One of my goals (for years now) has been to sell something on Craigslist. This afternoon I finally got around to listing an item: our broken washing machine.
Side note: Can you believe our approximately $1000 1 1/2 year old Whirlpool Duet washing machine broke? The repair cost was estimated to be $800 and would involve replacing a bearing with the same poor quality Whirlpool bearing. No thanks. Whirlpool offered the part for free if we would use their technicians, but the other repairmen I spoke with recommended cutting my losses. I am now a proud owner of a used top loader (with agitator) washing machine that cost $200.
Since the washer was broken and needed an expensive repair we had planned to list it for free if someone would just come pick it up, but then I figured why not shoot for the stars? :) I listed it for $30 and planned to drop it to free if it didn't sell within a day or so since it's sitting on our back porch and an eyesore. I gave the first responder a call, and after negotiations, he was on his way to our house. I quickly realized how annoying the process would be: emailing/phone calls, giving out my address to a complete stranger, and coordinating a time in the evening when Blake would be home too (and cutting my workout short to accommodate the process). So when my buyer arrived I asked if he'd be interested in purchasing the pedestal too. I planned to list it tomorrow and could have easily gotten more money for it, but I'm happy with the $40 we made for less than an hour of effort. Plus the stupid washer isn't on our porch anymore. Hoping to list more stuff this week! Yeah for spring cleaning.
p.s. I'm thankful my allergy-related sore throat and yuckiness is starting to let up a little.
Monday, April 22, 2013
Friday, April 12, 2013
Pregnancy #1 Versus Pregnancy #2
It's been interesting to compare pregnancies, and I've been thankful for some of the ways this pregnancy has been easier than my first. So here's a list:
Differences
1. Morning sickness ended much sooner! About a day after I started taking progesterone, my morning sickness decreased by 80%. All morning sickness was over by 10-12 weeks, whereas I had bouts of sickness during my first pregnancy until around 18 weeks.
2. No pregnancy acne or backacne. So thankful! Having zits on my neck, chest, and back only added to the vanity-destroying state known as pregnancy, so I'm glad to skip it this time.
3. Back pain started much sooner this go around. During the later parts of my second trimester and third trimester I would have back pain beginning around 1:00 p.m. most days and particularly if I was on my feet a lot. With this pregnancy, I've had days of back pain that is on-going as early as about 18 weeks. I'm sure it has to do with lifting a 14 month old out of the crib & carseat, etc. Thankfully I haven't experienced it recently, and my husband is great about doing all of the carseat in/out when we're together.
4. I think about being pregnant about 75% less than I did during my first pregnancy. A lot of that is because so much of my mental capacity is consumed with a 14 month old and his nap schedule, 3 meals and snacking schedule, and all of the rest of his needs, and I'm sure an equal part is that this isn't new to me.
Similarities
1. It feels like a miracle....that we're being blessed with a child and that conception and pregnancy have both been so easy. Both pregnancies are huge reminders of God's goodness.
2. Weight gain feels out of my control, too quick, and in places other than my belly. When I'm not pregnant I have a decently easy time of maintaining my weight, so it's been frustrating to gain weight so quickly (like 3 pounds in 3 days). I'd like to gain a pound a week for a total of 25-30 pounds (and only in my belly region:), but it doesn't seem to be in my pregnancy cards. The second trimester dramatically increases my appetite, so I've been trying to exercise more and make better food choices. It's weird to be pregnant and almost feel like I'm dieting, although don't get me wrong...dieting for me means only having 2-3 pieces of pizza when I'm wanting much more because I'm a bottomless pregnant pit :) I've gained 16 pounds so far (all in the last 12 weeks) and am almost 26 weeks pregnant. I gained a total of 40 pounds with my first pregnancy (and delivered at 37.5 weeks).
3. First trimester scares. With Jackson I passed tissue that really scared us, and with this pregnancy, I had spotting for several weeks.
4. I hate maternity clothes. Thankfully I'm not having to navigate maternity professional wear this go-round since I can't even seem to find casual wear that is cute, affordable, and doesn't fall apart after being laundered. Good thing I'm at home most of the time in pjs or leggings. Next month I get to figure out what kind of bathing suit to wear at 30 weeks preggo at the beach! Regardless I'm very excited about going to St. Simons.
p.s. I'm thankful it's Friday. Love spending the weekends with my family.
Differences
1. Morning sickness ended much sooner! About a day after I started taking progesterone, my morning sickness decreased by 80%. All morning sickness was over by 10-12 weeks, whereas I had bouts of sickness during my first pregnancy until around 18 weeks.
2. No pregnancy acne or backacne. So thankful! Having zits on my neck, chest, and back only added to the vanity-destroying state known as pregnancy, so I'm glad to skip it this time.
3. Back pain started much sooner this go around. During the later parts of my second trimester and third trimester I would have back pain beginning around 1:00 p.m. most days and particularly if I was on my feet a lot. With this pregnancy, I've had days of back pain that is on-going as early as about 18 weeks. I'm sure it has to do with lifting a 14 month old out of the crib & carseat, etc. Thankfully I haven't experienced it recently, and my husband is great about doing all of the carseat in/out when we're together.
4. I think about being pregnant about 75% less than I did during my first pregnancy. A lot of that is because so much of my mental capacity is consumed with a 14 month old and his nap schedule, 3 meals and snacking schedule, and all of the rest of his needs, and I'm sure an equal part is that this isn't new to me.
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| (Photo just taken:) |
1. It feels like a miracle....that we're being blessed with a child and that conception and pregnancy have both been so easy. Both pregnancies are huge reminders of God's goodness.
2. Weight gain feels out of my control, too quick, and in places other than my belly. When I'm not pregnant I have a decently easy time of maintaining my weight, so it's been frustrating to gain weight so quickly (like 3 pounds in 3 days). I'd like to gain a pound a week for a total of 25-30 pounds (and only in my belly region:), but it doesn't seem to be in my pregnancy cards. The second trimester dramatically increases my appetite, so I've been trying to exercise more and make better food choices. It's weird to be pregnant and almost feel like I'm dieting, although don't get me wrong...dieting for me means only having 2-3 pieces of pizza when I'm wanting much more because I'm a bottomless pregnant pit :) I've gained 16 pounds so far (all in the last 12 weeks) and am almost 26 weeks pregnant. I gained a total of 40 pounds with my first pregnancy (and delivered at 37.5 weeks).
3. First trimester scares. With Jackson I passed tissue that really scared us, and with this pregnancy, I had spotting for several weeks.
4. I hate maternity clothes. Thankfully I'm not having to navigate maternity professional wear this go-round since I can't even seem to find casual wear that is cute, affordable, and doesn't fall apart after being laundered. Good thing I'm at home most of the time in pjs or leggings. Next month I get to figure out what kind of bathing suit to wear at 30 weeks preggo at the beach! Regardless I'm very excited about going to St. Simons.
p.s. I'm thankful it's Friday. Love spending the weekends with my family.
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Wordless Wednesday: Backyard Fun
p.s. I'm thankful that so many of our neighbors are good friends too.
Five Things I'm Liking Now
1. Our wagon. Poppy & Gan gave Jackson a wagon for his birthday, and we use it all the time. It's perfect for short walks and when I don't want Jackson to get sleepy during a walk (like he might in his stroller). It has a seat belt too, which keeps him inside, and it has an extra seat which is perfect for when we run into our neighbor Holden on our evening walks.
2. Ebates. I heard about Ebates several years ago but never looked into it. I'm doing more online shopping now since it's a little harder to get out and about amidst nap/eating schedules, etc., and Ebates has netted me $60 in about 6 months just for clicking through its website prior to making a purchase. It's really that easy. I love a deal, so it makes me happy. If you're interested, I'm glad to send you an invite (since they pay you for referring using customers).
3. ZoLi Bot Sippy Cup. Yes, I'm now finding joy in finally discovering a sippy cup that does not leak. It's been about a 7 month quest with lots of wasted money, spills, etc. This cup is $15, and you have to order it online, but if continues to work, it's worth every penny. Jackson loves it too. One of my recent favorite bloggers recommended it.
4. Sleeping Until 7:00. Miraculously our son has started sleeping later--as late as 7:20 and often until 7:00. He's much happier in the morning and so am I. When daylight savings time came around I used it as an opportunity to start pushing his bedtime a little later (like 7:15-7:30:), but really the biggest change has been that he's just sleeping about 11 and a 1/2 hours at night instead of 10.8-11. Maybe it's because he is so extremely busy all of the time! Regardless I'll take it :)
5. Otterbox. I managed just fine without an Iphone case until recently. My relatively new Iphone 4S fell out of the stroller pocket when my husband collapsed it last fall, so we spent $100 having the exterior replaced. Then Jackson knocked it off the dining room table, and the back is cracked again. So I finally bit the bullet and ordered an Otterbox. I've been really surprised that it doesn't bother me at all and has a very minimal effect on my use.
p.s. I'm so grateful for this spring/summer weather. We spent 2 hours walking on Monday, and it was just wonderful to be outside.
2. Ebates. I heard about Ebates several years ago but never looked into it. I'm doing more online shopping now since it's a little harder to get out and about amidst nap/eating schedules, etc., and Ebates has netted me $60 in about 6 months just for clicking through its website prior to making a purchase. It's really that easy. I love a deal, so it makes me happy. If you're interested, I'm glad to send you an invite (since they pay you for referring using customers).3. ZoLi Bot Sippy Cup. Yes, I'm now finding joy in finally discovering a sippy cup that does not leak. It's been about a 7 month quest with lots of wasted money, spills, etc. This cup is $15, and you have to order it online, but if continues to work, it's worth every penny. Jackson loves it too. One of my recent favorite bloggers recommended it.
4. Sleeping Until 7:00. Miraculously our son has started sleeping later--as late as 7:20 and often until 7:00. He's much happier in the morning and so am I. When daylight savings time came around I used it as an opportunity to start pushing his bedtime a little later (like 7:15-7:30:), but really the biggest change has been that he's just sleeping about 11 and a 1/2 hours at night instead of 10.8-11. Maybe it's because he is so extremely busy all of the time! Regardless I'll take it :)
5. Otterbox. I managed just fine without an Iphone case until recently. My relatively new Iphone 4S fell out of the stroller pocket when my husband collapsed it last fall, so we spent $100 having the exterior replaced. Then Jackson knocked it off the dining room table, and the back is cracked again. So I finally bit the bullet and ordered an Otterbox. I've been really surprised that it doesn't bother me at all and has a very minimal effect on my use.
p.s. I'm so grateful for this spring/summer weather. We spent 2 hours walking on Monday, and it was just wonderful to be outside.
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