moving stress Archives - My Inner Shakti

A Week’s Worth of Happenings

Well hello there! While I can’t say that my blogging break was unintentional, I missed this space and am glad to be back!

It’s been quite a week for sure. We moved (!), we went to a Cubs game, and we attended a newborn CPR class. That’s just the stuff we did. Then there’s all the stuff that happened.

Let me tell you allll about it!

The biggest thing…WE MOVED! And it’s done and over with <– the BEST part! I will say that it was the easiest move we’ve experienced (and we’ve experienced four in the last five years), as all we had to do was take our stuff about 30-40 feet across the hall. Thank goodness for awesome friends who willingly gave up their Saturday morning/afternoon to help us out!

While the move was logistically easy, it was not so easy on this almost 33 week preggo body. My body ached like its never ached before! In fact, I took two 2.5 hour naps on both Saturday and Sunday. Like I said, thankfully it’s done and over with! Now, it’s time to nest and really prepare for our baby boy!

The next biggest thing…we went to a Cubs game with my sister and BIL and had a blast! The weather, while warm, definitely left all of us with itchy eyes and noses. The pollen count combined with the wind made for an interesting outing. My poor sister must’ve sneezed a thousand times! Regardless, it was fun cheering the team on, high-fiving everyone around us, and singing ‘Take Me Out to the Ball Game.”

This particular game was also special because our nickname for the baby is Kubs/Kubbie (with a K because of our last name). We found out we were pregnant when the Cubs were in the World Series, so it only felt fitting! Essentially, this was Kubs’ first Cubs game! 🙂

Vishnu and I also attended a newborn/child CPR class last week. While Vishnu’s already certified in all of this stuff, I definitely learned a lot of useful information. I just pray we never have to use it.

So that’s the stuff that we did. In terms of stuff that happened to me/us…

My feet/ankles were super swollen on Friday. Like the biggest I’ve seen them! Naturally, I grabbed a pair of compression socks to help with the issue. I thought I grabbed a black pair, as I was wearing black leggings. But nope. I definitely grabbed and wore a navy pair that totally clashed with my OOTD (outfit of the day). I wouldn’t have minded at all except for the fact that I had a doctor’s appointment, and of course, that’s where I realized my mistake. My excuse (for everything) –> #impregnant.

I inadvertently ended up scaring the AT&T technician that came by on Wednesday to set everything up for us. I made my way over to the new apartment a little before when he was expected to arrive. When I walked into the unit, I saw that our bedroom door was closed and literally shaking. I freaked out, grabbed my keys, and ran out, ultimately running into technician as I opened the door. Of course, I screamed…which made him scream. HOT MESS EXPRESS I tell you! I apologized for my crazy, told him I thought someone/thing was in my bedroom, and asked if he would take a look. Bless this man because he did exactly what I asked and even checked our closets and bathroom for me…you know, just in case! #impregnant…? No, I’m just Par!

I’m pretty sure I’m forgetting a pretty funny [to me] Vishnu story! We had quite a few moments this past week that ranged from “aww I love you” to “aww I can’t help but roll my eyes.” Moving stress, and in general the third trimester (for both the mom and dad-to-be), will do that to you!

Anyways, have a great Tuesday!

Apartment Drama + 25 Week Update

written by Parita 4 Comments

Sooo…we’re moving…yet again! The apartment drama I alluded to earlier? That was it.

BUT, things turned out a-ok because we’re staying in the same building on the same floor AND getting a slightly bigger place with more closet space. The best kind of move if you ask me.

The only down side to all of this is that I’ll be more pregnant than ever. Thank goodness for good friends and [potentially even] Task Rabbit.

I won’t get into the details as to why we have to move, but let’s just say it was a rough couple of weeks because we thought we were signing a three year lease on our current place. Also, we have a pretty big life change coming up in a few short months. Thankfully, it had nothing to do with us. In fact, our current landlord actually helped us find this new place.

BIG LESSON LEARNED: Staying as positive as possible really is the best way to face tough situations. As I said to Vishnu quite a few times, “What’s the alternative?”

All’s well that ends well I suppose!

25 Week Update (fair warning…random thoughts ahead)

Whenever someone asks me how I’m feeling, my response is almost always the same. “The baby is great. I’m feeling great…just getting bigger!”

The one word I like to use to describe this stage of the pregnancy is big. Vishnu says I feel bigger than I look, but that’s just it. I absolutely love my round pregnant belly…I just feel big. I feel big when I roll out of bed or switch sides while sleeping. I feel big when I have to squat down and pick something up. I feel big when I have to put my shoes on. I feel big after climbing the stairs at the train station. Honestly, it has nothing to do with my actual size. It’s just that my new size takes some getting used to, especially when it comes to daily life!

Other than the big factor, I randomly find myself lost in a sea of thoughts. None of which have to do with the baby himself. More so the logistics of having a baby. It’s weird because I’ve never once been worried or anxious about actually having a baby and all the changes that come with that. My thoughts tend to gravitate to things like how am I going to juggle being a full-time mommy with a full-time career while being married to a very much full-time resident physician. Or how am I going to get food on the table every night. Or will I be able to make time for exercise at some point. Or how is it going to work when Vishnu’s on nights.

Look, I obviously know it’s all going to work out. Millions and millions of people make it work every single day, and I have no doubt that we’ll figure out our own rhythm and all that jazz. It’s just funny to me that I’m thinking about the logistical elements right now versus thinking about keeping our little human alive. The latter part is something I’m excited about. I’m lucky to have 16 weeks at home with our little guy, and I can’t wait to get to know him. By no means am I saying those 16 weeks are going to be easy, especially the first few, but that’s not something I dwell on. Every new mom (and mom in general) goes through the hard stuff. It’s the juggling piece that makes me scratch my head. But like I said, Vishnu and I are a strong (and fun, if I do say so myself!) team, and I know we’ll be just fine.

Other thoughts that come and go…

We’re only going to be a little family of two for a few months now. I selfishly want all the Vishnu time I can get!
This pregnancy is flying by. The other day my sister mentioned how I only have 3/8 of the way to go, and it really stopped me in my tracks. How is that possible?
Who is our baby going to look like? I hope he’s a mix of both of us!
I wonder what the people at the gym think when I walk in and hoist myself up on the EFX machine. I’m hoping it’s “what a badass!”
I CAN’T WAIT TO HOLD OUR BABY!!!

Well, that’s week 25. So far so good!

Happy Friday, all! Make it a great one.

Weekend Recap – Cleaning and Purging

written by Parita 4 Comments

I feel like all I ever talk about is our move to Chicago and everything we’re doing to prepare for it. Trust me, I can’t wait until it’s all over either!

Unsurprisingly, this weekend was all about cleaning and purging. Well most of it anyways…

FRIDAY

If Friday evening could be summed up in three words, they would be run, pasta, [long] nap.

I went out for a run after work because by the time 5 pm rolled around I had only taken 1,500 steps. Ridiculous.
I came home, showered, and made a veggie pasta dinner (pasta, sauteed veggies, pesto, sauce, cheese). Delicious.
And then I literally sat down on the couch, asked Vishnu to wake me up in 15 minutes, and ended up sleeping for almost two hours. Ridiculous. I guess I was a little tired!

And that was Friday.

SATURDAY

If Saturday could be summed up in two words, they would be cleaning and purging. Because that is pretty much what we did from 10 am to 5 pm.

The best part was how reluctant Vishnu was to partake in this big pre-Chicago purge. I don’t know if I’ve mentioned it on the blog before, but my husband is a pack rat. He’s one of those “just in case” people where I’m a “if you can’t remember the last time you used said item, get rid of it” kind of person. I will say, however, that Vishnu did a great job because we ended up with six large completely full trash bags (four full of actual trash and two full of clothes to donate) and a fairly sizable pile of books (to donate and sell).

We also had to reorganize some of our stuff since all of our large furniture, including the two night stands, are being picked up later today. The next six weeks will be interesting to say the least. No bed and no sofa/chair…

I took a break in between all of the chaos to make Running to the Kitchen‘s paleo chocolate chip cookies. This recipe is one of my favorites because it’s a one bowl recipe that’s simple, healthy, and delicious!

Because cooking was the last thing I wanted to do at the end of the day, Vishnu suggested trying a local pizza place that recently opened up.

We ordered a veggie pizza, and while it wasn’t the best pie I’ve ever had, it wasn’t half bad! Definitely hit the spot.

After dinner, we came straight home, changed into some comfy clothes, made popcorn, and watched Cloverfield. It’s been a long time since I’ve watched a suspenseful movie! In Vishnu’s words, I’m a very animated person when I watch these kinds of movies. This means I start screaming and tightly holding his hand when the music gets intense. I like to think I make things that much more fun!

SUNDAY

Sunday was a good mix of work and relaxation. I completed a quick strength workout at the gym before heading out for a long walk with Vishnu. We also ran some errands, grocery shopped, and prepped for the movers (vacuumed the sofa/chair and dusted everything else).

And that was our weekend in a three part snapshot! Have a great Monday!

If you had to sum up your weekend in three words, what would they be?

Exhausted But Happy

written by Parita 26 Comments

Our move is 99% complete! We still have a few things left to do at the old place, but for the most part we are done. You guys, I can’t even tell you the last time I was this physically exhausted. It’s kind of ridiculous. But I don’t really care because we’re happy. And that’s all that really matters, right?

To be quite honest, I don’t think I was as prepared for this weekend as I thought I was. I left a lot until the last minute because we weren’t going very far (or at least that’s what I tell myself). My procrastination led to a late Friday night and an early Saturday morning.

And don’t even get me started on our movers. Let’s just say that if I didn’t take the initiative to call and ask where the heck they were at 10:30 (the time we were told everything would start), we would have been in big trouble. I’m glad we don’t have to go through the ordeal of moving for at least another two years. That just adds to my happiness.

We are currently 90% unpacked and organized, which isn’t too bad considering I was gone for most of the day Sunday.

I also wanted to say thanks for all the good lucks, well wishes, etc. Y’all are the best! [insert virtual hug]

And with that, I’m off to work. No longer having to get in the car and drive for over an hour makes me SUPER happy! Happy Monday!

One Big Ball of Stress

written by Parita 14 Comments

You wouldn’t necessarily know it from reading my blog, but lately I’ve felt like my stomach is constantly in one big knot. In other words, I’ve been a little stressed. It’s not a bad thing (don’t worry, mom), as I truly believe the little everyday stresses are what keep us moving forward.

I’ve been thinking a lot about the things that are constantly on my mind, and I know no one is going to believe me, but the wedding isn’t one of them. In fact, I can’t wait until the wedding because I know it’s going to be a ton of fun. The things that do weigh heavy right now are finding an apartment that both Vishnu and I like, finding a job in my new city, and being a good wife.

Let me explain…

As far as the apartment is concerned, I did the research and compiled a list of 10 places for us to check out this weekend. However, without knowing where I’m going to be working, we’re basically just going with a central location. And to top it all off, none of the places on my list wowed me. I know I sound like a brat when I say this, but I want our first apartment together to be nice and a place we both want to come home to. We’ll see. I’m 99% sure there’s nothing to worry about, but this has been on my mind for a while now so I thought I’d share.

The next thing that keeps me up at night is the good ole J-O-B. With Vishnu being in school for the next three years, I’m going to be bringing in the $$$. Currently, I have two potential opportunities in the works, but I won’t know anything concrete for another few weeks. Everyone keeps telling me to take time off after the wedding and not rush the whole work thing, even if it’s just a month. But I don’t want to. What would I do all day? Anyway, with all the effort I’ve been putting in and plan on putting in over the next couple of months, something should materialize (*fingers crossed*).

And finally, the whole wife thing. I don’t know brought this on, but I’m afraid I won’t be a good wife. Now, if one of my friends came to me with this thought, I know I’d be able to talk them out of it by sharing that no one is perfect, every relationship is different, and that there is no right or wrong way of being a wife. However, when I try to tell myself those things, I get more stressed out. This one really baffles me because Vishnu and I have been dating for so long, and I truly believe I’ve been a great girlfriend. If I had to guess, I think I’m more nervous about being responsible for someone other than myself and not being good at that. I’ve shared this with Vishnu, and of course he thinks I’m being ridiculous, but I can’t help it. I know, I know…one day at a time – that’s all anyone can do, right!?

Phew…I really needed to get those thoughts off my chest. I feel a little better already.

Like I said earlier, stress doesn’t necessarily have to be a negative thing as long as it’s handled properly. By talking to Vishnu, friends, and family, I’m usually able to stay calm and focused. Working out regularly and eating nutritious, healthy foods does wonders too. Otherwise I’d look like this all the time…