I'm pitching a class to teach at the ANWA conference in September.
How's that for an introduction after such a long break? ANWA (American Night Writer's Association) is a group of writers, mostly women (not all), mostly members of the Church of Jesus of Latter-Day Saints (also not all). Last year, I decided I wanted to get back into writing. I felt a pull. More than just a desire; it was like a call. So I started up again. And I went to the ANWA writer's conference in September.
Oh. My. Gosh. I'd found my tribe. This group of people, all at different ages, skill levels, professional stages of accomplishment, were INCREDIBLE!! So supportive, so nice, so nerdy like me. I made new friends, most of whom I communicate with on Facebook, and got so much motivation to dive more deeply into the writing world.
So when they sent out the call for class pitches, I knew I wanted to teach. I really like teaching (when it's a subject everyone is interested in and I don't have to grade homework all day). But what could I teach? I'm not a published author. I've just been doing this for a long, long time. I've been making up stories since I was a kid and started my first novel in high school 20 years ago (oh my word, don't even ask about that first novel. It'll never, ever see the light of day).
Anyway, to make a very long story short, I discovered a subject I thought I could teach and started the pitch. I needed to enter a blog or website address. Umm... I haven't updated in like, over a year!
So here's my little update! (I hope to continue keeping up with this, just to get some writing practice in. Get juices flowing. That kind of stuff).
Bret is working hard at the dental practice. Still loving his work and being amazing at taking care of people. He was called to be the bishop of our ward last November (three weeks after I'd just had major surgery). It's been... interesting. Definitely challenging, but I've seen some great blessings happen. He's also building a shed in our back yard. From scratch. People, the man is freaking talented.
Dragonfly is in first grade. He struggled a lot with homework at first but he's back into a good rhythm and he's doing great. He's a sweet boy and loves to be helpful except when it comes to cleaning his room. He loves doing art and helping his daddy with fixing the motorcycles. He also loves to ride bikes and play with friends. He still won't touch potatoes in any shape or form.
Bumblebee is snuggled up next to me as we speak, holding his Mimi (his blanket Great-Granny gave him when he was born), and sucking his thumb. His smile and his beautiful brown eyes light up the world! He's currently in preschool and LOVING it!! He loves going on "adventures" and riding his big brother's scooter (the three-wheeled one he got for Christmas isn't fast enough. Facepalm).
Butterfly is almost 2. She gets into everything. She's curious, she's fearless (except when it comes to Santa Claus), and she's sassy. She's talking up a storm. And like her nickname, she's a total social butterfly, charming the crap out of everyone she meets.
Me? Working on a few novels. One is a sequel, one is a retelling. And I picked up another old, completed project for fun and I'm going through it with a fine-toothed comb. I'm also running (it's my therapy). I did a half marathon a year ago and I'm gearing up to do another one this fall. Trying to work on being a better wife and mom while always on the lookout for a new show to binge while I fold laundry. Right now it's Gilmore Girls.
My goals: love my family fiercely. Finish two novels. Teach at ANWA. Run a half marathon.
Wow. I've never typed all that out before. Here's to goals, adventures, and keeping this ole infernal journal updated.
Cheers.
Saturday, February 2, 2019
Wednesday, February 8, 2017
Resistance is futile? HA!
Last night, I went to a church activity for the women. I made brownies to help with the needed refreshments. The place was swimming in cookies, brownies, and cake.
But I didn't eat a crumb of it! HA! Take THAT, sugar cravings!!
Normally, I'd've inhaled at least one of each kind of dessert. Staying away from the sweets knowing they'll spike my blood sugar is hard, but oh my gosh is it possible and empowering. It's not worth the health of my baby or sabotaging these good habits I've started.
I still crave sweets. All. The. Time. I saw a craisin on the floor once. I wanted it more than anything. (Granted, a single craisin wouldn't do anything, but a single serving has more carbs in it than I'm allowed to eat in one meal).
Ladies, you can do it. You can control this. And if you can't, even after all you can do, it's going to be okay. Trust me, even my doctor didn't think I could maintain healthy blood sugar levels without insulin.
Wanna see what my three-hour test numbers were? Of course you do!
Fasting: 80 (Normal is below 95, so this one was actually good).
Drink melted otter pop juice.
One hour test: 191 (normal is below 140)
Two hour test: 192 (normal is below 120)
Three hour test: 162 (not sure what normal is on this one, but I was over)
NOT good.
But I'm doing it! It IS possible. You can do it too. You will see amazing things happen. You'll feel better, you'll miss cookies, you'll hit and miss, you'll make mistakes, you'll learn, and you'll conquer.
And when it's all over, you'll let yourself have a chocolate shake because pregnancy is hard and childbirth is hard.
Speaking of childbirth...I've got my day scheduled! On March 15th, 2017, my little Miss will be born!
Spare me the Ides of March jokes. It's nerve-wracking enough as it is going under a knife. Caesar would know.
Oh dang. I did it, didn't I?
But I didn't eat a crumb of it! HA! Take THAT, sugar cravings!!
Normally, I'd've inhaled at least one of each kind of dessert. Staying away from the sweets knowing they'll spike my blood sugar is hard, but oh my gosh is it possible and empowering. It's not worth the health of my baby or sabotaging these good habits I've started.
I still crave sweets. All. The. Time. I saw a craisin on the floor once. I wanted it more than anything. (Granted, a single craisin wouldn't do anything, but a single serving has more carbs in it than I'm allowed to eat in one meal).
Ladies, you can do it. You can control this. And if you can't, even after all you can do, it's going to be okay. Trust me, even my doctor didn't think I could maintain healthy blood sugar levels without insulin.
Wanna see what my three-hour test numbers were? Of course you do!
Fasting: 80 (Normal is below 95, so this one was actually good).
Drink melted otter pop juice.
One hour test: 191 (normal is below 140)
Two hour test: 192 (normal is below 120)
Three hour test: 162 (not sure what normal is on this one, but I was over)
NOT good.
But I'm doing it! It IS possible. You can do it too. You will see amazing things happen. You'll feel better, you'll miss cookies, you'll hit and miss, you'll make mistakes, you'll learn, and you'll conquer.
And when it's all over, you'll let yourself have a chocolate shake because pregnancy is hard and childbirth is hard.
Speaking of childbirth...I've got my day scheduled! On March 15th, 2017, my little Miss will be born!
Spare me the Ides of March jokes. It's nerve-wracking enough as it is going under a knife. Caesar would know.
Oh dang. I did it, didn't I?
Saturday, February 4, 2017
Gestational Diabetes: week one complete
I'm telling you, this is both a blessing and a curse.
Things I miss:
Chocolate.
Muffins.
Sub Sandwiches (but I don't really eat those much during pregnancy anyway because of the stupid listeria scare with the deli meat. Ugh).
Ice cream with hot fudge.
Brownies.
Rolls.
Crackers.
Pasta.
Things I don't miss:
Extra pounds.
I'm serious. Since starting my gd diet, I've LOST weight. Which, technically speaking, isn't encouraged during pregnancy. But I'd already gained a little too much, so with the weight that came off, I'm just about where I should be weight-gain-wise. And since I have to follow the diet for the next five-and-a-half weeks (or 38 days, if I get to schedule the c-section on the day I want. But who's counting?), only the baby is going to gain weight.
So far, baby girl seems to be doing great. At my last appointment, the doctor did an NST (non-stress test, which was non-stressful for the baby, but since I couldn't find a sitter for my two boys, they were in the room vying for full view of Octonauts on the iPad. Mom was a little stressed). Her movement and heart rate were perfect. She's very wiggly, which is very reassuring to this high-anxiety mama.
The doctor was VERY pleased with my numbers this week. I only had 1 reading over the limit (165. The two-hour glucose limit is 120) and it was because I had a bowl of canned chunky chicken noodle soup and five, yes FIVE Ritz crackers. Every other time, my numbers have been awesome just with diet and light exercise. He did say it might be harder to control as I get closer to my due date and the placenta gets bigger. We'll see.
For now, I'm going to keep at it and indulge in a few of the things I AM allowed:
1. Surprise, surprise, cereal!! I have to measure out less than a full serving and I have to eat it with almond milk but this is seriously no big deal for me. I get my Cheerios and a huge plate of scrambled eggs. Hooray!!
2. A late night snack. I'm not kidding, they TELL you that you NEED a snack before bed in order to keep your morning numbers low. Woo hoo!!! And my go-to snack of choice? Oikos vanilla greek yogurt! It's SO yummy, has tons of protein, and even with the sugar, my morning numbers have always been normal (and the doctor said those are the hardest to control, so yay!).
3. All. The. Almond. Butter. I. Want. I'm allergic to peanut butter so I eat almond butter instead. Sometimes a spoonful to hold me over between snack and meal time. It's the best.
On to week two.
Things I miss:
Chocolate.
Muffins.
Sub Sandwiches (but I don't really eat those much during pregnancy anyway because of the stupid listeria scare with the deli meat. Ugh).
Ice cream with hot fudge.
Brownies.
Rolls.
Crackers.
Pasta.
Things I don't miss:
Extra pounds.
I'm serious. Since starting my gd diet, I've LOST weight. Which, technically speaking, isn't encouraged during pregnancy. But I'd already gained a little too much, so with the weight that came off, I'm just about where I should be weight-gain-wise. And since I have to follow the diet for the next five-and-a-half weeks (or 38 days, if I get to schedule the c-section on the day I want. But who's counting?), only the baby is going to gain weight.
So far, baby girl seems to be doing great. At my last appointment, the doctor did an NST (non-stress test, which was non-stressful for the baby, but since I couldn't find a sitter for my two boys, they were in the room vying for full view of Octonauts on the iPad. Mom was a little stressed). Her movement and heart rate were perfect. She's very wiggly, which is very reassuring to this high-anxiety mama.
The doctor was VERY pleased with my numbers this week. I only had 1 reading over the limit (165. The two-hour glucose limit is 120) and it was because I had a bowl of canned chunky chicken noodle soup and five, yes FIVE Ritz crackers. Every other time, my numbers have been awesome just with diet and light exercise. He did say it might be harder to control as I get closer to my due date and the placenta gets bigger. We'll see.
For now, I'm going to keep at it and indulge in a few of the things I AM allowed:
1. Surprise, surprise, cereal!! I have to measure out less than a full serving and I have to eat it with almond milk but this is seriously no big deal for me. I get my Cheerios and a huge plate of scrambled eggs. Hooray!!
2. A late night snack. I'm not kidding, they TELL you that you NEED a snack before bed in order to keep your morning numbers low. Woo hoo!!! And my go-to snack of choice? Oikos vanilla greek yogurt! It's SO yummy, has tons of protein, and even with the sugar, my morning numbers have always been normal (and the doctor said those are the hardest to control, so yay!).
3. All. The. Almond. Butter. I. Want. I'm allergic to peanut butter so I eat almond butter instead. Sometimes a spoonful to hold me over between snack and meal time. It's the best.
On to week two.
Tuesday, January 31, 2017
It isn't my fault. But it kind of is.
For anyone reading this post because you've been diagnosed with gestational diabetes, I'm going to tell you now, it ISN'T YOUR FAULT. This happens to pregnant women who are perfectly fit and eating right. Sometimes the placenta just gets in the way of your body absorbing insulin. It's a disease, girls. A manageable, temporary one, but a disease nonetheless. It happens to the best of us.
Wish I could say I was the best of us.
So, yeah, it wasn't my fault. I ate horribly with all my pregnancies and never had a GD diagnosis before. But this time, coming off the holidays, eating carbs without restraint, and pounding the M&M's several times a day, I hadn't done myself any favors.
Don't beat yourself up, even if you did pound the M&M's. Oh gosh, I miss M&M's.
After being diagnosed, I hit up Dr. Google. Which is, of course, not always the best idea. I got some ideas on what to eat and what not to eat but my information was fragmented, skewed, and frustrating.
No sugar, no carbs. Lots of protein, lots of veggies, fruit sparingly.
Okay. Fine. Let's get this started. I quit eating sugar (duh) and bread, loaded up on vegetables (go me!) and made sure my carbs stayed low, low, low.
I was miserable. I was moody, tired, and after about two days of eating this way, I started getting symptoms of dizziness and confusion. I couldn't think straight.
Then I did the best thing I have ever done for myself and my unborn daughter: I went to a gestational diabetes training class. Best two hours and $100 I have ever spent on my health. At least until I can start drinking Shakeology and running again. But I digress.
This class was so enlightening. I learned that I COULD eat carbs. My body and my baby NEEDED carbs. No, that doesn't mean I could go back to pizza, Cheerios, or even a huge fruit salad. I just needed to know what I could eat, WHEN to eat it, and how much I could have.
I also learned how to check my blood sugar, which is seriously NOT a big deal! I received a glucometer for free from the instructor of my class. It came with a sample of lancets and test strips. Poking my finger really didn't hurt. I could barely feel it. And it's fascinating! I get results in five seconds.
I also learned that exercise, even just a twenty-minute walk, doing some brisk housework, or dancing in the family room with my kids, was a great way to keep my blood sugar regulated.
After only twenty-four hours on this new regiment, I am feeling 100% better. I have more energy, I have ZERO heartburn, I'm sleeping better, and I am just a nicer person to my children. And with my new diet (which allows me a little whole wheat toast in the morning if I want!), my blood sugar levels are right on point. If I can keep this up, I won't need to do insulin, which will be so great (even though the insulin demonstration at my class was really cool and having to take insulin would so not be the end of the world).
In six weeks I can have this baby. And all of this will go away. I can have a milkshake and a sub sandwich. But you know what? I don't want to lose these new good habits. I want to see what will happen:
1. I get preeclampsia after having my babies. It's happened after every single one of them. Even after baby #3, where I was in better shape. It will probably happen again because doctors don't really know what causes it, but I'm curious about what this strict diet and a little extra exercise will do.
2. I'm 34 years old. Losing the baby weight is sure to be tougher than when I was 28 or even 30. What about this time? How's it going to go?
Time will tell.
Six weeks.
It feels. like. forever.
Wish I could say I was the best of us.
So, yeah, it wasn't my fault. I ate horribly with all my pregnancies and never had a GD diagnosis before. But this time, coming off the holidays, eating carbs without restraint, and pounding the M&M's several times a day, I hadn't done myself any favors.
Don't beat yourself up, even if you did pound the M&M's. Oh gosh, I miss M&M's.
After being diagnosed, I hit up Dr. Google. Which is, of course, not always the best idea. I got some ideas on what to eat and what not to eat but my information was fragmented, skewed, and frustrating.
No sugar, no carbs. Lots of protein, lots of veggies, fruit sparingly.
Okay. Fine. Let's get this started. I quit eating sugar (duh) and bread, loaded up on vegetables (go me!) and made sure my carbs stayed low, low, low.
I was miserable. I was moody, tired, and after about two days of eating this way, I started getting symptoms of dizziness and confusion. I couldn't think straight.
Then I did the best thing I have ever done for myself and my unborn daughter: I went to a gestational diabetes training class. Best two hours and $100 I have ever spent on my health. At least until I can start drinking Shakeology and running again. But I digress.
This class was so enlightening. I learned that I COULD eat carbs. My body and my baby NEEDED carbs. No, that doesn't mean I could go back to pizza, Cheerios, or even a huge fruit salad. I just needed to know what I could eat, WHEN to eat it, and how much I could have.
I also learned how to check my blood sugar, which is seriously NOT a big deal! I received a glucometer for free from the instructor of my class. It came with a sample of lancets and test strips. Poking my finger really didn't hurt. I could barely feel it. And it's fascinating! I get results in five seconds.
I also learned that exercise, even just a twenty-minute walk, doing some brisk housework, or dancing in the family room with my kids, was a great way to keep my blood sugar regulated.
After only twenty-four hours on this new regiment, I am feeling 100% better. I have more energy, I have ZERO heartburn, I'm sleeping better, and I am just a nicer person to my children. And with my new diet (which allows me a little whole wheat toast in the morning if I want!), my blood sugar levels are right on point. If I can keep this up, I won't need to do insulin, which will be so great (even though the insulin demonstration at my class was really cool and having to take insulin would so not be the end of the world).
In six weeks I can have this baby. And all of this will go away. I can have a milkshake and a sub sandwich. But you know what? I don't want to lose these new good habits. I want to see what will happen:
1. I get preeclampsia after having my babies. It's happened after every single one of them. Even after baby #3, where I was in better shape. It will probably happen again because doctors don't really know what causes it, but I'm curious about what this strict diet and a little extra exercise will do.
2. I'm 34 years old. Losing the baby weight is sure to be tougher than when I was 28 or even 30. What about this time? How's it going to go?
Time will tell.
Six weeks.
It feels. like. forever.
Saturday, January 28, 2017
Failed glucose test and sugar fasts
Here is the start of my experience with gestational diabetes:
Went in for my one-hour glucose test. I tried to eat well and drink enough water beforehand but it wasn't really a huge effort. I failed, but only by a few points, according to my doctor. So it's back to Sonora Quest for the dreaded three-hour glucose test.
In the week beforehand, I went on a sugar fast. I tried to eat lots of protein and drink lots of water to, ahem, "trick" my way through the test.
Ladies, if you're reading this because you're facing a similar situation, please don't fall for that.
Either you have gestational diabetes or you don't. You can't cheat the test. And even if you could, why would you want to?? To avoid having to eat right and exercise? Pregnancy isn't an excuse to eat whatever the crap you want! (Believe me, I thought it was). To avoid the treatment? You guys, seriously, it's NOT worth it. Take the test, get your results, and continue on with your life.
I had the three-hour test done on a Friday. That next Monday, which was Monday January 23, my doctor called me personally.
Oh no. This is bad.
"You have gestational diabetes," he said. I was DEVASTATED. A few minutes into the phone call, I started sobbing. Why can't I just have a normal pregnancy?? No joke. I've never had a "textbook" or "normal" pregnancy. There's always been something.
I had an appointment to meet with my doctor the next morning. So after a whirlwind of google searches trying to figure out what I could and couldn't eat, crying in my kitchen the next morning because I couldn't have my bowl of cereal (I'm not kidding. Cereal is my life), I went in to the doctor.
He's incredibly sweet, comforting, calm, and understanding.
I am incredibly neurotic, emotional, and feeling so alone. We've been having problems with insurance so I was stuck in a terrible place, needing treatment for a disease that could potentially harm my baby or me, and I couldn't pay for it.
My doctor and his staff were, as I said, amazing. They worked out the details of what I COULD start with, helped calm me down, and reassured me that everything was going to be okay.
Deep breath. Okay.
Next post: This isn't my fault. But it sort-of is.
Went in for my one-hour glucose test. I tried to eat well and drink enough water beforehand but it wasn't really a huge effort. I failed, but only by a few points, according to my doctor. So it's back to Sonora Quest for the dreaded three-hour glucose test.
In the week beforehand, I went on a sugar fast. I tried to eat lots of protein and drink lots of water to, ahem, "trick" my way through the test.
Ladies, if you're reading this because you're facing a similar situation, please don't fall for that.
Either you have gestational diabetes or you don't. You can't cheat the test. And even if you could, why would you want to?? To avoid having to eat right and exercise? Pregnancy isn't an excuse to eat whatever the crap you want! (Believe me, I thought it was). To avoid the treatment? You guys, seriously, it's NOT worth it. Take the test, get your results, and continue on with your life.
I had the three-hour test done on a Friday. That next Monday, which was Monday January 23, my doctor called me personally.
Oh no. This is bad.
"You have gestational diabetes," he said. I was DEVASTATED. A few minutes into the phone call, I started sobbing. Why can't I just have a normal pregnancy?? No joke. I've never had a "textbook" or "normal" pregnancy. There's always been something.
I had an appointment to meet with my doctor the next morning. So after a whirlwind of google searches trying to figure out what I could and couldn't eat, crying in my kitchen the next morning because I couldn't have my bowl of cereal (I'm not kidding. Cereal is my life), I went in to the doctor.
He's incredibly sweet, comforting, calm, and understanding.
I am incredibly neurotic, emotional, and feeling so alone. We've been having problems with insurance so I was stuck in a terrible place, needing treatment for a disease that could potentially harm my baby or me, and I couldn't pay for it.
My doctor and his staff were, as I said, amazing. They worked out the details of what I COULD start with, helped calm me down, and reassured me that everything was going to be okay.
Deep breath. Okay.
Next post: This isn't my fault. But it sort-of is.
Friday, January 27, 2017
Been a few years
My last post was in August of 2013. My mom died later that year and I just didn't have the desire to blog anymore. Add school and another baby in 2015, and I didn't have the time, energy, OR desire to blog. So here's a little update on my life, in case you're curious, even after three and a half years of silence:
My husband graduated from dental school in May of 2014. He's working full time as a general dentist now and he loves it. He's great at what he does too. I look at him and wonder how I got so lucky.
We had another little boy in May of 2015. Born via c-section and almost three pounds lighter than his big brother. He's 20 months old now and seriously the sweetest little boy ever. His big brother is now four, in preschool, and is equal parts sweet and horrible.
I graduated from BYU-Idaho with honors this last December, with a degree in University Studies. Though I minored in English, I discovered I actually hated analyzing literature (at least, the kind they were making me analyze) and decided to focus more on graphic design, which I LOVE. I'm now, very slowly, starting my own freelance design business.
And in about six weeks, we are expecting the final member of our family: a little girl!! We can't wait to meet her and are so filled with gratitude that our boys and our angel Ella will get a little sister.
Another reason I've decided to start blogging again is because I want to document a little journey I'm on. Five days ago I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes and it's my hope that the struggle and discovery I've experienced will help to encourage and comfort other moms out there who face the same annoying little complication.
Next post: Failed glucose tests and sugar fasts.
My husband graduated from dental school in May of 2014. He's working full time as a general dentist now and he loves it. He's great at what he does too. I look at him and wonder how I got so lucky.
We had another little boy in May of 2015. Born via c-section and almost three pounds lighter than his big brother. He's 20 months old now and seriously the sweetest little boy ever. His big brother is now four, in preschool, and is equal parts sweet and horrible.
I graduated from BYU-Idaho with honors this last December, with a degree in University Studies. Though I minored in English, I discovered I actually hated analyzing literature (at least, the kind they were making me analyze) and decided to focus more on graphic design, which I LOVE. I'm now, very slowly, starting my own freelance design business.
And in about six weeks, we are expecting the final member of our family: a little girl!! We can't wait to meet her and are so filled with gratitude that our boys and our angel Ella will get a little sister.
Another reason I've decided to start blogging again is because I want to document a little journey I'm on. Five days ago I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes and it's my hope that the struggle and discovery I've experienced will help to encourage and comfort other moms out there who face the same annoying little complication.
Next post: Failed glucose tests and sugar fasts.
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Been a while
I just don't have time to blog anymore. With school, the Bub, and family, I can't keep up. So here's a quick update on the last few months:
~Bub is crawling everywhere. He turned one last month. Getting huge.
~Bret is working hard at school. Gets along well with clinic partner. I get to go in and have him clean my teeth tomorrow. (SO EXCITED! No, really, I'm not being sarcastic. I love getting my teeth cleaned and I get to have this super hot guy do it. Score!) Should I take a camera? Might that be cheesy? Yes and yes.
~I'm trying to decide on a major. After lots of thought, prayer, soul-searching, and decision changes, I'm leaning toward business management. I know, so not me. That's kind-of why I want to do it. Also doing a little bit of writing... and starting to feel like I want to self-publish. This won't happen for a long time though, folks so don't start looking for my book on the shelves. Yet.
~And to conclude, here's a grouping of pictures of my sweet baby boy, from birth to one year. We'll hang this up in the house. Too cute not to.
~Bub is crawling everywhere. He turned one last month. Getting huge.
~Bret is working hard at school. Gets along well with clinic partner. I get to go in and have him clean my teeth tomorrow. (SO EXCITED! No, really, I'm not being sarcastic. I love getting my teeth cleaned and I get to have this super hot guy do it. Score!) Should I take a camera? Might that be cheesy? Yes and yes.
~I'm trying to decide on a major. After lots of thought, prayer, soul-searching, and decision changes, I'm leaning toward business management. I know, so not me. That's kind-of why I want to do it. Also doing a little bit of writing... and starting to feel like I want to self-publish. This won't happen for a long time though, folks so don't start looking for my book on the shelves. Yet.
~And to conclude, here's a grouping of pictures of my sweet baby boy, from birth to one year. We'll hang this up in the house. Too cute not to.
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