Just For Fun

Where I Have Lived

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Places I have visited in the U.S.

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Dinner with the 3 of my Favorite Men

I was lucky enough to sit down to a 3 hour dinner tonight with 3 of my favorite people...seriously, they are 3 of my all time favorite people! My Uncle Ross (Joe's side), my father-in-law and my daddy! Uncle Ross is in town from New York (I wish he would just move here!!) so he and my father-in-law invited me out for dinner and we asked my dad to join us as well...how nice of all of them.

We had good food, good conversation and I had a glass of wine that I actually enjoyed! Everytime I am around the Italians I feel like I should be drinking wine! And, in true Italian style, we ate alot of food and sat at the table for hours talking! I truly am lucky to have married in to this family. Since the day I met Uncle Ross and the rest of the Italian brood, I have felt welcomed and part of the family! These are such neat people, full of warmth, humor, honesty and character!

Dad-in-Law, Dad, Uncle Ross and me

Me and my 2 Dads

Me and Uncle Rossario

The Italian Brothers

Girl's Night

After a very long day yesterday, I needed some relaxing time. So, I went and got a mani and a pedi with my friend Jill. It was nice...listening to the Vietnamese banter, followed by giggles, wondering what these little tiny women find so funny.

Then, we went to The Galleria and shopped. We went into a really cool candy store called Dylans...it had everything!! I bought Joe some candy cigarettes, the kind you got from the ice cream man, they also had the candy lipstick and cinnamon toothpicks...what a blast from the past!

After a few clothing and shoe purchases we went and ate at The Cheesecake Factory....yes, my diet was off today. We had a good meal, laughed and teased the 20 year old waiter....it was fun.

Not a Fun Day

Today I went to the Dr. for my Trial of Transfer appointment. Basically, it's a trial run on inserting embryo's into my cervix. Well, a procedure that should have taken 10 minutes took almost 40! In addition to having a required full bladder for over an hour, I was in an extremely uncomfortable situation because the Dr. could not penetrate my cervix! She was very frustrated, I was sweating and dying from a full bladder and other pain associated with the procedure when she (the Dr.) says "I'm sorry but I have to do something very painful to you". What???? She clamped my cervix with some sort of tool and pulled it!!!! Oh my God!!! Finally, they give up and let me go to the bathroom. It was the best bathroom break I have ever had. I go back to the room and everyone is gone. The nurse comes back in and says that I may have to have surgery, something is blocking my cervix. I start to say something and then the tears started. I was shaken by the fact that the Dr. was so frustrated, I was in pain and everyone was so serious. We all sat back, talked about our animals, the nurse hugged me (bless her heart she is so sweet...it was the warmest hug), handed me wads of tissues and we all prepared to try again.I stared at the ceiling, not talking, trying to zone myself out. FINALLY! I heard the Dr. say "Got it!!!" But she had to do it one more time to make sure...second time worked! The problem is that the path to my cervix is like a winding road instead of a straight road. The tool used to deliver the embryo's is a straight tube...so, she had to maneuver it around each bend. I asked if this had anything to do with problems conceiving and she said it did not.

Now, I see the reason behind the Trial of Transfer. The Dr. knows what she is dealing with and how to work around the problem for the big day! I asked the Dr. afterwards if I was being wussy or if my upset was warranted. She said it was "Very rough what you went through" and that on the actual transfer day I will be given Valium to help with the pain and to help me relax. Gee, sure could have used that today!!!!

So, after working for 4 more hours afterwards, I was thrilled to get home so I could relax. Well, my sensitive hubby had flowers sitting in the kitchen for me when I got home. I was/am very touched....and impressed :-) That made me smile!

Toy Party

Okay, so this was not your average toy party. For those EASILY offended, do not read on. I have omitted MANY pictures that may be considered lewd, inappropriate or offensive, which is so not my nature!

Last weekend I hosted a 'Pure Romance' party at my house. My sis-in-law was having the party but we did it at my house. It's a party...kinda like Tupperware or Pampered Chef...except it's SEX TOYS!!!! Some of it is silly, some useful and some just out there! It was definitely entertaining...my mother-in-law was present, there were games and demonstrations...it was fun. When you consider all of the sexually based entertainment that is out there for men, it was nice to have something for women. It would have been better if a bunch of hot naked guys were standing around but I'll take what I can get!

Alot of women are too shy or embarrassed to go into any type of adult store and buy things to make their sex life more enjoyable (myself not included) so this is a more private way for someone to check out what's out there and make a private purchase. All ordering was done in another room with the door closed for privacy...too bad we all came out and dumped our bags to show what we bought :-)


Nikki, me and Patricia


Amazing that this sign has to be displayed for legal reasons!!!


Just some light reading


Christine being spanked with a whip

My first tag - Getting to know you survey

1. What time did you get up this morning? 8ish

2. Diamonds or Pearls? Diamonds

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Sex and the City for our girls night. I loved it!!! There was a small bit of frontal male nudity...it's about time!!!!

4. What is your favorite TV show? Project Runway, So You Think You Can Dance, Rules of Engagement, The Riches, Men in Trees, Pushing Daisies....the list goes on

5. What did you eat for breakfast? 2 pieces of sourdough bread with peanut butter...sourdough bread is okay in the SBD because it is acidic

6. What foods do you dislike? anything out of the water and most vegetables

7. Your favorite potato chip? wavy lays or Schlotsky's sour cream and onion chips

8. What is your favorite CD at the moment? My IPOD

9. What kind of car do you drive? My brand new, clean, new car smelling Dodge Avenger.....my company car

10. Favorite sandwich? A turkey sub from a place called Subs-N-U in Tuscaloosa, Al.

11. What characteristics do you despise? mean for no reason, mean to animals and old people

12. What are your favorite clothes? black shirts

13. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? Rome or a road trip across the country

14. What color is your bathroom? beige, cream and brown

15. Favorite brand of clothing? whatever fits

16. Favorite time of day? late night

17. Where would you want to retire to? Tenn, Alabama or Carolina's if our family didn't all live in Tx.

18. Favorite sports to watch? Hello???? ALABAMA FOOTBALL!!! Roll Tide!!! Just 2.5 more months till football season starts!!!!

19. Coke or Pepsi? Coke

20. Are you a morning person or night owl? Night Owl.....notice the time of my posts

21. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share? nothing that I have not already posted

22. What did you want to be when you were little? Very first thing was an archeologist. Then a vet.

23. What is your best childhood memory? I have so many. My parents gave us a wonderful childhood...everything that reminds me of those times makes me feel warm. Some of the best memories are our trips to Destin in the summer, holidays, family gatherings.

24. Nicknames? My dad called me Amycakes and Freckleface. When I moved from Texas to Mass. I was called Tex for awhile

25. Piercings? Ears.

26. Eye Color? Green

27. Favorite day of the week? Saturday

28. Favorite restaurant? Hido, Cheesecake Factory, lots!!!

29. Favorite ice cream? Baskin and Robbins Mint Choc. Chip and Choc. Chip together

30. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? Lowe's or Ross

31. Bedtime? 1-2 am

32. What are you listening to right now? silence

33. How many tattoos do you have? none. when I asked my dad if I could get one when I was in college he said if I wanted to pay for college...so, none!

34. Next film you'll see? I don't know

35. Tag anyone? Jamie

Ahhhh!

I feel somewhat normal again! I had some carbs today but kept it low...within my allotted 100. It made for a much easier day and a much happier Amy.

Okay, so the next step before the IVF will be several appts and meds/shots. I will start taking a drug called Lupron in July...I posted some of the possible side effects below, take special note of side effect #5!!

1.hot flashes or sweating;
2.decreased libido or impotence;
3.lack of energy;
4.depression;
5.breast enlargement
6.nausea or vomiting;
7.constipation;
8.weakness;
9.dizziness;
10.headache; or
11.redness, burning, itching, or swelling at the injection site.

JUST WHAT I NEED!!!! Bigger boobs! Oh Lordy! And to top all of that off, we are possibly going to take a little trip to Beau Rivage while I am doing the shots (that is if I don't have an appt. every other day),so I am hoping none of those side effects occur! Unfortunately, I couldn't get any days off from work earlier than that!

This trip is much needed. We have been trying to get pregnant for 5.5 years!!! Unless you have gone through it you have no idea what an emotional toll that will take on a woman and a couple. I so love all of my friends and family who have been empathetic and sympathetic throughout the years! This step that we are taking is HUGE for us! It is exciting, terrifying, nerve racking, confusing, and the list goes on. I want to share all of it.....even if things don't work out because I know I will want and need my friends and family regardless of the outcome.

I have been reading a bunch of blogs about infertility and it's like taking a trip into my head. All of the post's about the things that make me squirm the most, that irritate me the most.....that confuse me the most....it's almost a relief to see these feelings from other people. Perfect example: About a year ago, I was at a party and I actually stood in the kitchen while some girl cried to me about not being able to get pregnant for the THIRD TIME!!! Are you serious??? She had 2 kids, no problem, and lost it cause she had tried for 6 months for a third. I consoled her, told her it could be worse, etc....then got home and screamed. You would be surprised how many similar stories I have read! Now, I understand that some one's pain is all relative to what they are going through..that is why I will always be kind, if not sarcastically funny, while I am in these situations...I would never be mean. But COME ON!!!!! Another memorable moment: I was the designated driver 2 New Year's Eve's ago and one of my friends in the car was playing with my hair from the backseat. A friend of ours girlfriend proceeded to yell at her to "stop messing with Amy while she is driving...I have a 2 year old"! I guess it doesn't matter if the rest of us get in a car wreck since we don't have any children. Oh, people make me laugh.

After 5 years you get used to the fact that everyone you know will get pregnant at the same time (currently 3 neighbors and 3 friends wives), that you will run into young girls at Walmart CONSTANTLY who are the worst example of a parent, that even though you have a good job, are married and can support a child financially and emotionally you can't get pregnant. You get used to hearing people say God has a plan (What is it, exactly?), if it's meant to be..., you're trying too hard, stop trying, the list goes on. I appreciate everyone's advice and theories...I truly do. It means they care enough to try and make you feel better (as long as it's a positive thought or theory..haha). I just wish it were all that simple.

Okay, enough of that for now. I must get in bed, read one of the 47 magazines stacked up on the floor and drift off into a sleep filled with wild dreams. Oh wait, I just had a good chuckle. I just heard Joe shout "Sexual Chocolate"...he's watching Coming to America. Now I will go to bed....and dream of McDowell's cheeseburgers.

The Doobie Brothers and Chicago

After a day of feeling like crap.....things turned brighter at the concert! I have decided to quit the no carbs thing and do what the Dr. originally told me to do, which was a version of the SBD eating no more than 100 carbs a day. I wanted to stick it out with the first 2 weeks to follow it step by step but it was really affecting me physically and mentally. I was feeling sick and had horrible headaches. SO! I had a cheeseburger and some popcorn at the concert. Note, the happy look on my face in all of the pictures. I was MISERABLE all day. The food gave me some pep and the concert had me on my feet dancing, singing and running around high fiving people! I was like a whole new person! More on the next phase of this diet later...I am sick of talking about it!

The concert was great. We went with my best friend Nikki and her husband Drew, who has very similar taste in music as me....he actually went to The University of Alabama the same time I did.....what are the chances of that??? The Doobie Brothers opened with a few too many new songs but finished out their set with some classics: China Grove, Jesus is just Alright and Long Train Runnin. Then Chicago came on, played some long songs filled with horns, then threw in the classics: You're the Inspiration, If You Leave Me Now and Hard For Me To Say I'm Sorry. But the BEST part of the whole night was when BOTH bands came out together and jammed about 4 Doobie Brothers songs including Black Water, Takin It To The Streets and Listen to the Music (this is the point I ran around and high fived people.....that is one of my favorite songs of all time). Then they jammed together on some Chicago hits including 25 or 6 to 4 and Saturday in the Park. The energy was amazing, all of the instruments were awesome and the volume was kicked up about 10 notches. IT WAS AWESOME!


Joe and I right after some carbs...don't we look happy!

Nikki, me and Joe

Drew, me and Nikki...my fav people to go to a concert with

The Pavillion

Nikki and Drew

Joe and I dancing our asses off!

We sat behind this couple last year when we went to see Chicago. They were dancing the whole time...we were in awe. Then, they were sitting behind us this year!! What are the chances!

Oh Yea

I've lost 6 pounds in 5 days!! But, I really don't think I can handle it much longer. I might just move to phase 2 a week early.

An Update

Well, it happened.....I cried! Today was a tough day. I am so over eating the same thing, eating on the road is very difficult. It's amazing how many things I can't eat. A husband and wife eating eggs non-stop does not make for a romantic night....haha! We are both having a hard time with the lack of choices and the lack of energy from no carbs. I had a particularly hard time today. I was at a meeting for work, had only eaten a spoonful of peanut butter and a glass of no sugar added chocolate milk, and in comes a Pizza Hut delivery man with 10 pizzas!!! I FREAKED! I grabbed my cell phone and texted 3 people for support, my mind was swirling, it smelled so good, it was pepperoni thick crust, OH MY GOD!!!!!! Did I falter? NO I DIDN'T! I can't believe it myself. I got 2 slices and scraped the cheese and pepperoni off and ate that...it was not filling AT ALL. Seriously, I think it was the only pizza I have ever had with so little cheese on it...figures! I stared at the naked pizza dough for about 5 minutes...can't I just have a few bites? I went out to my car and got a can of peanuts. While everyone else wiped grease from their chins and sat back with dazed, happy looks on their faces, I ate 1 peanut at a time....so sad.

The crying came later that night. I was standing in the kitchen (remember, I predicted this in a previous post), staring at the fridge, then the pantry, then the fridge. AAAHHHHHHH!!!!!! I don't want eggs, I don't want nuts, I don't want a salad. I cried. Joe was not home but he talked me through it on the phone while I made an omelet....I think he secretly wants to cry, too. Later that night I read excerpts from the SBD book out loud, we watched 'So You Think You Can Dance' and found renewed happiness...for now.

Now, an update on fertility. I got the results back from a series of blood tests that the Dr. ordered. I do not have the gene for cystic fibrosis. I am not sure why they check for this disease in particular, but both mother and father have to have the gene to pass it on. My thyroid is normal, glucose is normal, I am immune to Rubella, all of my hormone levels are normal, and my cholesterol is okay...a little high but okay. So, all of that is good news. I have 2 appts. next week, one of which is a trial run on retrieving my eggs. I start Lupron shots on July 11th....oh, and Joe, he has to have a good time with himself, collect a sample and get it analyzed....so sad for him! I joke, I joke! Kinda.

Well, I hope the weekend lifts our spirits. We are going to see The Doobie Brothers (one of my all time favorite bands) and Chicago!!!! I am helping host a "Romance" party at my house which should be interesting and entertaining. And, we will be taking my dad out for dinner for fathers day and visiting Joe's dad during the day. Lot's of stuff to keep us busy!

Detox

Holy crap!!! I have been on the SBD for 2 days and it SUCKS!!! I have the WORST headache, no energy and a very short fuse! Yesterday I had string cheese and nuts for breakfast, a chicken salad for lunch and eggs and bacon for dinner (I thoroughly enjoyed the bacon). 2 jello's and a fudgesicle (both sugar free)kept me from totalling breaking down. Today, I had hardboiled eggs, a delicious chicken bowl from Taco Bell and sausage for dinner.....I have a feeling I am going to tire of eggs quickly. And, the fact that I deal with cookies and crackers all day is NOT helping. I want to whoop into a bag of Chips Ahoy, lick the cream between an Oreo, let a few Lorna Doone's melt on my tongue, shove handfuls of Teddy Grahams in my mouth and eat a sleeve of Ritz, sigh..... So, 12 more days till I can have whole grains.....how I miss chocolate and bread. Well, I am off to have yet another jello and 2 more Excedrin Migrain.

The Sleepover

Saturday night I had a sleepover. I invited my niece Lindsay, my neighbors 2 little girls and my friend Jill. The girls brought bags full of costumes....so did Jill. Actually, Jill brought 2 dresses that her mom made (they are awesome) and brought some hats and tiara's.....again, she is the girliest girl I know.

We started the night off with dress up hour. Then, we took pictures of the girls with my photography backdrop, they modeled beautifully! After pictures, the girls played office with all of my old work papers, old keyboards and pens.....the office was a MESS!!!! Time for cotton candy!! I start the little cotton candy machine that I got from Walmart and waited...and waited...and waited! Finally, some sugary webs formed and I was able to accumulate about 4 bites of candy in 10 minutes.....not alot of fun! I slaved on and managed to get 4 bites on 3 cones for each girl. I do believe I will be retiring the cotton candy maker to the garage. Next, it was pajama time...they all came downstairs in some sort of pink sleeping ensemble, of course! They cuddled on the couch and watched Ratatouille while I made sugar cookies and Jill and I had some grown up talk time...we decided watching 3 girls is a little tiring, how do moms do it!? Finally, it was bed time....they read books and got back scratches then it was lights out. After several times of hearing my name called I decided it was time to pull out the big guns. "If you don't go to bed, your mommy will be mad at me and you will never be able to come over again!"...it worked!

Over all, it was a fun night. I learned that kids can not be trusted to not spill milk while laying on the floor, that 3 girls will tell on each other, that 3 girls will love on each other, that the things I liked as a kid are still fun, I miss taking pictures, I will need alot of help if I have triplets, Jill will be the best mommy and....you can not sleep past 6 am (I learned this after being lightly tapped on the shoulder for a while, thought it was a dream, opened my eyes and saw 2 little eyes staring at me...it scared the crap out of me!).


Jill and the girls

Slaving over cotton candy

The final results

The Photo Shoot

Jill the Princess


Kisses

Posing

Watching a movie and waiting for sugar cookies

Story time

Backrubs before bed

Sex and the City

Every month me and 2 friends of mine (Jill and Maria) have a girls night. Amazingly, we have stuck to it for about 5 years now.....not many girls can commit to something for that long (except a man)! We used to work together at Kodak, and although all 3 of us work for different companies now, we have remained good friends. I look forward to each month when we get together, it usually involves eating at a new restaurant, going to a festival or the rodeo, painting pottery, seeing a movie, having craft night, or fondue night....it's always something fun. Last night, we went to see Sex and the City for Maria's birthday. We sat in the back row and laughed most of the time....uncontrollably. A few moments of laughter, without giving anything away, involved Charlotte and Pakippsie, a girl who can type, guacamole, and many more. After the movie, we sat in Maria's car and I listened to Jill and Maria sing Miley Cyrus songs and dance in the backseat. It was a night of youthful behavior...something we all need every now and then.

Jill and I in the theater

Maria, me and Jill



Jill and I

Jill and Maria gettin their groove on

A Few of my Favorite Things

Below, you will find a few (of many) pictures of the food I will miss, I will cherish the photographs I have with my beloved funnel cake and my fav banana pudding!

Jill's homemade banana pudding

I LOVE cookie cake...with lots of white frosting

Need I say anything?

Funnel cake with extra powdered sugar

Jill's delicious sugar cookies

I have literally been brought to tears!

Oh my Gosh!!! I am truly touched by everyones comments on my first post. Y'all are awesome for giving me all those encouraging words and offers to join me on this diet....I LOVE Y'ALL!! What a great support system...I need that. These next few months are going to be an emotional roller coaster for me...basically, I have to come off of an addiction, get needles stuck in my butt, belly and arse and have several intimate moments with my fertility doctor...not to mention the hormonal changes in this already sensitive and prone to rants personality. Poor Joe.

Well, Joe and I are going to the store today to stock up on food that we can eat (thank God he is joining me on this diet) but the official start date will be Monday. Tonight, I am having my niece and my neighbors 2 little girls sleep over so I HAVE to eat pizza, cotton candy and sugar cookies...I wouldn't want the girls to feel uncomfortable...you see, it's all about them :-) I will make this weekend my final last hurrah (every Sunday is a last hurrah)......at least till I get pregnant!

My friend Jill, the girliest girl I know, is coming over to add some feminine flair to the sleep over. There will be boa's and crowns, princess outfits, pink cotton candy and girly movies. I guess I should refrain from burping and sitting like a guy tonight....maybe I will wear a pink shirt.....or maybe it will be black :-)

I will post some pictures and stories tomorrow about the sleep over. And, stay tuned for a recap of last night's outing with the girls to see Sex and the City.

My visit with the Dr.

Well, we went to our fertility Dr. yesterday to start prepping for invitro and I got some disappointing news.....I have to start the South Beach Diet!!!! Yea, yea...I know, the news could have been much worse. Aside from being told I can't have babies, this is next in line as awful
news from my fertilty Dr.! Those who do not know me may not understand. Let me clarify....I stood in the kitchen the other morning and ate 3 pieces of Sunbeam WHITE bread out of the bag, then I had a granola bar for a snack, for lunch I had a soft pretzel and a burger and mac and cheese for dinner. You see....all I eat are carbs!! Nothing makes me happier than licking the spoon, the beaters and bowl after I bake brownies. I am one step away from licking the spills off of the counter. I put sugar ON my pudding, who does that?? I have 7 different cereals in my pantry right now.....Cocoa Puffs, Fruity Pebbles, Trix, Frosted Flakes...well, you get the point.

Upon hearing this news, my husband stared at the Dr. while I fought back tears then he asked several questions while looking at me nervously, "Can she have a cookie?", "Can she eat Cheerios?", "What about Guacamole?"...we had a winner, Guac is good.....but what will she dip into it? "A spoon." the Dr. replies.

Now, I have no excuses not to follow the orders, this is to help us achieve what we have been working on for 5 years. The Dr. explained that the diet will help with insulin levels which can affect fertility. I bought a book on the diet after I left the office.

Have I started the diet? No. I plan on starting on Monday, like I do every week. But I will stick with this one. I may be cranky, I will probably cry in the kitchen....then in my car....then in bed. But I CAN DO THIS !!! I think.