1.  The "vacation" seems to coincide with the start of my new exercise regimen.  For some reason, sit-ups seem easier when you get your jaw into it.  Sit-ups actually strengthen those flabby neck and jaw muscles more than the abdominals.  Perhaps now I'm just in the habit of keeping my jaw locked.

 

2.  Trying to keep my four-month-old daughter entertained and figuring out what we are going to do all day, coupled with the irritating things my husband says and does, is now making me so tense that my poor forehead can't contain it all.  It needed another outlet--my jaw.

Lord lift us up where we belong
Where the eagles fly on a mountain high
Lord lift us up where we belong
Up from the worlds we know
Where the clear winds blow

 

                     --Cece Winans

Dear Waist,

I miss you, Waist.  Please come back.  This morning I was looking through my closet and started thinking about you.  We’ve been through thick and thin, you and I.  I hope having a baby hasn’t come between us. 

You should see how hard I’ve been trying to change in order to get you back.  It’s hard, but you’re worth it.  Can we give this another chance?  Please?  I’m so much happier when you’re with me.            

Waist, I long for your return.

Love, Laura 

P.S. Levi sends his love. 

[Post will be short today.  My brain has collapsed from exhaustion.]

I don’t get out much anymore, but today I was shopping at the mall.  (I actually got to see other people!)  I stopped at Happy Wok in the food court for lunch (yummy!), and wrote a check because they didn’t accept check cards.  (This is 2005, right?)  Anyway, I drew a complete blank about the date.  For the life of me, I couldn’t even recall what month we’re in. 

A few hours later, my husband came home and we were discussing our weekend plans.  That’s when I realized that I had no idea what day of the week it was.  (My work week consists of all SEVEN days!)

At this point, I usually like to come up with a witty ending sentence that wraps up the "story," but in all honesty, I can’t think of one.  I need some sleep.  The end.

Is it hormones?  Or postpartum depression?  Either way, I'm a wreck.  I've been in this state for about a week now.  Interestingly enough, my mood of late seems to coincide with my otherwise charming, easygoing baby becoming a complete terror. 

Could it be that the constant crying is wearing on me, or perhaps baby is sensing my tension and letting it known that she does not approve.

The nine weeks after the birth of my daughter went remarkably smooth.  But now:  I’m dragging ass.  I started crying yesterday because I needed to do laundry.  My face has turned all pimply; most 14‑year‑olds have clearer skin than I do.  Every joint in my body aches.  Yesterday I slept until noon but was longing for a nap come 3:00.  Also, I can’t seem to find a deodorant that prevents BO; I’ve been quite stinky lately.

On Friday, my mom gently offered that perhaps I had depression “issues,” and should therefore “talk to someone.”  Do I need an increase in “meds,” she inquired.  Keep your opinions to yourself, Mom!  I don’t want to hear them even if they are true!  Geez!  [See, I’ve been a bit edgy.]                    

But enough about me…

Did you know Tom Cruise and Brooke Shields are currently having a tiff over Shields’ use of antidepressants after the birth of her first child?  It’s true!  I won’t go into too many details, but Cruise promotes the use of vitamins (instead of medically-proven medications) to cure depression. Cruise, of course, is an expert on such things.  He’s a Scientologist which, as you know, is very much like being a scientist.  I’ve got news for you, Cruise:  I take a daily vitamin and I still feel like crap.