It's not too bad

I woke up this morning and after fixing my hair the way I usually do, it's not too bad. Kyle and friends at work actually like it. It has more tones to it-a little bit of blonde, a bit of red, and a little bit of my natural. It kind of gives me that sunkissed look-which come to think of it, now is the time to look sunkissed even if my skin is still white as a ghost. I've been wearing my hair curly since the beginning of February, and it has cut down my get ready time by at least 15 minutes. Growing up I always wanted curly hair, and even tried the spiral perms. That was a horrible idea! The perm took on about half of my hair-needless to say it is definitely my worst school picture. Fast forward to now-there are great products and the curly hair look doesnt' require beautiful spiral curls-a nice messy wave look actually passes. So one day I went to Target and bought curly hair products and a diffuser-and came up with my present style. Everyone seemed to like it and it's much easier-so for now curly hair will be my do. Regarding the bronze orange tint to my hair, again I think it just takes time getting used to something different. For all my friends that don't get to see me on a day to day basis-I'll try to post some pics.

Wannabee Irish Rock Star

I wore green today, not because I'm Irish, but because I have traumatic memories of not wearing green. I remember one St. Patrick's Day in middle school that I showed up to school and didn't have green on. The rest of the day I endured the incessant question "Where is your green?" and then was pinched repeatedly. By the end of the day the backs of my arms were actually sore. Needless to say, I always wear green on St. Patrick's Day, even though I'm not Irish and I don't really celebrate this Irish holiday.

I have this love/hate relationship with getting my hair done. I love the process of having my hair washed cut and styled, however I hate the process of deciding what I want. I went today to a new girl. I should have known this wasn't a good fit when I called this morning and got a same day appointment. Then the obvious question-what do you want done? I just needed my roots highlighted and a trim. Sounds simple enough right? Wrong. Well then I find out that the girl who did my hair last time didn't write down what she did. Then they always ask me all of these questions--toner, low lights, bleach, length? I don't know, I thought this was why I was paying almost $200. Why can't I just say what I want and then they know how to make it happen? She fixed my hair and I walked out looking like a wannabee 80's rock star. My hair was frizzy and huge, not to mention somehow my bangs are bronze and orange? Hmm, I'm pretty sure I didn't ask for that.

So at the end of the day with my green shirt and my frizzy hair-I felt like a wannabee Irish Rock star.

waiting game

Everything went very well on Monday with the IUI. No problems this time. Now we wait--in a couple of weeks we will know if we are pregnant. So please hope and pray with us!!

Maybe this time

For those who want the details of our latest fertilty efforts-read on....

We decided to do another cycle of IUI (intrauterine Insemination). Instead of an oral medication (Clomid), I am taking an injectable stimulation medication called "Follistim". Thankfully, needles don't bother me, so giving myself a shot isn't really a big deal. It ihas been a little strange working for my doctor. I realize that it really isn't anything to him, it's more my own insecurities. So I am getting over that real quick. Every few days I have had an ultrasound and bloodwork to monitor how well the follicles are developing. My last ultrasound on Thursday showed four follicles on the left. For those wondering what a follicle is, an egg develops in a follicle. Apparently, the right is on vacation. So tonight I give myself an HCG shot that helps prepare the ovaries to release the egg, and Monday is the big day-so everyone pray that this will be the time that God fulfills His promise.

The verse I am standing on, loosely translated Hebrews 11:11, "By faith I have received strength to conceive seed, even though the doctors have said that my womb is aged, because I have judged God to be faithful to His promise." After Monday, begins the waiting game. I'll keep everyone updated.

Ethics?

Thankfully, my job is going very well. As I expected, the part-time status was short-lived. It's kind of hard to be in management and not be there all the time. Somehow working full-time at this job isn't as stressful. Granted I am still trying to figure out when to do laundry, buy groceries, and clean house, but thankfully I have help with those responsibilities. I know that I am very blessed to have a husband who helps out around the house. I guess I have his mom to thank for that.

There was an ethical issue that arose that was kind of challenging this week. Basicallly, we had homosexual male couples contacting our office requesting our services. This brings up enumerous issues-legally and ethically. The doctor and a few of the staff met, and it was totally looking like they couldn't find a reason to not take care of this type of patient. I was really trying not to ignore my personal beliefs, but instead give alternative reasons why this wasn't a good idea. At one point the doctor looked at me and asked is this going to be an issue that you may just walk out on. I explained that I hadn't quite made a decision, but was trying to keep my personal beliefs in perspective yet maintain my professionalism. I was praying hard about what stand to take, and Friday I realized that I just needed to ask God to close that door and give the doctor wisdom. Friday night a friend at work called and said that she could tell that I wasn't on board with the idea, yet I was being professional about the issue. She did more research, and found FDA regulations that inhibit us from taking care of this type of patient. PRAISE GOD! My prayers have been answered. He gave me the opportunity to explain my perspective but He relieved me from having to make a very difficult decision. It reminds me of the importance of our laws and the importance of the Christian community being active in developing our laws and regulations.

Back in the saddle again

I am so amazed how God has truly provided. I am loving my job. I'm learning a lot, and I am finding that work doesn't stress me out as much anymore. Since I have been working as a nurse, there is this underlying stress. When you know that every decision made has consequences, and could be life or death decisions, the weight of that responsibility seems so daunting at times. There are times when I really questioned if I could handle it; I always did, but I didn't always want to. This is the first time in a very long time that my job doesn't really carry that stress. Even though I loved having my time off, I'm back in the saddle again and am loving it.

On another note, after waiting the necessary time post miscarriage, we are officially trying to get pregnant again. The best news-I get a discount because I work there. I won't bore everyone with all the details again, but I'll keep everyone updated on any significant news. So in that aspect of my life, I'm also back in the saddle again.