Hiroro Grows and Grows

[Hiroro]

I'm at work so will finish writing this later...

Greetings to the Scouts forum! I usually post over in the Rangers, but am wandering over here - could be a good fit since I'm running/walking more than anything else these days (but still not much at all).

I'm currently 12 weeks pregnant so have been taking it slow.

 

My belly is growing! But also, I want to use these last precious months of not having to care for another human (besides my husband) to focus on my personal needs and growth. Since the rest of this year is a lot of change (new role at work, new condo, new baby), I would like to be able to handle things day by day without overwhelming myself or letting the anxiety spiral take hold. My inspiration is Winnie the Pooh - because he has a round tummy too HA, and because he focuses on good food, friends, and being present in the moment.

 

I'm also trying to make my goals more measurable this time around - we'll see how that goes.

For the first week and a half of this challenge, I'm going to be on vacation YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY! So I want to be conscious of my choices and not just throw caution to the wind - get plenty of nutrients in and take some long walks (maybe even runs). After that, dial in a little more because my stomach seems to be finally settling.

Goal #1: Veggies 2x/Day

Easy peasy, in theory. But during the nausea stage of pregnancy I've leaned heavily on carbs. Especially since it's summer there are loads of amazing produce around, so ideally veggies at lunch and dinner, at least. Ideally accompanied by protein - but I seem to be having a mild meat aversion (and eggs have been hit or miss for my stomach), so not going to force that issue.

Goal #2: Move Every Day

Run 2x/week, Strength 1x/week. Walk a mile on all other days.

Since we're in the summer heat which I truly hate for running, I'll maybe need to make my walks and runs in the mornings. Which leads me to...

 

Goal #3: Joyful Mornings

When I'm back at work this will mean trying for the millionth time to wake up early enough on a regular basis to have time to myself. Elements to this:

• Wake up early (5AM?) post-vacation
• Meditate
• Devotional
• Journal

Because staying sane during this slightly INsane time is important.

 

 

 

 

[Hiroro]

Copying this list of general life things that I want to get done but have no external force pushing me to get them done...

 

Sushi List

Making very slow progress on this....but perhaps the imminent move will be a good motivator.

1. Refine soft boil egg technique and make Momofuku soy eggs - DONE
2. Send wedding things to sister: cranes and wine lights
3. Use dried lavender (my aunt gave me ideas I just need to execute)
4. Finish crochet baby blanket and donate - DONE
5. String cranes for cousin
6. Get rid of textbooks (try to sell first, if this doesn't work recycle/donate) - DONE
7. Do something with our wedding cards (collage? something to put on the wall? add to mostly empty photobooth album? throw away?)
8. Declutter one box of things upstairs. I already have the box picked out. - DONE
9. Change bills and direct deposit to new joint account - DONE
10. Move box from house to work (this is more annoying than it sounds because of security, but it's work related material so should really be there)

[Hiroro]

Hold for blathering and maybe Week 1 mini goals

[Fonzico]

You can't avoid me by running off to the scouts! (Pun totally intended).

Challenge looks good though! Have fun on vacation!

[Elastigirl]

Found you! I love Pooh. When my son was a baby, his nursery was Pooh themed

[Xena]

 

So happy to see you. AND the return of the sushi list :-)

[Hiroro]

Who knows when I'm going to get around to fleshing this out because I'm on VACATION hahaha.

 

Today we flew into Boston and my stomach was acting up so eating was kind of carby, but I restrained myself from eating ALLL the baked goods in Boston so that's a win at least.

 

#1 Veggies - 1/1 - I had 1x veggie, 1x fruit but travel plus stomach issues happened, so I'm alright with the day overall.

#2 Move - 1/1 - We walked and walked and walked and walked and my feet hurt so I might even count it as a workout. My phone says I did 7.6 miles and over 20k steps.

#3 Morning Routine - 0/1 - I know what I want this to be and totally didn't do it this morning because as soon as I got up it was packcleanpackcleangogogo.

 

 

[Xena]

14 minutes ago, Hiroro said:

Who knows when I'm going to get around to fleshing this out because I'm on VACATION

Looks pretty well fleshed out...enjoy your vacation!

 

14 minutes ago, Hiroro said:

We walked and walked and walked and walked and my feet hurt so I might even count it as a workout. My phone says I did 7.6 miles and over 20k steps.

This is no joke!

 

Tell me the coolest thing you do (or eat) in Boston! I live ~1.5 hours away on the Cape. I get into the city for adventures every now and then, but need to do more.

[Hiroro]

On 6/29/2019 at 10:01 AM, Fonzico said:

You can't avoid me by running off to the scouts! (Pun totally intended).

Challenge looks good though! Have fun on vacation!

Hahahaha I'm so glad you found me despite my lack of Week Zero activity...

 

On 6/29/2019 at 1:24 PM, Elastigirl said:

Found you! I love Pooh. When my son was a baby, his nursery was Pooh themed

Awww yes liked Pooh as a kid and was surprised at how much I enjoyed the recent live action movie. I thought it was going to be cheesy/creepy, but instead it was cheesy/freaking adorable.

 

On 6/30/2019 at 6:35 PM, Xena said:

 

So happy to see you. AND the return of the sushi list :-)

And hopefully some running will happen here >_>

[Elastigirl]

1 hour ago, Hiroro said:

www yes liked Pooh as a kid and was surprised at how much I enjoyed the recent live action movie. I thought it was going to be cheesy/creepy, but instead it was cheesy/freaking adorable.

I loved the live action movie. The characters reminded me more of the book characters (which I loved)

[jedi_mind]

H

On 7/1/2019 at 6:39 PM, Hiroro said:

Who knows when I'm going to get around to fleshing this out because I'm on VACATION hahaha.

 

Today we flew into Boston and my stomach was acting up so eating was kind of carby, but I restrained myself from eating ALLL the baked goods in Boston so that's a win at least.

 

#1 Veggies - 1/1 - I had 1x veggie, 1x fruit but travel plus stomach issues happened, so I'm alright with the day overall.

#2 Move - 1/1 - We walked and walked and walked and walked and my feet hurt so I might even count it as a workout. My phone says I did 7.6 miles and over 20k steps.

#3 Morning Routine - 0/1 - I know what I want this to be and totally didn't do it this morning because as soon as I got up it was packcleanpackcleangogogo.

 

 

 

I feel like we need to look at certain days ahead of time and just know we're not going to get certain goals done, like when you know you're getting up early to go to the airport and whatnot. This next Tuesday I've got the same thing, working an over night and a few hours break into a day shift, so I'm just simply not going to do my normal routine that day. Good job on the other stuff tho!

[Xena]

Hope you are having a great trip. Wondering if you were in Boston on the 4th and saw the city fireworks? Heard the Boston Pops? I've never gone into the city for that, but bet it's pretty amazing.

[Hiroro]

I'M BACK!

Though not that thrilled to be back at work from vacation, ha, but it was lovely and I had a great time.

 

On 7/8/2019 at 1:10 AM, jedi_mind said:

H

 

I feel like we need to look at certain days ahead of time and just know we're not going to get certain goals done, like when you know you're getting up early to go to the airport and whatnot. This next Tuesday I've got the same thing, working an over night and a few hours break into a day shift, so I'm just simply not going to do my normal routine that day. Good job on the other stuff tho!

Yeah...getting up early pretty much didn't happen on vacation, morning routine either, but I focused on balance in eating and running/walking and feel good about how it went.

 

On 7/8/2019 at 9:28 PM, Xena said:

Hope you are having a great trip. Wondering if you were in Boston on the 4th and saw the city fireworks? Heard the Boston Pops? I've never gone into the city for that, but bet it's pretty amazing.

In fact we were in Boston on the 3rd to see the Boston Pops for their sort of dress rehearsal! They were great, but having seen their Christmas show last year I thought that was better. There were only a couple fireworks but I didn't feel like I missed out. One of the guest performers was Queen Latifah and...she's not the most talented singer? But Amanda Gorman performed a poem and it was just WOW, I was amazed that a 21-year old would have so much maturity in her writing and speaking.

Link to it here.

[Hiroro]

Vacation Summary

Oh it was wonderful. I ate a plethora of seafood and walked my legs off around Boston and Portland. I gave myself a pass on trying to establish my new morning routine, and focused on eating veggies and getting in movement. I ran 3 times (!) on vacation and felt really great about that. Now I'm ready to get back in the swing of things, even though it's definitely a season of change - my new job starts Monday and we're closing on our new condo at the end of the month. So it's time to get into decluttering mode!

 

#1 Veggies - I did well with this, nearly always having veggies with lunch and dinner. 

#2 Move - Ran 2x Week 1, and 1x so far this week.

#3 Morning Routine - Nope

 

We announced the pregnancy to our families, and it went well - the cake was cute, and everyone was really excited  My middle sister predictably was less thrilled, and later apparently had a meltdown to my mother with youngest sis and her bf present about how she never gets to be first and nobody cares about anything but the first...I had made an effort to pay her more attention before the announcement, and talked about her wedding, but it seemed like she didn't want to discuss much since she's in a planning lull - totally understandable. There was just a stark difference between the genuine enthusiasm of youngest sis vs the "Congratulations" (with a whole different tone) from middle sis. But I know it's just her own issues.

Spoiler: more family llama drama

Spoiler

 

It didn't help that this means my Christmas will have to be in Cincinnati (because, uh, 11.5 months pregnant), so my parents immediately got on board with that plan. Which middle sis says means she can't come because she doesn't have time off at Christmas (because she's using her vacation to go to Peru with fiance in Sept) - and she said it was fine but in a tone that said it wasn't - she would attend the extended family festivities, but it was pretty clear that she was salty about it. Even though youngest sis is on the east coast, and her bf is near Cincy so that works well for them as well, to see both families.

 

Middle sis is contemplating a bachelorette in Napa or Mexico or Vegas, none of which would be easy for me, especially post-baby. And of course this is her party and it shouldn't be about me. But the reality is that if she schedules it in January or February, I probably won't be able to come (which I would be entirely okay with, but she might not be). And it feels like I can't mention it without her getting mad. *sigh* 

 

I'm having an ongoing argument with myself because I know the high road would be to give a generous wedding gift - but I can't let go of the fact that she didn't give us a card - it's truly not about the money, we have enough of everything and a thoughtful note would have been plenty. She didn't have to pay for any of her travel for my wedding (bachelorette was in her town - so she stayed at her apt and skipped half the plans, and Dad paid her flight/hotel for the wedding).

 

Another gem from the trip - middle sis is in dermatology and got a little Botox (she's 28) - unclear whether it was just so her fellow residents could get practice or because she really wanted it. I said I always figured I'd age naturally, like our mom (who looks GREAT at 60)...and she said "just wait, you'll see". I get that it's her livelihood, but why must we submit to the societal/cultural idea that there is only one way for women to age well and it requires procedures? Fun fact: Botox has also been shown to reduce empathy since apparently the way we mirror other peoples' expressions helps us feel with/for them - so yay.

 

It's true that I'm holding onto some negativity - but I guess I'm slowwwly coming to accept that for us to be truly close, there would have to be some fairly significant change on one or both of our parts. I just don't know if I can connect with someone who is clearly bitter about being the second child (and thus second to experience many life events), and who supposedly believes that I've never worked hard and don't know how. I won't apologize for being first (did she want me to wait another 2+ years to conceive so she could have the first grandchild?) Maybe when she's married and making more money and has kids of her own, we'll finally be even enough in her book for the resentment to fade.

 

She's stressful to be around, because the combination of her sensitivity (will this offhand comment of mine upset her somehow?) and her biting words make her...not a relaxing person to talk to. I feel like I have to constantly be on my guard. It's a sharp contrast with my youngest sister, who's very different from me and has some views I may not agree with - but we talk about (almost) everything, and empathize with each other easily. It feels like time apart has no effect on our relationship except to give us more to discuss the next time we see one another.

 

[Xena]

I liked Queen Latifah in Chicago, but that was more based on personality than actual singing talent.

 

I'm so sorry that your middle sister couldn't be genuinely happy for you, but it's great that the rest of the family is supportive.

 

3 hours ago, Hiroro said:

Middle sis is contemplating a bachelorette in Napa or Mexico or Vegas, none of which would be easy for me, especially post-baby. And of course this is her party and it shouldn't be about me. But the reality is that if she schedules it in January or February, I probably won't be able to come (which I would be entirely okay with, but she might not be). And it feels like I can't mention it without her getting mad. *sigh* 

Of everything, I would say let go of this. If you can't go (which seems perfectly reasonable), make your excuses. It's her decision as to whether to be mad.

 

Fortunately, it sounds like she doesn't live nearby. Maybe she'll improve. Maybe she won't. Just keep the door open as much as you can while taking care of yourself.

[darkfoxx]

Girl, I feel ya. My sister is a pill to deal with too, and has been since she was born - luckily, we can just be Facebook acquaintances and I lucked out with brothers I’d choose to spend time with!

I totally feel your pain, though, in family situations - my trips back to Columbus always end up revolving, at least in part and always in multiple parts, around her and her schedule and preferences. Granted, she has small kids now - but that ish has always happened, even before the kiddos.

And it’s annoying.


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[Hiroro]

On 7/11/2019 at 7:19 PM, Xena said:

I liked Queen Latifah in Chicago, but that was more based on personality than actual singing talent.

 

I'm so sorry that your middle sister couldn't be genuinely happy for you, but it's great that the rest of the family is supportive.

 

Of everything, I would say let go of this. If you can't go (which seems perfectly reasonable), make your excuses. It's her decision as to whether to be mad.

 

Fortunately, it sounds like she doesn't live nearby. Maybe she'll improve. Maybe she won't. Just keep the door open as much as you can while taking care of yourself.

 

On 7/12/2019 at 3:56 AM, darkfoxx said:

Girl, I feel ya. My sister is a pill to deal with too, and has been since she was born - luckily, we can just be Facebook acquaintances and I lucked out with brothers I’d choose to spend time with!

I totally feel your pain, though, in family situations - my trips back to Columbus always end up revolving, at least in part and always in multiple parts, around her and her schedule and preferences. Granted, she has small kids now - but that ish has always happened, even before the kiddos.

And it’s annoying.


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Thanks for the reminders that I can't control everything and sometimes have to live and let live. I tend to want to fix everything, but a successful relationship takes two. And though it makes me sad that things haven't improved in the last couple years, I have wonderful people who I am close with for mutual support and growth.

[Hiroro]

Despite my even-worse-than-usual lack of updates, I am in fact doing the thing.

Week 2 Summary

I finally started doing the morning routine over the weekend, and already am rather enjoying it.

 

#1 Veggies - Improving! Though my wonderful pregnant body sometimes suddenly revolts partway through eating a meat and/or vegetable and despite not being full I immediately DESPISE whatever I'm eating and have to force myself just to chew and swallow the bite in my mouth. It's nuts. But thankfully my carb cravings have calmed a bit (though right now I desperately want a cupcake? which is not usually my first choice of sweets).

#2 Move - Ran 2x, 1 barre class. I ran Saturday and went to barre Sunday and goodness gracious I hurt all over from that class

#3 Morning Routine - 2/7 Yay

 

Also my inability to anything but nap after work seems to have eased somewhat. So that's a relief. And I'm catering to my stomach's continued preference for smaller meals. Apparently I'm not supposed to be working out on my back anymore (?), so I'll have to pay more attention to that - the core work part of barre is lying down. I am also utterly failing to convert to side sleeping, so will likely resort to buying a body pillow to see if that helps.

 

On one hand it seems like 3x/week workout target is low. But on the other hand, it's nice knowing if I manage juuuust one workout during the week I can still complete my goal for the week. Too many times I would start a week with great ambitions to work out 5-6 times, and end up just going once. I honestly think I would be running more/longer if it wasn't so horrendously hot out these days. I'd still rather run outside than inside though, at least for now.

 

Today is my first day in my new-ish job (in the same building as my last job, working with a lot of the same people, but different responsibilities and team). 

 

I apologize for not keeping up with everyone else or checking in, but things over here have finally calmed down a bit so I will strive to be better this week.

[darkfoxx]

How was the first day?

And I think your body has a more important thing it’s doing than working out 5x a week to be working out 5x a week - growing a human takes body energy - but also mental energy.




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[Xena]

You really seem to be thriving on the schedule you are on, so I would just enjoy it!

[Jean]

On 7/15/2019 at 8:28 PM, Hiroro said:

I apologize for not keeping up with everyone else or checking in, but things over here have finally calmed down a bit so I will strive to be better this week.

 

We all have our ups and downs and times when we've got plenty of time on our hands and times when we're putting so much focus on leveling up our life that it takes us away from other things. We come and we go, I'm sure everybody here understands. Keep doing great, it's awesome!

 

[Hiroro]

I am in fact still alive. My new job is good - except for not having enough to do which is WHAT. It's been years since I had that luxury, and at first I enjoyed the lull but now I am bored and actively seeking out things to do.

 

Baby is still growing (based on the size of my belly) - 20 week ultrasound is next week, and I am nervous but excited - it's when we'll learn the gender and they'll do a fairly exhaustive review to make sure everything looks okay.

 

We are moving on Thursday because Husband found renters to move into the house Monday *hyperventilates* so we have painted the condo and my wonderful parents lined the kitchen shelves and we are packing. Well, husband is packing and I am alternating between packing and panic-procrastinating. 

 

I have not been working out very consistently but at least packing/painting/etc is fairly physical so I'm not just sitting on my rear.

 

After we move I'll be looking to get back into my rhythm. Right now I'm just trying to get through it without a meltdown (and yes I know I know working out and eating more vegetables would give me more energy - but right now the condo kitchen sink is clogged and I have to figure out what to do with my sister's belongings I found in my house and I have to pack the kitchen yikes and my maternity jeans slide down and polos ride up so I have to hold my pants up when I walk so as not to expose my midriff at work and I reeeeally want a glass of wine but have 4.5 months to go and the A/C in our house stopped working a couple days ago so *flail*) I do stop myself periodically and take deep breaths and attempt to stay calm and focused but it is not entirely working.

 

I'll be back at some point. Hope everyone else is having a lovely summer!

[Elastigirl]

Glad to hear you are alive! I think yo have enough to take care of right now, just focus on doing the next step. Woohoo, you are half way to seeing your new little one