Still going strong more than halfway into day 2!
Eventful Notes about last night:
A friend of mine got a job yesterday, and wanted me to meet her at the bar to celebrate. I had a moment of weakness, texted S to see if he was in, and then thought better of it. S was not pleased. He was pretty grumpy in general yesterday, so that just really pissed him off. OOPS......
And my friend apologized for tempting me, after of course she begged me to go! "Support" people- learn what it means :)
Last Night's Dinner:
Baked Mahi Mahi- 15min. with lemon and dill
Steamed broccoli- with lemon and pepper
Raw Spinach- with olive oil, lemon, and pepper dressing
S got his plate, looked down, looked up at me dramatically and said "Great, it's all green with lemon."
I laughed.
Couldn't help it. He was so downtrodden and sad looking and so dang dramatic!
He was really actually grumpy though, so I stifled the laugh and said something encouraging/supportive.
I liked dinner, thought it wasn't that far off from other meals we eat.
I had a surprising amount of energy too. I did dishes, cleaned up around the house, and didn't watch too much TV before heading to bed.
So far today (it's 4:37pm):
I was SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO tired earlier this afternoon. I started falling asleep reading a book on my computer at work. though it could have been because Tuesday's are the sloooowwwwwest days ever at work. Either way- I was tired. But I went "to lunch" with some coworkers, we went shopping and I perked right back up.
Tuesday Smoothie (b-fast and lunch)-
Vanilla protein powder
Fiber powder
Green Balance
Spinach
Frozen blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries
Unsweetened coconut milk
Reviews: Not super good. I say it tastes too powder-y. S says it's too berry-ie.
Tomorrow's plan: Straight up protein powder and either coconut milk or water.
I'll keep you posted, I'm sure everyone is on the edge of their seat waiting for the news..................
:)
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Monday, November 17, 2014
Day 1
Day 1 of the 28-Day Arbonne Clean Eating Challenge is here!!!! And I'm halfway through the day already!
I think the hardest part of this challenge is going to be getting up at 6am to make S' smoothies! I usually don't wake up until 7:30, but he really needs help getting out of the house so early so I have agreed to make our breakfast and lunch shakes at 6 am! Today I went back to sleep, but tomorrow the goal is to actually utilize the time being awake to workout!
I feel confused on where to start with a new exercise plan. I am a "Class" kind of exerciser. I used to love going to Body Pump, Yoga, and the Kickboxing class at the gym. My current schedule and living in the country doesn't really work with the gym's schedule. Then, I was running/walking around the neighborhood which was perfect. But it is way, way too cold for that!
Now what do I do? I will try to find a You Tube video (though I haven't had success with that in the past.....) and/or lift weights in the Man Cave. We will just have to wait and see how it goes.....
But back to today......
This morning I made S and I smoothies for breakfast and lunch! The recipe is so easy.....
4 scoops Chocolate protein powder
2 scoops Fiber powder
2 scoops Greens Balance
Coconut Milk (unsweetened)
3 spoonful's Almond Butter
1 banana (should have added another banana.....)
Ice
That's it.......
Now it's 1pm and I am having a Digestion Plus and Fizz Stick in my water, with a handful of mixed unsalted nuts (almonds, pumpkin seeds, cashews, pecans, pistachios). And I am not hungry!
Surprisingly, I haven't had an cigarette cravings either. Usually by this time of the day I have already had 2 and getting ready for 2 more on my lunch break. But I'm good.
Fingers Crossed this feeling continuities!
For Lunch (at 2:30) I am going to have an avocado, and the same protein shake I had for breakfast.
If I need a snack before my 6:30 counseling group, I will have either more nuts or an apple.
For Dinner (at 9:30pm) :( We will have baked Mahi-Mahi on a bed of spinach, onion, tomato, and bell peppers with olive oil and lemon dressing. Sounds yumm to me! And it isn't that different from a "normal" meal for us. We would have just used store bought salad dressing instead of olive oil and lemon.
A note about prepping: I went to Costco Friday to stock up. I spent $150! That's so cheap for 2 of us, and it will last 2 weeks! And I bought 3 bottles of wine for Thanksgiving! Then, I spent $20 on grass-fed beef and some organic Kale at the local store. I have to go to the grocery store today for a few things, and it will likely cost me $20. Not spending any more on groceries than usual, and saving money on booze and junk food!
Last night we also weighed ourselves and took some measurements. Not either of our proudest moments.......We *might* share when this is over............
I think the hardest part of this challenge is going to be getting up at 6am to make S' smoothies! I usually don't wake up until 7:30, but he really needs help getting out of the house so early so I have agreed to make our breakfast and lunch shakes at 6 am! Today I went back to sleep, but tomorrow the goal is to actually utilize the time being awake to workout!
I feel confused on where to start with a new exercise plan. I am a "Class" kind of exerciser. I used to love going to Body Pump, Yoga, and the Kickboxing class at the gym. My current schedule and living in the country doesn't really work with the gym's schedule. Then, I was running/walking around the neighborhood which was perfect. But it is way, way too cold for that!
Now what do I do? I will try to find a You Tube video (though I haven't had success with that in the past.....) and/or lift weights in the Man Cave. We will just have to wait and see how it goes.....
But back to today......
This morning I made S and I smoothies for breakfast and lunch! The recipe is so easy.....
4 scoops Chocolate protein powder
2 scoops Fiber powder
2 scoops Greens Balance
Coconut Milk (unsweetened)
3 spoonful's Almond Butter
1 banana (should have added another banana.....)
Ice
That's it.......
Now it's 1pm and I am having a Digestion Plus and Fizz Stick in my water, with a handful of mixed unsalted nuts (almonds, pumpkin seeds, cashews, pecans, pistachios). And I am not hungry!
Surprisingly, I haven't had an cigarette cravings either. Usually by this time of the day I have already had 2 and getting ready for 2 more on my lunch break. But I'm good.
Fingers Crossed this feeling continuities!
For Lunch (at 2:30) I am going to have an avocado, and the same protein shake I had for breakfast.
If I need a snack before my 6:30 counseling group, I will have either more nuts or an apple.
For Dinner (at 9:30pm) :( We will have baked Mahi-Mahi on a bed of spinach, onion, tomato, and bell peppers with olive oil and lemon dressing. Sounds yumm to me! And it isn't that different from a "normal" meal for us. We would have just used store bought salad dressing instead of olive oil and lemon.
A note about prepping: I went to Costco Friday to stock up. I spent $150! That's so cheap for 2 of us, and it will last 2 weeks! And I bought 3 bottles of wine for Thanksgiving! Then, I spent $20 on grass-fed beef and some organic Kale at the local store. I have to go to the grocery store today for a few things, and it will likely cost me $20. Not spending any more on groceries than usual, and saving money on booze and junk food!
Last night we also weighed ourselves and took some measurements. Not either of our proudest moments.......We *might* share when this is over............
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
In the Meantime
Since the being parents thing is on hold for now, I have been wanting to focus on my health.
I gained about 10 pounds during the last IVF cycle and I need to get them off me!! I also (super embarrassingly) started smoking again. I promised myself I wouldn't go back after this last time of quitting for about 2 months. Then, when the negative bomb drops- it happened.
I realize I have to stop with the sugar and cigarette addictions! I need to be a healthy, strong parent for my future kiddos.
I have discovered Arbonne Nutrition Products. I have heard of Arbonne before, but I went to one of those horrible "parties" where they hard sell you while pretending it's just a "girls night." I had a negative viewpoint after that.
What I didn't realize was that they have a ton of awesome nutrition stuff! S and I decided to do their 30-day Clean Eating Challenge starting on Nov. 17!!
It's very similar to the 6-week one I did back in July. It's supplements such as protein powders and fiber powder, etc. You drink a protein/fiber smoothie for breakfast and lunch with some healthy snacks in between. Then you eat a regular dinner. Well, regular in that it's whole foods, minimal meat, no dairy, no soy, nothing artificial, no fats, etc.
I am excited to get back to feeling awesome in my body again! I felt so great after the last cleanse, I want that back!
This time I am going to take Before and After pics, and write down my measurements to see the difference. I hope this will help me to set the "reset" button and go back to my healthier ways!
If anyone wants to do it with us, please do! I will create a Facebook group so we can support each other and share recipes! Let me know if you are interested!
Fost/Adopt
This has always been about a quest to be parents, and for us adoption has always been on the table. Initially when we were blissfully naive about our child-making capacity we thought we would have a bio-kid, then adopt later down the road.
Someone had different plans for us. It looks like Baby 1 and 2 will be foster kids that we get to adopt.
We have some good friends in good places that have been advising us on how to proceed. First, we got with an agency that works with the state CPS department to place kids. Second, we started on the massive pile of ridiculous paperwork. Started it in October, still not done!
We are in somewhat of a holding pattern because they do the training once a quarter and we couldn't make the October one. We didn't go because of my job, which means I have to make a job change! ASAP!
The next training is in January, and with my current job duties I cannot miss 2 nights a week to attend the training. I have been working on transitioning into private practice since September.
It's a much slower process to get approved for insurance panels than I thought. Given the population in my community, accepting insurance is crucial. It takes about 3 months to get approved. So that's on hold-ish for now.
In the meantime, we have started the application paperwork. They want a ton of details, names, salaries from every job ever. It's intense. We have been going slowly through that.
January is the next big focus! We can start training, and possibly be able to help a baby/child that needs a home by April-May.
2015 is going to be my year!
Just have to get through the holidays.......................
Someone had different plans for us. It looks like Baby 1 and 2 will be foster kids that we get to adopt.
We have some good friends in good places that have been advising us on how to proceed. First, we got with an agency that works with the state CPS department to place kids. Second, we started on the massive pile of ridiculous paperwork. Started it in October, still not done!
We are in somewhat of a holding pattern because they do the training once a quarter and we couldn't make the October one. We didn't go because of my job, which means I have to make a job change! ASAP!
The next training is in January, and with my current job duties I cannot miss 2 nights a week to attend the training. I have been working on transitioning into private practice since September.
It's a much slower process to get approved for insurance panels than I thought. Given the population in my community, accepting insurance is crucial. It takes about 3 months to get approved. So that's on hold-ish for now.
In the meantime, we have started the application paperwork. They want a ton of details, names, salaries from every job ever. It's intense. We have been going slowly through that.
January is the next big focus! We can start training, and possibly be able to help a baby/child that needs a home by April-May.
2015 is going to be my year!
Just have to get through the holidays.......................
It's Been Awhile
I decided not to blog through my last round of IVF. I had all the feels, like all the time. *SPOILER ALERT: It didn't work= Not Pregnant)
I had so very many conflicting feelings. I was excited and hopeful then suddenly I would be detached and scared and defeatist. Luckily I really didn't have many drug induced mood swings, I had my own thoughts and feelings to provide that.
The protocol we used this time was awesome though! I was only on injectibles 2.5 weeks (vs. 4 weeks last time). I responded so well to not-Lupron and BCP. Those drugs just don't work for me!
My follicles looked good, we got 7 legit eggs out of the deal. Then, a day-3 transfer of the 4 embryos that made it that long. I know you might be saying "HOLY SHIT 4 EMBRYOS! AT ONCE!" Yeah we were surprised too. The limit is 2 for someone in my age group. Or so I thought.
Turns out, if they are Grade "Super-Duper Crappy Embryos" like ours were, they can transfer 4. Which is only appropriate because I called this the "Hail Mary" cycle anyways. And so it was.
None stuck. Probably at all. I got to be pretend pregnant for 2 weeks. Then it was over.
We are moving onward and upward in life!
Next up, Foster/Adopt.
I had so very many conflicting feelings. I was excited and hopeful then suddenly I would be detached and scared and defeatist. Luckily I really didn't have many drug induced mood swings, I had my own thoughts and feelings to provide that.
The protocol we used this time was awesome though! I was only on injectibles 2.5 weeks (vs. 4 weeks last time). I responded so well to not-Lupron and BCP. Those drugs just don't work for me!
My follicles looked good, we got 7 legit eggs out of the deal. Then, a day-3 transfer of the 4 embryos that made it that long. I know you might be saying "HOLY SHIT 4 EMBRYOS! AT ONCE!" Yeah we were surprised too. The limit is 2 for someone in my age group. Or so I thought.
Turns out, if they are Grade "Super-Duper Crappy Embryos" like ours were, they can transfer 4. Which is only appropriate because I called this the "Hail Mary" cycle anyways. And so it was.
None stuck. Probably at all. I got to be pretend pregnant for 2 weeks. Then it was over.
We are moving onward and upward in life!
Next up, Foster/Adopt.
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Insurance Woes
Oh insurance companies. You are the bane of my existence!
I am extremely happy and thankful to have good insurance through my husband's job. I never forget that.
Also, being on my own insurance which is abysmal makes it so damn difficult! I received 2 sets of some of the medications because my job covers some of the pills but not the injectables. In trying to figure out what happened and get my money back, I spent over an hour on the phone (at this point, still on hold.....) and spoke with 9 people, and waiting on the 10th to answer the phone.
They will hopefully take the medications back, and refund my $73.50. I can't believe I have to deal with all this for a measly $73.50! But hey, it's $73.50 and the insurance company will give me tons of shit for not taking care of it.
I have also noticed how I am treated differently, and the quality of the representatives at "mail-order pharmacy" for the different companies the insurance is through.
For example, when I call the Hubs' Insurance line at "mail-order pharmacy" there are virtually no wait times, I get a nice, very competent rep who asks me appropriate questions, pronounces medications correctly, and makes sure I am satisfied with the results.
When I call my insurance line at "mail-order pharmacy", I wait for about 15-20 on hold. Then, the rep. is confused, tries to transfer me within the first 2 minutes, says they can't do this or that, and then cannot pronounce the names of medications. But just the very uncommon ones like "hydrocodone." Seriously. I corrected her 3 times. It's phonetic.
That's just when I call the "mail-order pharmacy" line. The difference in customer care when I call the actual insurance company is HUGE. And when I try to use it at a doctor office. I get looked down upon and not treated very nicely when I just have my insurance, as if they are begrudgingly accepting me.
When I pull out the Hubs' insurance they rollllllll out the red carpet. I get "ma'am" and "yes, please. Thank you, are you satisfied" and they kiss my ass. It's nice, but not fair.
It makes me think about people who have worse insurance than my job gives us. I work for the County government, too. I happen to know that people who have more blue collar employers (ie Wal-Mart) and actually have their insurance get treated like crap. I had a client a very long time ago who worked at Wal-Mart, had their insurance, and actually tried to use it. What a joke! She would have been better off not having insurance so she could use the self-pay clinics. No kidding.
This is a serious issue that I am tired of dealing with! Why do we continue to stratify our population, and separate the "have's" from the "have-not's?"
This was not going to be a political rant, it just happened...................
Off the phone now!!!!
Total time on the phone with the "mail-order pharmacy": 1 hr. 4 min. and 57 secs.
Reps talked to: 9
Supervisors talked to: 1
Issue resolved: YES!!!!! I will be getting my $73.50 back!
Amazing Service Reps: 1, she gave me her number and stayed on the line with me through 4 transfers! So helpful and nice. Guess which insurance she comes from...................
I am extremely happy and thankful to have good insurance through my husband's job. I never forget that.
Also, being on my own insurance which is abysmal makes it so damn difficult! I received 2 sets of some of the medications because my job covers some of the pills but not the injectables. In trying to figure out what happened and get my money back, I spent over an hour on the phone (at this point, still on hold.....) and spoke with 9 people, and waiting on the 10th to answer the phone.
They will hopefully take the medications back, and refund my $73.50. I can't believe I have to deal with all this for a measly $73.50! But hey, it's $73.50 and the insurance company will give me tons of shit for not taking care of it.
I have also noticed how I am treated differently, and the quality of the representatives at "mail-order pharmacy" for the different companies the insurance is through.
For example, when I call the Hubs' Insurance line at "mail-order pharmacy" there are virtually no wait times, I get a nice, very competent rep who asks me appropriate questions, pronounces medications correctly, and makes sure I am satisfied with the results.
When I call my insurance line at "mail-order pharmacy", I wait for about 15-20 on hold. Then, the rep. is confused, tries to transfer me within the first 2 minutes, says they can't do this or that, and then cannot pronounce the names of medications. But just the very uncommon ones like "hydrocodone." Seriously. I corrected her 3 times. It's phonetic.
That's just when I call the "mail-order pharmacy" line. The difference in customer care when I call the actual insurance company is HUGE. And when I try to use it at a doctor office. I get looked down upon and not treated very nicely when I just have my insurance, as if they are begrudgingly accepting me.
When I pull out the Hubs' insurance they rollllllll out the red carpet. I get "ma'am" and "yes, please. Thank you, are you satisfied" and they kiss my ass. It's nice, but not fair.
It makes me think about people who have worse insurance than my job gives us. I work for the County government, too. I happen to know that people who have more blue collar employers (ie Wal-Mart) and actually have their insurance get treated like crap. I had a client a very long time ago who worked at Wal-Mart, had their insurance, and actually tried to use it. What a joke! She would have been better off not having insurance so she could use the self-pay clinics. No kidding.
This is a serious issue that I am tired of dealing with! Why do we continue to stratify our population, and separate the "have's" from the "have-not's?"
This was not going to be a political rant, it just happened...................
Off the phone now!!!!
Total time on the phone with the "mail-order pharmacy": 1 hr. 4 min. and 57 secs.
Reps talked to: 9
Supervisors talked to: 1
Issue resolved: YES!!!!! I will be getting my $73.50 back!
Amazing Service Reps: 1, she gave me her number and stayed on the line with me through 4 transfers! So helpful and nice. Guess which insurance she comes from...................
Thursday, August 7, 2014
IVF Round 2
It's a weird feeling spending $3,322.23 and then it arrives looking like this.
S says "that sure doesn't look like 3 grand! I expected more."
And I'm like "Um.....more meds means more pain for me....."
He didn't mean it that way, I hope........
This cycle I am doing things differently as I have mentioned before. I hope something works, and it doesn't cost more than last time!
Things I am doing this time:
Meditating/Visualizing daily (free)
Acupuncture, first visit is Saturday ($75)
Acupuncture day of transfer ($50)
Massage half-way through ($45)
Tons of Vitamins (approx. $200)
Only organic food, low-carb, high-protein diet (increase of about $50 a month)
Retrieval (296.06)
Transfer (190.46)
Lab Fees (??? Last time it was almost $4000)
Other doctor fees (??? Last time it was almost $300)
Total- Approx: $8,528.75
HOLY SHIT! That is A LOT of money! But cheaper than last time! And WAAAAAYYYY cheaper than people who don't have insurance! We are really lucky S' work has good benefits!
After this cycle though our $20,000 fertility benefit is DONE, exhausted. They are kind enough to offer us a $21,000 benefit for "Centers of Excellence" which is a clinic they approve. However, the stats at the nearest clinic, 3 hours away, are not good! Their lab has terrible results, and the embryologist (ie the most important guy in the room) is not highly rated. Gee- thanks for that..............
Also, I forget about the frozen embryo's. I have in my head this is our last chance at a bio baby, but really it's not. We could have between 1-3 fro-babies to transfer in the future. That's a nice thought.......
I still think if it doesn't work (which I am not focusing on....) than we (I) will start the foster-adopt paperwork.
Frozen transfers really don't have the best success rates and it's $2500 a transfer. And the meds....GROSS!!
What all this means to you: I will not be hanging out with you(unless you come to my house) until around the first week of September. Also, we are poor.
:)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)