40 hours.....BLECH!

I give many kuddos to kiddos who work 40 hour work weeks. I've put in a measly 32 hours in the last 4 days and I'm POOPED! I have 4-4.5 more tomorrow to put in as well, so this will be a record week for me at the vet clinic. This isn't quite what I bargained for, but with the loss of my friend Tracy's grandmother, we all had to put in a few extra hours this week. The best thing to come out of this week was my renewed appreciation for my many part-time jobs....and my less-than-40 hour work weeks. Teaching adds on a few that don't always show up on a time card, but working at home is a lot more fun than sitting in an office!

It seems as though our appointment with the next fertility doctor has been postponed. Sucks, since it was scheduled for June 25--what seems like a million years away--and will now be scheduled for an even later date. I haven't called them back yet, but I will next week (when I'm not working like a dog...hahahahaha). I want to contact at least one other (possibly 2) to schedule a consult. I just want verification that our last attempt was just that...OUR LAST. If any of them give me any glimmer of hope, I think I'll lose my mind. As much as I would love to be pregnant, a big part of me just want closure. If they tell me that's it, fine...boom...done, I'll go onto other things, but right now, I still wonder about the possibility of going through this again. Can I handle it emotionally? I don't think I could go through another cancellation. That was way more upsetting than going through an entire cycle and having it not work. At least we could say we tried. Having it cancelled wasn't expected and seemed so incomplete. And unfair.

Anyway, other than that, life is good. We're hoping for a vacation this summer. Our thought is to drive up to French-speaking Canada for a week or 10 days. This would be after our big WAYNEE WORLD weekend in early July! WOO HOO! I can't wait for that.

Happy June!

MDW

WOW. What a GREAT weekend we had! We headed up Friday night to Waynee World (for those who don't know what this is, it's my cousin Jack's house on Klinger Lake). We got there about 10:30pm and expected to be greeted by a gaggle of people, but the gaggle was just one: Jack. It was the 3 of us and a dog named Boo the whole weekend. The weather was amazing--sunny the whole time, hazy on Sunday but still very nice. We took 2 tours around the lake on the pontoon (which I found out is 7 miles all the way around and about a mile across), but because of gas prices, boat rides were at a minimum. That's ok--Paul and I don't require much of that. We burned a lot of branches Saturday night (bonfire) and it was awesome! We returned Monday afternoon (stopping at Matt's party on the way back). I had to teach last night and needed time to clean up and prepare.

Speaking of teaching, my new gig is nice! I'm teaching French to a young couple who's moving to Belgium in July. They're both really nice and I've pretty much overwhelmed them so far, but they're catching on. I like that it's a short-term thing. I still want part of my summer off.

Time off is not the name of the game this week though. The vet clinic work has stepped up (a few people are going out of town and I'm filling in). What was once a nice, easy <15 hour a week job is now going to be 32+ hours this week. I know...there are people putting in 40 hours this week, but I still have 2 other jobs that I do in addition to the clinic, plus I have an online class to create and a book to write this summer. AND...pool time at Peggy's. That's a must-have. We're going to try to fit in a vacation this summer. We're planning to drive up to Quebec and Montreal. Crazy idea with gas prices what they are, but still cheaper than flying. And more fun--we like road trips!

The house situation is still the same...a few showings here and there, but that's as far as it goes. We'll be going out in a few weeks to look at what's out there, but because of the 3.5 properties we own (between the 2 of us), we pretty much have to sell ours before buying another. Stinks, but it is what it is.

I hope everyone had a great weekend!! Remember that today and tomorrow are the last days to shop at Jewel and use your Jewel Shop N Share tickets for MariaElena. I've dropped a bundle there (twice). Seems to me it would be easier to just hand her the $20 she'd rack up from my shopping sprees, but they're not really into that idea, so I'm forced to shop instead. :) If you need tickets, EMAIL ME!!

Refund

We're still waiting for our IVF refund from the last doctor. Bastards charged us for procedures not performed way back when. A refund was promised but has yet to be delivered. I guess I have some calls to make.

On the subject of IVF, we've decided to go talk to another doctor. Or two. Or three. I haven't decided yet--I have an appointment at the end of June with one in Naperville that my good friend Leslie recommended. There's another in Buffalo Grove that I'm a little interested in talking to, and Paul's cousin Missy has talked well about hers in Hinsdale. I can remember wanting to see a doctor as close to home as possible. Hmmph. That idea's out the window. Now I just want answers. And hope. I admit I haven't completely given up yet. If they all tell me that egg donation is my only option, so be it. Sadly, it won't happen that way for us, but at least I'll know there's nothing more that can be done on our own.

Today was a 12 hour day at the vet clinic. And it was packed full of excitement, ending with a dog that was found by some people and brought into us. A sweet little guy (part Pekingese) that I thought I might be taking home with me. Alas, he had a microchip and within a very short time, he was returned to his very grateful owner. Makes me so glad both of my animals are chipped. I like happy endings!

Last night, I taught my last class at WCC and now I have the summer off! However, I start teaching a couple tomorrow night. They're moving to Belgium in July so it's a short gig but will be (semi) well-paid. The online course I have to develop won't start until next spring so thankfully, I have a little time to put it together!

Paul and I are off for a much-needed weekend away at Waynee World. We're both looking forward to being away from here and relaxing!! I don't know how many people are expected up there--being a holiday weekend, it might be pretty busy. We'll take the dog and head up there Friday night, then come back Sunday night or Monday morning. I have to get the house clean in case it's shown while we're gone! Speaking of which, we had a little nibble last weekend that I think fizzled out, and a few more showings this week (after a couple weeks of nothing). It's really a tough market! I want so bad to go look at houses but I'm afraid of falling in love with something and losing out. We absolutely cannot buy anything until this house is sold (thanks to us owning 3.5 properties between the 2 of us!). It's totally frustrating.

On a happier note, the weather is going to warm up this weekend!! YAY! I haven't been on the scooter too much (and a few times have been in the rain! YIKES!) but I know the days are near when I'll be riding it every day to work and back, or wherever. It's running really well and an absolute blast to ride!! There's also the savings on gas, even though I load it up (a whopping 2 gallons) with the more expensive stuff. Makes me feel better in general, even if it's unnecessary. Sucks that my husband won't get within 5 feet of it. No, it's not an image thing--he's just a big chicken. And he's the first to admit it.

Enjoy the long weekend!!

WOW! We had a GREAT time in Texas this past weekend for my cousin's wedding. I'm so glad we went--my mom, sister, and I were the only ones on the groom's side (outside of his parents and siblings) who went. It was hotter than blazes down there! I ended up a few shades of pink which are now developing into quite the itchy peel. It was an effort to get through my class last night without constantly scratching my chest (which consequently looks like I'm scratching my boobs).

The next few weeks are going to be busybusybusy! Next Monday is the final exam for my class--I also have a meeting that day to discuss the online course I need to create for this fall. I don't know how I'm going to get that done in time, especially with a new teaching position (private tutoring in French) starting immediately afterwards.

I also have to work extra hours at the vet clinic, since one of my co-workers will be out of town for a few days. That's becoming a problem--there are only 5 of us who work there, including the doctor. There's one certified technician, an office manager, and 2 vet assistants. When one of us is sick or has to be gone, there's almost no one to fill in. A few weeks ago, I would have given my right arm to stay home on the couch--I had a HORRIBLE cold and felt miserable. I tried calling in sick, but there was no one to work and I felt a huge obligation to go in. It was awful. Unfortunately, they have no way of hiring anyone else right now, so we're kind of stuck. I'm really not fond of working Saturdays, but I have to for now. I really hope they can hire someone on soon.

I'm still collecting donations for the Great Steps for NF (neurofibromatosis) walk I'm doing on June 7th. If you'd like to make a donation, it would be very much appreciated! Just contact me for details on how. All donations are tax-deductible, of course. I think there's now a way to do this online, but I'm still trying to figure out how that works. In the meantime, I take cash and checks! Or even PayPal!

It's going to be a chilly week in Chicago. I need to say a huge HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Kumiko!! I have yet to send her an email but I'm going to get on that as soon as I'm finished here. If you'd like to send her a note, email me for her info! She loves getting emails from here. The Japanese don't really celebrate birthdays so it's always a treat for her to get a flood of emails from everyone!

Horizons

The realization of being infertile is slowly settling in to my brain and my being. It doesn't make me happy, but I'm not as sad as I was a week ago. I just have to accept it. I think about what's next. The adoption process is long, frustrating, and expensive, all huge turn-offs to me right now. I have a lot on the horizon the next few months...starting the process isn't really on the list at the moment. I'm sure it will be down the road.

On the horizon: weddings!! I have one this weekend in Texasn for my cousin Greg--my mom, sister, and I will be sharing a room at the resort where everything's taking place. THANKFULLY they have a bunch of nice pools. The weather is expected to be HOT HOT HOT so I don't need to hang out in the room too much. Hahahaha! My mom wants to journal everything that happens. I don't think they'll all be happy journal entries. The next wedding is in June--my cousin Kim's (coincidentally, the aforementioned Greg's sister). The reception will be at the Shedd Aquarium. YES! My mother finally got to plan a family wedding where she works! She started there too late for any of her children, but she pounced on the chance to plan Kim's.

Also in the plan: creating an online French course for Waubonsee CC. I think I've gotten in WAY over my head with this one. I know nothing about it and can probably learn what I need to, but doing this before the fall semester starts may be the real challenge. I get paid to create it, then paid to teach it. Nice.

I've also possibly added another job to my schedule: tutoring French. I currently tutor a guy in ESL (we've worked together for a year and a half--he's French but living with his wife and 2 kids and working here; they're all VERY nice!). The same company for whom I work asked me to tutor an American couple who's moving to Belgium in July. The job will be short-term, but could be really fun! I enjoy the one-on-one teaching. I still have to work out the hours, but it could be good money until they leave! Classes at WCC end May 19th so this will fill in those hours very nicely.

I'm still at the vet clinic. I have a love interest there--his name is Tuga and he's a 7 year old eclectus parrot. Tuga's in...shall we say, the prime of his life, and lookin' for love in all the wrong places. He's developed quite the crush on me and has subsequently taken to biting his owner when I'm around (the doctor of the clinic). I've warned Paul, who's already threatened that if things get any worse with Tuga, he'll have to come kick some serious feathered ass. Tuga's not intimidated though. He continues to happily hump my hand and regurgitate on me (as birds apparently do when in love). Here's a picture of him:

He's really quite beautiful--about 8 inches high (not including his long tail feathers, the one's Paul would kick if given the opportunity). He used to be SO MEAN when I started there, but I was determined to tame him a bit by paying attention to him and taking him out of his cage to sit nearby while I worked. Apparently, this worked a little too well. I can no longer have him sit near me because he does everything he can to perch himself on my hand. When I'm there and leave him in his cage, he screams and causes such a ruckus! It's amusing as hell though.

So that's the latest from here. I leave Thursday for Texas and expect to have a GREAT time! Even in the same room as my mom and Kate. As Kate says, she and I are a good time. It's quite true (though not everyone would think so). Hasta luego!

p.s. Still no takers on the house. It's been about a week since the last showing, but we have an open house scheduled for the 18th (thanks, Mom!). Once we move, we'll probably have a "new" old addition to the family--SALSA. Yes, you read that right, but I'll save that for another post...

Send me money.

That's about as blunt as one could be! Why do I want your money? On Saturday June 7th, I'm taking part in the annual fundraiser, Great Steps for NF (neurofibromatosis), held at the Riverwalk in Naperville. Each year, Paul and I join Team Whittenhall, which includes the ever-popular Ben (whose father, Paul, was in our wedding party, and is one of my-Paul's oldest and best friends). Ben is 12 (I think...) and was diagnosed at an early age with NF. If you're unfamiliar with NF, google it sometime to get a good idea of what's involved. Anyway, each year we ask all those we know and love to donate to this very worthy cause. If you'd like to send a little something (any amount will help!), your donation will be tax-deductible and come along with my undying gratitude. Email me for the address. I can take donations via check, cash, or PayPal.

That's all for now. Thanks for helping support this great cause!!