Monday. Funday.

Okay, maybe Monday isn't really fun day.  It was back to work after vacation day.  The hubby and I usually check in during work, but we were both crazy busy today.  Here are the hi-lights and the low...lights...and in between lights.

- My first thought of the day was of something that happened yesterday.  My paternal grandmother is mad at me because we went on vacation.  She thinks we took a lavish trip and should have used the money to go see my dad for a knee surgery.  I only found out the day of my dad's surgery on Sunday.  Yep folks, that's AFTER I returned from vacation.  I would also like to tell you all about an amazing website called Travelocity that has Bahamas cruises from $125 per person.  In case you have not visited this area or traveled anywhere, it's rare to spend that little to have a nice hotel and all three meals for a few days.  What I am saying is this is an excellent deal.  She has decided that since we are "well enough off" that she is no longer sending any gifts to any of her four grandchildren.  I'm serious.  Oh and did I mention it's really not anyone's business how much a trip cost?  I don't understand why my grandmother can't just be happy for us.  I do understand why my dad went 14 years sheltering his family from contact with her.  I was divided on whether to call her, e-mail her, or ignore her.  I wish she would have been mature enough to call and talk to me about it rather than be upset with me after talking to my mom (that's how she found out I was on vacation), call my dad, then call my aunt about it.  My parents did defend me, but obviously she didn't listen.  It just hurts. My maternal grandma has such unconditional love for me.  It's difficult to experience such amazing love from one grandmother and feel like the other will only share love under certain conditions.  I also feel bad that because of my decision to take a vacation, my sisters and one other cousin are supposedly no longer getting gifts.  It is ridiculous. Okay, on to a different subject...

-Think of the most honest, rule abiding person you know.  I have a co-worker who is the epitome of honesty.  She follows the rules and is not a person to make stories up.  She is also a skeptic of all things too good to be true.  Well, a few months ago we had a long conversation on a particular topic and found out we had a similar view point.  When I was settled in to work, she walked in to my office and handed me a picture.  She has a baby boy who is 16 weeks old. In the picture is an image of a woman's face.  She took a series of pictures in a row as you often do with babies and only one picture has this image in it.  It's not transparent, it's not a reflection, it's not the TV, it's not a double exposure (she used a digital camera), it's a woman's face.  The face is very defined and looks like a painting from like Raphael or someone.  I immediately pointed at the face and was going to ask why there was a strange painting in the background.  I quickly realized that isn't something you say and just looked up at her.  She lives in a house they are renting.  The landlord is the man who built the house.  It's not old.  No one has passed away there.  One person in the office thought it might be his guardian angel.  The face is not scary.  She didn't even know it was in the image until she plugged her camera in and downloaded pictures to the computer.  She was clicking through them when she noticed this one had an extra face in it.  She was home alone with the kids.  The twin girls were asleep in their cribs.  The picture is totally mysterious.  We came up with every possible explanation we could think of and none of them make sense.  I asked if she had felt creepy at all when taking the pictures and said she hadn't.  Anyway, I suggested she show the picture to the landlord and ask if he knows the woman.  I will keep you posted if I hear more about this story.  Right now it is just a crazy mystery.

-I had my annual review.  I realized when it was over that they actually didn't give me any real concrete things to work on, other than to raise more money.  It was a fine review.  Not bad at all.  I am curious to see what kind of raises we get. Even with the best score possible a person is only eligible for a 3% raise.  The best score possible doesn't happen, because no one is perfect.  My supervisor did say I got one of the highest scores in the division, so that was kind of cool.  It felt like I aced a test.

-I had a dream last night that we had moved into a new to us home.  My mom was there visiting as were a large number of other people.  I was giving a sort of tour of the house and said I was thinking we should change which bedroom the master bedroom was with the nursery.  I opened the door to the master bedroom to show how small it was.  Then I opened the door to the nursery.  It was a large room with a smaller room off to the side.  The smaller room was a nursery, completely decked out in pink.  It didn't seem like I had kids yet, but I knew I would.  I was just totally plain as day pointing out the nursery.  My mom agreed I should switch the rooms up.  It was just an interesting dream.  I know what my dad would say about it, but haven't looked it up for myself yet.

-The hubby went to work today to find they moved him out of his office.  The is his 6th move in 4 years!  It's the second move that has happened while he has been on vacation! He was frustrated.  I don't blame him. I would be too.

-I am not sure if I actually ever posted this, but the end of September I was told I needed to have a few more tests done in preparation for IVF.  Basically, tests to make sure I was a good candidate for the procedure.  One such test is the AMH.  This was a blood test that essentially is thought to reflect how many eggs I might have in supply and got sent to Mayo Clinic.  They are the only facility in the nation that is able to conduct the testing.  I was informed the test results would take two weeks to come back.  I had calculated this out to be the Friday before we left and figured my luck would mean the results came while we were on vacation.  When I came back, I didn't have a message, so I called my doctor's office today.  I talked to my friendly PA Bonnie.  She said she had been waiting for my results to come back and had kept my chart on her desk.  She asked where I had the test done and was concerned she hadn't seen the paperwork come through.  She was going to do some research and call me back. Sure enough within half an hour she called.  She said that usually they want a 0.5 or higher.  At this moment, I am nearly positive I was holding my breath.  She continued, "your levels were a 2.0!" Right away, I said, "Awesome!" She agreed that was awesome.  We reviewed the next step in the process which involves ultrasounds and estrogen.  I also verified I need to have my annual done.  I feel like because I have been talking to so many doctors and had so many tests done that a pap smear should somehow be waved from the needed pre-IVF workup.  Snapping myself back to reality, I decided to call my Ob-Gyn next.

-The Ob-Gyn is booked through January 12, 2011. Seriously.  I know she is good, but who can wait THAT long to get in for an annual, not to mention I need to get a prescription refilled.  I have been seriously considering moving to an Ob-Gyn who had an office out of the town we live in.  The one I have gone to for the past few years started in town and moved to a neighboring town.  I liked her so much, I followed her.  My eye opening experience was actually having my gall bladder attack.  We didn't want to go to the local hospital, so we hopped in the car to drive to the neighboring town.  Literally, a block from my Ob-Gyn's office.  Well, there was no way I could make it that far.  We ended up going to the local hospital who took great care of me.  I realized that in an urgent or emergent situation, it might not be realistic to think I could make it a neighboring town and should consider a local Ob-Gyn.  I sort of feel like mine being so booked up might indicate a good time to find someone here in town.  If/when we are expecting a baby, it would be a lot easier for the dear hubby to make it to appointments if they were local. I guess I will spend a couple days asking around and reading a few reviews to try to find the right doctor.  Wish me luck!

-Finally, the most exciting part of my day...my sister called to tell me she bought her plane tickets to come visit me! I am so ecstatic to spend Thanksgiving together.  Yay!

What a wonderful, wonderful world

Okay, I am going to go through my weekend thus far in reverse.



First and for most- He is risen!!! He has risen indeed, hallelujah! Happy Easter!! What a glorious day to celebrate! We are going out to the in-laws for sandwiches and deviled eggs. Now before you shake your head, we had a full meal planned, but...at 9:55 last night I became a very proud aunt!!! My sweet niece weighed just 5 lbs. 10 oz and was 19 1/2 inches long. After 12 hours of labor she came into this world via c-section. She is amazing! I got to hold her a little after 10 last night. Mom and baby are healthy and happy.



Now that you know how I spent all day Saturday...I will move to Friday. The job I interviewed for called me. They said I was there second choice and a very strong candidate, but the other person did accept the job. I think was the best case scenario! After I learned more about the job and knew it only had a year and a half left, I was really torn as to what I would do. There was this sort of competitive side of me though, that wanted to know how well I did in the interview. I am very happy with how this turned out! I applied for another job that would be ideal and is not grant funded. I would have to commute, but we will see if they call me for an interview. I am guessing I am one of several hundred applicants again. In the mean time, I will just gear up for an event that in one week from this moment will be over.



Okay, back to the baby...here is the quilt my dear husband is making. I got to pick fabrics, but he is the master quilter. He has done an amazing job! He has learned a lot about what batting and such to put in baby quilts. The parents were actually with us when we purchased the white fabric with animals. They wanted fairly gender neutral outfits, blankets, etc. I think this will be wonderful when it's done!

Day of Discovery

I have recently discovered a number of random things...here is a list...
1.) Today I realized I have a wrinkle!! I think this is my first wrinkle...groan...if only it were as cute as like a first tooth or my first word. All day I made an attempt not to make the face that causes a wrinkle. I first spotted the wrinkle while pulling in to my driveway today. I pulled down the mirror in the car and made various faces. At first I hoped maybe it was a small cut that would heal and go away. Nope, definitely a wrinkle. Dang it.

2.) I recently realized I only care for like one type of slippers. Yep, who doesn't like slippers? Apparently I don't. I have thought for several years that I loved slippers, after all I love shoes. Why wouldn't I love slippers? Well your feet get sweaty and hot. You can't just pop most pairs in the dryer. Ick. Plus, what's the lifetime of a slipper? How often do you get new ones? How many pairs does a person need? Oh and what is the deal with high heel slippers, does anyone ACTUALLY wear those?

3.) I went to my neighbor's house for a visit this evening. It's the neighbor who's spouse recently passed away. I noticed no one was there, so I decided to go visit. We talked for three hours. She showed me all the flowers they got, told me about the people at the funeral, and talked about her family. She even showed me the Valentine her husband mailed her before passing away. She opened it three hours before he died. She was so sad she didn't get to give him his Valentine, so she put it in the coffin. I felt tears creeping into my eyes when she told me this story. There is something about romance and being with the love of your life, that just chokes me up. Perhaps it's because I know I have the love of my life. Anyway, this was not the realization. The realization was that we might be related! The funeral I went to might be a shirt tail relative on my dad's side?!

4.) Related to number three, the neighbor of the neighbor I might be related to, her son lives less than a block up the street from my mom! It's such a small world.

5.) My great, great maternal grandfather is buried in the same cemetery as my next door neighbors grandfather. Crazy.

6.) Another one about my neighbor...her family homesteaded VERY near where my husband's family has land. Crazy.

7.) I have a sleep study tonight. I was not nervous, until I realized people are watching me sleep. Yikes. That's creepy. I have to be there in about 45 minutes.

8.) Random people tell me bizarre things. Today a man, make that a stranger, told me I had a bright soul and was the candle in this world that provided light to everyone else. Hmm...it was a compliment, but slightly odd.

9.) People notice when you don't wear your wedding ring. My sweet student volunteers pulled me aside to ask in confidence if my marriage was okay. I just have lost enough weight that my wedding ring is too big. I need to go to Claires I guess and buy a new one in a smaller size. Once I stabilize out with weight I'll have mine re-sized. Not to mention I don't like attracting attention from strange older men. Wedding rings are important.

10.) It's nearly impossible for me to write and not make the wrinkle face. Ack. I am far too young for wrinkles, far too young. Not to mention I get a headache trying to relax my face while I write to avoid wrinkles.

So...have you had any realizations today?

Really, all over my Christmas letter?

Today I received a Valentine in the mail. I was excited, I love Valentines! This was a sweet card from the outside, pink with hearts and the word, "granddaughter" written on it. I opened the card and found out it was from my grandfather. I was surprised to see a decent amount of writing in the card. Right away the note said that my Valentine was in response to my Christmas letter. I thought, "oh, I bet my grandfather is worried about the surgery I had." Hmm, I wish. Instead he was upset that we made a road trip with several stops that did not include stopping to see him. To be honest, I didn't even think about it. I know, I know, shame on me, right? We just packed so many stops in to our road trip as it was and tried to see as many friends and family members as possible. In that respect, I thought I made good use of our time. Apparently I should either slim down my holiday letter or make a special trip to North Dakota. I also left out a family member we stopped to see in my letter. Oops. I even sent the letter to the family member I forgot about! Okay, in my defense I just looked up where my grandfather lived. I would have driven three hours out of my way each direction, to add 6 hours on to our trip. Sigh, not sure why I am fretting, it's in the past. I guess I just feel bad. Now what? Do I write back with an apology and explanation (rather lame excuse)? Do I ignore the letter and just pretend it was a nice Valentine card from a family member I hear from, but once a year? I don't call my grandfather because he is deaf. There is also this strange tension as he has said some hurtful things in the past to almost everyone in my family. I suppose I should just saddle up and write him a letter.

Here is the other option, I am making a trip in May that could potentially go through his neck of the woods. If I add just four hours on to the trip, I could stop and see him. He has never met my husband and we have been married for two and a half years. Hmm, perhaps I could write a letter and make note of a pending trip. Thoughts? Suggestions? I value time with my family, but I also feel like when I take road trips I shouldn't feel guilted in to stopping somewhere. For example, I drove near other family members and didn't stop. I drove right past my Aunt & Uncle's place, and my cousin's home. They didn't write me rather rude notes, although I did see them just a few days later. I guess I feel like I should get some kudos for trying to see as many people as possible.

So, should I suck it up and admit I'm in the wrong? Do that and stop in May? Be confident that I'm a big girl and just move on? What do you think? I am open to suggestions.

Okay, let's move on to a happier topic. Before opening my mail I had an orthodontist appointment. I was SO excited when the doctor told me I had 1-2 appointments left!! My braces could be off in 10-12 weeks! YAY! The time has flown by, really it has. I will have my braces on for just under 2 years. Additionally, I could have my braces off in time for my sister's graduation from college. I currently have a type of braces called the Damon System, they have been fairly comfortable. They require fewer appointments and are less painful than traditional braces. Treatment time is usually shorter as well. I feel very fortunate that this technology was available by the time I got braces. I have had a really good experience. I took before pictures of my teeth and can't wait to see the after pictures! Not to mention I have dropped a significant amount of weight since my original pictures. Should be a fabulous transformation!

Today is my dear husband's birthday!!! I am so blessed and so thankful he is in my life. We are having the haole version of Kahlua Pork for dinner (I think this is one of the hubby's favorite meals), made even healthier by switching the cut of meat. Rather than a traditional pork butt or shoulder, we are using a tenderloin. It's been slow cooking all day. I expected the meat would remain in a log like shape, but am pleasantly surprised that it is actually tender enough to shred! I sampled a bite and it was pretty tasty. Two thumbs up for our lightened version of Kahlua Pork!

Okay, I am off for the evening to work on homework and celebrate a birthday! Happy Tuesday.

P.S. I just looked back at the card and my name is spelled wrong. Really? I am one of 4 grandchildren and I'm the oldest. Oh well.