tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16516367522318165152024-03-07T04:13:07.890-05:00Reproductive JeansJJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18027548058304720360noreply@blogger.comBlogger409125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1651636752231816515.post-86255297232986522022021-02-05T09:54:00.001-05:002021-02-05T09:54:07.914-05:00The Birth of a MotherThat moment of addreniline - the joy of something - falls like a fishing lure in the pit of your stomach. I cling to this very moment.JJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18027548058304720360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1651636752231816515.post-42414220139342034372012-09-20T12:38:00.000-04:002012-10-06T10:45:53.284-04:00Retirement My very first sentence on my very first post:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"And so it begins: the documentation of the journey we began in July 2006 to expand our family!"</i></blockquote>
<br />
And what a journey it's been...and I'm so incredibly glad I made the leap into that rabbit hole. It was intimidating to put my thoughts and feelings out there and share every nitty-gritty detail with complete strangers...some of those strangers have become some of my closest friends.<br />
<br />
So as you have probably guessed by now...this is the last post for me here at Reproductive Jeans. Over the last year, especially in the last few months, it's become more difficult for me to find the words to write here. I've composed a million updates in my mind, but get cold feet when it came time to log in and post something. <br />
<br />
And I know that it's because I feel silly talking about all the random stuff that now floats in and out of my mind, and hardly any of it revolves around acronyms like IVF, IUI, 10DPO, etc....<br />
<br />
Is it strange to say it makes me happy and sad at the same time? Because it goes without saying, I'm grateful for the IF community that I will always be a part of, and it makes me sad to say goodbye to a place that literally saved my sanity. On the other hand, I'm happy to wrap up this chapter of my life and move on to write more freely about what life is like for me now...<br />
<br />
Goodbyes are tough. Whether I write many more paragraphs or only a few sentences, I don't know that I'll ever be satisfied that it's enough to convey my heart-felt thanks for this space. I will always treasure it. Always.<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Let me know in the comments if you'd like to get an email from me when I set up my new space... </span><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000;">(please make sure to leave your email address if its not associated with your blogging account!!)</span></u></b></span></div>
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<br />JJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18027548058304720360noreply@blogger.com61tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1651636752231816515.post-61776551010361554492012-06-19T10:04:00.001-04:002012-06-19T10:04:35.193-04:00Tech Talk<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-cYKTo1SrqcCGpGQtTard1Y9SPdBDsR86ZpLDtB75BlnB4Z0Kqz8Q1PkVUP7BBEGOBBg9l03lnIgcTq9Dq21GDWIITL9TBdadtAxXI80DY3ag28k1_yuE4s0m0xiy9S2mci4PMckgNV4/s1600/techissues.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-cYKTo1SrqcCGpGQtTard1Y9SPdBDsR86ZpLDtB75BlnB4Z0Kqz8Q1PkVUP7BBEGOBBg9l03lnIgcTq9Dq21GDWIITL9TBdadtAxXI80DY3ag28k1_yuE4s0m0xiy9S2mci4PMckgNV4/s320/techissues.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Original image @ Kali Crafted)</td></tr>
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Please stand by as I work out some technical issues that involve IP forwarding, DNS servers, C-Panel and other language that ain't so technical. <b><i>*sigh* </i></b><br />
<br />
I love technology, but it also drives me crazy sometimes!JJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18027548058304720360noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1651636752231816515.post-30152346007965222952012-05-18T10:40:00.000-04:002012-06-17T10:40:27.899-04:0032<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCHGvEZ1mWwFzG-UrXiDSqvJj1zwb52Cn4Y9EpTnYJ38PVhRe8Ld3m_L8fRtFAVKafaTPxwP3hWV8ZmKbyX_Q_F00bts3SgDodCgnhi-bh7YbZei_vLKpq-O252_eS3rlhdyGLig2RCBk/s1600/Bday-Candles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCHGvEZ1mWwFzG-UrXiDSqvJj1zwb52Cn4Y9EpTnYJ38PVhRe8Ld3m_L8fRtFAVKafaTPxwP3hWV8ZmKbyX_Q_F00bts3SgDodCgnhi-bh7YbZei_vLKpq-O252_eS3rlhdyGLig2RCBk/s320/Bday-Candles.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
All birthday’s are special. I’m feeling especially grateful for mine this year…and since I’ve always loved the song, “<em>32 Flavors” </em>(Alana Davis or Ani DiFranco’s rendition), I thought I’d share 32 tid-bits of wisdom from my 32-year-old heart, mind and soul.<br />
<ol>
<li>Buy multiple pairs of underwear you like – you never know if they will get discontinued</li>
<li>Invest in good pillows</li>
<li>Wear sunscreen</li>
<li>Never pass up an opportunity to pee</li>
<li>Chill your wine</li>
<li>Put on extra zit cream and leave it in a glob on said zit overnight – may not be pretty, but it works</li>
<li>Wear your seat-belt – or as O-man calls it, “Your backseat”</li>
<li>Learn to communicate with your loved ones</li>
<li>Always carry a tampon</li>
<li>Don’t be afraid to fail</li>
<li>Love yourself deeply</li>
<li>Forgive others</li>
<li>Forgive YOURSELF</li>
<li>Blog even when you don’t feel like you have anything to say</li>
<li>Find your perfect shade of lip stick</li>
<li>Write thank you notes</li>
<li>Read outside of your comfort zone</li>
<li>Try new foods</li>
<li>Learn to love and abuse the SAVE/Backup option for any technology you own</li>
<li>Never take a laxative and sleeping pill on the same night</li>
<li>Always use a turn signal</li>
<li>Ask for help</li>
<li>Treasure your genuine friends</li>
<li>Thank your mother – often</li>
<li>Color sort your M&M’s</li>
<li>Even when you don’t know where you’re going – know where you’re <em>NOT</em> going</li>
<li>Don’t use Facebook as a way to gauge your success in life</li>
<li>Recycle</li>
<li>Clean your kitchen before going to bed</li>
<li>Don’t worship the scale</li>
<li>Music is magic – it can lift you from the deepest, darkest corners</li>
<li>Take the high road</li>
</ol>JJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18027548058304720360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1651636752231816515.post-24041560656178429242012-05-14T10:38:00.000-04:002012-06-17T10:38:51.728-04:00Why Not Me?When crappy stuff happens to you, if you’re like every other human being on the planet you ask, <em>“Why me?!”</em><br />
<br />
I asked that question a BUNCH when we began trying to build our
family – all our friends had no problems getting pregnant, and had no
infertility issues: <em>“Why me?!”</em><br />
<br />
But then a wonderful thing happened – I found a community of people
just like me trying to start a family and I have since found some of my
closest and dearest friends through that journey.<br />
<br />
<em></em>Now I’m faced with a different journey – one that actually <em>still </em>makes the infertility journey feel so raw all over again.<br />
<br />
My biopsy did not come back clean – my journey to beat this cancer is
just beginning. And I’ve found myself asking out loud, to my
friends/family: “<em>Why me?!”</em><br />
<br />
<em></em>But then in other conversations with my mom and my church pastor, we’ve discussed the harder side of that statement: “<em>Why <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">not</span></strong> me?”</em><br />
<br />
Someone is diagnosed with skin cancer every eight minutes. And it just so happens, I fell into that eight minute window.<br />
<br />
Trust me, I’m FAR from zen about this whole thing. This is about as zen as I’ve gotten the past week:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUKQFfyt1x60bVQcOYsWdq_Ih-45TZmSLIUcrD9Ju1GN9hQM48lZ3iXPXiNg3GRXoIj5WtSh7RE1e7IpM-MYEWnmtAC1TXkgpV4EAHf6RbvwM-Jm9zk-6dO8NRRWIwgIX-u9s394to_Eo/s1600/IMG_2856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUKQFfyt1x60bVQcOYsWdq_Ih-45TZmSLIUcrD9Ju1GN9hQM48lZ3iXPXiNg3GRXoIj5WtSh7RE1e7IpM-MYEWnmtAC1TXkgpV4EAHf6RbvwM-Jm9zk-6dO8NRRWIwgIX-u9s394to_Eo/s320/IMG_2856.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking a moment out of my day to appreciate life's beautiful artwork</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I’m actually pretty angry. I’ve been scared, loopy, hopeful,
terrified – a FULL range of emotions as I’ve waited out the test results
from my surgery last week. I keep asking to anyone who’s listening: “<em>When is it going to be enough?” </em>Right now, I’m not sure I believe the statements: <em>“We are never given anything we can’t handle”</em> or “<em>This too shall pass” </em>because
frankly, I’m not sure if I can handle this and when I’m told by my
oncologist that this may be something I will have to deal with for the
rest of my life …well, that doesn't feel like <em></em>something that shall pass!<br />
<br />
But then again, maybe its just the anger talking. Especially since Mook and I had the conversation yesterday (<em>on Mother’s Day of all days)</em> that we are closing the book on expanding our family. I don’t think I’ll <em>ever</em>
give up that tiny 1% chance of hope that our “jeans” could be passed on
just by ::gasp:: having SEX, but we definitely won’t do any more
treatment, and have decided not to pursue adoption. (<em>it’s hard even typing that</em>)<br />
<br />
The focus obviously is shifting to making sure I get better and as <em><strong>always</strong></em>
– remember how freaking lucky I am to be O-man’s Mommy. I don’t take
that for granted for one second. But it still aches to know that with
this additional lemon being thrown into our lives, that we had to come
to this decision sooner than we would have liked.<br />
<br />
My lymph nodes are clear (as of now) the surrounding tissue, is
wracked with abnormal cells – as were the margins around the skin that
was taken out during surgery last week. So, I’m incredibly thankful that
the timing of all of this saved me from advancing quicker into Stage
III – I’m hoping I’ll hang in with Stage II until I can whip this thing.<br />
<br />
Starting <a href="http://www.webmd.com/cancer/interferon-alfa#tv7500">interferon injections</a> next week for the next 6 months – let’s hope I don’t barf on too many shoes in the process.<br />
<br />
So yes, universe – “<em>Why <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">not</span></strong> me?” </em>This
isn’t my choice for how to enter into my 32nd year of life, but if I
can encourage a few people who may read this post to go get their skin
checked, then maybe I’ll help someone with early detection. I <em><strong>will</strong></em> find a way to turn this experience into something(s) positive.<br />
<br />
But today? This sucks. <em>(just being honest)</em> I’ll ebb and flow between all the above emotions – so now that I know what’s ahead of me, I can tackle one day at a time….JJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18027548058304720360noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1651636752231816515.post-48546015536867431102012-05-08T10:36:00.000-04:002012-06-17T10:36:25.419-04:00TKOJust when I was getting my feet planted on the ground…<br />
<br />
Just when I thought I could handle managing the <em>unknown </em>and <em>grey area</em> for the next few months…<br />
Just when I thought I couldn’t possibly handle anything else…<br />
<br />
I got a phone call this past Friday morning as I was driving to work
from my dermatologists office. I had gone in last Tuesday for my 6 month
checkup from the issues I was having last year
– and YAY, all was clear – the Bowen’s Disease is under control and
managed by topical cream, and no re-growth on the mole I had removed
last year. However, she did remove a <em>suspicious</em> mole that had been on her radar (<em>aka, my chart</em>) the past year – but I didnt give it much thought. I left feeling <em>good.</em><br />
<br />
I was happy to have ALL my doctor’s appointments behind me for a
least a little while, so when I answered the phone call and it was my
doctor and not the nurse, I pulled into a parking lot, because when the
doctor calls, its usually not to tell you good news.<br />
<br />
That mole biopsy came back as melanoma – CRAP. I drove straight to
see Mook – he was just down the road getting his yearly physical, and I
caught him just before he went in for his appointment. Thank goodness –
because I collapsed into a huge mess – I could not believe what I had
just heard, and above anything else in that moment, I was <strong><em>ANGRY.</em></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><em></em></strong>How much more can my body handle? And more
importantly, how much more can I handle mentally? This past weekend was
HARD. Really hard. We knew Friday that it was already Stage II based on
the margins, so not knowing if it has progressed past that left us with a
long weekend of questioning/waiting.<br />
<br />
Yesterday I went in for the surgical procedure to remove a large
chunk of skin – its between my shoulder blades right on my spine. 45
stitches later, and we are back in the waiting game for this next
pathology report.<br />
<br />
So, I’m sorry these updates continue to feel like a boxing TKO – I am
still in a bit of a shocked state, and am just taking life one day at a
time….JJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18027548058304720360noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1651636752231816515.post-20081717274611643802012-04-26T10:34:00.000-04:002012-06-17T10:35:14.786-04:00The Grey Area<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic9PqJfOCmhrMhjpm87eKE5Hd9sudJKFVbqR9_qtEHNN8bnt6aq-ggJA4kui_qo0OKpvjtwNgFW5XRZe-9x8U8VdZq0rPoQzgv1Sti09_Wk5g3X1JomHSli6eX3QZ6GAkfev3-DqQQVCk/s1600/Grey-Area.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic9PqJfOCmhrMhjpm87eKE5Hd9sudJKFVbqR9_qtEHNN8bnt6aq-ggJA4kui_qo0OKpvjtwNgFW5XRZe-9x8U8VdZq0rPoQzgv1Sti09_Wk5g3X1JomHSli6eX3QZ6GAkfev3-DqQQVCk/s320/Grey-Area.jpg" width="280" /></a></div>
And no, I’m not talking about the oh-so-popular <i>Fifty Shades of Grey </i>* that so many are gossiping about by the water cooler.<br />
<br />
This grey-area is far less awesome.<br />
<span id="more-704"></span><br />
<br />
First, it’s not cancer – you could practically see the weight come off my shoulders when I heard the doctor (<i>yes my doctor rocks, and called me personally</i>). Unfortunately, there is the word <i>cancer</i> in the report: <i>precancerous cells.</i><br />
<br />
<i></i>So yes, I’m thrilled. I feel blessed. I am happy that it’s NOT cancer.<br />
<br />
But for the rest of the diagnosis and follow-up steps, there is a lot of grey area.<br />
<br />
Because the entire mass contained abnormal/precancerous cells (<i>along with the surrounding tissue)</i> I will go back in 4 weeks and have a laser ablation of the lining of my uterus. More bleeding. Yay. (<i>I have kept ‘Always’ in business the past 4 months) </i>Birth control for the next 3 months, and a follow-up endometrial biopsy in August.<br />
<br />
I realize that sounds like a pretty decisive diagnosis and treatment
plan – it is … in theory. For me mentally? It leaves the book open –
this chapter cannot be closed. I am left in limbo – and <del></del><br />
I guess<br />
<b>, no -I know </b>I’m just damn tired of living in health-limbo. I’m not black-and-white <i>healthy</i> and I must remain in this <i>grey </i>area
while my body chugs along and figures out how to reset. It’s also the
added heart/B12/thyroid issues that I have to keep on top of – I have 4
more weeks of B12 injections and 3 more months of beta blockers – so
later this summer? I’m gonna EXPECT my body to be back with the program
and on track, dammit.<br />
<br />
It could be worse. So much worse. I <i>know</i> that. But I’m not
going to spout sunshine because that’s really not how I feel. I will get
there – time heals. But right now, I’m allowing myself to be OK with
being upset that I don’t have clearer answers.<br />
<br />
I am going to get back to walking, since I’ve been cleared to do that
– and my hope is that the exercise will help my mental health as well.
And being able to blog again – well that’s an excellent medicine all by
itself! Thanks for all the well-wishes and support – I’ve been recouping
this week and I’m grateful for the TLC from my family and friends.<br />
<br />
*<i>Yes, Ive read Fifty Shades of Grey – talk about turning fifty shades of RED when my mother asked me if I had read it. Hi Mom <img alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" src="http://reproductive-jeans.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif" /> * </i>JJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18027548058304720360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1651636752231816515.post-15376934162161448432012-04-16T10:30:00.000-04:002012-06-17T10:32:25.787-04:00Tonight, On The Eleven O’Clock News…<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoWNU5aOMEYa6yGwfrv-sYvh5a3Xp6MbkXSLwq8D4sMZZ7ZNsv5oO6K698qnamWW0Nl-31p1jn9tR_ZDwriGbZWMIQMf0BlWTXSqnGB21ag2-NNs8eYXWOzbj3bAA12uAWSLoScmnJac8/s1600/6oclock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoWNU5aOMEYa6yGwfrv-sYvh5a3Xp6MbkXSLwq8D4sMZZ7ZNsv5oO6K698qnamWW0Nl-31p1jn9tR_ZDwriGbZWMIQMf0BlWTXSqnGB21ag2-NNs8eYXWOzbj3bAA12uAWSLoScmnJac8/s400/6oclock.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
<br />
Thank you for joining us for this <b>BREAKING NEWS</b> story – we will cover a lot in a short amount of time, so stay tuned for further news as we receive it.<br />
<br />
JJ was last seen at a computer blogging before her husband’s (<i>aka: Mook’s</i>) esophagus surgery in September of last year – here is what we have gathered has happened since that time:<br />
<ul>
<li>Mook had a successful surgery with a lengthy recovery time, but is doing well and back to running around with O-man</li>
<li>JJ took a leap of faith and did something she hadn’t done in six
years: auditioned for a musical … and got the lead! That kept her
occupied and in a blissful state through the holiday season.</li>
<li>JJ got pneumonia post-blissful state … she reportedly does not recommend visiting an Urgent Care facility on New Years day.</li>
<li>JJ loved above blissful state so much, that she auditioned for <i>another</i>
theater production – and threw in a movie audition for kicks. Both
ventures successful, the creative outlets provided JJ with a great sense
of self-fulfillment – much needed after the trials and tribulations of
2011.</li>
<li>O-man turned <b>three </b>in February – both JJ and Mook were overheard saying “<i>What a JOY he is – and how lucky we are to have this (not so) little boy making us smile every day…”</i></li>
<li>Mook started <a href="http://bringinhomeapostcard.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">blogging</a>!</li>
<li>JJ began noticing that the adrenaline rush she was getting on stage
was extending past the curtain call – fast/irregular and sometimes
painful heart palpitations. Not to mention a seemingly never ending
cycle that brought on heavy bleeding at times. Off to the doctor she
went.</li>
<li>Shortened version before we go to commercial break: it was worth
going to the doctor. JJ has a severe B12 deficiency, a ventricular
tachycardia condition – and to top it all off: the cause of the
never-ending cycle, (a quote obtained directly from JJ’s physician), “a
suspicious non-fibroid-uterine-tumor” that is being removed <i><b>this</b></i> Friday. Anxious feelings surround the Jeans household.</li>
<li>We now break in with a special statement from JJ:</li>
<ul>
<li>“<i>I may not know exactly where this blog is headed, but I’m happy to have the computer keys under my fingers again. The </i><b>enter </b><i>key never felt so good. Thanks for being here with me.”<br />
</i></li>
</ul>
</ul>
We appreciate you tuning in for tonight’s <b>BREAKING NEWS. </b>Please stay tuned for more news and non-third person reporting (aka: blogging) in the very near future…..JJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18027548058304720360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1651636752231816515.post-35550107967129803762011-09-19T10:28:00.000-04:002012-06-17T10:28:59.851-04:00Hey! Sock it to me!I was so happy to hear that Ms. JW Moxie over at <a href="http://thesmartness.com/" target="_blank" title="The Smartness">The Smartness </a>was bringing Sock It To Me back this fall! Who knew that a pair of socks could make so many people giddy? Oh, they do.<br />
<br />
Ive sent and received some rockin’ socks the past few years Ive participated, and this Sockeroo was no different.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjrfQOjuGa9bjDXGUaojNEfl3GxnNSXWIJv_eB0h5Maq4MLFG4DoAN9mz3H6jXIIBupMhJ01a_Fri44yStZdPaFmn3jz8iVWkNL4VRfONydhIDVa3voz8pj8Ehs9EEs3xH5fmzgmwjYkI/s1600/Amys-Note.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjrfQOjuGa9bjDXGUaojNEfl3GxnNSXWIJv_eB0h5Maq4MLFG4DoAN9mz3H6jXIIBupMhJ01a_Fri44yStZdPaFmn3jz8iVWkNL4VRfONydhIDVa3voz8pj8Ehs9EEs3xH5fmzgmwjYkI/s320/Amys-Note.jpg" width="316" /></a></div>
<br />
This time around, I received not one, but <em>THREE</em> pair of awesome socks from the lovely Amy @ <a href="http://justamereivf.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" title="Justamere IVF">Justamere IVF</a>
— and I will put all to good use, since it’s about this time of year
that my toes begin to freeze and won’t thaw until next July. :: fact ::<br />
<br />
Looky, looky at my awesome knee highs (my favorite kind of sock, too) ——-><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXMwKJ0usY7Xv3O0wRoBkNfVEpS94A3wkbuKrPKiqYwymtQcgLrRrZTU8qDPxMcJCIV59qDFFjaDhV-S43XM-aXLlYr867ct_AizFCT2afpf05hOFUJlb4VpIxgufsytVHSKE7JUI7xUI/s1600/Sock-It-To-Me-2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXMwKJ0usY7Xv3O0wRoBkNfVEpS94A3wkbuKrPKiqYwymtQcgLrRrZTU8qDPxMcJCIV59qDFFjaDhV-S43XM-aXLlYr867ct_AizFCT2afpf05hOFUJlb4VpIxgufsytVHSKE7JUI7xUI/s400/Sock-It-To-Me-2011.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
And yes, those are bluebirds on the last pair of socks – thanks
again, Amy! I appreciate you helping me feel warm and fuzzy — not only
my toes, but being such a great bloggy friend!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXMwKJ0usY7Xv3O0wRoBkNfVEpS94A3wkbuKrPKiqYwymtQcgLrRrZTU8qDPxMcJCIV59qDFFjaDhV-S43XM-aXLlYr867ct_AizFCT2afpf05hOFUJlb4VpIxgufsytVHSKE7JUI7xUI/s1600/Sock-It-To-Me-2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>JJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18027548058304720360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1651636752231816515.post-17486857849569924342011-09-13T10:25:00.000-04:002012-06-17T10:25:58.969-04:00Idle MindMy alarm clock went off at 3:30 am this morning, although I may as well not have gone to sleep at all.<br />
<br />
The bed was quietly made, showers were taken, a look in at our sleeping O-man, and then Mook and I headed out for the hospital.<br />
<br />
We checked in at 5am for his <i><b>looooong</b></i>
awaited stomach surgery, and while I sat quietly and refrained from
talking much (how I deal when Im nervous/anxious), Mook was busy
chattering and making jokes with the nurse (how <i>he</i> deals when he’s nervous/anxious)<br />
<br />
The only possession he was allowed to take into surgery with him was a
picture he took of me and O-man last night – and the sweet kiss that we
shared before he was wheeled into the holding room, was one I’ll
remember for a long time.<br />
<br />
Just remind me of that sweet memory next week when I am complaining about my whiny/needy patient – hah!<br />
<br />
So while I wait in the crowded waiting room while Mook goes through a
5 hour surgery, I’m thankful for the distraction of WiFi and my
fabulous friends. I’ve asked my <a href="http://twitter.com/reprojeans" target="_blank">twitter peeps</a> to help keep me distracted by doing a fun Q&A with me today.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>——> Q&A Session <—–</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here we go <span id="more-655"></span></div>
<b><i>@Seussgirl asked:</i></b><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: blue;"><i>Favorite color M&M?</i> :</span> The <b>tan</b> ones that are no longer in the standard bag — they were discontinued right before the blue M&M was introduced.</li>
<li><span style="color: blue;"><i>Favorite vacation?</i></span> My honeymoon to Cabo San Lucas – 2 weeks of bliss</li>
<li><span style="color: blue;"><i>Favorite date with Mook?</i></span> To a little Mexican restaurant our last week of college – loved every moment of that evening.</li>
</ul>
<b><i>@Alison1L asked:</i></b><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: blue;"><i>How many states have you visited? </i></span>Ok,
Ms. Alison, you definitely gave me a good distraction – was that
planned?! I had to pull up a map and count. And the answer is: <b>24</b> — and I’d like to add Nebraska to that number <img alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" src="http://reproductive-jeans.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif" /> </li>
</ul>
<b><i>@NotAMyrtle asked:</i> </b><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: blue;"><i>What is your favorite coffee and what’s your favorite coffee flavoring?</i></span>
I was previously in love with Starbucks. Then a Dunkin’ Donuts opened
down the street, and I was hooked. I don’t use any flavoring: just
steamed skim milk and 2 Splendas <img alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" src="http://reproductive-jeans.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif" /> </li>
</ul>
<b><i>@jandj621 asked:</i></b><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: blue;"><i>Could you investigate great ideas for Christmas presents? For husband and sisters-in-law. </i><span style="color: black;">I’ve
leaned heavily on sites like Etsy for personal gifts that revolve
around something the person I am buying for likes OR that has a special
meaning between me and the recipient. Hope that helps?</span><i><br />
</i></span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;"><i>Do you have an iPad? How can I justify the purchase for my own Christmas present? </i><span style="color: black;">No
– but honey, you and I are on the SAME page. I need to figure out a way
to gift myself one too. Here’s an idea. You buy one for me, I buy one
for you. Solved!</span><i><br />
</i></span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;"><i> I always like seeing people’s days…your schedule on a typical day. What helps you be productive? </i><span style="color: black;">You must have read my mind – Im doing a post soon of an hour by hour day in my life! Stay tuned…</span><i><br />
</i></span></li>
</ul>
<b><i>@pregnantjust asked:</i></b><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: blue;"><i>Wheres the best place you’ve ever been on vacation and why? </i><span style="color: black;">Ill
change up my answer a bit from the one I gave @Alison1L. Other than my
honeymoon, Id have to say the Outer Banks with my family each summer – I
love the tradition of it, and its a beautiful place</span><i><br />
</i></span></li>
</ul>
<i><b>@lisasjogren asked:</b></i><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: blue;"><i>How do you reduce stress?</i><span style="color: black;"> Sing, walk with some jammin’ tunes on my iPod, clean something<br />
</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;"><i>Do you swear?</i><span style="color: black;"> Hell yes. I need to work on this…<br />
</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;"><i>If you could have any job, what would it be? </i><span style="color: black;">Feel blessed to be a mom — hardest, best job ever. </span><i><br />
</i></span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;"><i>What was your first car? </i><span style="color: black;">1988 Ford Marquis — a beast! </span><br />
</span></li>
<li><i><span style="color: blue;">Were you popular in high school? </span></i><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;">I had friends in each click. I was a floater.</span></span><i><span style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></i></li>
<li><i><span style="color: blue;">Do you like thunderstorms? </span></i><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;">Love them – except in the middle of the night </span></span><i><span style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></i></li>
<li><i><span style="color: blue;">Is the glass half empty or half full? </span></i><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;">Doesn’t matter – Im bound to spill it. </span></span><i><span style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></i></li>
<li><i><span style="color: blue;">What type of music do you dislike most? </span></i><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;">Can I just name a band? I like a little bit of everything, but I am <i>not</i> in any way shape or form a fan of Nickelback. </span></span><i><span style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></i></li>
<li><i><span style="color: blue;">Are you a risk taker? </span></i><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;">Yes</span></span><i><span style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></i></li>
<li><i><span style="color: blue;">What is your bedtime? </span></i><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;">Usually 11 or later. Another thing I need to work on…</span></span><i><span style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></i></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;"><i>Can you handle the truth? </i><span style="color: black;">Id rather have the truth, even though I may not always be able to handle it.</span><br />
</span></li>
</ul>
<i><b>@LadyforaBaby asked:</b></i><br />
<div>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: blue;"><i>How do you adjust to life after deciding you AREN’T going to try for a baby anymore after spending years obsessing over it? </i><span style="color: black;">It
took me a LONG time to come to terms with not only our infertility
journey, but what we would do if we never had kids, and now what we will
do for future children–if any. I have no doubt the adjustment period
has no set time limit: you may be fine for a year straight, and then get
blindsided by emotions. I do have blog friends who are living child
free and would be more than happy to put you in touch with them if you
are interested. ((big hugs)). None of this is easy. </span><i><br />
</i></span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<i><b>Blogger, Melis.sa asked: </b></i><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: blue;"><i>This is my go-to nonsense
question: If your hand suddenly turned into a donut what would you do?
Would you nibble on it at all? Would you wrap it in saran wrap and try
to preserve it? </i><span style="color: black;">This truly made me
LOL in the waiting room — what a fun question — and one I really had to
think about! Because, um, I LOVE donuts. Id have good intentions and
wrap it up, but there’s no doubt in my mind Id end up nibbling. </span><i><br />
</i></span></li>
</ul>
<i><b>@BumpyJourney asked:</b></i><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: blue;"><i>What weird habits do you have? </i><span style="color: black;">How much time do you have to read them is the question? <img alt=";)" class="wp-smiley" src="http://reproductive-jeans.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_wink.gif" />
I can’t have an odd number of e-mails in my inbox, I have to sleep on
the side of the bed closest to the bathroom, I think numbers have
male/female genders–i.e. #1 is male, #4 is female, etc. — I think this
is from watching Sesame Street.</span><i><br />
</i></span></li>
</ul>
<i><b>@Rottenstinker asked: </b></i><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: blue;"><i>Favorite all time date with Mook and why</i>? <span style="color: black;">I
mentioned a mexican meal dinner date in response to another similar
question — so my other favorite date was when he and I were in NYC
together last year — we had just left a show, and were walking back to
the hotel looking at all the holiday decorations and it started to snow.
Incredibly romantic and we enjoyed every second.</span><br />
</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;"><i>She asked me to share my Jersey Shore name and why:</i><span style="color: black;">
Bubbles. My Jersey Shore name was given to me during O-man’s 1st
birthday party weekend. I’m an accident waiting to happen (I sliced my
finger with a knife that weekend) so they all told me I needed to live
in a bubble. Hence, Bubbles. I can fist pump with the best of ‘em, yo!</span><i><br />
</i></span></li>
</ul>
<b><i> @KLTTX asked:</i></b><br />
<ul>
<li><i><span style="color: blue;">How about if you research all the new fall shows for us and tell us which ones look good? </span></i><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;">Oh
man, I foam at the mouth during fall TV season — all the new premier
and my favorites coming back! I have to be honest, I don’t know too much
about the new shows coming out — the one I am looking forward to is: <i>New Girl</i> on Fox. And Im looking forward to<i> NCIS:LA</i> to return.</span></span><i><span style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></i></li>
</ul>
<br />
<i>*Update*</i> Surgery went well — some small issues during the
procedure, but he had a great surgeon team. Long/painful recovery ahead,
but we’re both thankful to be on the other side of this and begin the
healing process!JJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18027548058304720360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1651636752231816515.post-44590184855267755432011-08-24T10:23:00.000-04:002012-06-17T10:23:51.946-04:00Wordless Wednesday: Spice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWyXCLxZGCJnU8WgGqavTdwb0T_V6_R1YW_Wn4humNw6ubUdy3iI2e3A5rSe4xV2xtvLNlUKdThkKOLwzCmUdFiEloN4mFCp4dXSp_rNEjJSVlyd-uaT2JhL2IpJ7WTl-APUq7MnHtEoo/s1600/spice-of-life2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWyXCLxZGCJnU8WgGqavTdwb0T_V6_R1YW_Wn4humNw6ubUdy3iI2e3A5rSe4xV2xtvLNlUKdThkKOLwzCmUdFiEloN4mFCp4dXSp_rNEjJSVlyd-uaT2JhL2IpJ7WTl-APUq7MnHtEoo/s400/spice-of-life2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>May your Wednesday be full of the spice of life.</b></i></h4>JJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18027548058304720360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1651636752231816515.post-35690942831655428612011-08-23T10:21:00.000-04:002012-06-17T10:21:56.140-04:00Thumbs Down<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh12ZqzzME1vOReFGheW5ULHqNIcPeHLrky6UBaTMDMvsPxReii0zMm9T2WNBFwqwNuDRMZGGsC5mS_F4qICdYhVA5QpQSLMdUOqPPBmKpqiOvMuTSIjdAkJjOhZjhGEqv7wmiku-x9ZKo/s1600/Thumbs-Down.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh12ZqzzME1vOReFGheW5ULHqNIcPeHLrky6UBaTMDMvsPxReii0zMm9T2WNBFwqwNuDRMZGGsC5mS_F4qICdYhVA5QpQSLMdUOqPPBmKpqiOvMuTSIjdAkJjOhZjhGEqv7wmiku-x9ZKo/s320/Thumbs-Down.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
Really, did someone forget to tell me that your body starts staging an all out revolt against you once you hit 30?<br />
<br />
On a cloudy day in May, I awoke as usual around 6:45am with the sounds of O-man singing his “<em>Good morning, world!” </em>song, and as I reached over to turn off the monitor <span id="more-622"></span> my left thumb throbbed in pain. I thought, <em>“Oh I must have been clenching my fist in my sleep.” </em>and went about my routine.<br />
<br />
Three months later, I not only wake up with the same throbbing pain,
but it lasts all day long. Sometimes preventing me from picking up
O-man.<br />
<br />
Is it the curse of the technology age? I am guilty of being on my
computer or with my iPhone in hand most of the day. So I’ve tried a slew
of different things from home remedies (ice, heat, rest, Advil, a thumb
brace from the drugstore) to all out not touching the computer and
limiting the use of my phone to using it <em>just as a phone</em> (gasp!)<br />
<br />
Last night was probably the worst its been — my thumb was shaking
involuntarily and aching non-stop. So it sounds like I’ll be making an
appointment with an orthopedic doc soon.<br />
<br />
<em>Anyone have any other home remedies for me to try as a last-ditch effort?</em>JJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18027548058304720360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1651636752231816515.post-34845684001733146362011-08-15T10:19:00.000-04:002012-06-17T10:20:23.896-04:00My Status<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5P0gRyEBmQiam2l0uGXNPsAIiEm5FKNpRxUtzErVgyljSOdaJJEU4XJuSL4wTIcksIGbgNRKHIvEAXum7yPkooe9TKjqchi0tmMLKT2J1hmqkRNmAVuzzkRK5f6u7X5IDmICQfSGp7S8/s1600/Wall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5P0gRyEBmQiam2l0uGXNPsAIiEm5FKNpRxUtzErVgyljSOdaJJEU4XJuSL4wTIcksIGbgNRKHIvEAXum7yPkooe9TKjqchi0tmMLKT2J1hmqkRNmAVuzzkRK5f6u7X5IDmICQfSGp7S8/s200/Wall.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
There are days that I feel like <i>really</i> telling Facebook what’s on my mind. Doing a full brain-dump to all my friends, family, co-workers, acquaintances…<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgubSiQMITXdr-4-CB12Xf7TIJDnhoERRM38DxOcvmugtKTgehF-Hv-maZVQqrQcLoFSpScf8b-XcO8TequDyQU2G8U3IrI2d9Lera81u6IwoTV2bOmgZiZ9DE_97rP2CtTVUbfZnmQMNs/s1600/Status.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="45" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgubSiQMITXdr-4-CB12Xf7TIJDnhoERRM38DxOcvmugtKTgehF-Hv-maZVQqrQcLoFSpScf8b-XcO8TequDyQU2G8U3IrI2d9Lera81u6IwoTV2bOmgZiZ9DE_97rP2CtTVUbfZnmQMNs/s400/Status.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
But I’m just not sure how it would sound, so would you do me a favor and proofread* my upcoming status update for me?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirVvOUJANIr2JCTOYjXU3iv245-KU1VTlM3syNeb8Kyt7nAhzyClGuqpnnMoWWNYrWhW4pe2tAH2bOjyJHoqoTLCKItuVI7Vn7o2H3Lwsc6kGJfAK4Pq5SAuPz2jrtPQ03TkBeqPQ6VXE/s1600/FB-Checkin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="50" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirVvOUJANIr2JCTOYjXU3iv245-KU1VTlM3syNeb8Kyt7nAhzyClGuqpnnMoWWNYrWhW4pe2tAH2bOjyJHoqoTLCKItuVI7Vn7o2H3Lwsc6kGJfAK4Pq5SAuPz2jrtPQ03TkBeqPQ6VXE/s200/FB-Checkin.jpg" width="50" /></a></div>
<br />
JJ is currently checked in at the <b>Loony Bin</b> with two others.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLwyo9zsrnZi2D9A5n4YlccdA3zKgzavJUhsB6Yg6OIBC-Ln9brI7TwZm67gT5tJSkVIWDAMlrUIlJdMgGICTMaxcdfryga_371FOednWprLXsU_d7_5GXRpQ6BASsmhgdshvydymzIJY/s1600/poke.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="50" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLwyo9zsrnZi2D9A5n4YlccdA3zKgzavJUhsB6Yg6OIBC-Ln9brI7TwZm67gT5tJSkVIWDAMlrUIlJdMgGICTMaxcdfryga_371FOednWprLXsU_d7_5GXRpQ6BASsmhgdshvydymzIJY/s200/poke.png" width="50" /></a>JJ has poked <b>Karma</b> in the ass.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5P0gRyEBmQiam2l0uGXNPsAIiEm5FKNpRxUtzErVgyljSOdaJJEU4XJuSL4wTIcksIGbgNRKHIvEAXum7yPkooe9TKjqchi0tmMLKT2J1hmqkRNmAVuzzkRK5f6u7X5IDmICQfSGp7S8/s1600/Wall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="75" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5P0gRyEBmQiam2l0uGXNPsAIiEm5FKNpRxUtzErVgyljSOdaJJEU4XJuSL4wTIcksIGbgNRKHIvEAXum7yPkooe9TKjqchi0tmMLKT2J1hmqkRNmAVuzzkRK5f6u7X5IDmICQfSGp7S8/s200/Wall.jpg" width="75" /></a></div>
<div style="padding-left: 120px;">
<b>JJ</b> would like to give
everyone an update on how things are going. 2011 has not been the best
year for me. It continues to throw some curve-balls and I would like to
know when I can take off the catcher’s mitt.</div>
<div style="padding-left: 120px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="padding-left: 120px;">
After receiving news earlier this year
that I have a type of skin cancer, I am currently on a break from
photo-therapy treatments for 3 months. While waiting, I get to spend
time dealing with my thyroid, which has basically gone kaput. If the
meds don’t keep my cysts and goiters from growing…out comes the thyroid.
Not to mention I recently had to have a blood vessel in my whooo-haaaa
cauterised. I don’t recommend this.</div>
<div style="padding-left: 120px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="padding-left: 120px;">
O-man is 2 1/2. He’s a pure joy! He’s
also a challenge, but I wouldn’t trade any moment. Has he pooped on the
potty yet? You won’t hear it here, as I am not interested in sharing my
son’s bowel movements, nor reading about yours.</div>
<div style="padding-left: 120px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="padding-left: 120px;">
Mook continues to travel <i>a lot</i>.
That will soon cease for a while when he has major surgery in 4 weeks.
Remember all that bad coughing earlier this year? Add that to the
never-ending heartburn he’s had since he was 16, and after <i>multiple</i>
tests over the past 3 months, he has been cleared to go through a 4
hour surgery to restructure his esophagus and remove a hernia. Trying to
control the anxiety I have about this…</div>
<div style="padding-left: 120px;">
I’d really like to have a sibling for
O-man–do you know where I can get one without multiple fertility
treatments or being told to <i>just adopt</i>?</div>
<div style="padding-left: 120px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="padding-left: 120px;">
So that’s <i>what’s on my mind,</i> Facebook. How are <i>you?</i></div>
<div style="padding-left: 120px;">
<br /></div>
<h6>
*<i>Not that I will really ever post this to FB. But it’s nice to
write it out where I know I can just get it out and not feel judged.
Things may not be sunshine and roses, but just airing out the hard stuff
makes me feel better.</i></h6>
<div style="padding-left: 120px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>JJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18027548058304720360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1651636752231816515.post-12972768610820321482011-07-31T10:11:00.000-04:002012-06-17T10:11:16.272-04:00Just Write.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGT9czvFMHpjLVuOm-x1k4Uyi9LDFrgucs29bVgIk5Melr_I6t0T1vROuLUnVstTMDtvPZhLF56UqBfkVFpyekBtcD7KK7wP9nx77NV3gUUQBKJPZ_VOo-sPUyVYoWnlTDeZwPTFDaBVA/s1600/tshirt2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGT9czvFMHpjLVuOm-x1k4Uyi9LDFrgucs29bVgIk5Melr_I6t0T1vROuLUnVstTMDtvPZhLF56UqBfkVFpyekBtcD7KK7wP9nx77NV3gUUQBKJPZ_VOo-sPUyVYoWnlTDeZwPTFDaBVA/s1600/tshirt2.png" /></a></div>
I’m that kid at camp who didn’t show up until the <em>last </em>day.<br />
Shame on me.<br />
<br />
Calliope did a great series the month of July, <a href="http://creatingmotherhood.com/2011/06/28/summer-camp/" target="_blank" title="Summer Camp in the Blogosphere">Summer Camp in the Blogosphere</a>, and the very last prompt asks:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><em>“What advice would you give someone who is just starting a blog today?</em></strong>“ </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
My simple, but powerful, advice:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4PIh47YXMpzdNanoq-z5dH0ZPdz-yieJsqiw1JrukvDtZtyPu8o312JqyNWlToNn0cifAh_G6OQoRVOPIpqac3Cd8qAz83A05YjBonfgKPojCyEjj8QgIkmyBA6nfOEqto7acZG9WgnM/s1600/Just-write.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4PIh47YXMpzdNanoq-z5dH0ZPdz-yieJsqiw1JrukvDtZtyPu8o312JqyNWlToNn0cifAh_G6OQoRVOPIpqac3Cd8qAz83A05YjBonfgKPojCyEjj8QgIkmyBA6nfOEqto7acZG9WgnM/s320/Just-write.jpg" width="259" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I have gotten <em>so </em>wrapped up into
thinking someone coming across my blog won’t like what I am writing
about; that they won’t find what I post interesting.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
But it’s worth trying to connect. Who know what statement <em>you </em>make will touch someone else. That’s what’s amazing and wonderful about being part of a world wide web community.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I also have to remember that I started blogging to get <em>my </em>thoughts
out and have a place for me to feel safe and secure; not scared or
nervous to log-in to this space that has brought me so much comfort. We
all get writers-block or a blog-haze settles over our brain…but man, I
have just been completely gun-shy about sharing <em>anything.</em></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<em><br />
</em></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So hear this new bloggers out there (<em>and old-timers…</em>) blog with sincerity of <em>self. Be you and just write. </em></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
You may never have a single reader, you may
become the next daily read. I may lose readers, I may gain readers, but
I will practice what I have just preached.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I will blog with sincerity. And just be me.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I’m curious. Do you find yourself blogging more for yourself….or others?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>JJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18027548058304720360noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1651636752231816515.post-64300196487024204962011-07-20T10:07:00.000-04:002012-06-17T10:07:42.685-04:00WTF Wednesday: Old Wound<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVVo5j2znOuQVFdoqMkZNI3dfsGepYsL1l0HRFX2bxLIrxLDZF0mxCDfsYt4OT2jVTykN9IqItN4o1vGrUGEPMgdRJwpgcyiQIktfFLFReKIYISRMmU7dHtGWx5rx7LJEx-uW9zqIw484/s1600/New-Baby-Where.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVVo5j2znOuQVFdoqMkZNI3dfsGepYsL1l0HRFX2bxLIrxLDZF0mxCDfsYt4OT2jVTykN9IqItN4o1vGrUGEPMgdRJwpgcyiQIktfFLFReKIYISRMmU7dHtGWx5rx7LJEx-uW9zqIw484/s640/New-Baby-Where.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I’d like to know where this brand new baby is that Similac thinks I
just had. They were also kind enough to send me a 2 cans of formula (<em>which I promptly donated to our pediatrician’s office</em>).<br />
<br />
Just when I thought I was in an<strong> <em>OK </em></strong>state-of-mind…<br />
<br />
I also <a href="http://twitter.com/reprojeans" target="_blank" title="JJ Tweets!">tweeted</a> this just a few days ago:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGJB82CLnR9OL2VANMHe_UE5-LlJmswrO3JnteeVam3ZxKyUGlUd_lLSQoWdaCoEalQEKkZJ0ky6JokujJ2UCTlGWVTY3BJq8fOVXTMk2Kw69MLmEC5seQ6ENh4-NwqNlDfSGYU6XAfgk/s1600/tweet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGJB82CLnR9OL2VANMHe_UE5-LlJmswrO3JnteeVam3ZxKyUGlUd_lLSQoWdaCoEalQEKkZJ0ky6JokujJ2UCTlGWVTY3BJq8fOVXTMk2Kw69MLmEC5seQ6ENh4-NwqNlDfSGYU6XAfgk/s400/tweet.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
It’s been three years since I’ve been in the thick of IVF, so I’ve
had time to let my wounds heal. But these little stabs are just like
ripping that wound right open.<br />
<br />
Hugging my sweet boy to seal that wound right back up.<br />JJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18027548058304720360noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1651636752231816515.post-65862448543363660662011-07-15T10:03:00.000-04:002012-06-17T10:04:06.986-04:00Random Fact Friday: Clouds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqPMu3d9XqYj0fcq30-iWm2gwpsyGgEAT7xcIKjaf8jalW-_qHoNqAAPLcnz_Fp7v2ifGFYgsINVUd43uEckHVY4_nXJjgmoOINaXKGRIhNyJL4JonWSvigwI4cYWabbRMtucSTdEe0sc/s1600/RFFimage_jj2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqPMu3d9XqYj0fcq30-iWm2gwpsyGgEAT7xcIKjaf8jalW-_qHoNqAAPLcnz_Fp7v2ifGFYgsINVUd43uEckHVY4_nXJjgmoOINaXKGRIhNyJL4JonWSvigwI4cYWabbRMtucSTdEe0sc/s1600/RFFimage_jj2.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I love interpreting the shapes I see in a cloud formation.
What do you see?<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeOdsu4IdedaPkAGI2ERCkbIk4tOK3WIGS45rC4o2N9X5T6u1LA-7YKcpY_MgKDXnDWHScN1fTNdtbHIzesdg0pXeqLhZsusERIoYRG9yM40rU2GoFCQexjQ-CWVF3nrHQb9-oGASZ1k4/s1600/RFF-7-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeOdsu4IdedaPkAGI2ERCkbIk4tOK3WIGS45rC4o2N9X5T6u1LA-7YKcpY_MgKDXnDWHScN1fTNdtbHIzesdg0pXeqLhZsusERIoYRG9yM40rU2GoFCQexjQ-CWVF3nrHQb9-oGASZ1k4/s320/RFF-7-15.jpg" width="252" /></a></div>
<br />JJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18027548058304720360noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1651636752231816515.post-54427026718869313052011-07-15T10:01:00.000-04:002012-06-17T10:02:02.876-04:00Guardian AngelWhen I was 10, I was riding bikes with a neighborhood friend down a
steep hill in my backyard. We’d take turns being daredevils and during
one of my turns to take off down the hill, the chain on my bike slipped
off, forcing me to take a detour over to the side.<br />
<br />
A mere 10 seconds after I had made it over to the side, my friend
flew past me on her bike without waiting for me to give her the signal
at the bottom of the hill that I was safely out of the way–come to find
out, she had lost control of her brakes.<br />
<br />
If I had <i>not</i> moved over to the side, the force of impact would have sent me over the side of the hill and in bad shape.<br />
<br />
I may have only been 10, but I remember that day like it was
yesterday–I also remember having this chill pass over me like a guardian
angel was to blame for my chain coming loose on my bike–allowing me to
avoid an otherwise dangerous situation.<br />
<br />
Cheesy, maybe–but I know that I’ve kept my guardian angel busy ever
since. There have been many instances, I’m sure, that I haven’t even
noticed that I’ve been kept out of harms way.<br />
<br />
But I do know that that angel was with me again last night because <span id="more-540"></span>
last night we got to take our nightly walk an hour earlier than usual,
due a mini cold front came through the Carolinas yesterday.<br />
<br />
When we were about half way through the walk, we decided to jog a bit
and it was right when we came to a curve in the road where we are
always careful to watch for traffic due to a blind spot. As we started
to make our way up the hill out of the curve, we heard the screeching of
breaks and turned around to see a car come barreling towards us. The
driver over-corrected twice and ended up missing us by a few
yards…ending up lodged between two trees in a ditch. Had the tree not
been there, the car would have flipped with her and her child inside.
She had been going at least 50 in a 25mph zone.<br />
<br />
That moment happened where our brains took a moment to process what
had just happened. It seemed like minutes passed before we made our legs
move to take off running towards the car to help. We scanned the car
quickly–seeing the child in the backseat and the driver frantically
waving us away mouthing that she was OK. I had the <i>“movie-moment”</i>
where I panicked that the car was going to burst into flames due to the
increasing smell of gas. She continued to wave us away–and we weren’t
quite sure what to do. Another car approached us–and it was family or
friends of the driver–they didnt want to speak to us much either just
saying that they would be fine. We are pretty sure it ended up being a
shady situation where she got the kid out of the car and away from the
accident before the cops got there.<br />
<br />
As we made our way back up the hill, our adrenaline was pumping as the reality of the <i>timing</i> of the whole situation played out in our minds. We really were <i>so close </i>to being in the direct path of her swerve.<br />
What had made me decide to tell Mook to jog those few yards when we
usually are just comfortable walking? I’m just so glad we did. I’ve made
sure to assure my guardian angel she has the rest of the weekend off.JJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18027548058304720360noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1651636752231816515.post-14551916646370436882011-07-01T09:58:00.000-04:002012-06-17T09:59:01.277-04:00Random Fact Friday: Kazoos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqPMu3d9XqYj0fcq30-iWm2gwpsyGgEAT7xcIKjaf8jalW-_qHoNqAAPLcnz_Fp7v2ifGFYgsINVUd43uEckHVY4_nXJjgmoOINaXKGRIhNyJL4JonWSvigwI4cYWabbRMtucSTdEe0sc/s1600/RFFimage_jj2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqPMu3d9XqYj0fcq30-iWm2gwpsyGgEAT7xcIKjaf8jalW-_qHoNqAAPLcnz_Fp7v2ifGFYgsINVUd43uEckHVY4_nXJjgmoOINaXKGRIhNyJL4JonWSvigwI4cYWabbRMtucSTdEe0sc/s1600/RFFimage_jj2.png" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGDGjbwHJllQNZSIDdcyTYevNDMvCwkw2q2TbVBM-6m_6GG_uqV2o32dxMgjjqpGyRwaIFrMWC14chfctWCBx46XJl_8BK6cEdJuuRLrcepQevLGI4DifJ7ZhLSo2u3pYMoaas6YOHRsk/s1600/Kazoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGDGjbwHJllQNZSIDdcyTYevNDMvCwkw2q2TbVBM-6m_6GG_uqV2o32dxMgjjqpGyRwaIFrMWC14chfctWCBx46XJl_8BK6cEdJuuRLrcepQevLGI4DifJ7ZhLSo2u3pYMoaas6YOHRsk/s320/Kazoo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>A post-Thanksgiving-meal-tradition at my in-laws: once the
plates are cleared and before dessert is served, the kazoos get passed
out. We pick a few Christmas tunes and play away on our kazoos to
officially welcome in the Christmas season.</strong></div>JJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18027548058304720360noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1651636752231816515.post-76618059472662389112011-06-30T09:54:00.000-04:002012-06-17T09:56:17.790-04:00New JeansA new space.<br />
<br />
A new journey.<br />
<br />
Same girl, same passions, same name!<br />
<br />
I just needed a new pair of jeans.<br />
<br />
<span id="more-517"></span><br />
I’m sure you can understand….as much as you <i>love</i> that worn in pair of <i>“these fit me<b> just </b>right”</i>, it also feels really, really good to find a <b><i>new </i></b>pair of jeans that gives your rear-end an extra lift and keeps that muffin-top tucked in.<br />
<br />
I’m definitely in that jean-stretching phase in this new pair; this
new space. I need to get comfortable in them. I hope you’ll stick around
to tell me my ass looks great.<br />
<br />
Thanks for coming over to this new space–take a look around! I had this image of myself standing at the <i>“doors”</i>
of my blogspot site and giving this heartfelt farewell speech. That
space will always mean so much to me. It’s where I found my blogging
voice. But I started that blog at a specific time of my life, and now….well, things have changed. And there is so much more to my life.<br />
<br />
This goes without saying I will <i>never</i> forget the <a href="http://www.stirrup-queens.com/a-whole-lot-of-blogging-brought-to-you-sorted-and-filed/" target="_blank" title="Adoption, Loss & Infertility Community">community</a>
where I found a home. Infertility/family building will always be
something I talk about, support and strive to teach others about.<br />
<br />
But since I’m not sure I will ever be in that phase of life again, I
need to open the windows and doors to the idea of being able to embrace
life in the moment I’m living; to be thankful for the little miracle we
were blessed with and cherish every moment with him. And of
course….blog!JJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18027548058304720360noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1651636752231816515.post-50123210572754207882011-06-24T08:00:00.013-04:002011-06-24T08:00:09.635-04:00Random Fact Friday: Carladderaphobia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcXtyvfgvf15aWX9RLMWXYWUWyIGGjXI4HcEz77E7Rdt7boLb4XFglvCVJDXLVv8eP8Q3r6B62LG0wMcp6JZhCh1YCtLbIFH0Pq-2po6Vw3gntgCC9vaj8nSGKsn8ugsx9CZB5DO99b_U/s1600/RFFimage_jj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcXtyvfgvf15aWX9RLMWXYWUWyIGGjXI4HcEz77E7Rdt7boLb4XFglvCVJDXLVv8eP8Q3r6B62LG0wMcp6JZhCh1YCtLbIFH0Pq-2po6Vw3gntgCC9vaj8nSGKsn8ugsx9CZB5DO99b_U/s320/RFFimage_jj.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEJgqTegpLEzZ7zmNolL-OqveOIkjQCM705DcOQZdzfaR4RmP6z6UbvvfJx589mP0aw07Jin_L7Uop37iJKeufZ_2YuvtpdZHnUX44MidhPWa-Yh9uhuAwwnmoDfx-xrKsfWf45IHAce4/s1600/IMG_0515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEJgqTegpLEzZ7zmNolL-OqveOIkjQCM705DcOQZdzfaR4RmP6z6UbvvfJx589mP0aw07Jin_L7Uop37iJKeufZ_2YuvtpdZHnUX44MidhPWa-Yh9uhuAwwnmoDfx-xrKsfWf45IHAce4/s400/IMG_0515.jpg" width="297" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Do you have Carladderaphobia like me? It's my made up word for the fear of driving behind a truck with a ladder attached to it. Gives me the heeby-jeebies!</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">*Feel free to share your own RFF on your blog; please just reference Random Fact Friday @<a href="http://reproductivejeans.blogspot.com/"> Reproductive Jeans</a>*</span></span></div>JJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18027548058304720360noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1651636752231816515.post-72302674424278889492011-06-17T08:00:00.005-04:002011-06-17T11:15:44.910-04:00Random Fact Friday: Careful Steps<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigpbzf9kPbiapUerNeb8xchSzeKB288LI2484slOYtJ0U3vd2bYc6UiqMHWq12TfIlUvtdoovJ3ClAWoS_MfvObZeeOdYSPvUefUtEQLfrWaZx-hkYwh1JrwxSkVtFUTIfvnYkSF74gtY/s1600/RFFimage_jj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigpbzf9kPbiapUerNeb8xchSzeKB288LI2484slOYtJ0U3vd2bYc6UiqMHWq12TfIlUvtdoovJ3ClAWoS_MfvObZeeOdYSPvUefUtEQLfrWaZx-hkYwh1JrwxSkVtFUTIfvnYkSF74gtY/s320/RFFimage_jj.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I <i>will not</i> walk on any street grate or air vents in the sidewalk. *creeps me out*</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">*Feel free to share your own RFF on your blog; please just reference Random Fact Friday @<a href="http://reproductivejeans.blogspot.com/"> Reproductive Jeans</a>*</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>JJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18027548058304720360noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1651636752231816515.post-14393510019263082922011-06-10T08:01:00.001-04:002011-06-10T08:01:01.464-04:00Random Fact Friday: Sleep Timer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfElohU2A7nTBdpH-CYYegTa08CWpKMD-iBcG_tJK4LKlEEYLnuiNkRiWnjn1q1gM1nYGAu0I5lVYuXM5IGBob_h_mLs_XVoL1fqGJ9Wun5KuJ_APic7OImZFJk6TycVimNbb9EhOmlaY/s1600/RFFimage_jj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfElohU2A7nTBdpH-CYYegTa08CWpKMD-iBcG_tJK4LKlEEYLnuiNkRiWnjn1q1gM1nYGAu0I5lVYuXM5IGBob_h_mLs_XVoL1fqGJ9Wun5KuJ_APic7OImZFJk6TycVimNbb9EhOmlaY/s320/RFFimage_jj.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiioGKxwDurqN7FAU5uLnQAu9xpHyv9UexCLyrPIuIGQ1XQ0IdJPnEAqmJ5fzobvVM118pc3lWE07EkjC7cadd8AYN21_9cVFobf5K5kbB8cg95XJex6KFbOrGGXNGhIA-oVG7evQCHEhQ/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiioGKxwDurqN7FAU5uLnQAu9xpHyv9UexCLyrPIuIGQ1XQ0IdJPnEAqmJ5fzobvVM118pc3lWE07EkjC7cadd8AYN21_9cVFobf5K5kbB8cg95XJex6KFbOrGGXNGhIA-oVG7evQCHEhQ/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I like to fall asleep with the TV on--bless the invention of sleep timer! But the funny thing is: even though I'm not necessarily watching, the channel<i> must </i>be set to something I <i>would</i> enjoy watching while awake. </span>JJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18027548058304720360noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1651636752231816515.post-58988578320014044182011-06-03T08:00:00.000-04:002011-06-03T08:00:01.821-04:00Random Fact Friday: Pluck It<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfo8xAKoSfBJvZFtq99YyMya6EjEwvIJM-mQsSqmWdfK1IzskK1PU1uVeZy6P-gCyNqSRa1iPQvfn55OQDaMJCx8NcvqELN1MeXestqZRFUBzrbzFkak90eziDy8JeM4tjHkc3WFAZmKA/s1600/RFFimage_jj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfo8xAKoSfBJvZFtq99YyMya6EjEwvIJM-mQsSqmWdfK1IzskK1PU1uVeZy6P-gCyNqSRa1iPQvfn55OQDaMJCx8NcvqELN1MeXestqZRFUBzrbzFkak90eziDy8JeM4tjHkc3WFAZmKA/s320/RFFimage_jj.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The only place I shape up my eyebrows is in my car using my visor mirror. Natural light works wonders. </span>JJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18027548058304720360noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1651636752231816515.post-77412493328629853162011-06-01T10:51:00.000-04:002011-06-01T10:51:51.666-04:00Wordless Wednesday: In Need<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_q_PvdF4iRdu436TiMOw0j6Wpik3Hd-i9VUZmzX_-dPbo1qudh4_Odx70hgxB055w5GqACsDQriBhkakU1hN_N79MM-Su2f7GCGTZCz2CEaX9bklmawZV7fO4QCy0dJd45U6agoSp9k/s1600/Praying+Man.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_q_PvdF4iRdu436TiMOw0j6Wpik3Hd-i9VUZmzX_-dPbo1qudh4_Odx70hgxB055w5GqACsDQriBhkakU1hN_N79MM-Su2f7GCGTZCz2CEaX9bklmawZV7fO4QCy0dJd45U6agoSp9k/s400/Praying+Man.jpg" width="470" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(originally taken the night I started bleeding from my hematoma)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">In need of holding onto <i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: center;">"<i>Praying Man</i>"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i></i>today.</div>JJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18027548058304720360noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1651636752231816515.post-51670898192921697392011-05-30T08:00:00.001-04:002011-05-30T08:00:02.340-04:00Recipe Box: Peach or Cherry Pie<div style="text-align: center;"><i>*you can see the original post here and the 2nd recipe here*</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><i> I love the project that Calliope has been working on to share some recipes from the <a href="http://creatingmotherhood.com/2011/03/31/recipes-from-millies-rolodex/" target="_blank">rolodex</a> of her lovely grandmother, Millie. With her permission to share something similar, I'm going to open a treasured wooden box and pull out a few family recipes from our household. </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">The last family recipe that I will share is in honor of some recent reasons to celebrate: a college graduation, blowing out 31 candles on my cake, my sister's birthday, a few wedding anniversaries, <a href="http://starsandbabies.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">new</a> <a href="http://losonoincinta.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">babies</a> --and goodness knows its nice to celebrate after the dramaz this year!<br />
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<i><u><b>Peach or Cherry Pie</b></u><b>:</b></i><br />
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<b>Directions:</b><br />
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Melt 1 stick of butter in casserole dish. Then mix to a batter the following:<i><b> </b></i><br />
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1 cup sugar<br />
3/4<b> </b><i><b></b></i>cup flour<br />
2 teaspoons baking powder<br />
3/4 cup mil<br />
Pinch of salt<br />
Pour this batter over butter, do not stir<br />
Add can of peaches or cherries or fresh peaches<br />
Bake 30 minutes at 350<i><br />
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<i> </i></div>JJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18027548058304720360noreply@blogger.com6