It’s been a long time

It’s been a long time since the last time I posted. I apologize and will attempt to make it up a little bit. We had to take an impromptu trip to Mississippi, as Zach’s grandfather gave us a big scare. As a result, the last week or so has meant very little sleep and a whole lot of stress for our family. However, Isabelle seems to be growing in leaps and bounds and didn’t seemed phased at all by the long car ride and unfamiliar faces and places. As a matter of fact, she seemed to thrive at her Nana and Papa’s house. She loved their dog, Joker, who is about the same size as our cats but way more patient with her. If you wanted to be cheered up, all it took was a game of fetch with Joker and her giggles would fill the house.

I am also studying for my next exam and gearing up for the holiday season. So, needless to say I have been pretty much unable to be tremendously introspective or even spend much time in front of my computer. I’ll try to be a little bit better throughout the coming days.

Pregnancy Brain?

Here at work, I listen to a podcast called “Babies and Moms-Birth & Beyond.” Anyway, I was listening today to an episode recorded last May, and they we talking about the changes that your brain goes through during pregnancy. Did you know that your brain shrinks 8% during pregnancy?!? It does not go back to normal until 6 months after giving birth. So that’s why I didn’t feel normal until about Isabelle’s 6 month mark. I thought it was the lack of sleep. That “pregnant brain” excuse isn’t an excuse after all!

Joe the Plumber

If you watched the debate, you heard about “Joe the Plumber.” It sounds like he has similar opinions on privacy regarding his vote as I expressed yesterday. Way to go, Joe, to not share your private choice in the midst of a media frenzy. You can look here for the internet article regarding Joe.

Politics

I don’t often comment upon politics. I grew up with the strong conviction that although we may have strong political beliefs, they are also a personal decision. If you are a friend or colleague, and you ask me about my thoughts on certain issues, I will share them. I may not agree with you, and you may think I am wrong (and I may think the same about your opinion). This is our right as citizens of the U.S. However, I will not tell you for whom I am voting (or have voted). I have offended several people by not revealing this. However, I believe that the person for whom I vote is my choice, and frankly, regardless of my relationship to you, not your business. If you know me well, you can make an educated guess, but I will not tell you.

With that said, I’d like to make a comment that will probably resonate with quite a few people, especially with another debate tonight. I would like to suggest to any political candidate from McCain and Obama on down to the people running for the local offices a very simple concept. If you are running for office, don’t comment on the other guy. In today’s political climate, you will impress me, and probably quite a few other people, if you don’t mudsling or comment on how awful the other candidate’s position is. If you are having a debate, answer the question that is posed to you. In previous debates this election year, I have heard more about the supposed position of the other guy than I have heard about the actual position of the person speaking. I believe I speak for most people when I say that we listen to the debates to find more about the candidates, not to hear attacks. If you actually pretend that you are running unopposed and that the people are simply voting “yea” or “nay” for you, I think that it will make huge waves for your candidacy.

That’s my political soapbox. More fun stuff—mommy and otherwise—at a later date.