Written on 3/30/12:
Last June, I began blogging for the first time in my life. It’s safe to say that through the means of writing, not only have I been able to get to know myself better, but I’ve been able to laugh at myself, too.
Well, now I have no idea who I am. My typical patterns of thought processes and behaviors have been replaced with surprising and unexpected bouts of exhaustion and frustration.
In spite of the fact that I’m still pretty much the same size, clothing that I was perfectly happy to wear two months ago now make me feel claustrophobic. I anticipate a clothing drive in the near future.
And the way I manage hunger?! Holy moley, this is insane!
You see, hunger used to merely be a physical feeling that alerted me to the fact that I need nutrition. My tummy would growl, so I’d go grab some leftovers.
Now hunger is not just physical. Presently hunger has become an urgent emotion that isn’t unlike utter despair. Say I’m working on a blow dry and we’ve got ten more minutes. If there’s a rumbly in my tumbly, those ten minus feel like an e.t.e.r.n.i.ty. Pregnant Square Piece then begins to feel sorry for herself. When I finally make it into the back room to grab a bite, I discover that everything I’ve brought in for lunch now seems about as appetizing as my lawn.
Commence urgency and despair.
Such was the case on Thursday.
Fortunately, I had finished my client early enough that I had just enough time to run to McDonald’s for a milkshake.
‘Cause that’ll make everything better…
Brain: Milkshake.
Pregnant Square Piece: What kind of milkshake?
Brain: Chocolate milkshake.
Pregnant Square Piece: Really? Chocolate? You sure? How do we feel about vanilla?
Brain: Vanilla will ruin your life.
Pregnant Square Piece: Chocolate seems nice.
Bear in mind that I was also desperate for something to get this awful metal taste out of my mouth. Let me tell you, I’ve been talking to women about their pregnancies for over eight years as a hairstylist. My clients spare very few details… okay? I’ve even read Belly Laughs, which is Jenny McCarthy’s quite candid perspective of pregnancy. Nowhere – ever! – do I recall hearing anything about this terrible taste in the mouth. After some research, it seems that this is most likely due to hormonal fluctuations. (Pffff! I’ll say! Wait for it…)
My brain informed me that the baby also wanted another Filet O’ Fish (with extra pickles… again). So I’m all jazzed up and in a tizzy going through the drive thru, feeling like the world is pitted against me. When I arrived at the second window to retrieve the food that would be oh-so-comforting, the drive thru lady kept glancing at me in a peculiar way, like she was trying not to look, but couldn’t help it. Finally:
Drive Thru Lady, “Are those your reeeeeal eyes?”
Me, “Yes.”
Drive Thru Lady, “They’re so pretty!”
Suddenly, all seemed right with the world. There was no urgency, no despair, no frustration and no concern about my clothes feeling too tight in that moment. After that wonderfully unexpected and specific compliment, I really felt like I could finish my day with strength and pleasure. All was well. Everything was going to be okay.
(Mental note: compliment strangers more often. The more random and specific, the better.)
A little bit after that, one of my favorite clients, Jan, came in for a trim. She will forever go down in history as the woman who gave me my very first pregnancy gift.
She made this body lotion herself!
Thanks, Jan!
Best moment of the day today: After about three weeks of being unable to eat anything remotely healthy, I was finally able to eat blueberries! This is the most color I’ve been able to incorporate into my diet since Captain Crunch Berries!
i love reading about your pregnancy saga! and i will second the compliment complete strangers. yesterday someone asked me if my eyelashes were mine. made. my. day.
Thanks for sharing your wonderful world with us. š
I complimented the cashier at Food Lion one day …. her face literally brightened and she said “you just made my day.” Yeah, I need to do stuff like that more often. š
Awe, I love that you got a prego gift! And I’m sorry, I never thought to tell you about the metallic taste. Some lemon in your water bottle can help with it. There’s also some extra saliva in case you didn’t notice that yet. š Love you!
Yeah, I’ve found myself spitting. š
I also have the metallic taste. It’s very annoying. It doesn’t go away, food or drink helps only while I’m eating š
Oh well. I love your stories š
Yes! I was never one to make a huge deal about food either…until now. I felt the “emotional” hunger on Friday…and from 2-5 pm (until work ended) I wanted Taco Bell. I even looked at the menu online and knew what I wanted before I left work. :-p
You are so awesome, Suzy. That was just for you… because I think you are awesome and I’m soooo excited for you and Brian. Don’t ever forget to take care of yourself… “You can’t take care of others if you don’t take care of yourself. ” (sage wisdom from my momma) <3
Love you!
So, you were pregnant last I saw you. I wondered, you were quiet.
Congratulations! You should have a nice baby bump next time I see you!
Although I will not now look as good for the holidays as usual!
Just looking at your hair stuff, since you gave me this info after my Locks Of Love cut.
Jill
You’re right, I have been quieter at the salon. Sometimes it’s ’cause I feel crummy or hungry. Other times it’s ’cause I’m trying not to admit I’m preggo.