Bionic nose

I've heard it referred to "Progesterone Poisoning"... luckily for me, morning sickness has limited itself to very inconsistent, and ever so slight nausea.  The hubs assures me I'm not any less pregnant for not up-chucking hourly.  Ain't he sweet?

So where's the evidence of my pregnancy?  My waist is long gone.  And the boobies, they've never been more prominent!  Oh, and I'm peeing ALL. THE. TIME.  We're to the point of increasing our monthly Toilet Paper Budget.  I've given up flushing every time. What's that saying... If it's yellow, let it mellow. Lots of mellow going on in our house.

Until I smell it.  And then all bets are off.  This is one reason for all of you superhero fanatics to be jealous:
I have a bionic nose.

I'm not kidding. I can smell anything. From a mile away. Before I knew I was pregnant, I was behind a car at a red light.  I knew they were smoking a cigarette before they ever threw the butt out the window.  It was disgusting.  A few weeks ago after church, breakfast had been prepared for everyone. From the sanctuary while waiting to file out- from 3 loooong hallways away- I smelled pancakes, sausage, and eggs.  I told the hubs that's what they were serving, and sure enough, I was right.  There ought to be a way to earn some extra income with this particular skill.

This week (#14) the baby's the size of a clenched fist, and by now the lil' nugget can do things like squint, frown, grimace, pee, and maybe even suck its thumb.

We've narrowed down a few really great name choices, and our favorite for a little boy is Angel Gabriel Bocangel.  Has a nice ring to it, don't you think?

The Monkey & The Fish: A Parable

The Monkey

A typhoon had temporarily stranded a monkey on an island. In a secure, protected place on the shore, while waiting for the raging waters to recede, he spotted a fish swimming against the current. It seemed obvious to the monkey that the fish was struggling and in need of assistance. Being of kind heart, the monkey resolved to help the fish.

The Fish

A tree precariously dangled over the spot where the fish seemed to be struggling. At considerable risk to himself, the monkey moved far out on a limb, reached down and snatched the fish from the threatening waters. Immediately scurrying back to the safety of his shelter, he carefully laid the fish on dry ground. For a few moments the fish showed excitement, but soon settled into a peaceful rest.

Joy and satisfaction swelled inside the monkey. He had successfully helped another creature. 

--Duane Elmer, from the book"Cross-Cultural Servanthood"

This parable is one I have enjoyed << and reused and recycled, but not reduced... just 2 of those 3 R's >> from the first time I read it. Talk about a concise story illustrating a common error folks make all the time, in global settings and in local ones too.  I think this cute little story begs a few questions.


Why did the monkey put himself in such risk to "help" another creature?
<< I think he was courageous, noble, and even a little bit over-zealous.  I think his intentions were both genuine and good. >>


What did the monkey assume about fish culture?
<< He made a crucial assumption that what's good for him is also good for the fish. >>


What could the monkey do differently next time?
<< How about asking the fish what its needs are?  >>


Have you ever found yourself acting like a fish in a room full of monkeys?  Have you ever been treated like a fish when you are, in fact, the monkey?