Life According to Me

New Blog

Hey Everyone!

It's been a really long time since I have written in here. I know that I said in January that I would link to my new blog, and I am finally going to do it. But, before I do, I need to tell you what is in it. Steve has been diagnosed with a chromosome disorder called a balanced translocation between chromosomal 1 and 6. It has left him unable to conceive children, so we are doing IVF in an effort to be able to have a baby. We start our first cycle tomorrow, so we need all the support we can get. This is has been a long and hard road, and unfortunately, there is no end in sight.

Something to consider before choosing to read this blog is that IVF is a medical procedure, and infertility is a medical problem. Consequently, I talk about medical stuff in there. We have no problem with people reading about it. We wouldn't be posting it online if we had a problem with it. However, if you are squeamish, or blush at the word period, you probably shouldn't read it.

We originally started it as an outlet, and as a way to keep close friends and family informed. Also, we wanted to get the word out about this. People think of infertility as a "woman's problem." Nothing is further from the truth. Infertility is a disease that is on the rise, and it affects millions of couples. Steve and I are now huge advocates for insurance coverage and awareness in general.

Please know that we are not even going to be a little offended if people choose not to read this blog. We know that this subject makes people uncomfortable.

So, here is the link: http://ourivfandpgdjourney.blogspot.com

Have a great night everyone.

Happy New Year?

Well I haven't posted in a very long time. I have a number of reasons and excuses that I can throw out, but frankly it's not really worth it. I haven't posted because Steve and I are going through a very difficult time right now, and I really haven't had many positive things to say. No one wants to hear from a Debbie Downer. I am not going to go into detail yet, but I will very soon when we have more answers.

On a more positive note, we went to Hawaii with my mom and sisters over Christmas, and it was a beautiful and much needed distraction. I am going to try to post my pictures on the web and I will send out the link.

Also, Steve and I have started a new blog about the stuff that we are facing right now, but we are not going to give out the address until we are sure that we can keep up on it. We are hoping to use it to connect to other couples who are in similar situations.

In case I am not able to post for a while, we wish everyone peace and happiness in 2006.

Can You Believe this S*@&?!

Last night here in good old Natick, it snowed 2 inches. IT ISN'T EVEN NOVEMBER YET! You will find a picture of Steve outside during the first snow of the year holding a sign that demonstrates his feelings about the onset of our second New England winter. This is beyond depressing. I hate winters in New England. It isn't even the snow I mind so much, it is driving in the snow that kills me.

So, what is a girl to do when the weather is getting her down? Of course, the only thing that a girl in such a predicament can do is go shopping. So, that's what I did. I lured my wonderful husband into the car and off to REI, where I spent an obscene amount of money on a new winter coat. In my defense I haven't had a new one for 6 years. So it was completely necessary and justifiable.............................right? Needless to say it will be at least another 6 years before I buy another. We also bought Joe and Angie their Christmas present. We had dinner at California Pizza Kitchen, and then came back here and sacked out on the couch.

Today I think that we are going to take the dogs for a walk, and who knows what else. I hope that everyone had a great weekend.

Steve during the first snow of the season

Happy Wednesday

Well yet again, it's been a really long time since the last time I posted. It is really hard to find the time to write in here because my computer is dead. The only time I get a chance to write is when I can use Steve's computer. We are planning to buy a new one soon, but I'm cheap and don't want to invest the money.

It is cold here, and yesterday we had our first nor'easter. Fortunately it was all rain, at least in our area. I am hoping that we don't have another for quite sometime. I do not handle driving in inclement weather very well.

Last night we carved pumpkins with our neighbors. Steve and I carved the man in the moon. I am going to enclose a picture at the end.

My new job is going really well. I love my supervisors. I am getting a lot of positive feedback, which is really nice. I actually feel appreciated, which is not something I felt when I was working at my last job. I also work a lot less which is wonderful. The only downside is that it involves a lot of driving, which isn't really a problem now, but it is going to suck this winter.

That's it for today. I hope that everyone is having a great week!

The Man in the Moon

Happy October!

Well, things have changed a lot since the last time I wrote. I just started a new job last Monday. It is a lot less work for a lot more pay. The bad thing is that there is a lot of driving involved. Steve is also supposed to be starting a new position soon, as long as everything goes as planned. I am very proud of him.

Two weekends ago, we went to a wedding in Baltimore, MD. It was beautiful. Steve's cousing Andy and his fiancee tied the knot. We didn't make it to the wedding ceremony because we took a wrong turn in New York and ended up in Pennsylvania, but the reception was very beautiful and elegant.

Last weekend we just hung out at home. It was great!

On Friday my father-in-law Dave and his brother Denny stopped to spend the night with us. They have been leaf peeping in New England all week. We all went out to dinner at John Harvards, and then came back here and chatted for a while. They were gone when we woke up yesterday morning. It was a treat to see them!

Yesterday evening we went to my friend Jen's to watch the OSU vs. Penn State game. We ate Chinese and Steve and Jen had a few beers.

That's it for today. I hope that everyone is having a great weekend.

Stressed

I am officially stressed. On Friday when I got out of work, I had a call from Dr. Vargas who I do some part time hours with after school on my voicemail. It is also a job doing ABA therapy. Over the summer she offered me a full time job, but the money wasn't much more than what I was making and I had already signed an offer with my current employer, so I declined. Well anyway, she said that she knew that I was under contract so it was horrible timing, but she wanted to make me another offer. I called her back and got her voicemail, but I left her a message that said that the timing really was bad, but that I would be willing to hear what she had to say. This evening, she called me back and made me an offer that I couldn't refuse. The pay is something to the tune of $20,000 more than I am currently making, and the travel time is less than the first offer she made. I can't turn that down. The benefits aren't as good, but I am on Steve's benefits anyway. I am however sick at the prospect of breaking a contract. The only consequence that I am aware of is that my current employer will not give me a reference. Dr. Vargas is just as good a reference, as is her partner, so that makes up for it. I also feel really bad, but I think that it is going to be a really good move for me. It is an inclusion position, so it will really give me a chance to broaden my horizons. I am really excited for the experience! Tomorrow is not going to be a good day though because I have to break the news to my supervisors. I already called the lead teacher in my classroom. She said that she was behind me 100%, and that she would do the exact same thing if she were in my situation. I was definitely relieved to know that she is on my side. I hope that everyone is so understanding, but I am not holding my breath.

This weekend Steve and I went to Maine to see the Friends of the Bob and Tom Show comedy act. I couldn't tell you the names of the people we saw, but they were pretty funny. Our hotel was sort of a dump, but it worked.

Tonight, we went over to my friend Jen Leiberman's house to watch football. It was fun, but I was obsessing over this job the entire time. Jen was super supportive though. I am really lucky to have her as a friend.

Well, that's it for today. If you get a chance think of me tomorrow. It is going to be a very long day.

Why-O Why-O Why-O Did I Ever Leave Ohio?

Well, yesterday was my 24th birthday. It was the first birthday that I wasn't looking forward to. I suppose that happens as you get older.

My friend Sarah came in from Ohio and spent the weekend with us. It was really a treat! Thursday night we picked her up from the airport, and caught up over Chinese food. On Friday we gave her a short tour of the city and ate dinner in the North End. Saturday we went to the beach, and then to Allston to watch the Ohio State game with my friends from work, Ali and Jen L. Yesterday we went sightseeing in the city and then took her to the airport. Steve and I were sad to see her go.

I just want everyone to know that I really appreciate the flowers and cards and birthday wishes that I recieved from everyone. It really helped to make my birthday happy. However, the day was also sad because I desparately wanted to see everyone. It is times like these that I wish that we had never left Ohio. My biggest birthday wish is that we can get back home soon.

That's it for today. Have a great night everyone!