Happy New Year!

Well, its off to a fresh start with the new year. I hope to be a much better person this year. (Not that I was that bad last year) I feel like this is going to be a great year. Let's hope I'm right! Check back later for my new "Goals for 2005" in the sidebar as I'm still working on them.

(Special thanks to Kitten for her new year's meme.)

New Year's Meme
1. What did you do in 2004 that you'd never done before?
*Disney World & Sea World in Florida
*Cancun, Mexico

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
*Yes, I think I kept most of my new year's resolutions. I read 10+ Books, sent more cards, worked on relationship w/ mom. I did not get pregnant, but I'm not sure how much control I had over that. I also gained 10 lbs instead of losing, but what can I say, but I'll do better in 2005. I will definitely make more for this year.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
*Yep, one of my best friends, Jennifer

4. Did anyone close to you die?
*Nope

5. What countries did you visit?
*Mexico

6. What would you like to have in 2005 that you lacked in 2004?
*Motivation to get in shape & keep it up
*To be a better wife & show more affection in my marriage
*To have more patience dealing with things. (That's a tough one)

7. What dates from 2004 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
*February 5-8 - We went to Florida to visit my grandparents & I went to Disney World, Sea World, & Homosasis Springs for the first time
*April 12 - Our 1 Year Anniversary
*June 24-27 - Our first trip to Cancun, Mexico
*September 18 - Saw George Carlin w/ Danialle & Chadd
*November 4 - We got Godiva
*November 6 - Jennifer's Baby Shower
*December 11 - Eric's Surprise Birthday Party that we pulled off
*December 12 - Baby Grace's Entrance to the World
*December 24 - The first time in a long time my mom and all her kids were together for a nice Christmas
*January, March, July and October Girls Weekend Trips

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
*Getting a new job

9. What was your biggest failure?
*Maybe not failure as it was out of my control, but biggest disappointment was not getting pregnant.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
*Nope except for an occassional cold

11. What was the best thing you bought?
*Godiva

12. Whose behavior made you appalled and/or depressed?
*Sister L miscarrying
*K getting pregnant
*My mom and sisters fighting

13. Where did most of your money go?
*Bills

14. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
*Well, I got excited about a lot of things. I'd say everything that was in question #7

15. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? - About the same
b) thinner or fatter? - Fatter definitely
c) richer or poorer? - Poorer

16. What do you wish you'd done more of?
*Doing special things together w/ my husband

17. What do you wish you'd done less of?
*Spending/Charging

18. How did you spend Christmas?
*Christmas day Eric & I spent the day together, then around 3:30 we headed to C'ville to see my parents and then on to my grandparents. For once we weren't running all over creation!

19. Did you fall in love in 2004?
*Already in love

20. What was your favorite TV program?
*So many to choose from.... Survivor, CSI, Cold Case, Law & Order

21. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
*nope

22. What was the best book you read?
*Probably the Jennifer Weiner books

23. What did you want and get?
*I'm a bit spoiled so there's too much to count

24. What did you want and not get?
*A fence for our backyard

25. What was your favorite film of this year?
*We watched a lot of movies. I don't really have a favorite I don't think.

26. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
*We went out to eat at the Melting Pot and I was 25

27. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
*Getting Pregnant

28. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2004?
*Sorta plain jane type. I hope to be more girly in 2005 after I get back into shape

29. What kept you sane?
*My husband and GWOs!

30. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
*Vin Diesel and Harrison Ford

31. Who was the best new person you met?
*Samara - Although it was in January 04 so she doesn't seem like a "new" friend anymore! ha ha More like a longtime friend

32. What is a valuable life lesson you learned in 2004.
*Patience - Still working on it, but getting there
*To Accept the Things I Cannot Change - Still working on that one, too

I'm Still Here

It's been a crazy last few weeks. Obviously I haven't updated in a while. Where to begin...

The holidays are hard for me. I love Christmas and the decorations and the spirit, if you will. I'm not a big fan of the rest of the stuff I seem to get from it. My mom and sisters and I have been on a rollercoaster since about a week before x-mas. Why they always have to bring me into their bullshit is beyond me. Maybe b/c I'm the only responsible, respectable, sain one and they like me to be the mediator. I was at my wits end about a week ago and so Danialle set my family straight for me. (Thank you) I was about to write the entire side off again. Anyway, they all came to my house x-mas eve and we did have a nice dinner and exchanged a few gifts.

The rest of the x-mas get togethers weren't too bad. K was there showing off her "belly". Yes, I'm jealous and I know she is nonchalantly rubbing it in my face, but that's her and I guess I am happy for her. However I do feel sorry for the baby. They have it rough on the financial side and apparently they are clueless how much a baby costs. Hell they just recently got a home phone... Anyway, I'm sure the family will help her out (they already are). That's just not the way I want to raise my kids and we won't raise our kids that way.

Godiva is settling down a little more these days. Still mean and wild, but she's getting there.

Work has been super busy. I've put in a little over time. I even work through lunch sometimes b/c we have so much to do. I do like my new job at least what I'm learning of it. Hopefully after the first of the year it will be better and I can learn more of it. To make a long story short, we have an interum "office manager" who is a micro manager and a control freak. He's hording some of my job, I think, b/c he's the only one who knows it, so it's a way to let them know they need to hire him. If he gets the job I probably won't stay around nor will the other lady in our office. We'll see how it goes. We are both hoping he doesn't get it.

Last Thursday we got a membership to a gym that just opened about 2 minutes from our house. We are leaving shortly for our first day of working out. I'm really excited about it. Yes, we have lots of workout equip in our garage, but who wants to work out at home? Not I. Anyway, I've been down about my weight, too. I'm at the heaviest point I've been in my life and somethings gotta change. Thankfully Eric is all for it, too. I think we both finally have the motivation to do something about our weight before it gets out of control. I think mine already is, but you know.

Anyway, the holidays are over, I'm moving towards a healthier body (again) and I hope to update my blog more often. I'll try to post some pics this week, too.

I've been busy

Sorry, the holidays are a busy time for me. We've been super busy at work, plus as you know the holidays have begun. Thought I'd give an update on my life this week.

Monday we had a Christmas, I mean Staff Recognition Luncheon at work. (The Univ won't pay for it if we call it christmas...) It was at the Trails and I had never been there. It was nice. I won a patchwork throw type thing from Singapore. There were some really neat gifts there, too. Basically what happens is this. There is a lady who works here and her husband is a very well known faculty member. He travels all over the world attending conference, giving lectures, etc. Part of her job is to go with him and pick up unique gifts for the Christmas party. What a job, I know! There were 40 gifts total and our placemats at the table was a table 1-40 w/ clues for each gift. You have to decide by the clues what you want if your name gets picked from the hat. Anyway, it was a nice time.

Tuesday Eric got up early thirty w/ Godiva b/c she was coughing. It was sorta spuratic throughout the day and by afternoon Eric called the vet to get her in first thing Wed morning. Our vet figured it was kennel cough and they would put her on antibiotics. When I got home she started coughing much more and we felt horrible b/c it was almost like she couldn't catch her breathe, so guess what we did? Yep, she went to the emergency vet. It was some foreign lady who thought Godiva had or was on the verge of puppy pheumonia and they could keep her overnight and give her an IV. Can you say, "We just want your money!" Needless to say we declined the offer, got a prescription and headed. Eric stayed up throughout the night with her. She was still very active, eating and not dehydrated, so we weren't too worried. The coughing just sounded horrible!

Wednesday was Eric's birthday. I felt horrible b/c he had stayed up all night with Godiva. He took me to work and then headed to the vet. Basically, they confirmed that she had kennel cough and gave us some stronger meds. Thankfully they didn't charge us much since we had went to the emergency vet the night before. I felt really bad all day b/c it was Eric's b-day and actually we celebrated it on Saturday w/ his party. Anyway, after work we headed to this mexican place for dinner (surprise) and then home and watched White Chicks. It was funny.

Thursday was a lazy evening. We came home and Eric had a sandwich for dinner and I made some homemade mac n' cheese. I did a little reading, watched some TV and went to bed sorta early.

Tonight my sister is coming up and Eric is helping her with a scholarship application essay. (He's good at BS) I think I'm making tacos for dinner.

Saturday we are heading to Indy for a few hours to go to my dad's side for Christmas.

Sunday I think we'll head to a movie. We haven't done that in a long time and it will be fun. That's about all that's going on in our lives right now.

Hope everyone has a merry christmas and happy new year. I hope to update by then though!

Congratulations!

Special congratulations to Jennifer & Eric on the arrival of their new baby girl, Grace Ellen Marie. I know that they will be wonderful parents and can't wait til January when I get to see them!

I was so overwhelmed w/ emotion yesterday when the news came in that Jennifer's water broke, they were going to the hospital, and she was going to have baby Grace! I know she is such a strong woman though and knew she would be fine. Danialle & I talked several times about the fact that it is just so surreal! We can't hardly believe it until we see pics or something! Maybe even until we see and hold her in January! I did talk to Jennifer for a few minutes last night and she sounds so great! You can hear the joy in her voice.

Weekend Update

Let's see, Friday night we didn't do much. We went to the hospital to visit my uncle who had surgery. He was doing good. After that we headed to BW3s for dinner then home and watched Dodgeball. It was a pretty funny movie.

Saturday morning we got up and cleaned house. My in-laws and sister-in-law and her husband came in around 1:30 ish and we munched on goodies and had our christmas with them. It was nice getting together with them as we don't see Amanda & Erik much (yes her husband is Erik, too). I haven't mentioned it here for obvious reasons, but we were throwing Eric a surprise birthday party that night. Everyone was supposed to arrive at Don Pablo's at 5:00 and we were going to show up around 5:30. Unfortunately my male cousin called my cell at 4:30 to make sure it was still going on and I couldn't come up with anything to tell Eric why a male was calling me. He knew right then that something was up, but didn't know what. He also had an inkling b/c normally we open gifts then go straight to eat, but we stalled by watching part of Elf. Anyway, I made his sister and her husband ride with us b/c I knew Eric would grill me all they way to dinner to tell him what was going on. Of course as soon as we pulled into Don Pablo's he spotted my mom's car then we parked right near my aunts car. Thankfully we pulled it off as long as we did and it was a great time. There were about 20-25 people. After dinner and cake, everyone parted ways and my cousins and aunt stopped by as Danialle had not seen our puppy yet. We chatted for a bit and then they left. We were both pooped, but we went through our christmas presents and put stuff up then I headed to bed.

First thing this morning (@ 8:30) I got a call from Samara saying Jennifer's water broke. It was sorta trickling out and she really wasn't having any contractions so they took their time, finished getting ready and headed to the hospital. Samara called back around 10 and said that Jennifer was having contractions about 5 minutes apart and was still only 3 cm dialated. The doc also did an internal exam and felt hair so we know Grace has hair now. I haven't heard from her since and am getting VERY anxious to hear something again. If she doesn't call soon, I'm going to have to call her! I'll update if I hear anything else!

The rest of the day has been pretty uneventful. Aunt Flow came, I've been crampy. We had Taco Bell for lunch and am watching the Colts game right now. I'm making totellini for dinner. The Survivor Finale is on tonight so we'll watch that. We were supposed to go to a christmas party today for one of his bars, but Eric changed his mind. I think he may go to the after party and make an appearance later.

Share your Shower....

With your dog??? Eric got to this morning. He thought he locked Godiva out of the bathroom but apparently he didn't get the door latched and instead of getting into the trash and shredding tissues, she decided to be a good girl and jump in the shower and join him. At least she likes to take a bath. The other two doggies run when you ask if they want to take a bath.

Side Note:
Godiva has learned a new trick, too. When I ignore her and walk away, she jumps up and bites my butt. She's so smart to figure out how to get my attention.

Adventures in Babysitting (The Chocolate Demon)

Yep, last night was my first official night alone with all 3 dogs.... It was definitely an adventure.
Let's see.... Where to begin...
* She peed on the floor 3 times, but at least it was in the kitchen on the linoleum
* When Eric called to say they arrived in KY safety she pooped by the back door and believe me I'm not good at doing the poop thing. I did a few dry heaves.
*Guess who thinks the skirt on the tree is her new toy? Yep, she dragged that out a few times.
*She also likes to go under the tree to "look out the window". Of course that is not necessary as she can clearly see out on the other side of the chase.
*She was racing between the living room and kitchen (around the table) w/ this snake that is as long as she is and tripped and spilt her water.
*I did get her medicine down her easily both last night and this morning. That's good right?

Needless to say, I went to bed at 8:30 last night. By then Godiva was winding down and I could have stayed up a little longer, but I figured she's tired and so am I so why not? I think I did pretty good overall, but it was a little stressful. I guess I didn't realize how much Eric does until he's gone. Good thing he'll be home tonight. Of course they know he's boss and he has lots more patience, so I'm sure he doesn't have as rough of time as I do/did...

*Krissy apparently thinks Eric has left her b/c she's been acting lost. She vomitted while Eric was still home 3 times yesterday (it's nerves). I thought I was doing good until she vomitted this morning. Thank goodness it was on the linoleum, too!

*Kodi is just Kodi. She slept w/ me most of the night and I'm sure she liked that.

Weekend - Good turned Bad

Friday night was nice. After Eric picked me up from work we headed to get some dinner at a mexican place we both like. After dinner we stopped at the Silver Dipper and each got a scoop of ice cream in a waffle bowl. We didn't do much that evening.

Saturday morning we got up early and I headed to C'ville to get my hair cut. I basically just cut it cut up all one length. For some reason my hair grows faster in the back or something. Peg & Dad both loved the color which made me happy. I visited with them for a bit, had a bowl of chili, made a quick stop at the bank and headed back home. When I got home we took Godiva and went to get our Christmas tree. Eric thought with taking her she would be more used to it and not as likely to get in the tree when it's in the house. He was RIGHT! She did good at the tree farm and got many compliments and pats. This is where our weekend turned bad. When we got home Godiva got sick. We thought it was just nerves and maybe the car ride. We worked on getting the tree up and she ate, then got sick again. Both times it was just food so we figure she's just eating too fast and nerves. Then she got sick again. This time it was just liquid. I think it was her UTI medicine. She is still VERY active and mean as ever. Just can't keep her food down. I tried to even just give her an ice cube b/c I felt to sorry for her and she puked that right up. We've been feeding her a cooked rice, cottage cheese, yogurt combo as her meals and that is the only thing staying down in her. She's also getting pedialite. Both recommended when our oldest dog was a pup and horribly sick. Anyway, Eric's calling the vet today so I'll keep you updated. We did get our tree decorated and it looks nice. We didn't doggie proof it and so far we aren't regretting it. We do have some animated ornaments and one is doggie eye level. She noticed it and sniffed it or maybe she was sniffing the tree b/c she touched her nose to one of the branchs Eric had snipped and got some sap on it b/c everytime we cuddled her Saturday evening we smelled pine.

Update: I was right! The vet just thinks it is her medicine so they are just going to switch her med and that should take care of it! Yay!

A little note about Eric and some scary stuff that happened "near" him. About 1:30 am Sunday morning Eric was really worried about Godiva (as was I) so he headed to the grocery store to get the cottage cheese, rice and yogurt. Anyway on his way home he saw a head-on crash that was only maybe 10 feet in front of him. For some unknown reason this idiot was driving the wrong way on SR 52 (a 2 lane Highway by our house) with only his fog lights and blinkers on. No headlights! Eric said he didn't even see him until he was really close. Thankfully he was in the turn lane already. There was a black car that swerved and missed him, but a white car behind them didn't have time and hit the guy head-on (he was in a jeep). The driver in the white car was pinned in and we think he made it b/c it wasn't in the news. We aren't sure if the guy driving the wrong way was drunk, on drugs or trying to commit suicide. We will probably never know.

Anyway, yesterday was uneventful. We babied Godiva most of the day. I went to the grocery store and picked up a few things, had Taco Bell for lunch and just had basically a lazy, boring day. I made a taco dip for our luncheon today at work and we had grilled cheese for dinner.

Goodbye Blonde... Hello Brunette...

Be honest! What do you think???




I'm not so good at taking side pullbacks myself...


Godiva & I match!

Godiva a.k.a. The Chocolate Demon

Thought I'd write about some interesting things that have been happening with our new baby...

The picture under the glass of our coffee table.... Need I say more?




We noticed over the weekend, that when Godiva peed she had some discharge there (sorta like snot). Anyway we didn't see much so we weren't concerned, but noticed more yesterday so Eric called the vet. We think it's only a urinary tract infection. Needless to say, he had to run around this morning try to "catch her in the act" w/ a cup in hand and take it to the vet.... Only to find out there wasn't there. So he had to take her in so they could "catch her in the act". Apparently she likes it there b/c she's been there going on 3 hours and hasn't peed a drop...

Editor's Note: She has finally peed, but the vet was at lunch, so we can't pick her up til 3:30 now.

What is the fetish of toilet paper????
Yep, this morning after I got ready (and shut the bathroom door), fixed breakfast, and headed to the computer room to check blogs, news, etc. Apparently Eric fell back asleep on the couch and Godiva opened the bathroom door (it's hard to latch). Anyway, she had pulled out lost of TP and Kleenex and chewed on it and strategically placed it all over the living room, bedroom and dining room. What can you do but laugh and pick it up???

The scarey part is we are getting our (real) christmas tree this weekend. Anyone like to place bets on...
1) Nnumber of times the tree "falls" over
2) Number of Ornaments that get broke
I will post a pic as I'm sure it will not look quite as good this year since we will only be decorating the top half of the tree. Not that it will matter really.

Such an exhausting day...

Job

So I started my job yesterday full time. The afternoons are much busier than the mornings around here. Nothing too exciting happening though really.

A bit about the people I work with:

M - Interim Office Coordinator right now and will most likely become permanent. He is also a youth pastor or something at his church. He's a bit older. (He has kids my age) Seems like an alright guy, but he does have a bit of an ego. Not sure why though unless its just the fact he's been in the department for like 5 years and did my job for 4 of those years. Maybe he's just being a know-it-all.

G - She is over Admissions. She is a level lower than me for whatever reason. She is a super nice lady. I think she likes her job but does have some resentment that she is a level lower than me. And to make matters worse the campus paper put out a thing today that shows every single person's salaray (I'm not kidding when I say everyone), so I'm sure she checked mine. I know I checked hers. I make about $2 more/hour than her. She seems to be really religious. It came up that she does not acknowledge Halloween. I just ignored it.

We have 5 student workers in our office and they all seem to be pretty good people.

I seem to be really slow right now. (Obviously since I'm updating my blog at work) I hope it gets much busier as this is going to be really boring if it's the case. Maybe after I learn more about the job I will be busier. Let's hope. I did have one catastrophe yesterday. I keep a calendar of the prof that meets w/ students regarding their classes and stuff. Well, yesterday being my first day I had to mess something up. I accidentally scheduled some students an hour before the prof was actually supposed to be here and didn't realize it until 2 had already shown up. Oops. Good thing I can blame it on being new. Wonder how long I can use that excuse?

Turkey Update

I tried updating yesterday, but was having problems with blogger. Sorry for the delay.

Anyway, Thursday when we got up we started cleaning the house. We did some pretty extensive cleaning, too. Not that our house is super dirty or anything, but it needed some detailed cleaning. After the cleaning we had a pretty relaxing, lazy day. Surprisingly we didn't ahve a single dinner on Thanksgiving day!

Friday we decided to go ahead and go to my mom's side's dinner which was good. We tried telling them we couldn't stay long b/c of the puppy so when we got ready to leave everyone convinced us to just go home and get the puppy and bring her back, so we obliged. Godiva did pretty well in the car and didn't have one accident at my aunt's house either thank goodness. It's always nice seeing everyone. We had good eats, played some cards and just caught up on everyone's lives. We were exhausted when we got home and I headed to bed.

Apparently w/ all the excitement Godiva was exhausted, too b/c she actually slept through the whole night and didn't get up til 6 which was when I had planned on getting up anyway. I laid in bed til about 6:30 then headed to the kitchen to prepare "THE MEAL". I started getting the turkey ready and Eric helped me get it into the bag, but unfortunately it went through the other end so Eric had to make a run to the grocery store to get another bag. The turkey ended up being done by 11:00 and our dinner wasn't until 2:00 so it was a little cool by the time we ate, but o'well. Everthing else went pretty smoothly. Everyone enjoyed each other's company and the dogs were good, too. We cleaned up after everyone left and pretty much crashed.

("Oh, whatever" in valley girl voice)
I thought you might get a kick out of this tidbit. Saturday during our dinner w/ my & Eric's side my cell phone rang off the hook. Apparently (but not surprisingly) my mom got drunk and got into a huge fight with my sisters. A hole in the door and a phone call to the cops later, the girls are back at their dad's and everyone is calling me. I talked to my sister Ashlee first and she assumed they were not invited to my house Sunday anymore. I politely told her that if they can't get along then no one is coming to our house on Sunday. I didn't want to be in the middle of anything. I tried calling my mom to let her know the dinner for Sunday was cancelled, but no one answered, not even voicemail. Finally she called me back (drunk). Eric answered the phone and she called him Tim, that was from left field. More or less our converation went as follows

Me: We aren't having a dinner tomorrow now since no one can get along
Mom: "Oh, whatever" (in a drunken stupor) You've apparently already talked to the girls
Me: Yes and I didn't want to hear either side.
Mom: "Oh, whatever"
Me: (Ready to burst out laughing) "You know what, you are drunk and I'm done talking"
Mom: "Oh, whatever" CLICK.

I'm sure I've left out some stuff, but as you can see, that was the most important and highlight of the conversation. Oh and before I went to bed, she called again, but I didn't answer. I did however get this voicemail message:

"Erica, this is mom, when you talk to the girls tell them I said Happy Thanksgiving and thanks for nothing"

My reply: "Oh, whatever!"

Needless to say Sunday we didn't do much. I cut up the leftover turkey and made some lunches for this week. I made some cookies, which sorta flopped b/c I used I Can't Believe It's Not Butter" sticks instead of real butter/margarine. We went to Lowe's to get the pull chains for our ceiling fan and Target for a few odds and ends. I tried cooking Turkey A La King, but my sauce wouldn't thicken while Eric worked outside finishing up putting up the rest of the lights. We had dinner and watch "The Terminal". It was a pretty funny movie.

What a weekend. I'm glad that's over. I hope Christmas is better on my mom's side otherwise I'll see them after the first of the year! ha ha

Happy Thanksgiving

Nothing too exciting happening with me these days, thus the lack of posts. I'm finally done with my old job and can concentrate fully on my new job come Monday. Thank goodness after the Turkey holiday. It's been a little hectic b/c I've been trying to do as much as I can to help my now old boss since she will be returning on Monday from being on medical leave the last 4 weeks. I think I did all I could. It was really a struggle this week to stay motivated knowing it was my last week, but I managed.

They informed me yesterday that come Monday they'd really start training me hard core, which is fine with me. I've been bored the last few weeks although I'm sure that will pick up, too.

On Turkey day I'm going to really get down and clean the house good. Eric will probably help some, but I will probably be a little on the anal side while cleaning. I hope to drink some Asti while I'm cleaning, too. We've decided to go to my mom's side's family thing on Friday for at least a few hours. I debated it for a while now and decided we should since we definitely won't be seeing them at Christmas this year. Saturday my dad's side and Eric's parents and sister will be at our house. I'm super excited about that. Unfortunately we forgot to put the monster turkey in the fridge to thaw, so right now its in the sink and may be there all of tomorrow, too. (I forgot last year, too until the last minute and froze my hands trying to get the inerds out!) We also bought a real turkey roasting pan today from BBB. Target had one in their add for $8 and of course they sold out so we've been checking back every day. Then yesterday we got an ad from BBB w/ a $5 coupon, so we headed there today. We found one for $19.99 minus the $5 coupon, plus a $10 rebate, so we got a nice roaster for a whopping $5.99. Woo hoo! Now I don't have to worry about my grandpa dumping turkey juices all over the cabinet and floor and his shoes with the flimpsy foil pans. Sunday my mom (and possibly new boyfriend) and my sisters are coming up for the afternoon. Mom's bringing the turkey and desserts, so that's a load off. I'm hoping to get to meet her new boyfriend I've heard so much about and they'll get to see us and our new puppy.

Speaking of the new puppy... Godiva was/is doing really well. She does really good then regresses a bit then does good again. The last few days she thinks when Eric is in the bathroom w/ the door closed that it means she should do #2 on the floor. She's been good about that with me except for 1 accident today, but I wasn't paying attention to her either so that was my fault. She still is mean and bites constantly, but is getting better. She pretty much only minds Eric right now, but I can't expect too much b/c I'm not home w/ her much. It saddens me a bit b/c even though it's "our" dog, she's sorta "my" dog and I don't really get to be with her, train her, bond w/ her, stuff like that. I guess I'll take what I can get. I wonder if that will happen when we have kids, too... That scares me a little.

Anyway, hope everyone has a safe and happy thanksgiving. I'll try to update over the weekend at some point.

And the Holiday Blahs Begin.../Weekend Update

Friday was not a good day at all. In fact I won't go into any details, but we thought Eric might lose his job. Needless to say he made 2 trips to Indy and I have about 3 more fever blisters. He still has his job for now, but he is working on a new job/career. Let's just say Eric overheard something he shouldn't have (by accident) and wasn't thinking and told some others not realizing how big of deal it was. Those "other people" supposedly got really mad and threatened to quit, but haven't so far. Eric was told that if one person quits that they will fire him. We aren't sure if he is blowing smoke up Eric's ass or if they will hold true. All the people Eric work with are sick of the shit and have been looking for quite some time, too. Who knows, we'll see what happens. Anyway, after Eric picked me up from work we ran a few errands and had dinner at Bruno's (pizza). We headed home and hooked up the TiVo Eric won as an incentive. Eric had a promo that night so I went to bed and he went to the bar.

Saturday morning the alarm went off nice and early for Breakfast club. I spent a few more hours in bed, but didn't really get totally back to sleep. When I got up I cleaned the house, made a few phone calls, and started making pumpkin rolls. The dogs were being pretty good and it was a pretty nice morning. When Eric got home I showered and my Nanny & Papaw arrived around 2:30 to help Eric put up the ceiling fan/light up in the living room (the motor blew in our other one). He started on it before they got there while I was putting the filling in the pumpkin rolls. When they arrived it wasn't too much of a chore to finish the installation. After they got done, Eric took a shower, Papaw took a nap and Nanny & I sat and chatted in the kitchen. I had been marinating some chicken, but everyone decided that we'd just go out for dinner, so that we did. The PU/IU game had finished, but we knew traffic would be bad so we headed to Battleground to TC's. We almost didn't get a table b/c they were all reserved, but they gave us one. Dinner was yummy and cheap as usual and we headed home. Nanny & Papaw left when we got back and Eric & I had a lazy evening. I wasn't feel great and ended up falling asleep on the couch until late.

Sunday morning Godiva got up before 5 and Eric decided she was too wound up to go back in her cage so he let me sleep and took her to the living room. I got up around 8 and honestly was dreading the dinner we had to go to that evening so I spent the day being lazy. This bothered Eric some, but at the same time I've been so stressed out and really am starting to get somewhat depressed so I think he understood later what my problem was. He did some laundry and worked on putting some of the lights up outside. (Thanks honey!) It was just not a good day or me at all.

And so about the first holiday dinner...
We had a dinner Sunday evening w/ my stepmom's side. This usually goes ok, but I was really dreading it this year. I guess the biggest thing was being around pregnant sister K and all her glory. Yes, she's like 10 weeks pregnant and already in maternity clothes. Let me just say that she was not a small girl before so it is not the baby that is causing the need for maternity clothes... She spent most of the evening holding her "belly", which I'm sure was just so everyone had the constant reminder that "she was pregnant". This girl needs lots of attention and cannot stand it when anyone else gets it. For the most part Eric & I sat back and didn't say much and just observed. I guess I'm just not feeling close to the family every since we moved to Lafayette. Maybe that's what moving away does or maybe not. My grandparents have always been very good to me, but we just don't see them much and I'm sure it goes both ways, but whatever. I'm also sure its a case of the holiday blahs, too. I'm starting to feel depressed and as I said before, all of my emotions are intensified 300 times or something. Anyway we pretty much just ate and left for the most part. We had a nice talk on the way home though, so I think Eric understands more. After we got home we put some of the Christmas decorations up around the inside of the house and I went to bed around 9:30-ish.

Holidays are just not the best time for me.

We have a big weekend planned (sorta). Wednesday I get off work at 12:00 noon so essentially I only have 2 more days (Mon & Tues) of my old job. That will be some stress off my shoulders that's for sure. I hope to run down to C'ville maybe Wednesday or Friday to get my roots re-done. We will probably finish putting up the lights either Wednesday or Thursday depending on the weather. Call me crazy, but I'm ready for some snow! Friday we are supposed to go to my mom's side for a dinner, but we are pretty sure we are skipping it this year. I want to go, but at the same time we can only leave the puppy for about 4 hours and with driving an hour, visiting for 2 and driving back an hour I just don't feel up to it this year. I will probably spend Thursday and Friday cleaning and getting ready for Saturday when we have my dad's side and Eric's side at our house. I'm excited about all the cooking I get to do. I love cooking for things like this, just not the everyday stuff (ha ha) We already have the turkey and potatoes. I really don't have to make any other sides as I've divied them out to the guests. Sunday my mom, possibly new boyfriend, and sisters are coming up and we are having a small dinner w/ them. Again I won't have to do much since there will only be 5-6 people total and mom is bringing the turkey. I'll probably do mashed potatoes and a couple sides.

Good thing we've taken a break from trying. My lip is all messed up from the fever blisters I've had from stress, my emotions are on a roller coaster, and I've probably got an ulcer or something.

Ugh, the holiday season begins... I wish I could be more happy about it...

Finally some sleep

We finally got a good night's sleep last night. (Me especially) My dad & Peg came over to visit last night so of course Godiva was on high while they were there. She even drew blood on Peg. Before they even left Godiva went and slept underneath the bed. She didn't even tell them goodbye! ha ha Anyway I went to bed shortly after 9 and Eric stayed up with her watching Monday night football. He said he fell asleep on the couch and she slept on the floor by him. Anyway, he came to bed sometime after midnight. We had moved her cage earlier in the evening right next to the bed and put a towel in there for her to sleep on, too. She went right to bed. She did wake up about 4-ish, but didn't wine much and laid back down and went to sleep. I feel so much better today after some good sleep!

I can definitely tell she's getting better. She isn't having as many accidents in the house for starters. We are super excited about that. She is simmering down a bit. It won't be long before she can jump up on the couch/chase! She's quite clumsy, so she hasn't figured it out yet even though I'm sure she actually can now.

I forgot to mention

that AF did arrive on Sunday. I knew she would and really it didn't bother me too much. We are definitely taking a few months off now. I mean really taking some time off, not just saying it. Holidays are always stressful for me and we have so much going on during the holidays and on top of that the new puppy. We also want to work really hard getting some of our debt down. It is so important to both of us and frustrating, too. We just feel a little out of control right now. We have been doing good the last few months and we will get better I know. It just takes time to get things paid off. Unfortunately it won't happen over night. Darn!

Weekend

The weekend was pretty good overall. Friday night Eric had a promotion and I ended up going to bed early as I had a headache (lack of sleep I'm sure). The dog woke us up at 4:45 and we tried sleeping til 6 with not much luck. Eric had to get up a 6 b/c he had breakfast club so I got up, too. Godiva was wired so I really couldn't go back to sleep. I lounged on the couch for a bit and finally got up and took a shower aroun 9. It took me longer to get ready of course b/c of the doggie. Jamie, Sherrie, & Tom were at our house shortly after 10:30 to pick me up. We left by 11 and headed to Merrillville for some major shopping. We stopped at Hooters first for lunch and then headed to the mall. We had a blast and Tom & Sherrie got a lot of christmas shopping done. We were beat by the end of the day and headed back home. Jamie stayed the night at my house. I went to bed about 10 and she and Eric stayed up and watched a show til about 11. We ended up just putting Godiva in bed with us in the wee hours of the morning and it was so-so sleeping with her. She licked Eric's head a bunch and chewed on my hair a bit. We did sleep in a bit more (8). When we got up Eric went and got us breakfast at BK and we just hung out for a bit. We left around 10:30. On our way out Matt called so Jamie was excited, too b/c I put him on speaker phone and we both got to talk to him. He was on his 36 hour pass and they stayed at a hotel the night before. He was pretty excited b/c he got to sign his ranger papers on Friday. I think its more b/c he actually feels like he has a "Place" now. Our first stop was PetSmart b/c Godiva broke her nice ceramic bowl. We also got her some puppy shampoo and some more food and a few other things. On the way to take Jamie home we had a really good talk. I'd never really had an "in-depth" conversation with her so it was very interesting. I'm not going to write much about it here, but I'd be glad to tell you what I learned in e-mail or something. Anyway, I took her home then made a quick stop at my dad & Peg's to say hi. Then headed back home. When I got home I cleaned the house, talked on the phone some, made my list of stuff for T-day since one of them is at our house this year, and then made dinner. Oh, we also gave Godiva a bath. She surprising was really good and didn't mind it at all. Of course after she got and we tried drying her off she got wired again and ran everywhere. She spent most of the evening napping on the couch then. We went to bed shortly after 9 and had another bad night w/ the pooch. Not sure what we are going to do with her yet. She just does not like being in her cage at night when we and the other dogs are right there. Godiva is really taking a toll on our sleeping right now. I hope that lets up soon.

Job Update

So I started my new job this week. So far it's going well. I seem to be moving right along and learning some new things. I took my first box of stuff from my old office today and loaded up another one this afternoon. I also have started organizing some stuff there and of course cleaning. Damn, I don't think they ever dusted over there. I spent most of this morning cleaning up and such. So far the people in the office have been great, too. I had an uneasy feeling about the other lady the first day, but she seems fine now. We showed off our pictures today since I brought mine over!

My old job isn't too stressful yet. I'm trying to get some stuff done for my boss before I leave although this afternoon I don't feel like doing much so I repotted one of my plants and obviously am updating my blog, too. ha ha ha I'm trying to have a less stressful afternoon these days, too. I have busy mornings in my new job and busy evenings with the puppy. Gotta have some "me" time in there somewhere.

This week has been a little on the stressful side with starting the new job and the new puppy. AF is supposed to arrive Saturday, too. So far I have 3 fever blisters and the normal teenage pre-AF breakouts. Really I'll just be glad when this week is over. I'm ready to start a new week.

Tips on Owning a Puppy

As I may have mentioned before, I have never owned a puppy before so I have already learned a few things about owning/raising a puppy.

1) You cannot have trees in your yard. Those falling leaves are considered toys.
2) Mulch is considered sticks for puppies
3) You must have metal everything in your house b/c they will chew on everything.
4) You must wear padded bras b/c they will bite anything!
5) Along w/ that wear ultra thick clothing.
6) "No" really means go ahead and do it anyway.
7) There is no "Just sitting on the couch watching TV" in the evenings anymore.
8) MOST IMPORTANT (at least in my house) Make sure you have a husband who has raised puppies before!

As promised

Here are some pics of our sweet little chocolate Godiva...






Doesn't that just make you melt?

Weekend in OH

Friday afternoon I got off work at noon. I had only had a mocha that morning so I was coming down off my caffeine high and STARVING. When we got home I finished packing and Eric went to grab lunch. I also took some pics of Godiva to show the girls this weekend. (I'll try to post some this week) Anyway, I left our house at 1:00 to head to OH. The drive over was pretty uneventful. It was a long 4 hours with little sleep from the night before. I spent a lot of time on the phone to keep myself awake. I got to Samara's at 4:50 and she wasn't home yet, but she arrived shortly there after. After the tour we headed to town to grab dinner (breakfast style) at Bob Evans and do some shopping for stuff for the shower. We also stopped by her husband's parents house to pick up the cake, which was absolutely adorable. Jennifer picked up Danialle at the airport and they got to Samara's just a few minutes after we did. I think we were all exhausted, but we stayed up until about midnight before retiring to bed.

Saturday morning we all slept in a little later than anticipated, but everything worked out fine. We took turns getting ready and preparing food. Guests started arriving at 12:00 and we ate shortly there after. We played a few games and had a blast. I think Jennifer got some really great gifts and everyone had a great time. After the shower and cleaning up everything, we headed to Jennifer's to see the nursery and drop all her gifts off. Then we headed to this mexican place for dinner. It was very good except as usual it didn't sit well with me, so as soon as we got to Babies R' Us I headed to the "back of the store". Then we shopped around and helped Jennifer pick out things she still needed for Grace's arrival. When we got back to Jennifer's house we got in our pajamas and started helping her put together her stroller/carseat combo. That's going to be a sweet ride for Grace! We played a game of Phase 10, which I ended up winning after being down 4 phases. Then we headed to bed.

We got up early Sunday morning as Danialle had to be at the airport by 7:30. I headed back home and made it home in just over 3 hours. (Yes, I drove fast) I even made a breakfast stop and a gas stop. When I got home Eric needed some alone time from the doggies, so I spent the afternoon running around chasing the dogs and playing with them. Godiva and I even had a nap together. Later last evening my nanny and papaw stopped by to bring me my pants she hemmed and of course to see Godiva. We spent the evening just relaxing (and chasing the puppy). I guess that isn't real relaxing, but it was still fun.

Overall it was a good weekend. I got to see my girls. Next time I see Jennifer I'll be seeing Grace, too. Yay!

O What a Night

I tried posting this on my blog, but blogger is having problems this morning, so I thought I'd just send it out in an e-mail for the time being. Little laugh to start your day.

Yesterday right before lunch, Patty from the Lab Rescue called and said she had another lady coming to get a Lab either Friday or Saturday and wanted to know if we minded if she sent the pup with her so we wouldn't have to make the long drive. Eric said sure. I was sad b/c of course he'd get to see her and play with her before I would and we were supposed to get her together. Plus my in-laws are coming over on Saturday so even they would see her before I would. I got over it though and went about my day. We decided since we weren't sure when we were getting her on Friday or Saturday we had better get her some stuff, so we headed to Pet Smart after work. We got her a cage, puppy food, 2 bowls, collar, leash and 1 toy. We also got this bitter spray in case she is a chewer. Eric tried to call Patty and find out what they were feeding her now, but she didn't answer, so we went ahead and bought Science diet, which is what our dogs eat now. So when we got home we set the cage up and did some rearranging and I packed. We then set down at 8:00 to watch Survivor.

At about 8:15 we get a call....

It's the lady who was coming to Lafayette and she had the pup. All I heard was "Sure we can get it tonight". I jumped up and put clothes on and Eric kept motioning me to sit down or something. I couldn't figure it out. Then I heard, "Okay, so about 10:30". Yikes!!! Anyone who knows me knows I go to bed between 9-10 every night. So that was it. I had to wait almost 2 hours before we could head over to pick up our new puppy.
I tried watching the rest of survivor, but of course couldn't. I called Peg (my step-mom) and talked to her for a while, then I called my Nanny.
She told me she had my pants hemmed for me and they thought they would come up last night, but decided against it. I told her that was ok, that they could just come up next week and see our new puppy anyway. They of course couldn't believe we were getting another dog, especially another big one. I talked to her for a bit then let her go. By this time it was 9:45. I put my shoes on and waited, waited, waited, waited. That was a long 20 minutes let me tell ya!

So we left shortly after 10 and headed to the house we were going to pick her up at. We got there about 10:20 and they weren't back yet, so we drove around the big block and ended up pulling in right behind them.
She was just as cute as I could have ever imagined. I really think she has part frog in her b/c she just kept hopping everywhere. It was so funny. We signed our adoption papers and paid and chatted with the people a little then headed home. Unfortunately Patty had been gone most of the day and didn't get a chance to bathe her before the other picked her up so she was a bit stinking, but that was ok. I made the mistake of letting Eric drive home and I tried to hold her the whole way home. She was all over the place. The bad thing was we had already packed up the car for the trip to Ohio, so we couldn't even let her run around. Oh, we named her Godiva. Yes, like Godiva chocolates.

FINALLY we got home and introduced her to our other dogs. Of course it's going to take a while for them to warm up to her. Our other part lab is scared to death of her and runs from her. Our Shepard, Husky, wolf mix is scared of her, too, but of course Godiva just jumps around and runs after them, so I can't blame them.

We didn't have a very good night last night of course. I tried to go to bed by midnight. We tried just putting her in her cage (she is somewhat cage broken), just knowing the other dogs were out, she was p*ssed.
Finally Eric took her out and he ended up sleeping with her in the dogs room, while the big dogs slept with me. Neither one of us slept well, Eric I'm sure less than me. I tossed and turned all night and finally got about shortly after 5 and got ready. Eric came in about 6:30 and we spent about 45 minutes just playing with the pup and dogs and stuff. So far she's good about pottying outside. She had some split second tinkle accidents last night. This morning after I was at work, Eric let the big dogs out to go #2 and he kept telling them to poop. Well, he turned around just in time to see Godiva squat and start to poop in the living room, too. She had just went about 30 minutes before, too. He will have an interesting weekend with all the dogs I'm sure.

This is going to be sorta scary for me, too b/c I've never had a pup to raise. I'll try to post pics either Sunday or early next week. She'll make you melt, that's for sure!


Editor's Note: This was supposed to be published Friday, but I couldn't get into blogger for whatever reason

New Addition to the Family

This little Chocolate Lab Sweetie is going to be ours on Sunday. Yay! Don't those eyes just make you melt? aaaawwww.....

Teenager

I felt like a teenager last night. I spent most of the evening on the phone. It was a good evening though.

First I had a voicemail to call my mom. She said it was important, but it wasn't like paniced or anything so that was good. I called her back and ended up just leaving her a voicemail. She called a little while later and told me that she got a letter from the army (I think) that told her a link to go to and she could possibly see pics of Matt and those in his company. We checked out this link, but goodness is it every hard to pick up anyone with everyone having shaved heads. They all look the same. I'm going to try to go through the pics today in and maybe with the help of Kitten (hint) we can find my brother.

After that I got a call from Peg (my stepmom/K's mom). She has been nervous about calling me all week and frankly I hadn't called her either, but she finally broke and called me. It was a good conversation. She told me that she understood I probably had some hard feelings and was hurt and all that. She even said that K was scared to tell me, too, which is probably true. I told her I was pissed at first, but felt much better after I found out that she conceived on their own, which was a miracle. I am happy for them even though it does hurt deep down. Of course she gave me all the shit about relax, stop trying, etc, etc, etc. K went to the doctor yesterday and basically they told her to go to the Women's Clinic here, which she had already planned on. It's only about a 30-45 min. drive so that's not too bad. They told her that she is very high risk and that she was definitely not out of the woods yet. She's 7 weeks and her due date is June 23. Not sure when she is going back since she's finding a doctor up here. We talked about some other stuff then and that was about it.

I then called my mom back and talked to her for a LONG time. It was a great talk! I felt so much better after I talked to her. I started telling her about Kisha, but couldn't tell her everything b/c she does not know we are even trying. I ended up telling her and threatening her NOT to tell anyone. I imagine she might tell at least my grandma, but I doubt anyone else. I told her we had been trying for quite some time now and told her since she knew now, she can stop asking us, that we will tell her when we get pregnant. We had quite a few laughs and talked about all kinds of stuff and I was so happy when I got off the phone with her. I'm a bit sad b/c my brother gets his 36 hour pass this weekend and I imagine he will try to call me. I told mom to tell him to call my cell phone but explain to him where I'm at and what I'm doing so he wouldn't get discouraged if he tried calling me.

Finally I talked to my Nanny until bedtime. We talked about the election and K's news, too. Nothing too exciting.

Side note: I thought I was going to the shower this weekend with black eyes and a broken nose. I was playing around with Kodi (our dog) and we collided noses and I heard a "pop". I thought for sure I'd broken it. Eric swears that my nose is crooked, but it already was a little b/c I was in a car accident when I was younger. Anyway, I was bawling and my nose is still sore today, but no black eyes, so that's good! Only 2 more days til J's shower!

Monthly Fertility Update

My temp hit 98.1 this morning, so I feel like that is a sign that I have ovulated this month. I plan on taking it a few more days just to be sure. The question is, however, WHEN?

Option 1 - Temperature Indication
I ovulated either Sunday or Monday

Option 2 - Fern Indication
I ovulated last week sometime. I had total ferns last Wednesday and partials Tuesday and Thursday-Monday. Last night before bed I had no ferns what-so-ever and I haven't checked today yet.

Analysis - Craziness
I ovulated sometime between last Tuesday and yesterday (Monday). So, who the hell knows?! ha ha ha This month is just totally whacked!

Comments
I'm not holding much hope out for this month. We did use PS Mon, Wed, Sat so I feel pretty good about that. We haven't got another BD in since Saturday b/c Eric has been really down in the back. I marked on my calendar to expect AF around Nov 13, which is CD 30. So we'll see.

Weekend Update

Saturday night we went to my cousin's (J&R) Halloween party. We had to leave by 9:00 b/c Eric had a promotion at one of the bars, but we did spend a few hours there and it was fun. We really didn't know anyone, so that was not as good, but most of the people our age didn't show up until about the time we got ready to leave. We headed home and I watched a little TV and Eric got ready to go out. I stayed up for a little bit after he left, but fell asleep on the couch, too, so I got up and went to bed.

Yesterday we slept in a little (Eric a lot) then lounged around the house most of the day. Eric's back was really bothering him for some reason, so we just watched the Colts lose and alternated laying on the couch. I got into a homemaker mood and started baking stuff. I made Blueberry Muffins, which we both are sorta scared to eat b/c they are low-carb and look different than the ones I normally make. I also made some M&M cookies, which are good. Then last night, of course was Halloween. We already decorated a few weeks ago, but Eric bought a fog machine this week, so he set it up in the witchs pot we already had. It looked pretty neat. We had several trick-or-treaters again this year and even got a little worried that we might run out of candy, but we didn't thank goodness. We also found out that our neighbor that we really don't like is moving back in "for the time being". Ugh.

Overall not the best weekend, but it could have been worse I guess...

Sister K

I woke up yesterday (Saturday) morning to a message on my voicemail from my sister K saying to call her b/c they had something to tell us. I instantly knew...... She was pregnant. This is the sister who has competed with me her entire life. The same one who started trying to get pregnant (before she was married) only when she find out we were trying. I heard a while back that she was seeing a fertility doc and that they were supposed to do IVF in September, so essentially I had been waiting on this call.

After that message, well, I can't even explain how I felt. I was mad and sad (you saw my post Friday) and hurt and probably every emotion possible. I felt very anxious, too. So instead of calling her back I turned my cell phone off and called my cousin. She and Eric made me feel much better of course, but I still felt like shit. So, what else to do, but dyed my hair! ha

Our home phone rang early afternoon probably around 2 ish. It was her. I just let it ring. I guess I just didn't want to hear what I already knew. It hurt so damn bad. So I did a few other things, then I called her.

When she answered she asked if they could come over. This coming from the same person whose never been here and we've lived here a whole year. She only came to our old house 2-3 times. Anyway, I said yes, but we had to leave by 6:00 to go to a Halloween party. They thought they'd be here between 5-5:30. When I asked her what was going on, she said she'd just talk to us when she got here.

After I got off the phone my emotions turned more into anger. She now wants to come see our house b/c it is benefiting her in some way. We were just sure she was going to throw it in my face (remember the competition thing). We also knew that Eric would get into it with them and we'd have to end up asking them to leave. You can only imagine.

Anyway, they arrived and we showed them around the house. A comment about liquor was made and that's when the ball was dropped. She of course said she wouldn't be doing any of "that" for a while now and I said oh, you must be pregnant. Yep, I hit the nail on the head. So I asked if it was through IVF and she told me no. I guess I sorta melted down a bit then b/c I know her history and I really did think of it as sort of a miracle. Let me tell you now. She had a tumor on her ovary when she was young 13-14 maybe. They ended up having take the ovary leaving her with only one. Then when she started trying, she went to the doctor and they ended up doing an HSG and they said she probably wouldn't have kids on her own b/c her tube was partially blocked (or at least that's what she told everyone). I will say K loves kids and despite being a "small-town" mom she will probably be a good one. She thinks she's around 2 months.

Anyway, after they left we felt a little better. It still hurts us and I felt sorta numb the rest of the evening. I feel a little better today. I suppose it's more of a mixture of everything than just her news though. I am happy for them and I hope they did it for the right reasons and not just to "beat" us. Guess there's no turning back though now, huh?

Thinking....

I am not busy at work today so I've been doing a lot of reading of blogs and such and they've got me thinking. I guess it sorta hit me today that this is our 16th cycle (or 14th month) of trying to get pregnant. Wow! That has been my entire focus since last August. It's so surreal. I would never in my wildest dreams think I would be here. Not that anyone would really

- First, I have to admit that I really wanted to be pregnant when I went to my friend J's shower next week. Maybe not showing or anything, but just know that I was. Not that anyone who knows me already didn't know that, but I had to say it. Yes, technically I could be pregnant, but it will be too early to tell, so essentially I won't know. This makes me sad. I am so very happy that my friend J got pregnant again after her unfortunate miscarriage last fall, yet I am sad that I am not pregnant, too. I feel selfish saying that, but it is the truth and I know I shouldn't feel that way, but I do. Fortunately I know my friend J understands this and I hope that I'm not offending her by saying this. I will not be unsocial or distant or anything else at her shower.

-Part of me feels really guilty b/c we don't do the baby dance EVERY day during my peak time, but I don't want our relationship to revolve around it. Not that it hasn't been on the top of our priority list. I think about it constantly, who wouldn't? I imagine Eric does, too. The last few months seem to have been a little less stressful, sorta like we've been on a break or something, but I still think about it many times throughout every day. Sometimes I look back and think, "If only we'd done it on this day" or "if only I hadn't done this or that". Well reality is that it is out of my control. It's just hard for me to let go of that control.

- Sometimes I wonder if someone is trying to tell me that it's "not the right time" or that I'm (we're) not ready for a child, but then when is anyone ready? Why couldn't we be one of those people who got pg on accident and then learn to live with the result? Everyone else in my family took that path (-D). Maybe I was just so deadset on NOT getting pregnant and NOT following in my family's footsteps that now it has a spell on me.

- Deep down I don't really know what to think. I know that has been bothering me lately and is probably the root cause of my bitchiness and meanness and that makes me even sadder. I don't want to be that person, but sometimes I can't control it. I know this puts some strain on my relationship w/ Eric. I have no motivation to do much of anything. I just want to sit on the couch and watch TV, fall asleep only for him to wake me up and go to bed. Exciting life, I know! B/C of our shitty insurance we can't do those "other" treatments b/c we just can't afford that lump sum and really I sorta refuse to believe that I need that next step.

- Reading blogs makes me feel better sometimes b/c I know I'm not the only one out there who can't get pregnant. But I guess I could find that one blog that I can really relate to. Someone just like me that has taken some of those "after a year" test and there is NOTHING wrong, but just can't get pregnant. So, if you find a blog like that out there, please send me the link. The blogs I've been reading have already taken the next step of IUIs or IVFs and frankly I just don't think I'm there yet. I still have hope, small as it is, it's there.

Yes

I know it's not Friday, yet, but why not?

Friday Five - Clothing

1) Of everything in your wardrobe what do you feel the most comfortable wearing? Why?
I really like my sweaters (especially my new ones). Mostly because they are big and soft and comfy and I'm not concerned if I look fat in them or not.

2) How would you describe your style?
When we go shopping my friends refer to some things as "Erica Clothes". I assume they mean on the "Plain Jane" side. I don't wear really extravagent or outrageous stuff normally. I'm usually in jeans or khakis and a nice shirt or sweater.

3) How many pairs of shoes do you own and do you wear them all?
Lots of shoes. I don't wear all of them. I have all the prom/formal shoes I ever bought and don't wear them (but might one day). I have 2-3 pairs of shoes I normally wear to work. Several pairs of sandals and 2 pair of boots.

4) Where do you buy most of your clothes?
From a variety of places. Any place from Target to L.S. Ayres to Outlets to basically any where I find something I like and that fits! I've been known to buy more than one pair of pants if they fit nicely.

5) What was the last piece of clothing you bought?
I just bought 2 pairs of work pants from Eddie Bauer that I absolutely love.

Current State of Me

Wearing: Black Pants & Light Blue 3/4 Sleeve cotton shirt that a accentuates by BB's :)

Drinking: Water

Upset that: Today is the last day I will see my boss Darla before I leave the dept.

Luxuriating in: E-mails from co-workers & students in my dept that are sad to see my go and the fact that my time here is dwindling

Reading: Getting ready to start another Left Behind Book

Learning: (Hopefully) How to knit - Have the book, just need supplies

Downloading: Nothing at the moment

Wanting: To start my transition into my new job

Listening to: Students talking and iTunes

Experience

We had our first experience w/ Pre-Seed (PS) on Monday. It was interesting to say the least. Basically like using KY or something but a little different. After BD-ing I tried laying flat for about 30 min just to be safe. After I cleaned up there was still some noticeable leakage, but I didn't notice too much yesterday until after lunch. Then I had a big glob. (Sorry TMI) I hope that is a good thing. I feel like it is. I would say it means it's still up in there. :) Anyway, we didn't get to BD last night b/c we ate Mexican and both our stomachs were not feeling well. Needless to say no more mexican around O-time. (Hopefully we don't have to worry about that for another 9 months) I still think we are very safe though b/c of the glob yesterday afternoon and then today is my first day of total ferns and we are BD-ing again tonight w/ PS. I feel pretty good about this month already.

Sunday I my saliva test and say only dots. I didn't test on Monday, but tested again last night and saw both dots and ferns. This morning I tested and saw a ton of ferns. We are BD-ing as soon as I get home tonight to say the least.

I feel so much more relief with my new job. Things seem to be finally going our way. Now we just need conception to go our way!

Update

So I have officially been offered the job in ECE and officially accepted the offer. I'm super excited about starting this new job, too. I have to learn so many new things and it's always sorta scary/nerve-racking learning new things. I don't start there full time until Nov 29 (the monday after T-day), but will start my transition over there on Nov 8 working 1/2 time in both places since my current boss is out for the month of November. It will be a long transition, but I don't want to leave my current dept out to hang either. Anyway, my basic job will be in charge of registration for all of the graduate students in that dept. I won't be anyone's secretary anymore! Woo hoo!

Saturday my brother called me! I was so excited! He had an 8-hour pass, so they all went to the bowling alley and I guess he was calling everyone. He was very upbeat and talked a mile a minute. It was really funny. He told me that he is actually 1 of 4 squad leaders and then they report to the platoon leader. Even so that is awesome. He is also 1 of 6 guys picked to become a ranger. He will report back January 3 for that training, which also includes airborne training. He said they have 3 crazies in their platoon and he was telling me about them. He said he cried some the first actual week there, which was actually their 3rd week b/c the first two were doing all the paperwork and getting their vaccines and such. I just can say how upbeat and happy he seemed. He said that he doesn't really feel like it has totally sunk in yet. It is inevitable that they will all go to Iraq. I told him to just keep getting training so it would prolong him going there!

Yesterday we went to the Colt's game. They lost but it was a good game. At least close, too. It was cool though b/c the suite next to us was the owners of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

You can see it was a good time.

Today officially starts our 2 week stint of trying. Hopefully this will be an overall GREAT month. I sure hope so.

Even Better End to my Week

I just got offered the job I interviewed for yesterday! Hooray.

Details to come as I haven't officially gotten my offer letter nor have I officially accepted it yet. Although they did tell me what it was going to be and everything. Even though I don't think I make very much, darn if I don't make more than some people above me! Unfortunately that means I don't get a big raise ($.05) for going over there, but I will get a 90 raise, so hopefully that is decent.

Woo hoo!

I'm Bragging

So I have to brag... I came in this morning doing my usual checking my e-mail and I had a message from my big boss (the school head). It was a copy of the reference he sent to the professor I interviewed with yesterday. It was very sweet and nice of him. (I'd hire me!) Then right before lunch I got copied on the one my immediate boss (office manager) wrote for me. Wow! She wrote a novel and damn was it good! Good thing I'm not as emotional this week or I might shed a tear. ha ha ha I will miss this place when I'm gone and not to sound conceited, but they will miss me, too!

Also, I got a call this morning for ANOTHER interview. I'm not as interested in this job and most likely won't even take the job if they offer it to me, but I think I'll still interview, just for fun. Did I just say interviewing is fun? Aaaahhh! You never know, I might go and find out it's not what I think it is, which is basically what I'm doing now.

So my week has ended on a nice note. This weekend should be fun. Tomorrow is another home football game for Purdue, so we'll be watching that. I hope to get some of my scrapbook done for my baby pics since I haven't worked on that in a LONG time. Also, we are going to the Colt's game on Sunday w/ a customer of Eric's. That will be fun especially since we will get to try out our new camera, too. Yay! I guess our weekend is a little busy. No plans for this evening though, at least that I know of yet.

Life

Well, I haven't updated much this week, so I thought I would today. The week didn't start out too great. It's been crazy here at work. I'm still on the verge of sickness, mostly a sore throat and sinuses, so I haven't been sleeping well. However, Tuesday I got a call for an interview. I am super excited about this job b/c it in the graduate office and I will have more of a job in that I won't be someone's secretary, but have more of my own responsibities and to me it would be more "career like". I just don't think I'm made out to be at someone's whim. Anyway, I interview this morning, so I'll update this afternoon as to how it went. Hopefully things will go my way this time. It's been a while. The other good thing about the job is that it's still a secretary, but higher than I am now. I would get a raise for going, plus a 90-day raise. Woo hoo! Also, this could lead to me to much higher jobs in that area, which is even more exciting. I just have to get the job first!

On the way home from GWO, Kitten & I were talking about how my camera is on it's last leg and we should be getting a new one in the next few months. Ironically when I got home Sunday Eric told me the screen kept going out so we were going to have to get one sooner than we thought. So, we are now the proud owners of a Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P100. I was having so much fun playing around with it last night! I can't wait to really use it.

On the conception side of things, not too much is happening. We will begin our "Trying" stage this weekend and hope to continue it for a full 2 weeks. We are pushing for every day, but know in reality that we'll probably miss a day every so often. Just got to think of it like eating dinner every night. It's got to be done. Plus, this will probably be my last good month before it's time for my yearly. We also get to try the Pre-seed this month. I plan on using it about every other day since we've only got 6 applications.

Also some news on my brother. He got to call my mom the other night. He was super excited b/c he made Platoon Leader. He also is joining the rangers when he gets done with all his training. I knew he could do it. And I'm such a proud sister! From what I hear being a ranger is quite an honor, so for that I'm happy for him. However, I guess they also are the first to go into "hot spots" and do special missions. I'm sure my brother loves that stuff, but it is a little scary. We'll just have to pray for him.

That's all for now. Keep your fingers crossed for my interview today!

GWO VI - TH

On Thursday I got off work at noon. Eric & I had lunch and ran a few errands then I came home and lounged on the couch for a bit. I watched Oprah, which was about Miracle Babies and cried. Boy, what an emotional week. I definitely want to get this book: Miracle: A Celebration of Life. Anyway, I cleaned up the house a little then waited on everyone to arrive. Kitten arrived around 7:30 and after a bite to eat, we headed to Wal-Mart and Target to do a little shopping before Jennifer arrived. Jennifer arrived later and after changing into our PJ's and touching her belly we watch her ultrasound video of Grace. Wow! It is so amazing. We were all pretty tired so we headed to bed.

Friday morning we got up early, got ready, had breakfast and then headed to TH. On the way we stopped at Steam Corner to see the family and have breakfast and walk around a bit. We got to TH around 12:30 and after dropping off our stuff at Heather's house and a little snack, we headed to the Bridge Festival. It was cold, but overall a good time. I didn't buy anything besides food. We were disappointed b/c Ava Chu wasn't there this year, but we did meet some rainbow haired ladies (you can figure it out). After that we headed back to TH and went to a Mexican place. Although the food was good it didn't sit well with me and I spent some time in the bathroom at Wal-Mart while the other ladies wondered aimlessly around shopping.

Saturday we got up to the smell of biscuits and gravy that Heather made for us. YUMMY! We took our time getting ready and left the house around noon and headed to Heather's house she is remodeling. It definately has some potential, but also a lot of work. We then hit up a park and took some prego pics of Jennifer then hit up a little diner for lunch and grabbed some coffee to warm us up. We stopped at one more park to grab a few more pics then headed to CVS to get our film developed. While waiting on the film we wondered around Hobby Lobby and picked up a few things. Jennifer found the cutest book shelf for Grace's room. We picked up the pics, which were great then headed to TK's Sports Bar where we met Heather's special delivery, Nick. We also had some awesome cheap food and watched Purdue throw away thier game to Wisconsin. After dinner, Kitten, Jennifer & I headed back to Heather's house and took some more "artsy" pics of Jennifer and her belly. I was feeling sick, so I took some medicine and unfortunately it knocked me out, so I headed to bed after the photography session. We got up early the next morning and after a quick chat headed back home. I feel so refreshed now. It was a much needed break (from work). I am still sorta sickly, but hope to get over that soon, too

Check out our pics from the weekend here
Note: Thanks Kitten for the link!

Oops

I forgot to tell everyone that I did start my period on Friday. However, my temp was still high (98.0), which is really weird. I have been really light this time, too. My bb's are not sore anymore. I'm probably still on the emotional side. At least the grouchy side. I am slightly sick, but not full blown, so that could be the reason for the higher temp, too. Who knows!?

Anyway, my friend S wants me to temp tomorrow just to be sure. She said she has talked to several people who spotted during the first part of their pregnancy and just thought it was their periods.

I really doubt that I'm pregnant, but just for giggles, I will temp tomorrow.

Fortune

Today I had lunch at a Chinese place. This is my fortunte...

Be prepared for a sudden, needed, and happy change in plans!

Wonder what that means... I can think of several things I hope it's for...

CD 30 @ 11DPO

Thursday Evening
Saliva Test - No Ferns :(

Today
Temp - 98.1
HPT - Negative
BBs - Still sore

I really wasn't sure if I should test or not, especially after no ferns last night, but decided to go ahead since today would be the only day we could actually "celebrate" together if it came back positive since I will be going to TH tomorrow morning and not getting back til Sunday. I know It's not over yet, but I look for AF to arrive probably tomorrow or Saturday. We'll see. Or maybe she won't! I won't test again until Sunday if she hasn't shown by then.

Bag o' Emotions

OK, so my temp was still up this morning (98.1), but according to my calculations I would only be about 11 DPO. I think if it's up tomorrow still I will probably test. I hope I'm not getting my hopes up too high, but I feel good about this month. Even though we didn't do it EVERY day, we still had great timing in my opinion. Here's my chart if you'd like to look.

So you probably are curious about the title of my blog right? Well here's what's been happening.

1) Yesterday while our computer guy was working on my computer I was trying to tell him I didn't know how to do what he wanted me to do on the web. He just couldn't believe it. I guess he made me feel a little stupid. I told him (almost in tears) that he could just do it himself b/c I didn't really want to learn it anyway and was looking for another job. I don't know why this upset me so.

2) Last night supper did NOT sit well with me at all. I laid on the couch all evening and ended up falling asleep as I usually do. I don't know why, but I really get mad when Eric doesn't wake me up before 10. I guess I feel like I need to be in bed by 10 in order to get some good sleep. Well, last night he didn't wake me up until about 10:15 and this made me furious. I yelled at him. Then when I went to the bathroom the stupid toilet broke, which made me even madder and I yelled even more. Then I couldn't find anything to wear for today and ended up tossing the wire hanger in the kitchen that had my pants on it and finally went to bed. I was not a happy camper and poor Eric got my rath last night. I'm sorry honey, I really am. I think someone monster took over my body last night.

3) This morning I was reading the paper on-line when I saw an about my sister.
"The match was the final contest for Southmont’s Ashlee XX, who has been a letterwinner for the Mounties in all four years of the Southmont program." I don't know why, but this made tears come to my eyes. She is the only girl who has played and lettered the entire 4 years that the school's soccer team has been in existance. I guess it makes me sad b/c she probably won't play anymore unless she plays in college.

I can laugh at all these things now, but whew, that was a bit much. I guess I'm just a little emotional. Of course that can be either a PMS or Prego symptom so it doesn't mean much, but still. I think maybe I just have too much going on right now. Hopefully the girl-time this weekend will get me back in the swing of things.

Check back tomorrow to find out the results of temping/testing... Keep your fingers & toes crossed, pray, whatever you have to do. I'll be doing it all, too!

Darn Ferns.... Or maybe good ferns....

Hard to tell right now where these ferns rank on my list. I still have ferns. (at least partial) I know two people who continued to have ferns after ovulation that are currently pregnant. That gives me hope, but also makes me analyze even more than normal, too.

After talking to my friend J, I got some crazy idea to test my husband. And assuming he did it correctly, he didn't have any ferns. (Yay!) I'm going to test him again tonight so I can see for myself. Poor guy, can you imagine what is running through his mind? I'm also making Kitten test when she arrives at my house Thursday and we know she isn't pregnant. She will still have AF. Of course since it's girls weekend this weekend my pregnant friend J will have to test, but it seems like she will probably have ferns. Although I could be wrong. We'll find out!

What a day

So far my day's been pretty lazy. No one is here today, so there isn't a whole lot to do. I've got some things done, but haven't been real motivated. I did paint my fingernails this morning though.

I have decided to start looking outside of my current company for jobs now. It scares me a little. I know someone in a medical billing place and could probably get a job there BUT it'd be a pay cut and I'm not sure we can do that. It would definitely have more potential for growth, but can we take a pay cut to grow? I don't know. I actually put a call into the lady to see if their benefits and growth potential can balance out the pay cut at least a little, so we'll see what she says when she calls back. Ugh. I hate job hunting. It's a little better when you know the person doing the hiring, but still. I don't seem to be going anywhere at my current place of employment and although I love my boss, it has to happen. I'm going nowhere. Even though I like my free time and being able to do basically anything I want. I still sorta like a little more "career" life. I didn't spend 4 years in college for nothing. At least I don't think.

I don't like interviewing!
I don't like pay cuts!
I don't like job searching!
I don't like send my resume out!
Most of all I don't like not getting called when I know I should!

Why can this just be an enjoyable easy part of life??

Weekend

My weekend has been good. Friday night when I got home Eric had rented some movies. We ordered a pizza and started watching Farenheit 9/11. Wow! It really fired Eric up and I was just amazed throughout the whole movie. If you haven't seen it, it's definitely something to see. I wonder if it will have any affect on the voting outcome since it came out on Tuesday on video and I imagine many people will rent it. My nanny & papaw also stopped by for a little bit on Friday night. My grandma has been sick, but she is doing much better. We chatted with them for a bit then they headed home.

Saturday morning we got up early. The dogs woke us up at about 6:30 and I just couldn't go back to sleep so I finally got up a little after 7 and showered and got ready. I headed to C'ville to get my roots done and then visit with my dad & Peg for a while. When I got back to Lafayette I wondered around a few stores then headed home to watch Purdue win their football game. I spent most of the even reading my new book, "Little Earthquakes" by Jennifer Weiner. Eric left around 9:30 to go out to the bars and as usual I just went to bed. I wanted to go out with him, but then again I just wanted to go to bed. The sleep won.

Today we've just been lazy for the most part. I run the vacuum through the house and mop the kitchen and might clean the tub in our bathroom. We watched the Colts' game (they won) and I finished my book. Ironic that I just read a book about 4 women and their lives involving 3 of them being pregnant and 1 who lost a child and about the trials and tribulations of marriage, families, jobs, etc. Interesting. Very good book to say the least.

I took my temp again this morning, not that I have any doubts of not being pregnant this month, but just in case. It was 98.1. High, but probably not high enough to say baby. I get that temp always after O-ing. I'd sure like to see some 98.5+s. ha ha

Zero Patience

My hormones (probably PMS) have just kicked it up a notch this week. So far, I've voiced my opinion on 3 occassions today. And b/c they are a bit humorous, I thought I'd share

Occassion 1
I got an e-mail (actually several) last week that I needed to go on-line and submit our monthly meter readings on our office machines. I did this Monday. Well, today I get a call from them saying they needed my meter readings. I politely told her that I had already submitted those on-line Monday. She told me that they are having problems getting them from the web and that I needed to give them directly to her (again). I not-so-politely asked her why she wasted my time sending my numerous e-mails last week telling me they needed them when they couldn't get them and were just going to call me? She couldn't answer that and just told me "You could just get them now and give them to me" I gave them to her but not after telling her I was not going to submit them on-line anymore that it was waste of people's time and they could just start calling me every month. (With a big smile) She just said thank you and have a nice weekend.

Occassion 2
The mailman refused to bring the 6 cases of paper into my office (but will bring every other box there) again this morning. As you may know from previous posts I hurt my back a while ago and have been sorta guarding it since then in fear that I could hurt it again. It was not a fun experience. Anyway we also have a huge theft problem in our building. We've asked the mail people to please bring everything to the main office. They do, except the paper b/c they are lazy. Well today was the last straw. I called the guy's boss and got him permission to bring it to my office. He just brought me the afternoon mail and asked me exactly where I wanted it and I politely showed him and explained to him that since he told me they were "not allowed to bring paper to the office" I simply got him permission.

Occassion 3
We have a dept. credit card that we let people check out for purchases at local places like Wal-mart, Ace, etc. The other day a guy checked it out. When they bring it back they are supposed to bring me a Purchase Request Form and the receipt. Sometimes they bring the credit card back and bring me the receipt the next day or so. I noticed today that I didn't not get a receipt yet from him so I sent him an e-mail saying that I didn't have one and needed it as soon as possible.

His reply:
Erica,
When I checked it out, I made no purchase. Therefore, there is no receipt or green form. I told you this when I returned the credit card. I guess you just didn't listen.

Thank you,
Phil


Note that last sentence... So with they day I had, I replied with this and BC'd my boss:
Phil,

I appreciate your concern for my hearing, but my hearing is just fine. I don't recall you saying anything when you returned the credit card to me as I would have logged that information in for Judy. I may have just been busy at the time you returned it. Thank you for letting me know though.

Erica

Is it 5:00 yet? I don't think I'm a people person today... I told my husband and he told me to leave my attitude at the office this afternoon. I think I'll curl up with my book (Jennifer Weiner's new one "Little Earthquakes") and some hot chocolate tonight

Tomorrow I'm going to get my roots dyed and probably see my parents for a bit. Eric is going out tomorrow night for Bacardi Red Hot Road Trip. I'd like to go with him, but in reality I'll probably go to bed. Why does everyone wait til late at night to go out and party and get drunk? DON'T ANSWER THAT!

Sunday we plan on just being lazy. I'm hoping to work some more on my baby photo scrapbook. Probably need to clean the house good, too since we are having company next weekend (or at least Thursday). Yay! It's almost time for another GWO!

Proud Sister

My sister Ashlee called last night and she's been accepted here at Purdue. She's so excited. She is accepted as undecided, but will transfer into nursing after the first semester or first year. She is very smart and committed and I'll know she'll do great. I'm so proud of her. I just hope she get some scholarships or grants. I know she'll get some financial aid b/c that's one good thing about my mom, she can't keep a job very well thus doesn't make much money and falls in the "financial need" category.

I also got a letter from my brother yesterday. (He's the one that's in boot camp right now) He said he is doing great. I imagine it was rough the first week or two. He seems really excited about what they are doing and will be doing. Seems to really have a pretty positive attitude. I'm so excited that he's doing good. He made me laugh. He says he's got an M-16 that's he had since the first week that's his b*tch and it can never been anymore than an arm's length away from him except in the shower. He also figured out where all the taxes are going b/c the've issued him like $2,000 worth of gear. He also said his final test would be when they take them out and drop them in the woods (I think) and they have to stay out there for 7 days then hike 15 miles back to the base. According to my mom he will be getting baptized while he's there, too.

Now I just have one more sister that needs to get busy making me proud. She's going to be a handful though! We have to get her out of HS w/ a diploma first. Ugh!

Side Job

Ok, so some professors can be good to you, but of course it always has to benefit them in one way or another. I now have a side job (2 day deal) of basically doing some data entry for one of my profs. It is very simple and won't take me too long to do. I just have to do it on my own time. The good thing about profs is that they can't fathom making the "piddly" money that we make with their near of ablove 6 figure salaries... So he's paying my double the hourly wage I make here. They can be generous sometimes...

Inconsiderate

People amaze me at how inconsiderate they are!

Obviously anyone who reads this blog knows I've been trying for over a year to get pregnant with no luck yet. My best friends really have supported me so much and I'm so thankful. They give me advice or research stuff or just Most of my family doesn't know that we are trying b/c well, I don't want to hear all the "Relax", "It will happen in it's own time", "There's no hurry", etc. Yeah, all that bullshit. Then I have one "friend" (I'll refer to her as A) in particular who is so inconsiderate in a lot of ways. I know deep down that she just doesn't think about what she says and that she really isn't trying to hurt me by saying things, but.... Here's some examples...

1) MY FAVORITE - When we were all shopping one day 2 of us who aren't pregnant joined the other who is pregnant in trying on maternity clothes. A did not partake in the trying on of clothes. I tried on a particular outfit and really liked the pants. I said I was going to have to get me a pair when I got pregnant. A proceeds to tell me that I should buy them now so it will motivate me. I guess I haven't been motivated enough the last year! I didn't want to start anything, so I just went back to my fitting room and shut the door a little harder than normal. She DID NOT get the point and I DID NOT buy the pants.

2) MOST RECENT - A apparently is now refering to me as "Fertile Myrtle". If I'm so damn fertile then I guess I would have at least one child right now and possibly pregnant with #2... Yeah, that's gonna stop real quick like.

A says really wants to be involved in our girls weekends, but can't take a single Friday off to come early (We normally start Thursday night and leave Sunday morning) b/c she needs $$ so severly and she has been known to leave early b/c she just can't be away from whoever she's seeing at the time. Yet, she can take 1 WHOLE WEEK off to go on vacation w/ that particular person. I know my friend J is upset b/c A can't even drive over 1 day to go to her baby shower. It's a Saturday. She doesn't have to take off work or spend the night or anything. Just show up. But I'm sure we will all be expected to attend her bridal shower, bach. party, wedding, etc. when she finally gets married. And we will do it b/c we love her. That's what sucks. We aren't getting the same in return.

I guess I could go on and on about how inconsiderate she is, but I just wanted to vent about my fertility and our GWO (right now). Obviously I'm not worried that she'll read this b/c frankly, she doesn't read my blog b/c it doesn't concern her (oops, I mean she doesn't have time) and even if she did well, maybe she'll realize how inconsiderate she's being.

Inflation

Purdue has finally succomb to inflation. They just replaced the tampon machine in our building. It costs a whole quarter now instead of a dime. This just really makes me laugh for some reason.

Another Update

I finally got a chance to update. I was swamped yesterday at work and normally don't update my blog at home. Anyway I had company, so couldn't if I wanted to.

Sunday morning we got up and I checked my temp again. It was 97.7. Didn't think too much about it. We got ready and headed to Champaign to meet Eric's parents. It was a nice drive. After meeting them, we headed to lunch at this mexican place. Oh how we love mexican! It was good. I ordered chicken fajitas and all four of us could have eaten off my plate. It was HUGE! Anyway, his parents told us that they bought a timeshare in Vegas. We were very excited! In fact that actually bought a double unit and when they die we will inherit one unit and Eric's sister & husband will inhert one. They have a week in August that they will spend in Vegas, plus 4 bonus weeks. Next year however, they opted to not take their week in August for another 4 bonus weeks. So, do the addition, they have 9 weeks next year! They gave us 2 and Amanda & Erik 2 and a friend of their's 1 week. That still leaves them with 4 weeks. We only pay $139 fee for domestic or $179 for foreign to stay somewhere other than vegas. They thought also that this would force their kids & spouses to vacation together at least sometime! I'm all for that! That was all just through lunch. So after lunch we went to Sam's and Best Buy, then headed to the mall. We got a few deals, but really didn't spend much money. It was nice just to wonder around and chat. I'm so glad that his mom & I are fine now that we are married. I was really worried for a while before the wedding. Finally we said our good-byes and headed home. We were both pretty exhausted when we got home. Driving really takes the life out of ya. We didn't end up BD-ing that night. I did check my saliva test and it had dots and ferns. I sorta thought my temp would 1) either jump Monday morning or 2) I wouldn't O this month...

So Monday morning when I woke up and took my temp it was 98.1. I did ovulate. I would guess either late Saturday or early Sunday though. At least we got one in Saturday. I e-mailed my friends yesterday for some advice and opinions about this cycle. See, next weekend will be the quarterly girls' weekend out again. D & J will be coming to my house Thursday evening. Then we will get up and drive to TH to meet H where all the festivities will take place.

Here's the deal on how it affects my AF/Testing... In a normal cycle I would have O'd around Day 13-16 and AF would arrive around Day 28-29 (10/13-10/14). But since I was sick O was delayed and now I don't imagine I'll start until more like 10/17 (Sun). J had a good suggest though. S checked her saliva last night and she still had ferns. So maybe if I check my saliva on Thursday and there's ferns then maybe I could test on Friday before we head to TH. Of course it will all depend on my body signs, too. If there are no ferns then I'll just wait til I get back home on Sunday or Monday morning.

Last night my sister and her boyfriend came by and visited us. We had dinner at BW3s then came back to our house and visited for a while. This is my youngest sister and her and I aren't very close. We've tried to work on our relationship, but I think she's just still in that young annoying stage right now. She does stupid things and doesn't care about things she should and it just really frustrates me. Overall it was a nice visit though.