A good day

I like the date July 27th.  It's one of my favorite days of the year.

Two years ago, I met Doug.  No picture (I know... so unlike me!), but here's the story!

One year ago, we found our house and made an offer.

This year.... Beth had us and another great friend (bridesmaid Donna!) over for a delicious dinner.

Yep, this is a good good day!

Friday Quick Takes - DH Style!

I felt inspired to guest write a Friday quick takes about my wife. I hope you enjoy it!

All Things Jenny – From a DH perspective

1

I love my wife because she is my best friend. My heart lifts when I see her and hugging her makes me feel better no matter what. She makes me laugh and she is always there for me.

2

Her rivalry with my cat cracks me up. She seems to often compete with the cat for my attention. She makes “rules” about how close he can be to me, where he can sit, and what he can do. He doesn’t pay much attention because he is a CAT. The funniest is when we are in bed and she puts her arm on top of me so that the cat can’t lay there. :)

3

Jenny has gotten me hooked on blogs. I think part of it is because the stories are compelling and the writing is wonderful. I especially enjoy reading about the “Bubble” and Ann’s nest building. I have even commented on occasion.

4

Jenny has great friends from the blogs. While I still find it a little strange to share so much information with people you have never met in real life, the support they have provided and the value of their friendship is quite real – and priceless. Thank you for looking out for Jenny.

5

It is part as of my job as Jenny's DH to say no. I love Jenny and she gets her way quite a bit, but there are times that I have to say no to provide some balance. Whether it is turning down names for our imaginary future children (she comes up with some doozies) or refusing to bring her water when she doesn’t ask me for it, but instead talks about how she is dying of thirst – there have to be a few limits and I provide them, whether I like it or not. For example, after she reads this... she will ask, "What do you think about a boy named Doozie?" I must say no.

6

I am grateful for Jenny’s attempts to be in nature. She and nature don’t really get along, but she came to one of my programs on wildflowers last year and we went hiking in Brown County. I appreciate her efforts, even if they don’t always end well.

7

I value her faith. I am not Catholic by upbringing, but I respect Jenny’s beliefs and support her in that pursuit. I attend mass with her every week and I value her beliefs, even it I don’t always fully understand them. They are part of who she is and part of why I love her.

Thank you for reading my thoughts. If it goes well, maybe Jenny will let me guest write again. ;)

Doug

Poor DH... Poor Nature.

I've had many a friends say to me (jokingly, I'm sure), "Poor Doug... poor, poor Doug."  My DH puts up with A LOT from me!  He cooks, he cleans, he brings me blankets when I'm cold, he sits in the same room when my soap opera is on (I secretly think he wants to know what's happening with the good people in Salem!) and he does not ask for anything in return.  I definitely married a good one.

So a few weeks ago, we went on a little weekend getaway.  We went to a small little town, nestled among lots of trees, hills and fresh clean air.  It's a great place to spend a weekend -- little shops around every corner, local dives to eat at... and a room with a private hot tub.  What else could you ask for?  Well... if you are my DH, a former park ranger, you ask for nature... and lots of it.  It's one of the thing I don't do well with.

In this same small town (with the perfectly air conditioned room we rented) is also a huge state park.  We went there last year.  We drove around, even got outside!  We looked at the spectacular views and that was it.  Seemed like the perfect balance to me.  But this year, DH wanted to do a little more in the state park -- I suggested a long hike!  Yep, it was my brilliant idea.  Since DH does SO MUCH for me all the time... I was going to do this for him!  I was actually excited about the idea.  I thought this would be a great way to get my exercise in for the day and make DH a very happy man!

We went to the park and saw that trail #8 was 'moderate' and about 4 miles long.  I thought, "Perfect!"  I had wanted a more rugged trail... but moderate would do!  It was the LONGEST hike in the whole park... that should have been a clue!  But, clueless, off on the hike we went.  We were smiling, talking and having a great time.  I was making suggestions of coming to the park more often... hiking all the time, etc.  I think DH thought I had gone mad!  I think I had too!  This jovial attitude continued for about the first 1.5 miles.  After that, it was all downhill...

I'm not sure who decides what is a "moderate trail", but I'm pretty sure they need to be fired!  We were up and down steep hills, climbing over rocks, stomping through mud and water, getting bitten by every insect known to man... all in the 95 degree heat and humidity.  It felt like we were hiking around in circles and we would never escape!  I had visions that I would die in the woods.  I didn't really realize that 4 miles hiking was a little different than out nightly 4 mile walk on the local trails.  Oh, I was so wrong!!

DH had no visions of us dying in the woods.  While he felt the 'moderate' trail was one of the hardest ever, he found it completely rejuvenating!  He didn't even flinch when I yelled, "I strongly dislike nature and it obviously hates me!"  OK, I might have used a few harsher words than that.... but that was near the end of our several mile/several hour hike, when I was SO OVER IT and still convinced I was going to die.

Well, right after I almost started to cry because I could see no end in sight... I saw the car.  It was the most beautiful sight I had ever seen!  I practically ran to it and sat in front of the air conditioning.  I've never been so happy to be in a car - ever!

I think that is the end of our nature hiking for a while.  While I did feel a HUGE sense of accomplishment after the hike, I was limping around for a week.  Muscles I didn't even know existed hurt.  Thank goodness for the hot tub!  We will revisit this next year... or maybe when it is no longer 95 degrees outside.  Meanwhile, I'm perfectly content hiking around my air-conditioned house... or our local trails.  I think that is 'moderate' enough for me!

DH in his element. 

7 Quick Takes (2)

-1-

The last few days have been MUCH BETTER... not great, but better, which I will gladly take!  Cramps have been HORRIBLE!  They are never this bad.  My entire body hurts.  Ugh.  Not sure why it is so different this month.  But, on a good note... I have been super busy reading my great thyroid books that lunch at my desk has been great!  I think they know something is up, since I'm normally there every day.  Oh well.  I needed a little break and I think I'll be ready to give it another go next week! I also think talking to Ann for a good 3 1/2 hours the other day helped make this week not so bad as well!  Plus Leila's back... that makes my world better too!

-2-

My diocese has a new bishop!  Bishop Tim Doherty was ordained and installed yesterday!  I was able to watch the beautiful mass online!  It was amazing!  He was so humbled.  He was overcome with emotion during the consecration.  That was so awesome to see.  He also was overwhelmed by everyone who had come to the mass... including his parents and family, his priests from his previous diocese and even the nuns that taught him in grade school were there!  His mom was so sweet!  What an honor to have a son serve as a bishop!  Wow!  She did something right!!  I think Bishop Doherty will great for this diocese!  I'm very excited!  I have a quote of his on my desk at work and I love it!  I think it applies to about every situation in life:

"If you have a trust in God, things will happen that you would have never foreseen.  God does have a way of carrying you... " - Bishop Tim Doherty

-3- 

Hair color does a body good!  I finally have returned to the color I'm pretty sure that God intended me to be - blonde!  I had some major hair trauma a few months ago and it was not working!  I hated it!  Every time I looked in the mirror I cringed!  I went back to my good hair gal (not the one that messed it all up!) and we've been slowly working on it!  It's getting there and is so much lighter! Yay!  I came home with a smile on my face and I love it.  The hair cut is in a bit of a horrible 'in between' stage... but I will take it over what I had before!  Whoo hoo!

-4- 

Our floors are FINALLY getting replaced!  Everything has been ordered and they should be installed in the next few weeks!  It will be so nice once they are all done!  Our insurance ended up paying for the entire cost, which was wonderful and way more than I ever would have guessed the floors to cost.  We ended up getting the exact same floors from the company who put in the floors for the old owners a few years back.  We love them and didn't want to change a thing.  The main problem ended up being a leak from our ice maker!  They didn't have to tear up the floor or slab!  But really... the ice maker??  So frustrating!  We don't even need an ice maker! We are now buying ice and/or making it ourselves and I'm fine with that.  We don't want another leak!

-5-

Better off Dead.  Have any of you seen this movie?  I had not.  My DH quotes it all the time.  We were flipping through channels last night and stopped on it.  DH was laughing so hard and had a great grin on his face! It was great to see him laugh and laugh and laugh!  I was really wanting to watch big brother... but I didn't say a word!  Aren't you proud??!

-6-

Speaking of... BIG BROTHER!!!  Aren't you bb fans loving it so far!?  The people are all driving me crazy and I can't stop watching.  I think my IQ goes down a little bit each time it is on and I don't mind at all!  Ha!

-7-

Our parish picture directory just came out!  I was so excited for this!  We got our picture taken before we were married... but registered everything under our new name, new address and such.  I was a little worried that it would be wrong ... because it was wrong in another directory months AFTER the wedding.  But it was all correct!  I know this isn't a big deal... but is was fun being in it as a couple!  I also love putting some names with faces we see at mass all the time!  It's the simple things in life, right?!

Happy Friday everyone!!  Have a great weekend!

Bad Day. Best of Friends.

Yesterday was just one of those days.  I might as well got up on the wrong side of the bed.  I went into work in a fairly good mood, but it steadily went down from there.

I just wanted to be at home. In bed. I didn't want to be around anyone at work.  I was tired. I was grumpy. It is CD 1 and I have horrible cramps.  CD 1 didn't bother me, but the cramps were harsh and my legs are sore, as they always are on CD 1.  My clothes were tight and I just wanted to scream.  Get the picture?  Not feeling it today.

Despite my sour mood, I was able to be extremely productive this morning.  But I felt that everything was a struggle.  Even lunch.  I sat there, cramps and all, with my 'lunch bunch' as I call them.  Some of these girls I've known over 15 years.  We go way back.  We've been through a lot together.  So... as most days go, they started talked about their kids.  I love all their kids... and this is common lunch discussion.  No big deal!  Their stories are so funny!  Then they started on how they were so glad they had their birth control (why does this keep coming up? Ugh!)... they were glad their husbands were snipped ... they were so glad most of them would never have to worry about strollers and babies again.  Really?  There is one prego among the group.  She is incredibly cute and pregnant... and they all said to her... "We don't want your kind of birth control... it obviously doesn't work!  Hahahahahaa!"  Everyone was laughing.  But me.  I was emailing Ann about how horrible this was for me.  How out of place I felt.  How I wanted to get up and walk out or scream or something.  One of them knows of my ovulation issues and thyroid problems... they all know of my blocked tubes.  They ALL know about how I feel about birth control.  But they still went on and on.  I've heard this same conversation from this group a zillion times before, but today, it just got to me like it never has before. Thank you Ann for getting me through that lunch!! 

I went back to my desk and cried.  Seriously?  Yep, I cried.  I don't think anyone noticed.  It wasn't that they were talking about their kids that got me.  That happens every day.  I don't mind.  It wasn't the fact that I'm pretty sure I haven't ovulated for months and I'm pretty sure there will be no baby for us for quite a while.  Ok... maybe that was it a little.  But I think what really got me was just how different and out of place I felt.  As I thought about it... I was able to see really WHY I felt so horrible during lunch.

The obvious... I feel behind.  I've always felt this way.  I was always the single one among my friends.  I have friends that have been married 10 plus years and I'm just now a newlywed.  Whatever stage of life I have been in, I always felt like I was playing catch up.  And no matter how fast I run... ok, walk... I can't get where they are.  I can't magically pop out a 9 year old and be all caught up.  Ouch.  Whatever I do... I won't be where they are. 

But what really got me... Is how I kept thinking... "I'm so ok NOT being where they are."  I don't ever want to talk about how wonderful it is that I don't have to worry about strollers and baby spit up.  I don't want to shout, "Yay, I'M DONE!" I don't EVER want to talk about what hormones I'm putting in my body to make sure that happens.  I felt so alone among some of my oldest friends.  All of their talk just emphasized how different we all are.  How different I feel about things.  How different I see the world.  How I can't relate to them, on so many levels.  How if feels as if they do not know me or get me at all.  Comments and topics that never bothered me before, now pierce right though my heart and sting.  The differences between us seem so clear now.  They have always been there and we've known about some of them for a long time.  It was just a little overwhelming, as most things are lately. 

So I finished crying and got on with my day.  Then my fertility nurse calls.  I was anxiously awaiting my labs from last week... I wanted to know how my thyroid was doing.  I knew it was not going great.  All my temps were crazy low this month.  I know I didn't ovulate.  I'm still freezing, tired all the time and my weight hasn't budged at all.  But still... I'm on meds... my thyroid has to be getting somewhat better, right? WRONG! It has gone backwards!  It's worse!!!  Way worse!  I thought I heard the nurse wrong.  She was baffled too.  She had no idea why this would happen.  Everything was worse!  Not one single lab improved on the medication!  Ugh!  I have an appointment with Dr. G Monday and hopefully, we can get some things working in the right direction.

So, as I'm receiving the news... I was emailing Ann and Sew.  I think we were emailing about how Judas was the first to leave mass or something... Hmmm.... Anyway... we start emailing about my thyroid and Dr. Sew kicks in!  She and Ann were telling me what I need to order, what needs to be done, what tests to run, etc. etc.  They demand that I talk to Barbie (get ready! email is heading your way!) and get as much information as I possibly can before my appointment on Monday.  They are right.  I'm not wasting another appointment.  I'm not going to keep feeling like this.  It's horrible.  My body is not working and I hate it.  Sew tells me what thyroid books I need to read.  Check!  I called the library and started driving that way.  She then emails me the name of a doctor who specializes in adrenals and thyroid in my area.  Check!  I called and made an appointment.  I can't get in until the end of September, but it's a start.  I started reading my books tonight and I'm getting ready for Monday.  Talk about some best friends.  I have friends I have known for years that wouldn't go to all that trouble!  They lifted me up when I was down... what amazing sisters in Christ!!!

When I got home... DH was there to offer a big bear hug.  He knew exactly what I needed.  He's the best too.  He always knows just what I need... he loves me, even my non-functioning thyroid. I'm so glad I ended up where I did.  If I wasn't so "behind" I wouldn't be here with Doug.  I wouldn't have all these amazing friends here on the blogs.  I would not trade that for anything.  Well... maybe some armour!  Ha ha!  Just kidding!!

And today... I think I'll be eating lunch at my desk.  :)


Side note: I saw Beth last night and her baby bump is looking oh so cute! 

Pet Peeves

Don't we all miss Leila??  It seems like she has been gone FOREVER!  So... in honor of her absence and because I don't have any good material for a full post... I'm stealing her idea! Here it goes!

-1-

Getting out of bed.  Yep, I hate it.  I am a night person and I dread getting out of bed in the morning.  It takes me forever to get to sleep and I love love love to sleep in.  I'm up by 5am every morning and one of my first thoughts (after a few prayers)... is ugh... 'I can't wait to go to bed tonight!'  Yep, I think that at 5am!  Pathetic, huh? 

-2-

Leaving mass early.  I can't stand it when people receive the Eucharist and then run out of the church.  Ugh.  Seriously??  You can't stay a whole 5 - 10 extra minutes after communion to receive the final blessing?  I think this is so disrespectful.  I once heard Fr. Larry Rich.ards say that leaving mass early is like spitting on the cross.  I wish everyone could have heard Fr. Larry talk about it that way.  They would NEVER leave mass early again.  I realize that there are situations that call for leaving mass early... emergencies and such.   I totally understand that.  I just don't get leaving early because you don't feel like staying or need to get someplace better. 

-3-

Since we are talking about 'pet' peeves... I better mention: Cat hair.  Cat smell.  Cat food. Uck. Uck. Uck.  I don't mind Doug's cat too much, just all that goes with him!  He can be pretty cute sometimes and all he does is sleep.  At least we both like to do that.  I could just do without the hair, smell and food and darn litter box too.

Leila being gone so long could really be a pet peeve... but I respect her spending time with family and all that stuff... ha!! :)

My first Quick Takes!!

-1-

It's my first quick takes! I love reading them and while mine probably won't be nearly as entertaining and interesting as others, I thought it would give it a go!  I have a zillion ideas swirling around in my head at a given time... hardly any make it to a blog post (unless it involves a wedding picture!) Ha!  I thought this would be a good way to get some things down.  Plus, I'm always one to jump on a good band wagon!

-2-

My #1 summer obsession??  Bi.g Bro.ther!  I admit it... I LOVE to watch it.  I'm not the biggest reality TV fan, but I cannot not keep my eyes off this show!  I have watched it for the last several years and love it!  It really takes some commitment to watch this show... it's on THREE times a week!  Three!  It's crazy!  But I am totally willing to make that commitment!  I can do it!  Some friends and I often have 'big broth.er' parties when it gets down to the very end... it's very fun!  I DO NOT, however, subscribe to the live feed that is available!  I only did that one year... several years ago.  I must say, it did come in very handy!  And I wonder why I was single so long... Hmmmm....

-3-

My other obsession that extends into all four seasons??  My i.phone.  Yep, I admit it.  I'm an i.phone-aholic.  I need help and I know it.  My phone is with my All.The.Time.  I'm working on it... slowing, but working on it.  I first got one two years ago and we were instantly attached at the hip.  I just got a new one (yay) and I love it!  It was the official... "You don't ovulate, your thyroid is totally busted, I have diabetes, we had frozen pipes, your tubes are blocked, we had a water leak and need all new floors, etc., etc, phone" gift from my husband.  He pre-ordered it and it arrive promptly on launch day!  Yes, this makes me smile more than you know!  It will take the place of my next few Christmas, anniversary and birthday presents.  While I do admit that I have a little too much love for my phone, it is so handy... how else would I email Ann, Leila, Beth and Sew during the day??  :)

-4-

Speaking of phones... I HATE it when people text and drive.  It scares me silly!  I use to do this.  I do NOT anymore.  It might drive me crazy, but I put the phone down.  I had to honk at a car last week that was on its way to hit me.  I could see the driver looking down while we were coming to a stop.  I honked, they looked up and barely missed me!  I've been in 6 car accidents (NONE were my fault!) and I do not want to be in any more!  Statistics show that nearly 500,000 people are injured and 6,000 are killed every year because drivers are so distracted, either by talking, texting or e-mailing behind the wheel!  No text message or email is worth that.

-5-

I've got a great blog for everyone to check out!  My 'in real life' friend Megan has started a new blog, Heart of St. Monica! It's going to be a great blog!  Megan is unapologetically Catholic and knows how to defend her faith!  She has done so many times on the blogs already!  Megan has the cutest family... a great hubby Bill and two adorable little girls!  She has a blog about her girls too! It's been great getting to know Megan better through the blogs.  It's funny... because I haven't seen Megan since she discovered blogging... but yet, I feel like we've become such better friends!  One more reason I love this blogging community!

-6-

Wine.  I walked in the door tonight and my wonderful DH handed me a glass of wine.  I love him and the wine.  He had prepared the most delicious and wonderfully healthy meal too!  He is home for the summer and has been doing all the cooking and grocery shopping!  I LOVE IT!  He's been grilling up a storm and he is great!  It's so nice to come home with all the little stuff done... so we can spend the rest of the evening just being with each other!  It makes such a difference!

-7-

This has been on of the loooogest weeks!  I only had to work 3 days and yet it seemed to drag on and on and on!  We went on a little mini-vacation out in nature (blog post coming soon!) and returned home Tuesday night.  I don't think I've recovered yet!  I have managed to get so much more sleep than normal this week in an effort to recover from the nature filled getaway.  I usually get about 5 hours a night if I'm really lucky.  This week I've gotten at least 8 hours and it has made such a difference!  Wow!  I think this is almost how I'm suppose to feel.  I'm still tired (darn thyroid!), but it so much better!!  Now, I'm so excited it's the weekend I can hardly stand it! Woo Hoo!  Have a great weekend everyone!

Need a gift?

Here's a great one!  I ordered this for my wedding and love love love the pictures that followed!  My hanger is featured on the website and that is very fun!  I've ordered these hangers for other brides and for itty bitty babies!  Both are crazy sweet and they are ALWAYS a hit! Check them out!

Oh, Nature!

So... those of you who know me well will never believe this... but Doug and I were OUTSIDE for several hours TOGETHER both tonight and last night!  Doug loves loves loves the outdoors and everything nature.  Me... not so much.  The weather has been absolutely BEAUTIFUL here this week!  We have had sunshine and temps in the high 70's and low 80's!  The humidity was low as well!  Perfect!  We picked nasty weeds, trimmed some trees, Doug mowed and edged the lawn and we tore out a dead bush.  I even got some dirt on my hands.

Tonight we went on a long great walk and it was awesome.  We have some great walking trails around us and we put them to good use.  It was so nice to not be walking in the horrible humidity or at the gym!  Loved it!  And... we are planning on doing some hiking this weekend at a state park!  Don't worry... nothing has frozen over.  I actually like hiking and we cannot wait!  I'll have my phone with to get plenty of proof... I mean fun pictures!

Side note:  I didn't look at my phone at ALL during the walk.  It was over an hour.  Doug had it in his pocket.  I could hear the emails coming in... but I resisted.  Ann and gang... aren't you so proud??