Frozen is RUINING MY LIFE

I wish I could say I was lying, heck, even over exaggerating.  But, I just can't let it go-- Disney's FROZEN is *RUINING MY LIFE*.

I'm as surprised as you are.  When my oldest daughter, Eva, and I went to the theater together for a little date and saw this movie I loved it.  The music.  The fact that my daughter saw that women are fully capable of saving themselves (and not in need of a Knight-in-Shining-Armor-Archetype).  Olaf. The trolls.  I loved it all. Truth be told, I cried, straight up TEARS WERE SHED during the opening scenes after Elsa had to hide her secret from her sister.  It was sad.

I told everyone I knew to see the movie.  And, to see it ASAP.

When it came out on DVD, we went and bought it first thing in the morning. We watched it that afternoon.  We planned a junk food dinner (more on that another time) and watched it in the living room together as a family that night.  Frozen was a BIG DEAL in the DuPont household.  (Like so many households today.)

But, then my not-quite-two year old son fell in love with Elsa.

And it's been down hill since then.

"Let it go, Mommy!  Let it go!"  We listen to Frozen in the car, at home, it's freaking constant streaming.  If we aren't listening to the movie or the soundtrack, it is being sung or whined about by my son.

(Mind you, my 6 year old daughter is basically indifferent.  Loves the movie.  But, she's more of a Let's-Watch-Goosebumps-on-Netflix/It's-So-Cool-In-Willy-Wonka-When-Violet-Blows-Up-Kind-of-Gal" so Princess movies aren't totally her thing.)

But my son, my son is OBSESSED.  This is his first obsession and I'm not sure how to handle it.  He sings "Let it Go" in the bathtub, while playing with trucks, petting/attacking the cats.  He loves it.

But if I have to hear that song ONE MORE TIME my head may explode.  Or implode.  Or melt.

I've hidden the DVD.  I'm close, so so SO VERY close to "losing" the soundtrack.

I put in Rio this afternoon and my son was upset, asking "Where are the princesses?"

THE STRUGGLE IS REAL.

The only song that doesn't bother me is Reindeer(s) Are Better Than People - it's like 45 seconds long and just ridiculous:

And, if I had to choose a favorite character, it's probably Kristoff because he's so weird.  But, ahh.  I just can't do it anymore.  I can't pretend to like this movie.  I NEED A BREAK FROM FROZEN.  So, that maybe, just maybe, in 25 years, I can actually enjoy it again.

I've composed a list of things I'd rather do than listen to/watch Frozen:

-Pluck out the hair on my legs one at a time

-Stick my tongue to a frozen pole

-Eat earthworms every day for every meal for an entire week

-Get a haircut like Miley Cyrus

Am I the only person being driven crazy by this movie?  PLEASE, THERE HAS TO BE SOMEONE THAT UNDERSTANDS!

Conspiracy Theory Alert: I'm interested in know what Disney has subliminally integrated into this film to make children obsess this hard.  Something weird has got to be happening.  A reward in the form of a pan of No Pudge! Brownies is being offered to anyone with valuable information.

Something about GIANT BEASTS

I have this continual problem of grossly underestimating the strain of something on another thing.  (How's that for vague?  Ha.)  But, in all seriousness, I have 6 posts in "draft" mode - like Part 2 of You Are Not A Slut : Women Empowering Women (You can read Part 1 here.)  So, where in holy Hannah Montana are these posts?  Well, hmm... see-- we moved this past weekend.  And this move happens to make itself into the "things I've underestimated as to straining of other things" category.

We moved from one city in Iowa to another.  Not a big deal, right?  Apparently moving an entire household, while 35 weeks pregnant takes a lot more than I had assumed it would, and alas, find myself insanely exhausted by the end of the day.  I am embarrassed to admit (but also not as bothered by this as I typically would be) that I haven't written a single word (creatively that is) in almost 2 weeks.

Did I forget to mention that I have a rare condition in which my baby is a giant beast?   If you are good at connecting the dots, if baby is a giant beast that means I am also a giant beast.  (Really, I'm not making this up: it's called polyhydramnios.)  At my 34 week check-up, my OB measured my stomach and let me know that I in fact was measuring 43 weeks (which explains the 'Oh!  You must be ready to pop!' comments I hear about 45 times a day.)  This fact caused her a bit of distress, so she sent me straight to ultrasound to measure my little giant peanut.  Yep, she was measuring 3 weeks ahead and was already a whopping 7 pounds.  Did I mention I still have a month left of this pregnancy?

All I can focus on is trying to get this house unpacked, taking care of my children (while constantly out of breath and, well, slightly really freaking irritable: YAY HORMONES!), and not trying to stress myself out that something may be wrong with my giant beautiful daughter.

So, I promise that I will post these 6 drafts soon.  I've got baby brain like crazy.  And, since I'm super attractive right now, can I get the beautiful people pass?

New Direction

Good morning everyone!

Today is a better morning than yesterday, only because I'm becoming the worlds (okay, probably not the WORLDS) biggest complainer in regards to the weather.  Yesterday the high was 28 degrees.  But today, TODAY the high is 48.  (Imagine a very pregnant and round woman doing a little jig and insert that image here.)  This is a glorious turn of events here in Iowa.  

You may have noticed that I had to shut down the blog for a few weeks while I worked on a reformat/content redirection.  I wasn't happy with what I was publishing on this space, and there was a serious lack of focus.  There are many topics on my heart a majority of the time but I found myself not utilizing this space to tackle them.  One of the things I've completely avoided was the subject of my faith.  I have wanted to steer clear of controversy on this blog and I know that God-talk makes people uncomfortable; and from my experiences, very defensive and angry.

I'm tired of skirting around issues that may make people uncomfortable.  I'm not your typical Christian lady.  (Though, I think when a majority of people envision Christians, they think only of the assholes on the media who get upset over things like the TV Series Cosmos not discussing Creation, or the late Fred Phelps who founded the ever pleasant Westboro Baptist Church).  Most of the Christians I know are nothing like that.  Though I am much more liberal than many of those same Christians that I know.  Which in turn leaves me feeling kind of feel like an alien most days.  I'd like to be able to share with you some of my thoughts and struggles regarding being a liberal Christian.  I hope that's okay with you.

Another thing that may look a little different around here is my open discussion of both motherhood and married life.  Again, I've tried to make this blog mostly surface but I think it's time to tackle the deeper stuff. I'm a stay-at-home Mom.  I'm only 28 years old and about to have 3 children.  I suddenly drive a mini-van.  It's super weird.  But, obviously, this part of my life is a rather big one SO- I'll try really hard to not go all "Mommy-Blog" on you guys.  But, it's a possibility that some posts may be focused in that direction, as it is a major part of the life I am living.

Oh, and recipes!  I cook and bake a lot!  I want to share all of this yummy stuff with you!  Can I share some recipes here, is that okay?!

I still plan on talking about writing and books because HELLO!  I'm Azia DuPont- I am a writer and I love to read.  I'm still editing Dirty Chai.  So, those of you that enjoy that content- never fear!  It will still be here!  Cover reveals, book reviews, writing struggles-- all that content will still be a major focus of this blog.  I'm dying to be more authentic with you guys.  To share my journey as I go "One Step at a Time" -- get it?  It's the new name of my blog.  Haha.  I hope those of you who have been around since the beginning will stick around and enjoy the refocus of this space.  I hope to start some dialogue and to get to know you all that much better.  And, maybe to make a few new friends too.

I'm excited to relaunch and dive into a regular blogging schedule with a refocused energy.  Cheers to new beginnings!

Dirty Chai & I'm HUGE

Last weekend, the Winter issue of Dirty Chai went live on ISSUU-- take a peak!  There is some great work that I think you will enjoy:

And again, we are open for submissions.  (Reading period started March 5th and will go until May 5th-- hopefully publishing before Baby #3 is born.)  We've decided to fore go a theme this time around and I'm excited at what kind of work lifting that "restriction" will bring.  A few times during our last reading period, I had to decline some seriously amazing writing just because it didn't fall in line with the theme.  It's a hard thing to do when you see quality work-- and I just let some of it walk away! (Wahhhh!)

So, if you've been wanting to wet your feet in small press publication- think about submitting!  You can find the submission guidelines here.
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As for other news, things on the home front are going great.  It's hard to believe I still have to get through all of March, April and May before this baby comes.  I can't imagine my stomach growing any larger than it already has.  I've been helping out some friends of ours the last few weeks, watching their 18 month old son 3 days a week (this was the last week he'd be coming over) and yesterday, the Dad commented that his wife's stomach was (as big as mine is now) just before she gave birth.  Just to give you an idea of how huge I already am.  HA.

But, I am also in no hurry for time to pass quickly.  I've found myself a bit - emotional while playing with Abram.  I keep reminding myself that these last couple months are the last that him and I have together just the two of us.  With Garrett at work during the day, and Eva in Kindergarten-- Abram and I have the weekdays to play and snuggle and laugh.  Pretty soon our days will be filled with the company of a little lady and my time will again be split.

Bringing life into the world is such an interesting, complicated, emotional thing.  Parenting is single handedly the most simultaneously satisfying and challenging experience I've had.  I've learned so much about myself, my patience, and the capabilities of my heart from these little people, than from anything else in my life.

Ah, I'm so full of hormones.  HA.

The FLU is All Up in My House + BE MY NANO BUDDY!

Holy cow, you guys.  It's Tuesday already?!  It still feels like Saturday to me.

My son has had the stomach flu since 4am on Sunday, and now my daughter has it as well.  I think I've been vomited on at least 10 times since Sunday.  I've somehow managed to not get sick myself, but I smell terrible and my house is a disaster.  My son wants to constantly be held-- and showers have become basically impossible.  Don't even get me started on dishes.

I'm just praying that my husband doesn't get sick.  That will just the cherry to top this -vomit-filled-week-sunday. Also, that they both feel better by Halloween!  Because to miss Halloween when you're a kid is just WRONG.  (And not fair to Mom, who would like to grub on all the free candy.)


On a more positive note, Friday is the first day of NaNoWriMo and I'm getting pretty excited for it!  I have never been a NaNo winner, so that's embarrassing.  But, it will make it that much cooler if I am this year!

 I have no writing buddies as of yet- so if you're participating: ADD ME!  My user name is aziadupont -- super creative, right? ( I hate picking user names, what can I say?)  I'll need all the encouragement I can get.  I haven't been able to find the writing+Mom life balance that so many other author's have seemed to master.  I NEED YOUR SUPPORT!

Also happening in November: my beautiful first born turns 6!  I can't believe it!  Also,  DirtyChai's first issue will be available to the masses!  And- it's Thanksgiving!  I love to cook so I'm excited!  Hopefully November will start with a bang (and be flu-less!).  Here's to positive thoughts!

Be Thankful for the Good People in Your Life!

I know that vlogging probably isn't everyone's cup of tea-- but when you're a Mom, it is the only way sometimes!  This is like 6 minutes long-- and I apologize for that.  But, I was compelled to say these things.

Also- I have bedhead, my PJ's on, yesterday's make-up, and my child-- bear with me.

Happy Labor Day!



Edit: HUGE BLUNDER! I left out a few things-- for instance, I met Eva's godmother Katie in college-- and the fact that her name did not escape my mouth BAFFLES me. I love her so much and she was a spiritual godsend after my daughter was born. And, since moving to New Ulm-- I've gotten close to even more amazing women: Anna, Amanada, Sheri, Ginifer, Briana and Christie-- to use the phrase "sanity-anchor" is an understatement.  Also, Abram's godmother, Carrie. So much love I have-- received and to give! XOXO