Saturday was our marathon apartment hunting expedition. We left the house at 7:30am, had our car serviced and washed, got new keys made, and spent hours exploring neighborhoods in the E Yonkers/ Mt Vernon areas. It was exhausting and we only viewed 5 apartments! Finally, at 7:00m, a realtor called us as we were almost home. He offered to show us an apartment at 8pm, and we reluctantly agreed, not wanting to drive back up north. Ugh. We were glad we did, though, because this was the best apartment yet. We actually started the application process and hope our searching is over.
Sunday we went to a ward in New Rochelle (N/E of the city) to meet with members and ask questions. Our prayers were answered, as the first lady we met was extremely helpful and let us quiz her for nearly 40 minutes. Turns out she was on Primary bathroom duty, so she was fine to be a hall monitor and talk with us. We observed the Sabbath and had a restful afternoon, finishing off the evening with Root Beer floats and a card game with our neighbors.
Monday we relaxed and had my definition of a perfect day off:
Slept in, mopped the floors, went biking along Riverside Drive with Peter on his roller blades, explored the Hi-Line Park (a new park created from an old railroad station - last used in 1980), dined in Chelsea Market, got sun-burned, enjoyed the outdoors, konked out for a nap while reading an excellent book, went maternity clothes shopping and spent too much money, ate Mahi mahi burgers and watched a movie with Peter. A perfect holiday!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Thursday, May 26, 2011
I Heart Hondas
Paco bought us a car last weekend. Its a 2002 Honda Accord, 4-door, 61K miles, black with gray leather interior for the mere price of $8,000. We were told that parking is much easier after Columbia's graduation in mid-May when many of the students leave, so we waited until then. Although Peter did spend an hour the first night trying to find a parking space when he first brought it home, we are hoping that it won't always take so long. We have to move it twice a week for street cleaning (either M-Th or T-F) around noon, so luckily Peter works close by and can do this on his lunch break. We need the car to go apartment hunting in Westchester county. We'll be glad to get out of the city to bypass the tedious parking situation! I never even saw the car before he bought it, just heard the specs and saw the pics. I've owned two Hondas, so I knew that it was a quality investment. Paco took care of the insurance, registration and licensing. I heart Paco!
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Christie Brinkley starring in Chicago and/or why I regret my decison to go see this show
I should listen to my gut more often. Not pregnancy cravings, although I am really digging on chocolate/yogurt pretzels these days, but my gut reaction on how something is going to turn out. Take Christie Brinkley starring in the Broadway Musical Chicago, for instance. She's not a vocalist or an actress, I knew that; she is a supermodel. So I knew that her voice and her acting would be mediocre before I even went to the show. And I was right. Grrr... it reminded me of how I felt watching Pierce Brosnan starring in Mamma Mia! the movie and having a SOLO as a non-vocalist. It was absurd and awful to say the least. If you saw it you know what I mean. Ridiclous. A slap in the face to talented singers who may not have as much box office appeal as pretty boy Pierce. So, its obvious that CB was used for the same tactic - marquee power, name recognition, etc. Whatever, it is what it is, enough of that. My even bigger regret is having gone to the show at all. I never saw the movie, aiming to stay away from the lewd dancing and celebration of crime and adultery, and yes, I considered myself somewhat pious for doing so all these years. In a moment of what we'll call weakness my curiousity got the best of me and with a friend in town and Anything Goes not available at the discount box office (TKTS), we voted on Chicago. Yeah, again my "gut" and/or what we know as a conscience and the Spirit told me that it would be exactly that - lewd and not uplifting. Sure, great music, great acting, great choreography, funny story, feathers and fluff, but the point is that I knew that going in it would somewhat disappointing. $85 dollars later...The next morning we had Stake Conference and Elder Eyring spoke about going to the temple more often to truly progress toward perfection. He referenced the commandment to "deny yourselves of all ungodliness" and it hit me like a ton of bricks. My friend and I didn't take the time to go to the temple this past weekend but we did find the time to see Chicago. Ungodly? Somewhat. Pretty much. My priorities need to shift and I need to work of self-mastery and developing an appetite for spiritual things and suppressing the appetite for worldliness. Just my own personal impressions of course. And not to blow this into something bigger than it was - just a mediocre performance and a reminder that our time on earth is precious so why am I not making better use of mine? We should have gone to see Rock of Ages after we'd gone to the temple. Then my weekend would have been more satisfying.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Its a Girl!
We had the anatomy ultrasound this morning and they confirmed the gender of our new Nelson baby. Its a girl! Sydnie Jolene, I love you so much already!!! Thanks to a loving Heavenly Father for this gift. I've waited a long time for you. Hopefully your brother, Jonah, will be next and coming along shortly. Peter, is of course, disappointed that we aren't having a "man child"... just kidding.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Christianity is not for Pansies and/or my reaction to Stephen Hawking
Stephen Hawking recently proclaimed that heaven doesn't exist, and that its essentially is a "fairy story for people afraid of the dark."
Well, its pretty obvious to us believers that such ignorant comments are misguided. SH clearly has no experience with the Holy Ghost and with the grueling path along the straight and narrow. While there are many religions out there and some are fluffier than others, I speak to the consecrated Christian experience, which I have found to be hard core! For people truly interested in following the Master, it can be an intense exercise in self-discipline, self-mastery, sacrifice, toil, agony, patience, charity, etc, etc. Have you ever tried suffering LONG and then being kind to your tormenters? Turning the other cheek? Forgiving someone seventy times seven? Praying for your enemies? Trusting God enough to show willingness to sacrifice your own son (Abraham as hero)? Refusing to curse God despite what he takes from you (Job as hero)? This stuff is not for pansies. Au contraire mon frere!
Consider the profundities of the below quotes by Neal A. Maxwell:
1. “It is one of the great ironies of human history that some mortals with incorrect understanding of God and life's purposes sometimes scold God because of the abundance of human misery and sufferingwhich, indeed, lies all about us. Such individuals almost dare God to demonstrate His existence by straightening things outand at once But He is a much different kind of Father than that. Surely it is requisite to eternal life that we come to know God and Jesus Christ whom He has sent (see John 173).”
2. “We should not assume however, that just because something is unexplainable by us, it is unexplainable.”
3. “Some find it easier to bend their knees than their minds. Exciting exploration is preferred to plodding implementation speculation seems more fun than consecration, and so is trying to soften the hard doctrines instead of submitting to them. Worse still, by not obeying, these ... lack real knowing. Lacking real knowing, they cannot defend their faith and may become critics instead of defenders”
4. “How could there be refining fires without our enduring some heat”
5. “At times Gods best pupils experience the most rigorous and continuous courses. Eventually those who prove to be men of Christ will thereby become distinguished alumni of lifes school of affliction, graduating with honors.”
My experience with Christianity has been that consecration and sanctification often require periods of darkness, when God tests our faith and patience (see Mosiah 21:23). Further, He requires a willing heart, all of our resources - temporally and spiritually - and He will have a humble people. All of this stuff goes against the natural man, so its no picnic for those who sincerely welcome chastisement and correction. We surely didn't invent the idea of heaven to make us feel better. The more uncomfortable we are right now, the more progress is probably being made. Just sayin'...
Well, its pretty obvious to us believers that such ignorant comments are misguided. SH clearly has no experience with the Holy Ghost and with the grueling path along the straight and narrow. While there are many religions out there and some are fluffier than others, I speak to the consecrated Christian experience, which I have found to be hard core! For people truly interested in following the Master, it can be an intense exercise in self-discipline, self-mastery, sacrifice, toil, agony, patience, charity, etc, etc. Have you ever tried suffering LONG and then being kind to your tormenters? Turning the other cheek? Forgiving someone seventy times seven? Praying for your enemies? Trusting God enough to show willingness to sacrifice your own son (Abraham as hero)? Refusing to curse God despite what he takes from you (Job as hero)? This stuff is not for pansies. Au contraire mon frere!
Consider the profundities of the below quotes by Neal A. Maxwell:
1. “It is one of the great ironies of human history that some mortals with incorrect understanding of God and life's purposes sometimes scold God because of the abundance of human misery and sufferingwhich, indeed, lies all about us. Such individuals almost dare God to demonstrate His existence by straightening things outand at once But He is a much different kind of Father than that. Surely it is requisite to eternal life that we come to know God and Jesus Christ whom He has sent (see John 173).”
2. “We should not assume however, that just because something is unexplainable by us, it is unexplainable.”
3. “Some find it easier to bend their knees than their minds. Exciting exploration is preferred to plodding implementation speculation seems more fun than consecration, and so is trying to soften the hard doctrines instead of submitting to them. Worse still, by not obeying, these ... lack real knowing. Lacking real knowing, they cannot defend their faith and may become critics instead of defenders”
4. “How could there be refining fires without our enduring some heat”
5. “At times Gods best pupils experience the most rigorous and continuous courses. Eventually those who prove to be men of Christ will thereby become distinguished alumni of lifes school of affliction, graduating with honors.”
My experience with Christianity has been that consecration and sanctification often require periods of darkness, when God tests our faith and patience (see Mosiah 21:23). Further, He requires a willing heart, all of our resources - temporally and spiritually - and He will have a humble people. All of this stuff goes against the natural man, so its no picnic for those who sincerely welcome chastisement and correction. We surely didn't invent the idea of heaven to make us feel better. The more uncomfortable we are right now, the more progress is probably being made. Just sayin'...
Monday, May 2, 2011
A Nightmare of Sorts
I've had a personality conflict with a co-worker for a while now, and we have a good altercation every other month, at least. The only times we don't altercate are when I am submissive, obedient and obsequious to her tyrannical wishes. Well, sometimes the snark in me just comes out and I dare to discuss something with her (a petty injustice), to which she becomes belligerent and it goes from there.
After said exchange this morning, here's the email I sent to my "bosses":
My apologies for the altercation of sorts this morning in our department. I understand your frustration that there is sometimes conflict between us, and I know that the bottom line is that this doesn’t affect work/ production from our department or at Prisma.
I feel that I should express my point of view for your reference.
TK has a naturally domineering personality and she likes to be in charge. I’m okay being a follower and most of the time we do have a peaceful working relationship.
L's strategy is to let everything go and to perpetually submit to TK’s stronger personality. I find that when I submit to doing everything this way then there is peace, but its not practical or sustainable. I have leadership qualities and opinions, and I think it would be to the benefit of Prisma and all to demonstrate these as appropriate.
One of the recurring triggers for conflict is that TK often feels threatened when I attempt to take a leadership role or bring up real work issues that may implicate her performance in any way. Examples include: when she forgets to take the UPS, if she doesn’t cover certain tasks for me when I’m out of the office, and/or if I send her a reminder about something she becomes hostile or defensive. Most of the time I ignore these oversights because its not a big deal. Conversely, she brings all of these things/ issues up to me and makes me accountable if I forget to do something. She also reminds me of various tasks very often throughout the day/ week. But I feel like I can’t communicate the double standard or she would be angered. I sometimes feel suppressed into silence and compliance to keep the peace with her.
My primary frustration is that TK, although not here five days a week, functions as a virtual boss in our department, although we are all equals. When I attempt to communicate about real work issues she can view these as attacks to her personally. If I just let everything go, submit and let her be in charge, things are fine. I often ask myself, however, is that really a healthy or sustainable working relationship?
I enjoy my job at Prisma and I want to work well with TK. I don’t think she realizes how domineering she can be or how she’s not truly open to criticism or change. I believe that I am open to constructive criticism and positive change, and I welcome your ideas on how I personally can improve.
Thank you,
Allison Nelson
Prisma Capital Partners
One Penn Plaza, suite 3515
New York, NY 10119
212-590-0827
__________________________________________________________
They never got back to me. Just sent a calendar invite for tomorrow morning when we have yet another mediated conversation with the HR gal. If everything goes as it always does, my point of view won't be validated or understood and I will be expected to submit in order to keep the peace. HR hates contention, so they'd rather stick their head in the sand than deal with the liability. Our other co-worker sacrifices all dignity and principle for peace, so I seem like the problem child b/c I actually, occasionally speak up against the repression.
Yes, I lied about enjoying my job. The cash flow is too good to walk away. And I can't believe its me in my own life sometimes. Sheesh. What a nightmare. And I have to keep suckin' it up for five more months until I can take maternity leave.
After said exchange this morning, here's the email I sent to my "bosses":
My apologies for the altercation of sorts this morning in our department. I understand your frustration that there is sometimes conflict between us, and I know that the bottom line is that this doesn’t affect work/ production from our department or at Prisma.
I feel that I should express my point of view for your reference.
TK has a naturally domineering personality and she likes to be in charge. I’m okay being a follower and most of the time we do have a peaceful working relationship.
L's strategy is to let everything go and to perpetually submit to TK’s stronger personality. I find that when I submit to doing everything this way then there is peace, but its not practical or sustainable. I have leadership qualities and opinions, and I think it would be to the benefit of Prisma and all to demonstrate these as appropriate.
One of the recurring triggers for conflict is that TK often feels threatened when I attempt to take a leadership role or bring up real work issues that may implicate her performance in any way. Examples include: when she forgets to take the UPS, if she doesn’t cover certain tasks for me when I’m out of the office, and/or if I send her a reminder about something she becomes hostile or defensive. Most of the time I ignore these oversights because its not a big deal. Conversely, she brings all of these things/ issues up to me and makes me accountable if I forget to do something. She also reminds me of various tasks very often throughout the day/ week. But I feel like I can’t communicate the double standard or she would be angered. I sometimes feel suppressed into silence and compliance to keep the peace with her.
My primary frustration is that TK, although not here five days a week, functions as a virtual boss in our department, although we are all equals. When I attempt to communicate about real work issues she can view these as attacks to her personally. If I just let everything go, submit and let her be in charge, things are fine. I often ask myself, however, is that really a healthy or sustainable working relationship?
I enjoy my job at Prisma and I want to work well with TK. I don’t think she realizes how domineering she can be or how she’s not truly open to criticism or change. I believe that I am open to constructive criticism and positive change, and I welcome your ideas on how I personally can improve.
Thank you,
Allison Nelson
Prisma Capital Partners
One Penn Plaza, suite 3515
New York, NY 10119
212-590-0827
__________________________________________________________
They never got back to me. Just sent a calendar invite for tomorrow morning when we have yet another mediated conversation with the HR gal. If everything goes as it always does, my point of view won't be validated or understood and I will be expected to submit in order to keep the peace. HR hates contention, so they'd rather stick their head in the sand than deal with the liability. Our other co-worker sacrifices all dignity and principle for peace, so I seem like the problem child b/c I actually, occasionally speak up against the repression.
Yes, I lied about enjoying my job. The cash flow is too good to walk away. And I can't believe its me in my own life sometimes. Sheesh. What a nightmare. And I have to keep suckin' it up for five more months until I can take maternity leave.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Polling All Post-Pregnancy People
So, I'm tempted to schedule a C-section instead of trying to deliver naturally, which may inevitably result in a C-section anyway. There are pros and cons to both options, of course. Scheduling would allow me to shower, clean my house, pack my hospital bag, ensure that Peter were present, enable my mom to purchase her plane ticket in advance and even be there for the delivery... naturally, recovery time would be lengthened, I'd feel nauseous after anaesthesia, and I couldn't hold the baby very well for a while. Oh yeah, and they tell me I couldn't drive for a month. Who cares? Mom will be in town to take care of me... hmm.... Going it naturally allows for a quicker recovery time, but I may tear, go through hours of labor pains, get hemorroids, and end up having a C-section anyway. Can you tell which way I'm leaning?
If you've given birth, what are your thoughts? I welcome any and all advice, chiquitas!
If you've given birth, what are your thoughts? I welcome any and all advice, chiquitas!
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