Thinking about the Differences

Will Miss about Miami:
1. The Beach
2. The view from the MacArthur Causeway
3. Abundant amount of interesting/bizarre characters on the Beach
4. The idea of bumping into fellow Miami bloggers whose sites I read
5. The uniqueness and special cultural mix of Miami


Will Not Miss about Miami:
1. Rude/suicidal drivers
2. Going into work everyday
3. The stench of the alleys on Miami Beach (not exactly pleasant for a pregnant woman)
4. Blatantly corrupt politics (they should at least attempt to hide it from the public)
5. The high cost of living


Looking Forward to in Houston:
1. Spending more time with Lexi
2. Being around old friends that have little kids
3. Cooler Winters (hot chocolate appropriate weather)
4. More types of international cuisine
5. Living in a brand new place
6. Lower cost of living
7. Friendly drivers
8. Blue Bell Ice Cream
9. Jogging Trails
10. Life in Suburbia


Things that will not Change:
1. Steamy summers
2. Hot Rain

Counting Down

19 days until my sister, a.k.a Nanny McPaige, arrives
23 days until we head out of here
16 days of work/daycare
3 more weekends in Miami

Can you guess what is on my mind?

Letters

Steve received his offer letter today. So, I submitted my official letter of resignation. I have been working since I was 15 (12 if you count babysitting for everyone & their dog). This will be a strange & exciting new era for me.

It's On!

Steve's interview went very well yesterday. In fact, they will be sending an offer letter by Friday. It is a good offer, so if he doesn't have any others, this will be it. Now, I can sleep & he can go to the other interviews and just hope/dream for something better.

He also found a house. He is going to look at a few more today, but will probably go with this one. Looks like the stars are lined up for us this time. Now, I have lots of things to do to prepare.

Insane in the Membrane

My hubby has only gone to one of his interviews so far, but that hasn’t stopped me from driving myself completely insane. Ok, so what if it doesn’t take me long to get there? That company, which we heard was impossible to get your foot into, lived up to its reputation. It was amazing that they even gave him an interview. They were very nice though and encouraged him to apply again. They like to turn people away several times to make sure they are serious (bizarre). At the end, the interviewer also asked him about the other companies he was going to interview with. Then, he gave background information on the firms. He also provided his cell phone number and told him to call if he wanted more information even on the other companies. Can you say strange? It reminds me of the stories US Embassy workers have told me about getting a job with the Foreign Service.

Steve has four more interviews to go with companies that sound much more promising. I just hope he gets an offer today. That way, I don’t have to worry about it anymore because he will have one in the bag. It would sure be nice to get a full night of sleep.

Pivotal Week Approaching

For several years, I have been talking about escaping the clutches of Miami. Eight and a half years ago, I moved here thinking I would be around ONLY for a couple of years. I have spent most of my life bouncing around from place to place with ease thinking I would continue on like that. My friends and family are shocked that I have lasted in one place this long. To be honest, I have tried to move many many many times, but there must be an invisible wall that has trapped me. Believe me, trapped is the right word for this.

Next week, we have a great shot at breaking those restrictive shackles. My excitement about the prospect is impossible to hide. Steve, my husband, is going to be in Houston all week. He has four very promising interviews set up and at least one company that has asked to meet with him, but has not set a time yet. He is also going to check out rental houses (for the first year).

If you know me, you’ll know that I am driving myself insane with the planning & scheming & crossing my fingers & holding my breath & so on & so forth. When I REALLY want something, I am just impossible to be around.

Whole Truth

Due to recent events, I have realized that it is extremely important to let your loved ones know of your wishes. Steve and I have had many talks over the last 2 years about our dieing wishes. We both don’t want to suffer too long. We agree that pulling the plug is often the best decision. Sometimes living life to the fullest is better than prolonging your life just to continue fighting a medical issue.

However, a new thing has come to light. I have seen that some people think it is better to protect the patient from harsh news at least for a little while. My family was always open and honest about issues and that is what I expect. I am letting it be known right here and now that I want to be involved in my medical problems. I want the whole truth (not sugarcoated) the second the information is shared.

In fact, I don’t like people knowing things about me that I don’t know. That is the number one reason I would never choose to be surprised by the sex of my baby. Knowing that the ultrasound tech (someone I don’t even know) would have that kind of information would annoy on me.

Back on topic, I do not need to be protected. If I only have a few months to live, let me know NOW so I can make sure it is going the way I want it to. Don’t worry about my reaction. I will be fine as long as the truth is shared. Sure, ignorance can be bliss, but if others know, I better be told too.

Focusing on What’s Important

In two and a half weeks, Steve and I were going to be attending a wedding at a very posh place in Miami. We have known the couple for about 5 years through work. She is a gorgeous 24 year old that has everything going for her. The kind of person it would be easy to hate if she wasn’t so nice. He is 29 years old and very fun to be around. We know him better than her.

Two weeks ago, I first heard that she was being admitted to the hospital for tests. Her symptoms brought flash backs of my father’s ordeal. Of course, everyone prayed that it wasn’t brain cancer and most of the first week was spent on every other possible test with numerous specialists. By the end of last week, a biopsy was scheduled. Friday night, I got the news that she has a malignant tumor. It is in a place that is extremely difficult to get to. The biopsy was a huge challenge. There isn't a lot of hope for her.

Despite the fact that it was my first thought, I was still stunned by the news. I am mainly feeling pretty numb. My heart goes out to her and her family as well as her fiancé.

Even if you live to be 100, life is short. It is time to start focusing on the people and things that make us happy.

12 Week Ultrasound

I realized today that this baby may be more like Steve than Lexi is. Who else stretches their long legs like that?

Heart Beat

Yesterday, I had a doctor’s appointment. It was a normal appointment, but it was the first time I heard the heart beat. I guess it is official. I do have a little one in this bulging belly. It (freckle fetus) is another squirmy one that will not hold still for long enough to hear more than a few beats.

Speaking of the belly, I am getting more & more frustrated about getting dressed. My stomach is too pudgy for normal clothes and too small for maternity clothes. I have some in between clothes, but not enough. I almost wanted to take the day off to avoid this dilemma. Unfortunately, I have a deadline coming up.