tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49838654029177728532024-03-05T07:30:33.879-05:00Really, What Were We Thinking?Dana Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04126193301311318519noreply@blogger.comBlogger227125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4983865402917772853.post-72066395792867812502015-09-28T18:11:00.000-04:002015-09-28T18:11:03.717-04:00Facing Scylla & CharybdisI wrote this quite a while ago but balked on publishing it. I'm far enough past the situation that it doesn't feel so raw anymore.<br />
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I'm sure most of us have been there.<br />
<br />
We've been faced with a decision and neither choice looks good.<br />
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We've had to decide to let other people down, let ourselves down, or potentially both.<br />
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These decisions may take hours or days but it feels like years are stolen from you. Your stomach hurts. Your head hurts. Worst of all,<br />
<br />
your heart hurts.<br />
<br />
When you commit to your chosen course of action, you know it's the right one because your head & stomach relax even though your heart doesn't stop hurting.<br />
<br />
You know you've let people down who depended on you. You can guess that they feel abandoned and maybe even betrayed or rejected. You know, personally, you've said goodbye to an opportunity you'll never see again.<br />
<br />
and it hurts<br />
<br />
and you have to remind yourself of why you ultimately made the choice<br />
<br />
You look at other important people in your life and you know you didn't let them down. You know your choice made them feel supported and, most of all, valued. You know your choice kept your integrity intact and that, one day,<br />
<br />
personal integrity may be all you have left.<br />
<br />
You remind yourself that you can be replaced. You can even be replaced by someone more qualified, more competent, more experienced. Ultimately, you are expendable to everyone but yourself.<br />
<br />
Life will go on but you have to look at yourself in the mirror every day.<br />
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You know, deep down, you only ever had one choice.<div class="blogger-post-footer">© Dana K and Really, What Were We Thinking?, 2009-2012.</div>Dana Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04126193301311318519noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4983865402917772853.post-84126923250856149252014-08-20T14:19:00.000-04:002014-08-20T14:19:14.087-04:00Recognizing Your Privilege Isn't EnoughRace relations in the US are on the front burner in our country again after the killing of Michael Brown. It seems like just yesterday when Trayvon Martin was killed. Why does it take people dying for our country to talk about race? How blind do we have to be to the struggles our friends and neighbors experience for it to take someone getting killed to discuss racism?<br />
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What can you do? What can I do, as a white, middle class, stay-at-home-mom to stand against against the systemic racism that still exists in our country? How can I be a friend to those who live this struggle every day?<br />
<br />
1 - <i>I can recognize my own privilege</i>. This is a small but necessary first step. Hat tip to <a href="http://lactspeak.com/speaker/sherrypayne" target="_blank">Sherry Payne</a> for this definition at the <a href="http://www.internationalbabywearingconference.com/" target="_blank">International Babywearing Conference</a>: "White Privilege (White Skin Privilege) - a set of societal privileges, existing in predominantly white societies, which benefit white people beyond what is commonly experienced by people of color." I have to be able to see what I'm working with and working against.<br />
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2 - <i>I can engage in difficult discussions about race relations and privilege</i>. If all I do is pat myself on the back or write a blog post whenever I recognize a privilege I have, <a href="https://twitter.com/feministajones/status/502074306097328128" target="_blank">I'm most likely part of the problem</a>. Shying away from these conversations doesn't help anyone. One day, these difficult discussions are going to take place with my sons in regard to their own privileges. I can't shy away from that, either.<br />
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3 - <i>I can listen</i>. At the end of the day, this isn't about me. I'm not the person getting followed in the store. I'm not the naval officer who is accustomed to white women clutching their purses when he steps into an elevator. I am not the mom watching her son's character get maligned by the press after he is killed. <a href="https://twitter.com/feministajones/status/502074499584782336" target="_blank">I have to put my ego aside and just shut up</a> so I can actually hear what my friends are saying.<br />
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4 - <i>I can hold people accountable for racism & prejudice, including myself</i>. I am active in several large online communities. I am a leader and educator with a local community organization. I have numerous opportunities to support my friends and stand up against the frequent & casual invalidation of their experiences. Holding myself accountable includes reading the literature and ample blog posts/opinion pieces regarding racism & race relations and not relying on my friends to be the spokespeople for their respective ethnicities.<br />
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5 - <i>I can stop being defensive</i>. It helps no one if I try to point out that I'm not a racist every time someone discusses how white people have treated them poorly. Refer back to #3. Chances are, if my friends didn't already trust me as much as possible, they wouldn't be talking to me about the aggressions, invalidations, insults, & assaults they experience regularly due to the color of their skin.<br />
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No, this list isn't exhaustive and it will most likely change as my kids get older and we enter a new phase in our family. However, it's <a href="https://twitter.com/feministajones/status/502074775318327298" target="_blank">what I can do right now</a>, in my own community, to help level the playing field.<br />
<br />
I recommend the following blog posts for more reading:<br />
<a href="http://amptoons.com/blog/files/mcintosh.html" target="_blank">White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack</a><br />
<a href="http://www.xojane.com/issues/i-cant-believe-i-now-have-to-convince-white-people-that-i-like-white-people" target="_blank">I Can't Believe I Now Have to Convince White People That I Like White People</a><br />
<a href="http://themahoganyway.com/not-guilty-license-to-kill/" target="_blank">Not Guilty = License to Kill</a><br />
<a href="http://www.rageagainsttheminivan.com/2013/07/white-privilege-and-what-were-supposed.html" target="_blank">White Privilege & What We're Supposed to Do About It</a><br />
<br />
I recommend the following twitter accounts for eye-opening, perspective-broadening posts. There are many, many others you can also find through these accounts:<br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/FeministaJones" target="_blank">#NMOS14 (Feminista Jones)</a> - seriously, follow her this instant.<br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/NPRCodeSwitch" target="_blank">NPR's Code Switch</a><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/GeeDee215" target="_blank">Gene Demby</a><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/AntonioFrench" target="_blank">Antonio French</a><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/PostBourgie" target="_blank">PostBourgie.com</a><br />
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What would you add to this list? Would you change anything? Do you agree or disagree?<br />
<br />
Who would you add to the "must follow" list? What are other blogs or publications you would add to the "must read" list?<br />
<br />
What are you doing in your community to fight the inequality that still exists?</div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">© Dana K and Really, What Were We Thinking?, 2009-2012.</div>Dana Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04126193301311318519noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4983865402917772853.post-60205994798709460732013-10-09T16:48:00.001-04:002013-10-09T16:52:49.741-04:00DepressionI've been vocal about living with depression but I don't think I've ever really posted about what it's like when I'm depressed. Thankfully, through medication, I don't have to deal with depression very often. <div><br></div><div>However, I'm dealing with depression right now. I hate it. I hate what it does to me and I hate what I, in turn, do to everyone around me when I'm depressed. </div><div><br></div><div>Yes, I'm on Zoloft and my life is so much better because of it. However, it's not perfect. Everyday is not some miraculously wonderful stress-free day. Depression still slaps me in the face at inopportune moments...Zoloft just helps it happen less often. </div><div><br></div><div>Right now, I want to run away by myself without anyone being able to find me until I'm ready to be found. </div><div><br></div><div>No, I'm not going to do it. Even at my worst, I'm still rational. I have two wonderful kids who depend on me and need me. That fact never leaves my thoughts, although I often wonder if things would be different without antidepressants. It scares me enough to know, without a doubt, that I will continue to treat my depression with medication for as long as I live.</div><div><br></div><div>Right now, everything is overwhelming. Everything is too much and I want to walk away from my responsibilities. I want to turn in on myself and ignore the rest of the world until I feel like myself again.</div><div><br></div><div>I know that I can't do that, regardless of how much I want to and I am grateful for enough clarity to realize it. </div><div><br></div><div>Right now, I want to be alone. It literally exhausts me to have a simple conversation with someone. Chitchat requires more energy than I have available to expend.</div><div><br></div><div>Right now, I'm numb. I don't connect with other people the way I should when I'm depressed. I don't feel appropriate emotions, positive or negative, when I'm depressed. I view life happening around me like an observer & not a participant.</div><div><br></div><div>I unintentionally hurt people when I'm depressed. I know it. I see it happening and I am powerless to stop it. Feeling powerless is part of my depression. Being powerless is one of my biggest fears and depression is good at using that against me.</div><div><br></div><div>I used to feel like this all of the time. Now, it just hits me every once in a while but sometimes I think it's harder on this side. </div><div><br></div><div>I know what it feels like to enjoy life now. I know what it feels like to wake up in the morning aware of the fact that I am blessed in so many ways.</div><div><br></div><div>I know what it feels like to be happy and I know exactly what I'm missing.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">© Dana K and Really, What Were We Thinking?, 2009-2012.</div>Dana Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04126193301311318519noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4983865402917772853.post-33610144607305694322013-09-09T10:02:00.000-04:002013-09-12T09:42:15.084-04:00Scream's Birth Story<br />
Klaw's birth was pretty memorable. Scream proved himself capable of creating his own memorable birth in a completely different manner.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVsq9xjsekEARhcboZnanD6-KFTPi3XaqifxJY7UPjTwbzO1uP8hL8xM6qMEQNDsannYgI6-WlK1VsqX9Xpz2zs059lDmZyQ01OWRzER9AwzNv-iSIdZgZqzohdR8jmAFT2QMgiggd/s1600/DanaScreamKlaw.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVsq9xjsekEARhcboZnanD6-KFTPi3XaqifxJY7UPjTwbzO1uP8hL8xM6qMEQNDsannYgI6-WlK1VsqX9Xpz2zs059lDmZyQ01OWRzER9AwzNv-iSIdZgZqzohdR8jmAFT2QMgiggd/s320/DanaScreamKlaw.png" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br />
As this pregnancy wound on, I was more than ready for Scream to make his
debut. I have mentioned before that I don't do pregnancy well. I was
over it. I was in pain. I was still puking. Chiropractic care and zofran
did what they could to ease my discomfort but I knew nothing would
completely ease the discomforts of pregnancy except giving birth.<br />
<br />
We finally got around to replacing the vanities in our master & guest bathrooms on April 12, 2013. Scream's estimated due date was April 16, so I knew we were cutting it close but I wanted the bathrooms finished. The guys doing the work arrived around 10am and started on the guest bathroom. They asked me how close to giving birth I was and I told them to not be surprised if my water broke.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicpChnRA0ZzHjsXqogUd-tBRi5Aa49cO3PgJLwuO6rzY0KJrObC02DndujyI7TfJLP8iiiOsH1oFXTJeqTrKVeYgcQKHJ1ToK8LYMCptulAkRstMfsDHhXyLGDzwLMYjdKUIxMW-ka/s1600/Dana's+iPhone+125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicpChnRA0ZzHjsXqogUd-tBRi5Aa49cO3PgJLwuO6rzY0KJrObC02DndujyI7TfJLP8iiiOsH1oFXTJeqTrKVeYgcQKHJ1ToK8LYMCptulAkRstMfsDHhXyLGDzwLMYjdKUIxMW-ka/s320/Dana's+iPhone+125.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Looks good, though!</i></td></tr>
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I went about my business washing clothes & cleaning up around the house.<br />
<br />
Around 1pm, I was walking into the master bath and, lo & behold, my water did actually break. Thankfully, Klaw, at 3, is old enough to follow basic commands like "bring mama a towel, please. Yes, that one. Please bring it to mama. Thank you, baby." I texted my doula, Amara, to let her know my water had broken. I wasn't feeling any contractions yet, so I decided to continue doing stuff around the house. I mean, I was in labor with Klaw for over 20 hours. I wasn't in any hurry. I did tell Chris that he might want to head home.<br />
<br />
Within the hour, I started having mild contractions. They were immediately pretty close together which caused me a little concern but, again, I was in labor for 20+ hours with Klaw. I really wasn't worried. Chris got home and shortly after that, the guys working on the bathroom said that if they started on the master bath, it would be several hours before they finished it so they wanted us to decide if we wanted them to stop for the night or go ahead & get started.<br />
<br />
Obviously, even though I wasn't worried about giving birth anytime soon, I wasn't dumb enough to go ahead & let them rip out our sink in the master bath. I did want to soak in the tub, so that would have been really awkward for everyone involved had they stayed...<br />
<br />
By this time, the contractions were picking up in intensity. I had been texting Amara off & on, keeping her up to date on how things were going. Suddenly, a series of contractions hit that were different. I instinctively knew things were different. I had Chris text Amara & let her know.<br />
<br />
I also had Chris call my midwife to let her know I was in labor. Now, I didn't want him to tell her my water had broken because I knew she'd want me to head on to the hospital and I was still worried it was way too early. I wanted to labor at home as long as possible. I did not clearly explain this to Chris, so that was the first thing out of his mouth. I got MAD!!! SO MAD! I couldn't believe he didn't read my mind and now we had to go on to the hospital.<br />
<br />
One of my friends picked up Klaw and we headed out around 3pm.<br />
<br />
At the hospital, Chris parked at the main entrance, clearly marked only for drop-off & pick-up (this becomes important later*). We enter the hospital. I'm stopping every couple of minutes to work through a contraction while Chris pushes the wheelchair carrying my bags. People stop & ask if I'm okay. I just wave & say "pregnant."<br />
<br />
We finally get to the maternity floor & I have to fill out paperwork. I make Chris give me the birthing ball so I can sit on it through contractions while I'm filling out the paperwork. Throughout all of this, I'm still worried that we are at the hospital way too early.<br />
<br />
I get settled in the room and the nurse wants to check dilation.<br />
<br />
Yeah, I was already dilated to 8.<br />
<br />
Obviously, my fears of getting to the hospital too early were completely unfounded.<br />
<br />
This also explained the intensity of the contractions I was having. The best way to describe what I was feeling was a knife being shoved in both of my hips & twisted. Repeatedly.<br />
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They didn't get any less intense, for the record. I wanted to push so badly but I was told I couldn't. The only way I knew to stop myself from pushing was to cross my legs. Tightly. No, it wasn't comfortable but it was the only thing that worked. Amara suggested I try another position, so I got on my hands and knees and OH MY GOD I felt the sharpest, worst pain ever. I thought my hips were breaking.<br />
<br />
I clearly remember stating several times, "Jesus H Christ this hurts so bad. This hurts so bad, Amara."<br />
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I rolled back over and said the magic words, "I feel like I need to poop."<br />
<br />
Amara called my nurse back in so she could check my dilation. She began to check and immediately yelled for my midwife to come it. It was showtime!<br />
<br />
Three minutes later, Scream entered this world.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVgLyTJEMohij3ZuQoTafFkw_Q3OIaK310orBpBRGCFRgoRd75VuI_nzO7dWdcVZDM8GgSbrfY82EReT_IYg0gBwLZJMB1Q6Ts89_WxI3FG71ZYDKZgwCQ8I218DU9hIALiEgEPsnq/s1600/Dana's+iPhone+049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVgLyTJEMohij3ZuQoTafFkw_Q3OIaK310orBpBRGCFRgoRd75VuI_nzO7dWdcVZDM8GgSbrfY82EReT_IYg0gBwLZJMB1Q6Ts89_WxI3FG71ZYDKZgwCQ8I218DU9hIALiEgEPsnq/s320/Dana's+iPhone+049.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>brand spankin' new baby</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Yes, three whole minutes of pushing after five and half hours of labor. Yes, it was intense but I would choose fast & furious over long & exhausting like <a href="http://www.reallywhatwerewethinking.com/2011/03/natural-birth-in-hospital.html" target="_blank">Klaw's birth</a> any day of the week.<br />
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<i>Scream is now almost 5 months old. He doesn't have VLCADD. He is growing like a champ and Klaw is the best big brother a little boy could ask for. Thank you to everyone who is reading this. I know my blog has taken a back seat for the past year+.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>*edited to add: Chris ended up leaving the car parked right in front of the hospital's main entrance for 24 hours. Thankfully, our hospital is pretty small & laid back. We didn't even have a ticket. I'm guessing this has happened before.</i><br />
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<br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">© Dana K and Really, What Were We Thinking?, 2009-2012.</div>Dana Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04126193301311318519noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4983865402917772853.post-61808905705688333492012-12-31T10:00:00.000-05:002012-12-31T10:00:01.680-05:0024 Weeks - a comparisonIn my last post, I didn't really want to do a comparison shot between my pregnancies with Klaw & Scream. I changed my mind. I'm just over 24 weeks pregnant with Scream and I decided to just go for it. I think it's neat to compare the two pregnancies. I'm a little bigger this time around, but I feel like my body & belly is shaped almost exactly the same with the two boys.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd9wvkbMv0fIBehTugVn4j_Z9a5l9ECIo6WnN2_MCTVgHKcVS9YY0OdaMxWQa2vf607lDQ3-Sih3HHgN-yIEiBe0QQvfrQjWwk9fen5iMKVssx3PXpK5EhTYzL206DhdZPVMopja3E/s1600/Dana24Weeks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd9wvkbMv0fIBehTugVn4j_Z9a5l9ECIo6WnN2_MCTVgHKcVS9YY0OdaMxWQa2vf607lDQ3-Sih3HHgN-yIEiBe0QQvfrQjWwk9fen5iMKVssx3PXpK5EhTYzL206DhdZPVMopja3E/s1600/Dana24Weeks.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Thankfully, everything is going well. I'm still pukey, but I have accepted that this is just how I do pregnancy. Scream seems healthy and is very active in the womb. Very. Active.<br />
<br />
I've been reading some new (to me) pregnancy & birthing books. I tend to be interested in the books discussing the socio-economic/cultural aspects of the American birthing system and books that affirm our bodies' abilities to give birth without intervention, barring emergencies.<br />
<br />
On the one hand, it's absolutely amazing how much we are able to do with modern medicine. So many lives, both babies & mothers, can be saved now that would have been lost decades ago. On the flipside, it seems so counter-intuitive to prescribe these amazing life-saving interventions to women who are capable of having a medically uneventful birth.<br />
<br />
No, I'm not getting into a debate over which model (midwifery or medical) is better. I have my opinions about what appeals most to me but I won't begrudge another woman the decisions she makes or the healthcare provider she trusts & is most comfortable with leading up to & during birth. <br />
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Personally, I like to keep my feet in both worlds by birthing in a hospital with both a midwife & a doula. That way, someone else has to clean up the mess and my dogs aren't all up in my business. Balance.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>What is some of the best advice you have heard regarding pregnancy &/or childbirth?</i></b></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">© Dana K and Really, What Were We Thinking?, 2009-2012.</div>Dana Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04126193301311318519noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4983865402917772853.post-34487974137495007282012-11-29T08:48:00.000-05:002012-11-29T08:48:00.607-05:00In case you missed it..I'm 20 weeks pregnant.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmsZ5yqhhZJ27cEgnRQyZtGhZZD_EKKqH13J1Eo_bNnYCxA7LwVKG1OL6KeySMfCQCicc7x5qM5XZSi5PK5Me1yhJIS3RaYW5gdJYyEJdnL3ZRxabv283HbJBRyRSQEPPfw4bOZQeO/s1600/Dana20wksScream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmsZ5yqhhZJ27cEgnRQyZtGhZZD_EKKqH13J1Eo_bNnYCxA7LwVKG1OL6KeySMfCQCicc7x5qM5XZSi5PK5Me1yhJIS3RaYW5gdJYyEJdnL3ZRxabv283HbJBRyRSQEPPfw4bOZQeO/s320/Dana20wksScream.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I thought about doing a comparison shot from 20wks with Klaw...but no.</i></td></tr>
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<br />
With another boy.<br />
<br />
We are calling him Scream. <i>Why?</i><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDigiu69LIdvDWcRK4FbWk0N310T_E-DDgRrh2HDXIC7oS30ZVwnGoiTTB9IhugNrPow5iD9ycmeGDzVX3ZgeWhn4wgJB8h5a4dGZATdkjFsyffAT3l_HcbDz6M405MnxPPKpBbzWr/s1600/ScreamsFirstPicture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDigiu69LIdvDWcRK4FbWk0N310T_E-DDgRrh2HDXIC7oS30ZVwnGoiTTB9IhugNrPow5iD9ycmeGDzVX3ZgeWhn4wgJB8h5a4dGZATdkjFsyffAT3l_HcbDz6M405MnxPPKpBbzWr/s320/ScreamsFirstPicture.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Even my midwife laughed at this.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Yep, he's already upped the creepy factor by 11. Definitely my kid.<br />
<br />
So, anyways, this has been keeping me busy. I don't do pregnancy well but at least I'm not as sick as I was with Klaw.<br />
<br />
I am definitely showing earlier than I was with Klaw, which has been weird. The 20wk ultrasound looked good, everything was where it was supposed to be and working properly. Naturally, like a boy, Scream was very cooperative when the tech went looking for proof of his sex.<br />
<br />
<i>Does that ever change?</i><br />
<br />
We had a nice Thanksgiving and got to see a lot of family members. My aunt & uncle conveniently live halfway between Chris's mom & dad's homes, which is nice. My mom & nana were able to come up so we got to see almost everyone in one fell swoop.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6dhauVsI1jOZy-jqEynjtJfIdKNt2JCGy93a7XK2cIQNelJUmbGJOQhr-MOtpQ4thniTkZ9jjHvdbt2W4Onn5TkYcMVleZX8s546c53g99Nd2w5xwqgz9P21fJj07GFttV0IRdEq3/s1600/KlawElfbabyKW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6dhauVsI1jOZy-jqEynjtJfIdKNt2JCGy93a7XK2cIQNelJUmbGJOQhr-MOtpQ4thniTkZ9jjHvdbt2W4Onn5TkYcMVleZX8s546c53g99Nd2w5xwqgz9P21fJj07GFttV0IRdEq3/s320/KlawElfbabyKW.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3 of the 4 cousins</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
The cousins had a great time...even though Klaw wanted to take ElfBabyK home with him (she is the tiniest, cutest thing ever). We've also noticed that ElfBabyK's twin brother, W, favors Klaw. Which is odd. I'm going to assume Brooks (BIL) and I are related somewhere down the line...it's safer that way.<br />
<br />
Klaw also got a piggy back ride from my cousin, Luke...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggwhf9mfhYRdQtq5nkJS4gNS5Z_DJvcRqkpP25LnflRkXdhR-b9my9-lGTBVG_uuH1tNtC40aY833QNjVBifLH3m11G3rUdyWb5aMJaywk1mslePNa3zOgE0yzPUIXujzCGFLKOi5-/s1600/KlawLuke.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggwhf9mfhYRdQtq5nkJS4gNS5Z_DJvcRqkpP25LnflRkXdhR-b9my9-lGTBVG_uuH1tNtC40aY833QNjVBifLH3m11G3rUdyWb5aMJaywk1mslePNa3zOgE0yzPUIXujzCGFLKOi5-/s320/KlawLuke.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, 4 legged family members outnumber the bipeds on my side of the family.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
There are a few other things on my plate now, too...but I'm waiting a little while to unveil them.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Any big changes on the way in your lives? </b></i></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">© Dana K and Really, What Were We Thinking?, 2009-2012.</div>Dana Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04126193301311318519noreply@blogger.comAthens, GA, USA33.95 -83.383333333.844627 -83.5412618 34.055373 -83.2254048tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4983865402917772853.post-45478978635106552882012-10-24T08:28:00.000-04:002012-10-24T08:28:00.058-04:00For the Love of Kathryn (TTTS)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Today, a dear friend of mine, Alexa, is sharing the story of her experience with Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiArjJ16FPBm5n2quq_IEWthyA786YSbO34ZHucy9GaQAUucuK-iQFVNeffp1Z-FN01WrM9e1a8jlUPNQqHZdFzriSBYYYBuLQtG0S3vgJL2SywUhY25iEyamVPb-zNIrDyvEXJXoZK/s320/pinkribbonTTTS.png" width="320" /></div>
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Alexa and I met while we were both living in Charleston, SC and became fast friends sharing a love of laughter, good food, and, well, shenanigans. We met through a mutual friend, eventually lived in the same apartment complex, and she helped me get a job with her at a tiny little French restaurant. Later, I moved on to outdoor education and running a canoeing program while Alexa learned about four different languages in her spare time (I may be exaggerating, but not by much) and joining the military. Years passed and we have reconnected on another level as mothers. Alexa's experience with TTTS was the first time I had ever heard of the syndrome and I find her story informative and her strength inspiring.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>For the Love of Kathryn</u></i></b></div>
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<br />
Did you know that TTTS kills more babies than SIDS?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>TWICE as many babies!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Was your first question after you read that
“What the heck is TTTS???”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A year ago,
that would have been my reaction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet I
bet everyone is familiar with SIDS.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Well, I am altogether too down and personal with TTTS because it killed
my daughter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br /></div>
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TTTS is Twin-to-Twin-Transfusion Syndrome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you EVER know of anyone pregnant with
identical twins, you need to tell them to stop, do not pass go, and head
directly to the TTTS Foundation webpage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(Contact information at the end of this post.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And don’t allow them to be like I was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My thought was “What can some woman in
Wisconsin do to help my situation??”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So
I never made that call to Mary at the TTTS Foundation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And that will haunt me forever. Turns out,
she has saved a LOT of babies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br /></div>
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I was stupid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Ignorance is not always bliss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
my case, ignorance is a lifetime of pain and loss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Earlier intervention, more ultrasounds,
knowing the signs and symptoms, knowing the treatment options (since even many
OBs do not!) can help change the outcome for babies.<br />
<br /></div>
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Our story is written.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But I can try to help change someone else’s story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is why I am dedicated to raising
awareness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So to do just that, I’d like
to share some of our personal journey.</div>
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September 28, 2011.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was approximately 1:30 p.m.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
husband and I watched the ultrasound screen in amazement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Identical twin girls!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though we found out very early, at just six
and a half weeks, that we were pregnant with twins, we still were reeling from
the idea!<br />
<br /></div>
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This being our third pregnancy, we were experienced with the
20 week ultrasound, but I wanted my husband to be there anyway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew he’d regret it if he never got to see
how the awesomeness of the two babies interacting in the womb.<br />
<br /></div>
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Thank the Lord he was by my side that day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br /></div>
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The ultrasound tech seemed different to me that day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was something about the way she was
telling me the information.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was very
matter of fact, and seemed to be in a hurry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I commented on how big these girls were going to be when she told us Baby
A already weighed 15.8 oz at 20 weeks and 3 days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And how odd that Baby B only weighed an
estimated 8 oz…<br />
<br /></div>
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Then, the words that forever changed my world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“See this black area in Baby A’s belly?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is fluid.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As soon as the words came from her mouth,
tears started streaming down my face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
husband looked at me and laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Don’t
start imagining scenarios!”</div>
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<br />
“This is bad hon,” I told him.</div>
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<br />
And it didn’t take much longer before he understood the
degree.</div>
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<br />
The ultrasound technician hurried through the rest of her
exam and told us that we had TTTS and the Doctor would tell us more about
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we sat with the doctor, she told
us the basics – when twins share a placenta (called monochorionic-diamniotic or
mono/di twins – one placenta, two sacs) there is a high risk that they will not
share fluids from the placenta equally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>One twin winds up “donating” fluids and the other receives too
much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is why there was such a size
difference in the babies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The “black”
area in the belly indicated hydrops fetalis – or a build-up of fluid in the
baby’s abdomen, indicating heart failure. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br />
Not all babies with TTTS develop hydrops… the craziest thing
about TTTS is how varied the outcomes can be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Single loss, double loss, double survivors, some with severe
disabilities and those that have no disabilities at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then, because many of them are born so
premature, they are faced with all of the challenges of severe prematurity. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is no certainty about anything with this
disease of the placenta.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But one thing<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> is</i> certain – you can’t fight something
you know nothing about!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So learn, be
aware, and share that awareness!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
never know when someone in your life may be impacted by this!</div>
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<br />
The card below gives some very key points and
information.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPHKJK-pJTCbrp7hd0OdwbCdDl3FZkXk8uhihoQ88nRLhj07Qrqa5J1JNugGCuBLkvMJgWAJfWPmHrlpqqR-SIRPxyl_vfVSwn6HIW99p48Gi6IdPsv__WnWwvsSiV_SJLXzl2pMtj/s1600/TTTS+Info+card.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPHKJK-pJTCbrp7hd0OdwbCdDl3FZkXk8uhihoQ88nRLhj07Qrqa5J1JNugGCuBLkvMJgWAJfWPmHrlpqqR-SIRPxyl_vfVSwn6HIW99p48Gi6IdPsv__WnWwvsSiV_SJLXzl2pMtj/s320/TTTS+Info+card.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The details of the next few minutes, hours, days, weeks would
fill a novel for me to write.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are
interested in knowing what transpired in the months to follow, please come
visit my blog “<a href="http://www.noholdingback1212.com/" target="_blank">No Holding Back</a>”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luckily our story doesn’t end completely
dismally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our donor baby, Tiny as I
refer to her, although only 1lb10oz at birth, has overcome all odds and is a
perfectly healthy and very happy baby!</div>
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Thanks to Dana for allowing me to use her Blog as another
opportunity to spread awareness!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">© Dana K and Really, What Were We Thinking?, 2009-2012.</div>Dana Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04126193301311318519noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4983865402917772853.post-28517812581924449542012-09-20T08:11:00.000-04:002012-09-20T08:11:00.039-04:00An Interview with Colby Wren #KnowAboutMitoLast fall, Colby Wren hit the front page of "mito" news when he was interviewed by several news outlets, including the Atlanta Journal Constitution and CNN. He was a baseball player for Georgia Tech, is the son of Braves Manager, Frank Wren, and lives with <a href="http://www.reallywhatwerewethinking.com/p/knowaboutmito.html" target="_blank">mitochondrial disease</a>. When I read an article and found him on twitter, I immediately sent him a tweet thanking him for going public with his struggles.<br />
<br />
We are big sports fans in this house and I have mentioned our hopes that <a href="http://www.reallywhatwerewethinking.com/2010/03/what-i-wish-for-my-son.html" target="_blank">Klaw will be the best pitcher ever recruited by the Chicago Cubs</a>. When we got the <a href="http://www.reallywhatwerewethinking.com/p/vlcadd.html" target="_blank">VLCAD Deficiency</a> diagnosis, we were afraid that Klaw would no longer have the option to pursue sports even if he desired it.<br />
<br />
Over the past year, I've had the opportunity to get to know Colby better and I'm glad that he can be a role model for Klaw and other kids with mitochondrial disease. Colby's story highlights how different mitochondrial disease an cbe for each person affected and it serves as a source of hope and determination.<br />
<br />
Colby took the time to answer a few questions for me to feature on this blog during Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Week:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
*********</div>
<br />
<b>1 - Thankfully, many infants & children are
being diagnosed with mitochondrial disease. You weren't diagnosed until you were high
school. What were some of your thoughts when you got the diagnosis?</b><br />
<br />
Some of my thoughts were how am I going to have to change my
life/lifestyle and what am I going to have to give up or start doing
differently. <br />
<br />
<b>2 - As an athlete, you put your body through more
stress than the average person. When you add mito to the equation, you
have to take even more precautions to maintain your health and stamina.
Describe a typical day with how you prepare yourself for baseball and
how you recover.</b><br />
<br />
Well, now I am a student coach at Georgia Tech so I
have had to change up my routine. My old routine was wake up for a 6 AM
workout and then hope and pray that I had enough time for a nap before
my next class. Practice from 3:00-6:30 and do it all over again. Things
that helped me and my body recover were proper nutrition, knowing my
personal limits in workouts and exercise, and as much sleep as possible
throughout the day. <br />
<br />
<b>3 - Looking back on your younger self and
knowing what you have learned about mito, what were some of the biggest
warning signs that are clear with 20/20 hindsight? </b><br />
<br />
Well my
gastrointestinal problems have been apparent since I came home from the
hospital. (bad reflux and couldn't hold down food as a new born) I would
always get sick always throw up, but since I never truly played a sport
that was extremely high intensity until I was in 4th grade I didn't see
a lot of the more intense signals and problems occur. <br />
<br />
<b>4 - What advice do have for parents of mito kids who are athletically
inclined, to the best of their abilities? What should we pay attention
to when our children are playing or exercising that a child may ignore
because they are having fun? </b><br />
<br />
This is my personal opinion
and knowing that each child is different here are some basics that can
be applied to a larger spectrum.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>1</b>. <i>Know your body and your personal
limitations with energy.</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>2</b>. <i>Be very careful about heat and hydration.
The hotter the days the more water needed and the less activity should
be accomplished. </i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>3</b>. <i>Slowly work into athletics or exercise. Never just
jump into things until you have specifically talked with your
doctor/physician about what he thinks should be your boundaries and work
from there. </i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>4</b>. <i>There is a big difference between pushing yourself
physically and being stupid. There are times when a little extra push or
energy is okay, but then again it is up to the individual. DON”T try to
impress people and end up hurting yourself I have done that many times
and it never ends up doing me any good in the long run.</i></blockquote>
<br />
<b>5 - What advice would you give a kid like Klaw who will likely face similar
issues that you have dealt with should he pursue athletics?</b><br />
<br />
I would
give any kid with the ability and well-being to play athletics to pursue
them and just enjoy every bit of them. There are some kids who just
hate sports, but if you have the passion or the itch you just have to go
for it. Keeping yourself active is not only good health wise it is also
good for you energy levels. Whatever you can physically do can help
your body and have fun at the same time. It teaches life skills and
personal skills that cannot be taught by a book, but by just
experiencing it first hand. <br />
<br />
<b>6 - Can you give some info in the foundation you work with and how others can get involved?</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://mitochondrialdiseases.org/" target="_blank">The Foundation for Mitochondrial Medicine</a> supports the development of
the most promising mitochondrial disease research and treatments of the
many forms of mitochondrial disease. Formed in 2005 and renamed in 2010,
our Atlanta-based non-profit organization financially supports
treatment based research. From functional brain MRI studies on cognitive
fatigue to testing of new drug compounds, including the first
FDA-approved drug treatments that began in early 2010, FMM focuses on
supporting Institutional Review Board (IRB) or FDA approved studies.
Stated simply: we're funding the cures.<br />
<br />
The foundation's stewards
and founders are parents of patients and medical experts. We were
created to accelerate the development of the most viable mitochondrial
disease treatments and therapies.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mitochondrialdiseases.org/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc0tytABXtvBT-5o4QGYi9GNGrixGVpZtvzMVyTZUhz_A064Eb9zHtbHkhyphenhyphenZhE1HxCab1q6GjSsJew0Zs6YB-N7vcpjrgd9a7L0kJ-WZDg3IZKDx6tvdBr_LAXa91URhyIGq44X-By/s1600/firefly_logo.gif" /></a></td></tr>
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*********</div>
<br />
To read more about Colby Wren's story, check out these articles:<br />
<a href="http://www.ajc.com/news/sports/baseball/son-of-braves-gm-wren-battles-genetic-disease/nQNPt/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Son of Braves Manager Battles Genetic Disease</a> (AJC)<br />
<a href="http://thechart.blogs.cnn.com/2011/12/06/human-factor-college-athlete-battles-mitochondrial-disease/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Human Factor: College Athlete Battles Mitochondrial Disease</a> (CNN)<br />
<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">© Dana K and Really, What Were We Thinking?, 2009-2012.</div>Dana Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04126193301311318519noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4983865402917772853.post-233648079763721112012-09-19T07:48:00.000-04:002012-09-19T20:21:21.312-04:00Light a Light for Mito #KnowAboutMitoEach Wednesday during Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Week is set aside to remember the lives that have been lost to <a href="http://www.reallywhatwerewethinking.com/p/knowaboutmito.html" target="_blank">mitochondrial disease</a>.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mitoaction.org/light-light-mito" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAr5mIlF6ZCnl4KV4XWXcwQl92HfKcITmzGhgxSiun56DgJH8TbdBq6_JQsLJitYg8PpOenbRfljS-0CHboVta7MCc_yjr6y4ktD8IJnculR5g8RMezsPHwsgDhXm2h85_c0F5Zc-C/s320/2012LightALight_0.jpg" width="164" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mitoaction.org/light-light-mito" target="_blank">MitoAction</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.reallywhatwerewethinking.com/p/knowaboutmito.html" target="_blank">Mitochondrial disease</a> runs the gamut from fairly manageable disorders that have little effect on overall life expectancy to disorders that still carry an overall fatal prognosis. For Klaw, his first year of life was the most tenuous but management of his <a href="http://www.reallywhatwerewethinking.com/p/vlcadd.html" target="_blank">VLCADD</a> has been successful. He is expected to lead a fairly typical life with continued health management and regular observation of his liver and heart functions, barring any surprises or major illnesses which could throw him into a metabolic crisis.<br />
<br />
For others, there is a steady decline in the function on major health systems. Many children with mitochondrial disease do not survive to reach adulthood. For some adults, a typical, productive life can suddenly take a downturn to debilitating symptoms with little to no hope for improvement.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>If you or someone you know has lost the battle to mitochondrial disease, please take moment to <a href="http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/candles.cfm?l=eng&gi=UMDF" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">light a candle</a> in their memory.</i></b></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">© Dana K and Really, What Were We Thinking?, 2009-2012.</div>Dana Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04126193301311318519noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4983865402917772853.post-45448869303762054972012-09-18T08:14:00.000-04:002012-09-18T08:14:00.250-04:00VLCADD Friendly Convenience Foods #KnowAboutMitoPeople regularly ask me how we manage Klaw's diet in relation to his <a href="http://www.reallywhatwerewethinking.com/p/vlcadd.html" target="_blank">VLCADD</a>. He is currently limited to 6g fat per day. <a href="http://www.livestrong.com/article/399719-recommended-daily-fat-intake-for-children/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Most toddlers should get 40-50g fat per day</a>. As you can imagine, this can make it difficult for us to just pick up something at the grocery store or at a restaurant for him to eat.<br />
<br />
In order for Klaw to eat "fun" meals that incorporate a variety of flavors and foods, we pretty much have to cook at home. It's the only way we can guarantee the amount of fat in each serving. However, sometimes I just don't feel like measuring out each ingredient and using <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com/recipe/calculator" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">MyFitnessPal</a> or another online recipe app to do the math and determine the fat/carbs/protein in each serving.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpxmjUebCiMF6yzy6NymJ7ERGmcFaHIEZ62GeiGfxpMGqTpj-gfRdTYiN-PdXhRJocgritkS5ZKCjWmeVqqDvy7NXzy8AEHVqW9qTjGu5lnL5tb_4iEUgKtH1kGO3u2CQL23iUUuLM/s1600/KlawPoolPediasureSidekick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpxmjUebCiMF6yzy6NymJ7ERGmcFaHIEZ62GeiGfxpMGqTpj-gfRdTYiN-PdXhRJocgritkS5ZKCjWmeVqqDvy7NXzy8AEHVqW9qTjGu5lnL5tb_4iEUgKtH1kGO3u2CQL23iUUuLM/s320/KlawPoolPediasureSidekick.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Sometimes, I just want to grab something, read the label, & hand it to my kid. Chris & I have found a few favorite "convenience" foods that we keep around the house that are low to no fat and that Klaw loves.<br />
<br />
Every (non allergic) kid loves a good PB&J, right? Well, not when one serving of peanut butter has more fat than you can eat in a day. Thankfully, Trader Joe's carries <a href="http://www.betternpeanutbutter.com/nutrition.php" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Better 'n Peanut Butter</a>. It has 1g fat per tablespoon. We use that with sprouted whole grain bread, which is high in dietary fiber, high in protein, & low in fat. Our favorite sprouted grain bread is from, again Trader Joe's. <a href="http://www.fatsecret.com/calories-nutrition/trader-joes/sprouted-flourless-whole-wheat-berry-bread" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sprouted Flourless Whole Wheat Berry Bread</a> has no fat at all. So, Klaw gets a full PB&J for a whopping 1g/fat.<br />
<br />
We don't just shop at Trader Joe's, I promise. Our local Food Lion & Farm Fresh carries many items that are VLCADD friendly, too. <a href="http://www.happybabyfood.com/happypuffs" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Happy Baby Organic Puffs</a> are fat free, taste like cardboard, and great for road trips. Happy Baby also makes some fat-free yogurt drops, <a href="http://www.happybabyfood.com/ourproducts?page=shop.browse&category_id=11" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Happy Yogis</a>, in a variety of flavors, too. Yes, these snack items are pretty much devoid of nutrients but sometimes non-staining convenience wins. (These yogurt drops do not stain, in our experience!)<br />
<br />
Most stores, including Walmart, are carrying the <a href="http://www.gogosqueez.com/products/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">GoGo Squeez</a> apple sauce packets. Apple sauce is, you guessed it, fat free. Yes, it's full of sugar but Klaw burns energy from sugar pretty efficiently. He's a VERY active toddler and he can't burn fat for energy. As long as he's going, going, going, the sugar in applesauce is not a big issue. A few other brands of squeezable sauces are also fat-free, but the GoGo Squeez brand seems to be pretty ubiquitous while we have to make special trips to Babies R Us or Target for the others.<br />
<br />
Pasta & marinara sauce is a quick & easy VLCADD friendly meal we frequently cook. However, I don't always want pasta. <a href="http://www.gerber.com/allstages/products/meal_options/toddlers_pasta_pick_ups_chicken_carrot_ravioli.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gerber Graduates Pasta Pickups</a> make two flavors, chicken & carrot and turkey & vegetable, which are low fat, easy to heat up, and Klaw loves both flavors. We do limit how often he can have these but it makes for a quick, convenient lunch or dinner option. <i>Especially if Chris & I want to have something high fat like pizza or, well, just cheese for dinner.</i><br />
<br />
<a href="http://pediasure.com/kid-nutrition-products/sidekicks-clear-nutritional-drink" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pediasure Sidekicks Clear</a> is a "juice" drink box for toddlers. It's completely loaded with the full spectrum of vitamins & protein. It doesn't contain dyes. <i>Granted, it doesn't contain juice, either</i>. However, Klaw pulls the toddler pickiness every once in a while and this drink provides a quick, convenient way to make sure he ingests calories and protein when he refuses to eat a meal. I don't know of any other fat & dye free drinks that also offer protein, so this is the best I could find. Granted, I have no issues giving him Gatorade Prime on occasion, if the situation and energy expenditure warrants it.<br />
<br />
We plan for the unexpected each trip each trip, whether it be traffic delays or just an overexertion by Klaw at play. We always have some of these convenience foods tucked away in Klaw's bookbag (our diaper bag) in case he needs a snack or if we just decide we want to go to a restaurant to eat. We can't take it for granted that we'll be able to find something for him to eat on the fly.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Do you have an "convenience" foods you keep on hand for your kids? What are they?</b></i></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">© Dana K and Really, What Were We Thinking?, 2009-2012.</div>Dana Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04126193301311318519noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4983865402917772853.post-68757733494278288242012-09-17T07:30:00.000-04:002012-09-17T07:30:00.753-04:00Mitchondrial Disease Awareness Week 2012Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Week is September 16-22, 2012. I've planned a week of posts that describe different aspects of mitochondrial disease and how it affects us in more ways than most people realize.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5pYq67tdGkxR8dgRgruKEG7zlQB-kkUX0geBpN6XT7iY5e-MQsgN6YWFB3S1fNEp0kf1uuFo_a1YyhmgW_EEw0MV-wUAPhh4kL-FNq0M4fSLVjVvs2dsgrTfe58_S3TsggHt4EFw6/s200/2012+AWARENESS+WEEK.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.umdf.org/" target="_blank">United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
There are events taking place all over the globe to raise money and awareness for mitochondrial disease, the numbers of which are approaching, if not surpassing, the number of children afflicted with cancer. However, mitochondrial disease is not limited to children. It can affect people of all ages and in many different ways. As research continues, we are finding more connections to mitochondrial dysfunction in illnesses/disorders like Alzheimer's Disease, diabetes, autism, and many more.<br />
<br />
If you don't think mitochondrial disease affects you, think again. Every 30 minutes a child is born with mitochondrial disease that will be diagnosed by the age of 10. Each year, more and more adults are diagnosed with mitochondrial disease. As the body of research grows, more and more diseases are showing connections to mitochondrial dysfunction. Chances are, you or someone you know is affected by mitochondrial disease.<br />
<br />
Please take this week to learn more about mitochondrial disease and spread awareness to others. The more we learn about mitochondrial disease, the better for all of us.<br />
<br />
Please check out last year's <a href="http://www.reallywhatwerewethinking.com/2011/09/mitochondrial-disease-awareness-week_23.html" target="_blank">Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Week</a> posts.<div class="blogger-post-footer">© Dana K and Really, What Were We Thinking?, 2009-2012.</div>Dana Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04126193301311318519noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4983865402917772853.post-54209248298104589882012-09-04T07:59:00.000-04:002012-09-04T07:59:00.024-04:00My first blog post ever<br />
<article class="post-body">
<div class="mood">
I finally got around to deleting my MySpace account the other day. Look, if you think that's bad, I didn't delete my Friendster account until I started writing this post. Oh, you don't remember Friendster? Shut up.<br />
<br />
Back to my MySpace post. Before I deleted the account, I went through my old "blog" posts and found three that were worth saving. Possibly worth sharing, too, but that's up to y'all, I suppose.<br />
<br />
Indulge me for a moment. I promise, it's super short.<br />
<br />
From the annals of MySpace<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><br /></i>
<i>September 18, 2006</i><br />
<br />
<i>Current mood:<img src="http://x.myspacecdn.com/images/blog/moods/iBrads/weird.gif" />weird</i><br />
</blockquote>
</div>
<blockquote>
<i>
Okay, so I'm walking Boomer on this long walk by on the ocean
trail to get him some extra exercise. It's been a half hour, so we
cross Oceanview to walk back home on the sidewalk. I'm working on his
training, making him stop at every crosswalk, etc. Well, he is not
really wanting to sit at this one corner, so I am patiently waiting for
him sit. This construction worker, complete with long silver curly hair
is talking as he's walking past me. It actually took me a minute to
register that he was actually talking to me. "Nature don't make no
mistake. Your mama did you right, girl." I guess I need to call Joye
and thank her for doing me right. I'll do it right after I bathe the
dirty creeped out feeling off of me.</i></blockquote>
</article><article class="post-body">There you have it, folks. The beginning of my blogging career. Epic, huh?</article><article class="post-body"> </article><div style="text-align: center;">
<article class="post-body"><i><b>Seriously, though, have you gone back to other social media sites or old blogs you started long ago and read some of your old posts? Do you get a kick out of it? Have you ever reposted an old (perhaps completely pointless) blog post?</b></i></article><article class="post-body"><i><b> </b></i></article><article class="post-body"><i><b>Please share some of your favorite oldies in your comments!</b></i></article><article class="post-body"><i><b>I'd love to read them. </b></i></article></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">© Dana K and Really, What Were We Thinking?, 2009-2012.</div>Dana Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04126193301311318519noreply@blogger.comPacific Grove, CA36.6177374 -121.916621536.5667514 -121.9955855 36.668723400000005 -121.8376575tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4983865402917772853.post-21955830774887715742012-08-08T17:43:00.000-04:002012-08-08T17:50:39.395-04:00Counterfeit Ergobaby CarriersIt seems I have stumbled upon a hornet's nest in the seedy underbelly of the babywearing community. There is a BIG problem with counterfeit ErgoBaby Carriers being imported from China and sold as the real thing through eBay and swap groups. It's a big enough issue that ErgoBaby has a post dedicated on how to <a href="http://store.ergobaby.com/Content/AboutUs_Counterfeits#" target="_blank">avoid purchasing counterfeit ErgoBaby carriers.</a><br />
<br />
Popular co-op groups that make bulk purchases of popular items from cloth diapers to amber necklaces to save a few bucks have begun purchasing counterfeit ErgoBaby carriers, too. <i>Cuddly Butt! Cloth diapering & co-ops</i> on Facebook is one such group (I was recently booted & blocked from the group, so I can't link it directly right now).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcT-evX7Pid_SHxDDJY3M95q4xm9H5p0EGku4qPjCxNldrRYHsaP8VDZUAh-EOQksFwYvctjG-iEeBz6vkRm7gbIc7KtgzWTpMqcu6B35VnoOfB3Lnaqjd-4ETfnqJiMGjRFUs3CYO/s1600/FergoCoOp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcT-evX7Pid_SHxDDJY3M95q4xm9H5p0EGku4qPjCxNldrRYHsaP8VDZUAh-EOQksFwYvctjG-iEeBz6vkRm7gbIc7KtgzWTpMqcu6B35VnoOfB3Lnaqjd-4ETfnqJiMGjRFUs3CYO/s320/FergoCoOp.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The co-op leader makes it very clear these are not authentic.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
People evidently don't like being called out for peddling counterfeit products in the US! WHO KNEW?!?!?<br />
<br />
Anyways, since this illegal operation came to light, I have learned that not only has the group & co-op leader been reported to Facebook several times, but many people have also reported this to the appropriate entities in the federal government.<br />
<br />
Some of you may find this to be extreme; I don't. Here's why:<br />
<br />
1 - These counterfeit ErgoBaby carriers, or "Fergos," as Cuddly Butt! likes to call them, are not just replicas. They are produced to look exactly like legitimate ErgoBaby carriers, right down to the ErgoBaby tag on the front of the carrier.<br />
<br />
2 - These counterfeit ErgoBaby carriers are not safety tested for use with infants & children, which is a requirement in the United States. Personally, I am concerned with lead levels coming from untested items in China. It happens frequently with inexpensive children's toys & jewelry.<br />
<br />
3 - These counterfeit ErgoBaby carriers are ILLEGAL to sell in the US! The counterfeiters don't pay taxes, aren't held accountable for humane working conditions, & are not held to safety standards for the products they are making. Customs has the authority to seize the imported counterfeit items.<br />
<br />
4 - These counterfeit ErgoBaby carriers are purchased for cheap and then re-sold as authentic ErgoBaby carriers to unsuspecting parents who have no idea they are purchasing fakes and have no recourse should something happen to them or their child while using the carrier. Again, this is ILLEGAL!<br />
<br />
I'm not the only person upset by this, either. Larger babywearing groups
are doing their best to stop the influx of counterfeit carriers within
their local communities. Babywearing International of Chicagoland has a
great post about <a href="http://bwichicagoland.wordpress.com/2012/08/07/the-problem-with-counterfeits/" target="_blank">the problem with counterfeit baby carriers</a>.<br />
<br />
If people were buying knock-offs that weren't trying to actually pass as authentic ErgoBaby carriers, I probably would have walked away. If you want to take that kind of chance with your child to save a few bucks, that's your call. However, the fact that these carriers are repeatedly passed off & resold as authentic carriers to unsuspecting parents & caregivers pisses me off, quite frankly.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMQqHoCgnESa6Q1adzScTy1mUGfn9yGVCOVFZ1W1Ah7K7hX-D0EoG2cp8-XyTZDPLk1wlq14BtKiVV8PUBSfZLy7ousNjsv4FCOWBqy91l9XLi18WOKm1-84LEdpFMbpQTrmyL1_sp/s1600/FakeErgoCollection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMQqHoCgnESa6Q1adzScTy1mUGfn9yGVCOVFZ1W1Ah7K7hX-D0EoG2cp8-XyTZDPLk1wlq14BtKiVV8PUBSfZLy7ousNjsv4FCOWBqy91l9XLi18WOKm1-84LEdpFMbpQTrmyL1_sp/s320/FakeErgoCollection.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The co-op uses official ErgoBaby carrier names & images for ordering</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Thankfully, a few people have seen the light since this story starting spreading in the babywearing community and have since pulled their orders. Hopefully, more parents will make the ethical, legal, & safe choice in the future. If you are financially strapped, there are resources to buy authentic & safe carriers, both new & used. There are even groups like <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FeelGoodCarrierMovement" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Feel Good Child Carrier Movement</a> that offer carriers to parents for the cost of shipping and help connect people to pass on really good "pay it forward" deals. Affordable and downright cheap options exist that are safe and legal.<br />
<br />
Babywearing International of the Triangle offers some <a href="http://bwitriangle.wordpress.com/2012/07/10/how-to-spot-a-quality-carrier/" target="_blank">tips on spotting a quality baby carrier</a>. Check out my <a href="http://www.reallywhatwerewethinking.com/2010/11/babywearing.html" target="_blank">babywearing basics</a> post for information about different types of carriers and carrier rental programs.<br />
<br />
However, there will always be people who don't care.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6gQyIUHAVAtuk8AXqQY6WdTKtqpK0MApK81emR9tnzk7S-cgRm8pmv75iWtcUpdAaYiA7IDf_jczSmn43IXl10C7tog5PQ1j3RYDNgrPvYrOcgQB3rrhiXxy1HqGYva8D1I3N-YyO/s1600/FakeErgoLaughing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6gQyIUHAVAtuk8AXqQY6WdTKtqpK0MApK81emR9tnzk7S-cgRm8pmv75iWtcUpdAaYiA7IDf_jczSmn43IXl10C7tog5PQ1j3RYDNgrPvYrOcgQB3rrhiXxy1HqGYva8D1I3N-YyO/s320/FakeErgoLaughing.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yep, bringing counterfeit items into the US is H-I-LARIOUS!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Please help spread awareness of these counterfeit carriers so that other parents & caregivers can be aware of the issues by sharing on twitter, facebook, and in your local babywearing & parenting groups.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Keep wearing your babies...just do it safely.</div>
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</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">© Dana K and Really, What Were We Thinking?, 2009-2012.</div>Dana Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04126193301311318519noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4983865402917772853.post-19197959717934323592012-07-30T07:31:00.000-04:002012-07-30T07:31:00.102-04:00I Loved College!So, the other night, I saw Asher Roth on a show and in honor of his song, "I Love College", I would like to write about why I loved college. All six years of it. There are definitely lines in his song that I can relate to, but I forego putting my reasons for loving college into a song.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjevASkVX2d3DHGiPI4SdKHD1ey-lcABbqiiQf0ZuxFtlKUJcaILMpbh_sh8FqzpY312HJRjiLPr-Hfm9voSPvoBMKp1Mcf3McyFPJB59ElQWeVijUeEeAqWbRRNhcS4X-WXtXCGMgv/s1600/semiformal96.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjevASkVX2d3DHGiPI4SdKHD1ey-lcABbqiiQf0ZuxFtlKUJcaILMpbh_sh8FqzpY312HJRjiLPr-Hfm9voSPvoBMKp1Mcf3McyFPJB59ElQWeVijUeEeAqWbRRNhcS4X-WXtXCGMgv/s200/semiformal96.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Please note the long hair & earrings. EARRINGS! -DanaK</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
1. <b>Freedom</b>. Now it's not like I didn't have freedom in high school but you have so much more in college. Come and go as you please. Stay out until all hours. Option to skip class.
<br />
<br />
2. <b>Fraternity Life</b>. Prior to college I made fun of fraternities. And I do say fraternities and not frat. You don't call your country a c....you get the idea. In fact, I vividly remember driving by my future fraternity when I arrived on campus and mocking them. Anyways, joining the fraternity was one of the best decisions of my life. I made terrific friends, learned to appreciate the views of others, and always had someone to share a beer with. Of course, there were parties and socials but I'll get to that.
<br />
<br />
3. <b>Parties, socials, and mixers</b>. I was not a partier in high school and, in fact, didn't drink until I got to college. I didn't always drink in college, though, even at some parties, and they were still awesome. As a popular fraternity with many members, we had a large social budget which meant numerous and large parties. We had awesome bands, awesome themes, and an awesome time. Social events with sororities were fun, also.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPz_ciay-vkvYb8p-aRFu6B7tiFJEQjdIB2KeCf63feI_o9WsM2vAwvw2yZMB6EQ21M_J59pidtHouXBjIieVhga3uo48KWlPpfOObzJoTGHBfxEJ1Vhs7j3EwAEYhyphenhyphenui6ylUlhxbh/s1600/chrisbeercollege.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPz_ciay-vkvYb8p-aRFu6B7tiFJEQjdIB2KeCf63feI_o9WsM2vAwvw2yZMB6EQ21M_J59pidtHouXBjIieVhga3uo48KWlPpfOObzJoTGHBfxEJ1Vhs7j3EwAEYhyphenhyphenui6ylUlhxbh/s320/chrisbeercollege.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Long hair, a necklace, and EARRINGS! - DanaK</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
4. <b>College football games</b>. There is no better way to spend a Saturday. Case closed.
<br />
<br />
5. <b>Pre-gaming for college football games</b>. There is no better way to spend a Saturday morning before a college football game. It didn't matter how late I was up on Friday night, come 8am Saturday morning I would be up, dressed in the most ridiculous outfit I could find, and drinking screwdrivers while dancing to loud music. It was also fun to watch some of the other guys walk over to sororities buck naked and see the look on the girls' faces when they answered the door.
<br />
<br />
6. <b>Road Trips</b>. Memorable times with good friends. Trips to Notre Dame, New Orleans, and every city along A1A in Florida including West Palm, Miami, and Key West. Nothing like sleeping in parking lots and bathing in the ocean.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-FRwJ_Xms9otkrJqqm_Se2C4vWOUFFTQEXGMGWQCWUNslgy0QOqj8kQP8Zd7MFSlnbCVfiH_pKWO5IKm42og6QpGSHaBhPnslgwXIUiKCRHNQRL3-5O3hXGddGRorITFkJW0XODXo/s1600/beachtrip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-FRwJ_Xms9otkrJqqm_Se2C4vWOUFFTQEXGMGWQCWUNslgy0QOqj8kQP8Zd7MFSlnbCVfiH_pKWO5IKm42og6QpGSHaBhPnslgwXIUiKCRHNQRL3-5O3hXGddGRorITFkJW0XODXo/s320/beachtrip.jpg" width="206" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Yes. That's a crab. And a goatee. Shenanigans. -DanaK</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
7. <b>No responsibility</b>. Ok there was some responsibility to be had but it was nothing compared to what it's like to be a grown-up.
<br />
<br />
There are plenty more reasons I loved college but this blog has to end at some point. Would I go back to college? Of course, but I don't think it would be as fun. That and I would be that creepy older guy everyone talks about...<div class="blogger-post-footer">© Dana K and Really, What Were We Thinking?, 2009-2012.</div>Chris Bra'http://www.blogger.com/profile/16915296342614476933noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4983865402917772853.post-84778807221513152702012-07-27T08:53:00.001-04:002012-07-27T09:19:24.074-04:00Can I Love LGBTs & Chick-Fil-A?I've been doing some soul searching after reading comments, posts, & rants from friends & acquaintances on both sides of the political issue.<br />
<br />
I don't love Dan Cathy and his multi-million dollar support for organizations that actively work to deny civil rights to a minority group in this country. I don't love that Dan Cathy supports organizations that attempt to "turn" gays & lesbians straight. <br />
<br />
For what it's worth, whenever someone says "traditional marriage," I immediately think about sister wives, not legally owning property, & not being allowed in public without a male escort. I also think about how "traditional marriages" allowed men to beat their wives if they felt it was necessary. Personally, I don't want anything to do with a traditional marriage but I guess some people are into that lifestyle. <br />
<br />
On the flipside, I do like what I have seen firsthand of local Chick-Fil-As supporting community activities, youth programs (secular & religious), local scholarships, etc. I've never known of discriminatory hiring practices (not saying it hasn't happened ever) or of Chick-Fil-A refusing to serve someone because of their sexual orientation.<br />
<br />
I also don't participate in boycotts. Chick-Fil-A isn't the first business (or STATE) I've been encouraged to boycott because of beliefs I disagree with. I didn't boycott them, either. Boycotts are not how I engage my time to foment change. Partly because I don't see them as being effective with extremely large corporations and partly because I'm lazy. For example, I'd love to boycott all things Monsanto but I don't feel like researching every single company Monsanto dirties.<br />
<br />
When I want to see change, I take action in other ways. Physically. I have traveled to state capitals to protest issues. I have involved myself with letter writing campaigns to representatives. I have spoken out publicly with the news media (in high school even!) and now through social media forums that are readily available to anyone with a computer or a smart phone. I have stomped the pavement with like minded individuals and I never miss an election.<br />
<br />
<i>Enough justification</i><br />
<br />
If not participating in a boycott against Chick-Fil-A sullies your opinion of me, I'm sorry. Anyone who knows me knows how I feel about civil rights & equality. If this one boycott negates every thing else I do & have done, that says more about you than it does about me. A lot of people know that this isn't the first popular boycott that I haven't participated in and I can guarantee it won't be the last.<br />
<br />
As for everyone protesting Dan Cathy & the organizations he supports by participating in this boycott, good luck. I mean that in all sincerity. I truly believe our nation is on the cusp of granting civil rights to all. If this boycott merely helps more people get involved in the discussion of civil rights versus personal religious beliefs, it will be a success on at least one level.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, am I going to continue shouting from the rooftops my love for the banana pudding milkshake? No. I'll shut up about that. I'll eat my milkshake in silence. Possibly while wearing a PRIDE shirt.<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheppMTcLDfE7AuZgZ1rhyphenhyphen3yaKy4bNxRY2ohqFrEhlZZHyaVF08AtQb3rxGrGUDrIQ-bG9w7MSo-4cHAz13Me9_W2aSSTf_rX8bj1IBD13D6bQuS5QNOZYgpS_C17Q_qrHo0R59ospT/s640/blogger-image--919901138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheppMTcLDfE7AuZgZ1rhyphenhyphen3yaKy4bNxRY2ohqFrEhlZZHyaVF08AtQb3rxGrGUDrIQ-bG9w7MSo-4cHAz13Me9_W2aSSTf_rX8bj1IBD13D6bQuS5QNOZYgpS_C17Q_qrHo0R59ospT/s640/blogger-image--919901138.jpg" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">© Dana K and Really, What Were We Thinking?, 2009-2012.</div>Dana Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04126193301311318519noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4983865402917772853.post-63832590525678758972012-07-25T07:56:00.000-04:002012-07-25T09:32:14.552-04:00Out of the blue...I've been "home" in Georgia for about a week. Klaw and I have had a blast enjoying the beaches and visiting with friends. My beautiful Nana turned 90 and had a wonderful celebration at the church.<br />
<br />
I was visiting my "bonus" Mama, the mother of my friend, <a href="http://www.reallywhatwerewethinking.com/2011/04/jessica.html" target="_blank">Jessica</a>. She was at the hospital with her own mother who was undergoing a procedure, so I stopped by to see them both. <br />
<br />
Later this summer, my bonus Mama is getting married to a wonderful man who has re-entered her life and I haven't seen her this happy in a long time. While we were visiting, we spent a lot if time discussing the upcoming wedding and various things that have been going on in Brunswick. <br />
<br />
In walked a tech who was going to start the transfusion to my bonus Nana (not my 90 year old Nana, I know this can get confusing). He was super friendly and chatty and he looked at me then Mama Butts and innocently asked if I was her daughter.<br />
<br />
Mama Butts and I both got quiet. I told him that I wasn't her daughter but he had no idea what a compliment he had just given me. While Mama B explained that she lost <a href="http://www.reallywhatwerewethinking.com/2011/04/jessica.html" target="_blank">Jessica</a> many years ago and my friendship with her, the tears just started falling. From me.<br />
<br />
It hits me hard sometimes and rarely when I expect it. There is so much joy in my life, in Mama B's life, right now.<br />
<br />
<i>So much joy I wish I could share with Jessica.</i><br />
<br />
I visited her tomb on Tuesday after leaving the hospital. I had to. I had to touch something. I needed to physically connect with something that will forever record her life here. I needed grounding. <br />
<br />
I do believe in a spiritual life after our corporeal bodies are spent. I do believe that Jessica's spirit, her essence, will be with us at her Mama's wedding.<br />
<br />
I just wish I could hug her.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">© Dana K and Really, What Were We Thinking?, 2009-2012.</div>Dana Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04126193301311318519noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4983865402917772853.post-17860356929601988252012-07-02T07:11:00.000-04:002013-08-05T17:11:26.816-04:002012 International Babywearing ConferenceLast week, I saw that one of my friends here in Hampton Roads was making a day trip up to DC for the free public day at the <a href="http://internationalbabywearingconference.com/" target="_blank">2012 International Babywearing Conference</a>.<br />
<br />
Naturally, I told her we should carpool. Jilliane somehow managed to convince her husband & four kids that they would have more fun at home instead of at a conference in DC and our roadtrip was in motion.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaq-Yxeo2jlkJsJrjEP__1H5Zkp_dN7H5NV3KlmAxWPcXKpWrwbxVDmHeBIzqEVBi4OBBn_vhyzHBDKCwmlqzFxQHlJVP8QzdwknFKwnJoj52tIPojTndu9BbqVrhj8B0f2egQMEtf/s1600/Babywearing+Conference+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaq-Yxeo2jlkJsJrjEP__1H5Zkp_dN7H5NV3KlmAxWPcXKpWrwbxVDmHeBIzqEVBi4OBBn_vhyzHBDKCwmlqzFxQHlJVP8QzdwknFKwnJoj52tIPojTndu9BbqVrhj8B0f2egQMEtf/s320/Babywearing+Conference+Collage.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's rare that I find someone as silly as I am...</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Anyone who watches television probably knows that our region got ROCKED by storms over the past few days. The drive up to & in DC was not as uneventful as we would have liked due to fallen trees & power lines. Jilliane was impressed with my mad driving skills.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfGB32eNvTTl1Z3MP-dhL-jvQ6hmx-kyvS54intYYay8PD80SbypFmqCKJSMqILCuTn8i_gQRX5bfRSJLBxfbfyxtk2KUFU2A1H6olFlg1y_mboq0mJXanql0PfnYf9IL2thiZHNwV/s1600/DC+Tree+Storm+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfGB32eNvTTl1Z3MP-dhL-jvQ6hmx-kyvS54intYYay8PD80SbypFmqCKJSMqILCuTn8i_gQRX5bfRSJLBxfbfyxtk2KUFU2A1H6olFlg1y_mboq0mJXanql0PfnYf9IL2thiZHNwV/s320/DC+Tree+Storm+2012.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this tree was just a few blocks from the conference location</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I was pretty excited to finally meet Amy & Tim of <a href="http://www.nuzzlemecreationsllc.com/" target="_blank">NuzzleMe Creations</a> in person. I am a huge fan and own two of their Ultimate Man/Mama Carriers, one standard & one stay-cool carrier. Yep, I sound like a commercial and I don't care. I haven't received anything free or discounted from NuzzleMe Creations, I just like their products. Bonus: TIM is the man behind the Ultimate Man/Mama Carrier. You have to appreciate a guy who can rock a sewing machine like it's his job.<br />
<br />
<i>Wait, it is...</i><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9JydCPUgNzoY3yBocqlUBTrhtPPbFZy4OA9vJCXhZ3g4NeuAVbgJKypPBaOqUBgvrSs5cinaelNRHJRNVZAeAqnR53xxwRgV5xk1ORT_vODeuW05bbCaNIedIEhFZF0DM9wv4oy5-/s1600/NuzzleMe+Creations.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9JydCPUgNzoY3yBocqlUBTrhtPPbFZy4OA9vJCXhZ3g4NeuAVbgJKypPBaOqUBgvrSs5cinaelNRHJRNVZAeAqnR53xxwRgV5xk1ORT_vODeuW05bbCaNIedIEhFZF0DM9wv4oy5-/s320/NuzzleMe+Creations.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, Tim, Amy, & Jilliane - NuzzleMe Creations</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Jilliane & I were excited to meet Amy & Tim, which should be obvious by our cheesy grins. However, nothing could have prepared me for Jilliane turning into a total fangirl at the Didymos/Birdie's Room table.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfB10JjhN2Vp0b-GgxwifISq6hu_Rg8KVGfrzgjVycYQWVMRX8aLpAX3RKwBFuT9-pq6WDLBJgqXINEu2qlCYprwZfgmiVLG9r4wqdPqXJrvolPAe-yp8iRzfhsS6v2h-uwleT51BD/s1600/Birdie%2527s+Room+Fangirl+Jill.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfB10JjhN2Vp0b-GgxwifISq6hu_Rg8KVGfrzgjVycYQWVMRX8aLpAX3RKwBFuT9-pq6WDLBJgqXINEu2qlCYprwZfgmiVLG9r4wqdPqXJrvolPAe-yp8iRzfhsS6v2h-uwleT51BD/s320/Birdie%2527s+Room+Fangirl+Jill.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barbara from Birdie's Room is great</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
FYI - I want to be like Barbara from <a href="http://www.birdiesroom.com/" target="_blank">Birdie's Room</a> when I grow up. She's so incredibly nice and, dammit, the woman is gorgeous. She's also trying to help me fine the only wrap I ever sold and regretted, <a href="http://www.reallywhatwerewethinking.com/2010/11/beauty-of-babywearing.html" target="_blank">Didymos Ellipsen Primavera</a>.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4euNwPEx90JOJhxR_4KZPj2X2FafYdOMYrymtboDsJ5MYsf4sKr8LjvL1XVMQG1jDkCBbEGrfekKOtDKDv61XvZNqHGzQogUSA4UpGF39jeGY5wWMYMPTPQAtX5prebsmP7sWJs8j/s1600/Didymos+Anna+Tina.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4euNwPEx90JOJhxR_4KZPj2X2FafYdOMYrymtboDsJ5MYsf4sKr8LjvL1XVMQG1jDkCBbEGrfekKOtDKDv61XvZNqHGzQogUSA4UpGF39jeGY5wWMYMPTPQAtX5prebsmP7sWJs8j/s320/Didymos+Anna+Tina.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anna, Jillliane, & Tina of Didymos</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<a href="http://didymos.com/" target="_blank">Didymos</a> is a wrap company based in Germany. They produce some wonderful quality wraps for babywearing in a variety of patterns, styles, & colors and are well known and well regarded in the babywearing community. Anna & Tina were super nice and it was really neat being able to meet them in person, too. They had three yet to be released wraps available for purchase and a ton of other wraps at discounted prices. I was so tempted but had to remind myself that I hardly ever wear Klaw anymore and I can't really justify it, regardless of how beautiful it is. (Check out the skirt & dress...they are made from Didymos wraps!)<br />
<br />
Jilliane & I won a few things in a raffle the conference was hosting (we bought 35 tickets). I won two pairs of Beco baby socks and a <a href="http://www.attachedmoms.com/2011/10/bjorn-infantino-and-now-britax-crotch.html" target="_blank">Britax carrier </a>. I was going to burn it but they did include a seat extender to make it more ergonomically correct, so I'll probably sell it on ebay or craigslist. <br />
<br />
We also attended a Toddlerwearing 101 class that was offered but it was not great. The instructor was not familiar with wrapping toddlers and wasn't able to offer any suggestions. Jilliane ended up teaching different carries to the other parents in the room. I even learned a tip from her that will help me wrap Klaw more quickly.<br />
<br />
All in all, it was a great day. It is rare to find someone who can enjoy ~8 hours in the car with me in crappy traffic and still like me when the day is over. I only scared Jilliane a couple of times and Jilliane totally won a dance-off on I-64 with some twenty year olds, so she is completely awesome in my book.<br />
<br />
<b>HA</b>! I almost forgot the true highlight of the day - Jilliane & I were mistaken for college students at Catholic University. This doesn't happen very often, so I am going to revel in it for quite some time.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>I know some of y'all probably think a babywearing conference is kind of odd. Some of y'all even thought a blogging conference was kind of odd when I went to Blissdom. You'd think some of the other conferences I've attended are even more odd!</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Have you ever attended or wanted to attend a niche conference? What was it? Did you enjoy it? If you could create a niche conference, what would you like to see happen?</b></i></div>
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">© Dana K and Really, What Were We Thinking?, 2009-2012.</div>Dana Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04126193301311318519noreply@blogger.com3977-4117 Harewood Rd NE, Columbus School of Law, Washington, DC 20064, USA38.93541126067273 -77.00040578842163138.933867260672727 -77.002873288421625 38.936955260672732 -76.997938288421636tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4983865402917772853.post-62752763831627546702012-05-28T16:51:00.001-04:002012-05-29T09:18:02.644-04:00Do you work out?Why, yes, yes I do.<br />
<br />
I won't come out & say that I love it or have had some huge change of heart and suddenly hate my slovenly nature...but I do love the results.<br />
<br />
Until very recently, I weighed more than I weighed the day I gave birth to Klaw...before I gave birth.<br />
<br />
I have lost 12 pounds, slowly but surely. I have gained muscle mass. My clothes look better & I'm not embarrassed to wear a swimsuit. <br />
<br />
I have lost inches in my hips & waist my chest, too, but I don't want to measure that. (I have 1.2 mil bras of different sizes, so I just switch out when necessary)<br />
<br />
Klaw has enjoyed his hour or two at the Y, although it resulted in both of us getting sick in April. I was out for the count for about 2 weeks. Klaw had to be hospitalized for a weekend because we had GI issues in addition to upper respiratory issues.<br />
<br />
I can honestly say not being able to stay at the hospital with your child is possibly one of the worst the things to go through. Chris was with him the whole time, thankfully. He had to take leave the following week because I was in no condition to care for myself or a toddler. <br />
<br />
However, we are back on track. Klaw gets to play with other kids and he loves it. The staff at the local Y seems to be awesome and there is not as much turnover as I experienced when I worked in daycare.<br />
<br />
I'm working on strength training, jogging (which I hate), & swimming (which I love).<br />
<br />
For as long as I held out, I'm glad we finally joined the Y. I haven't felt this healthy in a long time.<br />
<br />
I haven't felt like showing any skin in public in a long time. If you knew me 10+ years ago, you'd realize what a big deal that is...(right, Wesleyannes?)<br />
<br />
Are there changes you need to make in your life? What's holding you back?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj1BfrGjryI8LHWF11zWl9n-Syx7D8PlfVic_VCLNnnmYnTz2OOk9UPnQGCUWwwrqITqcWfB0PtU2FoEJLYYofMp7b7phXN-sqlLMHUM-Z0aFxk9RjLksgmTLzyRnccMZxgrJXysdD/s640/blogger-image-819054415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj1BfrGjryI8LHWF11zWl9n-Syx7D8PlfVic_VCLNnnmYnTz2OOk9UPnQGCUWwwrqITqcWfB0PtU2FoEJLYYofMp7b7phXN-sqlLMHUM-Z0aFxk9RjLksgmTLzyRnccMZxgrJXysdD/s640/blogger-image-819054415.jpg" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">© Dana K and Really, What Were We Thinking?, 2009-2012.</div>Dana Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04126193301311318519noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4983865402917772853.post-52493938797834383882012-04-27T07:19:00.001-04:002012-04-27T07:21:03.271-04:00I'm sick, y'all.And I hate it.<br />
<br />
<i>In fact, I hate almost everything right now. I am a MISERABLE sick person.</i><br />
<br />
I have bookmarked a site to check for drug interactions because I am taking as many OTC medications & herbal concoctions as I (mostly safely) can in the hopes that something eradicates the gunk that is inside of me.<br />
<br />
Yes...the Neti pot is getting a LOT of action. It ain't pretty, folks. I'm pretty sure it would get me banned for life from YouTube if I vlogged it.<br />
<br />
Please send thoughts and prayers to Chris & Klaw as they continue to deal with me. Also, feel free to ask the powers that be for a Dora or Team UmiZoomi marathon.<br />
<br />
<i>Yes, the TV is Klaw's babysitter right now.</i><br />
<br />
It also seems like a LOT of people are currently sick, but I, admittedly, have tunnel vision right now.<br />
<br />
I hope you all get better soon. If you haven't been sick, I hope this plague skips you & your family.<br />
<br />
<i>this post brought to you by caffeine, sudafed, mucinex, Advil, & Benadryl</i><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB3cTOqYAujM2x4A8_D1Y6l7DRqFTiYVYHc1436uoLU-O6outKcJ67TRUkVn59OvS9tZrSsp8x-eMREAsN4ZHXzElDLEi95jlq6zrvM3KLD3UBmXgZQQ-MzW3t6J91mBQA-jTtqHLD/s640/blogger-image-634055504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB3cTOqYAujM2x4A8_D1Y6l7DRqFTiYVYHc1436uoLU-O6outKcJ67TRUkVn59OvS9tZrSsp8x-eMREAsN4ZHXzElDLEi95jlq6zrvM3KLD3UBmXgZQQ-MzW3t6J91mBQA-jTtqHLD/s640/blogger-image-634055504.jpg" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">© Dana K and Really, What Were We Thinking?, 2009-2012.</div>Dana Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04126193301311318519noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4983865402917772853.post-60040128099076310462012-04-12T08:27:00.001-04:002012-07-27T09:01:40.513-04:00How do you stand up for your beliefs?I have recently found myself challenged by people I share an important goal with...but disagree on some of the ways people work to achieve that goal. I started a status update on Facebook but I quickly realized I needed a bigger venue that would, hopefully, facilitate a broader discussion.<br />
<br />
I have several "soapbox" issues (you can check out the tab above this post). I feel very strongly about them and I actively work to support & promote these issues in my personal and public life (occasionally, even in official jobs).<br />
<br />
I can get pretty fired up about stuff very quickly. I do my best to remain respectful & calm (or at least appear that way).<br />
<br />
<i>Sometimes, I fail miserably.</i><br />
<br />
But I really do try to put myself in other people's shoes. I don't believe people make different decisions than I do because they wish to harm others. I disagree with some of my closest friends & many family members on issues of parenting, politics, & even pets. Outside of intentional, malicious acts, I generally don't let this affect my personal relationships with them...even though I really do enjoy a good, heated debate.<br />
<br />
This has caused some people to believe I'm not as serious or as committed to my "soapbox" causes as others within these movements.<br />
<br />
<i>They're wrong, for the record.</i><br />
<br />
Which now brings me to what would have been my longest Facebook status update ever:<br />
<br />
What methods work best to convince you to change your mind/opinion about a topic, or at least look more deeply into other choices?<br />
<br />
Do respectful discussions work best, where both (or more) sides are shared? Would you rather just read informative literature about the topic on your own time? Do you take the intiative to find opposing viewpoints on your own?<br />
<br />
What about personal stories from people similar to yourself who once agreed with you but later changed their minds?<br />
<br />
What about belittling or name-calling? How do you react if you are called names (like a child abuser or unfit parent) by people who disagree with you?<br />
<br />
How do you respond if/when the person you disagree with is the one being belittled or attacked? Would that chalenge you to look more deeply at their side of the issue?<br />
<br />
I know...it's a lot to think about. Don't feel like you have to answer it all at once. <br />
<br />
There are no wrong answers. ;-)<br />
<br />
<i>Here are Klaw's newest shoes...and I can't put myself in them to save my life.</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhUwmQO_GVuc2urK7oolopI-7Qs5m0s9y5li79E7-LANCgzjNivfH5lRNDr9Ad-ObnCNMJOggw_PsJpj6GKzOH8TUmxbXuDVHCaUJQ04TUWGyL9MZIjsWGTMTF1Gjchyg-mRMJjJXD/s640/blogger-image--1401919891.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhUwmQO_GVuc2urK7oolopI-7Qs5m0s9y5li79E7-LANCgzjNivfH5lRNDr9Ad-ObnCNMJOggw_PsJpj6GKzOH8TUmxbXuDVHCaUJQ04TUWGyL9MZIjsWGTMTF1Gjchyg-mRMJjJXD/s640/blogger-image--1401919891.jpg" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">© Dana K and Really, What Were We Thinking?, 2009-2012.</div>Dana Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04126193301311318519noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4983865402917772853.post-60800181799890986172012-04-06T07:28:00.001-04:002012-04-06T07:42:39.123-04:00When bloggers disappear...Where do they go?<br />
<br />
I've been mainly going to the local Y & working my butt off. Literally.<br />
<br />
<i>I even have the blisters to prove it.</i><br />
<br />
Chris & I created accounts on MyFitnessPal so that we could track our food & exercise to help us both get back in shape.<br />
<br />
As much as I would love to lose weight, I realize and accept that my body is just different since having Klaw. My hips are wider & my booty actually sticks out now. <br />
<br />
I'm okay with this. <br />
<br />
I'm not okay with my lack of energy and poor muscle tone. That's what I'm hoping to "fix" more than anything else.<br />
<br />
I have lost 6 pounds along the way, which means I finally weigh less than I did the day I gave birth...before I gave birth.<br />
<br />
Also? The Submarine Birthday Ball is coming up and I bought a smoking hot dress that accentuates my curves. Spanx helps to contain the extra fabulosity. I don't mind the help!<br />
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(also, I'm checking out a Blogger app to see how it does for posting on the fly, so I have no idea what this post is actually going to look like published!)<br />
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<i><b>Have you ever reached your breaking point where your health is concerned? Did you have to learn to accept changes to your body due to age, illness, or pregnancy?</i></b><br />
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<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9KMTIkl5O9_rxzVHfQ_OmHw7p1A8QLGg1frsdop66VVEYin3APZ1d56A-Zp3bn0HlLZMPSROXRpv1dPgb-jyzEQLMJioY_7Ti0s-gMGZK7-fNHZQBTwxuwFPPoaZSdPYRkl17U9pr/s640/blogger-image--1467656701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9KMTIkl5O9_rxzVHfQ_OmHw7p1A8QLGg1frsdop66VVEYin3APZ1d56A-Zp3bn0HlLZMPSROXRpv1dPgb-jyzEQLMJioY_7Ti0s-gMGZK7-fNHZQBTwxuwFPPoaZSdPYRkl17U9pr/s640/blogger-image--1467656701.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVkJwsabEeX6wrHOB6lZqcF-C5FqNzpjedv83CCYg-C_t5VyGNHP4OBxVijGSuqnRD04ujSz6E4iGgcr9ZGsAes41C3CyvNqVS4Aec-gy_2tyMHNMcZg2udzF7NgKZ26nkVvDmnRCm/s640/blogger-image--2039377564.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVkJwsabEeX6wrHOB6lZqcF-C5FqNzpjedv83CCYg-C_t5VyGNHP4OBxVijGSuqnRD04ujSz6E4iGgcr9ZGsAes41C3CyvNqVS4Aec-gy_2tyMHNMcZg2udzF7NgKZ26nkVvDmnRCm/s640/blogger-image--2039377564.jpg" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">© Dana K and Really, What Were We Thinking?, 2009-2012.</div>Dana Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04126193301311318519noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4983865402917772853.post-91485072523030176612012-04-02T07:57:00.000-04:002012-04-02T07:57:00.493-04:00Great Strides For Cystic Fibrosis 2012<i>My friend, Darby, has posted before on <a href="http://www.reallywhatwerewethinking.com/" target="_blank">Really, What Were We Thinking</a> about her son, <a href="http://www.reallywhatwerewethinking.com/2011/03/cystic-fibrosis-great-strides.html" target="_blank">Brady</a>. As we approach the 2012 Great Strides Walk for Cystic Fibrosis, I wanted Darby to have the opportunity to update all of us on how Brady is doing and, hopefully, help raise awareness and money again for this important cause. To learn more about Brady and his family, check out Darby's blog, <a href="http://www.keepongoingnomatterwhat.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Keep on going...no matter what</a>!</i><br />
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Cystic Fibrosis...it's a progressive disease with no cure and an average life expectancy of 37 years old...CF is a genetic disease that causes mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system resulting in chronic lung infections. 98% of all CF patients are pancreatic insufficient meaning they are unable to digest the fat in their food. CF affects the respiratory system as well as the digestive system...it's a life threatening disease that affects more than 30,000 people in the United States.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLV6PnZXAOhfahaeKNM6PKvoF9nOnOAYtHXnthd2P69QrGC3UT2a7ZNyYf-aeMdazFDdr-G9pVPy_UscPifNWTpIXdqjXe8_AA7U5mRoyE6bGDJRv-cMUsnaaCnlC3YpCkAr_TilhX/s1600/GreatStrides2011Brady.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLV6PnZXAOhfahaeKNM6PKvoF9nOnOAYtHXnthd2P69QrGC3UT2a7ZNyYf-aeMdazFDdr-G9pVPy_UscPifNWTpIXdqjXe8_AA7U5mRoyE6bGDJRv-cMUsnaaCnlC3YpCkAr_TilhX/s1600/GreatStrides2011Brady.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeff, Brady, & Darby at the Great Strides Walk 2011</td></tr>
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Our 3.5 year old son, Brady, has Cystic Fibrosis. His days are filled with breathing treatments, chest physiotherapy, medicines, and g-tube feedings. He spends each day fighting to stay healthy, and he spends a lot of time in the hospital each year, with his first hospitalization at only 5 months old. <br />
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Brady will fight this disease for his entire life. As a lot of people take for granted the ability to breathe, that's something he will always struggle with and be grateful for...he is blessed with each breath he has.<br />
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We are walking in the <a href="http://www.cff.org/great_strides/dsp_donationPage.cfm?registeringwalkid=8027&idUser=309197" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">2012 Great Strides Walk</a> in May this year, and we ask everyone to either join our team in Virginia or to find a walk in your area and walk for Brady and the other 30,000 people fighting this disease.<br />
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Please donate to this cause so our child, and many other children, may have a chance at a longer life...come out and walk at a Great Strides walk near you...don't take for granted the breath you have.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/j7-nDDyWM70?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Click here to <a href="http://www.cff.org/great_strides/dsp_donationPage.cfm?registeringwalkid=8027&idUser=309197" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">make a donation to Great Strides</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">© Dana K and Really, What Were We Thinking?, 2009-2012.</div>Dana Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04126193301311318519noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4983865402917772853.post-20588943426435252542012-03-14T07:53:00.003-04:002012-03-14T07:53:00.270-04:00A Lesson in Ordering MagazinesSo, my niece, KriKri, was selling magazines for a school fundraiser. I like playing the part of the supportive aunt.<br />
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I do, however, like to save money.<br />
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Chris & I decided to pick a magazine that might appeal to both of us so I circled some that sounded interesting. From that, Chris knocked out the ones he wasn't interested in and then we chose the cheapest one.<br />
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Outdoor Life<br />
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Chris & I like to camp, hike, enjoy the great outdoors on a regular basis. This sounded like something we could both enjoy and it would help out KriKri and her school.<br />
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You know that old saying - when you assume, you make an <i>ass </i>out of <i>u </i>and <i>me </i>- right?<br />
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Yeah. That.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyDX6PzHwJxQDuYEkYvZBjz2uUBaeYDDY3U0KN1pnG5BvbaZzzjXsn3OFqo2cnQ9mWT5ydy8rD9k0TKCQOO_kO2v23f1scoofzQTVAeZLg6lG7eB_oaV5UeBK9iXcgXXnUR0qVtonJ/s1600/OutdoorLife.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyDX6PzHwJxQDuYEkYvZBjz2uUBaeYDDY3U0KN1pnG5BvbaZzzjXsn3OFqo2cnQ9mWT5ydy8rD9k0TKCQOO_kO2v23f1scoofzQTVAeZLg6lG7eB_oaV5UeBK9iXcgXXnUR0qVtonJ/s320/OutdoorLife.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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I know, I know...when you think of me, you think of automatic weapons. I completely understand the association.<br />
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I'm thinking about using some of the articles and headlines for blog fodder.<br />
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What do you think? I'll be getting these magazines for a year...<div class="blogger-post-footer">© Dana K and Really, What Were We Thinking?, 2009-2012.</div>Dana Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04126193301311318519noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4983865402917772853.post-10010574244955477942012-03-12T07:46:00.000-04:002012-03-12T07:46:00.280-04:00VLCADD Update #KnowAboutMitoWe recently returned from an appointment with Dr. Vockley at the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. <a href="http://www.reallywhatwerewethinking.com/2010/11/klaws-visit-to-pittsburgh.html" target="_blank">Dr. Vockley first met Klaw</a> when he was about 8 months old and wanted a follow up by the time Klaw turned two, earlier if anything crazy happened that was <a href="http://www.reallywhatwerewethinking.com/p/vlcadd.html" target="_blank">VLCADD</a>-related.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDITxskEae7dka_T44aUL6GzxFJYlaZfaadpJPSCGP9Z-rN9atVYTtNYSbyjDQCPYNmFnMhsDG7gM3dhOvWoBBYwC8Qt5q-FvB2PxP825PqvZrqUyuLWdb6VoE2Y-toXMPEzy1HaaQ/s1600/iPad+014.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDITxskEae7dka_T44aUL6GzxFJYlaZfaadpJPSCGP9Z-rN9atVYTtNYSbyjDQCPYNmFnMhsDG7gM3dhOvWoBBYwC8Qt5q-FvB2PxP825PqvZrqUyuLWdb6VoE2Y-toXMPEzy1HaaQ/s320/iPad+014.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Thankfully, Klaw's <a href="http://www.reallywhatwerewethinking.com/p/vlcadd.html" target="_blank">VLCAD deficiency</a> has been well managed through diet & supplements and our primary geneticist, Dr. Proud, did not see a reason to visit with Dr. Vockley any earlier.<br />
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First of all, it took three people, but we finally got a head measurement for Klaw. This has been a bit of an issue for the past, oh, year. He is currently in the ~75%ile all the way around in height, weight, & head circumference. (35" tall & 29.5lbs)<br />
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Dr. Vockley does believe we dodged a bullet by the early diagnosis & intervention through the expanded newborn screening in Virginia. <a href="http://www.reallywhatwerewethinking.com/p/vlcadd.html" target="_blank">VLCAD deficiency</a> can involve the heart, liver, & muscle tissue. Infants who are not diagnosed early are at a high risk of death during the first year of life.<br />
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Klaw's blood sugar is well-controlled. Even with the illnesses we've been able to manage at home, his caloric intake has remained high enough to prevent <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypoglycemia" target="_blank">hypoglycemia</a>, which is always a concern during any illness. Our biggest day to day concern now is preventing <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhabdomyolysis" target="_blank">rhabdomyolysis</a>, which is when the body destroys muscle tissue. The dangers of rhabdomyolysis are not as acute as low blood sugar, but there are many long-term issues if he has multiple episodes over the course of time. Again, we are trying to stay one step ahead of the game with his diet.<br />
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Naturally, Chris asked about how this will affect Klaw's participation in sports as he gets older (<a href="http://www.reallywhatwerewethinking.com/2010/03/what-i-wish-for-my-son.html" target="_blank">he's still hoping for that Cubs gig...</a>). Dr. Vockley assured us he has many older adolescent patients with <a href="http://www.reallywhatwerewethinking.com/p/vlcadd.html" target="_blank">VLCADD</a> who are active in a variety of sports. We'll just have to be vigilant about keeping Klaw hydrated & ingesting calories. Basically, while everyone else is drinking water or watered down gatorade...Klaw will be drinking the stuff straight because he'll have a higher need for sugar & electrolytes.<br />
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There is a new database/research registry being formed at the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, so Chris & I elected to have Klaw's records submitted. It's not directly tied to his identity; each case file is given a number. However, if the information can help people learn more about <a href="http://www.reallywhatwerewethinking.com/p/vlcadd.html" target="_blank">VLCADD</a>, it is worth it.<br />
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Dr. Vockley was very pleased with Klaw's progress so far and future visits with him are at our discretion.<div class="blogger-post-footer">© Dana K and Really, What Were We Thinking?, 2009-2012.</div>Dana Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04126193301311318519noreply@blogger.comPittsburgh, PA, USA40.4406248 -79.995886440.3439463 -80.1538149 40.537303300000005 -79.8379579tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4983865402917772853.post-16965439303987096222012-03-08T07:45:00.018-05:002012-03-12T19:59:50.033-04:00Nice to Meet You! You Suck!<div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Chris is participating in Mama Kat's Pretty Much World Famous Writer's Workshop this week! Enjoy! </b></span></i></div><br />
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Ok. So the title isn't exactly what was said when I first met my MIL, but that's what I heard. <br />
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I'll set the scene, briefly. <br />
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Chris and Dana meet. Chris buys Dana and roommate dinner. Chris asks Dana out. Chris goes out with Dana a few times. Dana goes out with Chris a few times to make another guy jealous. Chris tries to kiss Dana. Denied! Chris almost throws in the towel. Chris and Dana go out some more. Chris and Dana dare each other to get married to each other. Both accept. Both call their parents to tell them the great news. <br />
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At least I thought it was great news. That was until Dana called her mom. <br />
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Dana excitedly calls her mom, a woman I had never met or talked to, and tells her that we are engaged. Dana, being a lifetime member of the Prankster Club, is questioned by her mom if this is another attempt to get a good laugh at her expense. Dana tells her no; that this for real.<br />
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Suddenly, the phone is handed to me with the statement from Dana that her mom doesn't believe her.<br />
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I take the phone and say "hello". <br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq"><div style="text-align: left;"><i>"Are you really going to marry my daughter," Joye asks.</i> </div><div style="text-align: left;">"Yes, I am." I reply. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>"I'm not sure you are good enough to marry my daughter," Joye then says.</i> </div></blockquote><br />
I know, right? How dare she say that.<br />
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In any event, the conversation continued. Joye said that before this goes any further I had to meet her in person. I said sure and told her that Dana and I could come down the following weekend.<br />
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She said that that was fine but <b><i>leave Dana there.*</i></b> <br />
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This was going to be she and I, me and her.<br />
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Alone. <br />
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I wasn't too worried because I typically got along with parents of prior girlfriends. I made arrangements to stay at Dana's moms' home that weekend and all I kept thinking about was her telling me that I wasn't good enough for her daughter. <br />
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So when I finally pulled up into the driveway of Joye's home, I was ready to prove her wrong. We exchanged courtesies right away, although I don't remember if we hugged or not. We immediately went to lunch where I proceeded to get the third degree and was asked questions as if I were on trial.<br />
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It was a bit rough, I wont lie.<br />
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I suppose it went fine because she didn't say "You Suck."<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVVd3qkA3o0SlS09blJw7oL-tcHqZbWwyPQf6yko8Fo8s7Kz8CbO8jpffGakY5iBKlJvx88xcjNiB0JdXuQi423XB0Vyp70773MQ-CTXFQ0xIPxqFVSpgapH_amSvrsNCYmtMI_lNA/s1600/MomTrolley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVVd3qkA3o0SlS09blJw7oL-tcHqZbWwyPQf6yko8Fo8s7Kz8CbO8jpffGakY5iBKlJvx88xcjNiB0JdXuQi423XB0Vyp70773MQ-CTXFQ0xIPxqFVSpgapH_amSvrsNCYmtMI_lNA/s320/MomTrolley.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joye's smiling, right?</td></tr>
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<center><a href="http://www.mamakatslosinit.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Mama’s Losin’ It" src="http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac331/mamakatslosinit/workshop-button-1.png" /></a></center><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> 5.) Describe what it was like <a href="http://mommalogues.sheknows.com/topic/what-was-it-like-meeting-your-in-laws-for-the-first-time/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">meeting your in-laws</a> for the first time?</i></span><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> </i><b><i>*For the record, I told Chris not to do it. - Dana</i></b></span><br />
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<center><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i><a href="http://meetmeatthefence.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://www.mommyslittlemonsterblake.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/aim_sunday_atc.png" /></a></i></b></span></center></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">© Dana K and Really, What Were We Thinking?, 2009-2012.</div>Chris Bra'http://www.blogger.com/profile/16915296342614476933noreply@blogger.com