1:2

Like most people, I'm a complainer. Make no mistake, I'm very, very good at it. But I'm not proud of it and so for a while, I've followed this ratio - 1:2.  For every complaint or negative thought, I counter it with two positive statements. It's unrealistic to  call a moratorium on complaining because life isn't perfect. There always will be less-than-satisfactory situations and it's dishonest to ignore them or pretend they're not really so bad. Really, some things are THAT bad. But if there's a balance in favor of positive over negative, I think that's healthy.  And so, without further ado, here's how I feel about pregnancy.  Top 5 things I don't love about being pregnant: 5. Heartburn. Is. Yucky. 4. Outgrowing all my regular clothes. 3. Back pain. 2. Summertime is a bear when there's a *not so* itty-bitty human living inside you. 1. "Oh, you're pregnant? I just thought you were heavy."  Top 10 things I love about being pregnant: 10. Haven't had to clean the litter box in 2010. 9. Don't feel guilty for eating when I'm hungry or snacking frequently during the day. 8. Excuse for new clothes (or at least new-to-me - thanks Jayme and Jodi!). 7. Completely OK to take naps in the middle of the day. 6. Gives me a chance to catch up with doctor's visits - now I know for sure I'm ridiculously healthy. 5. My naturally round face suits the "glowing mother-to-be" look perfectly. 4. Everybody is freaking nice to you.  3. No heavy lifting or cleaning with strong chemicals ... and a husband who picks up my slack. 2. Feeling those reassuring movements as Thor practices his/her mad soccer skills. 1. And the thing I love most about being pregnant? Enjoying this small window of time where my most important job is taking care of myself and the baby ... because I know it's temporary.

The little things

Did you know diet, caffeine-free Dr Pepper tastes about as delicious as the real thing?

Me neither. But now that caffeine is verboten — at least until October 10 — I've discovered this important fact.

It's a little thing that perks up my afternoon, even if I'm not getting a hit of caffeine.

These days, I've noticed it's the little things that are worth noticing, remembering, enjoying.

•••

It's not likely Jim and I will be able to take a vacation this summer — time constraints and budget limitations prevent it. We can't afford expensive furniture or much of anything beyond necessities, really. But little things, like an impromptu lunch date or planning the baby's nursery, have taken on greater importance. They're not overshadowed by flashier events, because frankly, we don't have any of those going on right now.

I think that's the way it should be. As the baby grows, we'll see the world through a little person's eyes again. By necessity, we'll slow down. We won't be go, go, going all the time (probably). And as soon as we (read: I) adjust to that, the easier this transition will be.

•••

I haven't always found joy in small things. Contentment has been a hard-fought battle for me. I don't say hard-won because it's not. It's an every day struggle to realize what I have is a blessing and not begrudge others who have what I don't. But it gets better all the time — especially knowing I'll be an example for this small person whose heart beats beneath mine.

•••

A good book. A cup of tea. A husband who takes care of yard work. A growing belly.

Little things make my world seem so very big.

Hi there

Oh, I have a blog? Well, isn't that nice. Too bad the author doesn't update it. I'll have to give her a piece of my mind.

Wait for a moment while I take care of that business.

...

...

...

Done.

I was reminded recently that people (or at least a person) check this blog for updates. And for one person, and you know who you are, I'm willing to maintain my small corner of the Web.

So, since October 2009, here's what's happened in my world:

• I got a part in our local theatre's production of "Arsenic and Old Lace" as Elaine Harper. Rehearsals took up a good portion of September and October, with performances in early November.

• Jim and I weathered the crazy blizzards of winter 2009-10. Fortunately for me, snow removal is Jim's job so I took care of the indoor battles, like dealing with frozen — but not burst — water pipes.

• Back to the theatre: I was elected to the board of directors for the organization in January.

• And the theatre again ... I was part of the chorus for the spring production of "Oliver!" which was extremely well-received in the community.

• I worked.

• I wrote (just not here).

• I played with Winston and Rosie.

• I read. A lot. Decided I'm a fan of Kathy Tyers' unique Christian science fiction novels.

• I bowled on a league and discovered that while practice might not make perfect, it doesn't hurt. I ended up with the most improved average of the whole league. Which, when you start with an average below 70, anything is improvement.

• I went to my sister's college graduation and felt really, really old.

• And, oh yes, I got pregnant.

So that's my big project these days: growing a person. That, and not fitting into my old clothes anymore.

I don't pretend my life is tremendously interesting. But it is fulfilling and I am content. And as long as God is great, beer is good and people are crazy, I'll have something to blog about.

Except not the beer part. At least not until after October 10.