Monday, March 30, 2009

Never been so happy to see AF!

FINALLY! CD1! After 78 days, a full round of Provera and 4 more days of waiting, AF has arrived! I have never in my life been so happy to see blood! I will start temping tomorrow morning and have a chart to obsess over...

In other news, my "working interview" went well last night! I was supposed to be shadowing and ended up having my own section. My trainer said I should hear from someone in a couple days about my official start date. Curtis didn't do so well on his A+ test today and I feel so bad for him! He was confident and studied his butt off but he said the test was really hard. He will just have to study more and retake it.


Sunday, March 29, 2009

Working Interview

(Mom, Dad, Curtis & Me)
I have a working/training interview tonight at the bar I interviewed at the other day before they make a final decision. Basically, they want to see how I work before they hire me. I have to be in at 8 and she said I should be done between 10 and 11. I am excited... we need some good news.

We went out last night for my mom's birthday... we had a good time but we drove WAAAAYYY to far to do it. My dad works in Conroe (about an hour and a half away) and that's where most of his friends are so they wanted to go there for my mom's b-day. It's just too far to go drink then have to drive home. Fortunately, we rode with my aunt and uncle and didn't have to drive. Despite the drive, most everyone had a great time which was the goal.

Curtis has been studying like crazy for this A+ test tomorrow... wish him luck! Otherwise, I'm just enjoying my Sunday - relaxing at home with Curtis until time for this training interview... I hope it goes well! Oh, and in case you were interested, still no sign of AF and I finished the Provera a few days ago... still waiting....
This is my mom, me and my aunt... we were all pretty intoxicated.







Friday, March 27, 2009

A+

Ok so the interview went great... the woman seemed to really like me so I'm just waiting. She said they needed to hire a couple new waitresses and would be making their decision this weekend. Hopefully I will know something by Monday.

Curtis scheduled his A+ certification exam (computer stuff) for Monday... 2 days from now. I have faith in him... he seems to really know his stuff and he has been studying his butt off for it (not that he had much of one to begin with). We are hoping once he passes it, he will be able to find a good/decent job!

I'm am *still* waiting for AF. I finished the Provera last night so now AF has 14 days to show her face before we move on to Plan B. I just hope she shows soon... However, I have decided to try Vitex. I will be getting some in the next couple days to start on the new cycle. Well I'm headed to bed... I have to work tomorrow and we are going out tomorrow night for my mom's birthday. Should be fun!


Thursday, March 26, 2009

Wish me luck!


I have an interview tomorrow morning at 9am! It's at a bar but will be more money than where I'm at now... which is always a good thing! Wish me luck... God knows we are due for a little good luck!



There is not much else going on around here... but I will update sometime tomorrow on the interview news!

So stressed

I am not going to post all the details as to not air *all* my dirty laundry on the internet but things are just not going our way lately! When it rains, it pours and, well I think the whole effing sky fell out on me today!

I have had an amazing shoulder to lean on and I thank you so much (you know who you are)! I'm sure you are getting pretty tired of listening to me bitch and moan but I'm hoping things will turn around very soon!

On another note, Curtis is doing amazing with our diet... he has already lost about 15 pounds! Me... well I'm not doing bad but the weight isn't coming off as fast for me as it is for him lol.

I'm still waiting *not so patiently* on AF. I'm sure all the stress isn't helping but she needs to come on seriously! Well I'm headed to bed for tonight... *dreams of good luck coming my way*



Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Holy crampage!

I hope this means AF is on her way! I am on day 7 of Provera and just ready to get this cycle going.

Our diet is going really well... just tweaking my diet a little. My goal is 105 pounds... 33 to go.

In other news, the job with Sprint fell through because they are closing stores... stupid economy. We were so close... now we just have to work on getting his A+ certification. There isn't much going on around here... just trying to lose some weight and keep up with school.



Monday, March 23, 2009

The Pickle Jar

A friend sent me this earlier this afternoon and after I read it, I wanted to share it the world... so you have to start somewhere right? I know it is long but please take the time to read it!


The Pickle Jar

The pickle jar, as far back as I can remember sat on the floor beside the dresser in my parents' bedroom. When he got ready for bed, dad would empty his pockets and toss his coins into the jar. As a small boy I was always fascinated at the sounds the coins made as they were dropped into the jar. They landed with a merry jingle when the jar was almost empty. Then the tones gradually muted to a dull thud as the jar was filled. I used to squat on the floor in front of the jar and admire the copper and silver circles


that glinted like a pirate's treasure when the sun poured through the bedroom window.

When the jar was filled, Dad would sit at the kitchen table and roll the coins before taking them to the bank. Taking the coins to the bank was always a big production. Stacked neatly in a small cardboard box, the coins were placed between Dad and me on the seat of his old truck. Each and every time, as we drove to the bank, Dad would look at me hopefully. "Those coins are going to keep you out of the textile mill, son. You're going to do better than me. This old mill town's not going to hold you back." Also, each and every time, as he slid the box of rolled coins across the counter at the bank toward the cashier, he would grin proudly. "These are for my son's college fund. He'll never work at the mill all his life like me."

We would always celebrate each deposit by stopping for an ice cream cone. I always got chocolate. Dad always got vanilla. When the clerk at the ice cream parlor handed Dad his change, he would show me the few coins nestled in his palm. "When we get home, we'll start filling the jar again." He always let me drop the first coins into the empty jar. As they rattled around with a brief, happy jingle, we grinned at each other. "You'll get to college on pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters," he said. "But you'll get there. I'll see to that."

The years passed, and I finished college and took a job in another town. Once, while visiting my parents, I used the phone in their bedroom, and noticed that the pickle jar was gone. It had served its purpose and had been removed. A lump rose in my throat as I stared at the spot beside the dresser where the jar had always stood. My dad was a man of few words, and never lectured me on the values of determination, perseverance, and faith. The pickle jar had taught me all these virtues far more eloquently than the most flowery of words could have done.

When I married, I told my wife Susan about the significant part the lowly pickle jar had played in my life as a boy. In my mind, it defined, more than anything else, how much my dad had loved me. No matter how rough things got at home, Dad continued to doggedly drop his coins into the jar. Even the summer when Dad got laid off from the mill, and Mama had to serve dried beans several times a week, not a single dime was taken from the jar. To the contrary, as Dad looked across the table at me, pouring catsup over my beans to make them more palatable, he became more determined than ever to make a way out for me. "When you finish college, Son," he told me, his eyes glistening, You'll never have to eat beans again...unless you want to."

The first Christmas after our daughter Jessica was born, we spent the holiday with my parents. After dinner, Mom and Dad sat next to each other on the sofa, taking turns cuddling their first grandchild. Jessica began to whimper softly, and Susan took her from Dad's arms. She probably needs to be changed," she said, carrying the baby into my parents' bedroom to diaper her.

When Susan came back into the living room, there was a strange in her eyes. She handed Jessica back to Dad before taking my hand and leading me into the room. "Look," she said softly, her eyes directing me to a spot on the floor beside the dresser. To my amazement, there, as if it had never been removed, stood the old pickle jar, the bottom already covered with coins. I walked over to the pickle jar, dug down into my pocket, and pulled out a fistful of coins. With a gamut of emotions choking me, I dropped the coins into the jar. I looked up and saw that Dad, carrying Jessica, had slipped quietly into the room. Our eyes locked, and I knew he was feeling the same emotions I felt. Neither one of us could speak.

This truly touched my heart... I know it has yours as well. Sometimes we are so busy adding up our troubles that we forget to count our blessings. The best and most beautiful things cannot be seen or touched - they must be felt with the heart

~ Helen Keller


I think I was so touched by this because my Papaw had a "pickle jar" for me when I was growing up. He wanted to make sure I was taken care of and wanted me to go to college and have a great life. Papaw will forever be my hero... he was an amazing man and I miss him more than anything!
If you made it this far, thank you for reading and I hope this story as touched you the way it did me!

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Freaking out a little...

Ok so as you know I have started the Provera for the 465456th time and am having some new side effects... at least that's what I think it is. I have had INSANELY dry skin.. so bad it was keeping me up at night. My whole body itched.. I felt like a dog with fleas! It has subsided for the most part... I'm still getting random bouts of itchiness though. And then today came the nausea and it was BAD at first. I was in the shower went it hit and dry heaved but for like 5 minutes after gagging (sorry if TMI). After that, it subsided a little but have still have random bouts throughout the day. I have also had a headache for the last 2 days but I think most of it is from work!

The only side effect I have ever gotten on Provera was PMS-like symptoms (since it is used to trigger AF, that made sense). After our CP in January, I was really hesitant to start this round and these new symptoms are freaking me out a little. I took 3 HPT's before I started it and all BFN so that relaxed my nerves a little since I was on CD 65+... that's like senior citizen! LOL

Anyway.. I just wish AF would show up so I could stop obsessing!


Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Provera: Day 2

SO I started Provera last night (I have to take it before bed because it makes me naseous) and have had a little cramping today. I hope AF will show soon so I can start charting again. Only a little over 10 months until we start trying again!

We haven't heard anything on the new job yet... the guy said by next week. We were just hoping sooner rather than later.


Tuesday, March 17, 2009

It has been a good day!


So Curtis and I got up this morning to go turn in a couple resumes and just get out the house for a while. While we were out, we decided to stop by Sprint so he could talk to a manager (he turned in his resume last week). He went in and the guy interviewed him on the spot and said he was going to forward Curtis' resume to the HR lady and then e-mail Curtis some paperwork to fill out and then they would disucss a start date. The guy said he would have the paperwork to him by the first part of next week. He will receive a base salary, plus commission and hopefully decent benefits. This is such good news!!!


Also, I will be starting provera tonight so with any luck, AF will be where by the end of the week and I can rid myself of this stupid cycle!



Saturday, March 14, 2009

What a day!

One that I am not all that sad to see go. I woke up (late) this morning to go take a Microbiology test that I didn't study for at all so I am freaking out a little about that grade (which I won't get until AFTER Spring Break). But it's my own fault... I was lazy. On my way home from this test, I ran out of gas.. first time ever. I was in a hurry this morning so I didn't stop to get gas before my test (Curtis was supposed to put gas in the car yesterday) and I was planning to stop on my way home from the test to get gas but I didn't make it. Well just before I ran out of gas, I discovered Curtis' phone was in the car with me but thanks to modern technology and some really great friends, I was able to get a hold of him to bring me some gas. Oh it gets better! Once I got a hold of him, we discovered that his truck keys were also in my car (I'm not sure where is brain was last night). So, he had to ride the bike, in the rain and cold to come get the truck keys from me. Then, come back home to get the truck and the gas can and come back to me. This long process took about an hour... keep in mind I was sitting in the car on the freeway (well the shoulder) the whole time. Getting gas would've taken 5 minutes... I won't make that mistake again! I am usually so anal about making sure my car has gas in it... apparently not today!

I did have some AF type cramping today so I am hoping, just maybe, I will start on my own! If I do, it will be the first time in over a year that I have had a period without Provera... here's hoping!

I am still working Project No Smoking... still not completely done but getting there. I have had 4 today.


Friday, March 13, 2009

I've had enough...

Of this cycle that is. I am on CD 61 and have had enough. I bought a pg test tonight which I plan on taking in the next few days. I am really hesitant to do this because of my CP in January... I just don't want to go through that again. If the test is negative, I will probably start Provera by the end of the week to rid myself of this cycle and start fresh.


While we are still TTA, I am going back to charting as soon as AF shows her face... I wish I could take as many vacations as she does! I want to try to get an idea about what's going on in this crazy body of mine so maybe we can get a better idea of where to start when we start TTC.


I failed... I've had 3 cigarettes today. I'm down though - 6 yesterday! I'm trying; it's just harder than I thought it would be... I thought I was stronger than this!


I did get some Girl Scout cookies tonight though! O how I love me some Thin Mints!





Thursday, March 12, 2009

Time will tell...

So as some of you may know, Curtis and I have been having some problems. We have been fighting and arguing like crazy and I have just felt like we were falling apart.... I knew a lot of it had to do with stress but we have always been so good about not turning on each other when things got rough.

So... after he snapped at me this morning and I got my feelings hurt, I started doing some thinking and decided it was time to talk. We had a long talk about the way we were both feeling and worked our way through it. I really do love him more than anything and hate when we get in these dry spells.

In other news: I have smoked my last cigarette today. I have been wanting to quit for a while now... just never had enough motivation I guess. Well, after I did the math and realized how much money we were spening on my bad habit, I decided it was time to quit. I also have been using it as an excuse to not get back in shape because I don't feel healthy when I'm smoking. I want to be healthy for myself and our phantom baby when we start TTC again. I am aware of all the health risks associated with smoking, including fertility issues and don't want to hinder our chances any further and indanger my health and more than I already have.

Time will tell and I pray for the best!

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Craziness

These last few days have been insane and borderline nightmare!

After working all weekend, my sister spent the night with us Sunday night and Curtis and I got in a huge fight... over NOTHING! He decided to "be one of the guys" and go play basketball with some friends knowing his knee has been giving him issues. Well, needless to say, he spent all night Sunday (and most of the day Monday) in pain. He thought, Sunday night, that being in pain gave him an excuse to be a jerk and I had to stand my ground and make him realize that this is not the way it works. So, after taking my sister to school Monday morning, we talked and he apologized and was very sweet the rest of the day... and I took care of him and his knee because I'm just a good wife like that lol.

School is going well... just stressful this week! I have a paper due Thursday, a test Thursday and another test Saturday so I guess I will be pretty busy this week!

Our stress level is skyrocketing with all this job and school drama... oh the joys of married life! Ok whine fest over now...


Saturday, March 7, 2009

MMMMM I love having a husband that can cook!!!

So my honey cooked dinner tonight and made the most amazing chicken! It was so good but we are going to have to try it again with thinner chicken breasts. So here is the recipe in case you are interested:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
4 ounces Dijon mustard
1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
1/4 cup bacon bits
1/2 cup grated Parmesean cheese

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C)
2. Put chicken in 9x13 inch baking dish. Slather mustard evenly over chicken then pour teriyaki sauce evenly over chicken. Sprinkle with bacon bits, then cover with cheese
3. Bake at 400 degrees F for 30 minutes.

I recommend using thin chicken breasts... ours were too thick.

I love my honey!


This can't be a good sign...

I'm thinking there may be a layoff in our future... Curtis only has one day at work next week. They have been gradually cutting hours but one day? So I guess we know what Curtis will be doing this week... looking for a new job.

With that being said, we won't be going back to TTC anytime soon. I am, however, going back to charting. I am currently on CD 55 and am trying to hold out until CD 60 to call the doctor and get another prescription for Provera. My doctor will do it as soon as CD 40 but I don't want to take any chances. As soon as CD 1 comes, I will be breaking out my trusty BBT.

I am also changing my diet and going to start working out again... and try to stick with it this time. It's time for these extra 30 pounds to take a hike.


Thursday, March 5, 2009

TTA SUCKS!!!

Ok so I have officially decided that TTA sucks. I effing hate it! I don't know what to do thought because Curtis wants to leave TTC on hold like originally planned (even though our other plans have changed a little). I understand his reasoning but it's driving me insane! I really think I might go back to charting just so I can figure out what's going on with my cycles and see if we can get somewhere. I want to have a baby so bad... this is going to make me insane I swear!

I will keep everyone updated on how it's going.


Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Texas School of Business... and other stuff

Well I had my "interview" today at Texas School of Business. Everything was great! I can't start until May (and will finish in February 2010). I was hoping to be able to start right away (and finish in December) but I can't because of financial aid. You can only receive aid at one school at a time and I am already receiving aid at HCC so I have to wait until the semester ends in May.

The in class time is roughly 7 months. It is one class at a time and the classes last about 4 weeks for a total of 7 classes. Once I finish all 7 classes, I move on to an unpaid externship. If I can manage 40 hours of the externship a week, I will finish in about a month. But because it is unpaid, I will still have to work so if it becomes too much to do all at once, I can do 20 hours a week of the externship and finish it in about 2 months. It's only for a month, so I am hoping I can just suck it up and get it done so I can get hired on and start making some money! The class sizes are very small (10-15 students) so I am excited about that! AND Curtis already said I could practice drawing blood on him! LOL

In other news, I got a 94 on my A&P test that I studied so hard for! Also, our best friends in Arkansas finally got internet so I can talk to my best friend more now and get pictures of my nephews!!! Overall, it has been a pretty good day in the Poulnott house!


Tuesday, March 3, 2009

School update

Change seems to be in store...

After doing some research, I emailed the Texas School of Business last night re: their medical assistant program. So I got a phone call from an advisor about 3 pm and have a meeting with her tomorrow at 1pm!

So some details/differences:
1.) The program at TSB is 8 months. 6 months of that is spent in class and 2 months spent working at a doctors office. If all goes well in those 2 months, the job turns to permenant position. If something does not work out there, job placement at the school will find me another office to work for (but I'm hoping it works wonderfully).

HCC's program is a year and they don't have near the job placement TSB seems to.

2.) Classes are flexible - 8am - 12pm Monday through Friday or 5:30pm - 10:30pm Monday through Thursday.

3.) I take in my tax info and they take care of the financial aid for me and will tell me right then and there what I qualify for. So no more headache over financial aid!

I am excited and anxious... something has got to change around here!

On the TTC front, I am not dealing well with TTA... I'm trying to remind myself that it's for the best but it's not working so well. We shall see...