Blog Roll Clean-up

It is that time again.  Even though I hate to do it, I must clean up the blog roll and remove any links that have not been updated in six months are more.  They are good reference for those who want to read more about riding your bike across America or other blogs that I have found interesting along the way.

http://tblforthree.wordpress.com/

http://feenixgoeswalkabout2013.blogspot.com/

http://rchollinger.blogspot.com/ 

http://bykruslatoboston.blogspot.com/

http://xclifeintheslowlane.blogspot.com/

http://helloross.blogspot.com/

http://ridewithgeorge.blogspot.com/

http://icbikesxc.blogspot.com/

http://blog.nancyaroundtheworld.com/

http://tybikes.blogspot.com/

http://philsepicride.blogspot.com/

http://jimdocontheroad.blogspot.com/

Granny

While growing up, we had a neighbor that lived to the left of us.  My mom befriended and nursed Linda for many years until Linda's death.  Mom always had a way of opening her heart to so many people and doing anything in her will to help that person.  My mom loved the way Linda’s grandchildren adorn fully referred to Linda as “Granny”.  My mom loved the name so much that she insisted that her grandchildren refer to her too as, Granny. 

Today, I wanted to tell my mom that she is going to be a Granny again.  I am confident that she already knows, but Granny, you are having another grandson. The maternal21 test and my last ultrasound confirmed that I am indeed having a BabyBoy.  Last night, while I settled in for the night, I felt BabyBoy move for the first time.  It was as magical as everyone says it would be and I wish I could have called you to tell you.

I always try to look forward and embrace the acceptance of my bonus mom, Nina.  All the things that I always dreamed my mom doing, Nina has naturally stepped into shoes that I thought nobody would ever fill. Ironically Nina wants to be called “Grammy” by her grandchildren.  BabyBoy, you are going to have wonderful memories of your Granny and your Grammy. 

Half Way

The thing about pregnancy is I can use it as an excuse for pretty much anything and it works ALL the time. 

·         If I’m running late, it is because “the baby” is tired and we were taking a nap.  One day I slept until noon and I have not done that since my college days.

·         If I am eating too much, it is because “the baby” is hungry and I have to feed him. 

·         If the music in the car is too loud, it is because I am trying to provide culture for “the baby”.  He can hear, after all.

·         If I eat too much desert, it is because “the baby” wanted something sweet.

The list can go on and on. 

For me, pregnancy has taken some time to get adjusted to.  I cannot work out as much as I used to because my energy is not there. I get dizzy more often and I am slowing down.  Usually thirty-minutes is about all I can take at one time.  To adjust, I work out in 30 minute increments, once in the morning and once in the evening. 

I used to be able to run around all day doing the this’s and that’s that make up life, but these days I have to tell da mister to slow it down or leave me at home.  I get bummed out because I hate feeling like I am missing things; but I have to save my energy for the most important thing of the day - whatever it is that day.

We have hit a mile stone and I am twenty weeks along, half way through my pregnancy.  It is hard to believe that there is another human, a baby boy, growing inside of me.  To date, I still have not felt him move.  But, I know he is there because we hear his heart beat at the doctor’s appointments.

Often I hear ladies say that they love being pregnant.  I can not say that but I am not miserable either.  I have had six days that I stayed in bed and only two week of being queasy at weeks six and seven.  Pregnancy for me, has been pretty easy so far. 

It is a running joke at our house is, “Really, I am not fat. I am pregnant.” Or, “The more I go to the gym, the more weight I gain.” There are days that I ask myself if I am fat.  To answer, I see if my wedding rings will fit.  It is all in good fun because I am enjoying watching my belly grow.

Fun Reads

These three books I lumped in one post because they are fun and easy reads.  Sometimes you just need a book that does not require much thinking and makes you sit and laugh out loud.

Brandi’s books are hilarious because she is so off the wall and crazy. Who else would think to have plastic surgery on their vagaja to re-virginise themselves after a divorce? But hey, we all have to heal in our own way so I am not one to judge.  Ms. Glanville also has to deal with drama from her ex, but in a way more public light, because her ex is married to the famous country singer LeAnn Rimes.  That takes mama drama to a whole new level.

After reading Brandi’s books, I took a different approach to being a step-mom and having a step mom.  Brandi often uses the term, “Bonus Mom” in an endearing way. I am much more OK with being called a “Bonus Mom” then I am with being called a “step-mom”, thanks to Walt Disney’s interpretations of wicked step-mothers. 

Adam Carolla is a funny comedian and I love his take on pretty much everything. Of course, I did not know much about him until he appeared on Chelsey Lately, and then a week or so later on The O’Reily Factor. Mr. Carolla’s President Me make me laugh as he talks about all the things he would change if he were President, and that is enough to get me to keep reading.

The Body Book

In The Body Book, Cameron Diaz writes about our bodies but from a scientific perspective. She covers everything from cells at the molecular level, diet, body hair, and good healthy eating habits.

I appreciate how Ms. Diaz explains the body's break down of food digestion and how your body uses food for energy.  Everything is dumbed down in a way that I can understand and did not make me feel silly for not knowing or not understanding. 

This book is a must read for anyone interested in having an overall healthier outlook in life.