Time to Pump Iron

I am a ghost; transparent, fading in and out, unattached...

Anemia. I don’t recommend it!

But I thought I’d try to look at the bright side. Leanne recommends Vodka for writer’s inspiration. I wondered if the haze induced by thin blood might be my own little pregnant woman’s happy hour. Sadly, the effect is more like poetry under the influence of Alzheimer’s.

So, it’s a little hard to stay motivated this week- since it’s hard to stay awake. And dishes need to be washed. Little children need to be cared for (or occasionally let loose from the tv for a little air, and exercise). Oh, and I’m supposed to feed them, too.

And then there’s the rest of the family. My aunt in law suggested that perhaps it’s time to hire a cleaner. And my mother, upon seeing me for the first time since Christmas, pronounced, “Hello dear. You HAVE gained weight, but you don’t look pregnant yet”. Maybe the anemia induced naps are an avoidance coping mechanism.

But on the brighter side, I did send in the renewal for my nursing license. And I had a fabulous weekend at the in-law’s river house where children ran barefoot in the sand, searching for blue crabs, digging for shells, and thrilling at the boat rides and eagles. And I found the best coffee shop on the east coast – addictive brew, local bands. Good thing it’s hours away or I’d have to lease one of their love seats.

So, anybody know how to cook a good steak?

1- Anstey on May 29 2007

You know, feeding them is sort of optional. The problem if you do that is that they'll jus tkeep growing and you'll have to feed them more. If I were you, I'd start them on cigarettes immediately to stunt their growth.

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stephan

2- Shannon McEwen on May 29 2007

Sounds like you are exhausted Julie! I get that way after I mentstrate, my fiance cooks me liver because it's VERY high in iron.
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Life is what happens while you wait for great things.

Life is what happens while you wait for great things.

3- Anstey on May 29 2007

liver is yummy.

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stephan

4- White_Feather on May 29 2007

Liver really is a great suggestion for anemia, but it's not the taste that bothers me. It just seems counter-intuitive to ingest something that has a primary function of filtering toxins. I think in the UK, it's considered off-limits food during pregnancy due to vitamin A.

I would consider weaning the kids on to ciggarettes, but I already put them to bed at night with Jack Daniels and I don't want to draw any more attention from DYFS.

5- Tracey on May 30 2007

I know anemia and I'm sorry to hear of her surprise, high maintenance appearance in your life while you're busy growing a baby and tending to children. I don't eat much beef, and I find then when I'm anemic one good steak will restore me. (OK, it may be a placebo effect but whatever works, right?)

Forget recipes, have your husband take you out for something perfect, tender and yum. Robert's Steak House in Garwood, Ruth Criss (sp?) Steak House in either Hoboken or Weehawken, and heck, even Steak & Ale will do in a pinch (plus it's family friendly).

All that aside...this is a fun, entertaining read! Thank you, ma'am, may I have some more?

6- White_Feather on May 30 2007

Mmm . . . dinner out . . . night in Hoboken. Great idea!

7- Laurie on May 30 2007

Julie, I didn't know you were a nurse! I am too... although I do all medical records software programming now. It is difficult to find anough hours in the day, isn't it? You're doing fine... and don't let relatives get you down... sometimes they forget how hard it is to have small children and to still try and have a little time for yourself. Take Vitamins a good multi-vitamin and maybe an additional B-complex to give you more energy. Iron is good too if your stomach can take it.

Oh, and perfect steak, buy a good cut...make on a grill...medium heat, 4-5 min each side for rare, 6-8 min each side for medium and 10 min each side for well done. The secret is to turn them ONCE! and have the patience to leave them alone!

8- White_Feather on May 30 2007

Hi Laurie -

It's always neat to run into another nurse - someone who immediately understands the intensity of that lived experience!!! What kind of nursing have you done? I worked in oncology, sexual health, and public health in the US and UK. But, I have to admit, I haven't worked in years. Which is kind of why I wonder why I keep renewing the license. I may go back one day, but probably not staff work.

Thanks for the tips on grilling a steak! It's what's for dinner!

9- Babymoon on June 5 2007

Ew! No steak here, my Love. Chicken only! I make a mean honey teriyaki chicken breast!! In the battle against my 2nd pg near-anemic state which eventually was remedied with weekly iron shots (did I ever tell you I do NOT recommend those babies? Ouch!) I ate every iron plant source I could manage. Red meat... ick! Maybe that explains my low iron pregnancies I dunno. However, I produce a chunky wee one and minimal PP bleeding. Wait.. we are on a poetry board, not a birth one. He he he... I would love to tell your dear Ma where to put her comments. You are gorgeous, and nothing less. I wish I could you see in your beautiful, pregnant glow