Caroline

This was a pic from the Food and Wine network for smoked salmon carpaccio with caviar...um wow....Snagged from Danjite

I cracked open my skull, and all this oozed out....

• 00:11 I'm kind of freezing on this couch. #
• 08:37 @lililly Um, the couch is bed. #
• 08:39 Work. Time to clean. Maitenance. Woo. (@ Masquerade) 4sq.com/8wEBOL #
• 09:52 Blah. Not feeling carnival season. #
• 12:10 Chinese for lunch. mandarin and honey chicken. (@ The Shops at Canal Place) 4sq.com/LBtjy #
• 13:43 @lililly baby, i'm just down. I will try and find a king cake tonight and get in a better mood. just for you :) #
• 17:07 cough medicne (@ Walgreens) 4sq.com/8PV3iJ #
• 17:16 i end up here alot now. (@ The Alibi) 4sq.com/8SXSCK #
• 18:29 @aphrodite187 can. Not. Wait! #
• 19:30 raph and lyss and fred! (@ Juan's Flying Burrito Uptown) 4sq.com/2TsNpK #
• 23:21 drinking doesnt really stop. (@ Bridge Lounge) 4sq.com/rQKtM #

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I give up on the twelve days this year. I totally dropped the ball, mainly because I totally have NOT dropped this baby yet! I'll try to get it all done next year when I'm not immensely pregnant and dealing with medical issues.

They are inducing me on Monday if he doesn't make his appearance before then. Which I am not looking forward to. I'm generally really of the mindframe to avoid induction unless there is some serious medical reason. Except, damn, there IS a serious medical reason- my blood pressure absolutely refuses to go down. I've been on bp meds the last two weeks and it's pretty much stuck up there at 150/90. (I should be under 140/80 range) It's not preeclampsia, because there's no protein from my kidneys and I've had high bp from day one of the pregnancy.

So they're letting me have until Monday to see if he will come on his own, but I'll be at just over 41 weeks at that point, so they're not risking another week with high blood pressure.
Honestly, in the US they probably would have pushed for induction already. I'm fairly lucky they've let me go 40+ weeks with hypertension. Also, if they found protein in my urine, I'd be induced immediately. But since its chronic hypertension instead of pregnancy-induced, they're being patient and letting me get monitored multiple times a week instead.

At least my blood sugar seems to be stabilized.(Which was the other concern, since I also have mild gestational diabetes)

Meanwhile, I am trying very hard to convince the baby that he really wants to come out before Monday. I keep telling him that he will have much more room to move and stretch since its getting quite tight in there. He's unconvinced thus far. Either that or he's just a lazy baby.


I guess the good news is, no matter how things go, sometime before next Tuesday I'll have my baby out.

Oh, and happy Epiphany everyone- welcome to Carnival season!

B

I have decided to start a new/old habit. I bought two new pairs of running shoes. One to wear to work and one really expensive pair for actually running. When I get back, I plan to implement this habit. Along with the limited drinking policy (which I have more than made up for with the plentitude of rum this week). BTW, I really really hate running as a sport. I much prefer almost anything else like biking or canoeing. But running is free and I can run whenever I want to without being dependent on someone elses' schedule. So I guess it is my New Years resolution although I don't believe in that. But maybe it will make something better and make me feel better. That is all I can do.

I am also very strongly wanting to bring my favorite tuxedo kitty home. Although I am pretty sure the flight would be difficult and I am on a transatlantic flight that won't take pets. I miss my cat so badly and the thought of coming home to my empty house is kind of overwhelming. But I am not sure it is best for the cat. I work a lot. But dammit. I love this cat...grahhhhhh

I cracked open my skull, and all this oozed out....

• 09:21 Science flies people to the moon, religion flies people into buildings. #
• 12:07 restoring masquerade after the past few weeks of insanity. (@ Masquerade) 4sq.com/8wEBOL #
• 12:39 bbq shrimp pasta. im addicted. (@ The Alibi) 4sq.com/8SXSCK #
• 18:45 dinner with good friends. (@ Gumbo Shop) 4sq.com/7xQvwi #
• 18:58 "I used to eat there, but they stopped being friendly to my cross, so I stopped going there" #
• 20:26 i still love the rose. (@ Erin Rose) 4sq.com/5quluP #

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So last night I walked the streets of New Orleans. I love feeling the bones of the city through my feet every time I come here and I understand why so many writers live here for a while. I did spent some time in NOLA for New Year's but not nearly enough. We saw the awesome fireworks here which I have never seen before. Makes me feel like a kid again even if the quarter was stuffed with people. fireworks are my favorite. It was great to be back in the French quarter although it wasn't the same with Caroline and Bridget being absent. I do prefer it quiet on Monday afternoons like yesterday. But I finally had to leave as it was ridiculously friggin cold here. It was 25 degrees..In NOLA, I mean it could snow.  Couldn't we leave the cold weather some place else thank you!

But I do love this city and it is great to return home. To eat crawfich in Coop's and have coffee at Envie, drink sweet tea everywhere, and visit Dervish. Although now it has some ridiculous name but to me it will always be Dervish or it's previous name. It does feel a bit weird to not be in costume while dorking in the French quarter at least once yet although last night I got to wear a purple and black cape for a while at the Scratch's awesome kickball game (Go Mayhem!). He even has another team mate named Misty who was really cool. But I guess dressing goth does count as a costume sort of and I did that on New Year's and Sunday so....  I also realized I forgot most of my gothic jewelry..eh oh well. Met a really cool couple fromn San francisico at the club on Sunday and we got reminisce about all sorts of San Fran loves. It seems housing prices have gone down quite a bit which is interesting.

Last night I also got to see kitties! I got to snuggle Merlin and Schi Schi even jumped in my lap which was crazy. It was great to see the Buckley's too. It did make me have Daisy dreams though. I guess I am all full of family/friend cheer. Now for some reason the fates are tempting me with Mardi Gras. Several very enticing things have fallen into place just when I had almost decided I was not coming. Oh Fate...why do you tempt me so.....I do LOVE MUSES severely and our midtown parade place. Bunches of people I have not seen in a while will be here. So. Very. Tempting. So Mardi Gras or car....Lets not even discuss Norwescon yet. I do just wish my life was not thrown into the air right now. It would be easier to make plans if even one thing was decided. Paris is looking very tempting too. I have been reading about this amazing immunology lab...oh grrrr. To many options. I am starting to get a bit homesick though. I do tend to get that after two weeks. Not that I want to go back to my job but I just get a desire to be home after about two weeks. Although this morning and part of last night I did find myself thinking about my experiments. I fear I will never be one of those people who travels for long stretches because of this, about two weeks is my limit. But it  was important to extend this trip to see everyone. Ah...so many people and so little time. I hope everyone had a nice New Years and miss all you guys ;)

I cracked open my skull, and all this oozed out....

• 13:24 12 days, 2 hours, 5 minutes until the battle begins again. #
• 21:31 drinking at the yacht club post Kickball (@ Mid-city Yacht Club) 4sq.com/7iXLSe #
• 23:20 more post drinking kickball (@ Mick's Irish Pub) 4sq.com/1rNJ8N #
• 23:49 One month ago tonight. #

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I cracked open my skull, and all this oozed out....

• 02:04 There is a gaping hole in my heart. #
• 03:09 Should go to bed. That couch looks darn comfy. Actually the floor looks darn comfy too. Thats why I think it may be time to go to bed #
• 21:03 Really missing my dogs tonight. I want a pile of fur to hug. #
• 21:26 I'm really feeling it tonight. #

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I cracked open my skull, and all this oozed out....

• 11:15 my throat is killing me. This vexes me. I am vexed. #
• 17:53 bbq shrimp pasta = heaven (@ The Alibi) 4sq.com/8SXSCK #
• 19:15 Hate. Pain. Anger. Betrayal. fury. #
• 21:06 Feeling trapped at the moment: #

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I put up some more pics on my flickr of me preggo at 39 weeks.
Here is the link to the whole set (which includes some from earlier)


I think this one is my favorite:


B

I cracked open my skull, and all this oozed out....

• 01:02 @BillyMiller83 my new years resolution is to sit down tomorrow with my hangover and come up with some resolutions. #
• 04:32 I have to be back at work 5 hours after I get off. #
• 04:46 Only 30 minutes past scheduled time. Better than I thought for new years eve! Time to visit evil bob! #
• 05:17 visiting evil bob. (@ Three Legged Dog) 4sq.com/7hoXci #
• 05:24 Fresh start for the new year! Except I am starting in a bar... Again. #
• 08:27 post/pre work breakfast! (@ IHOP) 4sq.com/7wkbKe #
• 13:11 12 hour shift, 4 hours drinking, 8 hour shift. The lack of sleep is painful right now. #
• 13:15 working. kind of. painful. oof. sleep now? (@ Masquerade) 4sq.com/8wEBOL #
• 14:06 The fact that the northwestern QB's name is kafka is kind of awesome. #
• 14:09 The auburn/northwestern game just had to be the wildest 4th quarter/OT I have seen in a long damn time. #
• 17:31 Defintely a nip in the air. I may have to invest in a new leather jacket. #
• 20:09 watching the sugar bowl! (@ Mick's Irish Pub) 4sq.com/1rNJ8N #

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Ok, so I've missed some in here. And it's not like I can use the "I'm pregnant" excuse since being pregnant gives me license to sit around on the couch updating my LJ whenever I feel like it.

It's just that I keep falling asleep whenever I'm just sitting on the couch!

Anyway...here's what we've missed:

December 30- Six geese a laying
December 31- Seven swans a swimming
January 1 - Eight maids a milking

And we've reached the end of the food!
Everything up until this point has been destined for the dinner table- which means the menu consists of lots of birds and some milk.
I'm presuming there was something else involved that just isn't in the song...such as, say, plum pudding. Or even better the Galette de Rois, aka The King Cake, for the Twelfth night celebrations on the eve of the Epiphany.

Oh, and Happy New Year everyone!

B

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne!

For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne.
We'll take a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.



And also....


Five Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand
Six Hundred Minutes
Five Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand
Moments so dear
Five Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand
Six Hundred Minutes
How Do You Measure - Measure A Year?
In Daylights - In Sunsets
In Midnights - In Cups Of Coffee
In Inches - In Miles
In Laughter - In Strife

In - Five Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand
Six Hundred Minutes
How Do You Measure
A Year In The Life?

How About Love?
How About Love?
How About Love?
Measure In Love

Seasons of Love.
Seasons of Love.

Joanne:
Five Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand
Six Hundred Minutes
Five Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand
Journeys To Plan

Five Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand
Six Hundred Minutes

How Do You Measure The Life
Of A Woman Or A Man

In Truth That She Learned
Or In Times That He Cried
In Bridges He Burned
Or The Way That She Died

It's Time Now - To Sing Out
Though The Story Never Ends
Let's Celebrate
Remember A Year In The Life Of Friends

Remember the Love
Remember the Love
Remember the Love
Measure In Love

Oh you got to you got to remember the love,
You know that love is a gift from up above,
Share love, give love, spread love
Measure, measure your life in love.

I cracked open my skull, and all this oozed out....

• 10:37 Moving sucks. #
• 12:33 Wow. Just wow. #
• 14:16 Fuck 2009. With a chainsaw. Anally. Sideways. With no lube. In the back of a Volkswagen. #
• 15:16 Mass transit on new years eve sucks. #
• 15:24 This bus stop smells like pee. #
• 15:45 @Jade504 I'm heading to work! That's why I'm at a bus stop! #
• 16:36 Is really annoyed at the utter lack of consideration. But not surprised by her at all. Its becoming her trademark. #
• 17:05 work. yay. (@ Masquerade) 4sq.com/8wEBOL #
• 18:52 Fuck 2009. I'm having a steak to bid it farewell. And sitting outside. Its quite gorgeous out here. #
• 23:12 Just wrestled 2 huge CO2 containers and a double Barreled confetti blower into place for midnight. This place will be covered in mylar. #

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I only see myself reflected in your eyes
So all that I believe I am essentially are lies
And everything I've hoped to be or ever thought I was
Died with your belief in me so who the hell am I?

I'm wondering 'round confused
Wondering why I try
The more that you deny my pain
The more it intensifies...
I pray for someone to ache for me the way I ache for you...
If you ignore that I'm alive
I've nothing to cling to

I stare into this mirror
So tired of this life
If only you would speak to me or care if I'm alive
Once I swore I would die for you
But I never meant it like this
I never meant like this
no i never meant like this

I don't know if I'm real without you
What is left of me without you?
I don't know whats real without you
How can I exist without you?

I cracked open my skull, and all this oozed out....

• 00:18 The bartender refuses to let me pay. or leavve. This us good and bad on so many levells. #
• 00:37 What the fuck is it about shots of jaegar that do meh in? #
• 01:56 i always end up here (@ Finn McCools Pub) 4sq.com/36UXbm #
• 09:43 Holy crap theo's pizza is amazing reheated! #
• 15:37 Prepping for New Years Eve, (@ Masquerade) 4sq.com/8wEBOL #
• 16:30 stopping for a drink after work. (@ Finn McCools Pub) 4sq.com/36UXbm #
• 21:33 transporting my life in boxes sucks. drinking helps. (@ Finn McCools Pub) 4sq.com/36UXbm #
• 23:17 Good friends, bad topics. #
• 23:19 @aphrodite187 draw some cherry branches! #

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Day five.
Golden rings.
Ring-necked pheasants, not rings you wear.
It's apparently all about the birds.


Sorry today's is short- I'm tired and need to go to sleep.

B

I cracked open my skull, and all this oozed out....

• 01:51 Avatar 3d was ridiculously good. Highly recommend. predictable story, but holy fuck, most visually stunning movie I have seen in ages. #
• 12:39 Still finds the pain of betrayal fresh as ever. #
• 14:41 Is putting his life in boxes. #
• 17:45 visiting the incomparable Marcella Ella Ella at work. and eating badass pizza. (@ Theo's Neighborhood Pizza - Midcity) 4sq.com/3WnF2L #
• 18:54 I love my dogs. They know I am upset and won't be further than 5 feet from me. They are just on me like glue. #
• 22:37 alcohol may not solve things, but they make the nights tolerable! (@ Mick's Irish Pub) 4sq.com/1rNJ8N #
• 22:45 Is amused at the twists fate takes sometimes. #
• 23:30 visiting trent. (@ Pal's Lounge) 4sq.com/6DI0KA #

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I cracked open my skull, and all this oozed out....

• 11:32 Really congested this morning. And the lack of vehicle is really frustrating me today. #
• 12:32 need to get out of this house. in every sense of the meaning. #
• 20:19 food and football! (@ Avenue Pub) 4sq.com/4bffMs #
• 21:34 Thank you Adrian Peterson. Now if the Vikings would kindly lose, the evening would be perfect. #
• 22:44 avatar 3d? (@ AMC Elmwood) 4sq.com/6JQw5v #

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So...fourth day of Christmas, December 28th, is also known as the Feast of the Holy Innocents. It's got a violent history, namely commemorating (not celebrating, that's not the right word) when King Herod decreed that all male children be put to death.
Slaughtering babies, that's what today's Christmas tradition is all about.

Apparently, in old England this was also the day to spank your kids to remind them to be mournful. Not kidding. This was a real Christmas season tradition.

Which may actually make some sense out of the four colley birds (blackbirds- not "calling birds" as it is often mistakenly sung) Ravens are long associated with death and slaughter.
They are also, supposedly, good in pie.
I think the creators of the Twelve Days of Christmas song were hungry when they came up with it. And they really liked eating birds.

B


(Oh, and if anyone is wondering about the weird dating on my posts here, its because they are posting wonky because China is a day ahead of the U.S. most of the time- blame the International date line!)