Ranunculus

Last year, I literally stumbled over flower bulbs at Dollar General. I never knew that they sold them. When did this happen? And I ended up buying a few packages. Some lilies, gladiolas, and ranunculus.

I planted them all! Almost immediately when I got home. And I had such hopes for them. I watered every other day. Waited. Pulled weeds. Got rid of the grass that was trying to take over. But nothing. No flowers. Not even a hint of a flower.

So I did some research. I had planted the bulbs according to the package directions. But after reading some information online, I realized I hadn't done something important. Something that wasn't on the package. I hadn't placed the bulbs in warm water, before planting.

Then we had that horrible freeze in February. My neighbors lost all their roses. Some of my bulbs didn't return. My tulips froze. But there was some hope. Like my palm tree. Which is fighting to live. I've seen signs of my ranunculus.

Yes! I might actually get a few of these beauties. I'm so super excited. I think they're such a pretty flower. And like my peonies that magically appeared, these little guys are growing. I have so much hope for my flowers. Maybe that horrible freeze wasn't so bad after all! ♫

Breastfeeding Baby Doll

I'm sure that you all know, I study nutrition and medicine. Along with that comes lots of teaching. In subjects that I never really thought of, prior to college. Like fertility, breastfeeding, and L&D. But times change.

So with the teaching that I do, I learn about all sorts of new things. I can sit here and rattle on for days, about breast pumps. I can give you suggestions on how to increase your supply. And give you some tips for weaning.

But this, well I'm not going to lie, stopped me in my tracks!



A breastfeeding doll. For little girls. Huh? I was a little bit "taken aback" when I first heard about it. But then, I stopped to think...

The best part about being the "youngest" out of my friends is, I learn from them. And their kiddos. Like when my Commadre G was breastfeeding her twins. Her young girls would mimic her. Trying to breastfeed their baby dolls. They didn't think it was wrong. No. Because they watched their mommy feed their younger siblings.

Even though she covered up, the girls knew, that was the way the babies were eating. So they would pretend play in the same way. It's not a bad thing. So I understand the reasons for this doll. As do my friends.

That could be why, we just ordered a few. What do you think? I know it's going to wrinkle some feathers. Especially since they're not stateside yet. But they're coming this summer.

Did I mention? One of the clinics I work at, they just ordered 20. Since we promote breastfeeding real babies, they figured why not. We can start making females more comfortable with their bodies. Breastfeeding is not a sexual act. It's a mothering act. ♫

What Do You Think?

This is a Chupacabra. Part beast, part animal, part super creature. Around these parts, they are on the news, at least a few times a week. No lie! And there is always a debate...are they real???



What do you think? Chupacabras are pretty ugly things. They are destructive. And honestly, most of the news stories, surround upset Ranchers. Whose cattle is being attacked and killed. All I know is, I wouldn't want to come into contact with one. But are they real? Or are they just part of a myth. Like the "Skin Walker?" ♫

Wedding Bells...

To say that sleep has been, well, very much an absent thing in my life...well that is the understatement of the century! And with a lack of sleep, my dreams become more frequent, and vivid. This I know, from years and years of sleeping issues...

This has lead to me dreaming about marriage. A LOT lately! I don't know why. It's not like I'm planning on walking down the aisle anytime soon. There is no one in the picture. And well, it's just not an important aspect of my life at the moment.

But that has not stopped my dreams...



Last night, or more correctly, early this morning, I dreamt up my wedding. Not a first. And unfortunately, probably not a last. But it was actually pretty hilarious. That much, I'll admit. Especially since, well this time, I saw the "groom's" face. It was an old family friend. What?!?!?!

There you go. I had this amazingly detailed dream. Dress, Cowboy boots, groom, family, friends, musicians, food, music, venue, flowers, rings, a groom (I usually don't ever see a groom) and a priest...all present. An old co-worker of mine was there to assist me. Because I was somehow lost. And looking for my groom.

In the end, I was married. Joined an amazing family. Finally had a partner in life. And well, it seemed like we really enjoyed our wedding. You know, with his momma's great cooking. Because ya, in real life, she's an amazing cook! Obviously, my mind was thinking about food at 3AM! :) It's just funny how vivid and detailed this little 'ol dream was. ♫

Weird Dreams

I've been having the most insane dreams for weeks now. And because I'm not feeling well, I think they're becoming more insane. I finally fell asleep sometime before 10AM. I know J is trying to be quiet. Which is insane. This is his house. And it's ginormous! He could have a party on one side, and I'd never hear a thing!

Anyway, I got about 2 hours worth of sleep. And I woke up, suddenly, and completely sweaty. Ugh! But the dream was so weird. We'll just say it was about a guy we'll call "Cowboy."

I was a teacher. In a school downtown. Where? I have no clue. Maybe my hometown? I lived in a apartment building about 2-3 blocks from the school. Because I would walk to work every day. My apartment was small. A typical "city" apartment. And my parents lived across the street from me. In a ginormous penthouse apartment.

So here I am, going to work. I'm teaching little kids. Maybe 1st graders? And I really like my job. Then boom! I'm 9 months pregnant. And I'm married to "Cowboy."

*So I know this person in real life. But we're not close. We know each other because of other people. We've maybe talked briefly, twice in the last 2 years.*

Anyway, we're married. And happy. In our little apartment. He has some kind of good job, because he has to wear a suit to work every single day. So at this point, I'm not working. But I get up early to iron his clothes and make him breakfast. Hello! 1950's housewife at your service. :)

On this one particular day, he doesn't want to go to work. But I insist. I'm OK. The baby is not coming anytime soon. And I make plans to go shopping with my Mom and my Auntie. Completely out there. Since I haven't seen my Auntie in months! I know, we talked briefly last week. But we've never done anything like this.

Somehow, we end up at my favorite Mexican restaurant. Um, that's a good hour from where I live. But we end up there. And we have this delicious meal. And I go into labor. Somehow my Cowboy husband makes it on time for the birth of our baby. We had a girl. And when we go home a few days later, we live in the middle of the nearby mountains.

It's beautiful. The house is ginormous. And it's so peaceful. Everything is perfect. All the things I have been dreaming about doing to my own house, this house had. It was such a weird dream. I woke up when we put our little girl to sleep.

It was such a weird dream. But I've been having lots of dreams recently about pregnancy. Is my body screaming at me? Telling me that the clock is ticking? I don't know. But um, it ain't happening anytime soon.

I'm not feeling any better from my earlier post. In fact, I know have bright red cheeks. And I feel so hot. But I don't have a temperature. And, I feel a lot weaker. I think I'm just going to stay here. In this nice white and comfy bed. I also feel safer. Knowing that someone is here. Because I'm still having issues breathing. I know, I should go to the doctor already... ♫

Dateline

I miss Dateline! I used to watch it. You know, every week! What twice a week? I think that's how many times it comes out. But the point is, I miss it! A lot!

You see, after the whole TV conversion thing last summer, our local NBC station's signal is for the birds! I don't get NBC anymore! Oh and the whole recording shows...well that's out the window too! But I at least get to watch my favorite ABC shows online.

But our NBC station, it saddens me so! I have to record "The Biggest Loser" at J's house. Because I have to watch it for school. But Dateline, oh how I miss you! I LOVED your stories! And I LOVE Keith Morrison...



Looks like I'm not the only one. :) But don't judge me. I like the way he tells a story. I first thought his voice was a bit creepy. Then it was soothing. My best naps came when I was falling asleep to some story he was telling. Sure it had to do with murder, but I slept like a baby. I know. Weird. But it's true. And I miss his story telling. I wish our local NBC station would get it together already! ♫