"For it isn't enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn't enough to believe in it. One must work at it." -Eleanor Rooselvelt

Basically this post is to express my support of everyone out there who gets harrassed and oppressed because of who they are. Hopefully some day our world can accept everyone for who they are, no exceptions. Regardless of color, race, faith, sexual orientation, personality, hair color,type of underwear you sport... who knows what else people will find to judge and set others apart.... anything that makes us unique.

My hope is that this little baby growing inside me will be part of a generation that is instrumental in changing the world views of humans and our "differences".

Turning a New Leaf..

Preparing to bring this baby into the world has definitely left me some things to think about, and has jump started some changes that needed to be done for myself...that I had just never made the time to look at, or work, on before.

At 14 weeks I started going to a Taoist master for acupuncture weekly, really for a healthy pregnancy, healthy momma, healthy baby routine. One of the biggest things she has emphasized in the few weeks I have been seeing her is that I think too much, "No need to worry so much" she always says. How she knew I think non-stop all the time..I don't know..Lol, but I have been working on it. The biggest reason why is because every time I go she says something along the lines of you've got a whole lifetime in you right now,implying to love and take care of myself and that will take care of the lifetime I have inside. NO PRESSURE right?!?

So, the point of all this pointless information is really to share that I'm changing for the better, for good this time.(Hopefully) Turning over a new leaf, to treating myself awesomely...why do I know it will stick this time? Well..I don't, but I'm pretty dang motivated this time(since I have a whole lifetime to take care of for the next 7 months or 30 years or so..) Ultimately, the change will come from within, and baby will help give me that strength. It's not easy to change 23 years of thinking and not always treating myself with the respect deserved..but I can do it. During the car ride after an exceptionally brutal day at work, I had a revelation. My co-worker on the phone, was stressed and needed to (for lack of better word) blame someone...so I was the target. This time it was someone else blaming me, not myself, and I was so upset...then it dawned on me! I do that to myself all the time! Why doesn't it piss me off then?!? Interesting, so I remembered a quote from Eleanor Roosevelt. " No one can make you feel inferior without your consent". That includes myself..SO I officially hereby announce that I withdraw my consent for the feeling of inferiority in my life, from myself or anybody else. So far, so good...and it feels good.

Some other good quotes I found, and want to share. Enjoy!

• "My imperfections and failures are as much a blessing from God as my successes and my talents and I lay them both at his feet." - Mahatma Gandhi
  

• "Do what you feel in your heart to be right-for you'll be criticized anyway. You'll be damned if you do, and damned if you don't." - Eleanor Roosevelt.

Renewed

Well, I seem to have been in hibernation. So many changes happening in life, all at once..its been a whirlwind. A tumultuous adventure well worth the ride, even with the blood, sweat, and tears poured into it along the way.

The changes have been many! In May I married my best friend, and the love of my life. I am so blessed to have found such a man who loves and cherishes me as much as he does. We had a perfect wedding day...and we are living happily ever after!

After returning from our honeymoon ( a 'staycation' on the island) I returned to work as a full time employee!

In July, we found out there is going to be a new addition to the family come April 2011! "Baby Goods" as they are lovingly called will join us on earth sometime early April. We are over joyed and are ready to take this next big jump together into parenthood. With my man at my side, I know this baby will be loved beyond measure...and love is the most important ingredient.

Baby's first picture. Taken at 9 weeks; one happy, healthy baby!

Life is good...