just wanted to share

the conversation between K and me at lunchtime:

Me: Would you like me to cut your ham and cheese sandwhiches in squares or triangles
K: hearts, please.

TOOOOOO cute!

would someone please put me in a straightjacket

No, I am not going crazy (well, I guess that is debatable), but I seem to have this horrible infliction, a hand-to-mouth kind of reflex that I cannot control. , Basically, I am very quickly eating my way through anything I can get my hands on. I simply cannot stop eating. If only it was fruit and vegs...but of course, it is random craving type things, like rice and umeboshi (wtf?) and peanut butter sandwiches, and of course potato chips and chocolate - can't get enough of that good stuff. Thank goodness R is away at PIL for a week's holiday, or else I may even have started gnawing on her drumsticks, aaah, I mean legs. I am so not even going to think about what is gonna happen at my next weigh-in (although last week I somehow managed to get through ok, being right on track for weight gain....) I just need some kind of self-control....or a straight jacket to keep my hands away from stuffing my face!

J is away until next Wednesday, in Indonesia/Malaysia for a business trip, which is probably going to be a bit of a waste of time now by the sounds of it, since his boss, who was supposed to go with him was not allowed to board the plane at Narita as his passport only has 4months validity left, so he couldn't get into Indonesia lol. What a dilbo.

Randomly, here are some yay's and nay's over the past few weeks:

YAY
♣ being pregnant, and having a belly so big your legs and butt actually start to look small!
♣ not having to clean or cook for a week or more (while J is away)
♣ having a girls date with K yesterday afternoon, after playgroup. After lunch, we went to Krispy Kreme donuts and sat like big girls on the comfy sofa chairs (one for me, one for K and one for "baby" (her doll) while we enjoyed the original glazed krispy kreme donut each, and a glass of water since they had no de-caf.) The we walked around a shopping centre (although I only actually went into two shops, H&M, and all we bought were hair clips for K!...looking forward to getting back there once I am back to normal-ish size, and Starbucks where I got the new sakura mug!). It was so much fun, I just let K do as she wanted (within reason, of course, the usual hold hands on roads rules were still enforced) but I let her take as much time as she wanted dawdling, picking up leaves outside etc. I actually felt relaxed after a shopping trip - amazing!
♣ doing K's hair in braids and piggy tails..she loves having her hair done, and I enjoy doing it! And of course she looks so damn cute with it all done up.
♣ being able to spend 1-on-1 time with K (probably the last chance for a while once TJ-baby gets here)
♣ being entertained with K's funny K-isms and just watching the things she does, the way she plays. She has really grown up so much, and I can't believe she will be 3 in just a few weeks!
♣ having a bubble bath
♣ going out for lunch with a friend, at an all-you-can-eat buffet!
♣ 30-Rock. My most recent US sitcom addiction. I am almost at the end of season 1 already.
♣ thinking of names for TJ-baby....and *possibly* having found a good girl's name

NAY
♣ getting wedgies from my undies - even the big gramma type ones (hence proving that indeed the butt is getting bigger, and the tummy/butt ratio thing is just an illusion)
♣ the house being a mess after not having to clean for several days already....tomorrow is designated CLEANING day (weekends mean nothing when J is not here)!
♣ missing J
♣ the skype connection to Indonesia being crap and not actually being able to talk properly when J rings
♣ eating so much I feel sick (but then starting again almost straight away - I am like a bottomless pit at the moment!)
♣ a stuffed up nose that I can't seem to get rid of
♣ trying to think of a good boy's name for TJ-baby...yikes. I wish I had kept the list we made before K was born....
♣ TJ-baby's "low kicks" (or possibly headbutting) - an experience I am not enjoying. Luckily they seem to have stopped for a while and we are back to regular punching bag exercise.
♣ J taking his super warm down jacket with him - what am I supposed to wear? I can hardly zip up any of my own jackets at the moment.

Reports and excel sheets

Have been spending my computer time trying to get a proper, workable budget into order. It takes a lot of time!!! I have been getting "my side of the story" ready...... J pays for certain things (like petrol, etc road tolls, mobile phones etc) so I have always ignored that side of things, but I REALLY want to know everything now, or else I can't see how I can understand our expenditures. Even though I doubt know that we won't make any chages to outgoings in the areas that he looks after, I feel I need to know figures to be able to reconcile my entire budget. I have asked him to sit down before and go through this with me, but of course, it was a half-hearted effort (lots of "abouts") so this time I want hard, cold facts. )So I am getting my side ready to show him how I want to do it.

Am also searching through boxes and random places around the house trying to find medical receipts from last tax year, so we can do up our tax return, since we have gone over the 10man line with hospital bills (yay?!?! should I be celebrating this, lol??) So I am "excelling" away getting all that info in one place, and adding up as I go, searching for even an extra couple of hundred yen worht of medical bills to add to our ever growing total. I think it was a good thing to start recording medical expenses, and it has got me thinking that I need to be organised for 2010 tax year, as we will go over the 10man again, with TJ-baby's birth, as the money back from government won't cover the entire hospital stay, and then of course there are my monthly/weekly visits (one of which I had yesterday - that post is coming). It is also nice to have a record of when we were sick. Maybe everyone already does this kind of thing, but while I have always thought I should, I never got into it properly, so hopefully this time I will be able to record these things for future reference.

And I like this kinda thing - making excel sheets, comparing stuff.....

AND it is kinda getting me to go through some of the crap we still hadn't unpacked, so it is a win-win situation all around. (well, except for the state of the house which, if someone arrived unexpectidly, then would proabably think we had been either burgled or hit by an exploding vacuum cleaner...getting grotty!! Must do a run around after K wakes up from her nap. PIL are coming tomorrow too, so must make that run-around pretty thorough. Thank goodness, J has a work related dinner tonight, so at least I don't have to faff around in the kitchen.

Just wish I had have added "make a list of medical expenses" to my 101 things to do list, as I could almost cross that off...but I have had a nice start to my 101 things, I think - almost enough for an early update - coming soon, lol.

For now, it is back to the spreadsheet and filing.

29weeks

Tues 7pm-ish
I just got back from the clinic. Had a 5:30pm appointment, but they actually saw me early, yay. I went into the consultation room, and the nurse measured me up (after having snatched my weight print out - I kinda thought they were "on to me" but nothing was mentioned of my weight this time, just on 1.6kg in 3weeks...so right on track) felt up my legs (no swelling) and then promtly told me to cover my tummy because I would get cold (in the 3 secs between her leaving and the doc coming in). Then, when the doctor did come in, he was like "oh, hi there" greeting me like I was an old friend. It was kinda funny. I can understand tho that some patients must stand out, and I guess the blonde with the super cute toddler(☺) is something people seem to remember....

All is good with me and TJ-baby- I have just worked out that when TJ-baby is attacking me from the inside, it is prob their legs up high on the left side, and their hands down low on the right side. I worked this out when the doc was scanning TJ-baby's head down there. I had been wondering for a while about that. Strong legs this one, lol. Measurements all on 29week range values, and saw its intestines and heart all formed well! Doctor told me at the end of the visit to take it easy from now on (haha, like I haven't been from day 1!) and likened week 30 onwards to blowing up a balloon - at first it takes a lot of effort to get the balloon going, but then it just exapnds on it's own momentum. Basically, from now on I get huge!! And I was feeling a bit big tummied already, ttytt. must post a belly shot!

Am actually feeling more heavy in general - difficulties with my !yoshoi's! and getting up from chairs/sofas/under kotatsu, that kinda thing. I am already nearly 1t 10kg, which is faster to get to this weight than when pregnant with K. Hmmm....


However, since I got no reprive for weight gain this time, I am thinking of trying out some lovely sweets recipes that I have seen on other blogs recently, haha!

Am kinda thinking .....
cut to 11.50pm Wed night, and I have no idea what I was thinking ⇑- I obviously had to leave the post half way through yesterday, and forgot my train of thought...oh well)...

I kinda broached the name thing with J last night. We haven't really thought about names for TJ-baby at all yet. I would like a name that is easy to pronounce in both Japanese and English, but haven't found any that stick out yet.

Also had to pay up the deposit (if you can call 20man a deposit) for the hospital. Ouch.

That was both the pain of having to fork over that much money, and TJ-baby doing aerobics on the inside - must be letting me know that they know I am talking about them✌.

101 things in 1001 days

Reading Kel's 101 things inspired me to try it out for myself- but I have to say that making this list was hard work. In the end I had to cull a LOT of items, like "climb at least a 1700m mountain" and several items relating to overseas adventure travel, lol! I kinda forgot that I am not in my 20s and not footloose and fancy-free anymore ;(

I am still not sure if I have managed to write a realistic list anyway or not - having kids takes a lot out of the playing field. I think that the hardest things will actually be just getting the time TO MYSELF to do half the things (especially the running and swimming.....) But, I can only try, right?

Soooooooooo...... here goes: 101 things in 1001 days.

Start date February 1st, 2010. Finish date October 28th, 2012
The Mission:
Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.

The Criteria:
Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part).

Why 1001 Days?
Many people have created lists in the past - frequently simple goals such as New Year’s resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organising and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.

Red means completed, italics means in progress.
Items are in no particular order.

KIDS AND FAMILY

1 . Make a baby album for K for the first 2 years of her life.
2 . Make a baby album for TJ-baby for the first 2 years of their life.
3 . Update facebook photos of K once a month. (0/33)
4 . Take the k to the park at least once a week for 50 weeks (this is for her playtime, separate to just walking R) (0/50)
5 . Update facebook photos of TJ-baby once a month.
6 . Take K out on a special date (one-on-one time) once a month after TJ-baby born
7 . Go to an Aquarium
8 . Go to the zoo near playgroup
9 . Go to Zoorasia again
10 . Take K to a "carnival" (Dora the explorer reference there) or circus
11 . Ride on a ferris wheel with K

EXTRAVAGANCE

12 . Drink the bottle of French Champagne J brought back from France (perhaps to celebrate 5th marriage anniversary?)
13 . Drink the wine (Tempranillo) we brought back from Argentina
14 . Eat Peking duck at "8"
15 . Eat out at Bistro du Moulin, @ Kichijoji without the kid(s)
16 . Eat 焼肉　at "北京" again
17 . Get J to take me to 焼き鳥

JAPAN/TRAVEL

18 . Visit friends in Oita
19 . Visit 2 prefectures I haven't been to before. (0/2) (Fukushima, Ibaraki, Tochigi, Toyama, Fukui, Mie, Shiga, Wakayama, Tottori, Shimane, Okayama, Yamaguchi, Tokushima, Kagawa or Ehime)
20 . Visit 5 shrines or temples I haven't been to before (esp in Kamakura). (0/5)
21 . Go ski/snowboarding at least once (assuming not pregnant during ski season)
22 . Travel to an overseas country (other than Australia) at least once (would love to go to Taiwan, or perhaps to California and tour the wineries (this is real a dream item! I know that chances are it won't come true, but I can always hope…) )

SOCIAL

23 . Host playdate/morning tea at home at least 12 times (0/12)
24 . Have J's 幼馴染 over at least once a year (0/3)
25 . Have J's friends(manatee) over at least once a year (0/3)
26 . Have J's parents over at least once every 4 months (0/8)

HEALTH/FITNESS/HOBBIES

27 . Get back to pre-pregnancy weight
28 . Be able to fit into my Helly Hansen bamboo pants again
29 . Follow a daily face firming ritual every day for 2 months in succession (0/2)
30 . Get a professional massage at least once.
31 . Get a professional pedicure at least once.
32 . Drink at least 1L of water every day for a month
33 . Drink at least 1.5L of water every day for a month
34 . Drink 2L of water every day for a month
35 . Swim once a week for 12weeks (0/12)
36 . Swim 1.5km in 30mins
37 . Run twice a week, for 12weeks (0/12)
38 . Run 3km ten times (0/10)
39 . Run 5km 5 times (0/5)
40 . Run 10km 2 times (0/2)
41 . Go cycling with J and kids (in bike seats)
42 . Go hiking (maybe Takao-san or around Kamakura) with kids
43 . Go to a tea ceremony (e.g. at a 祭り)
44 . Get regular dental checks, at least once a year (0/3)

DETOX

45 . Have a computer free day at least once a week for 12 weeks (0/12)
46 . Spend a week with no internet (skype an exception)
47 . Spend a week with no TV
48 . Go for a week without buying any chocolate/chips/junk food/dessert
49 . Go for 2 weeks in a row without buying any chocolate/chips/junk food/dessert(0/2)
50 . Go for a month without buying any chocolate/chips/junk food/dessert.

USING MY BRAIN

51 . Study Japanese for at least 30 minutes once a month (0/33)
52 . Read a novel in Japanese
53 . Sit JLPT or JETRO test
54 . Read 5 novels in English (0/5)


DURING PREGNANCY

55 . Do yoga dvd once a week (starting now)

MONEY AND SAVINGS

56 . Start Mon-Sun week budget and refresh self each Monday for 12 weeks in a row (0/12)
57 . Once completed above, continue with 家計簿 every month.
58 . Make a bank book in each child's name.
59 . Use this bank book to make an education fund, depositing at least 5,000 yen per child per month (adjust as budget allows).
60 . Save 10万円 in 500yen coins
61 . Go three whole months (not necessarily in succession) without buying any single clothing item for any member of the family (0/3)
62 . Get our weekly shopping (groceries only) down to 6000 yen (hahaha! Can only try I guess…)
63 . Be able to put away 5000yen a month to pay back money for the car.
64 . Be able to put at least 5000 yen away per month for a travel fund.

EVENTS

65 . Do 七五三 for K (2010, 2012)
66 . Get a professional family photo done
67 . Take a family Christmas photo (0/2)

AROUND THE HOUSE

68 . Start a herb garden.
69 . Grow a nice, grassy lawn
70 . Get rid of anything we don't use and is still unpacked after 6 months (by July 2010)
71 . Go through all clothes and donate to charity or recycle anything we don't need.

ORGANISING

72 . Organise the playroom so it's easy to clean and keep (relatively!) tidy.
73 . Do something about the 押し入れ in our bedroom.
74 . Follow weekly cleaning schedule for 4 weeks in a row (0/4)
75 . Follow weekly cleaning schedule for 3 months (0/3)

COOKING

76 . Learn to make 10 recipes by heart (0/10)
77 . Cook fish for dinner 2 times a week for 12 weeks (0/12)
78 . Attempt to make 漬物
79 . Make a pie crust that I am happy with!
80 . Make at least 15 recipes out of oven recipe book

BEING HANDY

81 . Sew ties in doona covers (so doonas don't slip about) (0/4)
82 . Take up pants that are too long
83 . Take up curtains / fix curtain with hole in it
84 . Learn how to sew something simple.
85 . Remake a piece of my clothing into something K can wear

PERSONAL

86 . Write a list of things I am grateful for once a month (0/33)
87 . Get a psychic reading
88 . Apply for permanent residency
89 . Write a letter to Aunty E, Uncle M, and Uncle G at least 2 times a year
90 . Go to the hairdressers at least once a year

OTHER

91 . Finish South America traveblog
92 . Start making 年賀状 at the beginning of December every year (0/3).
93 . File all received 年賀状 by the end of January every year, updating addresses on computer list (0/3)
94 . Start writing Xmas cards at the beginning of December every year (0/3)
95 . Make a blog list of all the countries I have been to, and dates of travel (referring to passports and photos)
96 . Make a blog list of all mountains I have climbed in Japan
97 . Make a blog list of the places in Japan I have visited (use photos as reference)
98 . Import all photos from old computer to current computer, AND save on disks
99 . Save all digital photos on facebook or Picasa or similar on-line photo storage site
100 . Update how the list is going on my blog at least 6 times (0/6)
101 . Donate 500 yen to charity for every unfinished task at the end of this challenge.