The holidays are over!!

The holidays have come and gone, and I am glad to see it is over. As much as I love the Christmas season, I just couldn't get into it this year. If it weren't for Phil, our tree would still be naked, and the house would not be decorated, and even with it being decorated it just isn't as well done as when I usually take an entire day and really make everything look festive. If I had my way the Christmas stuff would have been taken down today, but Phil likes it and wants it up until after New Year's, which is when we usually have it up until, so I said that was fine. I never did get around to having the time to do my cards, and trying to do any baking was just out of the question. Anyone who has had a newborn around the holidays understands where I am coming from. I am still getting myself back to feeling like I did before I got pregnant, and with having the c-section that takes a little longer then normal. Plus, even though John is getting himself on a schedule and sleeping through the night most of the time, I feel like I need a week to just stay in bed and catch up on all the sleep I have lost the past 9 weeks. Plus, certain family issues have me concerned and worried, so that is always on my mind as well.

I did get my wish for this year though. Last year at Christmas I said that I wanted to have a baby to celebrate Christmas with, and I accomplished that. He was definitely the best present I have ever had. He has grown so much, and I can't believe it is not 2 months old! He smiles all the time, and coos and is starting to laugh. He is just a very happy baby, so much so that when he wakes up in the morning he doesn't cry, he just laughs and coos and smiles to himself, waiting for one of us to come over to him and change him and give him a bottle. He has a wonderful personality already, he only cries when he is hungry or needs something and as soon as that need is met, he is happy. He doesn't even fuss that much. I am very lucky.

Next year, I told Phil that I plan on making sure we have a wonderful Christmas, not only next year but every year thereafter. John is going to be a year old next Christmas, and even though he'll still be too little to learn about Santa, I want to make sure there are lots of presents for him under the tree, and that we go out and do fun holiday things, like go to the zoo to see the zoolights, and go sit on Santa's lap. Being able to see Christmas through his eyes is going to give me a whole new appreciation on the holiday.

Yes, this is my baby

I've recently discovered something that I never thought would happen...people seem to think that my baby ISN'T my baby!

I first realized this about two weeks ago, when I took John for a little walk to meet Phil as he got off work. A women was jogging and she slowed down and said she noticed I hadn't been at work lately (turns out she is a customer at the store and sees me all the time) and then looked at John and said "That isn't your baby, is it??" I looked at her and said of course he is mine, and she said oh, well congrats, and jogged off. I thought it was a strange comment to make, and just brushed it off.

Since then, I have had numerous people around where I live ask me the same question. With our apartment complex being right next to the Walmart, there are a lot of people who live around here who shop there frequently and recognize me and didn't realize I was pregnant. It seems every time John and I head over to my mom's apartment, which is just across the way, someone stops me and asks me if I am either babysitting, or asks me whose baby it is.

The only thing I can think of is that people see me in a wheelchair and must think I just don't have the ability to carry a child because of that. I've even had a few people tell me they didn't know I could have children because of being in a chair. I know people don't realize by just looking at me that the only thing wrong with me is that I have arthritis and my knees just don't work anymore, but how rude to just tell someone that the newborn they are holding, who by the way, looks exactly like you, couldn't possibly be yours. I feel so insulted when I am asked that, and there is a lot I'd like to say to that person, but being a good mommy, I hold my tongue and just continue on my way.

My biggest concern has always been when John is older and starts school, how will kids react to his mommy being in a wheelchair, because let's face it, kids are mean. I never thought that adults would be mean as well and assume I couldn't be a parent. I hope this is something that we don't have to deal with, because I sure don't want to take my son to school and have stupid parents asking me if I am the aunt or something.

Video Blog: Baby John Playing

After a diaper change the other day, John decided he wanted to be awake and just be his cute baby self, and I couldn't help but video it for his big debut to the Kimbo Central blog. And yes, he is on the coffee table, because that's just where I happened to change him haha!

Happy Birthday Baby John!!

Weighing in at 8lbs 9ozs, measuring 21 1/2 inches long, born by emergency c-section on October 23, 2009 at 4:15pm, please put your hands together for John Phillip Fry!!

Last Friday, I went into the doctor for my weekly fetal non-stress test and while I was hooked up to the fetal monitor they took my blood pressure, which was very high. It has been high throughout the pregnancy, but this was higher then it had ever been, and the doctor came in and told me she wanted me to be admitted until I had the baby because she felt it would be safer for me. When I asked if I would be having the baby that day, she said she thought it would either be that weekend or they would just have me wait until the 30th, which is when I had my original c-section scheduled. So off to the hospital we went, and they put me in the OB Triage to wait for the nurse to be in to get me all set up. Phil and I were in that room for about 5 minutes when the nurse came in and said that the doctor on duty set me up to have my c-section a few hours from then, and they were going to take me to labor and delivery to start getting me prepped. Phil and I just looked at each other like what!!?? It was a total surprise that it was going to be happening right then and there, because I thought for sure they were going to make me wait another week. So I called my mom to tell her and dad to get done there as soon as they can, and off to labor and delivery we went.

After getting prepped and my parents finally getting to the hospital, they had Phil dress in scrubs and took me off to the operating room to get the epidural and start the c-section. I have never been so nervous in my life, I was shaking like a leaf the entire time and nothing I could do could stop that. Luckily the epidural went in without any problems, and once I was laid down on the table and the medicine started kicking in, Phil was brought in to sit next to me. At 4:08pm they started and at 4:15pm John was born. He cried right away and my heart just soared and as soon as they brought him around the curtain and showed him to me I just started crying. He was perfect, and he was ours, and we had waited so long for him. Phil went right over to him and they had him cut the cord and since he was doing so well, they took him to recovery to weigh him and wait for me, and they sent Phil with them while they spent the next 45 minutes putting me back together. I was so impatient the entire time, I just wanted them to hurry up so I could get to recovery and see my baby boy.

In recovery, I was still shaking so bad, and the nurse told me that it is normal, it was just hormones from just having a baby, and it was so bad at first I wasn't able to hold John, but they brought him to me and I just couldn't believe how beautiful he was and that I did that. My family came in two at a time to see him and two hours later, I was transferred to my postpartum room and was finally able to really hold John and check him out, of course checking to make sure he had all his fingers and toes.

I was in the hospital for four days, and was able to come home Tuesday night. John is in perfect health and even though he seems to have his days and nights mixed up and Phil and I pretty much are running on a few hours sleep here and there, we couldn't be prouder of what we have created and the new family we now have. It seems so strange to me at times that I actually have a son. I guess I thought I would never have a child of my own, just like a never thought I would get married, but now I have a family of my own, we just moved into a nice and bigger apartment that allows John to have his own room, a dog that is still trying to figure out what the heck this little person is, and great family and friends that love me and support me along the way. I couldn't be more blessed.

37 Week Appointment and Hospital Stay

Tuesday we went in for our normal prenatal appointment and as always, they first get me hooked up to the fetal monitor and take my blood pressure. Now, since becoming pregnant my blood pressure has been on the high side, but I have had every lab test done and even done a 24 hour urine collection and all has come back that I just have maternal hypertension and I'll be fine. Well, my blood pressure was through the roof both times they checked it, so the doctor told me she wanted me to go right to the hospital and be admitted for a 24 hour observation and also do another 24 hour urine collection to rule out the possibility of me having preeclampsia. They kept asking me if I had a headache or blurred vision or felt bad, but I felt fine. I was more worried about baby then myself, but they assured me that he was fine, it was me that they were concerned about, and if there was any health risks to me, they would take the baby right away.

So basically, I sat in the hospital for 24 hours, collecting my pee, just for them to tell me last night around 10pm that everything came back fine and I was free to go home right then and just go to my regular prenatal visit next week. In a way, I know it was best for me to be in there because if there was a problem then things about be done, but I truly felt like I could have been taking my blood pressure at home and peeing in a bucket at home where I would have been comfortable. I guess a lot of it is because since I was already in the hospital, I just wanted John to be able to be delivered, because I am at the point where I am just uncomfortable and ready for him to come out. Plus, when the did an ultrasound on him, he is already at 8 1/2 pounds!!! But they say his lungs may still need to be developed a little more, so once I heard that, I felt better about making sure he stays in here at least another week or so. But more then likely they are going to schedule the c-section for next week.

So now I am home and taking it easy. We are moving this weekend and have so much to do around here, and I keep feeling the need to grab some boxes and just start packing and cleaning, but I am having a lot of Braxton Hicks contractions when I do too much, which they said is normal, and plus with my blood pressure I know I have to take it easy and just let Phil handle everything. The best news today though is that my doctor's office just called and they are faxing a note to my work letting them know I missed work yesterday because I was in the hospital, and that I am on restricted activity and will not be able to return to work through the remainder of my pregnancy, so I am officially on maternity leave!! Another thing I don't have to worry about, just as long as we can get through this move and then bring this baby into the world and home where he belongs.

Stubborn Baby

Last Tuesday, at our 36 week prenatal appointment, they checked the baby's fluid and we discovered that John is still in the breech position, his head is up, right above my belly button, and in fact every time he turns his head from side to side (which he does a lot), the whole top of my belly moves. As cute as that is, the doctor gave us about a 5 percent chance that he is going to turn on his own, which means it looks like I am going to end up having a scheduled c-section. To be honest, as much as I would love to have a regular delivery, there has always been something in my head that made me think I was going to end up having the c-section, and I wasn't even upset when the doctor told me this. Disappointed, yes, but not upset, because whatever we need to do to deliver him safely is what I care about, and if it means surgery, then I am for it. So Tuesday we go for his growth ultrasound and we will see what they said then. I doubt very much he is going to turn on his own, because he is still in the same position, and I think he is just comfy there. My main worries and concerns are after the c-section, such as my healing time, which they say will be longer for me because I am unable to walk, and what it will be like for me when I have to transfer from my chair to the car or my bed, and such. But those things are for me to deal with, and I will with no complaints, because it means that my son came into this world safely and is happy and healthy. As a mother, you have to put your needs aside for the well-being of your child, and I would go through this a thousand times over just to be able to have him here with us.

As for everything else, I feel like I am living in chaos as our move is coming up on the 18th and our house is just a mess. Moving is such a pain, trying to pack up everything, and weed through things you haven't used since you first moved in. And I am really no help at all because I can no longer bend over easily, or lift anything, and anything I do just wears me out, so Phil has to be the one who does this whole thing. I try to help out with what I can, but mostly I just supervise. Then, once we get moved next weekend, that place will be a mess, and we have a very short time to get it somewhat organized and get John's room ready before his arrival. Of course, this is not the best time to move when your nine months pregnant and could go into labor at anytime, but our lease is up and we couldn't pass up on the amazing deal with were able to get on a two bedroom, plus John needed his own room. Luckily, my aunt Kelly, uncle Rick, and cousin J are helping Phil with the move, so I don't feel so bad about just sitting back and directing where the boxes go, as that is about all anyone will let me do.

And lastly, it looks like I am going to be taking my maternity leave 2 weeks earlier then I had planned. Work is just getting to be really tough on me, I can't sit in my chair for very long because my back hurts all the time and my feet and ankles get so swollen, and the bigger I get the more tired I am, and trying to work for 8 hours is miserable. So tonight I work a 4 hour shift, and the same with Monday, and then on Tuesday I am having the doctor write me a note saying I am taking my leave now. They have me starting my leave as of my due date, Nov. 5th, but with scheduling a c-section he is more then likely going to be here before that, and I really could just use this time to rest, get his nursery ready at the new place, and have a little Kimbo time before it all becomes John time.

Back up and running!

I finally had the Internet fixed around here, so I am able to be back online again full time, which means more time for blogging!! I just need to get a wireless router now so I can use my laptop here at home again, but I have to send it out to Dell to get fixed because the screen lid decided to break.

Well, October is upon us and this is going to be one busy month around the Fry household. We are going to be moving on the 18th to the other side of our complex to a two-bedroom that we were able to score an amazing deal on, $30 less then what we are paying for now, and it is really a good thing we were able to get the two-bedroom because as we start buying things for the baby, like his travel system (stroller and car seat combo) and people start giving us gifts like lots of clothes and a baby bath, we soon realized that for such a little guy, his things are big and taking up a lot of space. Plus, my mom is throwing me a baby shower that same week, so things are going to be pretty busy. Not to mention that once we move, we have about two weeks before my due date, so my mom said that she will come over and help me get things settled in, so our house is somewhat organized when John comes.

Speaking of John, things are going well, we will be at 35 weeks tomorrow. He is still as active as ever, and at the doctor they have been hooking me up to a fetal monitor to check his heartbeat and the doctor says he seems pretty happy in here. I had to cancel my appointment for yesterday due to Phil and I having a cold (which he is better because he can take some good medicine for it, I am toughing it out with no meds), so we go on Friday and should have another growth ultrasound. I am interested to see how big he is now, he was 4.8 pounds about 3 weeks ago, and I am also hoping he cooperates and lets us get a good 3D picture of his face this time.

32 Week Update

Today was my 32 week prenatal appointment. I first had to get blood drawn and also turn in the 24 hours of urine I collected all day yesterday, which will check to see if I have any problem with protein in my urine, which might be a sign of a high blood pressure issue. Every time they check my pressure it is always high, so the doctor says I am to get a blood pressure monitor for home and check daily. He said sometimes your blood pressure will be normal at home, but high at the doctor. If it is high at home as well, then I will be put on some meds until the baby is born, so I don't have any complications during labor and delivery.

We had a growth ultrasound today and John is 4lb 8oz, which surprised me, because I really didn't think he was that big already, but they said he is still right on schedule and everything looks good. Of course, just like his momma, he is stubborn and never lets us see a good picture of his face in a 3D ultrasound, today he had his face toward my back and wouldn't move for anything. I guess he wants to keep it a surprise what he is going to look like, but I am just dying for a little peek.

Everything else is going well, I was tested for gestational diabetes last time I was in there and that came back negative, and so now it is basically just a sit back and wait for him to be born anytime after 36 weeks, although I am really hoping he goes the whole 40 weeks and is born in November instead of October, since October is just a month I don't like, and I really hope he isn't born on Halloween, because I hate that day with all the gross stuff lol. But he will get here when he gets here, and I can't wait to finally meet him!

Welcome to the Third Trimester!

It is hard for me to believe, but I am officially now in my third trimester! In 12 more weeks my son will be here, and I feel like I am nowhere near ready for him, at least materials wise. I need his bassinet still, and a lot more clothes then I already have, plus the essentials like diapers and wipes. But I have to keep telling myself to just take it easy and that by the time he is here, everything he needs will be here too, and to just pace myself. I am just getting so excited, but more nervous as well. What has been keeping me up at night, besides the aching back and the baby dance party in my belly, is my thoughts of, "Oh my God, he has to come out!!!!" I have read so many baby books, and read up on labor and delivery, but I know when it actually comes time for me to go through it, everything I have read will go right out the window and I'll just do whatever I need to do to make sure he comes into the world safe and healthy.

Today was my 28 week prenatal visit and we had another growth ultrasound (pictures to be coming soon). He is at 2.6 pounds and the doctor says he is healthy and on schedule. We were able to try another shot at the 3D/4D ultrasound and we were able to get a little better picture of his face, but he wouldn't get into position so we could see his face straight on, and then he kept putting his hand and arm in his face. I can't believe how big he has gotten from the first ultrasound we had done at 8 weeks, and I can't believe he is going to have more room to grown when it seems so cramped in there already!!

The only trouble I had run into lately with the pregnancy is that my arthritis flared up twice in a week while I was at work, and I had to go home to rest. I told the Dr. and she wrote me a note for my manager stating that she wants me to work no more then 20 hours a week, instead of the 30+ I have been. She said she wants me to be able to get more rest, get my feet up more since I've been having some foot swelling, and says flares may be common because of my body working overtime these last three months, but she doesn't want to see me on bed rest because I work too much and don't get enough rest. I was actually wanting to take down my hours anyway because I am getting more tired easily, so this isn't upsetting to me. Other then that, though, my health is great, and from now I will be going to the Dr. every two weeks until my 9th month, when I go every week.

On another good note, Phil had an interview for a job today at my work and got the job!! I haven't really blogged about it, but he was laid off from his job at his school, and trying to find work has been hard, but they are starting to hire at my work after having a large hiring freeze, so he starts on Thursday. It will be nice working with him, we won't be working the same area, but we'll see each other a lot.

Well, I'll be uploading the newest ultrasound pics soon and will get those posted soon. Until then...I'll still be puffy and preggo! Hahahaha....

How I chose the name for my son

When telling people I am pregnant, or when they ask if I am having a boy or girl, the first thing I am always asked is, "What are you going to name him?". Seeing as John is a family name, I assume that most people, those who are in my family, must think I am naming my son after my Grandpa John, who passed away when I was 12. Truth is, my grandfather already has a namesake, my cousin. And as much as I love my grandpa, I felt that my son should have the namesake of someone who is very important and special in my life who does not have the honor of having someone named after him. It just so happens that this person also has the name of John.

John is my stepfather, and has taken on the role of father figure in my life when unfortunately, my real father just wasn't there. I am not trying to hurt my real father by saying this, but if he does read this, he knows this, and I have told him this. John and I have a very close relationship, he takes care of me when I need it, and I do the same for him in return. He has had a lot of medical issues in his life with my mom and I, and I have spent many a time in hospitals and at home making sure he is OK. He is a very kind and loving man, although to those who don't know him he seems very quiet and reserved. But he has a wonderful sense of humor and we make each other laugh all the time.

What I find most upsetting is that he has four children of his own, all of whom have removed themselves from his life, rebelling against having any sort of parental figures in their life, and wanting to do their own thing. He has grandchildren which he has only seen from pictures, and some new grandchildren he has never seen a picture of. He'll never say it, at least not to me, but I know that it hurts him that his children have acted the way they did when all he ever tried to do was give them love and discipline and show them how to be decent people in life, and it must hurt him to have grandchildren he has never met. I thought, what a better what to honor a man who has done so much for me, then to give my son his namesake, something his children have not done. Of course, John is a family name, on my mother's side, and it is nice that he will be able to have a family name, but when people ask me who my son is named after, I tell them he is named after my dad.

Phillip is my husband's name, and since this is our first child, and first son, I thought it fitting to give him my husband's name, even though he liked the name Michael for a middle name, which is his brother's name. And I think John Phillip Fry is very professional sounding, a name he can use when he becomes an attorney or doctor (a mother can dream..lol)

23 Week Ultrasound

Today was another doctor visit, and another growth ultrasound. He is growing healthy and strong, his kicks and punches are getting stronger and stronger every day. He is 1lb and 9oz, heartbeat is strong, and the doctor said all his limbs and organs are in place and he is exactly where he should be for his gestational age. Unfortunately, we had the sonographer that I am not a fan of, who takes terrible pictures and isn't very friendly. The pictures that we have aren't great, and she did a 4D ultrasound, which we were so excited about seeing, and it just didn't turn out great. But the doctor said that the best time to have that done is between 28-30 weeks, because we will be able to see what he looks like much better. I hate to say it, but the 4D pictures look kinda creepy, but then he is just bone and loose skin haha! So here is John!

I survived!!

I am back from the dentist and I survived! When we got there I started tearing up going into the door because that is how scared I was, but I put on a brave face and went in. The staff was so nice and they made me feel very comfortable and the dentist agreed the tooth should be extracted and that it could be done today. Seeing as I have Tuesday's off from work for now on, I decided this is the best time to get it done so that I have all night and all day tomorrow to heal. The procedure was kick, only pain was the pinches from the Novocaine shots, and pressure from the tooth being pulled, but that was it. It is gone, and now I never have to worry about it again.

So now here I sit with gauze in my mouth, I have to change it every 10 to 15 minutes until the bleeding stops, and then can only eat soft foods like mashed potatoes for the next two days and I can't spit or rinse for 24 hours so I don't get a dry socket. The Novocaine is starting to wear off, and with it is coming the pain, so as soon as the bleeding stops, which it is slowing down, I am going to try Tylenol first, and then if it gets really bad, I do have Percocet for back up, but I prefer not to take that if I don't have to.

The cute thing was, as much as I was stressed out, John was kicking and punching, almost like he was letting me know he was there for me and everything was going to be OK. He loves his mommy already!

Big Bad Dentist

To know me is to know that I have a huge fear of dentists. Having a stranger put their hands in my mouth and do any type of procedure makes me want to run for the hills! And with all the medical things I have gone through in my life, and impending labor coming up in November, going to the dentist should seem like a breeze. But it scares me to death that today, I have to go see one.

I have a tooth that has been broken for awhile, in fact I have several teeth that are broken or chipped, and after the baby is born I plan on getting dentures. Anywho, this tooth has decided to give me trouble the past month, becoming infected and causing two trips to the ER. Antibiotics kill the infection, and Percocet is safe during pregnancy, but then it comes right back. Which is what it did last night. So since it hurts to talk a lot, my mom called this morning and set up a free consult with a dentist not far from here this afternoon. Either he'll prescribe more medicine to kill the infection and then pull it out, or he will pull it out today if the infection isn't bad or just starting. Yikes!! Usually anytime I have a tooth pulled I am put under become I am such a nervous dental patient, but this time it has to be done awake. I wish I could put this off as far as possible, but I have my little boy to think about, and I don't want the infection to spread into my bloodstream and cause him problems. The little guy isn't even here yet and already I am putting aside my fears to do something I am so afraid of so my son will be OK.

I'll keep you all posted!

Happy 30th Birthday Kimbo!

Today is my 30th birthday and I honestly can't believe that I am 30! It feels like just yesterday I was just starting my 20's, with my whole life ahead of me and a future filled with unknowns. What really amazes me is that I had such dreams and ideas for myself, and where I thought I was going to be when I hit my 30th year, and how different my life actually is today. I have to say though, I am very happy with the direction my life has taken and where I am today. I am married to a man who loves me so much, who would do anything for me and takes such wonderful care of me. Although our life isn't always perfect, I know that I can always count on him to be here at my side. And the best present I could ever have for my birthday is this healthy, amazing baby boy inside me, whose little kicks and punches are getting stronger and stronger every day. I am so proud and honored to be John's mother, and I can't wait to see where our life takes us with him in our family. He is so loved already and I know that all his family can't wait to finally meet him in November!

So happy birthday to me!

Meet my son......

John Phillip Fry!

Oh yes, the infamous penis picture.

His right arm

His profile

His right leg


What a little heartbreaker!



Mom's little man

2nd Trimester Update

Wow, it seems like things have been so busy around here that I just haven't had the time to update the 'ol blog!! Mostly, I've just been working like crazy. Luckily my new manager is giving me almost the maximum hours that I can work a week, which is great seeing as my paychecks are finally getting bigger, and also because I need to have 1,250 worked hours under my belt to qualify for FMLA leave (which for me is maternity leave), and I should have that many by October.

Now on to the update: I am 19 weeks ago, so in another week I will be halfway through this pregnancy and I have to say, so far this has been really easy. Of course, it isn't always a piece of cake, but compared to some of the horror stories I have been hearing from different people since become pregnant, things for baby and I are going very well. I am finding that I am not as tired as I was in the beginning, but I still do rest a lot because when I am active, especially when I am at work all day, there is nothing better then coming home and getting in bed, and sometimes getting a wonderful foot and back massage from Phil. And I am finally starting to feel the baby move!! I feel little flutters every now and again, sometimes it feels like popcorn popping, and yesterday at work it felt like it was doing somersaults. I know that in the next coming weeks I am going to start feeling it on a regular basis, and those little flutters are going to turn into punches and kicks, and honestly, I can't wait.

The biggest thing coming up is on the 23rd, when we will be having our level 2 ultrasound, where they check the anatomy of the baby and we should also be able to find out the sex of the baby, as long as it doesn't act shy and decide to keep its legs closed, like it did with the last ultrasound we had. I can't wait to find out what we are having, and get to see how much our baby has grown.

12th Weeks Prenatal Visit

Today we had our 12th week prenatal visit, where we had an ultrasound done, along with checking the results of the blood work I did last week, to find the results of the first trimester Down Syndrome screening. Of course, I've been worrying about this for the past three weeks, like I worry about everything else, but I had a feeling that everything was going to be fine. The ultrasound went well, and we were able to see the baby up close and even see its facial profile and it was moving around so much. The doctor came in after the ultrasound with a smile on his face and said he has never seen better test results, they are so good that I have a 99.9% chance of having a healthy baby!! He saw nothing wrong with the ultrasound and said it is a strong baby with a heartbeat of 171 beats per minute. I can't tell you how relieved we were to get such wonderful results. We were both feeling sick to our stomach waiting for the doctor to come in and I told Phil, "Welcome to parenthood".

And...as promised..here are ultrasound pics of our sweet pea!

11wks 5days

11wks 5days

11wks 5days

11wks 5days

8wks 6days


8wks 6days

7wks 5days

7wks 5days

2009 Phoenix Arthritis Walk

Hello everyone!!

Last year, Phil and I participated in the Arthritis Walk and this year we are going to be there again! The 2009 Phoenix Arthritis Walk is being held at the Phoenix Zoo on May 2, 2009. Last year we were so lucky to have so many people donate money to this very important cause, and we are hoping that this year we are able to get a few donations again. We know that times are difficult financially for many of us, but if you are able to donate any amount, we would greatly appreciate it.

Please click on the link below to view our team page, Team Fry, and from there you can donate. Thank you so much in advance!!

Kim and Phil

Team Fry - 2009 Phoenix Arthritis Walk

I might explode!

So I've come to the realization that it is time for me to look into getting some bigger pants, this realization happening when I have been discovering that it is getting harder to move around and breathe while in my work pants and once I get home, the best feeling in the world is getting out of those pants and into something roomy. I guess I never thought that at 10 weeks I'd been needed to start maternity clothes shopping, but I am just so bloated and fuller feeling around my waist. I am definitely not complaining though, I love being pregnant, so far everything is still going well, the queasy feeling is really starting to go away, and now all I am really left with is incredible fatigue and a full waist. And I have already gone up two bra sizes, which my husband isn't complaining about, but I'd appreciate more if they didn't hurt all the damn time!

Hormones are something else I am still getting used to. I've never been on who really cries over a lot of things, unless it is something important to me, or my feelings have really been hurt. But now, I cry at the most stupidest things, like because we ran out of soap, or because a customer borrowed my pen and didn't give it back. And then I turn into raging bitch the next second, usually yelling at my poor husband about something, which causes him to get on the defensive, but I think he's starting to learn that I really have no control over these things.

Other then that, things are going really well, and I can't believe we are at 10 weeks already!! A few more weeks and we'll be out of the first trimester and from what I heard things get a little easier, such as the morning sickness subsides and you start getting more energy. I am just looking forward to our next appointment in two weeks, another ultrasound of the sweet pea. I'll need to get my ultrasound pics scanned into the computer so I can share!

Hi Mom!!

Yesterday was my second prenatal appointment, which included the lovely physical exam, ladies, you know you gotta love that exam! Luckily, that didn't last too long and it was on to the good stuff....another ultrasound!!

This time they did an external ultrasound instead of the internal and right away there was our little sweet pea, and it had grown so much in just the past week, and this week we were able to see its heart beating!! It was so cute and beating so fast, 173 beats per minute, so we have a strong baby so far. It was also such a relief to see that heartbeat, I knew everything was going well from last week's ultrasound, but just actually getting to see its heart beating for the first time, it was truly a miracle. Then, the baby decided it wanted to say hi, the tech said look, there is an arm bud, and you could see it sticking up, and then she said, looks like they are moving for you too, and the baby started wiggling!! I knew it, the kid is a ham already...

I also had to get blood work done, 7 vials they took from me, and I had to drink the lovely sugar drink when I got there for the glucose testing. I swear it was like flat orange soda with a big bite to it. Not something a preggo in her first trimester really wants to try and get down, but I did it as fast as possible. So hopefully everything comes back good there.

Next appointment is going to be on April 22nd, when I am at 12 weeks (we are 9 weeks today!), and we will have another ultrasound, and also 8 days before the appointment I need to follow this kit they gave me, where I prick my finger and send in the blood and they will have it by my appointment time, and those results plus the ultrasound will be a first trimester screening for Down Syndrome. Great, another thing I need to worry about, but I have faith that everything is going to be OK.

Oh yes, I've always realized I know need to get maternity pants and a bigger bra (I've already gone up a size, and now this one is getting too tight). Phil isn't complaining though...Hahahahaha!!!

First Prenatal Appointment

Last Tuesday was our first prenatal appointment with the new high risk doctor that my regular OB/GYN referred me to, and let's just say I was beyond nervous. I got there and filled out the mountain of paperwork and did the customary pee in the cup, which they say I will do every time I come in for a visit (luckily preggo's have to pee all the time!). Finally, it was time for me to go back and get our first ultrasound.

This ultrasound was the type they do internally, because the baby is so small, and I've had this done before, so I knew what to expect. The room was so nice, with a huge flat screen on the wall so we could so the pictures without having to stare at the machine. And there it was, our little sweet pea! So small!! I thought I was heading into my 9th week, but she said I was actually 7 weeks and 5 days at that time, which I assumed I was a week behind anyway. And the heartbeat was 153 beats per minute, which she said was very strong, and everything looked very good, and she told me to stop worrying. She said now I just need to get to 12 weeks, through my first trimester, and then she said I'd feel a lot better. But everything looked good and healthy, and that was all I cared about.

After the ultrasound and the pictures which Phil quickly took from me because he was so proud, we met with one of the doctor's (there will be 7 doctor's who work in the office and she said I'll get a chance to meet all of them in my upcoming appointments), and she really had no concerns about my arthritis or being in a chair, except for if I have a flare, in which she said just to call them and they can help with some meds. But other then that, she said I can have a normal delivery as long as everything keeps going well, and just to rest as much as I can and keep things low-stress.

So next week I go in for blood work and glucose testing, and then a gyno exam with the nurse practitioner. I am very happy with this new doctor's office, and the other great thing is that I will be delivering at Banner Desert, which has always been my hospital of choice, because they have they best labor and delivery department and neonatal care unit. And private rooms!! haha!

I'll keep ya posted...and I'll get those first ultrasound pics scanned soon so I can show them off!!

Announcing...Baby Fry!

I've been sort of quiet about this, but Phil and I have been trying for a few months to have a child. We feel that it is something we are ready for and really wanted to have before we started getting too old for it. On March 3rd, we got our wish when the test came back positive!

I went to the dr. on March 5th and had it confirmed, and as of right now I am 8 weeks and 3 days along. I put up a baby tracker on the right side of the page here, so every time you check out my blog you can see how far along we are. I also went to my first prenatal appointment last week, but they told me that I need to see a high-risk dr. because of my arthritis and because I am in a wheelchair, and pregnant women tend to get blood clots in their legs, and being wheelchair bound can be something which may or may not happen to me. I am feeling fine, but the dr. just wants to make sure I get the best care. I don't look at it as a bad thing, because I want us both to be as healthy as we can be.

Morning sickness is in fully swing, but thank goodness I have not thrown up...yet! lol I've come close though, and I seem to be in a constant state of queasy in the mornings and afternoons, but it eases up at night, which is when I feel the most hungry and have cravings. And my breasts are the most tender things in the world, and I could just sleep all day! But I am feeling fine besides that, just taking it as easy as I can.

Hopefully I will be able to get into this new dr. this week, and maybe even get my first ultrasound pics and hear the heartbeat for the first time! We are so very excited!

Leisurely Tuesday

Yesterday Phil and I both had the day off, and since I spent my first day off on Monday straightening up the house and doing all my other wifely duties, I had the whole day yesterday to just sit back and relax and I figured what better way to spend the day but to go to the new Queen Creek library, which is right around the corner from our house. We decided to walk/roll down there (lol) and it was such a beautiful day out, 80 degrees and perfect. The one thing I did notice was that sidewalks just seem to end around here, and then I am forced to off road it, and there are no street lights to get your safely across the street unless you go a mile up the road, so your forced to cross the street where ever you can. You would think that this town, with all the money they are putting in to building infrastructure and whatnot, could afford to put in some sidewalks or make things a little more handicap accessible, but I guess not. My mom says I should write the town and let them know the issues I have when trying to get around, but I think it is going to end up being another letter that is just tossed in some wastebasket. Maybe I will though, I know I've seen a few other people around here who use powerchairs and scooters and they have the same problems I do.

Anyway, we finally get to the library and it is so nice, and I just love the smell of a new building. We went up to the desk and both got a library card, and then we were off to explore. It has been so long since I've been in a library, and I didn't realize how much I missed it. The one thing that is nice about this place is that they don't use the card catalog of numbers, where to find your book you have to write down the number of where it is, and then search the whole place trying to find those numbers. This is basically here are the fiction books, and you find your author alphabetically. Not that I mind having to find a book I want based on the card catalog, I've done it a lot, and it isn't hard, but it makes it nice just being able to go to a section and there is everything you want and not have to worry about whether your in the right area or not.

The really great thing about this library is that you can check out DVDs, and these are brand new releases as well as older ones, and also TV series. This makes it so much easier then having to pay $1 a night for a Redbox movies, or $10 a month for Netflix, and you get to keep the movie for 7 days. And for us, who like so many people are on a budget, anything you can get for free is great! We rent The House Bunny and Forgetting Sarah Marshall, and he also got some military movie and The Ring 2, which I told him he is watching by himself because I just can't do scary movies. I also checked out a really interesting book by John Grisham called "The Innocent Man" and Phil, who really loves Westerns, got a book about a gunslinger in the Old West. I also found the cooking section and checked out a Pillsbury cookbook with 177 different easy recipes that all look so delicious, and I am definitely one of loves trying out new recipes.

After the library, we made a stop by Bahama Bucks, which is a great place that serves Hawaiian shaved ice and smoothies. When you open the door to the place, you are hit with the smell of coconut, and their shaved ice is so creamy. I got watermelon, with cream on top, and a little umbrella in it, and really, how can a drink with a little umbrella in it not be good? It really hit the spot on such a warm day.

After our library and shaved ice adventure, we headed over to my work, good ol' Walmart, to pick up a few groceries we needed for dinner. I made my hearty pork stew, full of fresh mushrooms, carrots, potatoes, and green onions. It is so good and something I haven't made in awhile, because it takes a few hours to really get the stew nice and cooked with full flavor. But the hard work is definitely worth it. Served with some crusty french bread, and a good movie in the DVD player, it was a great end to a great day.

Redbox = Confessional

There's this phenomenon, known as Redbox. I am sure you've seen them around in Walmart's and Walgreens, and who knows where else. It is, literally, a red box that has the latest movies in it, and you can rent a movie for the night for a $1, sometimes free if you have a promo code.

Of course, my Walmart has a Redbox, placed conveniently at the busiest door of the store, and on the weekends, this machine blows up. The line of people that stand there waiting to return and rent a movie can sometimes head out toward the door. A fellow greeter has named it the "Confessional", because you stand in front of it, hoping and praying your movie will be available to rent.

So this weekend, it was another go with the "Redboxers", having to continually do crowd control, asking them not to block the exit because, well, people are trying to get past you to leave and your not moving out of the way. I have come to love observing these redboxers too, because it is so funny how people will act when it comes to renting a movie.

The one common thing I noticed is that no one has trust in the fact that someone else will return your movie for you, so you don't have to wait in line. You'll see a lady, with three screaming kids in line, looking frazzled, and the nice person in front of them asks if they can return the movie for her so she can go about her day, and immediately her hand tightens around her movies as she says no, and looks at the person suspiciously. It is funny how no one trusts someone else, thinking they will just keep the movie for themselves and they'll end up getting charged. Now, I am sure that happens, but I really don't think the 50 yr old grandpa wants to watch High School Musical 3 and Spongebob Squarepants. I could be wrong though....

Another great thing is how mad these redboxers get when someone comes into the store and just walks up to the machine and announces to the whole line that they are just returning, so it's OK I just cut in here, right? Most people don't say anything, but seeing as they having been standing in line for 30 minutes, if looks could kill, that little ditzy blonde would be a goner. And it is always those girls who come in dressed like they just left the club, or strip club. I guess they figure if their ass and boobs are hanging out, no one will notice they just cut in line in front of 15 angry people.

Of course, my favorite, is the people who get up there and spend about an hour trying to find a movie to rent, while the line behind them grows bigger and bigger. I've seen people read every description of every movie, and then after wasting all that time, not even RENT a movie. You start seeing the line get annoyed to downright ready to turn into a mob and kill. Of, and let's not forget the people who come up to me and bitch that their movie isn't available to rent, and what am I going to do about it. Well, I don't control the redbox, and if you want a movie so bad, go online and reserve it. One guy actually had the nerve to tell me that since his movie wasn't available, Walmart should give him the DVD of the movie free. OK dude, keep holding your breath on that to happen.

Oh look, I just got my Monday text for my free Redbox promo code Monday's...I must hurry and get in line.....

Tales From A Greeter - #2

Another installment of the wacky and weird things I see while being a greeter....

~Fashion Tip: Wearing sweatpants with writing on the ass, such as "Juicy", just looks weird, no matter how nice of an ass you have. And if you are going to wear pants with writing on the ass, don't get mad when guys stare at your ass the whole time you are shopping through the store..or when anyone looks at your ass because HELLO...you have words there...you might as well have your pants say "Stare Here!"

~ Attention Shoplifters: If you send one guy in the store to buy a computer legitimately, and they go through the door and the greeter stops you and checks the receipt, and highlights that everything is good with THAT computer, don't leave the store, give the receipt to someone else, and have them come in and get the same computer and try to pass it through the other door. We highlight the receipts for a reason...do you really think we aren't going to catch that?

~ Attention patrons of the Redbox movie machine: Walmart does not run the Redbox, we do not put movies in there, that is done by the Redbox guy once a week. Having your cute 6 year old come up to me asking if I could put High School Musical 3 in the machine so they can rent it, and then getting mad at me when I say we don't have the ability to do that and yell at me because your kid is crying because the movie is all rented out, really isn't good parenting.

~ Speaking of bad parenting: When you enter into the store, it really isn't smart to walk fast with your 2 yr old toddling behind you, and you are halfway into the store before you realize your kid is still trying to get through the door. It would be so easy for someone to snatch up your kid and you would be none the wiser. Besides having to do returns and check receipts, I also then have to be the babysitter for your kid until you realize they aren't with you.

~ Please don't yell at me and tell me I am discriminating against you when I ask to check your receipt. I don't care what your race, religion, or anything else is, if you have things at the bottom of your cart, anything from electronics, or if you are just walking out of the store with an item, I have to check the receipt. I didn't check the guy in front of you because his stuff was in a bad, and your walking out with an MP3 player in your hand, no bag, no visible receipt.

~ If you need to ride the electric cart around the store when you are shopping, then by all means, it is available for your use. But the carts are not allowed outside the store, and there are signs posted regarding this. If you walk into the store just fine, then suddenly tell me you can't walk out to your car and yell at me about discriminating against the disabled, then don't get mad when I alert you to the fact I saw you walk into the store fine, so you are able to get to your car without the electric cart, and that I am not breaking any disability laws, because I know the laws full well...hello, I am disabled myself!

~ Speaking of me being disabled, it really is not alright for you to walk up to me when you come into the store, push on my legs, and ask how long I have been paralyzed. Yes, I kid you not, people will actually push on my legs thinking I am paralyzed and can't feel it. Even if I was paralyzed (which thank goodness I am not), why would you need to push on my legs!? It's just weird!

OK, so there's a few goodies for ya! There's always more to come!!

Swollen Finger

I've noticed, for the past 2 months, that I haven't been able to take off my wedding ring. I wear a size 7, but my fingers to tend to swell a bit with my arthritis, and with the colder weather, they have been a bit swollen. I've tried taking off the two rings, but they don't come off easily, and since I really have no reason to take them off, I haven't worried about it.

Yesterday I decided our rings needed cleaning, and since I bought a new toothbrush, I took some toothpaste on the brush and scrubbed his ring, and it came out so nice and shiny. So I went to take off my ring, and of course, it wouldn't budge. So I cleaned it with it on my finger, and it looked like it was brand new, but I wanted to get it off so I could clean underneath it. A few hours passed and I tried taking it off again, this time pulling and twisting it as hard as I could, and I got them both off, but it made my finger red and swollen. So I got it nice and clean and took a shower, and afterward put the rings back on again and the finger got even more red and swollen, and the rings wouldn't move an inch. I tried putting butter and oil on my finger and it just wouldn't move, and I ended up making my finger raw. So I iced it all night, and went to bed hoping the swelling would go down. No luck, the swelling was still there, and my finger felt tight, and we had no choice but to cut off the engagement ring part. I was scared as hell when he came at me with the pliers, pleading for him to not cut off my finger as well, but he was so gently and after a few tries, the ring snapped off, and I cried. I love my ring, more for the symbolism then anything else, and it broke my heart to see it laying there on the counter broken. But my finger started feeling so much better right away. I iced it more, and I thought I was going to have to take the wedding band off as well, but it doesn't seem to be bothering my finger, and I really don't want to go around wearing no ring at all. Luckily the swelling has gone down some, and the finger is feeling better.

I would like to get a new set, because I love wearing a set and not just the band, but for now, at least I have my wedding band to wear, and that it good enough for me. Eventually I'll get something else that I will love just as much, but I am going to hold onto my engagement ring, because it has so much meaning for me. I put it in my jewelry box for safe keeping.

Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day has never been a good day for me in the past, I've either been single on the day, or I was even dumped on the day once, many years ago. So I sort of make it a point to not even try and recognize the day. But now I have Phil, and the day isn't as bad as it used to be.

For him, I bought him a fishing pole this year, and yes, as silly of a Valentine's Day present as it seems, it is what he really wanted. The funny thing was trying to roll around Wal-Mart with this fishing pole, which I was able to pull apart, but it was still tall, and having all my co-workers laughing at me, making jokes about my "big catch". That day was also extremely windy and stormy, so trying to make it home across the parking lot, in 20mph winds, holding onto a fishing pole for dear life, was quite a sight too.

Phil got me a big box of chocolate's, the one thing about Valentine's Day I love, because I love the chocolate assortment, and he got me a beautiful card. He went to work that morning, I went to work at night, but my real present was when I got home, for he had cooked me a big dinner, and it was so good! It was nice to be pampered like that, especially after a long night at work.

Now I am enjoying two days off, after working five days in a row, and I am definitely needing the relaxation. I was able to finish the book, Twilight, and I have to say I am totally hooked, and can't wait to start in on the next book in the series. I can't believe it has taken me this long to finally get to reading these books, and now I am looking forward to seeing the movie, which I am sure Mindy and I will end up going, because I don't see it as Phil's type of movie, and she is in love with it too, and has already seen it like two or three times. I am sure I can convince her to see it one more! Haha

Today is President's Day, and something strange I found out, is that Obama is going to be visiting my old high school on Wednesday, Dobson High. As my friend Tori says, he just wants to close to where Kimbo has been Hahaha!!

Well, nothing else to really report. We were thinking of heading out to the park tomorrow and letting Brandi run around and explore, and have a picnic, but rain is coming in again tonight, so I think we'll just spend another quiet day at home together before our work week begins again.

20 yrs of Walmart and Bobo

I went to work last night and noticed we had a new greeter, which at first took me by surprise because they have been cutting hours and have put a freeze on hiring, but it turns out she is a transfer from the store in Albuquerque. I am going to say that she is probably in her 80's, very sweet women with a soft southern accent. She told me that as of June she will be with Walmart for 20 years! I think my jaw hit the floor when she said that, and she said that in all that time she has never been late, and has never missed a day, she is just totally dedicated her to job. I just can't imagine working there for 20 years! Yes, I am grateful in these hard times to have a job, but we are talking about a company that has a blantant disregard for it's associates and where people just thinking they can enforce new rules all the time, no matter how silly. Plus, just dealing with some of these customers, getting yelled at for silly things like not being able to take an electric cart outside, is tiresome and feels not worth it for the minimum wage your being paid. On the 25th I'll be there for 5 months, and already I am sick of the place....can you imagine 20 yrs!! Geesh!!

Speaking of which, I guess it is getting about that time for me start getting ready for work myself. Phil is out right now doing a measurement on a security door for my friend and fellow greeter Lela. She was looking for someone to install one for her and I offered Phil's services. He is so happy to be able to do some carpentry again. He really misses it and went off happily with all his tools.

Oh..and on a cute Brandi dog note...last night after work I was getting the birdies some food and Brandi some of her wet dog food she likes, when I came across a Valentine's Day Bobo (for those that don't know, those dog toys called Loofah Dogs, they are long and squeak, we call them her BoBo), and it is red and it is holding a pink heart that says, "I Wuff You". How could I resist that!!?? He thought I was silly, but her halloween bobo that looks like Frankenstein has about had its day. And she has been loving on it ever since, in fact she just brought it to me to play. $4 toy and your dog loves you forever, how could I pass that up!

Still sicky...

I am still sick with this cold/allergies/whatever the hell it is that is making me not breathe. Work the past two days has been murder almost, last night I could barely keep my eyes open because of the sinus pressure in my head, and I haven't been able to really sleep in the past three days. Either I wake up coughing or sneezing like every 5 mins when I try to lay down. Poor Phil went to sleep on the couch at 2am because I was keeping him up and I felt so bad, but he said he wanted me to have the bed so I could get rest. Too bad rest never happened. Today was payday though, and I was able to get some Tylenol Severe Sinus Congestion pills, which has always helped me when I am really sick like this, and already the pressue in my head is getting better, and my sinus's are slowly clearing. I am hoping that by this time tomorrow I feel a lot better, and work will be more tolerable. I also hope I can get some real sleep tonight. I also have my appetite back some, in the past 3 days all I've had to eat was a bagel last night, and 2 popsicles before work today. I didn't feel like grocery shopping tonight, and pizza sounded so good since we haven't had it in so long, so right now we are waiting for the Papa John's guy. I love their Chicken, Bacon, and Ranch pizza, and I get it with ham also.

Achooo...

It has been a long time since I've had a cold this nasty, and this thing is really wiping me out! I thought at first I just had bad allergies because they have been planting a lot of flowers around here the past week, and both our allergies started acting up. But he started feeling better, and I just kept getting worse. Yesterday I thought I was bad, but today I am worse. I've almost lost my voice, which is going to make work fun tonight, seeing as the whole point of being a greeter is to actually talk and greet people. My glands are swollen and are very tender, and my throat feels like it is on fire, and my nose is either stuffed up, or can't stop running. I just really feel miserable, and I haven't had a cold this bad in a long time. But I guess it was inevitable, the weather has been warming up, yet as soon as I get into work it is freezing, and customers are coming in sick with their returns, and associates are sick too. So right now I am trying to get as much rest as possible, but I work the next 6 days in a row. I am actually grateful that I am only working 4 hours a day these next 6 days, because it means I can rest more before going to work, and then can come home and go right to bed. Right now I am trying to eat a little something, but I have no appetite and it hurts so much to swallow. Ugh, I hate being sick....

Rawr!

So it turns out the guy at work didn't get laid off due to economic reasons, he was laid off because he was tardy 11 times during his 90-day probation. A lot of people were really angry at him because he went around saying it was due to the economy and frankly, with how bad things are, you hear that and it does put fear in people. Not to say they aren't doing layoff's right now, I believe it has been 6 people that have been let go so far, but they are doing it to basically the dead weight, people who aren't doing their job rights, people who they can tell just don't appreciate having a job in the first place by their attitude. So was I worried, damn right! Anything can happen. But if they are going to lay people off based on job performance, then I know I am ok because I do the best job I can, and my manager has even given me compliments on how I do my job, which is a big thing. And we do need greeters, it really is a job no one wants, so they would be stupid to get rid of someone who actually does the job and does it well.

In other news, I've been really frustrated with Brandi lately because she won't poop for me. I know, this sounds silly, but she used to wake up in the morning and I could take her out after Phil left for school and she'd go and things would be fine. The past two weeks though, I've been taking her out, and she sniffs everything, plays in the grass, everything but do what she is supposed to. Of course, take her home, and 5 mins later she is whining and pawing to go back out. It would be like an all day production to get her to poop, and then he'd get home and take her out and she'd do it right away. So this morning when we all work up I said "Ok Brandi, today we are going to poop and that's final". Maybe she understood because she went right away! Yes, it is silly to get frustrated with a dog not pooping, but when you have places to go and things to do, it is just annoying to take her out for her to just play. Plus, I was also worried something might be wrong because she wasn't going. But I think the culprit was that she was getting way too many treats at my parents house, and not eating her dinner at night. So I've cut her back from that, so maybe that has helped.

Speaking of Brandi, she is laying on my bed under the covers and keeps looking at me like, "Are you coming to take a nap with me Mom?". We've been up since 6a, and we didn't go to bed until really late, so I think a little nap before I have to get up and get ready for work sounds really nice right now.

Possible Layoff's??

Yesterday morning I was reading about what they are calling "Bloody Monday", where tons of companies are letting go of thousands of their staff and closing stores and offices. It really is scary to see what is happening to our economy, and I am hoping the current administration can really change things around like they say they are. I started to worry that maybe MY job could be in jeopardy, but then I thought, well, it's Walmart, they are the only company doing well right now, so I should be safe.Fast-forward to last night, when a cashier, who has been with Walmart as long as I have (4 months), was leaving for the night and stopped to tell me he was just laid off. The reason? ""Economic conditions", the manager told him, and that since they have already cut hours, and the store is still very slow, and not making much money, this is the next step, and they are going to have to start with the newest associates. But after 4 months, you aren't new, we've passed our 90-day probation period, and there are several other people who have started within the last few weeks. So in an instant I went from feeling lucky to be working for a company that wasn't going to be in any need to do layoff's, to feeling scared for my job. Luckily, greeters are needed, and I am doing a good job for them, but when it comes to layoff's, no one is safe. You could be absolutely needed and be the best employee a company has, but if they can't afford to pay you, then that's life. I have already gone from working 28-30 hours a week, down to now 20 hours for the next 3 weeks. That is a huge hour cut, and even though working only 4 hours a day is nice, it is going to hurt in the paycheck, and we are going to struggle. Only thing I can hope for is that we are able to get a large tax refund so we can get current on some bills, and start up a savings account, so if I am laid off, we at least have something to fall back on until I am able to get something else.

What I find really upsetting though, is that no one is really taking about the layoff's that could happen, it is sort of we know it is happening, but management just isn't going to confirm it. Instead of being honest and upfront and saying that yes, we are probably going to layoff some associates, so be prepared kinda thing, it is just you go to work, do your whole shift, and then when you clock out for the day, you are told by they way, we have to let you go. I can only pray that they feel, as a greeter, I am really needed and it would hurt them to let me go, and all I can do is keep doing the best job for them that I can.

I think my dog is racist

This is something I think I have always known for awhile, but it is time to come out with it....

Brandi is racist...

When we first adopted her and brought her home, we started noticing that she would bark and growl nonstop at any of our India neighbors. At the time we lived near Intel in Chandler, AZ, so there was many families living in the complex who were from India, and she would just get this bark and growl like she wanted to eat one.

Now that we are in our new apartment, she's taken to barking and growling every time she sees someone who is Mexican or who is Black. She will sit at the living room window and will just be relentless in her barking and growling.

A white guy just walked by though, and she just stopped and looked at him, and her tail started wagging.

I'm so ashamed....

Anywho..hahaha...tonight after work I am meeting up with Mindy for dinner and I swear I haven't seen her since July! It has been a long time since I have been able to go out on a Friday night, even though I have to work it is just for four hours until 7p tonight, so I can actually enjoy myself for once and go out at night!