We've been using the ov.watch this month. I decided to use it because I wasn't in the mood to take my BBT or POAs this time around. It took Aidan a bit of time to set up the watch. The instructions were straightforward but he didn't set the time correctly so it ended up one day behind my actual cycle day.
So basically, I had to put the watch on before I went to bed and wear it for at least 6 hours straight. If I showered before hand, I had to wait an hour before I put it on. Strangely enough, it was kind of weird to wear a watch to be (I generally don't) and the first few nights I found it uncomfortable due to that. Anyhow, I got my 'Fertile Day 1' reading on cycle day 12 and my 'Ov Day 1' reading on cycle day 16 (I'm usually 14 or 15), so I was a bit surprised. I now am keeping an eye on my LP to ensure it will be the proper length!
So, we're pretty happy with the ov.watch. It has been easy to use and seems to have reported the info well. It would be nice to have a happy ending to the cycle as well..... :)
29 April 2010
26 April 2010
Exam Results
I received my exam results on Saturday and today. The first set of results were for jig. We've only been doing jig for a few months and had practiced in the shoes 4 times before the exams. We were all nervous about this exam and during the mock exams we all choked to some extent. The actual exam was much better. For the pre-bronze jig, with a result continuum of pass, pass plus, commended, commended plus and highly commended, I scored.... commended plus! I was so shocked. I have a lot to work on but I am grateful that the work that I did on the dance at home resulted in a good result.
As for the Gold Highland exam, I scored a commended. I knew this one would be harder to do well and on the day my Seann Truibhas sucked. The comments didn't surprise me and I know I have made a lot of progress in these core dances. As for the Gold Scottish National exam.... highly commended!!! You could have knocked me over with a feather. I was so stunned! We weren't even graded for this exam for our mock exam because we did not know one of the three dances at that point. Since we worked so much on these dances during the time between the mock and actual exams, our teacher believes it may have made our highland dancing suffer in the Gold Highland exam. I am just so grateful. Yes, I do have things to work on but I am feeling so much better about those dances! And I really do like the new one that we learned for the exam.
As for the Associates exam - my teacher's exam - I passed and my paperwork is being mailed to Scotland tomorrow. I found out that I passed on the night of the exam (I posted that shortly thereafter). I cried - I was so overwhelmed because the whole process was insane. I am grateful that I was able to dance because if I couldn't (as was a possibility after surgery) I would have had to explain a lot more in the exam. The exam took about 1.5 hours and I was a mess during a good part of it. Trying to calm myself down in order to speak was difficult. Thankfully, I used the method of demonstrate, count and describe when asked a question. I could usually calm down during the demonstrate part. In the end, I had to perform a dance - one I had learned on the Saturday before the exam,. Thankfully, I didn't forget most of it. I screwed up one step but the rest was ok.
So now that I am a teacher, I cannot take the medal tests anymore. I am planning to do my member's exam in 1-2 years and then I may pursue the Scottish National Associate exam after that. And I am happy to say that our students did well. All passed, most at the commended level!!!
As for the Gold Highland exam, I scored a commended. I knew this one would be harder to do well and on the day my Seann Truibhas sucked. The comments didn't surprise me and I know I have made a lot of progress in these core dances. As for the Gold Scottish National exam.... highly commended!!! You could have knocked me over with a feather. I was so stunned! We weren't even graded for this exam for our mock exam because we did not know one of the three dances at that point. Since we worked so much on these dances during the time between the mock and actual exams, our teacher believes it may have made our highland dancing suffer in the Gold Highland exam. I am just so grateful. Yes, I do have things to work on but I am feeling so much better about those dances! And I really do like the new one that we learned for the exam.
As for the Associates exam - my teacher's exam - I passed and my paperwork is being mailed to Scotland tomorrow. I found out that I passed on the night of the exam (I posted that shortly thereafter). I cried - I was so overwhelmed because the whole process was insane. I am grateful that I was able to dance because if I couldn't (as was a possibility after surgery) I would have had to explain a lot more in the exam. The exam took about 1.5 hours and I was a mess during a good part of it. Trying to calm myself down in order to speak was difficult. Thankfully, I used the method of demonstrate, count and describe when asked a question. I could usually calm down during the demonstrate part. In the end, I had to perform a dance - one I had learned on the Saturday before the exam,. Thankfully, I didn't forget most of it. I screwed up one step but the rest was ok.
So now that I am a teacher, I cannot take the medal tests anymore. I am planning to do my member's exam in 1-2 years and then I may pursue the Scottish National Associate exam after that. And I am happy to say that our students did well. All passed, most at the commended level!!!
21 April 2010
ICLW - April 2010
HAPPY ICLW!!!!!
Last month I did the ABC's of Me. This month, since our IF history is summarized on the side, I thought I'd do '10 Odd Facts about me'. Enjoy!
Fact 1: When I was in college and they asked my racial background, I needed a 'mutt' category (I had to select other). Culturally, I have English, Welsh, Scottish, St. Kitts, Portugese, Native American and some sort of Asian heritage. I carry Bermudian and British passports.
Fact 2: I grew from 5'4" to 5'9" between my 14th and 15th birthdays. I am currently 5'11" and would love my chiropractor to give me that last inch to make me 6'.
Fact 3: When Gene Kelly died, I was in my senior year in college in Atlanta. I was so distraught that my dad had to calm me down via the telephone. He then told me to go to Best Buys and purchase all of the Gene Kelly movies that I didn't have (he'd pay the credit card charges) and watch the movies to celebrate this life. I did just that!
Fact 4: When Frank Sinatra died a few years later, I did the musical/movie tribute for him as well. My dad didn't pay for this one, and didn't have to console me over the phone. I now have a greater appreciation for Frank Sinatra.
Fact 5: My favorite name as a kid was 'Artemis'. This was due to my dad reading greek and roman mythology to us as bedtime stories. I have since named my insane white cat 'Artemis'. She is a true hunter.... pretty cool that we got it right!
Fact 6: I have a line item in my monthly budget to purchase items via Amazon and eBay....
Fact 7: When I was 16 I had a debutante's ball. I pinned my glove to my dad's lapel when I had to put the flower on him.
Fact 8: I was the youngest person in my MBA graduating year. I was also the youngest person in my doctoral cohort for the first 3 years of the programme (and managed to hold a 3.9 GPA...) - I'm ABD (all but dissertation) for the doctorate currently...
Fact 9: I was at the Civil Service College in Sunningdale, Ascot, UK when the events of Sept 11th took place. I had to fly back to Bermuda on Sept 14th and got to see a tank inside of Gatwick Airport. A few months later I ended up in therapy for PTSD. Ever since I have had no problem going to see a therapist when life gets a bit too overwhelming.
Fact 10: I used to be able to name Star Trek: The Original Series and Star Trek: The Next Generation episodes within the first 5 seconds of the preview (before the titles). I am a bit rusty today.... However, I still know most of the dialogue for Star Wars Episodes IV, V and VI, Singing in the Rain, An American in Paris and Sound of Music.
Last month I did the ABC's of Me. This month, since our IF history is summarized on the side, I thought I'd do '10 Odd Facts about me'. Enjoy!
Fact 1: When I was in college and they asked my racial background, I needed a 'mutt' category (I had to select other). Culturally, I have English, Welsh, Scottish, St. Kitts, Portugese, Native American and some sort of Asian heritage. I carry Bermudian and British passports.
Fact 2: I grew from 5'4" to 5'9" between my 14th and 15th birthdays. I am currently 5'11" and would love my chiropractor to give me that last inch to make me 6'.
Fact 3: When Gene Kelly died, I was in my senior year in college in Atlanta. I was so distraught that my dad had to calm me down via the telephone. He then told me to go to Best Buys and purchase all of the Gene Kelly movies that I didn't have (he'd pay the credit card charges) and watch the movies to celebrate this life. I did just that!
Fact 4: When Frank Sinatra died a few years later, I did the musical/movie tribute for him as well. My dad didn't pay for this one, and didn't have to console me over the phone. I now have a greater appreciation for Frank Sinatra.
Fact 5: My favorite name as a kid was 'Artemis'. This was due to my dad reading greek and roman mythology to us as bedtime stories. I have since named my insane white cat 'Artemis'. She is a true hunter.... pretty cool that we got it right!
Fact 6: I have a line item in my monthly budget to purchase items via Amazon and eBay....
Fact 7: When I was 16 I had a debutante's ball. I pinned my glove to my dad's lapel when I had to put the flower on him.
Fact 8: I was the youngest person in my MBA graduating year. I was also the youngest person in my doctoral cohort for the first 3 years of the programme (and managed to hold a 3.9 GPA...) - I'm ABD (all but dissertation) for the doctorate currently...
Fact 9: I was at the Civil Service College in Sunningdale, Ascot, UK when the events of Sept 11th took place. I had to fly back to Bermuda on Sept 14th and got to see a tank inside of Gatwick Airport. A few months later I ended up in therapy for PTSD. Ever since I have had no problem going to see a therapist when life gets a bit too overwhelming.
Fact 10: I used to be able to name Star Trek: The Original Series and Star Trek: The Next Generation episodes within the first 5 seconds of the preview (before the titles). I am a bit rusty today.... However, I still know most of the dialogue for Star Wars Episodes IV, V and VI, Singing in the Rain, An American in Paris and Sound of Music.
18 April 2010
The Braces Bunch Anniversary!!!!!
Lat year I was going a bit nuts. I was preparing for IVF overseas, hadn't really told anyone in real life and was getting into the blog thing for some sanity while I had to get on with the rest of my life. I was an avid follower of JJ's blog and had read about The Braces Bunch. I thought it was a great concept but did not think that I would ever be a part of the network. Then, one day I received an email from JJ saying that the Braces Bunch was accepting new members. I immediately sent an email sending my interest in joining.
All I can say is that the Braces Bunch have been life savers for me. Before the IVF cycle in the Czech Republic last year, I received so many cards wishing us luck. I took all of them with me and during my 3 weeks cycling overseas, I looked at these wonderful cards daily as I had put them up all over our studio apartment to help us feel at home. I never could have imagined how these cards would be such a great help. I LOVE all of the Braces Bunchers for that!!!
Lately, I've been crazed due to non-IF activities. I have to catch up on my snail mail but the Braces Bunchers have keep my blog and twitter hopping, sending me well wishes and kind words as I prepared for my Highland Dancing exams. Again, I am so grateful for all of these wonderful ladies.
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, BRACES BUNCH!!!!!!
All I can say is that the Braces Bunch have been life savers for me. Before the IVF cycle in the Czech Republic last year, I received so many cards wishing us luck. I took all of them with me and during my 3 weeks cycling overseas, I looked at these wonderful cards daily as I had put them up all over our studio apartment to help us feel at home. I never could have imagined how these cards would be such a great help. I LOVE all of the Braces Bunchers for that!!!
Lately, I've been crazed due to non-IF activities. I have to catch up on my snail mail but the Braces Bunchers have keep my blog and twitter hopping, sending me well wishes and kind words as I prepared for my Highland Dancing exams. Again, I am so grateful for all of these wonderful ladies.
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, BRACES BUNCH!!!!!!
17 April 2010
13 April 2010
Paranoid...
My teacher's exam is on Thursday. I keep going from being ok with what I know to totally paranoid and not being able to describe the simplest things. I am freaking myself out over this..... I cannot wait for Friday (I still have an exam on Friday but at least it is not my teacher's exam). I do not know how I managed to get through grad school and then through all of my doctoral coursework without as much angst as I am feeling for this dance exam..... SIGH!!!
10 April 2010
Back in the Saddle Again!
Today is day one of TTC cycle #1. Yes, we decided that a reboot was in order. We reached 25 TTC cycles with our last cycle in Aug/Sept 2009 (the IVF/ICSI cycle). With the MRI which then led to the fibroid removal surgery, we haven't TTCed since. I will admit that I wasn't too happy at first about taking so many months off at first but It has been good for my sanity and spirit in the long run. I am a bit more positive about getting back into all of this (and getting back into shape, getting healthier, working on my confidence, the whole shebang). It's sad that it took a 6 hour surgery to get me to stop and re-center myself. I am in way cured of my cynicism though - I will just say that I am more willing to focus on the positives and possibilities than I was a year ago.
We're using new kit for this reboot. I am not in the mood to track by BBT. I contemplated doing digital OPKs and then looked at the Clear.blue monitor. In the end, we've decided to try out the Ov.Watch. I want the least amount of fuss and the greatest amount of sleep.... granted, I plan to start walking the dogs again at 6.30am so the sleep part may be wishful thinking! So Aidan is now putting the watch together and actually following the instructions to set it up (good man!!!). I'll post my thoughts about the watch as the cycle progresses.
We're using new kit for this reboot. I am not in the mood to track by BBT. I contemplated doing digital OPKs and then looked at the Clear.blue monitor. In the end, we've decided to try out the Ov.Watch. I want the least amount of fuss and the greatest amount of sleep.... granted, I plan to start walking the dogs again at 6.30am so the sleep part may be wishful thinking! So Aidan is now putting the watch together and actually following the instructions to set it up (good man!!!). I'll post my thoughts about the watch as the cycle progresses.
08 April 2010
Highland Dancing Insanity
I am a week away from my teacher's exam. Every night I run through the 6 step Fling, 4 and 2 Seann Truhibas, Flora McDonald's Fancy, Heilan Laddie, Wilt Thou Go to the Barracks Johnny and the Irish Washerwoman's Jig for Aidan to critique. That is then followed by him testing me on foot positions, basic movements and steps from the Fling, Sword Dance, Sean Truhibas and the Reel. I'm a mess. There is so much info floating around in my head. I seem to be able to explain difficult stuff but find it hard to explain the simple things. It is driving me nuts!
Anyhow, tomorrow is (hopefully) a day off for me. I plan to study as much as possible so Aidan canstart the intense nightly testing. I have a class with my instructor for a few hours on Saturday and then regular classes on Monday and Wednesday (which currently I'll be late for). In an attempt to be sane, I am trying to visualize a teacher's certificate with my name on it. I think I'll be fine. Yeah, I'll e singing 'I have Confidence' ocer the coming week!!!!!
Other than that, the uniforms are coming together slowly. I still don't have a white National Dress - the one that was made for me was too short due to my long legs (I'm talking porn star short). A new one is being made and I hope I get it soon - I need to be comfortable holding the skirt for my exam!
Anyhow, tomorrow is (hopefully) a day off for me. I plan to study as much as possible so Aidan canstart the intense nightly testing. I have a class with my instructor for a few hours on Saturday and then regular classes on Monday and Wednesday (which currently I'll be late for). In an attempt to be sane, I am trying to visualize a teacher's certificate with my name on it. I think I'll be fine. Yeah, I'll e singing 'I have Confidence' ocer the coming week!!!!!
Other than that, the uniforms are coming together slowly. I still don't have a white National Dress - the one that was made for me was too short due to my long legs (I'm talking porn star short). A new one is being made and I hope I get it soon - I need to be comfortable holding the skirt for my exam!
06 April 2010
Catching Up!
I'm finally catching up after a pretty nice holiday weekend. I've been deeling with a dodgy tummy, thanks to the antibiotics but other than that, it's been good. I did some gardening, made some great Good Friday fare and finished a fun game on my DS.
This year, Aidan outdid himself with the Easter egg hunt. I'll post the pictures to show the experience:
This year, Aidan outdid himself with the Easter egg hunt. I'll post the pictures to show the experience:
The turtles are swimming away from the beach.
If you look in the sand, you'll see where they buried their eggs
Cadbury's Mini Eggs, that is!
What an Easter egg hunt!
01 April 2010
We interrupt this blog....
TMI moment......
All is right with the world today because I finally got to go to a waxing appointment.
Sure, I remember a girls sushi evening when a good friend of mine tried to convince me and another friend of the benefits of waxing. At that point, I had my eyebrows waxed maybe one or twice a year and said "h*ll no!". That hurt enough! She then went into the amazing end result of the brazillian wax.... you can guess my response. Unfortunately, within a year I had to eat my initial response as I began to have my lower leg waxed, and then my underarms and then my bikini. And then, 3 months before I got married, I had a brazillian. I have not gone back to basic bikini line waxes since. They are the best for dancing and so much easier to deal with in general.
So yeah, you can imagine the horrible world in which I have been living since my last brazillian in November. The whole concept of healing was a PITA from the dancing perspective. It has been torture from the brazilian perspective! I went back for leg and underarm waxes in January and that was good... but it wasn't great... So getting the ok for the rest was akin to winning an award (ok, maybe not that exciting but believe me, I was excited). Today was a little more painful than usual and took a little longer than usual but it was expected. I walked out happy and content. A bit odd, yes I know, but I'll take what I can get.
Looking forward, I wonder about waxing and pregnancy when the time comes. Can I? For how long? And how long after? Odd questions, I know. But after the last 4 months, they're definitely valid.....
:)
All is right with the world today because I finally got to go to a waxing appointment.
Sure, I remember a girls sushi evening when a good friend of mine tried to convince me and another friend of the benefits of waxing. At that point, I had my eyebrows waxed maybe one or twice a year and said "h*ll no!". That hurt enough! She then went into the amazing end result of the brazillian wax.... you can guess my response. Unfortunately, within a year I had to eat my initial response as I began to have my lower leg waxed, and then my underarms and then my bikini. And then, 3 months before I got married, I had a brazillian. I have not gone back to basic bikini line waxes since. They are the best for dancing and so much easier to deal with in general.
So yeah, you can imagine the horrible world in which I have been living since my last brazillian in November. The whole concept of healing was a PITA from the dancing perspective. It has been torture from the brazilian perspective! I went back for leg and underarm waxes in January and that was good... but it wasn't great... So getting the ok for the rest was akin to winning an award (ok, maybe not that exciting but believe me, I was excited). Today was a little more painful than usual and took a little longer than usual but it was expected. I walked out happy and content. A bit odd, yes I know, but I'll take what I can get.
Looking forward, I wonder about waxing and pregnancy when the time comes. Can I? For how long? And how long after? Odd questions, I know. But after the last 4 months, they're definitely valid.....
:)
HSG... check!
Compared with my Aug 2008 HSG, this time was easy! I checked in at 1.30 after running up two flights of stairs. First I tried to go directly into the unit but then I realised that I hadn't checked in yet. As they processed me the nurse was receiving calls that the OR was ready for me. I literally changed and was immedicately wheeled out. The needle wasn't too bad but I still was pretty freaked out so my BP was a little high. In seconds my ears were tingling (does that happen to anyone else?) and I was out. I woke up a little later in the recovery room. The oxygen was divine! I had to stay there for 30 minutes and then they took me back to the unit to change and have a few biscuits. I was done in 2 hours! Last time I was there for 10 hours! Talk about a difference. Anyhow, it appears that I've healed well and my tubes are open. I apparently have to see the doctor to go over the results in 2 weeks - and then I'll see if the Boston doctor needs to talk.
I ended up at highland dancing because I had time to waste until 8pm. I walked through a few dances and had to deal with people trying on their white dresses. Most of them are too short. I got flustered with the requests to fix or have them remade. Mine is really bad - it's mid thigh and it is supposed to sit on the knee. I went into the tailor this morning and it's actually our fault. We gave him small, medium and large patterns and did not tell him where they were supposed to fall so he made them to the standard length. So they fit some people whose hip to knee measurement sn't that long and are mini-skirts on others. He's going to remake a few but I am so tired of the process. We've had more drama over these white dresses in the last 12 months and still don't have everyone properly outfitted.....
Holiday tomorrow! Good Friday is my favorite. I am sorta looking forward to cooking tonight. I might also make a kite. I definitely will be watching "Easter Parade"!
I ended up at highland dancing because I had time to waste until 8pm. I walked through a few dances and had to deal with people trying on their white dresses. Most of them are too short. I got flustered with the requests to fix or have them remade. Mine is really bad - it's mid thigh and it is supposed to sit on the knee. I went into the tailor this morning and it's actually our fault. We gave him small, medium and large patterns and did not tell him where they were supposed to fall so he made them to the standard length. So they fit some people whose hip to knee measurement sn't that long and are mini-skirts on others. He's going to remake a few but I am so tired of the process. We've had more drama over these white dresses in the last 12 months and still don't have everyone properly outfitted.....
Holiday tomorrow! Good Friday is my favorite. I am sorta looking forward to cooking tonight. I might also make a kite. I definitely will be watching "Easter Parade"!
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