THURSDAY'S THOUGHTS

UNPLANNED MAGIC 2 BY MARCUS WALTERS

THANKFUL FOR:  This weekend I'll hit the 30-week mark. I can't help but feel fortunate that the past 7.5 months have gone so smoothly. Aside from the nutty emotions and hormonal fits I faced in the first trimester, I've been incredibly blessed to remain so healthy. I pretty much carry on with my day-to-day as I always have—this time I have a large growth hanging out in my midsection. 

EATING: I can't say I've really craved anything in particular throughout this pregnancy, but on Sunday evening I proclaimed I couldn't stop thinking about cheesecake. After I shared this nugget of info with Flyboy and the pups, I swear I saw recipes pop up on Pinterest like crazy. All of these delicious images clogged my feed to taunt me. Make it STOP! I'm trying to practice some restraint here. Then, I was watching the morning news on Wednesday and they announced it was National Cheesecake Day. Who even knew that existed?! I certainly didn't, but I promise you it was a deliberate sign that I need a slice in my life and stat. It's SO happening this weekend.

WATCHING: I'm down for any show Bravo throws my way. Naturally, I was excited when I learned about their latest docu-series called Extreme Guide to Parenting, which premieres August 7th. In some delusional way, I feel like it's Andy Cohen's subtle nod to me that this whole parenthood thing is going to be a-okay. Oh, and I can only imagine the whackadoodles they came up with this time.

FEELING: I can't help but feel a teensy bit guilty about the way I've let my inbox get out of control. When I was in Iowa a few weeks ago, I never really had a reason to check my email, Facebook, or Instagram, and it was quite lovely. As a result, my inbox is still filled with a handful of emails that I REALLY need to respond to. If you're someone who might be waiting on a reply from yours truly, please know that it's nothing personal and that I will eventually get around to it. Some days I spend so much time at the computer doing freelance stuff, sitting down to compose an email or two just feels tedious.

THINKING ABOUT: I can tell it's time to call my sister when I start discussing celebrity gossip with Flyboy. Insert dramatic eye roll here. For instance, on Tuesday evening I read this article in the NY Post about Mrs. Carter (can we still call her that?!). Anywho, I had the urge to chitchat about what I'd just read. I mentioned rumors about 'Yonce's recent apartment hunt sans Hova. Gasp! FB responded, "What does that mean for baby North?" With a look of disgust, I shook my head, slapped him, and said "That's Kimye, you nut!" Totally NOT the same. Now I realize there are many things wrong with this scenario. Yes, this is a trivial headline in the big scheme of things, but sometimes a girl just needs to dish. Don't judge. One day this information will come in handy in a game of Jeopardy or Trivial Pursuit. You'll want me on your team. Also, I can assure you I don't abuse my husband—it was more of an impulsive love tap.

LISTENING TO: I should remind you that we live on an Air Force base, so whenever I head into Swell Rio for errands and whatnot, I have to pass through the main gate with military personnel checking identification as you enter. I went into town yesterday and as I returned I was listening to Salt-N-Pepa's Shoop. It's an upbeat classic that's especially fun to sing when you're alone and uninhibited in your vehicle. Who's with me?! Whenever I approach the main gate, I'm always cognizant of the gate guards, so I turn the volume completely down so they don't have to hear m' tunes. And if I'm being completely honest, I don't want them to judge me by what I'm listening to. Well, let's just say that yesterday was an exception to my "usual" routine. Oops! I rolled up to the gate with my window down and the lyrics were blaring—again, totally unlike me. It was only when I handed the kind airman my ID that I realized my music was still really loud. Imagine the embarrassment that came over me when I heard the following bit playing: 

Ummm, you're packed and you're stacked 'specially in the back

Brother, wanna thank your mother for a butt like that (thanks, Mom)

Can I get some fries with that shake-shake booty?

If looks could kill, you would be an Uzi

You're a shotgun—bang! What's up with that thang?

I wanna know, how does it hang?

You guys, I couldn't reach for the volume fast enough. As with most things, I know I'm over thinking this one, but the gentleman did comment on my great choice in song. While I'm grateful this whole scenario played out smoothly, I think I'm going to blame this isolated incident on "pregnancy brain" and just stick to my usual routine in which I turn down the music before I hand over my ID.

READING: I picked up the August issue of Vanity Fair and Real Simple recently, but I've yet to devote quality time to each publication as I'd like. As a result, I plan on catching up with my glossy pals this weekend, preferably poolside. I'll admit that my reading game has been off a bit lately. If only poring over the latest West Elm catalog qualified, then you could call me a bookworm.

LOVING: Have you heard of Poolga? I'm beyond obsessed with this website that offers oodles of art for your iPhone and iPad. The adorable backgrounds are FREE and created by selected illustrators. I wasted about 30 minutes one morning just scrolling through the artwork available. The best part?? Each background featured shares a link to its creator, so it's a great way to learn about new artists and explore more of their work. You know how I get a rush from things like that...

Enough about me. How are you feeling today? What are you up to? Thanks for stopping by!!