The getting to know each other thread.. - Page 6 « Back to Group Discussions

[kimble]

Originally Posted by timesway 

(this is the hoody thing.. lol gives a better idea then i can of my style)

What was your defining moment of your teen years?
 

cute pic!

My defining moment would have to be my mom's journey from symptoms to a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis when I was a freshman in high school. She had weird vision problems for a year or so which docs couldn't figure out, and I was really worried she would go blind or die. the diagnosis of MS was a relief in that it gave clarity and answered a lot of questions. she's had a pretty average course over the last 15 years, and now uses a wheelchair when she is out and a walker around the house, but is mentally sharp.

since this coincided with a time when I was trying to find my path to the future, it had a strong influence on my career choice and life in general. I was really interested in architecture until that point, but coupled with a low demand for domestic architechts and my strength in math and science, I decided to work on Ms research. I majored in biology in college, where I worked on an animal model of MS to understand what the immune system is reacting to, and then got a PhD in immunology, where I analyzed blood samples from MS patients and people with other demyelinating diseases to further explore the immune system. It was an eye opening and interesting 8 years. Now I've left the research track but still have a passion for MS and advances in diagnosis and treatment. I also started participating in MS bike rides every year since I was 16 (old enough to go alone at the time), and they are something I have kept doing and gotten DH and several of our friends to participate in. In fact, I'm plotting for how to manage riding while caring for a newborn this September, and hoping I have healed enough to get on a bike by then!

along those lines ... what did you want to be "when you grew up", and how did that bear out now that you are (theoretically) grown up?

[nstewart]

Originally Posted by kimble 

along those lines ... what did you want to be "when you grew up", and how did that bear out now that you are (theoretically) grown up?

Kimble, good call on the architect thing.  My hubby is an architect, and even though he works at a design firm does way less design than he ever thought and a lot more paper work and contract administration!  It's also not at all lucrative.  I liken it to being a musician.  Most musicians make peanuts and work in dingy bars even if they are super talented.  A few get "discovered" and then they're rock stars, even if they aren't that talented.  Same goes for architects.

Hmmm. I never really had anything that I "wanted to be" when I grew up.  Maybe as a kid I wanted to be "famous" (God, I would hate that now!) or something.  In highschool, I was really into english and social studies.  My mom was always hounding me to "decide" what I wanted to be by grade 10 (I was 15 for God's sakes!).  I lived in a small town and didn't have much exposure to career options, so I said "Lawyer" to shut her up, and here I am 15 years later, a lawyer. lol.  Originally I wanted to do international law (I thought maybe work in the United Nations or something), so I did a BA in International Relations for an undergrad degree, and then when I got to law school I realized that International Law doesn't really exist as a career option.  So, I went the corporate route, got a job at a big presigious firm, grinded it out until I had DS, then went to work in-house where the work is just as interesting and the hours are better.

Given my areas of interest and that I enjoy problem solving and working with people every day I think my job is a pretty good fit.  Glamorous, no.  Exciting, rarely.  But I get to use my brain and help people every day. 

Do you consider yourself a "Grown-Up"?  If so, when did you "grow-up"?

[timesway]

Ha.. good question.. half of me has felt grown up since the day i was born, the other half of me is still a child.. strangely becoming (and staying) pregnant is making me feel a lot more responsible, but its certainly not making me boring.. i think i will always be a little manic which helps with the never growing up thing.. but ive always been quite sensible and grounded deep down (underneath my babbling 5 year old exterior.. i hope these will be good mum qualitys.. i dont want to fully grow up, but i feel mums need to be responsible and grounded and have the sensible streak..

what to you is the most important part of being a mum?

[Mama4life14]

Originally Posted by timesway 

Ha.. good question.. half of me has felt grown up since the day i was born, the other half of me is still a child.. strangely becoming (and staying) pregnant is making me feel a lot more responsible, but its certainly not making me boring.. i think i will always be a little manic which helps with the never growing up thing.. but ive always been quite sensible and grounded deep down (underneath my babbling 5 year old exterior.. i hope these will be good mum qualitys.. i dont want to fully grow up, but i feel mums need to be responsible and grounded and have the sensible streak..

what to you is the most important part of being a mum?

The most important part to me is, just showing your kids how much you love them and helping them to build self confidence and love themselves for who they are. This was my experience growing up and even though there was bullies and teasing in my school years, I always knew my self worth couldn't be determined by someone else, and that I always had loving parents to go home to! This is what I want for my children!

If you could re-live one moment in your life, what would it be?

[timesway]

ooo hard question.. i would relive the day, the first week i left home when i went to the beach and on one side i could see sun setting over the sea, and the other side a massive full moon rising over the sea, it was absolutely stunning, and the most romantic thing i ever did see :)

if you were given 3 wishes right now (no wishiing for more wishes or infinate money lol) what would they be and why?
 

[adventuregirl]

What? Doesn't anyone have wishes? I'll take a crack at it...

1. I wish that good education was at the top of everyone's priority list. I think that if more people were better educated, we wouldn't have as many social/health/economic problems as we do.

2. I wish that my job was in the town I live in. The only thing I don't like about it is the commute.

3. I wish that sugar would be seen for what it really is so that it wouldn't be so pervasive in our food and culture.

Really just chose those randomly as they came to my head.

We've talked all about the holiday season so...what is your least favorite part of this time of year and why?

[Lynann]

My least favorite part of this "holiday season" time of year is being so far away from my family. I love the closeness of my family around Christmas, and everyone getting together for breakfast and then again for dinner and staying until late in the evening (& the Doctor Who Christmas Day Special on TV, that we all watch as we grew up watching The Doctor.)

DH's family are a disaster for "holidays." My MIL is always complaining about how much she hates this time of year, and how she always get disappointed etc. She really takes all the fun out. So we are spending Thanksgiving just DH, myself and our toddlers. We are going to visit the in-laws for Christmas this year (will probably be the only time we do this), as DH's brother & SIL live 10 min away from his parents, and both work in retail so only have Christmas Day off. The only way our children will see their uncle & aunt for Christmas is if we go see them, as they can't come to us for either holiday due to their jobs. We're going to stay at a hotel, as we don't want to impose on my BIL & MIL's house is like a museum or antique shop with lots of very breakable items at just the right height for my toddlers to touch. She never puts anything away when we visit, but expects our boys not to touch anything, even the antique doll that sits in a little rocking chair on the floor. (Its a toy, of course they are going to touch it and play with it ) And it'll be too cold where they live for them to keep the boys outside. The last visit it was warmer and her solution was to keep our toddler (DS2 was still only about 6 months old then) out on the back patio away from her "stuff" but right next to the swimming pool that had no guard rails or safety fence or anything, when she knew he wasn't swimming yet. So we're staying at a hotel this time. But if its a disaster, then it will be the only time, and maybe the last time we go over to visit while our children are still small.

What would your dream home be like?

[timesway]

oh gosh i've thought about this a lot.. i've always wanted to build my own house (and altho im in a wheelchair lets pretend im not for the sake of the question) .. it would be like a house but a large sortve log cabin/or farmhouse stone style building with a large living space, extra rooms and so on spaced out downstairs, log burner, wooden floors, and then little ladders leading up to sortve hidy hole upstairs rooms for kids, and maybe an office like that too :) all in land, with a beautiful big garden outside, space for chickens and maybe goats and other small holding animals, veg patches, and a little pond.. would be beautiful :)

Have you bought anything for this baby yet, if so what? and if not what is the first thing you plan to buy?
 

[nstewart]

Originally Posted by timesway 

oh gosh i've thought about this a lot.. i've always wanted to build my own house (and altho im in a wheelchair lets pretend im not for the sake of the question) .. it would be like a house but a large sortve log cabin/or farmhouse stone style building with a large living space, extra rooms and so on spaced out downstairs, log burner, wooden floors, and then little ladders leading up to sortve hidy hole upstairs rooms for kids, and maybe an office like that too :) all in land, with a beautiful big garden outside, space for chickens and maybe goats and other small holding animals, veg patches, and a little pond.. would be beautiful :)

Have you bought anything for this baby yet, if so what? and if not what is the first thing you plan to buy?
 

I haven't bought anything for this baby yet.  I don't need many items, as we have everything from DS.  I really want a co-sleeper, so I am watching for one to go on sale or to find a good deal on one on Kijiji.  For what they go for on Kijiji, I am tempted to buy new and sell it for almost as much as I paid for it when baby out grows it!

Another Christmas question:  If you could ask for one thing from Santa this year, what would it be?  (It can't be world peace, or an end to hunger, but something that you REALLY want and can't afford or can't justify or can't find, but that would be SO exciting to open on Christmas morning.  And Katie, it can't be stuff for the twins! )

[Quinalla]

Originally Posted by nstewart 

I haven't bought anything for this baby yet.  I don't need many items, as we have everything from DS.  I really want a co-sleeper, so I am watching for one to go on sale or to find a good deal on one on Kijiji.  For what they go for on Kijiji, I am tempted to buy new and sell it for almost as much as I paid for it when baby out grows it!

Another Christmas question:  If you could ask for one thing from Santa this year, what would it be?  (It can't be world peace, or an end to hunger, but something that you REALLY want and can't afford or can't justify or can't find, but that would be SO exciting to open on Christmas morning.  And Katie, it can't be stuff for the twins! )

Haha, well now I have to answer. Really, it would be a new bigger house that is perfect in every way but that doesn't wrap well, so I guess I would say instead really nice dressers & night stands and bookshelf for DH & I for our room. Someday I'm going to get some nice furniture for us besides the bed we have which is nice but took us about 7 years to get and I would love to have it now, but I can't justify that expense, so I'll just put up with my crappy walmart dresser until it falls apart and get something similar again (maybe I'll spring for IKEA!)

Here is an easy one: What is your favorite dessert? Any special significance? (I'm thinking about all the cookies and pies and whatnot that will be around for the holidays)

[Lynann]

Favorite dessert is easy for me, Tiramisu. I can't have it while pregnant though as it has uncooked eggs in it. I also prefer it homemade rather than store bought, as the store bought ones just don't have the same rich flavor. If we go out to eat Italian food I usually will order it for dessert, and if it doesn't taste right I know the place isn't really operated by an Italian family. No big story behind why it is my favorite, just that it is the perfect dessert, both light and decadent at the same time.

If you could change one thing about your body what would it be?

[MarieWalter]

Originally Posted by Lynann 

Favorite dessert is easy for me, Tiramisu. I can't have it while pregnant though as it has uncooked eggs in it. I also prefer it homemade rather than store bought, as the store bought ones just don't have the same rich flavor. If we go out to eat Italian food I usually will order it for dessert, and if it doesn't taste right I know the place isn't really operated by an Italian family. No big story behind why it is my favorite, just that it is the perfect dessert, both light and decadent at the same time.

If you could change one thing about your body what would it be?

Oooooooh now I really want some Tiramasu. Is anyone else super suggestible about food these days? I'm so glad to be past the nausea - really enjoying eating again.

My body ... hm, I would love to not ever have to deal with dry skin!

And another question .... how about one thing your parent(s) did when you were little that you'll do with your LOs too, and one thing your parent(s) did that you will definitely not replicate?

[timesway]

oooo good question again..

1 thing, my dad used to take me around and show me the taps to chill me out when i was sad, and i think its a good method, plus he used to take me to lots of beautiful places, and teach me lots of interesting things, and surround me with music... and this is definately something i would want for my child,

1 thing i wouldnt replicate, growing up was hard, and my mum was fairly messed up/narcissistic and neglectful and i certainly wouldnt want to replicate this.. my child will only know kindness from me i hope, and i certainly won't be hitting my kids, or being neglectful.. i hope i can do this correctly, and not go too far the other way aswell, because thats my next fear when it comes to bringing up children is that i will accidently be very overprotective...

Do you think you will be an overprotective (or are u already) mother, or are you  more chilled out? if you feel your at risk of being overprotective is there anything you would do, (or if your more chilled out any advice) to avoid the uber overprotectiveness?
 

[aHikaru]

Originally Posted by timesway 

Do you think you will be an overprotective (or are u already) mother, or are you  more chilled out? if you feel your at risk of being overprotective is there anything you would do, (or if your more chilled out any advice) to avoid the uber overprotectiveness?
 

I essentially free range and practice attachment parenting, but only because I know my DD will come to me if there is an issue. I truly feel I have done a good job raising her and my hope is that this baby will be the same, if not, I may need to be more overprotective... but of course at the end of the day, every baby is different and I know as long as I learn/follow my babies queues my life will be that much easier. If I had any advice for parenting it would be to always be two steps ahead, so you are as prepared as you can be for any situation.

What advice would you give to women that are TTC and have never been pregnant? 

[nstewart]

Originally Posted by aHikaru 

I essentially free range and practice attachment parenting, but only because I know my DD will come to me if there is an issue. I truly feel I have done a good job raising her and my hope is that this baby will be the same, if not, I may need to be more overprotective... but of course at the end of the day, every baby is different and I know as long as I learn/follow my babies queues my life will be that much easier. If I had any advice for parenting it would be to always be two steps ahead, so you are as prepared as you can be for any situation.

What advice would you give to women that are TTC and have never been pregnant? 

I am very fortunate and had an easy time conceiving both times.  But, my advice would be to get the book Taking Charge of Your Fertility (TCOYF), and track your fertility symptoms.  At least then if you do have issues you can figure out what they are faster and talk to your doctor in a knowledgable way.  And, if you don't have a hard time, well, you learn SO much about your body!  It's a pretty cool book even if you aren't TTC.

Given that it's Friday: What does your ideal Friday night look like?  (without the restrictions of reality...)

[timesway]

normally my friday nights would consist of being out with my friends, or having friends round, instead i am knackered, sat inside ignoring the front door in case someone comes round and trys to drag me out.. not only am i exhausted pregnant wise, my brothers in hospital and im just not in the mood to see people lol..

i like your view for parenting ahikaru, thats what i want to be.. :P im just fearful that i will be so scared of neglecting my child i'll go the wrong way.. lets hope not hey, im pretty  sure narcissists are bred from overparenting, so i want to avoid it..

If you could have any takeaway right now.. what would it be?
 

[PrincePJ]

The local chipper! Fish and a chip butty (chips in a sandwich)..Delicious!

Would you go away for Christmas, as in go on holidays over Christmas (incl. Christmas Eve & Day) with young kids?

[nstewart]

Originally Posted by PrincePJ 

The local chipper! Fish and a chip butty (chips in a sandwich)..Delicious!

Would you go away for Christmas, as in go on holidays over Christmas (incl. Christmas Eve & Day) with young kids?

Yes!  Well, depending on destination and accomodations.  DH, DS and I went with my parents, sister and sister's BF over New Years and rented a house when DS was 6 mos old.  It was great.  We will be doing Hawaii next year (same crew) and have 2 condos lined up.  This bub will be 8 mos old, DS will be 3.5.  I liked having many hands to help, made for relaxation time for DH and I.

When will you decorate for Christmas, and what does "decorating" mean?  Just a tree, lights, or do you go all out?  For those with DC, has it changed since having kids?

[timesway]

i usually try to do it first week of december.. i live alone, but i get a real tree, and i decorate my living room lots, and put little bits of decorations up through the rest of the house.. i dont really decorate the outside atall though... im excited to have this baby to share next  christmas with as it will give me more of an excuse to decorate ;)

What did you do last christmas and what will be different this one and why?
 

[CoBabyMaker]

I have been itching to get out the Christmas decorations!  I usually do it the day after Thanksgiving but I am not sure I will hold out that long this year.  Then again, DH has to get the decorations out of the rafters and he is working a lot this week so maybe I have to wait.   (Sorry, I know that was already answered but I have really been wanting to decorate.)

What did you do last christmas and what will be different this one and why?

We do the first part of the morning with just the four of us.  We did stockings and a special breakfast. I think we did gifts the night before but I can't remember.  Then we head to DH's sisters for Christmas brunch and gifts with the family.  Eight years in and I think I am finally adjusting to the fact that they just do Christmas with a lot more gifts than my family.  It freaked me out at first.  Last year MIL got sick so she brought me the food and I made Christmas dinner. 

I know Christmas brunch is at DH's sisters' again but I have no idea beyond that.  I like to host something usually but I am not sure I'm up to it this year.  I'm not really sure what will be different this Christmas.   Hopefully DH's poor old grandfather won't be so confused.  Last year he asked DH where I was when I was sitting right next to him and tried to leave out the back door.  He was abusive so is mostly estranged from the family but it's still sad to see him doing poorly.

Do you exchange gifts with friends also?