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.