going to be a year that I moved to New York and it doesn't really feel like it. And when I realised it I sat down and thought about what I had done in this past year. Well, I had done quite a few minus the blogging part. The summer was spent trying to figure out the Big Apple, the heat and the humid, the people, the subways, and the work ethics. Spring was spent running for classes, doing projects, homeworks, and other stuff. And now winter is coming to an end. But I should tell you, it was quite a productive year. Although I soaked myself with school and work and other stuff with not much time for social endeavors, I'm honestly content that I jumped right into the pace of this city. There definitely has been a lot of personal growth and change in the way I see things. It's a good change.

Being a fashion student is fun and tough, in many different ways. It surprises you, it inspires you, it challenges you and at times, it questions you of who and what you are and what you want to become. It totally relies on you whether you want to undress yourself of all the things you are and transform into a different person, pretend/fake it or carry it all on your back and show them the different shades of color you can bring into the room. I don't know whether this makes sense to any of you but apparently, I don't know how else to phrase/rephrase it.

I know I've been lagging behind in this world. I was busy moving forward in the outside world.
The pictures are from the past few weeks of winter; chronologically set.
I've been carrying around my friend Zhou's Nikon D3000 and taking pictures, not of all things that struck me so far. I haven't challenged myself that far. Sooner or later, I will. I hope I will. I want to hope I will.

my window for the week

first snow. creepers. aldo. now wearing out.
second snow. shiver. all thing white. fresh.
happy valentines day. usq.

pg. love. behind, empire state building in pink on vday.

pg for target. atlantic ave.

commuting. sometimes you meet the friendliest of people who're up for fun anytime. friday night. loved their spirit.

the city that never sleeps.
japanese restaurant at harlem. highly alert waitress. scary stare.
green tea ice-cream
the view from the restaurant
lost in williamsburg
finally there. content.

balenciaga. s/s men. in love with men's fashion.

gd. harper's bazaar. men's skirt. ahh.

3.1 Philip Lim. RTW Fall '13

                                                         Alexander Wang. RTW Fall '13

from where i stand.
the neighbourhood.

home is where the heart is.
Thanks Zhou.
Wish you all a happy new year. I hope all of you are continuing to do what you love and are making the most of what you have. There is no time to lazy around and do 'nothing'. Life is fast and you need to walk faster to keep up.
Time to run now. See you in the other post.

dongala (wanderer) said...

Finally you are home..and I am glad! :)

colour3d-vogu3 said...

luved goin thru the pictures
ur new follower here

Federica said...

wow nice post and nice photos!!:):)
i'm following you, visit my blog if you want!!:)

Shopaholic lama said...

Hey lovely!!! you're so stylish! love your blog!
Would you like to follow each other with Bloglovin?

Dawa Lhamu said...

Love your post and photographs. Maybe we could follow each other?
much love

byangchee said...

hay i just discovered your blog. would love to see more :) x

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Bed Breakfast Traveler
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[View HI reviews] | [View LO reviews]
 Value for Money  5.0
 Rooms  4.0
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 Location  5.0
 Security & Safety  4.0
 Service & Staff  5.0
 Food / Dining  4.0
 Total  4.4

"Comfortable Hotel with a Great Staff”"

User Rating:  4.4
Reviewer:   Donna T. of Tennessee, United States
Reviewed:   January 18, 2017  (see bed and breakfast reviews from
Traveled:   July 2016     Type:   Other
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Comments  (English):
We have stayed many times in Posada la Merced throughout our travels in beautiful Guatemala and the staff are always very helpful, kind and polite. The rooms are very clean and it also has a very pretty courtyard as well with beautiful flowers. Plus the view from the roof is amazing. There were lots of places to eat and drink to choose from and tours can be arranged at the front desk. The Hotel is located in a very good/convenient location, about a 10-15 minute walk to the central square. Very good value for money, and would highly recommend it.

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Saturday, May 23, 2009

33 w - Just pictures.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

32w3d - Pictures!!

Alright, I am very late with my belly pictures and everything, I know. It was a busy weekend. First let me tell you what happened at school last week.... my class had a tour of the school they will be going to next year and when we got back to our building, I was telling them to go ahead and use the restroom, get drinks, and meet me back in the classroom. My principal came out and said she would take them down because I had a message in the office. So I go in and the secretary hands me a note that says the moms of one of my students called and that she sounded pretty upset. So I try and call her back and don't get an answer and decide to try again when my kids go to recess. I head back to my room and when I walk in, all my kids are lined up with about 6 of the parents and my principal and they yell: "Surprise!"

They were throwing me a surprise baby shower! Now get this: my class of 18 first graders had known about it, helped plan it, and been making projects for it for over 3 weeks and not a single one of them slipped and said anything to me! And that morning they had all brought presents in and either took them down to the office or left them tucked in their backpacks. I was so shocked that they got away with all that! Apparently every time I had a doctor's appointment and was gone they would have the sub work on things for shower. They made a class book with helpful baby advice (which is the cutest thing ever). They each made a burp cloth with their handprint and name on it. Oh, it was all just so wonderful! Here are some more pictures from the shower:

Saturday was my baby shower at my mom's house. It was a lot of fun. It was nice to see people that I haven't seen in a while. Some of them I haven't seen since I've been pregnant, or at least wasn't showing yet and so I got a couple of belly rubs accompanied by, "It really is true! You're having a baby!" Um, yes. :) Here are just a couple pictures from that shower:

Here are my belly pictures for 32 weeks:

Today K and I had a doctor's appointment and our growth ultrasound to see how big Kate is. You ready for this? My chunker is already 5 lbs 6 oz! She's in the 86th percentile. The doc said that she still only thinks she'll be 7-8 pounds at birth, though. So that is acceptable. :) Everything is looking great - she is still a she and we got a new crotch shot to prove it. She is head-down already (which could change, but I hope not). The large mass that has been pushing into my ribs these past couple days is her little butt. She's really filled out - she has very chubby cheeks. We got to see her in 3d a little bit, but she wasn't very cooperative. We did get to see her little hands, all curled up with her fingers moving. And she was putting her fingers in her mouth and moving her lips all around. She's a cutie! Here are the newest pics, including one of the 3d ones:

Thursday, May 7, 2009

30w5d - WOOHOO

Things I am excited about:

1. The hospital where we will deliver. In going to our labor and delivery classes we have learned a lot about the policies of the hospital where we will deliver. Here is a short list of reasons I am so glad we chose the hospital we did:

  • Whirlpool tubs to labor in.
  • I will labor and deliver in the same room - no moving to a separate delivery room (unless of course I need a c-section, then I head to the OR)
  • In the case of needing a c-section, the labor and delivery floor has their own OR, as well as their own recovery wing. So I would not be rooming with a hip replacement.
  • They have the babies "room in" with the parents. Instead of taking the baby to the nursery, the baby stays in the room with the parents full-time so that I can breastfeed and we can start to learn about our new little person.
  • After Kate is born, she will be put on my chest and will remain there while they do her APGAR's and most other assessments. I can breastfeed right away if she is interested.
  • When I am moved to post-partum recovery, K will have his own bed in my room so he can stay overnight with me.
  • All babies are protected by an electronic "anti-theft" system. Kinda like a prison ankle bracelet.
2. Today. I had a prenatal massage, lunch with K, and a doctor's visit.
  • My prenatal massage was awesome. Felt good, massage therapist was nice, all around good time.
  • Lunch with K at Panera = awesome.
  • Doctor's appointment full of good news. Weight gain is right on track (I was pleasantly surprised). Bloodpressure (both at the office and the record I've been keeping) got a good review.
  • Cervix is closed and bag of waters in tact (I got checked because of the number of contractions I've been having as well as some suspicious fluids...)
  • Kate's heartrate was good, happy baby. We get to see her via u/s at our next appointment in 2 weeks!!
3. Continued baby-prepping progress.
  • Travel System:

  • Glider:

And, lastly I have my belly pics a couple days early.

Saturday, May 2, 2009

30 weeks!

I can't believe we only have 2 months left until this little one arrives! She (well...the pregnancy) has kept me on my toes these last two weeks. I've been having the school nurse monitor my bloodpressure like my doctor asked. The first reading was 132/74 - which was fine, I was happy. Then it went downhill. :( My top numbers were 150, 142, 150. So I called the doc and left the numbers with the nurse. I still haven't actually talked to the doctor, but my numbers did go back down to the 130's the following two days. I have an appointment on Thursday, so I plan on just taking my little log with me and showing her all the readings so she can decide if it's ok or not.

Then Thursday night I had contractions (again). This time they were every 3 minutes for an hour. I lay down and drank water like I have heard to do, and they did stop. They weren't painful at all, just tight. It was interesting.

I had my work shower yesterday, which was a lot of fun. It was nice to have everyone together after school (most of them drinking...I enjoyed my lemonade). I also got some great things. We got our swing! I love it, it's so soft and cute. I can't wait to put Kate in it. We also got our monitors, my boppy, some fun toys, and a hooded towel/washcloth set with a bathtime rinse cup. I'm so excited. :)

Here is a picture of the swing (which Kurt and I put together that night). It's in her room right now, but will eventually be in the family room:

And here are my belly pictures for 30 weeks:

Kate has been moving like crazy still. It's to the point now where she'll stick out a foot/elbow/knee and I can actually grab it and feel it. Sometimes I can even figure out what it is. It's very surreal and so much fun!