Mall of America

When I first drove up, I must admit that I was not impressed. From the exterior, it really did not look that big.

I pulled into an empty spot in the five story parking structure, and prepared for disappointment. Even when I walked in, it looked like a five story version of Rivertown mall. Not what I was expecting, to say the least.

Once I started walking, I realized the true vastness of the Mall of America. I had about four hours to shop, and I never made it off the second level. My one regret? I forgot to bring a pair of tennis shoes.

Other tidbits from my trip to Minnesota- I paid $27 for parking downtown (terribly hard for this dutch girl), seeing Josh's aunt and uncle who so generously let me stay with them plus took me out to dinner to boot, driving around for 40 minutes trying to find a gas station to fill up my rental car to no avail. $7 a gallon is the going rate, and I have to now pay it (harder still for the dutch girl in me).

Any one else ever been to Mall of America?

Crabby

that is what I am.

You see, I have been messing with my computer for four days now, and unfortunately am not the Geek Squad.

...and nothing makes me crabbier, not even paying bills.

I realized today that this is the last six months it will be just him and I. Even typing it gets me choked up. We've been best buddies for three years...and there is just something about a little boy and his mom....

We have filled our days with all sorts of fun things- the children's museum, playgroups at the local school, library days, walks to the playground...and part of me is wondering if I am making this upcoming transition harder by spending so much time with him?

Not that I would quit doing it because we both enjoy it so much.... but I just wonder.

Waiting to Exhale

I knew the day would come eventually, I just did not think it would be so soon.

I have struggled against the idea for some time, knowing that once I "crossed over", there would be no going back for quite some time.

So, while sitting at Josh's basketball game yesterday, I knew the time had come. I felt a little like Chris Farley in the "big guy, little jacket" bit, where the suit-coat jacket rips up the back as he is obviously too large for it.

I am now officially in maternity jeans...and it stinks.

Although, they are far more comfortable as I can now exhale.

Recently, my dad's best friend died of heart failure. He contracted a heart virus two years ago, and his heart never fully recovered. Mike was the kind of guy that lived life to the fullest- he was part of a parachuting team that did elaborate formations in the air, barefooted behind big power boats, and loved to drive fast motorcycles. After he died, my dad bought one of his motorcycles and has loved having that piece of him as a reminder of what a fun guy he was. Last night, my little brother asked if he could drive it. The conversation:

Brother: Hey Dad, can I ride your motorcycle?

Dad: Sure, but just stay off the main road since you do not have a motorcycle license. I would not want you to get caught by police and get a ticket.

Brother: No problem- I will stay off the main roads.

After a while, my mom began to ponder where he could be, since the road my parents live on is not that long. He returned home after a while and we asked him where he was. "I was riding on the sidewalks", he replied. "You said to stay off the main road." 'Cause that will keep the cops from giving you a ticket---riding a street motorcycle on the sidewalk.

The funny thing is I can see why he thought that.

Beware: Snarkiness ahead

Let's talk a minute about prenatal vitamins. If you are among the fortunate that do not get sick on a regular basis while pregnant, these "vitamins" or manure pills as I like to call them, will certainly do the trick. The size, although large, is not really the problem. The taste is- it starts with a strong chalky taste the minute popped, followed by hours of a delicious vitamin aftertaste. Yummy.

Also, does it bug anyone else when you are driving down the road and the car next to you had 237 stuffed animals in the back window?

Like I said, Snarky.