tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695034534740404365.post4661536704318277224..comments2024-03-28T15:05:08.604-04:00Comments on Beau Baby: Best Thing/Worst ThingSuzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04942455468832787000noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695034534740404365.post-54512274924851125812012-11-16T13:30:25.364-05:002012-11-16T13:30:25.364-05:00Oh, man, I'm so sorry that you're going th...Oh, man, I'm so sorry that you're going through such a rough time. Your situation really sounds trying. My husband has been working weekends for the last few months, so any time that I'm at home I'm alone (and engaging in a creepy one-sided conversation with my dogs... not weird at all). But he's finishing his freelance job up today so it's back to unemployment for a while. I struggle sometimes because I job that pays better than any other job I've ever had, but it's also pretty crummy and unsustainable (80 hours a week outside in all weather, getting yelled at by people all the time). I want to look for something new, but I'm really afraid to since my husband spends half the year or so unemployed. Ugh! But no matter how bad it gets, I know we won't go back to the days of surviving by eating leftovers from the restaurant I worked at. This is a tough city to live in, but I'm hoping that things take a turn for the better for you guys and that your husband's schooling really helps his career to take off. I like the idea that someone mentioned above about swapping babysitting time with another mom-- maybe even just one afternoon to yourself a week would make you feel saner! <br /><br />Love the cuff! That really does look like a great gift!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695034534740404365.post-91607714271839595542012-11-07T16:37:45.723-05:002012-11-07T16:37:45.723-05:00Hang in there my dear! We are all supporting you! ...Hang in there my dear! We are all supporting you! I just love the jar idea...I absolutely love your blog and hope we can meet in person soon :)Debihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12668255845241284664noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695034534740404365.post-45579851343335451072012-11-07T01:30:23.465-05:002012-11-07T01:30:23.465-05:00I can relate to everything in your post except for...I can relate to everything in your post except for trying to work at home while raising a kid - that has got to be hard. When I got pregnant I was a cashier at Value Village - I know I had to go back to school and I did when my daughter was 10 months old. I went to school 5 days a week and worked 4 8-hour shifts at VV a week and things were very tight. If I had to do it again I would use the food bank. We ate - but it was very stressful going to the grocery store with my $10 or $12 in my pocket and trying to make it stretch. Luckily my kid loved Heinz beans in sauce. The schooling did lead to a better job (secretarial, not a doctor or anything) so it was totally worth it. Then when she was in kindergarten my husband lost his job for a year. In order not to be destitude again I took a 15-20 hour a week second job at the Dollar Store. I will say this about living in poverty - it can make one very bitter if your partner doesn't share it with you equally ie. if one of you is making more sacrifices than the other. I would much rather live with a poor man that shares everything with me than live with a rich man doesn't.Saranoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695034534740404365.post-63465048505745644942012-11-06T22:41:53.063-05:002012-11-06T22:41:53.063-05:00Part of the reason I love you and your blog so muc...Part of the reason I love you and your blog so much is because you aren't afraid to be a real person, even on the Internet. Thank you for throwing the pasta on the floor and then admitting it to the world...im 8 1/2 months pregnant and recently I locked myself in the bathroom and ate 3 freeze pop Popsicles and cried while my toddler ate his snack and watched a cartoon I hate and he loves. I try to remind myself that everything is a phase; our finances, my hormones, the fact that I'm terrified of my serger, my son insisting on playing in the shower curtain even though it makes me feel insane...<br />Sometimes it helps. But sometimes, I think, you just have to eat Popsicles and cry.<br />Katie S.https://www.blogger.com/profile/01448623117030105928noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695034534740404365.post-28462568999392388082012-11-06T21:32:41.587-05:002012-11-06T21:32:41.587-05:00I am so sorry to hear of your lice problem! That s...I am so sorry to hear of your lice problem! That stinks. The hazards of being a parent. Ugh.<br /><br />I don't know how you do it. I bet having a great garden helps. I am jealous of you for that. I understand destitute. It sucks big time. <br /><br />I like how everyone is offloading their daily stresses! Best thing, worst thing! Spill it!Suzannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04942455468832787000noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695034534740404365.post-68753136307620058882012-11-06T21:28:35.699-05:002012-11-06T21:28:35.699-05:00You are so right on. Pinterest makes me want to co...You are so right on. Pinterest makes me want to consume...pretty clothes, fancy food, perfect coordinated sheet sets...just as reading glossy mags feeds my consumer urges. For Christmas I'm making caramels and ornaments. Only our kid gets store-bought stuff. But there are so many other expenses that add up throughout the holidays: work parties that require paying a babysitter for the night, postage for cards, and Christmas trees cost about $50 in NYC. I'm a terrible person for it, but I wish Christmas was like the Olympics and only came once every four years.Suzannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04942455468832787000noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695034534740404365.post-45088626355865759492012-11-06T20:37:20.990-05:002012-11-06T20:37:20.990-05:00Lady, I'm right there with ya. Family of six o...Lady, I'm right there with ya. Family of six on a housepainter's salary. Last winter was the worst - the WORST! - and by the time spring came we were pretty much destitute. No word of a lie: I had to bring my winter boots in to the repair shop to have a zipper replaced some time after Christmas, then never managed to get the $40 together to get them out until the snow was long gone. Sigh. Summer came, things picked up, and it's looking pretty good for the coming winter, but our "pretty good" is relative. Like, we might all have boots. Even with our folks around (thank the forces that be), I still have at least one child hanging off me / whining at me / asking me maddening questions / throwing food on my floor at all times. There is no point in the night when all four of them are asleep. Which at least means there's no risk of us ending up with a fifth, I guess. So that's something.<br /><br />Just in case you need some more anecdotes to assure you that someone else's life is as absurd/frustrating as your own, let me tell you that:<br />- I have had to delouse my beautiful blonde daughter repeatedly since school started this year De-louse. De. Louse. Tomorrow Charlie gets the treatment, then me. I. Could. Cry. <br />- The repeated delousings require laundering every single bit of bedding in hot water, which is costing us a small fortune.<br />- There are 6 of us, but only 5 seats in our car, and only Mark knows how to drive. We haven't gone anywhere together in a vehicle since Eleanor was born.<br />- Did I mention about the delousing?<br /><br />Anyway, I for one think you're amazing. Your talent and skill wow me every time you post. And you look like a million bucks all the freakin' time (or at least in every photo). If you ever say "eff it all" and decide to move to St. John's, I would bring you tea/booze and cookies/more booze weekly. At least. And I promise I wouldn't give you head lice.Andreae Callananhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05641323538900687652noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695034534740404365.post-15737009981495282812012-11-06T19:06:59.352-05:002012-11-06T19:06:59.352-05:00This isn't advice, but at some point I realize...This isn't advice, but at some point I realized that sometimes Pinterest was making me feel like glossy magazines used to- before I quit them like an unhealthy habit. You are you. And you are A-maz-ing! Last Christmas my extended family did a "homemade" Christmas, and talent and imagination was suddenly more valuable than cash. I can appreciate that a 4yr old might not 'get it', but between adults at least? It's Inspiring! And look forward to the joy that will be when she shifts to loving Giving presents maybe more than getting them (or at least the anticipation of). Thanks for all your you-ness shining through!Kimbersewhttp://seamstresskim.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695034534740404365.post-73920184689526222712012-11-06T13:47:39.141-05:002012-11-06T13:47:39.141-05:00Is "box of sugar" oonabaloonaspeak for a...Is "box of sugar" oonabaloonaspeak for a "big hug"? You're so sweet. Suzannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04942455468832787000noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695034534740404365.post-34856285808574162872012-11-06T13:46:03.953-05:002012-11-06T13:46:03.953-05:00this makes me want to show up on your doorstep wit...this makes me want to show up on your doorstep with a bottle of rye, a bag of fabric, and a box of sugar. marcy harriell | oonaballoonahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07586073125331744719noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695034534740404365.post-10638430103196537402012-11-06T12:20:42.367-05:002012-11-06T12:20:42.367-05:00i TOTALLY feel your pain! we've been doing the...i TOTALLY feel your pain! we've been doing the living on a single income thing for the past eight years. initially we didn't need the second income. then twice within two weeks of giving birth to a child my husband lost his job due to companies going under. talk about stress! those days are behind us, but we're still paying for it (literally) which necessitates huge sacrifices. yeah, my fabric budget is pretty insignificant and i get depressed when a project doesn't work out for feeling like i could have spent that $20 better elsewhere. we have a light at the end of our tunnel and a plan to get through it all, but it is sooo hard to keep everything in perspective. hang in there, you are not alone!lisa g.https://www.blogger.com/profile/09891757600316953288noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695034534740404365.post-66365657832654898442012-11-06T12:16:24.535-05:002012-11-06T12:16:24.535-05:00At the library right now! (Working on my laptop wh...At the library right now! (Working on my laptop while my kid is at pre-kindergarten). Suzannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04942455468832787000noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695034534740404365.post-10302570547497801302012-11-06T12:15:41.940-05:002012-11-06T12:15:41.940-05:00That is so sweet of you. Just remember there are j...That is so sweet of you. Just remember there are junk piles located strategically out of the frame! And last week I actually threw a box of pasta on the kitchen floor in anger. We all have our moments.Suzannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04942455468832787000noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695034534740404365.post-37270766357977671782012-11-06T11:50:16.265-05:002012-11-06T11:50:16.265-05:00Oh, and this: when my husband and I struggled with...Oh, and this: when my husband and I struggled with time and financial issues as young parents, we spent lots of time at the public libraries and walking/biking routes. You will forever benefit from these 2 free activities, the possibilities they inspire are endless.Nancynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695034534740404365.post-27268992035269824832012-11-06T11:17:47.879-05:002012-11-06T11:17:47.879-05:00I don't really have any advice for you, just s...I don't really have any advice for you, just sending good vibes your way. I find that nothing wears me down like non-stop childcare, as much as I love my children. Maybe you could swap babysitting with another mom? As to the grass always being greener, well, I look at your blog and think you live in the coolest place ever, have a cute family and sew adoable stuff, surely you have it all... :-)Utahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06011335110798185030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695034534740404365.post-22774130071717668082012-11-06T10:57:08.798-05:002012-11-06T10:57:08.798-05:00Happy to hear you had a happy ending, and that you...Happy to hear you had a happy ending, and that you didnt have to sell your house!Suzannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04942455468832787000noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695034534740404365.post-32721875296600720012012-11-06T10:55:44.567-05:002012-11-06T10:55:44.567-05:00It's just i Cord, which is super easy. There a...It's just i Cord, which is super easy. There are a tons of online tutorials around. It was a satusfying small project for sure!Suzannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04942455468832787000noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695034534740404365.post-363168744101688212012-11-06T10:53:41.750-05:002012-11-06T10:53:41.750-05:00That puts it in perspective! Hang in there.That puts it in perspective! Hang in there.Suzannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04942455468832787000noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695034534740404365.post-86978288294398617802012-11-06T10:52:49.488-05:002012-11-06T10:52:49.488-05:00Love the essay. I have a friend who teaches grade ...Love the essay. I have a friend who teaches grade 1. And she's heard everything from those kids. One day she was looking at a few pictures from years past, and a kid said, "You look so young! Huh, amazing what a difference a few years make." Little bastard. Suzannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04942455468832787000noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695034534740404365.post-6860510504436237102012-11-06T10:51:16.614-05:002012-11-06T10:51:16.614-05:00I love your characterization of life periods as se...I love your characterization of life periods as seasons both balmy and bad. I know it gets better. Sometimes just saying your problems aloud (or writing them down) puts them in perspective.Suzannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04942455468832787000noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695034534740404365.post-83354229163149567702012-11-06T10:21:34.813-05:002012-11-06T10:21:34.813-05:00I so understand this (but then I'm old and hav...I so understand this (but then I'm old and have gone through just everything). My go-to thing when life caves in is to make a list -- on paper if you like, or just in your mind. Sounds way too simple, but here goes. When you're down you need to perk up, so choose anything in your daily life and list possible improvements; i.e., redo the monthly budget, make out nutritious menus, schedule some regular exercise (can't stress the helpfulness of this one enough), start a schedule to clean out all the cupboards/closets, redo the sewing stuff or the kitchen stuff or whatever stuff you love, write newsy letters (on paper) to your loved ones and mail them (perhaps they will respond in kind!). Keep in mind that life comes in seasons, and they aren't all delightfully warm. Some are chilly, but these have unique beauty as well, and it sounds like you're acknowledging the sweet things in your life. Take care -- remember when you were so excited when the baby said one word, and now at age 4 they just overflow with chatterchatterchatter. (At age 13 they shut their bedroom door and don't come out for about 4 years). But that's another season...ha Nancynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695034534740404365.post-88971231183295191832012-11-06T10:15:34.342-05:002012-11-06T10:15:34.342-05:00I really like the idea of a good things jar. It d...I really like the idea of a good things jar. It definitely is Oprah-iffic (love that word) but I think it will be a really nice way to gain perspective and shine a positive light on life. <br /><br />I can understand the need to feel productive vs. having the resources. Things are changing around my household in preparation for this new baby. I haven't always been so responsible with money and now I really have to get tough to get it all sorted out. Paying for childcare is something that will be in the cards soon for us. Anyway, I'm starting to feel the pressure. It won't be pretty for a while. Hell, maybe indefinitely...<br /><br />I agree with Molly about doing small projects. I also like to focus on the art projects I do at school with my students when I'm really feeling down. It is, after all, still creating. Maybe some four year old artwork would be fun? Also just know that when you are really feeling down about your appearance, the worst thing you can do is teach a classroom full of kindergarteners. God forbid I have a zit or something cause there will be ten children ready to point it out to me. I was talking with a student the other day, explaining one on one how to do something in class and he all of sudden stopped and started squinting at me while I was talking. I thought, uh oh, here it goes... He asked me why one of my bottom teeth was in front of the other two. I told him that my teeth were a little crooked. He told me I should really get some braces. I had to walk away.<br /><br />Anway, sorry for the essay. Sending positive thoughts your way.liza janehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16916364137307894200noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695034534740404365.post-50717567725852200372012-11-06T10:10:02.504-05:002012-11-06T10:10:02.504-05:00I'm here on the other coast in Portland OR. I ...I'm here on the other coast in Portland OR. I have FOUR little darlings hanging around my neck at all times. I understand overwhelmed feelings - trust me. Thanks for sharing your journey because it helps me! I don't feel as weird for not having a shiny happy home or body at all times. I'm just getting through it - one day at a time! And yes, we too, being a family of six and one income have severe budget constraints. Crazy tough, huh? Anyway I enjoy your blog and will keep reading :-)<br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02543591269872142920noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695034534740404365.post-41838169790070134382012-11-06T09:15:12.007-05:002012-11-06T09:15:12.007-05:00These are great ideas and I hope things only conti...These are great ideas and I hope things only continue to get better for you. I can't say I've been there because I don't have any kids to look after but I understand the stress part from being a grad student. So many times I just want to make something so I can feel just a little productive so I dig through my scraps and make a tiny stuffed animal/monster-thing, what ever I feel like and it always makes me feel better. Even though it isn't the most useful thing in the world :)<br />I love your bracelet, I'm not much of a knitter but I think I could make cord like that.Mollyhttp://toferet.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695034534740404365.post-64136397569007340442012-11-06T09:04:18.938-05:002012-11-06T09:04:18.938-05:00Wow. What a load. We've been in a similar plac...Wow. What a load. We've been in a similar place, education wise, and I do know how hard it is. I'm very glad to hear the light is shining at the end of your tunnel and my best positive thoughts are going out to the universe for you.<br /><br />I've also had a challenging 2012. First my husband was given a 12 month notice (at age 60+... but not yet 65) that he would lose his job. We were facing relocation if he was lucky enough to find a new job. Our 5-year-plan for getting our house ready to sell became a 5-month plan (which we didn't achieve, BTW). I handled the stress by making lists. Best case/worst case how would we manage. What was our strategy for a partial move (him) followed by a post sale move (me)going to be. If I could keep my mind busy and productive, I didn't have time for anxiety attacks.<br /><br />We had a happy ending. After almost moving to Seattle (to a job that would have paid a bit more, but not enough to make up the difference in living costs), my husband's company decided to keep him after all. I wish a happy ending for you, as well.Fairevergreenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09835294278475404853noreply@blogger.com