While I slept well for most of the night, I woke up this morning, tried to roll over and was paralyzed by a sharp, tearing, popping nerve-like pain in my upper abs – just under my ribcage. I’m telling you, when pregnant you just never know what your body is going to do next! The pain was gone in an instant and the spot is just slightly sore now. After some 5:30am research, I think it’s either muscle or nerve stretching/compression related to having a small torso, going through a growth spurt (my belly button looks weird overnight!), possible ab separation (which is apparently very common) and standing too much yesterday. Doctor’s appt on Tuesday, so I will discuss it then. Not the best morning so far though!
Thankfully today is more low-key and I do not have any late engagements, so I can either try to take a nap and/or go to bed early. I definitely don’t have the stamina for these events like I used to! Any kind of exercise was out of the question this morning.
In other news, breakfast today isn’t until 9am!!! #Hungryhungryhippos
I’ve been snacking on graham crackers and a KIND bar from my swag bag and sipping coffee. Can’t wait to see what’s on the menu this morning!
I just finished up a GLORIOUS shower with my Rose #31 products – one of the best (THE best?) hotel bathroom experiences ever! Love the smells, my robe, etc.
Sporting my Five Bamboo Eat Real Food shirt today! (Is there a way to mirror a photo in Lightroom!? Haha)
An Ethical Question:
At every conference I have a few swag items that I either cannot take home or do not need. I have often thought that perhaps the hotel staff would appreciate a new set of tongs, a can of soup, unopened drink or some coupons for free granola bars. However, I do not want to leave my room full of heavy trash that they have to deal with either. Or perhaps the hotel has a rule that they have to assume the items were left by the guest and put in lost and found? I thought about leaving my tip for the weekend or a note next to the things to indicate they could take them, but again, if they don’t want them, would they just be annoyed that they have to remove them? At other BlogHers there have been swag exchange rooms where the leftovers were donated to charity, but I don’t think there is one here… and what do you do if there isn’t one?
What do you think?
Molly @ RDexposed says
Well my dad leaves a tip and I don’t think that they put that in the lost and found.
PS that shirt looks so good on your bump! 🙂
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says
You could always ask the front desk what their policy is there? Or just ask a few people at breakfast if they’re interested in what you’re looking to give up.
Cute shirt! 😉
Jessica says
Hi Kath,
I just found your site a week ago, I love it! You look so beautiful and healthy in your new shirt! I think a note by the items is the way to go, hotel staffs are huge so they can pass the items around to see who wants them.
Kristin says
I’m not sure about leaving actual items. My boyfriend always leaves a tip. He’s a very generous and appreciative tipper. I really admire that in him. Anyway, maybe you could bring them home and donate? Or find a place to donate in Seattle?
Averie @ Averie Cooks says
Ugh the pains…every day with pregnancy is a new day, isn’t it. Glad you don’t feel it’s anything too serious to warrant a dr’s visit while on the trip to a Seattle doctor, though. Whew.
The swag….I would leave it on the bed with a note that says please take if you’d like it or toss it if you don’t type thing. I doubt they’d really toss it though. Or ask the front desk if they’d like to put it in their lost and found. You’re just trying to be helpful and donate it, which is nice 🙂
chris says
I say just leave it with a note “please take home” on the envelope with the tip…I’m sure the housekeeping staff will make good use of it.
Lee says
Maybe someone who lives in the area could donate them for you?
Lisa @bitesforbabies says
Aren’t those weird pains the worst?!! Rest up today! 😉
Elisabeth says
The shirt looks so cute on the baby (bump) 😉
Christine @ BookishlyB says
That’s tough- it really depends on the personality of the person cleaning you room. They could either be thrilled they’re picking up some of their own swag, irritated that they have to deal with things left behind they’re not allowed to keep (if that’s the case), or insulted after assuming you’re leaving random cans of soup as an act of charity for underpaid cleaning staffer. Maybe ask at the front desk?
Susan H. @ The Food Allergy Chronicles says
Your Kerf shirt looks great! When I was pregnant I would get pressure on my ribs…more than likely the position of my boys inside…I would try to rub the spot to encourage movement…I thought it was so cool!
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats says
maybe leave a note with it, I think that would be fine! My friend once accidentally left her beta fish in a hotel room, she was moving and driving home. I always wonder what happened to that fish…
Lea @ Healthy Coconut says
I would love to do swag exchange, but most of the time, I leave a note for the housekeeper that she can take them if she wants.
Also, I worked in a hotel for years and lost and found storage are for non-food items only. Even unopened bottle of wines can’t be stored.
Bekah Wright says
Always leave extra swag for hotel staff. Who doesn’t love bottles of wine and jars of jam? And you look gorgeous post shower!
Kt says
I would just leave them behind in the room with a note… You could even just say ‘unwanted items’ on the note so that it’s clear they werent forgotten but it doesn’t sound like charity. I really don’t think anyone would be insulted by you giving them things! Especially because you are also leaving a tip.
jamie says
awesome shirt!
Keelie (SweatEqualsSuccess) says
Oy Vey! Feel better, homegirl!
You are too adorable in that shirt!
I think the charity option is awesome, but if it’s not available I would leave a note and leave the goodies with the housekeeping tip- I think by and large you’ll find that someone will be able to use the goodies, and the housekeeping crew may pass them around…
Have a blast! 🙂
Angel7 says
That shirt looks adorable on you, Kath!
I am sure that Baby Younger-Monson will eat real food like his daddy & mommy 🙂
http://faithfulsolutions.blogspot.com/
Kevie says
Could you pass them along with another conference participant that could use them/take them home or donate them? Or try returning them to the conference staff? Is there a Good Will or donation place near by that could benefit form them? I hope you can figure out what you want to do! 🙂
p.s. That top is PERFECT for you! Cute and comfy for your sweet little bump!
Roxanne says
I see you actually make the bed… that’s nice. When I go to hotels I keep the room clean at all times and make the bed too!
As for the tip… I was told by a motel staff that it is advisable to leave a tip every day (unless you state not to clean the room that day) because they don’t always send the same cleaning person and the cleaning person yesterday will never have gotten a tip. Only the last person who cleans your room gets it all!
KathEats says
Interesting, I always leave one at the end, but good point. It might all balance out though?
Roxanne says
I don’t know Kath, the way they were telling me, is that whoever gets the tip in the room gets it all and doesn’t share with the others… LOL
KathEats says
Well I mean that some days you might get the one big tip and others you might not get one – but maybe not if you always worked Wednedays?
Roxanne says
Yeah, I understand what you mean now!
I guess that would probably be true… Oh well, not a big deal, right?
Krystina (Krystina Yogini) says
Why don’t you donate them yourself? Surely there is a place you can easily take them.
KathEats says
I don’t have a car..
Krystina (Krystina Yogini) says
I’m sure you can find a way to get to a place to donate. I’d rather donate items to people who need them than leave them in the room where they might get thrown away or remain unused.
Kelly says
if I was there I would take those tongs rght off your hands! They are my favorite kitchen tool besides my favorite knife. 🙂
Lexi @ You, Me, & A World to See says
Hmm that’s tough on the ethical question. If I was a hotel staffer, I would definitely appreciate it though 😉
allpointswhole says
I think that is an incredibly thoughtful idea. Perhaps you could just leave a note with it? You’ve given me a great idea!!
Le says
Google round ligament pain!
KathEats says
This was different… Nerve
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama says
I’d ask the front desk. Some businesses have weird policies about accepting certain things from guests.
Pregnancy pains are weird. You never know what the day will bring!
Erin Motz says
I’d leave them with a little note. I’m sure they’ll take care of it 🙂
[email protected] Broken Cookies Don't Count says
Not sure what a good way to handle the extra goodies would be. Maybe suggest that they set up an exchange room before the conference closes.
Heather @ Health, Happiness, and Hope says
I love that photo of you Kath! You look gorgeous and glowing, and that colors is perfect on you! 🙂
I’d say maybe leave it with the front desk staff and ask if they could find a place to donate it or keep if for themselves? They are usually trained to handle the “odd” situations like that for people who are traveling!
Julia H. @ Going Gulia says
That t-shirt is so awesome. I want one! I love how it frames your baby bump also–cute!
Mom says
I would ask at front desk but if items are small and just a few, I think fine to leave.
Love the shirt and the color!
mary @ minutespermile says
Also, this article made me think of you: http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/recipes/healthy-eating/nutrition/guide-to-leafy-green-vegetables/?page=5
7 essential leafy greens, with basic cooking instructions!
Jen says
The shirt is too cute on you!
Sarah Anne says
I can answer this! My husband is a security officer at a swanky hotel and I asked! He said just leave a note saying that you left it on purpose or that it is for the staff to have. Otherwise, yes it remains in lost and found for months first before they will give it to staff who found it. Security checks notes/slips when staff leave with items.so.they will attach the note you left. Awesome idea!
natasha says
Great shirt!
I think it’s mice you’re even concerned about what to do with the items/should you donate etc. I know it can be tricky. My daughter and her friends saw the school janitors digging in the school dumpsters for food and were horrified so we sent food the next day, as did one of her friends. After speaking with parents we decided to do something for janitors during teacher appreciation week and have talked about adopting them for Christmas etc. instead of randomly sending in food and not wanting to offend. In any case, I know they appreciated our attempts to help as I’m sure your housekeeping there would.
natasha says
“nice,” not “mice” oops
Lola says
Hey Kath!
People working at Hotels love it when things are left behind… Mainly, because the pay is TERRIBLE! It depends on who you want to leave the items to. If Housekeeping, leave it in the Room with a note. If it is food they assume you left it for them anyway, if it is anything else, it does have to go in to Lost and Found first and then if you don’t claim it, someone will get it. So, just leave a note to make it easier.
If you want to leave something for the Front Desk or any other department, just take it down to them and tell them. ( I work in Hospitality, can you tell?!?)
Hope that helps!
Randy says
People leave little things behind in hotel rooms all the time and I don’t think it would hurt to leave the things that you have but can’t/won’t use yourself. It is a nice gesture and a kindness I think that people cleaning your room would appreciate, maybe just leave a simple note with the things you are leaving behind saying they were extras that you didn’t want and they were free to take them if they wanted, give them away or dispose of them.
I remember once while traveling that we had an almost full bottle of tequila that we didn’t want to take with us so we left it in the room. Most likely they were fighting over that bottle, but someone enjoyed it hopefully after they got off work. 🙂
Glad your trip is going so well and welcome to the Pacific Northwest! I am sure the weather in Seattle is not very good right now but it seems like you are finding lots of things to see and do as well as the things that you came there to do.
Have a great evening, I am sure you are anxious to get back to C’Ville and Matt; it’s always hard to be away from the one you love.
sb says
I agree with all the comments that suggest you ask the front desk… or even a member of the cleaning staff.
Amanda @ flecksofgreen says
I think it’s great that you are that conscious and thoughtful of the hotel staff. I would leave everything with a note 🙂
Olivia says
I would do a giveaway for it, or give it to someone you know back home. Or leave a note saying you received it as swag and don’t need it, or ask if anyone at the front desk wants it.
Heather says
Hey Kath
I sure hope you feel better! So I actually tasted my first avocado today and I was inspired to even buy them because of your blog. Are they supposed to taste almond-y?? Lol. I did not fall in love with it, but it was alright. I ate half of one on top of a mixed greens and veggie salad.
I have 5 more left!! Not sure what to do with them….any advice?? xoxo
KathEats says
fun!! Make guacamole!! Mash them up with lime juice, salt and some cayenne pepper and eat with chips or serve on anything!
Janelle says
I used to clean hotel rooms in the summer and whoever happened to clean that particular room that day got the tip (though that’s not true for all hotels). With stuff like that, I’d either take it if I wanted it ir ask others if they wanted it… If it was clear the person meant to leave it behind of course!
Cat says
Id probably mention it at the front desk. I feel like the cleaner might ignore the note and/or may not be an English speaker. If they do have a policy the front desk will know and will probably guide you in the right direction. If not, we can use a pair of BBQ tongs in my house and I’d be happy yo pay shipping!
robin says
Oh they would love those Kath.
Kimberly says
If you really can’t fit them in your suitcase, I think it would be okay to leave them with a note explaining. I would definitely still leave the full amount you would usually tip. Otherwise, I would think it might be better to take them to a food kitchen or someplace where people might really need them. I just know when I was waitress, occasionally people would leave something in place of a tip or in addition to a tip and it was usually just a pain to carry around and find someplace to put it. It usually wasn’t something I wanted.
Jess says
My sig other works front desk at a nice hotel, and he has happily accepted tokens from guests without issue. Usually it has been alcohol (eg bottles of wine) that guests buy and don’t end up drinking but can’t take on a plane home, but I am sure nicer gifts to be offered to staff would be fine too. No one feels insulted, just glad you’re not wasting something nice. 🙂
Kristen Waby says
You look fantastic w/o makeup in the morning. You are glowing without a doubt!
KathEats says
🙂
Khushboo says
I think as long as you leave a note, they will be much appreciated by the staff. One man’s trash is another person’s treasure eh!
Michaela says
as somebody who is working in the hotel industry: leave it with a note, it will be much appreciated, I can garantuee you that!
Janet says
You might ask at a neighboorhood church or temple if they would accept the donation, they might even have a food pantry or host a free meal from time to time.
KatyBug says
That rib pain started for me about two weeks ago and is now my daily burden…it hurts so much sometimes that it takes my breath away!
KathEats says
Is yours sharp/nerve/tearing?
KatyBug says
Yes, extremely sharp…feels like a knife under my ribs, directly under my heart. Sort of like a stitch in my side from intense workouts, but more centered. And it happens throughout the day, sometimes making me stop in my tracks and wait out the pain. I keep telling Lucas I don’t want an epidural for birth but I could use one for this.
KathEats says
Haha. Interesting!! I’m thinking it might be our ribs expanding…and the nerves and/or muscles related are not happy to move
Kristin says
You can flip a photo in lightroom. If you go to photo at the top, one of the options is flip horizontally. That should work. 🙂 (:
Amy says
Just a comment on the pain that you had. If it was off-center on your right side, it could be your gallbladder. This is my 3rd pregnancy and with all 3 I have had an inflamed gallbladder. I don’t eat any gallbladder problem foods and have zero problems when I’m not pregnant. It’s just a pregnancy symptom. I am due 9/4 and noticed that laying on my right side causes a sharp pain where my gallbladder is. This symptom started a month ago, and it’s just from the weight of my belly and shifting organs pressing on it. I’m guessing that my belly grew a lot earlier than yours did considering that this is my 3rd pregnancy in less than 4 years. Just something to consider.