There is an e-card or joke going around online that I've seen a few times. And in all honesty, I agree with it. It says something like "Raising kids and running a house keep me busy too. I also have this little gig on the side called a full time job".
There are women/mothers out there that have a whole lot more on their plate than I do. More kids, more church responsibility, more work responsibility, better housekeepers, more everything. Even knowing that, I could never believe moms who said they didn't have time to eat during the day. With Hyrum, I always had time to eat, with Hyrum and Kate I still always found time to eat. With three (and no husband at the moment)? I barely have time to drink a few glasses of water during the day! I didnt think that was possible.
Today was just a hectic day. Worse than usual night with Milo, church 75 minutes away (family homecoming), stopping at the hospital on the way home to say hi to my mom, 2 potty stops on the way home (should have been 3, so I'm also washing a car seat cover). I'm just dog-tired. And when I sit down (nursing has its benefits, like I have to sit down for a few minutes) and add my food in my phones app I realized I stuck dinner (for me) in the microwave a couple hours ago and it's still there.
Also explains why Milo has been less than satisfied with his time nursing as well. I'm definitely going to drink more water at least tomorrow, remember to take my breast feeding prescription and herbal supplements and eat more snacks during the day.
Unless the opportunity for a nap presents itself. Then I don't care what I've had to eat or drink, I'll take that nap. A mom has to have her priorities straight.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Saturday, October 13, 2012
World Travels: Hong Kong
I was thinking earlier this year (2012) that I wanted to travel to Asia some time in my life. I had the opportunity a while back to go to India but chose not to pursue the option of living and working there with a brand new family. So when my manager, Jeff, called me and told me there was some demand in APAC for a class I teach - ITIL - I was very excited for the opportunity. I quickly arranged the flights to both Hong Kong in China and Melbourne, Australia. This involved applying for certain work credentials in order to legally be in those countries. Although I love my country, I also immensely enjoy learning from other cultures and visiting other places. It reminds me of just how alike we are and at the same time what variety there is in language, foods, architecture, transportation, etc, in the world. It opens the mind to opportunities and possibilities that are difficult to see when one does not change their drive to the office for years.
* * * * *
I remember boarding the flight a couple days early because of the great time difference. The flight wasn't anything special. It was a huge plane. I don't remember being in a plan that big for at least 10+ years. One with three seats on the sides and six or so seats in the center. There were several movies and I worked hard to stay awake so that when I arrived in Hong Kong I could eat dinner and then still be tired enough to sleep through the night. I was successful thanks to three separate movies and the occasional in-flight meal. Maybe part of the reason I like eating on planes is that everything is miniature.
Once I arrived in Hong Kong I found transportation. That was a little intimidating. They DO speak English in Hong Kong, but it's not flawless and of course, you're the one looking crazy when there is a misunderstanding. The person at the desk asked where I wanted to go and efficiently placed a green triangle sticker on my chest - I had been branded. When my bus was ready, I boarded and we were off to the hotel.
It was a high rise hotel in a better part of town. I guess it was a commercial area, but I was told it was one of the better areas. I wouldn't expect anything less from Oracle. The hotel room was nice and I remember it had fresh fruit for you. A nice touch. There was also a universal charger in the room so I guess that is their main clientele. Although, I did learn that the Pacific countries do have a lot of shared business and there are people coming and going from Australia all of the time.
Breakfasts were always good at the hotel. A little expensive, but they had everything, fruit, all those great American breakfast items, and congee. I never did eat the congee because it just did not look good, but everything else was great. You learn to appreciate good breakfasts when you're traveling as much as I have been lately. Particularly when you're in a new place.
I had learned from one of those international business preparation courses online at Oracle that when you give a gift or a business card to someone in China you should give it to them (and receive from them) with both hands on the card and a lowered head. When the class started I did this as if I had done it 100 times and they responded in-kind and I found it a very simple and respectful gesture. If there's one word I would say to describe the people, it would be respectful. Now when I had heard I would be going to Hong Kong I thought my students would be emotionless sponges who learned everything I said perfectly and didn't laugh at any of my jokes. My was I wrong! They laughed and it was a really great teaching experience.
I made time to take a taxi up to the top of what I would call a mountain. It was really a beautiful place. I'll bet it was spectacular before there were buildings and such. It still is a really incredible view. Later, I tool a cable-car down the mountain - that was an experience! It was essentially a trolley and at one point we were at worse than a 45 degree angle going down the mountain backwards. Odd but effective!
Another day I took a taxi over to the temple and met some missionaries there. They love the people. It's so easy to see why - they are so humble and yet thoughtful and very family-oriented. I wondered how different it may be in the rest of China. Hong Kong was certainly a great place to visit.
One thing I really enjoyed was lunches with my classmates. We went to eat every day at one restaurant or another - all very good. We had asian buns - like the ones from Wow Bao in Chicago. It's nice to know that they really are authentic! The first lunch we went to I remember sitting down and every one of them (8) took out their cell phones and was looking down and typing away on it. I was so confused so I asked what they were doing and they told me that it is customary for them to go to lunch and for the first 15 minutes to get their phone-time in before focusing on the meal. I thought that was sure funny since you would never do that in a business meeting in the U.S.
I left immediately after class on a Friday for the airport - on to Melbourne, Australia!
* * * * *
I remember boarding the flight a couple days early because of the great time difference. The flight wasn't anything special. It was a huge plane. I don't remember being in a plan that big for at least 10+ years. One with three seats on the sides and six or so seats in the center. There were several movies and I worked hard to stay awake so that when I arrived in Hong Kong I could eat dinner and then still be tired enough to sleep through the night. I was successful thanks to three separate movies and the occasional in-flight meal. Maybe part of the reason I like eating on planes is that everything is miniature.
Once I arrived in Hong Kong I found transportation. That was a little intimidating. They DO speak English in Hong Kong, but it's not flawless and of course, you're the one looking crazy when there is a misunderstanding. The person at the desk asked where I wanted to go and efficiently placed a green triangle sticker on my chest - I had been branded. When my bus was ready, I boarded and we were off to the hotel.
It was a high rise hotel in a better part of town. I guess it was a commercial area, but I was told it was one of the better areas. I wouldn't expect anything less from Oracle. The hotel room was nice and I remember it had fresh fruit for you. A nice touch. There was also a universal charger in the room so I guess that is their main clientele. Although, I did learn that the Pacific countries do have a lot of shared business and there are people coming and going from Australia all of the time.
Breakfasts were always good at the hotel. A little expensive, but they had everything, fruit, all those great American breakfast items, and congee. I never did eat the congee because it just did not look good, but everything else was great. You learn to appreciate good breakfasts when you're traveling as much as I have been lately. Particularly when you're in a new place.
I had learned from one of those international business preparation courses online at Oracle that when you give a gift or a business card to someone in China you should give it to them (and receive from them) with both hands on the card and a lowered head. When the class started I did this as if I had done it 100 times and they responded in-kind and I found it a very simple and respectful gesture. If there's one word I would say to describe the people, it would be respectful. Now when I had heard I would be going to Hong Kong I thought my students would be emotionless sponges who learned everything I said perfectly and didn't laugh at any of my jokes. My was I wrong! They laughed and it was a really great teaching experience.
I made time to take a taxi up to the top of what I would call a mountain. It was really a beautiful place. I'll bet it was spectacular before there were buildings and such. It still is a really incredible view. Later, I tool a cable-car down the mountain - that was an experience! It was essentially a trolley and at one point we were at worse than a 45 degree angle going down the mountain backwards. Odd but effective!
Another day I took a taxi over to the temple and met some missionaries there. They love the people. It's so easy to see why - they are so humble and yet thoughtful and very family-oriented. I wondered how different it may be in the rest of China. Hong Kong was certainly a great place to visit.
One thing I really enjoyed was lunches with my classmates. We went to eat every day at one restaurant or another - all very good. We had asian buns - like the ones from Wow Bao in Chicago. It's nice to know that they really are authentic! The first lunch we went to I remember sitting down and every one of them (8) took out their cell phones and was looking down and typing away on it. I was so confused so I asked what they were doing and they told me that it is customary for them to go to lunch and for the first 15 minutes to get their phone-time in before focusing on the meal. I thought that was sure funny since you would never do that in a business meeting in the U.S.
I left immediately after class on a Friday for the airport - on to Melbourne, Australia!
Friday, October 12, 2012
Survival Mode
I was really worried about this week and next, but so far, it's been a bit easier than I feared it would be.
I've managed to keep all three kids alive, fed, and I've even showered every day. The kitchen and living room has even managed to be cleaned a few times. Much better than I gave myself credit for. I've also got Hyurm to school on time and ran a few errands. Pretty good for 2 kids, a newborn, and husband that is out of the country.
Milo is healthy and happy. Still pretty mellow and sleepy. Most nights he goes back to sleep pretty quickly after eating, even though he's up at least 3 times at night (which is pretty normal). A couple of days this week I've been lucky enough to get all four of us a nap too.
Kate is showing more interest in the baby. She still announces (and acts somewhat surprised) that there's a baby here. I think she's starting to figure out he's sticking around. She misses Hyrum when he's at school, but I try to give her a bit more attention when we're together. She has grown up so much in the last 3 weeks (I blame being with my family in Jackson Hole and less of it on being a big sister). She likes to steal Milo's binky, and take his bottles, but every once in a while she's helpful too.
Hyrum still loves his little brother, and says that he's such a cutie all of the time. He loves holding him and even fed him a bottle for a minute today. He loves school and seems to be doing really well there. He's a big helper around the house too, and has also seemed to have grown up a lot in the last month.
I've managed to keep all three kids alive, fed, and I've even showered every day. The kitchen and living room has even managed to be cleaned a few times. Much better than I gave myself credit for. I've also got Hyurm to school on time and ran a few errands. Pretty good for 2 kids, a newborn, and husband that is out of the country.
Kate is showing more interest in the baby. She still announces (and acts somewhat surprised) that there's a baby here. I think she's starting to figure out he's sticking around. She misses Hyrum when he's at school, but I try to give her a bit more attention when we're together. She has grown up so much in the last 3 weeks (I blame being with my family in Jackson Hole and less of it on being a big sister). She likes to steal Milo's binky, and take his bottles, but every once in a while she's helpful too.
Hyrum still loves his little brother, and says that he's such a cutie all of the time. He loves holding him and even fed him a bottle for a minute today. He loves school and seems to be doing really well there. He's a big helper around the house too, and has also seemed to have grown up a lot in the last month.
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
This day in history
11 years ago, on a Wednesday even, I entered the Missionary Training Center (MTC) in Provo. I realized last night the today was the 3rd, and since it was also a Wednesday I think it made me think of that day even more.
I had been set apart to serve as a full-time missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the New Zealand Wellington Mission the night before. I was excited and nervous, but mostly excited. I knew the work and the message I was about to participate in was true, and I still do. I was excited and nervous, but mostly excited to (soon) travel half way around the world to the island country of New Zealand. I didn't know what to expect, but I knew I'd love it. I truely left a small piece of my heart there, and with the people I served and served with.
The MTC was a great experience, over-all. I was glad I was only there 3 weeks, but I jumped right in to the routine and the spiritual experience. I loved our three instructors and the elders and sisters in our class (district). The elders were awfully young (an observation I would make many times over during the course of serving) but I was blessed to see glimpses of the men they were becoming and more importantly, the priesthood they held and (mostly) honored.
I knew I was where the Lord wanted and needed me at the time that I was supposed to be there. I was convinced I would be able to reach, if only a few, people that other people would not be able too. I had at least a handful of experiences during the next 18 months where I saw that. I loved all of my companions, some more than others, and each for different reasons. And even 10 or 11 years later, I loved one of them when she left (for good, not when she'd just leave me by myself the half dozen or so times she left me on my own while we were companions).
There is still hardly a day that goes by where I don't think about someone I met while serving. I grew a lot (in more ways than one) from where I was and who I was 11 years ago. Probably the only thing it compares to is motherhood, as far as the most amount of experiences in a short amount of time, and how much you change as a person.
There are not a lot of things I would change or do differently in my life. Maybe be a little kinder, there are a few things I've said or done to people I'd take back, and maybe a few pounds I wish I hadn't indulged in, but being a missionary is definitely not on that list. I'm grateful that was what the Lord had in store for me at that time in my life. Just as I'm grateful, if not a bit exhausted, that being a wife and mother is what I'm supposed to be doing at this time in my life.
Now, if you'll excuse me, my baby's asleep which means there's a good chance I'll be able to get some sleep for a couple hours.
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Prepared
So... 4 more days until our life is turned upside down (for the third time). Actually... it's more of a week before that actually happens. Sure, we're going to have a new baby to add to our family on Thursday (hopefully) but we won't actually make it back to the house with him until Saturday. And even then, the other two kids won't be back until Sunday. Is it bad that one of the things I'm looking forward this week is the day or two I get to sit in a hospital bed and order dinner?
I've managed to get most of the things done on my to-do list. Even though I've done a few extra things and keep thinking of other stuff that should get done, but don't want to add it to my list? I've got bottles washed, we brought up the bassinet (but only because friends came over for dinner and a movie and needed it for their little guy), and I have a bag mostly packed of my stuff for the hospital. The kids are mostly packed for their weekend with the Hardcastle's in Jackson Hole, and I've washed some bottles and bought a package of newborn diapers. You could say I'm about half way done with everything on my list.
Lisa (Justin's mom) made us quite a few freezer dinners and brought them by tonight too. I took the opportunity to organize the deep freezer and make a list of what we've got in there. I've tried to make a meal or two extra every week this summer. So... with what was added today we have over 30 meals in there. And most of those would probably feed at least 6, so we'll have dinners and left overs for quite a while.
Everyone at church today was either surprised to see me, or just wanted to comment on soon I was having the baby. I've told more than a few people, and it's really true, I'm actually feeling pretty good right now. My face is still pretty scary looking, but the infection is mostly gone (there's a common theme here) and I've been sleeping really well most nights for the last couple of weeks. I almost think I could go another week since that started. I keep thinking 5 more days of sleeping through the night (minus a few bathroom visits, if course) and then 4 more nights, etc. I imagine there will be enough anxiety/excitement the night before, that I'm now down to 3 more nights of actual sleeping before the baby gets here.
Which means, I should probably go to bed now.
I've managed to get most of the things done on my to-do list. Even though I've done a few extra things and keep thinking of other stuff that should get done, but don't want to add it to my list? I've got bottles washed, we brought up the bassinet (but only because friends came over for dinner and a movie and needed it for their little guy), and I have a bag mostly packed of my stuff for the hospital. The kids are mostly packed for their weekend with the Hardcastle's in Jackson Hole, and I've washed some bottles and bought a package of newborn diapers. You could say I'm about half way done with everything on my list.
Lisa (Justin's mom) made us quite a few freezer dinners and brought them by tonight too. I took the opportunity to organize the deep freezer and make a list of what we've got in there. I've tried to make a meal or two extra every week this summer. So... with what was added today we have over 30 meals in there. And most of those would probably feed at least 6, so we'll have dinners and left overs for quite a while.
Everyone at church today was either surprised to see me, or just wanted to comment on soon I was having the baby. I've told more than a few people, and it's really true, I'm actually feeling pretty good right now. My face is still pretty scary looking, but the infection is mostly gone (there's a common theme here) and I've been sleeping really well most nights for the last couple of weeks. I almost think I could go another week since that started. I keep thinking 5 more days of sleeping through the night (minus a few bathroom visits, if course) and then 4 more nights, etc. I imagine there will be enough anxiety/excitement the night before, that I'm now down to 3 more nights of actual sleeping before the baby gets here.
Which means, I should probably go to bed now.
Elder Hardcastle
My cousin Paul just arrived home from his mission in South Korea. I was a horrible cousin and wrote to him a total of zero times. I'd like to say that I at least sent him Christmas cards and maybe Kate's birth announcement. I'm pretty sure I managed that much, but probably not anything more. Sorry Paul!
He was super skinny and looked just as shell-shocked as all other newly returning missionaries do. I guess his flight getting into the country was delayed and he missed his connecting flight. He was supposed to arrive from Portland at 1pm, but didn't get there until 4 o'clock. I thought it would be nice for Hyrum to go, and with all of his uncles and grandpa there, he'd be entertained at the airport for a while.
We (my parents, Gordon and Jess and Matt and Jenny) ended up leaving for a bit and getting something to eat and then going back. By the time we were back at the airport Hyrum and sort of lost interest in why we were there, but he managed to keep himself entertained. (Thanks to Gordon, Matt, and my dad who went on a LOT of escalator rides).
Welcome home, Elder.
He was super skinny and looked just as shell-shocked as all other newly returning missionaries do. I guess his flight getting into the country was delayed and he missed his connecting flight. He was supposed to arrive from Portland at 1pm, but didn't get there until 4 o'clock. I thought it would be nice for Hyrum to go, and with all of his uncles and grandpa there, he'd be entertained at the airport for a while.
Welcome home, Elder.
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