eBay woes

Inspired by Annemarie, I decided that I should slowly start selling off my expansive purse collection on eBay. For my first item, I decided to put up a USED Louis Vuitton handbag up for sale. I bought the purse online about 2 years ago. The lady I bought it from said that it was real. I wasn't holding my breath on it being the real thing because I got it for less than market value. I set the bidding to $49.99 and watched the bidding go up as the days went by. I didn't think that I would make more than $60. Yesterday, I checked my item and saw that the buyers had bidded my purse up to $455.00. Holy moly.

Yesterday, I decided to take the post down because as Joe said, "Someone obviously believes that it's real." Also, my pictures didn't pick up on the blemishes that I talked about in my description as well as I hoped it would. So thanks to advice from Amanda and Kacey, I tinkered around with my camera functions and found a setting that took better pictures of the purse. I relisted the purse today and added more detail in my description.

If it still goes for $455 by the end, I won't take the auction off. I will happily accept the money and be done with it. If it goes for $25, I will feel a-okay too because I just want to sell it already.

Karma's a bitch. I don't want to piss off karma right before we move and before our my baby is born :).

I really feel that my stomach grew an astronomical amount this past week.

Orlando, here we come!

Joe and I are moving back east to Florida!! Yey! Joe got the contract today. Joe's new company wants him to start work by January 7th which means that we have to move soon, soon, soon!! We'll probably be in San Diego for another month, at most. We most likely are going to hire movers to move out the big stuff and Joe and I will drive the minivan, with doggies in tow, across the country back home. We hope to be in Florida in time for Christmas Eve. We'll be living in Orlando and probably finding a house or apartment that will let us lease on a temporary basis. We hope to buy a house soon :).

It's still slowly sinking in... the reality of it all. I will miss San Diego terribly but am looking forward to the next chapter in life!

I have baby brain.

I find that I can't retain information anymore. I wonder why that is? Less blood flowing into my brain?

My belly at 21 weeks.

21st week of pregnancy

Joe and I really wanted a minivan before we got pregnant. We always talked about how convenient and comfortable a minivan would be after driving around the maroon Toyota Sienna Deck had purchased for his mom a few years ago. BUT, since I got pregnant and the reality of buying a new car was in the horizon, I found myself reluctant. I didn't think that we were "old" enough for a minivan yet. I figured that a minivan would immediately age us by 10 years and we could kiss any "street cred" we had good-bye. I mean, c'mon, minivans are family cars... FAMILY CARS. Joe and I are married but when the word family comes to my mind, I think tired mothers and responsibility. I wasn't ready for that yet!

That was, not until recently. The reality of my pregnancy becomes more and more apparent to me and the whole world with every passing day. I'm showing now. I have a belly and it's round and firm. I actually got my first unsolicited, "Are you pregnant?" comment from a Forever 21 sales girl on Friday. She said that I "glowed." Bless her little young soul...

So who am I kidding? Family is staring at me in the face. My belly can no longer be ignored (especially when she kicks, punches, and jabs). I look at the belly and it appears to be speaking to me. It says, "Look lady, you're going to have me soon enough. You know the minivan is what I want. Suck it up. You have to be practical and responsible now. Do what is best for your family."

So yesterday, Joe and I decided to go car shopping. Our intent was to test drive the car and scope out the bells and whistles before we committed to buying anything. We ended driving home in a champagne colored Toyota Sienna.

The Russo's are a minivan family.

Our baby is a ___.

We're having a little girl! YEY! We couldn't be happier. Well, Joe and I would have been happy either way. So here's the baby tally:

Pregnant with boys (4): April, Carmelina, Brittan, and Mandy (but she's not pregnant anymore because she just had her little boy a few weeks ago).

Pregnant with girls (2): Charina and me!

Pregnant with unknown gender (1): Debbie

I shared the news with my mom as soon as we left the doctor's office. She was so giddy. Finally, after all the stuff that she'd been through these past 5-6 years, I'm glad that Joe and I could do something to make her squeal.

Squealing moms are adorable.

News should be coming soon!

Tomorrow, I'll be 20 weeks pregnant--that's halfway through the pregnancy! The baby has been moving and kicking a lot and seems to respond to the book that Joe and I bought the other day. We should be finding out the gender on Monday!! AH! I'm so excited :) :) :).

Witch Creek Fire, Harris Fire, Rice Fire, oh so many more...

Don't worry! Joe and I are safe! We were close to the fire but not close enough to get evacuated.

Florence and Phong live up in 4S and came to our house as soon as they heard there was a fire and that it was in their neighborhood. They just bought and moved into their house a few months ago! They stayed at our house for a day and a night before leaving for LA yesterday. Joe and I have been making phone calls to check up on friends, making sure that they all have a place to stay. A friend of mine from the restaurant, who lives just a mile away from us, was evacuated from her apartment on Monday night. Joe's old house (KC, Kelsea, and Amanda still live there) was also evacuated. Everyone that I know that was evacuated hasn't had a major catastrophe yet. But, with that said, people are now just being allowed to slowly trickle back into the areas that burnt earlier this week.

The air quality in San Diego is poor. On Sunday, I smelt smoke in the air and thought that our neighbors were bbq-ing for football Sunday. When I went to close all the windows later that night, I noticed black ash had fallen into our house. I knew that a fire was near (Joe and I were here for the Cedar Fires four years ago. Basically, it was the same scene). Smoke had completely filled the air and ash was everywhere! It didn't smell like a bbq now, but more like we were standing right next to a campfire... Just imagine your entire neighborhood smelling that way...

The next morning, I went to sub for Joy's 4th grade class. The air was smokier than before and an orange-y color. Thirty minutes into school, the district decided to close all public schools so we scrambled to make phone calls home to have the kids picked up. It's pretty much been oddly chaotic and calm since that point. We've been plastered to the news, watching for any updates.

Phong, Florence, Joe, and I tried to pass time playing fun games like Bohnanza! and The Settlers of Cattan (if you like playing games, I HIGHLY recommend buying both of these games).

Joe and I spent Tuesday watching TV, waiting for news and updates. We tried to get our mind off of things and went to Barnes and Nobles (but it was closed), Babies'R'Us (we still haven't bought anything yet), Target (we bought our baby it's first book!) and had dinner over at Athena and John's house. It seems like weeks have gone by, but really... it's only Wednesday. School has been canceled the rest of the week. Joe's work is on a voluntary basis. Even though we're safe, I'm in a state of disbelief and shock. It's weird knowing that neighborhoods you often frequent are now burnt down.

So, to top off today's post, I decided to include this picture of this puppy in a hot dog bun. It always brings a smile to my face :).

My jeans don't fit anymore...

I know that I've been complaining about my pre-maternity jeans being tight and uncomfortable but I discovered this thing from a Pea in the Pod that's called a Tummy Sash. Essentially, it's a large bandeau that goes over your jeans to keep them up so you don't have to zip up. They were doing a great job up until last night. My jeans were so tight that I think I might have accidentally pissed the baby off. I guess I would be mad too if my personal arm and leg room were suddenly confined by ill-fitting jeans... I need to be more considerate of the womb... I should stop watching Season Two of Grey's Anatomy and go buy a pair of maternity jeans.

Oh yea, tomorrow Joe and I have another doctor's appointment. Wish us luck!

I was in a F-15E yesterday.

Huh? What? Planes? Yes, I know very little about planes but had a crash-course in plane-ing yesterday thanks to Phillip.

Joe, Phillip, and I all went to high school together and now, Phillip flies jet planes (the F-15E) for the Air Force. Holy crap. Anyways, he was at the Miramar Air Show over the weekend and invited us (via Jason, his twin brother-- who was my high school prom date) to get VIP treatment at the Air Show. We got access to all the planes (even the restricted ones that were taped off to lowly civilians!), meet pilots, eat free food, and sit in "special blocked off seating." It was super fun but my ears (and legs) hurt by the time we left. Here are some pictures... (I must admit, I'm getting better with this whole picture thing aren't I? ;)).

Joe actually got to climb into the backseat of Phillip's jet but couldn't touch anything because the controls were active. The ejector seat was working and one wrong button push from Joe and out of the plane he goes!
Phillip actually got to fly his plane all the way over from North Carolina. The empty missile Phillip has his hand on is where they store their luggage... golf clubs, clothes, and whatnot.
Phillip is a demo pilot who is PAID to perform stunts for Air Shows for the next two years. That means no overseas deployment during that time. Yey! Thanks again Phillip for a great time :).

Kauai Pictures

It's taken me a while to finally upload our vacation pictures from Kauai. I think that I was inspired by Kevin and Jenn when I talked to them earlier this week. Kev mentioned that they were going through vacation pictures and actually printing them out. Not just uploading mind you, but PRINTING... They're actually making tangible pictures and I haven't even been bothered as to so much as upload Joe and I's vacation pictures on my computer. Anyways, when I woke up this morning, I decided, today is the day. Carpe diem, damn it.

We spent 9 (or was it 10 days) in Kauai in August. We had planned the trip back in April when Kev and Jenn were in town visiting, before I got pregnant. Joe and I bought a ton of travel books and decided that we were going to hike, kayak, catamaran, and do whatever outdoor activities they had in store for us. Oh wait? What was that? That's right. I was suffering from the first trimester blues (nausea, vomiting) that by the time we made it to Kauai, I didn't want to do much of anything except sleep. Every other day, Joe and I went to the beach with Jenn and Kev but mostly laid low... VERY, VERY low. We'd sleep in and wouldn't leave the condo until noon. We'd walk around the adjacent towns, pretend we were locals, and find some Hawaiian Shave Ice (SHAVE, not shaved, there is a difference). Then we'd come back, play games (Bohnanza!), and go to bed.

Here are some of my favorite pictures:

There are a ton of chickens on the island. This was just one of many!

Stupid thrill seekers, stay away from the cliffs. You wanna see the cliffs?

The drop from the top of this waterfall was well over 120 feet.

Don't worry, it was a virgin pina coloda.

I lost my address book.

If you're checking this and you didn't get an email from me, it's because I don't have your current email address!! Will you please email me your current contact information-- full name, address, phone number?

My goal for this year to send out Christmas cards :).

I felt my baby move today!

...but, it might have been gas... I'll feel more confident about my diagnosis after I feel it move a few more times.

Spur of the Moment

Oh yea! I decided to buy a ticket to visit my mom before she sells the Thai Market-- the store that has been the bane of my childhood. Don't get me wrong, I'm stoked that my mom is selling the store. She shouldn't have to do all that manual labor anymore but, something about going home and not having the store will probably be strange... very, very strange.

So mark your calendars! October 2-9th.

A combined effort

Joe recently told me, "It's not called a uter-you or a uter-I, it's called a uterus for a reason."

My husband is 110% supportive of our pregnancy and of our unborn child.

Too many episodes of Law and Order

Joe's been away in Atlanta for the last week. I didn't realize how co-dependent my life had gotten until he left me alone to fend for myself. Thank god for the puppies and their need to be in the same room with me wherever I go.

I get the heebie-jeebies when I come back home from school at nights. I have to double check everything in the house-- make sure there are no boogymen under the beds, hiding in the closets, or crouching in the tub. I lock all of the doors and close all of the windows (this detail is particularly painful because our house doesn't have air conditioning and we depend on the fresh air at night to cool the house during the day). Maybe it's my hormones going crazy or maybe it's one of those pregnancy "mood" swings but... I really do miss my husband.

Bigger news than before!

Okay, I admit, I have been baaaad at blogging. Like any addict or junkie would say, I am going to get better. I am going to take my lazy habit and kick it to the curb. Keep your fingers crossed and hope that I really mean it this time :).

Anyways, teaching 4th grade was awesome. I had some trouble children but nothing hair pulling. I would most definitely reteach 4th grade if given the opportunity again. Class ended July 20 and since then, I've been vegging. Why vegging you ask?

Oh yes! I found out the last week of school that I'm pregnant! I was (am) tired all of the time and got morning sickness about 6 weeks into my pregnancy. Today is the last day of my first trimester. For those you that are familiar with pregnancy, the first trimester is supposedly the most nauseating.

We have had two ultrasounds so far. The first one, our baby looked like a teeny tiny blob with a very strong heartbeat. The second ultrasound, which took place on Tuesday of this week, our baby had tripled in size and grew arms and legs! We actually got to see it move. I would describe it's movements to dancing. The baby blob looked very similar to Mr. Peanut of Planter's peanuts and it's extremities were stick-like, just like Mr. Peanut's arms and legs. I will call the baby "Peanut" until it is born. The moment I saw the baby move, it became real to me. Holy crap. Joe and I are going to have a baby.

Things are up in the air right now. I didn't pursue getting a new teaching job for this academic year because Joe and I would like to move back to the east coast. I would love to be back in Florida before Peanut is born (due March 14-15ish). We both are in the process of trying to find jobs in Orlando, Fl right now sooo-- keep your fingers crossed!

Big News

Joe and I had an AMAZING time in Thailand. We were gone for a total of 3 weeks and visited Suphan Buri, Bangkok, Cambodia, and Krabi (the south portion of Thailand). Great times to be had!!

The first two pictures that I am going to post are from Cambodia. The country exceeded my expectations. We were only there for a full day (we spent a weekend there. Friday: we traveled from Bangkok to Cambodia. Saturday: we spent going to various temples. Sunday: we spent traveling back). Joe and I LOVED Cambodia and we loved the children we met. They could rattle on facts about where you were from. For instance, they knew the capital of California AND the population!! How many children here know information like that?

Anyways, the reason for my post isn't actually my trip. Joe and I just got back late Thursday night. I checked my phone messages Friday morning and I FINALLY HAVE MY OWN CLASSROOM!! Yey! Mason Elementary's principal called to tell me that they were creating an extra 4th grade class and that they want me to teach it! I was (am) so excited. I'm still jet-lagged so I haven't been able to process it that much but I start setting up my classroom this Wednesday! AH!!!

Days off...

You would think that I would have all the free time in the world right now. My stint in the 4th grade ended on Friday, Oct 20. On Saturday, Joe and I drove up to LA to hang ten with my brother and our family friend, Chai. They came over to San Diego that night and we hung out till noon the next day. After that, I met up with Sylvia to help her grade some papers. Monday was cleaning day and Tuesday well...

5am, Tuesday, Oct 24. Skooter starts to bark to be let outside. We let the dogs outside only for them to come face to face with a skunk. Joe said that he saw that the skunk was, "Cocked and ready to aim." The skunk sprayed Benson right in the face. Skooter got some of the residual spray as well. Dogs smell. Dogs run inside the house. House smells. Time for home remedies.

Tuesday night, Annemarie comes into town (thank-god for some happy time) and stays until Sunday morning. Jonathan's stay overlaps with AM's and he's here from Friday-Sunday. Throughout that entire time, I get a sore throat and can barely talk above a whisper.

Monday, Oct 30. Cleaning Day.

11am, Tuesday Oct 31. I get out of the shower to hear a noise that sounds like a running faucet. I run into all of the rooms to find that the turtles have managed to aim the "spray" portion of the water filter outwards. Yes, that's right-- stinky, dirty, salmonella-infested water all over the table and all over the documents I acquired during student teaching. I almost start to cry as I try to separate all of the pages and pages of lesson plans and graded material I kept in the binder. The sun will dry what it can but it looks like most of the material is now just trash.

To take my mind off of things, I like fantasize about Joe and I's upcoming trip to Thailand. This is one of the hotels we're thinking about staying at.