Land O' Tarara

Tied In A Knot

2007-10-01T16:28:00.000-04:00

So I guess this is what people mean when they talk about nursing a toddler.

This Spud of mine is becoming quite the wiggle worm. Just now he was rolling over in my lap while nursing. Umm... honey they may be big and stretchy but they are not meant to be tied in a knot.

He's been wanting to stand up and nurse which wouldn't be a big deal except he likes to jump when he stands. Yeah 8 teeth while jumping and nursing is just not very enjoyable.

I went to my first LLL (La Leche League) meeting the other week. It was a meeting for toddlers. That made me sad that he is called a toddler. I don't see him as a toddler but maybe that's because he isn't walking yet or maybe it's just because he is MY baby. Either way it was nice to chat with other women who are nursing 'toddlers.'

It's like going to that meeting and his bouncing and rolling while nursing just makes it official. My baby is getting old.

Bad Blogger

2007-10-01T16:24:00.000-04:00

So I guess I suck at this blogging stuff. I have intentions of writing but life stops that. I've even started a few times and then got sidetracked or busy or whatever. I am always typing with one hand and usually that is fine but for some reason I find it hard to blog one handed. Maybe it's because my brain is going way too fast for four fingers and a thumb to keep up.

ZOOM
ZOOM
ZOOM

I'm determined to become a better blogger but who knows....

Applebees Nurse-In

2007-09-03T12:42:00.000-04:00

So who knows if anyone even reads my blog but I am going to pass this info anyway.

On Saturday September 8th at 12:00pm there will be nurse-ins across the country at local Applebees. I will post the story of why these nurse-ins are taking place after I finish a bit of my own babble.

You can check out this link to see if there is a local nurse-in already planned in your area. If not, START ONE!!!
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/bwb_lactivist/

I have decided to take on organizing one in Raleigh, NC. I am terribly nervous and excited about this. It's something I really wanted to get involved in. Everyone is welcome at these events. Whether you are currently nursing, have nursed in the past or just plain support the right of a mother to feed her child!

Pass this on!

Here is the story (it's long):

This is Brooke Ryan's story!

On June 14th (my anniversary) a few of my children (I have 8) took me to
Applebee's for lunch. For my own privacy I asked for the corner booth. I sat
facing into the corner not facing the room. My then 7 month old baby boy
needed to nurse so we did. A server came to me and stated that the manager
asked her to come speak to me because she was a female. She said the manager
said if we wanted to breastfeed we had to cover the baby's head with a
blanket. I told her since it was hot out that I didn't have a blanket. She
reiterated so I stopped nursing and asked to speak with the manager. As we
waited the baby cried so I passed him across the table to my oldest son
(almost 18 yrs old) so he could help comfort his as I was a bit shook up.
The baby was inconsolable so I told my son to take him to the van and I
would come to nurse him as soon as I spoke with the manager. When the
manager (Justin Arnolds) came I handed him a copy of the KRS 211.755 law
that I keep in my diaper bag. I said "I would like you to educate yourself
and your employees of this law that protects breastfeeding mothers." He
handed it back to me after glancing over it and said "I know but somebody
complained it was indecent exposure so you have to cover the baby with a
blanket if you want to breastfeed here". I again held out the paper saying
"look at part 3 of the law, it says no person shall interfere with a woman
breastfeeding her child". He said the same exact thing as before "I know but
somebody complained it was indecent exposure so you have to cover the baby
with a blanket if you need to breastfeed here." At that exact moment our
server came back with our meal and I said "We can not eat this because I
have to go breastfeed my baby." As I exited the hostess asked what was wrong
and I told her very briefly and said "I don't see anyone else eating under a
blanket in here."
I went to the van, nursed my baby, cried, and called my local LLL leader
Karen. She told me to get the manager and servers name. She gave me names
and addresses of people I needed to let know about this incident.
Our lawyer wrote a letter on June 27, 2007 to Applebee's restaurant
owner/operator company Thomas and King (Mike Scanlon, CEO). The letter was
ignored.
Our lawyer wrote another letter on July 25, 2007.
On August 3, 2007 Thomas & King, Inc. Legal Department finally responded. Mr
Jonathan R. Weatherby, Jr. Associate General Counsel wrote "we regret that
Ms. Ryan left without being served and would like the opportunity to
personally invite her to return" .... "we are also considering keeping
blankets in the restaurants for use by breast-feeding mothers that may not
have them readily available as a result of this incident."
My husband gasped when he read this response. They just don't get it.
My midwife suggested I speak with the Senator that spearheaded getting the
KRS211.755 law. I left a message for Senator Tom Buford and the next day he
called me back. I asked him what recourse I had. He said "If you take them
to small claims court you could get up to $1,500.00" .... "if you take them
to a higher court you may not even get enough to cover your legal fees." I
told the Senator I was not interested in money. I want things to change. I
want public attention on this cause. I have daughters that will someday
breastfeed. I want action not money. I told Senator Buford about my nurse
in/out idea and he thought it sounded great. In fact he said "let me know
the date and I will come by and support you" .... he also said "hold a sign
up saying -small children are not allowed to eat in this restaurant." I said
"can I quote you on that" and he said "yes!" Senator Buford said "next time
any one does this tell them to call the police and get a police report
written up on it."
The planned event is to draw attention to Applebee's restaurant. Friends and
supporters will decorate posters and display them for all to see.

Long Blogs?

2007-08-22T14:18:00.000-04:00

Do you read them? Do you first look at the length and then run away? Or is it just skimming?

Anyone who knows me knows I babble. I ramble. I go on and on and on... Ask my dad. He'll tell you once I started talking I never shut up.

Taking a look at my last blogs I see that I do it while blogging too. I guess being brief is just not a quality I have.

Creepy Crawly CockRoaches

2007-08-17T11:22:00.000-04:00

I'm pretty good about bugs. I mean sure I get a bit girly towards some. Spiders I can tolerate. I am the official spider terminator of the house since my honey is very anti-spider. Once him and his friend were at our house and a spider appeared. What did these two men do? Scream like a couple of cheerleaders as they jumped up on the couch and off I went to get rid of the little 8 legged creature.

So here I am in a new place. Been here roughly a week and a half and there are COCKROACHES. Huge nasty creatures. I can't take cockroaches. I feel like I am being invaded. They are intruding on my sense of security. I think I'd be calmer about being robbed.

Yesterday one literally followed me from laundry room to kitchen via the ceiling and then into the living room. Crept across the ceiling ventured onto the wall and stared me down. And what did my 11 month old son do as I panicked? He waved, smiled and talked to the damn thing.

What did I do? I backed away as far as possible and called my friend to rescue me. Good thing I called someone who lives a couple hours away. Panic really isn't the word for the experience.

Finally I grabbed the diaper bag, my purse and the keys and RAN. I didn't even know if there were diapers in the bag or if my wallet was in my purse. It was the first time I ever left my house without at least one bottle of water.

The hours in the day crept by as I drove around searching for things to do. I finally did return once Chris got off work. Every little thing that touched my skin freaked me out. My hair is long and I was wearing a skirt so you can imagine the freaking I was doing.

Finally after two beers I calmed a bit. And what happened? An M-effing cockroach CRAWLED on ME. Afraid of people? My fat chunky butt they are.

Can I pack my stuff and move? I mean some of it still isn't unpacked yet so there wouldn't me too much work. OK lying to myself right there.

Since that is not the most logical thing to do at the moment I called the bug murderer. He just left. Lawn is sprayed for the fire ants and house has been sprinkled. All in places where my bug loving little guy won't get into.

If they keep appearing I WILL move. My sanity is on the line when it comes to cockroaches. Exaggerating I am not!

Can someone out there in blog-land come protect me?

Mourning The 600

2007-08-04T22:33:00.000-04:00

Swoosh. Swoosh. Swoosh.
Thin white liquid dripping into the bottle;
Slowly, so very painfully slowly.

An ounce here.
Three ounces there.
After months of being groped by this machine my milk stash is over 600 ounces.

The tally sheet on the freezer, which was bought primarily for containing this liquid goodness, is full.

So proud of my achievement I call people, who don't really care, to tell them of my great quantity of frozen boobie juice. My fellow dairy cows out there will understand this achievement. You'll understand how hard and terribly long it takes to gather such a supply.

With a baby who doesn't like a bottle and eats no solids these 4 oz white frozen bags sit untouched.
The Swoosh, Swoosh, Swoosh stops. But it is such a comforting feeling knowing that if something were to happen there is this supply as a backup.

Fast forward some months and that backup is now GONE!

A job relocation crept up on us. There was no place to stay except a hotel. What would I do with my milk? This question lurked in my mind for awhile, but I denied the answer.

See I knew how to transport it but no home meant no place for the deep freeze and no place for the milk.

Did I cry?
Hell yes!
Was I angry?
A bit.
Am I scared?
Most definitely!

It's that stupid 'what if.'
What if something happens to me and I don't have the backup.

So yes I am in mourning.

Oh and do you want to hear the painful part?
We found a place, signed a lease, and got the keys the day after we moved. My stash would have survived.

And here I mourn.

To all of you working moms who pump for your tots and especially to all of you exclusive pumpers.... I truly admire and respect your determination.

(oh and yes I did check into donation but I do not qualify)

Not Gay. Not Married.

2007-07-17T19:02:00.000-04:00

Yes I am neither of the above and this is why I no longer have health insurance. Hmm... so why have you bastards been taking money from my lover for my health insurance for months.

Now I think it is absolutely fantastic that this company offers insurance to "same sex domestic partners," but what the hell about us! I mean I really do get their thinking and logic behind it but it doesn't make it any less screwy.

We were planning on getting married in a few months but now we must do it immediately. Yes of course this is exactly what I need on top of moving in less than a week. Oddly though I am very calm about the situation. My lover was quite scared to tell me the news which is very understandable as I have been a raving psychopath the past few days. But I told myself when I woke up this morning I would not be that person today.

Now we can get the marriage license any day but the courthouse weddings are only on Monday. Well we can't do it yesterday. Friday is open as well but he works all day. Can they marry us with me in person and him on speaker phone? The only other option is in jail. Every other day of the week there are ceremonies in the lobby of the intake area. For some reason this guy doesn't want to do it in jail. What fun is he?

There are so many 'get ordained now' sites but I can't begin to know which are real and which are just crap.

So yeah. We're getting married quick. I think we will still have the party in a few months. We weren't going to start the planning for that until after we move. Maybe we'll just skip it altogether.

I think the worst thing about all this is the fact that he couldn't yell at the person on the phone since she is HR for his company. At least with Blue Cross (or someone similar) you can get out your frustration without some evil retaliation from your job.

The Return Of Sigmund

2007-07-14T14:21:00.000-04:00

Sigmund has been following me from move to move for quite awhile. I think at this point he has lived with me in 4 different states in 5 years.

I am not exactly sure when he vanished. I just know one day I looked up and he was no longer there. Sigmund Freud had been hanging from my ceiling fan with Michelangelo (the Ninja Turtle not the artist) for quite awhile. Then poof he was gone. I didn't do any real searching for him but for some reason I was just sad that he was gone. I also felt a bit bad for Michelangelo who was looking lonely hanging there all by himself.

Well today as I was emptying a box out fell Siggy. Poor guy was covered in dust so I grabbed a tissue and rubbed him down. I was going to take a picture of my little Sigmund Freud action figure but I needed to pack him away safely before he ran off again.

Maybe he had gotten tired of the view from my ceiling fan and made an escape. Ahh dear Siggy don't fret. We are moving soon and there will be a new place for you to hang from with a whole different view. Maybe I'll even get you a new friend to hang with. Hmmm.... who would be a good match to join the duo of Sigmund Freud and Michelangelo?

You Have Been Terminated

2007-07-13T16:06:00.000-04:00

Ah those are simply the best words to hear from an insurance company while staring at nearly a grand in medical bills.

Now the day I was terminated was the day Chris was promoted so hopefully it is just a mistake and I can be unterminated.

I hate medical bills. I guess what I hate more is what a klutz I am. Had I not knocked my noggin then I wouldn't have 4 digits in medical bills. Though had I not concussed myself I also would not have known I was terminated.

I have to say hearing the doctor's receptionist say I had been terminated eeked me out a bit. I had thought I was still living when I called. Thankfully she clarified that she meant my insurance was terminated before I panicked and called 911 screaming, 'Am I dead?. Am I dead. They told me I was terminated. Please come see if I am dead."

Though that may have been an interesting call to make. I was a 911 dispatcher and those type of calls lightened up a job that can be rather depressing.

Where Did They Go?

2007-07-12T20:16:00.001-04:00

During the moving process there is always a certain amount of discovery.
Folders of notes appear. Those special ones you've kept for so many years.
Boxes of pictures flood back memories you thought you had forgotten.
Notebooks upon notebooks of all those stories and poems. The babbling of years so long ago.
Crinkled napkins that are barely legible. Beer stained and covered in ashes. Yes I was that girl who spent hours alone at the bar writing.

A part of me misses those days. Not the bars but the the writing. It was such an outlet for my desperation, turmoil and occasionally even some happiness.

Where did the Tara full of words disappear to?

I got pregnant. I had a baby.
Did the happiness that crept into my life force the words away? Is there not enough room for both or am I only creative when I am miserable?

I think it is time to find those words. Time to reclaim that part of me.

What Can You Do In 5 Weeks?

2007-07-11T19:21:00.000-04:00

I thought it would be a fun game to play. How much can I pack into 5 weeks..... 35 days. .... 840 hours...... 50,400 minutes.

The result is ... A LOT.

On this journey we will start at home then we will head to Wisconsin. Journey there: 10 hours from starting airport to ending airport
Journey back: 12 hours from starting airport to ending airport.

Is it just me or could I have traveled to Europe in the time it took me to get from NC to WI?

OK so that killed 6 of my 35 days.
A 3 day break was necessary.
Break now over.
We have 26 days left so off we go on a house hunting trip with a stop at a zoo along the way.
This trip will consume 4 more days.
22 left to play with.
The next 15 days we will pack the house.
On day 16 the moving truck will be loaded.

If you are keeping up you will see that there are 6 days left.

Now we drive to the new location (where we have no home)
Unload moving truck the following day (hmmm... where do we unload it with no home)
4 days remain
1 of these days we will spend finding a place to live.

We are down to 3 days.

Hmmm... we need something good to end these 5 weeks with. How about an hour drive to an airport to fly to California and then drive two more hours? Sound good?

Great!

And there you have my 5 weeks.