See Suzy Spin

Wordless Wednesday - Soccer Foot

2008-08-06T11:11:00.002-05:00

The Nursery

2008-08-03T10:30:00.002-05:00

I just posted nursery pictures over at my Jellybean Baby blog... Go check it out!

The Terrific Trapeze Twins

2008-08-01T16:53:00.001-05:00

The Terrific Trapeze Twins
Originally uploaded by Bent Objects.

So funny. This one goes out to Andy, the circus peanut fiend.

Stupid Braxton Hicks.

2008-07-31T16:47:00.002-05:00

I've been having the worst time lately with this thing called the "Braxton Hicks." These are like mini contractions to get your body ready for having the real deal. Anyway, these S.U.C.K. - at least mine do. I'll be standing up, doing something at work, and then get one of these and nearly drop everything I'm holding. And if I'm in the middle of a conversation, forget about it.

It's funny, today my OBG came into the library with her daughters (she lives in my community and frequents the library) and I should have just asked her if this was a normal occurance. She's never mentioned the Braxton Hicks issue. But another mother who saw I was suffering asked me if I had been staying hydrated. She diagnosed me right on the spot! She said that she also had a September baby and that she had horrid Braxton Hicks because she was dehydrated. Bingo. I know that she is right. It's been so blooming hot lately and I know I haven't been drinking enough. Maybe I should be seeing this mom instead of my OB!

Flowers

2008-07-30T08:11:00.002-05:00

Yummy. My house smells like fresh flowers. My sweet hubby sent me a pretty bouquet to cheer me up because he had to go out of town on a business trip. It was seriously hard to let him go, being 8 weeks away from being a new mom!!! But he'll be home soon. Good man.

Sucky Songs?

2008-07-28T17:52:00.002-05:00

So, big sis tagged me in a meme of what my top 5 most embarrassing songs on my ipod are. Whew. (And since I'm home alone for a few days, I have no excuse not to answer.) I've gotta say that I have quite a few embarrassing selections. I've been a bit shy having Tim come home unexpectedly, hearing me singing at the top of my lungs some of these gems. Sometimes I can get away with saying I that I don't know how a certain song or two made the ipod cut, but if he actually catches me singing along, then I'm screwed. Well, here's the list of a few of the more notables:

"Barbie and the Rockers" - Yeah, you read that right. Barbie has a band. And they are Rockers. With "Dana, Diva, DeeDee, and Derek too," not to mention big-hair Ken. Maybe only my friend Rachel will understand the need for this song. And that is why she will always be my friend.
"Puff the Magic Dragon" by Peter, Paul, and Mary
"Superfly" by Curtis Mayfield (Ahh yeah...)
"Con Te Partiro" by Andrea Bocelli (Yikes! Me and Carmella Soprano!)
(and the winner is) "Get your Head in the Game" ala High School Musical

So who else is in a revealing mood? Want to leave a comment on your winning picks? I bet you all think I am such a loser now! And I didn't even mention all the Michael Jackson songs I have loaded...

My New Favorite Picture

2008-07-28T07:20:00.002-05:00

Isn't Emma the coolest?!? I can't wait to play dress-up time with Auntie Suzy. (I have at least 15 wigs, all calling Emma's name...)

Long Island Weekend

2008-07-24T15:33:00.002-05:00

Here is the long awaited video of our 4th of July weekend. Hope you enjoy it!

Quotable

2008-07-24T10:54:00.005-05:00

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; because there is not effort without error and shortcomings; but who does actually strive to do the deed; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotion, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement and who at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly. So that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.” Theodore Roosevelt

Good man. A few weeks ago, for the 4th of July, Tim and I went out to spend a weekend on Long Island. We got to visit Sagamore Hill too, which was a treat. Sagamore Hill, otherwise known as Teddy's "Summer White House," was the home of Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of the US. This was truly a patriotic experience! The quote I posted above especially speaks to me at this time in my life. What an incredible guy Teddy was!

Heh. Habanera.

2008-07-18T11:40:00.001-05:00

Straight from Carmen - this is dedicated to you, Timmy.

Finished!

2008-07-09T12:39:00.003-05:00

I finally finished working on all the pictures from our little trip to Maine! (Go here to see a slide show, if you are so inclined.) We really had a great time on this trip. We did a lot of shopping, relaxing, sightseeing funky things, and just generally enjoying being in love. Did I mention how great my guy is? Tim is my Maine man. Ha!

Some of the highlights of our trip include visiting the "Desert of Maine" in Freeport, walking the Marginal Way and hanging out in Ogunquit, seeing the Portland Head Light, spending the afternoon in Kennebunkport, outlet shopping for our future little man, taking a Portland harbor cruise, and strawberry picking. Oh what fun!

Non illegitimi carborundum

2008-07-09T07:39:00.002-05:00

I know I haven't blogged in forever. Sorry about that, blogosphere. I've had a whole lot going on in my world and I've really just been exhausted. I have so much that I want to say. Right now though, I want to mention an really kind letter I recently got from my dad.

Lately I've been dealing with reevaluating my life. (Naturally! I mean, I'm having a baby for crying out loud! And I'm getting closer and closer to the big 3-0...) My home life is completely everything I've always hoped for. I have the most incredible husband in the world and a tiny Tim on the way. I've gotten to travel and see lots of amazing things. I have two hilarious fat cats. My family and friends are fantastic and supportive. These are all great things.

Where I'm having issues is in my professional life and finding out where and what to let go of. It's so discouraging when you are always giving A+ work and getting constant abuse from people who don't even recognize what you do. That is so hard to take on a day-to-day basis. (And it isn't the users of the library! It is those few elite who sit on perches in back offices.) It is so frustrating to be treated like someone who is just a dime a dozen. And my problem is that I don't "sell myself" well. I don't feel like I should have to constantly give a song and dance to the powers that be. If they don't know how good I am by seeing for themselves, why should I have to point my attributes out? I've just been really discouraged lately because I've let those certain few dictate how I should feel about myself. I'm a perfectionist and it really bothers me when anyone thinks that I am not giving it my all. But in reality, I know who I'm doing the work I do for. I do it for the kids who come into the library! It's just been hard lately, dealing with back-office politics.

Anyway, my dad sent me this really well written note that spoke of some of his professional disappointments and how he has dealt with his grief. It made me cry to recognize how similar in nature our feelings are. He was really able to put a label on that sense of betrayal we've both felt and he had some very powerful things to say to combat this grief. One of the things he said was that he chooses to let each day stand by itself. "You do what you can and let the rest go." How much wisdom is there in that statement?!? Oh, if only I could learn to do that!

And he is right, you know. First of all, I can only do what I can. I have to let the rest go. And secondly, I need to reevaluate what is important to me. Is the opinion of these folks something that I care deeply about? (Especially considering that they are clueless?) Of course not. What is it that I value? What is it that matters in the long run?

I tell ya one thing, I can't wait for my maternity leave!!! For more reasons than just being with my little guy! Thanks Pops for your words of wisdom!

Wordless Wednesday - Maine

2008-07-02T11:45:00.000-05:00

My Timmy

2008-06-19T07:05:00.003-05:00

Happy Anniversary to the man I adore! I can't believe it's been 9 years. I love him more and more each day as we continue to get to know each other. And I am so excited to be having his baby! In just a few months, we will be adding another to our family and I can't think of anyone I'd rather be doing that with. He's my friend, my lover, my confidant, and soon to be "my baby's daddy!" We are going on a long weekend trip (+ business trip for Tim) this weekend to a place he's always promised to take me - Maine. As this will probably be our last vacation before baby, I'm glad it is our anniversary trip. Stay tuned for pictures!

2008-06-18T20:35:00.003-05:00

This is a sweet picture of the Bennetch ladies... I really miss my little "housewife" Becky and cute little Emma. Tomorrow they fly home, from VA to Canada. It was so good to have them here! I'll really miss them.

Family Pictures

2008-06-17T19:36:00.003-05:00

Ever wonder what happens right before the shutter snaps? Well, here is a prime example. This is SO my family. When I uploaded my pictures and saw this, I knew I had a TRUE family portrait. Tim is behind the scenes (as always) taking the photo, Andy is wondering why we have to take a family photo instead of having "family playstation time," my dad has no clue what is going on, I'm exasperated (!), matriarch mom is just so happy to be surrounded by her family, Jerry is just being nice, Becky has a smirk that says "Am I REALLY related to these people?", and Emma is tolerating her crazy family. Hilarious.

My Sister

2008-06-11T19:29:00.004-05:00

These past few days having my sister all to myself (well, and sharing her with little Emma, too) have been so much fun for me. Becky is such a neat person - so full of energy and love for her little girlie and such a great resource for any number of things. But that's what big sisters are all about anyway, right? I've always looked up to my big sister and having her here taking care of me, cooking and cleaning, calming me down (after crazy work issues), and just playing "baby" with me by helping me get prepared for my little one has been absolute heaven. I can't even begin to tell you how awesome it is to come home to a yummy home-cooked meal and her willing ear (and Emma's open arms, too...). She's my little housewife!!! And I'm not sure I'm going to let her return home this Monday! (And as for these two pictures... look at how we have the same taste! We have basically the exact same maternity shirts!)

Me and Emma...

2008-06-09T22:28:00.014-05:00

I adore my little niece and they say (although I don't know who) that a picture is worth more than a thousand words. Good, because I'm sleepy and I don't have many words to add right now. So, here are some of my picture highlights...

Pizza Grrrl

2008-06-06T13:54:00.003-05:00

Guess who's here?!? My sweet little niece Emma! And my big sis Beck and hubby Jerry, too! We're having a great time hanging out with them and seeing how much little Emma has grown up. Last night, Emma even got to experience her first slice of pizza. (NY style, of course...) I think the slice is bigger than she is... And I'm loving all the Emma hugs and kisses. She is such a little doll! There is nothing in all the whole world sweeter than having a little one reach out her hands to you to pick her up or having her run up to you to give you a great big hug. I am savoring every minute. (And the grown-up time with mom and dad is not bad either!)

Bad Day Gone South

2008-06-04T17:10:00.003-05:00

You know what happens when you say to yourself, "How can this day possibly get any worse?" Any ideas? Exactly. When you say something like that, invariably some kind of cosmic catastrophe occurs. So, can anyone guess what kind of day I've had? I'll just talk about the icing on today's cake - the moment I got pulled over.

First of all, can I just say, what kind of jack-ass cop gives a ticket to an obviously pregnant woman?!? I hope karma rains down fire and fury upon his head for this, because that is just plain nasty. Doesn't he know that pregnant women are very hormonal anyway? This guy took his life into his own hands here. I cannot be held responsible.

And secondly, I was not speeding. I was in a residential area, driving UNDER the speed limit of 30 mph, wearing my seat belt. I didn't run a light or a stop sign. I didn't cut anyone off or pull any kind of offensive driving maneuver. I am an excellent driver. This, ladies and gentlemen, is my first traffic violation. (Is the suspense killing you?) I got pulled over for having a stupid hot-pink cell phone in my hand. Are you kidding me?

I've seen people doing any number of crazy distracting things in their vehicles. I've seen people put on make-up, eat full five-course meals, actively discipline their children, play musical instruments... You name it - I've seen it. And honestly, I do understand this RECENT law about cell phone usage. I've seen people cut others off because they were busy just chatting away on their cell phone. But I am not that person. Although now, because I have been pulled over and given a ticket for this (not even a warning!), I feel like I am suddenly lumped in with bad drivers. It's not enough that I've gained over 25 pounds in the past 6 months being pregnant, now I am a bad driver. Can you see how torn up I am about this?

I won't get any points put on my license from this, but I am SO pleading not guilty. Why do these kind of things only seem to happen to me?

My New Favorite Picture

2008-05-31T15:27:00.002-05:00

This is my new favorite picture of my big sis Becky. Isn't this beautiful of her?!? I love it! I can't wait to see her this Thursday. She, hubby, and the little one will be staying with us for two whole weeks! I REALLY need some big sister time. She's gonna help me get ready for my little one who is fast aproaching being due! I'll be 6 months on Monday. Crazy. Like I said, I REALLY need some big sister time!

Wordless Wednesday - Belly Shots

2008-05-28T11:32:00.003-05:00

(These were taken a couple of weeks ago at the Cloisters in NYC.)

Cute Kids

2008-05-22T17:05:00.002-05:00

I've been meaning to post a few of our baby pictures here so everyone can see what our kid might look like. I think if our kid looks anything like his daddy, we'll be in luck. I love Tim's big brown puppy dog eyes in his baby pictures!

And I'm pretty cute, too...

Really?!?

2008-05-20T18:07:00.002-05:00

I got this great email from my friend Tanya. It's something I never noticed before. I wonder if you know this, reader? Did you know that there are handy little tabs to punch in to keep your aluminum foil / saran wrap / wax paper in it's box? If you did know this all along, then consider yourself lucky to have not wasted precious moments of your life, rerolling and shoving loose wrap back into it's container. Because you are just oh so smart. Here's a portion of the email that revealed the solution to a mystery to me...

I've been using aluminum foil for more years than I care to remember. Great stuff, but sometimes it can be a pain. You know, like when you are in the middle of doing something and you try to pull some foil out and the roll comes out of the box. Then you have to put the roll back in the box and start over. The darn roll always comes out at the wrong time.

Well, I would like to share this with you. Yesterday I went to throw out an empty Reynolds foil box and for some reason I turned it and looked at the end of the box. And written on the end it said, "Press here to lock end". Right there on each end of the box is a tab to lock the roll in place. How long has this little locking tab been there? I then looked at a generic brand of aluminum foil and it had one, too. I then looked at a box of Saran wrap and it had one too! I can't count the number of times the Saran wrap roll has jumped out when I was trying to cover something up.

I'm sharing this with my friends that did not know this. I hope I'm not the only person not in the know.

Interesting email, eh? When I read it, I had that "Ah ha!" realization moment when you feel like why on earth did I not see this before? It was the same feeling as when I found out (in college - oh the shame) that pickles were first cucumbers. Duh. And when I told my husband about this fascinating new info, the tabbed boxes, he was like "Yeah. I knew that" in a super smug way. So reader, I hope you didn't already know this. And if you did, keep it to yourself!

A Suzy Update

2008-05-14T18:20:00.003-05:00

Have you missed me?!? I hope so! Sorry ya'll. I've been crazy busy lately. These past two weeks have been nuts. I've have visitors, work craziness, surgery, baby shopping, house issues, pet deaths, and reality TV just keeping me oh-so-busy. Here is an update on what's going on in my world. Maybe I can get you all caught up. And you can read about the "baby stuff" here.

Visitors and House Issues. I've have both my father-in-law and my folks visit these past two weekends! Whew boy. I love guests, but I'm tired! I'm really looking forward to a plain old weekend at home. And I don't want to do ANY more cleaning up. My house is a total wreck because of all the renovations the landlord is doing. They are jacking up the house (literally, like in the basement... the floor joists and all) and now there are cracks upon cracks in the plaster walls. Really. Just what a 5 month pregnant woman wants to see as she is trying to "nest" and prepare the place for a new baby. Nice. So, for now, I am covered in drywall dust, plaster, and laundry. Drats.

Pet Deaths. Let's take a moment to be silent in memory of Mr. Fishy who has recently past on... Thanks. Mr. Fishy was a goldfish gift I gave to my little brother the summer I left for college. That makes Mr. Fishy 11 years old. (No, it is not a Guinness World Record - Andy has already checked on that. But it is pretty dang crazy.) He was about 6 inches in length, too. We have mourned his loss in our family. Andy wanted to have him cremated and scatter his ashes at the Bethesda Fountain in Central Park. A noble burial.

Surgery. Tim just had a hernia surgery this Monday! Boy, was I freaked out by it, too. There is no way to explain accurately the pangs of fear in seeing your loving hubby in a surgical gown in a sterile white room looking yellowed out while you are 5 months pregnant. THAT REALLY SUCKS. I am really thankful to have had my dad (who is a hernia veteran) and my mom (who is a registered nurse) on hand. Without them being there, I'm really not sure how I would have gotten through this past Monday. Tim is getting better and stronger every day, though. But he is really really sore. The doctor wasn't able to give him as much anesthesia for the surgery itself because of his sleep apnea. Nice, huh? Poor guy. I'm glad we went ahead and got this taken care of now though, before the baby comes!

Baby Shopping. And speaking of my parents being here, they bought us baby furniture!!! I can't tell you what a relief it is to have the crib and dresser taken care of. I was starting to really get stressed about the nursery and the lack of baby stuff for my already halfway done cookin' baby! Tim and my pops put the crib together Sunday night, so now every time I walk by the nursery, I see a pretty white crib all ready for baby. The dresser is on back-order, but soon I'll be able to fill it with some of the cute little outfits my mom and dad picked out for little Jellybean. I'm really so glad to have such a great family.

Reality TV. Okay, and finally, what is up with Parvarti winning Survivor?!? Amanda was totally robbed.