2010

I debated writing a wrap-up post for 2010. In all honesty, it's been a little "blah," especially compared to 2009. I'm starting to accept it though. Not every year is meant to be full of massive growth and big events like graduations, home buying and babies, right?

If I had to pinpoint one way I have grown, however, it has definitely been in what I will call "parental adaptation." Being the parent of a toddler is a lot different than being a parent of an infant. Harder, in my humble opinion. Toddlerhood is intense. I'm only kind of joking when I say that they are bi-polar. I love it though, and wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. He's getting so big, in fact, that the dreaded baby fever has set in (just for me so far though).

We've also done really well with home ownership so far. We could have gone on a big vacation this year (and I so wanted and debated for it), but we both came to the decision to pay extra on our loan. We've also started to make small improvements and will continue that in 2011.

I have had definite moments of "mommy brain," but I've worked all year on keeping my mind fresh. I have read 124 books, joined a book club, and I have kept up on social issues (sometimes blogging about them but almost always discussing/debating them with someone).

After writing this, I am more than okay with 2010. We survived, and we even thrived (especially Brayden).

Trust

Trust is a funny thing. I trust my husband. I trust him to keep us safe driving. I trusted him to support me during labor. I trust him with our son (well, I'll admit that was a process). Today, I had to learn to trust him in a new way.

We went indoor rock climbing today. We both assumed that an instructor would be with us the whole time. Most importantly, we both assumed that the instructor would be belaying us. Nope. We got 15 minutes instruction, and then we were sent off on our own. It was amazing. Amazing workout, adrenaline rush, and "trust experiment." I had to trust he wouldn't let me fall if I lost my grip (which I didn't, thank goodness).

I definitely recommend it. We usually do the typical movie date, and it was nice to change it up a bit. I doubt I'll recommend it tomorrow though. I can already tell my arms will be SO sore, and blisters are already forming on my palms. Just kidding- it was worth the pain.

"Be cool to the pizza dude"

Some of you probably don't know this, but my husband has been a pizza driver for 4 years now (usually a second job). I've learned a lot and changed my mind about many things. One of them is on my mind tonight as he's working in the storm tonight.

I wouldn't have batted an eye at ordering pizza to be delivered in a storm. Now I really think it should be avoided. And believe me, it's not. They get so busy during storms. When we lived in West Jordan, he even had to drive out to Copperton. If you don't want to drive in it, and you know it's not safe you probably shouldn't ask someone else to drive in it. If your kitchen is anything like mine, you can throw a meal together easily. Another thing is that people (in general) don't seem to tip accordingly. Not that money matters, I would definitely rather just have him home safe. On the subject of tipping, we definitely tip more now. And what's funny is that the lower income area of the two stores he has delivered for tipped higher on average. I wonder if some people don't realize that drivers don't realize a full reimbursement for gas, and maintainance does cost more (oil changes mostly, but we also have to buy tires more often that most people). It's a job though, and one we greatly appreciate. I just hope the storm isn't as bad as the news has said it will be.

For another (better written) piece on treating pizza drivers kindly, go here. NPR used to do this amazing series called This I Believe. I enjoyed listening to the podcast, and they have also put together two books of essays.

TSA and Glenn Beck

Yes, here comes another political post. It's a first, though, because it's one in which I agree with Glenn Beck. When the news first started coming out about the full body scanners and TSA pat-downs, I thought the fuss was stupid (honestly). I have a friend who just took a trip, however, and if what happened there is going to be the norm, I'm not happy about it. They were doing "random" selections and those people had to go through both the scanner and the pat-down, her husband being one of them. And for the 20 minutes they were in line, my friend said it was every 4th person. Not so random. I don't like either one of them really, but I get that some security has to be in place. I don't like that you apparently don't always have a choice between the two. I think you should have a choice (unless they notice something suspicious and need the other test to help verify).

I don't care as much about the radiation. It's unfortunate, but we are exposed basically all the time. That's just our world now. I don't like that the screens can be saved, but I doubt that there will be an influx of perverts trying to get TSA jobs just to see the full-body scans or do the pat-downs. In fact, I don't like that implication, because these agents are just doing their job, doing what they are told to do.

I guess, then, I don't agree with all of what I've heard Glenn Beck say. I do hope that this policy of people having to do both eventually changes. I think people have the right to choose for themselves what the lesser of the two evils is. I don't travel much, but I would choose the scanner and would be upset if I had to do both.

Harry Potter

(As long as power doesn't go out, you can expect multiple posts from me as I try to catch up on what's been going on.)



So.... Harry Potter. Was. Amazing! I should have expected it to be, but I didn't. Why?

Well, I had heard about the "nude" scene and I was worried about it. Not appropriate for one, not in the book for two, plus I had heard who it involved and I was just angry about that. It was so not a big deal. I should have known, since it was KSL that was reporting on it. Both Ann (Adam's sister) and I were worried about it until it happened, and for me it actually ruined a really touching scene where Harry and Hermoine dance because I thought it might happen then.

I also wasn't sure I could handle the midnight premiere. I am getting older, you know. I never even came close to dozing off, which I have been known to do before (but never during Harry Potter).

It was so good and I loved so many things about it. As I mentioned, I loved the dancing scene (and will appreciate it even more when I'm not worried about it turning into something else). I loved the animated telling of the tale of the three hallows. I loved the acting, as always. The kids have gotten better with each one and the adults (Alan Rickman and Helena Bonham Carter especially) have always done well.

I cannot wait for the next movie but at the same time I will be so sad when it is all over. I do have introducing Brayden to the wonder that is Harry Potter to look forward to though. And how I will love that. Ann and I have decided that we (Adam's siblings) will all go the Harry Potter theme park when that happens.

Lessons learned...

just this week alone.

We went to SLC's live broadcast of Jon Stewart's Rally to Restore Sanity, and his speech made me realize that I am sometimes part of the problem. It's important to be respectful, even when we have differences. I will admit to not having the best attitude towards pundits like Glenn Beck and their fans. The signs were pretty fun, the music was entertaining, but Stewart's speech was amazing. Please watch it if you haven't already. It all had an effect on me, butit felt like a punch in the gut when he said "If you amplify everything, you hear nothing." I have been guilty of that. I have a lot to learn apparently, as if that wasn't clear already. On a side note, here are some of the signs I liked (from the SLC rally):






The next lesson I've learned is from this new blog (vlog?) I've been watching called Mompetition. It's all about the "mommy wars." Which is admittedly, another trap I've fallen into. The first video is the best. I've learned from this blog that no mom is perfect and that we (for the most part) are all trying our best. I do believe in things like natural birth, breastfeeding, etc but need to remember that my way doesn't work for everybody.


And lastly... don't go watch Life As We Know It on a date with your husband if you are prone to having anxiety about either losing your baby or leaving your baby parentless. Cute romance, but I was crying for half the movie.

Vote

Make your voice heard. I know the system isn't perfect. I feel strongly that informing yourself (at least about the senate, governorship, president, etc) and voting is a duty as well as a right. If you don't vote, you shouldn't complain.
Now that my spiel is over, how about this cuteness...





Can you believe the difference a year makes?!