Run, Dennis, Run

Dennis and our neighbor, Mike, completed the ING Half Marathon this morning. Dennis' goal was to run under a 10 minute mile for the entire 13.1 mile course - - and he did that was ease. I'm so impressed!

I see a lot of similarities in these two pictures....don't you?

I wish Southwest Airlines flew out of Atlanta

"Dennis, do you know that hamburger song? That McDonald's-hamburger-rap-song?"

"Two-all-beef-patties-special-sauce-lettuce-cheese-pickles-onions-on-a-sesame-seed-bun...Is that that one you are talking about?"

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, this is one of the reasons that I married Dennis. He has a "way" of memorizing random songs and tucking them away in a special spot in his brain where he can recall them on a seconds notice. It's really quite amazing.

I hate to admit it, but we were watching Fresh Prince the other day and Dennis quickly chimed in and sang along with the show's intro song. I told him how hard I tried to memorize that rap when I was in junior high school. I even remember using the tape recorder to "tape it" (what an archaic practice!) so that I could replay it OVER AND OVER until I learned it. But, somehow I never managed to memorize it. Apparently it would've made me a lot more cool. Not that I was lacking in that department, but you know what I mean.

I wouldn't be surprised if Dennis has this rap (below) memorized by tomorrow afternoon. It makes me sick how quickly he can memorize completely useless nonsense.

From This Moment

Faith Hill's song, "From this moment...", is playing in my head as I begin writing this post. As Dennis and I are nearing the end of this part of the baby-making process, I have begun to have much more vivid dreams. The dreams may also be more memorable because I am waking up in the middle of a dream much more frequently these days as my bladder screams out for help several times a night. Yeah, those pregnancy symptoms are returning. Hooray.

ANYWAY, one of the dreams that I had was about being in the delivery room and the first time we saw Connor. It was a moment filled with so much emotion. Happiness, excitement, and nervousness were all rolled into that one second. (On a side note, the delivery process was very simple. I hope that part is true, too.) I woke up with tears in my eyes.

This dream occured before our doctor visit earlier this week. Don't worry - everything checked out perfectly well except for my little anxiety attack. Connor has been in the same breech position for every ultrasound. I read that around the 31st week of pregnancy, a baby will start to move into the head-down position, so I asked the doctor when she thought that Connor may start to move into that position. She poked around my abdomen for a few minutes and then smiled and said, "he's already in that position. He's head-down right now." I freaked. We have 9 more weeks but HE IS IN THE "GO" POSITION already.

The best advice that I received prior to our wedding day was to take the time to step back and really take in the festivities. It's easy to be busy, overwhelmed, and too excited to really enjoy the day for what it is. Instead, though, by taking a minute to just look around, see how beautiful the church looks, and really listen to the music, you can take a mental photograph of every aspect of the special day. I still remember exactly where I was standing when I took time to be in the "moment". I am glad that I did that on May 22nd, 2004 and I plan to do it many times when Connor makes his debut, as well. We only get to have a chance at these "moments" one time and I want to remember them forever. Even if I am scared, overwhelmed, and incredibly in love.

Deep Thoughts

Am I correct to say that the two quotes below are viewed to be conservative? I agree with both of them, so I assume so. But, you know what happens when you make assumptions....

I am honestly trying to better understand the thoughts and opinions of the "other side"... so clarification is requested.

"The 10 Cannots" by William J.H. Boetcker

You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift.

You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.

You cannot help the poor man by destroying the rich.

You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred.

You cannot build character and courage by taking away man's initiative and independence.

You cannot help small men by tearing down big men.

You cannot lift the wage earner by pulling down the wage payer.

You cannot keep out of trouble by spending more than your income.

You cannot establish security on borrowed money.

You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they will not do for themselves.

Do liberals not see the truth in these two quotes? Am I missing something here?

"You cannot legislate the poor into freedom by legislating the wealthy out of freedom. What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving. The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else. When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work because the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for, that my dear friend, is about the end of any nation. You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it."
~~~~~ The late Dr. Adrian Rogers, 1931 - 2005

Toe-tally fun

Very often when I have a new ache, pain, or just something weird going on (which has been more frequent recently), I will tell my mom about it. And then she'll usually respond with something like, "ohhhh....I had that when I was your age". Or, "you take after your Dad. He always did that". Right or not, at least I have someone to blame. There is one caveat to this rule: if I'm discussing a really good trait, I will usually just attribute it to my personal abilities and or my really good luck. I don't inherit the good things. Only the bad things. I've found that this is a great way to go through life: take credit for the good and pass off blame on others for the not-so-good.

One of the not-so-good things that I am passing off blame to my parents and, specifically, my mom, are my toes. Kelly has them too. Dennis likes to make fun of them. He has sketched out a picture of my "Great Toe" on several occasions.

While in Aiken, SC this weekend visiting my aunt and uncle, my sister and I were having a very serious conversation. Kelly was dangling her feet off of the dock in their backyard into the water. My aunt mentioned that beavers are frequent visitors to the lake and their yard.

Kelly looked up at me and asked, "Do beavers bite toes?"

"Yes, Kelly, they bite toes. Especially yours. Your toes look like fat hot dogs. Beavers LOVE hot dogs."

You need to realize that when Kelly and I are around each other for any amount of time, both of our maturity levels take a nose dive. That is particularly dangerous when they aren't that high to begin with. That being said, Kelly called to my mom for support. "Mom, did you hear that? Krista said that my toes look like big fat hot dogs".

My mom replied in a very matter-of-fact tone, "Krista, they don't look like fat hot dogs. They look like sausages," and then continued her conversation with my aunt. She didn't even hesitate to share her opinion on my sisters hot-dog (or sausage) toes as she obviously already had an opinion -- and it wasn't up for debate. And, she was right. Kelly has sausage toes. And so do I. Mine are cuter sausages, of course. But they are still sausages.

Enjoy the few photos below the Steeplechase this weekend. And, you'll notice that our toes are nowhere to be seen. And for good reason.

29 Weeks

Less than 3 months to go. 11 weeks to be exact. 77 days. But who is counting?

I know that you are DYING to know what is going on with me these days pregnancy-wise. Lucky for you, I am going to spill the beans about ALL of the excitement that I've been experiencing. I won't leave out one detail.

My chief complaint: middle back pain. I have been told that stretching, heating pads, and wearing a wedge heel (rather than the stylish tall and thin one) while working will help to cure this ailment. I guess the whole bigger-boobs-and-bigger-belly thing is starting to take it's toll. Baby's got FRONT.

I developed a super-natural power for spotting a bathroom. Anywhere. It's like x-ray vision for an available toilet. It's a good thing, too, because I often need to use the restroom once (or twice) while grocery shopping. Or going to the pharmacy. Or going...well, anywhere, actually.

My once-every-4-week OB check up has been upgraded to a once-every-2-week check up. Hooray. More time in the waiting room. And, did I mention that our OB has the exact same due date as us? I hope Connor makes his debut before her baby does.

It takes me forever to get ready. Ok, that part isn't new. I guess I should say that it takes me LONGER than forever to get ready these days. It's nice when you go to your closet of already limited attire and find out that what you wore last week...or the week before...doesn't fit anymore. Let me correct that: it may fit, but it isn't exactly something you should wear in public.

Lastly but not leastly, let's discuss the belly button dilemna. It has started stretching and filling in a little bit. GREAT. I was hopeful that I could escape the Thanksgiving Day Turkey look but it looks like I won't be that lucky. In about two weeks I bet that my turkey will be telling the world that "this turkey is DONE"... but won't be served for 9 or 10 more weeks. The nurse said I can use duct tape or possibly a band-aid to keep it hidden. I wonder if it'll be a stub, like a finger, or squishy? The anticipation is killing me as I am sure it killing you, too...

It appears that my belly has picked up the pace growth-wise (here is a belly shot from 26 weeks). So, I need to go to Home Depot to make sure we're prepared for anything that "pops up" in the next few weeks.

Ch-ch-change...

Change is about as much fun as getting punched in the face. It's exciting, overwhelming, and scary all at the same time. I've never been much of a fan of it. But, whether I like it or not, I have realized one thing: no matter how much screaming and kicking I do, it's going to happen anyway.

It might have even happened to someone you know.

Last weekend, I went home for my first baby shower (I guess I should say Connor's first shower). It was a lot of fun to see my family and friends in Missouri. But this whole change thing really sunk in when I saw the balloons. It was really weird. I looked at the balloons and thought, "oh my God. We're going to have a baby boy. In a few months, it'll no longer be just Dennis, Echo and me. We're going to have a baby boy."

Judging by my ever-expanding mid (and upper...and lower) section, most people would probably guess that I was already aware of this fact. Apparently I wasn't.

Several things led to my loss of sanity at that particular moment (and it doesn't take much these days): we're now in the third (and FINAL) trimester; I have washed, folded, and put away some of the smallest clothing known to man; and we've talked with a nearby Day Care about how friggin' expensive it will be ($250/week!).

I am so excited to meet Connor but I am so scared at the same time. I love how things are with Dennis and I do not want to lose that. I don't know how to be a good mom - and I haven't even stayed at a Holiday Inn Express lately. I love the freedom of being able to run a quick errand without any problems... Will all of that change?

I think that I am just terrified of losing some of the great things about our life and being completely unprepared about how to raise the newest addition to our family. I mean, he'll be completely dependent on us! And we have less than 80 days!

My Mom, ME!, and Mommo in the middle of the street

Abby, my 5-year-old cousin

Delicious cookie favors

Echo checked out all of the goodies after I got home

So True.

Taking a step back is good. Taking a step back to get a grip on yourself is even better.

This clip will help you do that. And it should make you laugh. Well, smile... at least. I did both.

In 13 Short Years

All I have to say is: WOW. Wow. Wow.

He's only 13 years old.

Please click here for his website.

He has my vote...but how old do you have to be to run for office?

I wonder if his parents played classical music for him when he was in the womb? Hmmm...Maybe Dennis and I should stop playing all the hard-core rap music for Connor. It's hard, though, because we love to have a dance party at our house EVERY NIGHT: just Dennis, me, and Echo. AND all of the Clubs. How could we live without going to the Juan-tweezy?

Obama lied; the economy died

I cannot wait for this bumper sticker to come out. Oh wait...it won't. I forgot that we can't say or do anything that might offend the Almighty Obama. Well, until recently, that is. It seems that more and more people who whole-heartedly supported Obama and the democratic ideals he represented are starting to see the light. They are starting to see that he really meant it when he said, "America is the greatest country in the world. Now help me change it."

Please see the clip below of one of my favorite people, Jim Cramer (even though he's a democrat, I still enjoy his show). He points out that Obama's "radical agenda" is leading to the "greatest destruction of wealth by a president" that he's ever seen. HELLO. DOES ANYONE ELSE OUT THERE SEE THAT? The Dow, one of the measures of the wealth of our economy, is at the lowest levels seen in over 10 years. And it's dropped over 3,000 points since Obama was elected. Think these two events are coincidince? Think again. It's a simple case of cause and effect.

HE LIED. To everyone. It's OK if you realize your mistake. Many people fell for his eloquence and promise of change. (You are hopefully realizing by now, though, that not all change is good!) But what's not OK is if you aren't upset right now. And if you aren't doing something about it. Whether or not you made the mistake of believing this guy and supporting him at the polls, we need to work together and do what we can to fix the situation. Don't sit on the sidelines and complain. Get off your duff and try to stop - or slow down - the socialist man running (more like ruining) our country.

3/6/09: Click here for an update on why Jim Cramer isn't worried about being on the "enemies list" of the White House. It's because he wants people to make money!

A Tax on People Who Didn't Pass Their Statistics 101 Class

While Dennis and I may not fit the stereotypical lottery player profile, we do have fun playing every once in a while. Don't get me wrong, it has to be worth it. It can't just be $1 - $2 million. Nah, that's pocket change. It has to be some BIG bucks.

Tonight we are planning on winning the Mega Millions jackpot. It's somewhere in the range of $200-$225 Million. We have a tentative outline of what we'd spend the $$ on (below) but we have agreed that we'd need to take an immediate vacation to some private beautiful beach for a few weeks so that we could let the news sink in and decide how we should spend the money. And enjoy our newfound independence.

First, our charitable giving would go this direction...

1. Childrens Healthcare of Atlanta

2. Bert's Big Adventure

3. ASPCA. All humane society's nation-wide would have the funding needed to spay and neuter their animals to prevent us from having more pets than we have homes for them (Bob Barker had a very good point!)

And we'd obviously have a lot of fun with the money, too...

4. Our parents would be retired. Immediately. And they'd each have a beach house.

5. A golf tournament for the boys (Dennis said this would include his top 10 friends so you may want to kiss up a little bit to make sure you make the cut.) This would include flights to Pebble Beach Golf Course where prizes would include cars, golf clubs, cash and vacations. Prizes would be given for the shortest drive, closest to the pin, ugliest outfit, etc...

6. I'd take all the girls to some exotic spa where we could shop, get beautiful, shop, and relax. And drink a lot of wine.

7. I'd have everything personal. A personal trainer. A personal chef. A personal shopper. Maybe I'd even have a stunt double that could go to events and things that I don't want to go to but need to attend. Yes, I want a stunt double. Dennis and Echo could have stunt doubles, too.

8. We would buy a new car. Or five. Dennis said the "family truckster" would be the fully loaded BMW X5.

9. We love our neighbors but we'd probably move. We'd buy a beach house, a house in Missouri (who doesn't want a vacation home there?), and a much larger house in Atlanta. Maybe we'd buy houses in all those places for our neighbors, too.

10. We'd quit our jobby-jobs but find another pass time. I'd probably volunteer to help animals in some shape or fashion. Dennis would do something golf related. Maybe we'd work together and help animals learn to play golf.

What would you do if you won the Mega Millions jackpot tonight? (Don't worry, we already have the winning ticket. Just imagine, though...what would you do? Where would you go?)

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow...