Another thing I've apparently inherited is the desire to record my child's life.

My friends who have kids (most of whom read this blog) have done a stellar job...and they've been part of the inspiration to grow the seedling that was planted by my grandpa on my mom's side, who had a Super 8 mm camera and used to have it at all the family functions when I was younger and he was still alive. I've always enjoyed home movies, photos, etc. -- anything that was a record of how things were and how stupid/silly people could be. I'm a sucker for that stuff, and honestly wish there were more of it available to me from my younger days and even my parents/grandparents days.

So, this leads me to a couple current tugs-of-war.

1. I wanted some money for Christmas so I could buy a Digital SLR in anticipation of the baby's arrival. I got not much money. So I had to temporarily put that on hold...the tug of war comes in because now I have Kazak vet bills to worry about, in the sense of how much that's going to end up costing me in the end. Making matters worse, Best Buy decided to put the Canon EOS XT on sale for really cheap (Costco's even cheaper, though), which opened my eyes to the possibility of getting a camera now.

2. Now, also, I'm torn as to whether I want the Nikon D40 or the Canon EOS XT. This won't be an easy choice, because I know people who swear by both cameras.

3. KM introduced me to an awesome little digital recorder that she has used for her little baby girl to record quick videos for posting on their blog. It's really awesome, and I plan on getting one--it's the RCA Small Wonder.

Basically, to summarize, I have too much going on and not enough time or loose change to do all them. Not right now, anyway. Hopefully soon, however. :) Sorry for the complaining, if it sounded like complaining. If anyone wants to use the Comment box as a forum for bashing Nikons or Canons, be my guest. :)

You know what sucks? Aside from the normal things that we all know suck on a daily basis?

I busted my ass, changed my eating habits and began an exercise regimen, and I couldn't even get to the ultimate goal I really was after.

You may remember this post, seven months or so ago. Well, that was the first point at which I decided to do something about my health. I didn't join Weight Watchers until around Labor Day or anything, and I didn't join the gym until November (because I played softball through the summer and fall). But I did those things, yes, to lose weight and get in better shape -- which, if I leveled off today (not stopped, levelled off), I'd still have accomplished both those things.

But my ultimate goal was to lower my LDL cholesterol. That's why I did the diet part of the equation -- to turn my borderline-high LDL level on its end and knock it back down. Not so, I guess. I've lost 9-11 pounds (depending on the day and time of day). My eating habits are under control, specifically, my portions. On Friday, I completed three full miles (that's basically a 5k) on the treadmill in 37 minutes (running and walking, mostly running), something I didn't think I'd ever do. I'm going to be in probably the best shape of my life for the start of the softball season when it rolls around. Honestly, I feel really good about the way I look, and I fit into my suits and several pairs of pants I couldn't wear anymore. Furthermore, I'll probably be better prepared (notice, I say 'better' not 'fully') physically to handle the sleepless nights that Baby will bring about, since I am in better shape.

Don't get me wrong, I'm THRILLED about these things. VERY THRILLED. But, part of me is disappointed that all those salads I've eaten and all the water I drink changed nothing about my LDL level. The doctor said today, after my blood test last Tuesday, that it was the same as last time, but to keep up the exercise and eating right. Of course I will.

It makes me think about that commercial about cholesterol from this frankfurter, and your Uncle Frank. I guess I inherited it from my Dad, who has had cholesterol problems. Oh well...maybe it takes more time and effort, I guess.

Like I said, I'll gladly take everything that has come with my lifestyle changes, and I know that a borderline high cholesterol level isn't the end of the world compared to some of the things people go through and all that. I understand that. But I do wish that the LDL levels could have at least budged to make me feel a little better. Just a teeny bit? Please? :)