1/30/09

How do you know when it's time for a baby?

This last week one of my co-workers told me she was expecting twins! I was so excited for her but also felt my heart sink. Why does it seem I am the only 26 year old married person I know without any children? Babies seem to be everywhere. It's not only that we do not have children but that it will most likely be some time before we do. I'm glad that we are waiting until we are really ready, prepared, and secure. I know I will appreciate the wait when I am able to work part-time or stay at home with our kids.

To ward off my baby hungry moments I keep a little notebook by my bed at home and at work. I put little notes and ideas about crafts, games, education, advice to myself, anything I think of dealing with motherhood. One day it may be a good resource for me, but for now, it helps me feel like I am at least preparing in some way. It is dawning on me, a little late I know, that families do not just happen. I must take ACTION and work towards it everyday. Action may very well be my favorite word of the moment, or mantra for the year.

As much as I want to be a mother and look forward to it with great anticipation, I also have this other side of me that is terrified by the whole process. First off, being pregnant does not seem like fun. It seems so alien to have an actual human in your stomach. Ick! I know it is suppose to be beautiful but I think it is weird. Second, having a child is such a huge responsibility. I can not even imagine how much parents must have to give of themselves.

So how will we know when it's the right time for us to have children and add on to the Bame family? And what should I do in the mean time to to help quench my baby hunger?

(Please, if you read this and know my mother do not tell her I'm baby hungry. She can be very persistent if she wants a grandchild.)

1/26/09

Decorating Dilemma- HELP!

I found a great dresser today at lunch in a thrift store. I love Mid-Century Modern (MCM) furniture but have a hard time finding any- and there it was at the thrift store. The dresser is only $100 with a head board (we have the money on hand thanks to generous grandparents who give cash for Christmas).

My only hesitation is that it is not a true vintage piece. Although it may have been made 50 years ago, the dresser is not solid wood but a veneer. I also think I detected plastic parts -ick! Now, if this was a better made dresser it would likely be 5-7x more expensive - so I can get the look but for less. However, I still hesitate if it is worth it. The furniture we have now is fine - it works - yes it's IKEA, but it works. Do I buy this piece now or do I hold out for a few years until we can afford a quality piece? If I truly had my way I would have a fantastic, well made, dove and tail jointed, solid wood, TRUE antique dresser. Something from the Chippendale era or maybe Georgian - kind of like this-

Not exactly like this but similar, something so amazing I couldn't even find a picture of it online. I would pair it with an upholstered tufted head board. I like a little softer and romantic lines for the master bedroom in general. (We actually found two dream pieces a few months ago down in the arts district but didn't have the 2 grand on hand to purchase them- still sad.) I also think Jeff would prefer something a little more traditional around the house. Right now we are very modern and sleek, he prefers hand carved, sturdy, and timeless.

So my question is, do I buy the cheaper imitation right now that is a great bargain or should we wait and get something more substantial and grand down the road? Another option would be to buy now and buy later. The thrift store dresser could be passed down to a child or a guest room down the road.

Also to note- I most likely will never have the grand house that would pull off a great antique piece of furniture. We live in Las Vegas after all- the most antique thing you can buy here that fits it's geographic location is Mid-Century. Something from the 1800-1920's might look out of place.

1/12/09

FOREVER AMBER



Thanks to Heather, I now know where the popularity of my name came from. It was a book written in 1944 called 'Forever Amber.' It was a provocative romance novel that continued to be the best selling novel all through the 40's. It was so controversial that Boston banned the book.

Am I narcissistic because now I want to read the book or rent the movie? I 've always wanted to know where my name came from, short of my mom liking the name of a college roommate named Amber.

Does anyone else have an obsession with their name. It is a running joke in my family. People give me candles, fragrances, jewelry, basically anything dealing with my name. I also like monograms. Does anyone else have these issues? Where does your name come from?