7 Quick Takes

I can't believe I'm doing this AHEAD of schedule. There must be something askew in the universe. 

— 1 — I cannot believe I spent 4 days in Chicago and managed to see absolutely nothing. Then again, I was a bit busy traveling to and from airport/hotel/NAVY base in a million configurations. But I LOVED what I did see (you know, besides seeing my baby brother in his sailor uniform - amazing!). The trees, the fall colors, the architecture, the wonderful cold weather...I could go on and on. I'm sure to those of you who already live in the Midwest these things are very passe, but to a Southern California girl who prays for more rain every year, it was  a beautiful thing. And let me just say...wow...houses built out of bricks. So bizarre, and definitely not earthquake friendly (but I guess bricks are okay with tornadoes?). I definitely would like to go back and be able to explore the city. Except, next time, let's not have the plane be delayed as we sit on the tarmac for one hour because of 50+mph winds and heavy rain, okay?
— 2 —

I would be a terrible big sister if I didn't share with you our reason for going to Chicago in the first place - my brother became a Sailor. Not only did he graduate from boot camp, but his fellow sailors from his division (88 of them) chose him as the Honor Recruit. His letter of commendation says, "By virtue of your demonstrated honor to duty, military conduct, responsiveness to orders, cooperation, and loyalty, you have been selected by your shipmates as Honor Recruit for Division 334. I take great pleasure in commending you for your fine performance, which has earned you the admiration and respect of your shipmates and extend to you a 'Well Done' for your impressive achievement." I'm sure I don't have to tell you how BIG of a deal this is in the military. 

The only sucky part was having to say goodbye on Saturday, as he was off to Submarine School in Groton, CT. I'm sure he will do just as well there - we are rooting for you Chris!
— 3 — Is anyone else doing the 30 Day Marriage Challenge that Hallie is hosting over at Moxie Wife? Let me tell you, Day 1 started off with a bump.
Me: What can I help you with today? Husband: Huh? Me: You know - do you need help with anything? Husband: Is this a trick question?
And then I got frustrated and kind of gave up after that. Whoops. Maybe this isn't something you should be attempting at 6.5 months pregnant. Thankfully, I've been doing much better since then. Tomorrow is Day 5: Tell yourself, "He really loves his family, and he is doing his best for us." I CAN DO THIS.
— 4 — Baby Deals sites - I'm looking for them. I've always loved Amazon Daily Deals, and I check that pretty regularly, but I've just come into the world of baby deal sites. I've found a few, but I'm not sure what the best ones are. Do you mommies have any tips/tricks for me? Any favorite sites that you check everyday? Weekly giveaways? I'm definitely interested in cloth diapers and other need-to-haves, so point me in the right direction and I will be eternally grateful.  Thanks to Kendra I discovered that Thirsties has a weekly giveaway...now I just have to win something!
— 5 — Continuing with the baby theme (what can I say, baby boy is on my mind) I have my first shower coming up a week from this Sunday. Why multiple showers you ask (or at least my mom did)? Because my family is TOO DARN BIG. My husband's side of the family will be about 15-20 people, but I invited 40 people to my family's side of the shower. I've been referring to the two showers as The North (Los Angeles - my family) and The South (Orange County - Brian's family) - hopefully the Civil War comparisons will end there.
Anyway, I'm a tad bit nervous. I fit quite nicely into the introvert box and the thought of a large group of people watching me open presents and asking me questions is...awkward. But I am so happy that we are doing a coed shower so my husband will be there with me. I'll be a lot less nervous at The North shower, since they will be all the people I grew up with. Just need to make it through The South shower without making a fool of myself. Sheesh, this is sounding like some kind of History Channel drama.
— 6 — For my 25th Birthday next month I'm thinking of getting a tablet. But Rachel, you say, what do you need a tablet for, didn't you just buy a very expensive gaming laptop? To which I reply, who are you my husband!? Sigh. Listen, it's hard to get this colossal computer rig situated when I want to blog. Wouldn't it be great to just sit down on the couch with a 1.5 pound tablet and just type away while I can see the TV at the same time, and get up to go pee (which I have to do every hour) without having to untangle myself from computer cords? I knew you would see it my way.
So, do any of you use a tablet to blog? Or have you thought about it? It seems like there are way more options than just an iPad these days, so I'm interested to hear about other brands. Thanks!
— 7 —

Please just wake me when this political BS is all over - I can't handle it anymore. Though I guess it could be worse...the last time we had an election it was on my 21st Birthday. I'm sure you can imagine how fun that was for me.