We recently got back from good old Salt Lake City and it was awesome! I'll post something about this when I have some photographic evidence of the awesomeness that ensued. I am still without a camera, which if you continue to read, you'll find out about. I think I'm a mostly optimistic person, but I need a little complaining platform for a moment.
Allergies 
I know this is not something I can control, but terribly annoying all the same. I think pregnancy worsens my allergies to all things spring. It also limits what I can safely do to help with all that pesky itchiness. I've been taking Claritin, which my midwife said was a good bet, but it's simply not cutting it. Last night, Sally woke up at about 1:30, a rarity, but the poor girl had tossed all her binkies- a tragedy in her mind. After I found one and gave it to her, I tried to get myself back to sleep, but the insane itching in my throat wouldn't let me. I ate some dry Grapenuts hoping they would scratch my throat on the way down, but to no avail. I finally was able to go back to sleep at maybe 3:30. I guess I'm being prepped for my time in a few months. The weather is so nice, but it's so miserable for me to venture outside. Yesterday, Sally and I went to the park where I sneezed no less than 74 times. I feel like I'm petting a cat 24/7. I'm going crazy over this! I need some help- anybody have any tips?
Bad Customer Service
When we were flying home from Salt Lake, we went through Chicago. While there, I went to the desk and asked if there was any way we could get an extra seat for our little sweetie. I've asked this on every leg of every flight since she's been with us. It's not always possible, but they always check and are usually very nice and understanding. This flight, however, the man was not nice or understanding. He told me he could lose his job if he tried to do anything like that. I thought it a little odd, but didn't care too much. Then, it was time to board. We got in the line and gave the dear man our tickets; he told us our section was not boarding yet, that it was the preboarding time. I informed him we had a lap child, which has always qualified us for preboarding on United flights in the past. After a little mild arguing, he eventually let us on, but told us he might lose his job. When we got down the tube, I realized I had stupidly left my violin right by the entrance, not wanting a repeat of my return from Europe, I rushed out to get it. Bill and Sally were taking care of the stroller. The man didn't want to let me get my violin- I could see it, but he wouldn't let me get it. I had to drop my bags in the tunnel (a backpack of toddler entertainment and diaper bag of treats and diapering materials) then, go out and get it. I went to get back on, but he told me I had to get back in line. The nice person in the front told me I could go in front of her, which I gracefully and gratefully accepted. When I was getting on, this silly man told me I couldn't take the violin on because I already had two bags. I tried to explain that this was between Bill and I, but he didn't care. I had to get Bill and Sally to come back out so he could see, (although he already had) that we did have two tickets. When I was finally boarding, I heard this man hassling a young mother with what looked like a 5 month old. Sheesh.
Shady Internet Operations
This has a little to do with customer service as well. Several weeks ago, I ordered a camera from an Internet store- 86th Street Photo and Video. I was so excited, because the price was amazing. I had read some reviews of the store and felt confident in them. Turns out I should have done a little more research. I didn't receive an email confirmation for a couple of days, and so called them to make sure they had gotten my order. They had, and promptly tried to sell me all kinds of overpriced accessories. After I told him I only was interested in the camera, he told me it was back ordered for 2-3 weeks. After three weeks, I called again. They told me it was back ordered for 2-3 weeks. I told him it already had been three weeks, he got sassy. "Tell me something I don't already know." "Lady, (he really called me lady) there's nothing I can do so just go wait." After this phone call, I decided to do a little more research on the business. I found plenty of negative reviews. It turns out, if you don't upgrade or buy any accessories, your item will never come- they put it on back order indefinitely. When I learned this, I called to cancel my order. I was hung up on three times before I actually got my order cancelled. I'm a little worried because they have credit card info- I guess I'll just keep a close eye on my returns. There are many Internet stores that use this same system. I guess you live and learn. Do your research prior to ordering. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
In happier news, I felt our baby move yesterday! Really and truly! I was teaching, and started crying (surprising, I'm sure) Having a baby is SO miraculous. I can't wait to meet this little one!
