You have 3 choices

It will be one year since my surgery on the 17th. I can say that I am in a different mindset than I was last year, but my body seems to be reverting. It seems that while I am not actually getting my period (except once every 3 months), I am still feeling the symptoms. This makes sense, since the symptoms occur during that particular time. Why? Well, because the bcp I am on is not a tricycle pill. However, it does help with the bloating, acne, and mood swings that I had on other pills.

My doctor gave me three options:

1. Have the surgery again. He highly recommended this.
2. Lupron. Somehow going through menopause at 27 just does not seem worth it and he did not really think this was the option for me.
3. Grin and bare it till we decide to get pregnant.

We chose option 3 with a nice side of pain meds to help me when times get really tough. I've made it this far, right? Right?! RIGHT?!

In other health related news, my poor hubby has been dealing with his back as per usual lately. He found out that he has a fractured vertebra and there is an issue with a disk in his back. The doctor said he has to lose weight (I never told you this, E. would kill me). We (yes, I got roped into this) will be going through a drastic diet change once the new year rolls around. I feel bad for him, but it's what he needs to do to strengthen his back.

Must get going...I thought I wouldn't have to go back to the mall tomorrow, but it looks like I will. Christmas shopping never ends!

Grown Up!?

There are times where I just have to stop and think "oh yeah, I'm kinda an adult". I graduated from college, I have a career, I own a home, and I am married, but still none of these "things" make me think of myself as an adult. One is when I have a house to clean by myself (E. does help, I couldn't do it on my own). Just having the responsibility of cleaning more than my bedroom/bathroom makes me feel adult. Another time is most definitely when I have to pay the mortgage or any other bill for that matter. Regardless of the fact that I was writing checks for a car/cell phone payments since I was 17, I still have that moment of "if I was not an adult, I wouldn't have to do this."

By far, the biggest "adult" moments occur for me during the holidays. Take today for example, I hosted a get together, a jewelry party. We decorated and cleaned for the day. I shopped for the food and drinks. I put everything out and got it all prepared. Greeted guests at the door, hung up their jackets, and reminded them to eat the food. I cleaned up afterward. Simple acts, but as I sat down and started to make a grocery list and gather my coupons after I had a thought. OH MY GOD, I really am an adult!

Like, there's no turning back. We are at the age where we have homes, and husbands and jobs, and BABIES! Stop, slow down! When did things change? When did I start getting excitement from clipping coupons? When did I decide that I am sometimes so over MTV and it's ridiculous shows? When did the classic rock station start playing my favorite music from my youth? MY YOUTH?! WTF!

After I calmed down and had a drink...I decided, being an adult is not all that bad. I've been an adult for quite some time. I mean, my uncles used to tell me that they were adults because they could eat "pizza for breakfast and donuts for dinner" if they wanted. I could do that! I've done that. In fact, that sounds yummy.

Do you stop and look around and thing "OMG, I am an adult?!"?

Book Review: Push

Where to begin...I'm not sure.

I'm not a book snob, in fact I love to read anything! I will "try" a book for a bit, but if I can't get far and I feel like it's work to read the book, I usually will put it down. (It's a shame I can't do that with books for grad class) With that said, I "tried" Twilight and I just could not get into it. I felt pressured to like it, just about everyone liked it, but I couldn't get into it. I know, I know, I'm weird. My friends think I am crazy and I feel a bit left out when I walk into conversations about it in the workroom. I enjoyed the first movie and will most likely watch the second one.

I completely understand if you stop reading now because you don't trust my judgment when it comes to books...Go ahead Twilight fanatics, you aren't going to hurt my feelings.

Ready...Okay...

So, I heard about Push (or Precious) from my good friend Oprah. She was raving about it mostly because she was producing the movie. I trust her judgment, so while I was at Target I talked my mom into buying it. She did and then I went home with it (she is still reading Glass Castle from the summer).

I can see why people enjoyed the story. However, I had some difficulty reading about the sexual abuse Precious went through as a child. I appreciated the story itself. Here is a child who fell through the cracks and was pushed along. It was sad to hear about this girl who was pretty much dying inside, while the adults in her life (school teachers mostly) look past her or sexually abused her (her parents). If her teacher's believed in her, would she have succeeded more? If her teacher took notice of the "accidents" Precious was having in class, would the abuse have stopped? How did no one realize that she was unable to read?

It was a pretty quick read, with the exception of the few times where I had to put the book down because of how graphic the descriptions were. I like a book that gives me closure at the end, this one did not do that. I felt like I needed more and that's not a good way to end a story that has no sequel.

Read Precious (or Push) and try not to focus too much on the abuse. Also, try to get past the language that it is written in...not sure how to explain it, but you just have to keep reading because it gets much easier to understand as the story goes on.

My next book: Say You're One of Them. My friend Oprah also recommended this one to me.

December...Already?

So, today as I was putting up "holiday" decorations in my classroom and changing our big calendar, it hit me. Tomorrow is really December?! Really? I feel like I was just handing out Halloween candy.

My December Goals

Finish a scarf for the giving tree at work
Bake at least 2 new cookie recipes
Finish all Christmas shopping before our NYC trip on the 19th
Make "real" mashed potatoes (It's so easy to either buy instant or Bob Evans)
Read one book (I will give you my review of PUSH (or Precious) soon)

What are your goals for the month??

'Tis the Season to Give Back (Last Day)

Today I am featuring my favorite cause...and one of the easiest to give to. St Jude Hospital's Thanks and Giving campaign. St. Jude's is an incredible children's hospital that deals with pediatric cancer and other catastrophic childhood diseases. They cover costs for travel and lodging and food for the patient and family. Families DO NOT pay for treatments that are not covered by insurance. They are willing to help families regardless of their income.

There are a few ways that you can donate.

There is a complete list of participating retailers that will allow you to add a donation to your purchase (even a $1 helps). Anywhere from William Sonoma to Dicks Sporting Goods, to Dollar General to New York and Company have the add a donation option at that checkout.

There are also a few stores that are offering special St. Jude products or a gift card purchase where a percentage of the purchase goes back to St. Jude (YAY TARGET!).

Make sure you check it out! St. Jude does amazing things for the families who utilize their services!!!

“Be good, be kind, be humane, and charitable; love your fellows; console the afflicted; pardon those who have done you wrong.”
Maxim Gorky

'Tis the Season to Give Back

Sorry that I dropped the ball yesterday. I was unaware that we would be eating turkey dinner at NOON! Since we ate "dinner" so early, we had time to head over to my parents' house for dessert and birthday cake. I hope you enjoyed your turkey day as much as we enjoyed ours...I ran around with my brother in law's doggy, met my cousin-in-law's new b/f, and spent some quality time with my BIL's girlfriend. And, since it was a holiday, I, along with D., did a "Tour De Wine" that was at my in laws. It was fabulous.


I was watching The Today show this morning and they had some great places to donate you home goods. We donate A LOT to the local Purple Heart, but there are other great causes that could use your home goods.

Games for Heroes
I thought this was awesome! You can donate your gently used hand held video games to soldiers over seas. I am sure that they will be greatly appreciated! There is an address to send the games as well as a way to donate money.

'Tis the Season to Give Back Day 4

Just an update...On day one I mentioned the charity BeadforLife.org I happen to be hosting a jewelry party with their pieces. I received the package of jewelry today and it's all beautiful. I am hoping to persuade E. to buy a few things for my Christmas stocking!

Anywho...Here are today's good causes.

Toys for Tots

I do not have children, but I sure do love shopping for little ones. Toys for Tots asks for donations of new, unwrapped toys that they, in turn, give back to needy children. Best of all, it's run by the Marines! Click on the link above to find a drop off location near you!

Starbucks Love Project

Starbucks and I have our differences, but I sure do love a piping hot gingerbread latte. On December 1st 5 cents from every beverage will go to the Global fund to help fight AIDS in Africa. Plus, check out their Love Project CD featuring U2, Dave Matthews and John Legend.


“Every charitable act is a stepping stone towards heaven.”
~Henry Ward Beecher