Seven.Caged.Tigers

I now have two lovely new pieces of brown leather furniture sitting in my family room. It’s lovely and perfect and exactly what I wanted. Plus, the cats seem respectful so it looks like it is a success all around.

MMmm….uhhh…yeah. My life is rather boring these days. I’m relaxing, trying to be comfortable, and generally being lazy. I guess that’s what the doctors want though so I’m doing everything right. For a little perspective I’m now over 30 weeks pregnant and my son is somewhere around 4lbs. He’s a big healthy guy as far as we know right now. Speaking of babies, I wanted to also congratulate my friend Karyn for her pregnancy. Hers is a study in how TO get pregnant while mine is a study on how NOT TO get pregnant. One month off the pill and BOOM! I’m very happy for she and her hubby Jim for their (surprise) good news. They both showed up on my front stoop with Kristin and Kylee (my friend and her baby girl) as a surprise from Florida.

All my friends are having babies. That’s particularly funny considering Jeremy’s friends are still busy finding girlfriends and getting married.

Guess that’s it. Will post more pics soon.

I have a new Native American name (ala “Into the West” which was an outstandiung mini series by the way). I have been dubbed “girl who gives self shots.” That’s right folks–not only am I a diabetic officially, but my body didn’t respond to diet. I’m now on insulin. It’s not too bad actually. It doesn’t hurt or anything. Rather it is just a royal pain in the butt as far as making sure I do it.

That said, I have a big question. Does anybody know why insulin and supplies would be free (aka zero copay) on my insurance? I hardly think diabetes is any bigger a disease than cancer, heart disease, kidney disease, or for that matter my hypothyroidism. I’m not complaining if it sounds that way, but it is a curious development. I even pulled out my plan just to check to make sure CVS was doing everything properly and indeed. Insulin, needles, etc… are free. Hmph.

Jeremy and I also took our “birthing class” on Saturday morning. It was a 5-hour marathon session but worth the time and every penny. We officially recommend a class like that over one that happen 6 or 8 times over the course of as many weeks.

I think I’m falling apart. I’m sure it has nothing to do with my brand new diabetes diet, but still…it is rather convenient timing. See, I chipped a tooth. I have spent my entire life being obsessed with my dental health. I suppose it all is rooted in my four years of braces and some 15 (or is it 19) teeth having been pulled (including four permanent and four wisdom). I used to dream about my teeth. It sounds weird, but I would wake up with a chill and see images of my jaw clamping down and all my teeth shattering out of my mouth.

Twisted, I know.

In any case, I haven’t had that issue in a while despite the fact I had to have a root canal two or so years ago (I now sport “bling” in my sister’s words). Something about pregnancy has completely changed my teeth. My jaw is uneven and hurts and when I bite down my molars no longer touch. It really is a strange and mysterious situation. So yesterday I was just sitting down and I got something “crunchy” in my mouth. I wasn’t eating–it didn’t makes sense. I swallowed and went on with life. Then I noticed my tooth was obviously chipped. Why do I have to have stupid problems? Of course now I could say I fit in better with my hubby–then again, I didn’t chip my big front tooth. It is more like my little front-ish bottom tooth.

Bah. That’s enough complaining. I should probably be sticking myself in the finger or something.

I’m beginning to adjust to this whole “not working situation.” It helps that I really haven’t entirely accepted the fact that I’m not able to do anything. I am rather fat (errr…bloated) and unable to move. It frustrates me. Not that I’ve ever been much of a housekeeper but still, I like to have the ability to clean the bathroom if need be. No such luck. Between the nasty chemicals and bending over I can’t do much of anything.

My mother made an interesting comment after I mentioned that it was likely I would have two doctor’s appointments A WEEK because of my various issues. She was like “that’s going to be your social life!” I think she’s completely right about that. Aside from going to doctors, the grocery store (while I still can), Target (which they just built a mile from my house), and finishing a few errands I really don’t have much social life. Go figure that pregnancy would do that to me! This weekend Jeremy and I did manage to complete a few tasks. First of all, we got our carpeting picked out. Home Depot is coming this week to measure and quote us for the nursery. We also made it to Art Van and picked out a brown leather couch and matching recliner. I think our household duties are nearly complete which is good–I kept on telling The Man (as he calls himself) that if he didn’t get off his bum he’d be doing it all himself! In any case, this is the exact furniture we found.

Speaking of pictures, Jeremy just took a brand new one of me tonight. I’m 28 weeks and four days (or so). I’m a cow–especially when compared to the pictures taken 5 weeks ago. Wow. That’s QUITE a change!

I hate to say “I told you so,” but I told you so. Melissa got knocked from American Idol. I was a little shocked at who joined her in the bottom three but the outcome was correct. Now, if only next week we can rid ourselves of Kevin Covais or Kelly Pickler. I’m still terrified that America loves BOTH of them. As Simon said, Kevin has the over-80 crowd under his thumb. Cough-cough.

America’s Next Top Model also went without any real shocks. That said, I have begun to develop some major opinions about the girls. First of all, Jade is a raging bitch. Seriously–she needs some sense knocked into her head. Secondly, Sara is gorgeous but I think she’s prone to drama. I mean, COME ON! It’s just hair. Deal. I have also begun to choose some favorites. Right now (and this is VERY tentative) they are Brooke, Nnenna, and possibly Danielle but we’ll have to see. So without any further ado, here are a few photo highlights from Wednesday’s episode. First, a few makeovers:

Sara, Who Compained About Her Hair:

Jade, Who Compained About EVERYTHING:

Nnenna, who in Tyra’s own words looks Fierce:

Now for a few of the “magazine” ice princess shoots. I actually hate when they add all the crap to the photos like this. They did it back in season two and it sucked then just as it sucks now. Oh well.

Kari, Who Looks Like a Superstar:

Leslie, Who Looks Like She Belongs in Maxim:

Wendy, Who Waved Goodbye:

So yeah. That’s it. I can’t wait until next week.

Before the uber cool special night of reality television tonight I have to weigh in on my thoughts. First off…who is going home from American Idol? That, my friends, is the million dollar question. There are definitely those who SHOULD go home like Melissa and Kevin but then again there are others like Taylor, Elliott, and a few others who may not connect as well with the teenybopper audience. That said, the horribly flat and atonal Melissa will probably be sent packing. Kevin probably sucks even worse, but because the girls think he is adorable he will stick around. How very annoying and depressing.

Now for the BIG topic of the day…ANTM 6! Last week the girls were chosen from the semifinalists and were asked to pose bald for a beauty shot. I actually thought it was one of the more beautiful settings for a shoot to have ever been on ANTM. Yeah, it was weird, but it also highlighted each of the girls’ strengths and weaknesses. I think it is going to be an interesting season. I’m not sure I’ve come up with a favorite yet, but we’ll see after tonight. In the meantime, gaze upon the beauty (and lack of) in the sampling that follows.

Kari (who looks more than slightly like an alien)

Gina (who lacks any expression other than blandness)

Brooke (who has a strange look but still fascinates me)

Danielle (who looks better than could have possibly expected)

Kathy (who got kicked to the curb–so not model material)

Tune in tonight.

I haven’t posted in a few days because, to be quite honest, I’m confused. My Wednesday OB appointment showed me with signs of pre-eclampsia and the glucose test I had that day showed my blood sugar being rather out of control (the cut off for “okay” is 140…I was 213). The doctor was clear that he was sure I had pre-eclampsia because of my chronic blood pressure problems and kidney issues. I guess it should not have come as a shock. Similarly, the sugar stuff wasn’t a shock as diabetes runs rampant in my family. I just hope it really is gestational for me.

Because of the pre-eclampsia, high blood pressure, and “solitary kidney” I’m at high risk for pre term labor. The doc wanted to make sure I got all the info about c-sections. I’m not worried about another surgery–heck, I have a pre-made scar for them to follow if they can. My only question was about my work status. Basically, I began by saying “I have a question, I’m still working full time…” The doctor cut me off there and said “you should NOT be working!” As of Thursday morning, I was completely done with work after five years sitting in the same chair, at the same desk, in the same office. Bittersweet is really the way I describe this experience.

In any case, I’m supposed to relax and let the baby grow according to my OB. I can manage that, but I may just go a little stir crazy. I’m also more than a bit concerned that because of all my problems I will land in the hospital for an extended stay. That would suck even worse–not my own bed, not my own food, not my own cats. It would be boring and lonely.

So that’s where I am…lots of fun!

I have posted a pre-season rundown of the contestants on both ANTM4 and ANTM5. Since the sixth season is premiering this Wednesday (March it only seems right that I too would discuss those girls. I would say that my previous ideas about the models were spot-on, but they were still fun. My only real right bit of info was with Keenyah (season 4) whose jaw was simply horrible. I couldn’t stand it and I was pleased when she got kicked to the curb despite the fact it was much too late and after more deserving models.

In any case, America’s Next Top Model 6 is coming…how “in the know” are you?

A texas girl, Brooke is a brown hair and brown eyed “beauty.” I put the word in quotes because I’m not convinced of her talent. She’s tall and thin but her nose and lower part of her face are in strange proportion. I’m not saying she can’t do well, I’m just saying that she’s not interesting enough to be unique and not beautiful enough to be striking. Hopefully her pictures do her more justice than her pre-show portfolio.

This season appears to have a lot of plain-looking girls. It seems that Tyra once again went on a rampage and got a bunch of gals who neatly fall into her idea of beauty. Danielle is among these. She looks vaguely like Keenyah, but without any real thing to make her stand out. In fact, something in her eyes makes her look bitchy. Plus, I have a hard time forgiving anybody who thinks Newlyweds is the best show on television.

This is a girl who desperately needs a makeover. Her look is rather, uh, trashy and her exceedingly thin frame doesn’t help out the situation. She is definitely pretty, but is she outstanding? To add insult to injury the 5′11″ Arkansas native is 24 years old. Methinks that is a tad too old to get started in the industry especially considering her look is rather cookie cutter.

Fans have frequently complained that there are too few Asians on ANTM. The only prior contestant is April (season 2). Gina is a lovely girl with striking skin, a tiny little frame, and generally nice looks. Unfortunately she is also short–5′8″ according to her profile. On the up side, she is probably also intelligent as indicated by her love of the defunct sitcom Frasier. I doubt any of the other contestants have even watched it. My main complaint aside from her height is that her lips are apart in each of her pics which makes it look as though her mouth is never closed.

From what I gather 26 year old Jade has a good deal of modelling experience already. I should hope so–she’s closer to the big 3-0 than the big 2-0. I think her age is definitely going to get in her way. That said, I think she is one of the prettier and more unique girls this season. I’m abivalent about the fro, but I love the bohemian nature of her look. I don’t think she will win, but I think she’ll be around for a while.

Another “older gal,” Joanie is 24. The Pennsylvania native is of modest height (5′9″) but based on her choices for “favorites” may well have a good sense of humor. I also think she is one of the prettier girls of the season unfortunately amongst the Amazons I somehow doubt she will photograph as well at least physically. Facially? She could have this one in the bag. I’m curious how her makeover will go though–I’m betting she’ll be told to go blonder.

The baby of the group, Kari also looks as if she may have some baby fat left in her face. She has the surfer girl look down pat, but to me she just doesn’t look much like a model. It is hard to say when she will be eliminated as I’ve not seen any photos save for her pre-show portfolio, but I just don’t think she’ll stack up against the competition.

Kathy really freaks me out. She looks like a complete bitch…if, of course, there was something such as a “bitchy look.” She looks stiff, bored, unemotional, and generally old. This is really a shame since the fact could be that these are just bad pics. Then again, she’s not very tall either. I think she for one is a girl I’m not going to be particularly interested in–I also think she’ll be kicked aside pretty early in the season.

Arizona native Leslie is gorgeous. Her wide, white smile lights up her face. Her eyes sparkle. She looks like a model should look in my opinion. I for one am convinced that Leslie could be in the running for the title this year assuming her show portfolio is as lovely as this photo (and the other two I’ve seen).

I’ve heard rumblings that 25-year-old Mollie Sue is going to be the most controversial contestant ever on ANTM. This is saying quite a bit, too, folks considering the crazies they’ve had in the past. She professes to have a lot of modelling experience (10 years) and thinks that alone will carry her through the competition. I like her fake red hair, but I suspect come makeover they’ll die it something less auburn and cut it in a more flattering way. Mollie Sue? Pretty, but does she have what it takes?

Nigerian Nnenna is definitely among the most striking contestants this season. I think her look is somewhat similar to that of Danielle and Furonda but what really carries her to the next level are her dark, dark eyes and her chocolatey skin. She is gorgeous. Plus, I’m fascinated by the fact she is a chemist. That’s right, a CHEMIST on ANTM. Who’d have thunk it?

Earlier I spoke about the Amazonians. Sara is definitely the biggest of the bunch. The former college volleyball player is ridiculously tall at 6′1″ (or is it 6′2″). She has a lovely Scandinavian look about her and beautiful bowed lips, but are those things going to carry her through to the end? If nothing else, I suspect Sara will be around a while because of her height–the judges should be drooling.

Wendy is really, honestly not that pretty. I think her look is vaguely interesting and I’m curious if she comes complete with sob story (she is from New Orleans). I’m fine with the odd shape of her nose, but I just don’t think her looks are that striking. Then again maybe I’m missig something major.

In the end, I think that Joanie, Leslie, and Nnenna have the best shot at winning. Then again it could turn out that I’m completely wrong and Gina, Furonda, Kari, and Jade come out on top. Only time will tell!

It’s that time of year again…you know, the time that happens about twice EVERY year. It’s time for ANTM 6! This time around, well, it begins next Wednesday. I’ll have to post my predictions, though they really do mean very little. Between ANTM, Survivor, and American Idol you can bet I’m going to get my fill of reality television. I can only say that I’m really lucky to have TiVo. Otherwise I wouldn’t be watching half of the crap I get to take in now.

Err…yeah…and at the high end there are only three more months until the little guy is born. Names? Well, we’re keeping our ideas secret but we still don’t have one. We’re close, but it’s definitely not engraved in any jewelry yet.

By the way, if you want to experience a gratuitous Friday warm fuzzy, feel free to click this link (and no, it’s not perverted):

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-818944862742874918&q=autistic