The Things That Keep Me From You And Other Nonessencial Ramblings

Today the chore of vacuuming shouts at me in sheer necessity rather than polite suggestion, yet after a long dispensation of silence on my blog I find myself compelled to post. If each day I tossed a coin to determine whether I should vacuum or post on my blog one would imagine the vacuum lines scarcely have time to vanish before being re-fluffed around here. However, shamefully I confess that vacuuming and other respectable chores do not keep me from my blog but rather catapult me to it after every other excuse has been exhausted. I am pleased you see the tidy wallpaper of my blog rather than the potpourri of bark bits between my wood stove and sliding glass door.

November and December went as quickly as they came and I wouldn't stoop to complain about it either because all the scampering around was for fun and festivities. I've been to Washington to see my family twice. The first trip was to help throw a shower for my younger sister, Stacy and the second trip was to meet my handsome new little nephew, Asher Parker Kazenski and celebrate an early Christmas with my family. Right on the heels of that we celebrated our own Christmas baby, who is now three very colorful years of age. Almost before the garbage man had time to haul off the birthday wrap we filled the garbage can with Christmas wrap. It was one of those rare years where I thoroughly enjoyed Christmas shopping and didn't feel at a loss for what to get anyone on my list. After all of that I was ready for a few naps on the couch and then quickly decided to launch into painting and setting up the baby's room, which after a handful of late nights is now approaching it's final state of being.

One night about a half-hour after Ben went to bed I decided to follow suit. I made my usual rounds. There is almost a rut in the floor marking out my path each night as I gather my cellphone, check to make sure all doors are locked, the porch light is on and Sophia is slumbering peacefully. Everything was progressing quite as I expected until my big toe came into sudden and abrupt contact with the bedroom door rather than the soft carpet I expected. The door flew open, banged against the wall and bounced back at me threatening to leave a mark on my forehead. Ben sat up with a start as if the Marion County Swat Team was after him and understandably so did not greet me quite as warmly as usual. Being just as startled as he and with my big toe a throbbin' I let him know I did not appreciate his very unfortunate and unannounced decision to close our bedroom door after seven blissful years of marriage in which the bedroom door had remained peacefully open. I stormed off to brush my teeth while Ben caught his breath. When I came back my teeth were very clean and after observing a brief time of silence sheepish giggling cut through the very stiff air and I am happy to report we are back on speaking terms now. Some days I wonder how Ben manages anything beyond enduring me.

This week I encountered a ripple in my pond that I was not anticipating. My doctor called and asked me to come in for a more thorough glucose screening because my previous blood work showed the sugar levels in my blood were elevated and they were concerned I might have gestational diabetes. I scheduled an appointment to be re-evaluated for the next morning and then I did what any respectable 31-year old woman does; I freaked out and called Mom. She comforted and consoled me as I belly-ached about how I didn't think I fit this profile and how could this happen? She said all the things that mothers of dramatic children become very versed in and I hung up feeling reinforced and encouraged. The next morning I rose early and pointed my tires in the direction of the clinic, peanut butter and honey sandwich in hand. Three hours and four blood draws later I was delighted to be told  I do not have gestational diabetes. False alarm. In fact the doctor said she was more concerned that at points my blood sugar dips too low and encouraged me to keep snacks close at hand at all times. Now that's a prescription I can follow without fail.

Benj bought me a Kindle for Christmas, so I've got a few books under my belt this year. Currently I am reading The Adventures Of  Tom Sawyer out of the lending library and wondering why I never attempted reading it before. I find it highly entertaining and pity anyone who can't relate to Tom Sawyer as they reflect on their childhood. However I must confess that I also find myself identifying with poor Aunt Polly who works so hard just to maintain her sanity while trying to stay a step or two ahead of Tom. I feel it's actually a little prophetic that I should choose to read this book at such a time as this. If I didn't know better some days I'd mistake the bouncing baby boy within me for a small, kicking mule.

Have you read anything worthy of suggesting lately? I'd love any recommendations you may have.  I really have not determined a specific genera that I would wholly devote myself to, although I'm not much for thrillers.