Sunday, May 31, 2009

Deep Thoughts

In honor of no more beer for the next month or 2 (or 9), here is one of my favorite Jack Handey quotes:

“Sometimes when I reflect back on all the beer I've drank I feel ashamed. Then I look into the glass and think about the workers in the brewery and all of their hopes & dreams. If I didn't drink this beer, they might be out of work and their dreams would be shattered. Then I say to myself, 'It is better that I drink this beer and let their dreams come true than to be selfish and worry about my liver.'”

You can't argue with logic like that.

Sunday school

Jeremiah 29:11-12 (NIV) -
11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.

Saturday, May 30, 2009

They lied to us in health class















This is how babies are really made.

My IVF meds arrived yesterday, and I had my trial transfer this morning.

Holy shit. Here we go again.

Back to school

Okay, so tomorrow is my last free day before I start back to school. I think L and I are going to go see the movie "Up." I know, I know. It's a kid's movie. We are hoping to take our nephew, but honestly even if he can't come we are going to see it anyway. I am pretty excited, because it has gotten really good reviews so far. Plus, honestly, there aren't really any Pixar movies that I've seen that I haven't liked.

The rest of the day will be spent reading cases. I have about 10 or so to read for my class called "Crimes Against Justice." It will cover things like jury tampering, bribery, evidence tampering, etc. It actually sounds a lot more exciting than Property or Constitutional Law (which is what I had last semester). Speaking of those, still no grades posted yet. I cannot comprehend why it takes over a month to grade exams. Think good thoughts for me though - I am hoping for a big curve to save me. ::fingers crossed::

Finally, we tried out a new dog park today. It is in Fort Thomas, which is much closer to our house than the one we usually go to, and a big part of it is on a hill going down into the woods. Hill = tired pups = happy mom. They seemed to really enjoy it, so I can see us going back there again.

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Blah.

Nothing really going on lately, but I feel like a bad person letting so many

Monday, May 25, 2009

Happy Memorial Day!

I think it is important to take a minute today to remember all of the men and women who have fought for our country over the years, and all of those who are still fighting. My great-uncle actually was awarded a Congressional Medal of Honor in WWII. I saw him a few weeks ago at his 81st birthday party, and he was actually wearing it. He is truly an amazing man, and the stories he tells are awe-inspiring. I could never do anything like that, but I am grateful there are people out there who can.

Because I work for a bank, I am off of work today. I have so much I could get done, and I have done nothing so far. Yesterday morning, I washed my car and then cleaned the house. While I was cleaning the house, I let my 2 dogs out in the front yard to play. Awhile later, L comes home and calls me outside. My left side of my car (the one facing the yard) is covered in dirt. Cash (the brindle boxer) decided that he would like to dig a hole to China via our front yard. How he got dirt onto the roof of my car I have no idea.

Also, I just found out the other day that my dad is engaged. C will be his 3rd wife - there was my mom, then J (wicked stepmother), now C. Obviously my mom and dad are divorced. J died of ovarian cancer. She hadn't been to the gyno in over 6 years, so get to your yearly check-ups, ladies! Anyway, I really like C, so I am pretty happy about this news. Congrats, Dad!

The only other thing I have planned for today is to go to my mom's for a Memorial Day grill-out. That means good food, cornhole, and maybe a beer (or 2) before I start stims in 2 weeks. It is supposed to start at 2 this afternoon, of course L is making a big deal out of it being so early in the day. He always finds something to complain about when it is something he doesn't want to do. Are all men like that? Or am I lucky enough to have found the only one? Geez.

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Chance encounter and a "real" Philly cheesesteak

As you know, yesterday was my 3rd wedding anniversary. I ended up taking the pups to the dog park in the morning while L was working on the windows (which are done by the way and look fantastic). When we got to the dog park around 10 a.m., there were only like 5 other dogs there - four of which left shortly after, leaving only me, the pups, another girl and her dog.

The girl, I'll call her E, was around my age. And if you've ever been to the dog park, when it's just you and another person, you're kind of obligated to talk to each other. So we both sat down at the picnic table and started talking; about our dogs at first. She mentioned that my dog, Cash, listened really well, and I assured her that his obedience was not normal. Then she told me that she has been trying to train her dog not to jump because she is expecting her first child in about 6 months. Now when I first saw her, I didn't notice that she was sporting a barely-there bump, but sure enough, there it was. Anyone who has gone through IF knows all too well what happened next, the sad feeling that washes over you, followed quickly by jealousy and then guilt. I don't know why - maybe she recognized the look on my face - she quickly said, "Well, we had to do IVF." What are the odds?

Immediately, I told that I was just about to start my 2nd cycle. Lo and behold, she tried for 3 years. TI with Clomid, IUI with Clomid, then injectibles. Finally, she got pregnant on her first try with IVF. And what made it even better was that she went to the exact same clinic and saw my RE, Dr. T! I told her about our MFI, and she told me about how she produced 11 eggs and only 2 fertilized normally. Of those 2, 1 took. I love to hear those types of stories - they give me hope. Her advice to me was to do positive affirmation every day of this cycle. Apparently, she, like me, is a pretty negative person. Before her IVF she read the book "The Secret" and thought it was complete crap. But everyday when she went to give herself a shot she said, "This is me. This is my time to get pregnant. This is my time to become a mom." Of course, who can say that is what did the trick, but it's worth a try.

Later in the day, we went to the Taste of Cincinnati. It was really hot, especially since I was wearing jeans (none of my old shorts or capris fit - thanks IF!). First thing we shared a pretzel with bier cheese from Courtyard Cafe. It won "Best Addiction" from the Taste judges - I have to disagree with that pick. The pretzel was good, but the cheese had a mustard-y tang to it which left a bad aftertaste. Ok, moving on. Next, I tried a pulled pork sandwich from City Barbecue, and it was very good. Juicy with a lot of meat; the sauce was just sweet enough. And then, we saved the best for last. L decided that he wanted a Philly cheesesteak from Balboa's. While we were waiting in line, he noticed that the sign said "with Cheez-Whiz or provolone," and he said, "Cheez-Whiz, that sounds disgusting." I informed him that, thanks to my extensive viewing of the Food Network, in Philly that is how all cheesesteaks are made. So he decided to try it, and he fell in love. He pronounced it "the best thing that he had ever eaten." It's so hard being right all the time. ;) The biggest disappointment? No funnel cakes. Not one in the whole place. So sad.

We went home after that - we could have gone to a bar or to see a movie or to watch the UFC fight. Of all those options, I wanted to see the UFC fight the most. But, alas, we must be getting old. We just stayed home and watched "Cars." Yes, the cartoon. I love that movie. And I love L. It was a good day.

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Happy Anniversary

Today is my and L's 3-year wedding anniversary. I can't believe we've made it this far. Let's just say it hasn't been easy, but I guess nothing worthwhile ever really comes easy. Even though he is a total a.ss sometimes - I really do love the hubs. Not sure what we are going to do to celebrate; probably not much since we are about to start this next IVF ::whispers:: and we're still paying off the first one.

I really would like to go to the Taste of Cincinnati today. I really want a pulled pork sandwich and a funnel cake. Don't be jealous of my sophisticated palette. But, as I write this, my husband is installing 2 new windows in our upstairs bedroom and nursery. Yes, I call it the nursery already, so sue me. We'll see how today plays out.

Friday, May 22, 2009

3.25-day weekend

Since I work at a bank, we get Monday off for Memorial Day. That being said, I was pretty much worthless all morning. It is 80 degrees here, and all I kept thinking was how awesome it was that I had 3 days off from work. Finally, at 2:30, my boss comes over and says, "You can leave in 30 minutes." Fu.ck yes. I immediately packed everything up and spent the next 3o staring at the clock and hanging out on thebump.com. Can I just say that I heart thebump? I recently found a new message board to post on, TTC 12+, and I have a big ol' lesbian crush on every one of those girls. So, 606ers, ( o )( o ). Awesome.

So I came home, made dinner, and now I'm going to for a beer or five with some friends - trying to get as much drinking in as possible before I start stims for the next IVF. Speaking of IVF, Dr. T, the same one who couldn't find time over the course of 3 weeks to come up with the blue plan for my next IVF, personally called me this afternoon to make sure I got all the details and to ask if I had any questions. Nope, but I sure appreciate this extra special attention. ::rolls eyes::

On a disappointing note, I missed my personal training session today. I have been really good about going for the last 5 weeks (at 7:30 a.m. no less) and finally today it happened. I overslept. Not really all that shocking if you know me - b/c you know I love to sleep - but I still felt bad for standing up my trainer. As much as I hate her every Tuesday and Thursday, I have to admit that she is a pretty cool chick. So sorry, April, if you ever read this.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Fast forward

The original plan after our IVF BFN in March was to wait until late July or August to try our 2nd round of IVF. The idea being that I was going to lose a few pounds first. While I did start working out, I haven't actually lost any weight.

Anyway, I have been trying to call my RE, Dr. T, for about 3 weeks now - I'd say a total of about 12 or 13 times. No callback. Talk about fu.cking frustrating. I was all ready to switch RE's when the nurse finally called me back today. I was told that we were going to change my protocol for this IVF to the mid-luteal lupron protocol. I said, "Okay," and was all set to start BCPs in June.

10 minutes later, Dr. T's nurse calls back and informs me that we are going to stay with the antagonist protocol, that I am to start Provera on Monday with an expected transfer at the end of June. Wha? A little sooner than I had originally planned, but who am I kidding. I'm not going to lose weight, and I want to be pregnant noooow. ::stomps foot::

And there it is. I am starting my 2nd IVF next month. Aaaahh! Wish me luck.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Hi.

I guess I should introduce myself. I'm starting this blog in an attempt to stay sane through this hell that is infertility while going to school and working full-time. I am 27 years old and so is my husband, L. We live in Newport, Kentucky and are currently in the process of rehabbing our house which was built in the 1800s. We live there with our 2 boxer dogs, Penny and Cash; they are like my children, and if they are any indication, my actual children (whenever they get here), are going to be very spoiled.

I also just finished my 2nd year of law school. As long as I passed all of my classes then I am halfway to becoming an attorney. Hopefully I get a really good job when I graduate - I have to find some way to pay off my mountain of student loans.

PSA - I am very sarcastic, and often pessimistic, so if you can't appreciate that you probably won't like this blog. If you can, welcome and I hope you keep coming back.