New Years 2008

I just treated myself to a long bath, as Declan played with some toys on the bathroom floor beside the tub. I even washed my hair - washing my hair in the tub is not exactly my preferred method, but now that my hair is short, I can do it without danging my mane in the drain, so that's an improvement, anyway. As I lounged in the tub and watched Dec play a very involved game of his own invention involving my student ID and a wash cloth, I wondered why I had spent money on toys. Oh well - he was having fun, and we had a little of much needed R&R time.

After I finish blogging, etc, Dec and I have a date on the futon. I shall have hot chocolate and popcorn and he'll nurse while we watch When Harry Met Sally... (my favourite of holiday traditions). Perhaps I'll watch Sense and Sensibility after, for some deep muscle relaxation. Hopefully, he'll sleep eventually, and then I can get back to work on the dissertation. What a way to ring in the new year! Still, nearly finished a chapter, and I think it's actually pretty darned good. So, there are certainly worse ways to welcome in 2009.

I think I shall call Murph at midnight. It isn't as good as a kiss, but it will have to do.

As per convention, I have some resolutions to share again this year. Now, my life is not exactly awash with sinful pleasures these days, so there isn't much by way of bad habits on this list. Still, here are some things that will require will power and dedication.

In no particular order:

1) I will finish this dissertation and my degree requirements by New Years 2009.
2) I will seriously attempt in the next 8 months to find some sort of teaching work.
3) I will publish at least one thing connected to this dissertation this year.
4) I will be more careful with my time, energy and money, and keep the apartment cleaner and myself healthier. (This is a vague one, but it is always good to add some discipline to one's life.)
5) I will do everything I can to bring Murph home by summer.

There are other tidbits I could mention, such as growing out my hair - but I refuse to list a biological function as a resolution. It seems like a cop-out. In general, though, those resolutions encompass my concerns for the year. Here's to sticking to them!

Now, I hear Declan ripping some of my research up, so I must fly and make my cocoa. He's a demanding date, that's for sure.

HAPPY NEW YEAR, ONE AND ALL!

blues

I've been down as of late. No real reason, I guess, aside from the messy apartment and being behind in my work - but I think being behind in my work is more of because of the blues than vice versa, though they are likely feeding off each other in some hellish vicious circle.

Generally just feeling lonely and lumpish, I guess. My husband is still stuck in Ohio, and though Declan and I get along great, it is a bit of a trial looking after a 6 (soon to be 7) month old alone.

But, on a more cheerful note, Murph's parcel arrived today with a honking huge stack of scrapbooking supplies in it for me... I guess I better figure out what to do with them now, huh?

Calm Satisfaction

Katie took Dec to the park for a few hours so I could clean, so my living space is half-way decent, and then he and I had a good play time, I had a good chat with a friend on the phone, and spent some good long-distance time with Murph. It doesn't make everything in life all better, I guess, but I'm pleased, anyway.

Some Baby Pics

Happy Birthday, Murph!

Today is Murph's birthday, so I hope to make a nice supper of his choosing, and then have some friends over for some food, chat and a movie. It promises to be a good time - and one of the last few get-together chances we'll have before the baby, who is now due in just under a week.

It's early, and I don't know if I should stay up or go back to bed. I have been sleeping in two hour shifts recently, helped out today by a pretty urgent spate of nausea. Could my body be training me for night feedings?

In any case, looking forward to a nice evening, so my tummy better co-operate.

TGIF

Thank heavens - it is finally Friday. AND it's Spring Break next week - so that means that no proctoring for quite some time. Actually, since my official due date is the last day of Spring Break, I think I will likely not return to proctoring until final exams, at which time the possibility of good amounts of hours will lure me out of recovery and new-motherhood to make as much money as possible.

But I am pretty exhausted these days, so some time inside is just what I need, and no more daily treks to the bus for 9 hour shifts. Yay!

That having been said, though, next week will bring its own chores. I want to get my taxes in before the delivery, as well as fix some student loan mix ups, and get some banking stuff done. I might also set myself to grocery stocking and freezing up some dinners and muffins before I pop - to save some cooking time for those first few weeks afterwards.

But, most importantly, IT'S FRIDAY!

(Oh, and happy early birthday to Murph, who celebrates on Monday!)

sigh

For some reason, Murph couldn't sleep last night, and woke me up this morning as he was coming to bed - so I guess we are on alternating sleep schedules. So I guess I have a morning of being quiet and isolated to look forward to today. Yippee skippee.

Big Day

Today, Murph and I mark one year of marriage -- and we are actually in the same country to celebrate it!

I'm a Bad Old Blogger

Yes, I know I have been silent, and neglecting this thing. I don't really have much of an excuse, except to say I don't want this thing to just become a stultifying daily "gotta post some crap, so I'll tell you what I did with my weekend" kind of blog. Your mom likely taught you, "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all." I think bloggers should change this to, "if you don't have anything interesting to say..." And, really, I don't right now.

(Two notes of interest, though - thanks to LaTina Marie for the baby gift, and congrats to A&A for the birth of their first son on January 1.)

Our baby, Declan, seems fine - getting bigger and kicking like mad. Murph is still here, and we are having a great time. I finished up a couple of projects that had been simmering for some time there, and am working away on one last old item before I can fully enjoy my maternity leave and spend my time getting ready for baby and writing the dissertation.

In other interesting (to me) news, I still haven't received a rejection letter for my SSHRC funding application, which may mean I got it past the university committee and it might be heading to the ministry, I don't know. Perhaps, as Murph so sweetly suggested, the mail has just been delayed and/or my rejection has been lost -- always the optimist, that guy.

In any case, all is well, and I will be back when I have something of value to say -- perhaps a series of reviews are in order, as my research viewing (with careful note taking) is underway this week. I'll keep you posted.

OK - The News

Sorry about the recent silence, but sometimes blogging falls behind as a priority. Tuesday night, Murph made it to Canada, despite the weather and the cranky border guards. He has a three month permit, which will allow us to go to the next step in citizenship applications, and will allow him to be here for the birth.

So, you can understand that, between him and marking and proctoring for finals, I have been a bit busy. Hopefully in a week or so things will calm down a bit and I can spend a bit more TLC on this poor blog.

Until then... YAY!

News Bulletin Pending...

Stay tuned... I might be ready to announce something big in a few hours. Still holding my breath right now, though.

More at 11.

Holding My Breath, Inspite of Myself

Today, Murph mails off the immigration package that seals our fate. It is the culmination of a long, long process - on our end, anyway. Now is where the Canadian government takes over.

Let's just hope the guy on the other end of the mail at least likes his wife. Or was visited by three spirits last night.

Wish us all luck!

Tuesday's Here Again, and I'm Feeling OK

I am coming back to my old self, I think. Yesterday was a pretty bleak time for me for a while there, but I think I will survive. Again, nothing has changed but how I perceive things. But, then, such is the way with mental states.

I have a job interview this afternoon to proctor exams for the resources center - it means extra baby cash, so I hope I get it.

On that vein, I woke up yesterday with what I think is a baby bump. I guess the little pooper has decided to finally make himself/herself known.

In other news, it is Tuesday today, so I will once again be all tied up with Murph for some private time tonight. It's supposed to rain here, finally, so a bit of a snuggle down with the phone to the sound of the downpour might be just what the doctor ordered.

Do I Meet the Challenge?

You scored as Adorable, Adorable 95% Awesome 90% Astonishing 75% Aggravating 30% Annoying 20% Murph's First Challenge created with QuizFarm.com

September 10

Today is the 8th month of marriage mark for Murph and I, and, though I will be busy today and can't really celebrate with him on the phone or chat as well as I would like, the day does make me smile.

Also, on a sadder note, today, Charlotte, the daughter of my best friend from elementary school, Mel, would have been two had she not died so sadly young. I am sure a lot of thoughts will be with Mel and her husband Dave, as well as with little Charlotte, today.

Back in Ontario

Well, folks, I got back to K-W last night at around 8pm, and, after a quick bite, I found myself falling into a deep sleep for about 10 hours. That's what 13 hours on a bus will do to you, I guess.

Sorry for all the radio silence for the past few weeks, but, really, I was just concentrating on being there and having a good time. And I sure did. Murph and I camped out for two nights, swam nearly every day, shopped for the baby, watched a ton of movies, and generally relaxed and basked in each other's company. We even had a dinner-slash-pool-party for friends, just like a real couple! I am proud of us.

Sadly, I had to come home earlier than I had anticipated due to social/school obligations, but it was certainly good while it lasted. And if I cry randomly while wandering around my lonely apartment today, we'll just chalk it up to withdrawal.

So, I am back, Internet. Did you miss me?

PS> Felt the baby move for the first time a few days ago! Pretty thrilling, but also massively real, if you understand what I mean.

Stop the Drilling!

There is some sort of machine outside my window that sounds exactly like a dentist's drill - as awful as it seems, trust me.

However, Amanda has immortalized both Murph and I now, so that's some good news. We can finally get the respect we deserve - as cartoon characters! (Oh, and btw, she is available for commissions and does all manners of styles, so drop a line if you are interested.)

And the happy couple - Murph the Writer, and Holly as Center of Attention. Just right...

It's Getting Hot in Here

Yes, even my dark little basement apartment is getting hot. When will this humid streak end? They say it might storm this afternoon (fingers crossed). I do hope so - I just did the dishes, and I feel like passing out. Nothing better than standing over a sink of hot water in a heat wave! Boy howdy!

Anyway, so much to do before I can go to Ohio. Ever have so much to do, you don't know what to do next? That's me now. Some of it is major, but most of it are smaller (though no less important) fiddly errands. All I can do is keep plowing and crossing stuff off. I hope for the best - Murph and I are both really eager for a visit. It will be the first time we have seen each other in person since I realized I was pregnant. Most couples can celebrate with dinner the night of the test. I have to run a gauntlet of tasks and gather mystical boons before I can celebrate.

On a brighter note, one of those tasks is my ultrasound on the 13th! Expect a pic, even if it does look like nothing better than a coffee bean floating in static. It will still be exciting, for me at least.

Pray for cooler times.

Ever Wonder What the American Magic Academy Looks Like?

***

Am finishing up some work and errands today, then I am heading underground for a few days for some private time with my Murph. Everyone needs a vacation once in a while, right? Have a good weekend!

Six Months

Today marks six months of marriage for Murph and I - some ups and downs, but generally a lovely experience. Never one to encourage marriage in the past, I now have to say it can be a great thing.

Happy monat-versary, Scamp! Here's to many, many more!