Blood work and ultrasounds are generally done quickly at my fertility clinic. I mentioned I need to get some blood tests done that aren't done in-house by the clinic. There is a Life Lab near my home, the web site says it opens at 8 (sign on the door says 7:30), I figured I could get to work for 9:30 without too much of a problem.
Sign #1 this was going to be a problem: Line up out the door at 8:03. That's the line to hand over the paperwork.
Sign #2: Giving up my seat not once, but twice to people I felt needed it more than me.
The staff were great and doing what they could, but it was just more people than they could really handle in a short amount of time. I felt so bad for elderly people with canes (and some of them fasting for the blood work) having to stand in line just to check in. There was no way I was going to let them stand after waiting so long. 4 little vials of blood and I got back to my car at 9:40 and it was about 10:15 by the time I was at my desk. So while not a great start to the day, it reminds me I have a pretty flexible employer. This is something to appreciate.
I was the lucky winner of the Pattern Pyramid over at Country Girl Couture. How cool is that? It put a smile on my flustered face this morning. I suck at getting things in the mail but I'm going to try my best to make this give away work. Get ready to sign up!
Seriously someone is looking out for me. I have two client sessions coming up, sort of light training/lunch & learn kind of things, I'm looking forward to them. Both have been in planning stages since the end of March. I don't know how it happened, but both were scheduled for Thursday at 1pm. I was trying to find the words to postpone one of them when an email showed up cancelling the one I wanted to move. The client feels schedules are too busy and want to push back to June. That's twice with this client I have had moments of "oh no...." (in October I accidentally copied over my presentation the day before I was to give it) only for them to cancel (last time a key person was in the hospital, I felt bad for celebrating). Now I can seem accommodating, not an idiot who let Outlook schedule two things at the same time. A thousand thank yous to whoever is looking out for me.
Here is hoping this good streak continues through June...
Showing posts with label Award. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Award. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 7
Tuesday, January 29
Liebster!
Well this Liebster award comes with quite the contract. 11 facts about myself, then I have to answer questions that my nominator picked, then I get to come up with questions for the people I pick. And then nominate bloggers with fewer than 200 followers.
So let's get started, shall we?
11 Facts about Myself - Many of these are elsewhere on my blog but they are what has come to mind.
Questions from Aft Agley:
1. What is the most important thing about you?
I think what drives my life at the moment is wanting to be a mom. Even when I'm in a holding pattern, it's still influencing the decisions I make in my career, my home, and infertility has a huge impact on your marriage. Impact is not necessarily a bad thing, all of the crap we've been through has made many aspects of our marriage stronger, financially we're in a better spot than when we first tried to have kids (double income no kids has a lot to do with that), it's not all doom and gloom.
2. Name three things you would like to do this year?
4. Do you have a dayplanner?
I used to be a daytimer person. I have daytimers from when I was in high school and I'm amazed at how busy I was (helps when someone else makes your meals, does your laundry...). But I stepped away from it. The real problem is that I rely on Outlook to pop up with meeting reminders at work. A paper book doesn't do that and I can't keep a paper version as up to date as my Outlook so it becomes redundant. Household events go on a calendar in the kitchen.
5. What is your favourite tv show?
I don't watch a lot of TV, we're pretty selective often waiting to see what happens with a series and watching it on DVD at our own pace. For humour and still on air, Castle. Treme has had a real impact on me but we aren't keeping up with current episodes. Past shows, The Wire, Firefly, Arrested Development. Guilty pleasure? Charmed.
6. What is your favourite book?
Anne of the Island by Lucy Maud Montgomery is one I've read over and over through my teens and 20's, but it's been a while now. I revisit The Fire-Dwellers and The Diviners now and again, both by Margaret Lawrence and as I age I draw from different parts of the books. They are part of 5 books that are loosely connected through the fictional town of Manawaka, Manitoba which is based on Neepawa, Manitoba and my husband lived in Neepawa in his early childhood. For Christmas, my MIL framed a picture she took of the stone angel in the Neepawa cemetery that the book Stone Angel is titled for (although for the record, it is my least favourite book of the series, I should read it again because I might appreciate it now that I'm not 17).
7. Do you sew, knit, etc?
I sew and I know how to crochet one blanket, I specify one blanket because I understand quite a few crochet stitches but pattern reading is still confusing. I'm game for other needle/crafty kind of things, but they are usually one-offs. Like embroidering tea towels as a gift or painting stained glass stickies to my bathroom window.
8. What does an ideal day look like?
Oh boy. There would be many things:
Yes, but not often. Usually seems like a lot of money so when I have gone, it's been a gift or part of a package of sorts. In a lot of ways I'm actually more comfortable getting a massage from an RMT in a medical office than the pampering of a spa.
10. How do you make the world a better place?
You do ask the big questions, don't you Nothy? I volunteer my time, maybe not as much as I used to but what I can. I am on the executive for my bowling league, I sometimes get paid for this but I like to spend time with my friend with Down Syndrome. And lastly, I don't know how this helps the broader world but it sure helps my world. I'll do a lot to help my husband reach his dreams of making movies. Like sewing 24m of fabric into 3 back drops.
11. What is a goal you've set that you met more easily than you anticipated?
Things that come easy to me I think are easy for everyone and therefore not achievements. This took some thinking but I found one, it's a bit of a story so get comfy.
When I was growing up, I was the chatty one, the bubbly one, the one people got along with and maybe the quiet one if I was afraid of saying the wrong thing to someone I adored (like my kindergarten teacher). My brothers were the smart ones. Not to say I'm stupid or ever thought I was stupid, but I always felt "average" and my brothers were in the gifted program. I was friends with people who won school awards and I had to work pretty hard on subjects like math and science and I was pretty aware when I didn't know what I was expected to know. My middle school report cards were usually full of Bs, averaging out somewhere between 74 and 78.
Third term of grade 7 (I would have been 12 starting that school year) I had an average over 80% for the first time thus qualifying me for honours. It was truly an epiphany. I realized that I could get honours, that it wasn't impossible or a pipe dream.
My middle school gave out school letters (a G you could sew onto something) if you earned 100 points through after school activities and a larger letter G if you also got 4 terms of honours over the 3 years at the school (so 4 of 9 terms). I was already close to 100 points at the end of Grade 7, and I was going to be in band/choir in Grade 8 which would be enough for the Little G. But the Big G, well, I'd need to get honours all three semesters of Grade 8 to do that. Getting honours once and getting it 4 times in a row are not the same thing, but I put my mind to it once I knew what I had to do.
And I did.
I also signed up for everything. The choir, the band, the play (speaking part in Annie), I ran for class president (and lost). If there was a sign up sheet that didn't involve athletics, I was on it. I swear it was a year I blossomed and I suspect I got 100 points in that year alone. Outside of school I volunteered at the pool helping teach swimming lessons on top of my usual competitive swimming, participated in a cross school pairing with a special needs class, my bowling average increased and I came in 4th at a provincial bowling tournament. Lots of good things happened that year.
And I really didn't have to do much to get it, I just had to believe that I could.
So the last part of Liebster is nominating a few bloggers (ideally with less than 200 followers) and posing them questions. I must say, asking questions is not one of my strengths, but I'll put on my investigative reporter hat and give it a go.
The Liebster has certainly made a few rounds in the blog world, I hope my quick search was right that I'm not renominating people. I nominate:
But if you have not received this award and would like to play along (or have and would like to answer my 8 questions anyhow) please feel free to! The rules seem a little fast and loose (Funny Grrl I'm looking at you - to my benefit I might add) so play the way you'd like.
11 Facts about Myself - Many of these are elsewhere on my blog but they are what has come to mind.
- I studied geography and Canadian Studies in university.
- The farthest west I have been is Kelowna, BC and furthest east is Nevis, West Indies (Halifax is a close second but I looked up the longitude, Nevis wins by a degree).
- I am named after my paternal grandmother who died prior to my birth.
- I love tea.
- I started wearing glasses in Grade 7, I now think I look weird without them.
- I was a life guard and swimming instructor through high school and university.
- I took three Spanish classes, two in high school and one in university.
- I love dancing with my husband, cha cha, rumba, waltz, fox trot and tango are my favourites.
- I am 5' and a half inch. I like that half inch as much as I like being short.
- I find sharks fascinating.
- I support a few independent musicians through house concerts, advance purchase of CDs, etc, my name is in a few liner notes. Including this guy, Corin Raymond.
Questions from Aft Agley:
1. What is the most important thing about you?
I think what drives my life at the moment is wanting to be a mom. Even when I'm in a holding pattern, it's still influencing the decisions I make in my career, my home, and infertility has a huge impact on your marriage. Impact is not necessarily a bad thing, all of the crap we've been through has made many aspects of our marriage stronger, financially we're in a better spot than when we first tried to have kids (double income no kids has a lot to do with that), it's not all doom and gloom.
2. Name three things you would like to do this year?
- Sharpen my scissors. Lame, but true.
- See my last two frozen embryos fulfill their destiny and move on to the next stage.
- Find my sewing mojo again.
3. Do you
set goals?
Not often. I think of it more like to-do lists where some get ticked off sooner than others. Firm goals set me up for guilt and procrastination.4. Do you have a dayplanner?
I used to be a daytimer person. I have daytimers from when I was in high school and I'm amazed at how busy I was (helps when someone else makes your meals, does your laundry...). But I stepped away from it. The real problem is that I rely on Outlook to pop up with meeting reminders at work. A paper book doesn't do that and I can't keep a paper version as up to date as my Outlook so it becomes redundant. Household events go on a calendar in the kitchen.
5. What is your favourite tv show?
I don't watch a lot of TV, we're pretty selective often waiting to see what happens with a series and watching it on DVD at our own pace. For humour and still on air, Castle. Treme has had a real impact on me but we aren't keeping up with current episodes. Past shows, The Wire, Firefly, Arrested Development. Guilty pleasure? Charmed.
6. What is your favourite book?
Anne of the Island by Lucy Maud Montgomery is one I've read over and over through my teens and 20's, but it's been a while now. I revisit The Fire-Dwellers and The Diviners now and again, both by Margaret Lawrence and as I age I draw from different parts of the books. They are part of 5 books that are loosely connected through the fictional town of Manawaka, Manitoba which is based on Neepawa, Manitoba and my husband lived in Neepawa in his early childhood. For Christmas, my MIL framed a picture she took of the stone angel in the Neepawa cemetery that the book Stone Angel is titled for (although for the record, it is my least favourite book of the series, I should read it again because I might appreciate it now that I'm not 17).
7. Do you sew, knit, etc?
I sew and I know how to crochet one blanket, I specify one blanket because I understand quite a few crochet stitches but pattern reading is still confusing. I'm game for other needle/crafty kind of things, but they are usually one-offs. Like embroidering tea towels as a gift or painting stained glass stickies to my bathroom window.
8. What does an ideal day look like?
Oh boy. There would be many things:
- Time with Mr. Lina.
- Tea, rooibos, black, flavoured black, I like it all.
- Time to read or sew or crochet.
- Good food.
- Friends.
- Sleep.
Yes, but not often. Usually seems like a lot of money so when I have gone, it's been a gift or part of a package of sorts. In a lot of ways I'm actually more comfortable getting a massage from an RMT in a medical office than the pampering of a spa.
10. How do you make the world a better place?
You do ask the big questions, don't you Nothy? I volunteer my time, maybe not as much as I used to but what I can. I am on the executive for my bowling league, I sometimes get paid for this but I like to spend time with my friend with Down Syndrome. And lastly, I don't know how this helps the broader world but it sure helps my world. I'll do a lot to help my husband reach his dreams of making movies. Like sewing 24m of fabric into 3 back drops.
11. What is a goal you've set that you met more easily than you anticipated?
Things that come easy to me I think are easy for everyone and therefore not achievements. This took some thinking but I found one, it's a bit of a story so get comfy.
When I was growing up, I was the chatty one, the bubbly one, the one people got along with and maybe the quiet one if I was afraid of saying the wrong thing to someone I adored (like my kindergarten teacher). My brothers were the smart ones. Not to say I'm stupid or ever thought I was stupid, but I always felt "average" and my brothers were in the gifted program. I was friends with people who won school awards and I had to work pretty hard on subjects like math and science and I was pretty aware when I didn't know what I was expected to know. My middle school report cards were usually full of Bs, averaging out somewhere between 74 and 78.
Third term of grade 7 (I would have been 12 starting that school year) I had an average over 80% for the first time thus qualifying me for honours. It was truly an epiphany. I realized that I could get honours, that it wasn't impossible or a pipe dream.
My middle school gave out school letters (a G you could sew onto something) if you earned 100 points through after school activities and a larger letter G if you also got 4 terms of honours over the 3 years at the school (so 4 of 9 terms). I was already close to 100 points at the end of Grade 7, and I was going to be in band/choir in Grade 8 which would be enough for the Little G. But the Big G, well, I'd need to get honours all three semesters of Grade 8 to do that. Getting honours once and getting it 4 times in a row are not the same thing, but I put my mind to it once I knew what I had to do.
And I did.
I also signed up for everything. The choir, the band, the play (speaking part in Annie), I ran for class president (and lost). If there was a sign up sheet that didn't involve athletics, I was on it. I swear it was a year I blossomed and I suspect I got 100 points in that year alone. Outside of school I volunteered at the pool helping teach swimming lessons on top of my usual competitive swimming, participated in a cross school pairing with a special needs class, my bowling average increased and I came in 4th at a provincial bowling tournament. Lots of good things happened that year.
And I really didn't have to do much to get it, I just had to believe that I could.
So the last part of Liebster is nominating a few bloggers (ideally with less than 200 followers) and posing them questions. I must say, asking questions is not one of my strengths, but I'll put on my investigative reporter hat and give it a go.
- Where is the farthest you have travelled?
- Do you seek out salty or sweet foods?
- What is your favourite movie?
- Tell us about a time in your life where there was a shift - in attitude, work, home, relationships, - something that changed going forward.
- What is it about fabric that catches your eye?
- What is your favourite season?
- What sewing gadget could you not live without?
- What is your favourite thing in your closet?
The Liebster has certainly made a few rounds in the blog world, I hope my quick search was right that I'm not renominating people. I nominate:
But if you have not received this award and would like to play along (or have and would like to answer my 8 questions anyhow) please feel free to! The rules seem a little fast and loose (Funny Grrl I'm looking at you - to my benefit I might add) so play the way you'd like.
Thursday, December 6
More good news
The Post Lifers won best short film at the Blood in the Snow film festival. All of the films I saw had film makers, directors, actors in the audience, there was a LOT of networking going on. Facebook was just a flurry of likes and comments last night, Mr. Lina was very happy when I got home from bowling on Tuesday. That's 4 wins for best short, nominations for best short, best editing and best acting. I think they are going to need a bigger DVD package when it's time to try to sell it.
A special thank you to Amy at Sew Well. She held a contest for 10 subscriptions to Zinio, an online magazine provider and I was lucky enough to win one. If Threads had been an option, it would have been a perfect choice but alas, it is not. Instead I selected Canadian Geographic. My first issue arrived yesterday and I'm happy with my choice.
When I was in first year of university, I really didn't have a clue of what I wanted to take. I was accepted as "Major Undecided". At least it was honest rather than having something that wasn't going to stick. When I finally did decide geography was for me, I got a lot of support from my family. My grandfather bought me a subscription to Canadian Geographic. I loved it, it was like having some kind of geography cred and sometimes I could talk about issues in class all pro-active keener like. The last time I saw my Papa was at my convocation from university. It's a fine memory to hold onto.
I didn't have the money to continue the subscription after he passed away. I've asked for it for Christmas now and again but no one has taken me up on the suggestion. So at long last, I have my magazine and happy memories back. Now to learn about polar bears and beavers...
A special thank you to Amy at Sew Well. She held a contest for 10 subscriptions to Zinio, an online magazine provider and I was lucky enough to win one. If Threads had been an option, it would have been a perfect choice but alas, it is not. Instead I selected Canadian Geographic. My first issue arrived yesterday and I'm happy with my choice.
When I was in first year of university, I really didn't have a clue of what I wanted to take. I was accepted as "Major Undecided". At least it was honest rather than having something that wasn't going to stick. When I finally did decide geography was for me, I got a lot of support from my family. My grandfather bought me a subscription to Canadian Geographic. I loved it, it was like having some kind of geography cred and sometimes I could talk about issues in class all pro-active keener like. The last time I saw my Papa was at my convocation from university. It's a fine memory to hold onto.
I didn't have the money to continue the subscription after he passed away. I've asked for it for Christmas now and again but no one has taken me up on the suggestion. So at long last, I have my magazine and happy memories back. Now to learn about polar bears and beavers...
Sunday, November 25
A cap full of feathers
It's been quite the weekend Chez Lina's.
Friday night, we hosted Tim Williams. Oh my, if you ever get the chance and are remotely interested in blues, music history, Hawaiian guitar, make the effort to see him. It was a really fascinating night of music and stories.
Saturday, we were off to Local Focus 5, a Kitchener-Waterloo film festival. The Post Lifers was aired yesterday with other short films. We went, some friends of mine came as well as the guys involved in the film. It was nice to go for a beverage after the show. Just a few minutes ago they were awarded best short film. That's three festivals now that they have won best short film.
Today Mr. Lina is at the awards ceremony and what am I doing? Work. I have a lot due tomorrow which is why I haven't been posting much this week. Way too much. A presentation in the morning and a huge map project due by Tuesday. Not fun. Well, the presentation will be fun, but getting it ready is not so much fun.
So, I'll be sitting here with my computer, listening to the Grey Cup game on the radio. Oh wait, that isn't going to make much sense to the majority of people if my stats page is correct. Canada has their own football league, CFL and the Grey Cup is the final game of the season. Toronto is playing Calgary and hosting this year, the 100th anniversary of the Grey Cup. Hosting is decided before the season starts so there isn't always a "hometown" team playing but it lets the city really plan ahead for the game. I don't really follow football much, although I have to say the games are hella fun to go to and people who are fans are pretty rabid fans. But given that Toronto is in the game, well, I gotta say
AAAARRRRRGGGGGOOOOSSS!
Friday night, we hosted Tim Williams. Oh my, if you ever get the chance and are remotely interested in blues, music history, Hawaiian guitar, make the effort to see him. It was a really fascinating night of music and stories.
Saturday, we were off to Local Focus 5, a Kitchener-Waterloo film festival. The Post Lifers was aired yesterday with other short films. We went, some friends of mine came as well as the guys involved in the film. It was nice to go for a beverage after the show. Just a few minutes ago they were awarded best short film. That's three festivals now that they have won best short film.
Today Mr. Lina is at the awards ceremony and what am I doing? Work. I have a lot due tomorrow which is why I haven't been posting much this week. Way too much. A presentation in the morning and a huge map project due by Tuesday. Not fun. Well, the presentation will be fun, but getting it ready is not so much fun.
So, I'll be sitting here with my computer, listening to the Grey Cup game on the radio. Oh wait, that isn't going to make much sense to the majority of people if my stats page is correct. Canada has their own football league, CFL and the Grey Cup is the final game of the season. Toronto is playing Calgary and hosting this year, the 100th anniversary of the Grey Cup. Hosting is decided before the season starts so there isn't always a "hometown" team playing but it lets the city really plan ahead for the game. I don't really follow football much, although I have to say the games are hella fun to go to and people who are fans are pretty rabid fans. But given that Toronto is in the game, well, I gotta say
AAAARRRRRGGGGGOOOOSSS!
Tuesday, November 6
Here we go again
I'd like to thank Nothy at Aft Agley for her Burda giveaway. I was lucky to win her last giveaway but you can too! She has another Burda up for grabs. I have never used Burda before so I was excited to win as a way to see what all the fuss is about. There are some cute dresses in this issue but while my eye likes some of the ones with front pleats, I'm not sure that's a good spot for pleats on me. I think I'd like to tackle this dress first.
The neckline and wrap feels like something that would suit me well and fit in my work wardrobe perfectly. Although her posture and arm is a little odd, I hope that isn't hiding a gaping neckline.
And now into the non-sewing update.
I am in the prep stages for our next (and final) frozen embryo transfer cycle. I know this is going to be a really hard cycle. I am ready for it to be the last, but that doesn't mean it will be easy. I'm already noticing some differences between what is in my head (just get it over with) and my behaviour (waiting 4 days to book an appointment).
I have agreed to trying the drug Humira with this cycle. It's pretty controversial, there is no real proof it is going to work but there is also nothing saying it won't. The immunologist we saw last year wouldn't recommend it but my doctor does. May I say it sucks to be at the cutting edge of medicine? No one has a single answer to agree on and I'm left in the middle basing decisions on trust because research sure isn't giving me an empirical reason one way or another.
Humira suppresses your immune system. It is generally prescribed for autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, Chrone's, colitis, etc. I've taken other drugs to suppress my immune system but this one is another class of drugs all together. My drug plan will cover it if my doctor fills out a form to say it's needed. Even with 80% coverage, it's not cheap. Injections happen two weeks apart and the start of Humira is the domino that sets everything else for this cycle in motion.
Humira does such a good job of suppression, I can't take it until I've been checked for tuberculosis. So I'm off to my family doctor today for a TB test and booking a chest x-ray. Part of me is annoyed that the clinic didn't mention this back in July, I could have had this done a little sooner but I don't have a time machine so I can't do much about that. I guess I have dragged my feet about it because it highlights again the risks I'm taking to myself with this drug.
I also have to get a sonohystogram done and both of us need STD screening done and given that my last period was September, a pregnancy test. Sonos are not all that horrible, advil worthy, like being hit with the worst cramps out of the blue, but I know it ends and I know the pain is short. They fill up my uterus and fallopian tubes with saline and check by ultrasound that there aren't any blockages, abnormalities, etc. If you have blockages, from what I've read this can be really painful as the saline tries to push past. STD screening is only good for 6 months so it feels like I am always getting this done. I don't care so much, I have to be there for other blood work and ultrasounds, but Mr. Lina drags his heels. He doesn't like needles, they draw a lot of blood for that test, and he has to go out of his way to do it.
And the pregnancy test. My last period was just before my birthday in September. Something is going on with my hormones, my breasts are crazy tender, it is enough that I did a home pregnancy test the other morning to put my mind at ease when accepting a glass of wine. But no, either my HCG level was below 25 or something else is going on. Maybe my period is going to arrive soon and my progesterone levels are rising. The clinic tests are more sensitive, I am okay with them testing for me again to be sure before doing all this.
I am so done with all this poking and prodding. It just feels annoying to me, not exciting that we're starting a new cycle. Usually I don't mind some of this because it means something is happening, hope returns and all that. Now I'm dragging my feet at the same time I'm impatient to get it over with.
I just want to be a mom.
 |
| From Aft Agley |
And now into the non-sewing update.
I am in the prep stages for our next (and final) frozen embryo transfer cycle. I know this is going to be a really hard cycle. I am ready for it to be the last, but that doesn't mean it will be easy. I'm already noticing some differences between what is in my head (just get it over with) and my behaviour (waiting 4 days to book an appointment).
I have agreed to trying the drug Humira with this cycle. It's pretty controversial, there is no real proof it is going to work but there is also nothing saying it won't. The immunologist we saw last year wouldn't recommend it but my doctor does. May I say it sucks to be at the cutting edge of medicine? No one has a single answer to agree on and I'm left in the middle basing decisions on trust because research sure isn't giving me an empirical reason one way or another.
Humira suppresses your immune system. It is generally prescribed for autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, Chrone's, colitis, etc. I've taken other drugs to suppress my immune system but this one is another class of drugs all together. My drug plan will cover it if my doctor fills out a form to say it's needed. Even with 80% coverage, it's not cheap. Injections happen two weeks apart and the start of Humira is the domino that sets everything else for this cycle in motion.
Humira does such a good job of suppression, I can't take it until I've been checked for tuberculosis. So I'm off to my family doctor today for a TB test and booking a chest x-ray. Part of me is annoyed that the clinic didn't mention this back in July, I could have had this done a little sooner but I don't have a time machine so I can't do much about that. I guess I have dragged my feet about it because it highlights again the risks I'm taking to myself with this drug.
I also have to get a sonohystogram done and both of us need STD screening done and given that my last period was September, a pregnancy test. Sonos are not all that horrible, advil worthy, like being hit with the worst cramps out of the blue, but I know it ends and I know the pain is short. They fill up my uterus and fallopian tubes with saline and check by ultrasound that there aren't any blockages, abnormalities, etc. If you have blockages, from what I've read this can be really painful as the saline tries to push past. STD screening is only good for 6 months so it feels like I am always getting this done. I don't care so much, I have to be there for other blood work and ultrasounds, but Mr. Lina drags his heels. He doesn't like needles, they draw a lot of blood for that test, and he has to go out of his way to do it.
And the pregnancy test. My last period was just before my birthday in September. Something is going on with my hormones, my breasts are crazy tender, it is enough that I did a home pregnancy test the other morning to put my mind at ease when accepting a glass of wine. But no, either my HCG level was below 25 or something else is going on. Maybe my period is going to arrive soon and my progesterone levels are rising. The clinic tests are more sensitive, I am okay with them testing for me again to be sure before doing all this.
I am so done with all this poking and prodding. It just feels annoying to me, not exciting that we're starting a new cycle. Usually I don't mind some of this because it means something is happening, hope returns and all that. Now I'm dragging my feet at the same time I'm impatient to get it over with.
I just want to be a mom.
Tuesday, July 31
Awards Abound
I happen to be married to an award winning film maker. The Post-Lifers took the prize for Best Short Film at the Mississauga Independent Film Festival. Pretty cool, eh? Sadly, they emailed the producers at 7pm Sunday night to say they were top 3, could/would they be attending the awards ceremony that night? Mr. Lina was tired and watching a movie, not checking email and didn't find out until after it was too late. He replied to apologize and went to their twitter feed to see they won. Honestly, the 10 or so short films I saw Sunday were all great. Good quality of films, these did not look like really low budgets. I don't know what the other two screenings of short films included but the competition was really good based on Short Films C.
I also happen to be given a little award at work for organizing our team event. It means I get to pick a prize from a selection dependent on the type of prize. I struggle picking something every time I get one of these awards. I like some of the kitchen appliances but I don't really have space for a yogurt maker or dehydrator or bread maker. They do have two irons to choose from. I like my iron and it works fine, but every time I consider picking one out just to have a back up. My options are a T Fal Cordless Iron or a Panasonic Cordless Steam Iron. Or maybe a small garment steamer? I like the idea of the steamer but the reviews are pretty brutal. Decisions, decisions...
In the FAIL awards section, I award a fail to plastic bra pieces. Friday night we were at our friends cottage, I stretched a bit and heard a pop. The little plastic hook holding my bra strap and the bra cup together broke. Bah. I am not amused.
My uterus also gets an award for most confusion in 2012. Spotting on Friday was just spotting. So who knows when my period will arrive next. Maybe it's a good thing I'm not seeing the doctor until September, I don't have to worry about the non-period, just rejoice that I didn't have to worry about tampons at a friends cottage.
And last but not least, I seem to have been awarded a summer cold. Every day the symptoms shift a little bit, not so bad to really hold me back but it's pretty annoying. My ears keep feeling like they need to pop and things sound muffled. Today there is a bit of a cough but my nose seems to be in better control. I was going to take a picture of my broken bra yesterday but I just couldn't be bothered. Mr. Lina made up for the "it's purple" by making our dinner, bringing me beverages and dealing with garbage day on his own. I sat and crocheted. He is a very good husband.
I also happen to be given a little award at work for organizing our team event. It means I get to pick a prize from a selection dependent on the type of prize. I struggle picking something every time I get one of these awards. I like some of the kitchen appliances but I don't really have space for a yogurt maker or dehydrator or bread maker. They do have two irons to choose from. I like my iron and it works fine, but every time I consider picking one out just to have a back up. My options are a T Fal Cordless Iron or a Panasonic Cordless Steam Iron. Or maybe a small garment steamer? I like the idea of the steamer but the reviews are pretty brutal. Decisions, decisions...
In the FAIL awards section, I award a fail to plastic bra pieces. Friday night we were at our friends cottage, I stretched a bit and heard a pop. The little plastic hook holding my bra strap and the bra cup together broke. Bah. I am not amused.
My uterus also gets an award for most confusion in 2012. Spotting on Friday was just spotting. So who knows when my period will arrive next. Maybe it's a good thing I'm not seeing the doctor until September, I don't have to worry about the non-period, just rejoice that I didn't have to worry about tampons at a friends cottage.
And last but not least, I seem to have been awarded a summer cold. Every day the symptoms shift a little bit, not so bad to really hold me back but it's pretty annoying. My ears keep feeling like they need to pop and things sound muffled. Today there is a bit of a cough but my nose seems to be in better control. I was going to take a picture of my broken bra yesterday but I just couldn't be bothered. Mr. Lina made up for the "it's purple" by making our dinner, bringing me beverages and dealing with garbage day on his own. I sat and crocheted. He is a very good husband.
Tuesday, March 20
Walking on Sunshine
ElleC has been kind enough to award me with a Sunshine Award. ElleC is certainly a ray of sunshine herself. Tanit-Isis was also nominated and in titling her reply Sunshine lollipops stuck a song in my head. Here's hoping Walking on Sunshine gets rid of the ear worm.
Favourite Colour Purple hands down. I like a lot of other softer colours, wear a lot of red, but purple is my favourite.
Favourite Animal Oh.... Sharks. I find them fascinating. Absolutely entrancing and scary all at the same time. I think I saw Jaws waaay too young. If I'm swimming in a lake (even little man made lake near my parents) or a backyard pool alone, I'll think of Jaws.
Favourite Number I don't really have a single favourite number. I liked 88 when I was younger because my cousin wore that playing hockey. 2 is good for my birthday (Sept 2nd). Natural 20 is always a good thing when rolling dice. ;)
Favourite Non-Alcoholic Drink Tea hands down. Lady Grey Tea, Loyd teas, rooibos tea, peppermint tea, fruit teas like Toasty Almond (or blends like Iced Princess). I think I have at least 3 kinds of tea at each desk that I work at and probably 12-18 kinds of tea at home. I generally take my tea just as is, no added milk or sugar. Although iced tea is completely different, that needs to be the sweet flavour Tanit-Isis was talking about although at home I usually make a pitcher that is part powdered sugar tea and actual brewed tea so I can control the sugar and caffeine content as needed.
Facebook or Twitter Facebook, but not as Seraphinalina, just as me. It's good for organizing invites for the house concerts and keeping tabs on friends who live far away. It's strange now that my mom is on Facebook.
My Passion Jeez, isn't that why I blog? You get my passions in little bite sized bits. Sewing, independent music, being a mom (we're still working getting there), hosting in general. Funny, work isn't going on that list, although I do think of geographer as part of who I am.
Giving or Receiving Gifts Hmm, I do love getting a wrapped present and opening it up and making a big deal to make the giver feel good. But, then I get itchy when my in laws give me a bed, so maybe I am better at giving.
Favourite Pattern Oh... I guess Renfrew at the moment. But I also really like Lekala 5432 for dresses. Sorbetto is always fun too. I'm not a huge pattern collector.
Favourite Day of the Week Friday. Lots of potential for the weekend ahead and it's usually a good client day.
Favourite Flower Depends, in the ground, crocus. Cut, carnations. Both flowers I associate with my Nana and Papa. Papa gave me crocus when I was about 12, a little kit with a plastic windmill for a pot and I do love the purple ones. Papa bought carnations for Nana frequently the last few years she was at home. She was getting to the later stages of Alzeheimer's, he was caring for her when she didn't know anyone and really wasn't talking much anymore, but his love was for better and worse so he bought her flowers.
Favourite Celebrity Role Model Hmm, I'm agreeing with a few others that I don't really see them as role models. I'm not even enough of a red carpet watcher to really identify with a specific person for their fashion sense.
And to nominate others... ElleC beat me to a punch on a few bloggers I enjoy. I'm going to nominate a few that are new to me.
TwistedCistern - what a neat concept, two sisters sharing a blog. I've already traded a few music recommendations with Margaret.
Making it Well - She's just made a lovely paper tape dress form and I'm looking forward to seeing her put it to good use.
Everyone that I read I add to my blog roll. I started reading blogs by finding Gertie's and expanded from there. I hope others find my blog roll helpful as well.
Okay, time to get to work, I've got a full plate today and I've actually been making headway.
Favourite Colour Purple hands down. I like a lot of other softer colours, wear a lot of red, but purple is my favourite.
Favourite Animal Oh.... Sharks. I find them fascinating. Absolutely entrancing and scary all at the same time. I think I saw Jaws waaay too young. If I'm swimming in a lake (even little man made lake near my parents) or a backyard pool alone, I'll think of Jaws.
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| http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0073195/ |
Favourite Non-Alcoholic Drink Tea hands down. Lady Grey Tea, Loyd teas, rooibos tea, peppermint tea, fruit teas like Toasty Almond (or blends like Iced Princess). I think I have at least 3 kinds of tea at each desk that I work at and probably 12-18 kinds of tea at home. I generally take my tea just as is, no added milk or sugar. Although iced tea is completely different, that needs to be the sweet flavour Tanit-Isis was talking about although at home I usually make a pitcher that is part powdered sugar tea and actual brewed tea so I can control the sugar and caffeine content as needed.
Facebook or Twitter Facebook, but not as Seraphinalina, just as me. It's good for organizing invites for the house concerts and keeping tabs on friends who live far away. It's strange now that my mom is on Facebook.
My Passion Jeez, isn't that why I blog? You get my passions in little bite sized bits. Sewing, independent music, being a mom (we're still working getting there), hosting in general. Funny, work isn't going on that list, although I do think of geographer as part of who I am.
Giving or Receiving Gifts Hmm, I do love getting a wrapped present and opening it up and making a big deal to make the giver feel good. But, then I get itchy when my in laws give me a bed, so maybe I am better at giving.
Favourite Pattern Oh... I guess Renfrew at the moment. But I also really like Lekala 5432 for dresses. Sorbetto is always fun too. I'm not a huge pattern collector.
Favourite Day of the Week Friday. Lots of potential for the weekend ahead and it's usually a good client day.
Favourite Flower Depends, in the ground, crocus. Cut, carnations. Both flowers I associate with my Nana and Papa. Papa gave me crocus when I was about 12, a little kit with a plastic windmill for a pot and I do love the purple ones. Papa bought carnations for Nana frequently the last few years she was at home. She was getting to the later stages of Alzeheimer's, he was caring for her when she didn't know anyone and really wasn't talking much anymore, but his love was for better and worse so he bought her flowers.
Favourite Celebrity Role Model Hmm, I'm agreeing with a few others that I don't really see them as role models. I'm not even enough of a red carpet watcher to really identify with a specific person for their fashion sense.
And to nominate others... ElleC beat me to a punch on a few bloggers I enjoy. I'm going to nominate a few that are new to me.
TwistedCistern - what a neat concept, two sisters sharing a blog. I've already traded a few music recommendations with Margaret.
Making it Well - She's just made a lovely paper tape dress form and I'm looking forward to seeing her put it to good use.
Everyone that I read I add to my blog roll. I started reading blogs by finding Gertie's and expanded from there. I hope others find my blog roll helpful as well.
Okay, time to get to work, I've got a full plate today and I've actually been making headway.
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