I found a quiz on Facebook to determine your "real age," based on lifestyle. I thought I was a grown up at heart, but mine came back as 17 years old! No wonder people think I'm a teen and wish me a birthday that's half what I really am.

I think the quiz just ended up that way because I clicked that I have never smoked.

I don't feel 17 inside. A 17 year old wouldn't be so fretful about the state of the world...

But I do miss my pigtails.

Posted by: Sarah at 04:50 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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Mary asked for a pupdate, and I must say that there's not much going on in Charlie's life at the moment. But we did kitten-sit over Labor Day weekend. Charlie spent the weekend chasing after a four-pound kitten trying to make friends. He has such a good relationship with Hitler cat, and he thinks all cats should be as receptive to his advances. Luckily this kitten took it like a champ and even let him get close to her a few times. Here they are snuggled together...

But most of the weekend the poor kitten hid under the dresser in the guest bedroom.

In other cat news, the family that dog-sits for me just got a cat who's not so into Charlie. Charlie keeps getting scratched in the face because he just gets too danged boisterous around their cat.

My husband says Charlie is like Lenny from Of Mice and Men...

Posted by: Sarah at 08:52 AM | Comments (3) | Add Comment
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1 Well, Charlie should come play with Ike. Ike loves Charlie so much that when Charlie goes home Ike sinks into a depression for about two days. I can't believe I have an emo-pit bull.

Posted by: airforcewife at September 30, 2008 09:54 AM (mIbWn)

2 We, your designated dog sitters in the Midwest, promise to NEVER have a cat. The girls and I would need epi-pens, literally. Charlie always has a home away from home here!

Posted by: Guard Wife at September 30, 2008 10:49 AM (eb8pN)

3 Okay,the last line just about put me on the floor, I was NOT prepared! Your DH is too funny.

Posted by: MaryIndiana at September 30, 2008 01:48 PM (d71ip)

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I've been wanting to blog this all day but kept telling myself that it was not blogworthy. But I can't help myself any longer; I just have to blab it.

My ovaries feel like they're on fire.

No, seriously. I feel like I am burning up from the inside. You know when your laptop is on your legs for too long? That's what it feels like on my stomach. From the inside.

The other day my neighbor's 7-year-old gave me a hug. Her head is belly button height, and she recoiled from the hug saying, "Eww, you're hot."

So...things must be working. I'm apparently producing a lot of energy.

I had my ultrasound today to make sure the meds are doing what they should, and it appears we're good to go at the end of this week. I am not so excited that I have to give myself a shot of HCG on Wednesday. A shot. This was nowhere to be mentioned before today. I nearly freaked out when the nurse told me.

I would not be a good diabetic.

I am scheming to get my neighbor to do it for me.

So then by the weekend we will have done all that can be done, and thus begins The Waiting Game. I need to plan some activities for myself for the beginning of October.

I have made 19 preemie caps in the past week. You think I have nervous energy?

Posted by: Sarah at 03:40 PM | Comments (6) | Add Comment
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1 Good luck!!!! If I lived near you, I would be happy to give you your shot. I could even dust off some credentials to prove I'm qualified

Posted by: dutchgirl at September 29, 2008 06:23 PM (rVkwX)

2 Very excited for you..it has to be working,right? Burn off some nervous energy with a Pupdate,please?

Posted by: MaryIndiana at September 29, 2008 07:53 PM (d71ip)

3 I'd like to say that if I were there, I'd give you the shot, but that would be lying. I'd take you somewhere to have someone give it to you, though, if that counts. Sounds like your oven is getting all preheated for a little bun (or three...no pressure). Keep us posted!

Posted by: Guard Wife at September 30, 2008 03:30 AM (eb8pN)

4 I gave my best friend in GA 2 months worth of shots before her in-vitro. We always laughed that you know you've got a good friend when you trust her to give you a shot in the butt.

Posted by: Nicole at September 30, 2008 04:50 AM (xPxyx)

5 Best wishes for your efforts. As for activities and nervous energy, might I suggest a change-up in knitting activities? Try making something completely different, such as a medium to large scale animal, or some-such. This will engage your mind more fully than objects which you are already accustomed to making.

Posted by: TJ at September 30, 2008 08:23 AM (jKm1z)

6 That's awesome! *thinking positive thoughts* And I am so with you on the shots thing - I've often thought it's good that I don't have to deal with shots, it would end badly!

Posted by: Barb at September 30, 2008 01:55 PM (iaV9O)

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I find myself really hoping that this fertility cycle works, and not just so I get to have a baby or three. I keep thinking, "I can't wait until I have a healthy 12-week-old pregnancy so I can get the heck out of this fertility clinic."

Dealing with these people is theater of the absurd. The doctor has one philosophy and plan of action, while his nurses have another. The doctor is gangbusters, diving right in and slapping bandaids on problems so we can jerry-rig some success. The nurses want to run tests and get to the bottom of things before we do any treatment. The problem is, they haven't worked out their issues among themselves. So I end up having conversations like this:

Nurse: So we need to do a clomid challenge test and day 3 tests.
Sarah: But you told me a week ago that it was OK that I was going to be in Vegas on day 3 and couldn't be here.
Nurse: No, not OK, we have to skip this month.
Sarah: Not acceptable.
Nurse: But we need to make sure you're not already pregnant.
Sarah: My husband is deployed, so I am most certainly not.
Nurse: If your husband is deployed, how are you going to get pregnant?
Sarah: IUIs.
Nurse: Why are we doing that?
Sarah: Don't you people take notes or anything?
Nurse: (looks at chart) Oh, now I see what the doctor is doing. Well, that's risky but OK...
Sarah: RISKY??? No one said the word "risky" last week; you all acted like this was standard procedure.
Nurse: Well, the doctor doesn't always like the run the tests first, which is a problem.

Oh good lord. I was waiting for her to turn into a rhinoceros.

Ironically, a long time ago my husband and I joked about nicknaming the baby Godot, since we've been waiting for him to show up for quite a while now. I never knew I was inviting absurdity into my life with that harmless joke. But apparently I've jinxed myself into this Who's On First routine with the fertility clinic.

So we're doing a backwards compromise now. We are full steam ahead this month, trying to get pregnant. If it doesn't work this month, we will step back and start running tests to make sure my innards are a go-flight.

Maybe next time I talk to the doctor and nurses, I can get them to peek out of a joke wall à la Laugh In and have them dispense medical information in the form of knock-knock jokes.

Excuse me, does this IUI come with a cream pie to the face?

Posted by: Sarah at 05:08 AM | Comments (5) | Add Comment
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My husband will be proud of his business-savvy wife! I called to get the windshield fixed and got an estimate of $394. The man said that windshield must've been made of solid gold; it's the most expensive one he's ever seen. I called a couple other places, and his was the best price. Then, on a hunch, I called our car insurance company and asked them if they'd cover it. They don't, but they found a place to do it for $318. So I called back the original place to cancel my appointment, and they said they wanted my business and would beat the other offer and do it for $300.

So, I saved a hundred bucks! Funny how I feel excited about spending $300 but saving $100.

One gremlin down...

Posted by: Sarah at 11:43 AM | Comments (3) | Add Comment
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Today was one of those days...

Over the weekend at SpouseBUZZ Live, Andi asked me if I've had any "deployment gremlins." I couldn't think of any. But I returned home to find that we may have a water leak somewhere on our property and we may have a case of identity fraud. Both are things I'd rather let my husband deal with -- or at least things we could stress out about together -- but he ain't home.

Posted by: Sarah at 12:46 PM | Comments (4) | Add Comment
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Today I pretty much guaranteed that I'm gonna get pregnant soon: I bought $66 worth of booze.

Saturday night after SpouseBUZZ Live, AWTM called me at midnight to check on me. She said she had been thinking about me all day after the panel at SBL and wanted to make sure I was OK. It was so thoughtful of her. But really, I was OK. In fact, I was puzzled at first about why she was checking on me.

I did speak about the miscarriages on our panel, and how frustrating it's been to try to squeeze pregnancy into deployment schedules. And also how depressing it is to miscarry your baby on your wedding anniversary while your husband is deployed. Heh...sigh.

But honestly, pregnancy has been pretty far from my mind lately. I stopped charting -- there was no point with my husband gone -- and I knew there was no chance of getting pregnant, so it became a non-issue for two months. Until I talked about it at SpouseBUZZ, I hadn't thought about it in a long time.

But today I had my first appointment with the fertility doctor. Remember how I said I'm getting back on the horse? Well, I'm hopping on a horse at full gallop. At the end of the month, I will be trying to get pregnant. Sadly, it will be alone in a doctor's office. For all my griping about babymaking, I kinda wish we could do it the old-fashioned way. But that's probably just the four months of deployment talking.

And squeezing it into deployment schedule? We will be lucky if we get pregnant right away, because otherwise there's not much hope for my husband being here for the birth. Funny how I could get pregnant without him and he will still come home and leave again during the pregnancy.

So much for planning out our life, right?

But we're back in the saddle. And I'm off the wagon until I'm not allowed to be anymore.

Posted by: Sarah at 04:44 PM | Comments (12) | Add Comment
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1 $66 dollars worth of booze? for what and when? I was concerned...sharing your story, heck any story can be fatiguing.... And you had no one to lie down beside and say...hey it was a long day...it was... I just love you...

Posted by: awtm at September 08, 2008 05:49 PM (R8+ZR)

2 Oh, yes... there's truly nothing like other (incompatible with pregnancy) plans to make it work! What an amazingly strong woman you are. *Thoughts & prayers & happy success vibes your way!*

Posted by: kannie at September 08, 2008 07:53 PM (f+LJo)

3 I have 2 mental images going: the first is of you kicking back & relaxing with some kind of very expensive, fine liqour. the other is of you surounded by lots of bottles of cheap hooch! Good luck with the fertility doc, I have my fingers crossed for you!

Posted by: Sharona at September 09, 2008 02:54 AM (BeRta)

4 Well, crap. I should have brought all the booze that was left at my house when everyone visited a few months ago. Then you wouldn't have to buy it and I wouldn't have to move it! It would be win-win! Call me anytime if the hormones get to you and you need to let them out. Even in the middle of the night. I have insomnia anyway.

Posted by: airforcewife at September 09, 2008 03:00 AM (mIbWn)

5 By 'the end of the month', I certainly hope you mean after Vegas. AWTM and I have spoken and have already begun a list of how we will do "stays in Vegas" worth things at BWE. You are the 3rd Amigo, my friend...don't let us down. I'm glad you're okay. It WAS a long weekend.

Posted by: Guard Wife at September 09, 2008 03:41 AM (F5iCn)

6 I wasn't sure what image to have with the $66 of booze, but, honestly, it was along the same lines with Sharona. You know I'm on your side rooting all the way and sending every well-wish, good thought, prayer, and sprinkling of fairy dust I can. I know what you're thinking, "fairy dust?" You'd be surprised at how well it can work. (FYI: It works better than the "Monster-Be-Gone" spray for those unsightly beasts that hang out in the closet and under the bed. For future reference.) Be well and be safe...

Posted by: Susan at September 09, 2008 03:57 AM (4aKG6)

7 Enjoy your booze! And Vegas! Wish I could join you this year. Good luck with the end of the month attempt. We are rooting for you here. So as you are at the doctor, just pretend that in the background there are people chanting, "Go, Sarah! Go, Sarah!" Maybe that way you'll not be so alone in that doctor's office. But that's probably just the four months of deployment talking. You know I snickered. It was wonderful to see you this past Saturday. Big hugs!

Posted by: Butterfly Wife at September 09, 2008 04:04 AM (p8HAO)

8 I have been wondering what was going on on this front, but couldn't decide if i should ask. I'm glad that you are able to move forward with this. I'm the last person who should be trying to suggest that you look on the bright side of things, but if you are able to, consider this: hooray that your body is cooperative and you are able to take this next step. You obviously know now that sometimes you have to throw the plan out the window, and I've been alone in that cold doctor's office table, so think of me for even a moment while you are there. All I can do now is pray that you have the same outcome as I did. Let me know the day and time and I'll try to send my semi-fertile thoughts your way.

Posted by: Kate at September 09, 2008 04:09 AM (JIGe1)

9 Good luck!!! And hope that $66 includes some really nice Scotch. And yes, I have an awful, evil, and dirty mind, but . . . couldn't you have tacked on a $3 shooter? ;-)

Posted by: Lissa at September 09, 2008 05:23 AM (fHdl7)

10 Nothing like a glass of wine or a tequilla shot to heal a wound. No I'm not an alcoholic. Good luck with your journey through fertility drugs, and possibly getting pregnant even without him home. The end result is all that matters right?

Posted by: Sara at September 09, 2008 06:28 AM (SZeN8)

11 Ha, I love your sense of humor. When you think about it this will actually be a funny story for when junior gets here. Just let me know when you want that immaculate conception shirt.

Posted by: Mare at September 10, 2008 12:58 PM (APbbU)

12 $66 worth of booze? That's it?!? Sheesh, I'm almost disappointed in you. I'm kidding. My prayers are with you and everything that can be crossed is crossed. I'd sacrifice something for you but I'm not sure what would be appropriate in this instance...

Posted by: HomefrontSix at September 11, 2008 01:43 AM (4Es1w)

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Bad news. My parents' little doggy has cancer.

Charlie and I are hoping for a full recovery.

Posted by: Sarah at 01:48 PM | Comments (6) | Add Comment
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When John McCain gave his list of things we can do to personally make the country better -- "feed a hungry child, teach an illiterate adult to read, comfort the afflicted" -- I said, "Make chemo caps?"

Cuz that's what I was doing.

This morning I set out for SpouseBUZZ Live. I also get to stop along the way and spend some time with Sis B...and give Crush his knittery.

I live for meeting up with these friends.

Oh, and I'm wearing my new t-shirt, a gift from AWTM: I heart Nebraska.

Posted by: Sarah at 03:48 AM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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1 See you in 24 hours! Woohoo!

Posted by: Butterfly Wife at September 05, 2008 04:04 AM (wZg2p)

2 I'm sure Crush will love his knittery. I have mine in the car "in case I have down time while in VA" to work on it. Yeah, okay. Can't wait to meet you! I'll be the giddy one. Hee hee. Drive safe.

Posted by: Susan at September 05, 2008 05:07 AM (4aKG6)

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