I promise I will...

Catch up on my blog challenge very soon! I have been extremely busy with helping start this NPO and dealing with some stressful things at home. I'm sure proud to have my DH and the marriage that we have. We can get through anything! Fortunately I can keep my medical insurance through these tough times. I just found that out yesterday and what a relief!

AF is finally gone, been busy around the house and not really tracking anything much but making sure to take prenatals and robitussin every day. Pretty sure that any cycle any time soon will not be it, but glad to get AF each cycle, so something is working right. I'm proud to say that I'm continuing my weight loss--slowly but surely! Lifestyle changes, more support and love is helping a lot!

I can say our NPO facebook site is up and (almost) running!
Please encourage your friends and loved ones to "like" our FB and watch for our website launch on 02/14/2012 to learn more about Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and join our movement to raise awareness! Remember, 1 in 10 women are diagnosed with PCOS each year! You may be thinking that you don't know someone with PCOS, but, if you are reading this, you're wrong.

Here is a link to it if you belong to facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1in10inc

Thanks everyone!!!

Blog Challenge:Catching up

Day 8: Describe your dream vacation:


With my DH of course! I'm dying to go to Greece. Then head over to Rome. Then head over to Amsterdam!!! Then of course somewhere exotic like Fiji--I think I'd be on this trip for many months, and try to capture every thing and experience each different culture. Just me and DH...gosh--now I want to travel again!

Day 9: List 5 things you want to do before you die:


1. Of course take said vacation from above ^^^^^
2. Have a child(ren) with DH
3. Write a book
4. Professionally take photographs (meaning I would be a professional photographer) all around the world
5. Build a home in the country from the ground up for my family on a ranch!

Day 10: What is your favorite book:
I have tons, I love to read! I have to say the one book I need to read more and is a bit complicated to me still, but love is: THE BIBLE.

Day 11: If you could have 3 wishes, what would they be?:


1. To never have to worry about finances in any situation again.
2. To not hurt everyday for the rest of my life.
3. To have a child(ren) with DH.

Day 12: List 5 Pet Peeves: 


1. PPL tawking N typin lke this. Thnkn ThEYR all BadA$$ and refuse to learn to spell
2. Fertiles giving me advice on how to have a baby
3. The shower curtain being left open after a shower (must close to dry evenly or will mold! DUH)
4. Smoker/Drinker Pregnant Women!!
5. Skinny people saying they're so fat to my face.. UM- look at me?!

Day 13: List 5 Guilty Pleasures:


1. Any kind of combination of mint and chocolate.
2. Clothes/shoe/handbag shopping
3. Souplantation (restaurant with a salad bar!)
4. Salmon
5. A really good Mai Thai!

Day 14: Put your iPod on shuffle, list the first 10 Songs that play:

• Green Day- Basket Case
• Iyaz- Replay
• Bruno Mars-Just the way you are
• Tim McGraw-Right Back Atcha Babe
• Scott Stapp- Surround Me
• DJ Earworm- United State of Pop 2009
• Scandal-The Warrior
• Good Charlotte- Girls & Boys
• Michael Jackson-Billie Jean
• Clint Black-Tuckered Out

Well, there ya go! All caught up. For now...

Working hard on my weight loss goal! Yesterday we walked up and down the Pier in Huntington Beach and today we walked the Newport Backbay loop trail. Lots of hills. A little over an hour, and my legs feel like jelly but so worth it! I also did my 75 crunches! I can't wait to see results. I have a big goal to reach, but dang it! I WILL GET THERE.

Back to cooking our healthy dinner!!!

Bad, Bad, Bad me

For not posting in so long. I really shouldn't do blog challenges if I get so far behind! Things have been up and down and a little chaotic. I got really sick with a stomach bug for a few days. AF showed up, got the usual depression, now back out of it. I'm actually working hard with some amazing women and we are starting up a Non Profit Organization for PCOS awareness and support! It is a long and hard process, but we are moving along! I'm excited about the future :) I'll share more when things are legal and trademarked and such.

I'm going to catch up on the blog challenge tomorrow! Been busy all day and still busy tonight but I wanted to let everyone know that I am still alive!!!

Day 6 & 7

Day 6: A picture of something that makes you happy:


Oh, Jeez... How do I pick a picture of ONE thing? Something that makes me happy....

Pick 1 thing....

This picture represents a lot to me. Of course, this is my wedding gown. It brings me joy--because that was the day I became one with my very best friend. That was the day I married the most amazing man that I have ever known. That was a day full of joy and love. That was the day my brother and my birth father walked me down the aisle. Both of whom don't speak to me right now. That was the day my little stepson looked so handsome, and did so well walking the ring pillow down the aisle. That was the day that changed my life forever. This dress was purchased by my "borrowed" mom and I found it deep in the attic of a thrift store. It costed 100 dollars, and it brought me priceless joy. 

Day 7: Where do you like to shop? :

Forever21

This has got to be my most favorite store! Yes, they have a plus size line that I absolutely love---and I can't wait to shop in the "smaller" section of the store! You just feel glamorous being in this store and the atmosphere is fun and elegant, yet prices are perfect! I bring all my girlfriends here whom all have different styles and they all can find wonderful outfits, shoes, accessories and makeup for cheap! 

As far as groceries go--I tend to go to mexican markets which have amazing deals! When I feel like not being so thrifty and shopping organic and a little more pricey--my favorite stores are:

 Fresh and Easy & Trader Joe's

There are just some things I won't buy at other markets, and I love Trader Joe's and Fresh and Easy!

Day 5

Day 5-15 facts about yourself:


Well, I kind of did this post before, but I will try to think of some things that have not been said before.

1. I have no idea what my natural hair color is nowadays. When I was young I was a platinum blonde, and as I got older I believe I'm a light brown. I have always loved to change my hairstyle.
2. I am borderline OCD when it comes to cleaning.
3. As a teenager, I was seriously obsessed with *NSYNC!
4. I am a very thrifty shopper, but can find name brand things in stores for way less than half of the normal price! I have nice things, but never buy anything full price, and I love coupons!!!
5. Growing up my favorite color changed from RED to TEAL to PINK, and now I'm settled at PURPLE!
6. I love anything to do with music and find it so therapeutic. 
7. I highly dislike when people spell things WAAYY wrong, and misuse "too" and "to" as well as "you're" and "your."
8. I hate that I have wide calves because I'm seriously obsessed with boots! My first big purchase when I reach my goal weight will be some knee-high riding or biker boots!
9. I love the biker/boho/vintage look!
10. My husband and I are obsessed with going to antique stores, and I have a collection of very old antique photographs.
11. I dream to be an ultrasound tech in the next few years :)
12. I hope to buy a DSLR starter kit to begin a hobby that I love, photographing!
13. I still dream and wish I had a loving mother in my life today :(
14. I am very much so obsessed with anything to do with Owls!
15. I have eleven tattoos, and hope to get more soon!

Hope that helped you get to know me a little better....

Day 2, 3, & 4 Blog Challenge

So, yeah--I'm behind!!! I need to catch up so I'm going to do a clustered post.

Day 2: What's in your handbag?



Pretty simple...
Bed Head paddle brush
Purple comb
SHINE hair oil
Wet Ones (a MUST for me)
Love Spell by Victoria's Secret body spray
A tampon! Must always have one in case of surprises
Gum--you'll always find gum in my purse
Mini hand sanitizer from Bath & Body Works
My Coach coin purse--which I use for all my cards
Burt's Bee's chapstick (heaven sent!)
Lip Gloss from Sephora
I also had some change on the bottom and a pen!


Day 3: What's in your makeup bag?



Sephora black eyeliner
Smashbox black eyeliner
Smashbox sparkle mineral powder
tweezers
Bare Minerals mascara
Clinique eye shadow
Olay face cream
Clarins foundation
Mary Kay foundation
Avon Lip Stain
Bronzer
Teeth Whitener pen
Green concealer
Benefit brow pencil
Benefit High Brow pencil
Kabuki brush
Pencil sharpener



Day 4: If you won the lottery, what would you blow your money on (after charity and bills of course) List 10 material possessions you would buy for yourself:


This one is interesting. I want to say things I would buy for others such as DH and family/friends. If I have to sit down and think about TEN material possessions for MYSELF, this one isn't easy for me! Here we go:

1. A second house (investment/vacation home) in Texas. Texas for a few reasons: My birth father and siblings are there. Housing is CHEAP and beautiful. Living is cost-efficient and I miss being a country girl.
2. An SUV (planning for future children, of course!)
3. An addition to our home now (Master bedroom and bath)
4. A pool for our back yard.
5. A stocked craft room!!!!!!
6. New bedroom set for DH and I's room
7. A horse--to conquer my fears and to have for therapy uses and to ride!
8. A boat I love boating and fishing!!!!
9. The BEST digital SLR starter kit out there to begin my dream of photographing
10. A fully stocked new wardrobe--not worrying about prices of clothing, so that way I can never say "I have nothing to wear" or "I won't get that because it is not on Clearance" again!

----ok, so seriously that took me 2 1/2 hours to complete. I had to keep coming back and thinking of things. I just realized why that was so hard to think of. I already have a lot. I may feel poor, or less than at times, but seriously--I have a wonderful life, even in our VERY rough times financially (right now). I have things I need, and a wonderful supportive husband and amazing inlaws, a wonderful home in the works and  I really should count my blessings! -----

30 Day Blog Challenge. Day 1

Today hasn't been that great of a day. We received some bad news---all around bad, and financially, our road ahead is going to be very difficult. I have faith that we will make it through, and God will not put us through anything we can not handle. We just need a few more prayers, please. Also, I finally got my back Xray done and will get the results from that next week. It looks awful, my spine is so crooked, I hope that slipped/herniated discs or anything worse isn't present because I may not have insurance for long!

Here is a picture:
 I am one crooked lady! :)

I need something to keep my mind busy, and thought a challenge would do me some good and help some of you get to know me better. I got this from the blog http://pinklipglossandprenatals.blogspot.com/ written by Rebecca.

The first 15 questions will be about me, and the next 15 will be about my infertility journey.

Day 1- What is the meaning behind your blog name?

Well, I don't have one of those cool, funky, amazing, and smart blog names. It's pretty obvious. "My Journey Through TTC....so far..." I was so out of it the day I started my blog, and new to infertility treatments --and finally had a certain diagnosis, I really didn't know too much. It just seemed to fit me at the time. Especially the ....so far... part.

Day 1 - What is the meaning behind your blog name?
Day 2 - What's in your handbag?
Day 3 - What's in your makeup bag?
Day 4 - If you won the lottery what would you blow your money on (after charity and bills, of course) list 10 material possessions you would buy for yourself.
Day 5 - 15 facts about yourself.
Day 6- A picture of something that makes you happy.
Day 7 - Where do you like to shop?
Day 8 - Describe your dream vacation.
Day 9 - List 5 things you want to do before you die.
Day 10 - What is your favorite book?
Day 11 - If you could have 3 wishes, what would they be?
Day 12 - List 5 pet peeves.
Day 13 - List 5 guilty pleasures.
Day 14 - Put your iPad on shuffle.  List the first 10 songs that play.
Day 15 - Show your favorite outfit or fashion pieces.
Day 16 - How did you and your partner decide when you were ready to start trying to conceive?
Day 17 - Discuss the most ridiculous thing you ever heard about conception. Where did you hear it? Did it work for someone else? Did you try it?
Day 18 - Besides Mothers Day, what is the hardest holiday for you as an infertile?
Day 19 - Write a letter (one that you never have to send) to a fertile in your life. Did they hurt you? Support you? Tell them how you feel, all the things you can’t bring yourself to say in person.
Day 20 - Discuss how you found your way into the ALI community, and what being part of it has meant to you – good and bad.
Day 21 - If you had gotten pregnant that first month you started trying, how would you have been a different parent? What changes have you made to your parenting style (either current or future) in the time you spent trying to conceive?
Day 22 - What was the first baby or pregnancy-related purchase you ever made? Was it before or after you started trying to conceive? Or was it after you were already pregnant?  Why did you choose that particular item to buy first? If you haven’t purchased anything yet, why not?
Day 23 - Talk about how you chose your RE.
Day 24 - If a very observant stranger were to walk into your house, what clues could lead them to believe that you have struggled with infertility?
Day 25 - Have you ever bonded with someone IRL over infertility?
Day 26 - Were you the product of infertility? Was anyone you know the product of infertility? How do you know? Or do you just suspect based on circumstances like age differences between siblings, time between marriage and conception, etc.
Day 27 - Talk about a time when you made someone in your life understand more about infertility.
Day 28 - What do you use the “nursery” for right now? If you already had a baby, what did you use it for before pregnancy?
Day 29 - If you had known that you would have trouble conceiving, what would you have done differently in life? If you already knew, did that knowledge affect your other life choices?
Day 30 -Tell us about a friendship you lost or a relationship that changed for the worse because of infertility.

Day 1 - What is the meaning behind your blog name?

Well, I don't have one of those cool, funky, amazing, and smart blog names. It's pretty obvious. "My Journey Through TTC....so far..." I was so out of it the day I started my blog, and new to infertility treatments--and finally had a certain diagnosis, I really didn't know much. It just seemed to fit. Especially the ....so far... part. 

January---you're going way too fast!

I can't believe January is already pretty much half way over. Wow. Time is flying by way too quick. I wish it would slow down.
Our kitchen is almost done! Only backsplash, touchups and paint left!

Widget was never found :( One year ago today he came home to us, small enough to fit in your pocket. I miss him every day. Fletcher sure is being spoiled rotten now. I try to pay attention to him a lot--because he has no one to play with now. I know he misses Widget tons and tons.

I've been so exhausted lately--still haven't lost weight--but haven't gained any either, which is a good thing I guess. I am eating better and a lot more active--it is just going to take a while I guess.

Congrats to those of you who have gotten your bfp's---and to those of you reaching milestones in your pregnancies!

Maybe someday we will be able to see that second line---for now I'm very happy to those of you who have been ttc for so very long.

Baking banana bread---got to get back in the kitchen!

yet another plain update.

Kitchen is moving along! Granite counter tops go in on Saturday. Our new fridge is in and being put to use. Life is still busy. I'm not so much in the ttc mode right now. Just trying to live life. I enjoy group discussions and fun and support from the facebook group "Keep the Hope" and blogger, but that is about it. I've upgraded my phone to a spiffy 4G amazing phone so I downloaded another app to track my cycles-so I've been doing that--but that is about it. Sadly on the 28th, one of my fur babies, Widget, got out during construction and is gone. No one has turned him in or reported him lost. His brother Fletcher misses him so much, as do I. I dream about him every night, and we are sad.

I'm really not realizing yet that it is a new year, yet alone January. It reached 89 degrees today and I was in shorts and a t-shirt! Craziness. OH, acne has returned. YUCK. I feel constantly bloated and I hate it. I'm still following all of you out there and excited to see all of your updates!

I will post pictures when our counter tops come in! Still trying to decide on which backsplash we love....

Take care everyone!