Our busy week extended into the weekend as we were out every night since Thursday - and will continue the trend this week up until Saturday night (for me - next Tuesday for Aidan). All I have wanted to do is just stop and breathe for a few minutes but then I would be so behind. I really would like a vacation.
Anyhow, we've heard back from the coordinator for the Budapest option. We're going to put down the deposit this week and then we can book as late as 2 weeks before we go. We'd do it way before then since we'd have to sort out flight. I feel as if a weight has been lifted to have a reasonably priced back-up plan in play. Now I just hope we won't have to use it. We told our acupuncturist about it and he's going to support us to try to make a good effort to do it on our own. I am visualising an irish vacation in September instead of IVF in Budapest...
I'm officially fat. We had to go to a Gala last night and I couldn't fit into any of my evening gowns (all size 6). I ended up wearing a dressy halter dress with marching coat that was short but sparkly (size 8). While there's only one dress size between the two, it's the first time I could not squeeze into my evening dress wardrobe. i was inconsolable. I now am a bit more determine to get in shape and tone up. That said, I did the 3rd day of Chalean Extreme today and was exhausted. My endurance is awful! I did make it to the end of the session though and kept telling myself that I'll be so much stronger in a month when I move to the next phase. Plus, by them my clothes will fit again!
The weather is getting better so I am hoping to start doing some gardening next weekend. I am craving flowers in my garden. I need the blast of colour to tell me that warm weather will be here soon. I am so sick of winter - even our brand of winter (wet and damp and coldish). I want to be outside taking the dogs for walks and I'd love to go jogging.... I'm sick of being inside!
14 March 2010
11 March 2010
A Moment to Breathe
It's a crazy month. I don't ever remember March being so busy for me but this year it's kicking my butt. Sometime it is exhilarating but at the moment I'm a bit run down. I got to sleep early last night but I am still shattered. Hopefully there is some rest somewhere this month (knowing my luck, it'll be Good Friday - in April!).
Anyhow, we're chugging along with everything. As we look towards this next cycle (cycle 4 after surgery), the goal is to get everything in order since the HSG is in the middle of it and the end marks our first TTC cycle in 6 months. I started this current cycle temping, failed miserably and gave up. I then thought to do some ovulation tests, forgot a few times and missed that too. I've decided to take the plunge for the April cycle and get an OV Watch. Hopefully I can remember to wear it to bed.....
As for health and nutrition, I've lapsed and have been working my way through a large bag of chips over the last few days. Good news is that now that I'm allowed to dance (read: jump up and down), I can do something to lose these 10 lbs I've picked up since surgery. I've decided to do the Chalean Extreme program to kick start the process. I had intended to do another programme but I am not ready for that one yet.... Anyhow, the workouts should fit into my schedule and hopefully I'll have endurance, flexibility and strength for dancing in the coming weeks.
Other than that, we've gotten a few new DVDs to watch (Leverage - Season 1 and Secret Diary of a CallGirl - Season 2). I have a ton of work to do for a meeting next week and a ton of studying to do for the highland exams. And I still need to sit down and do some dissertation work... Yeah, I need a break!
Anyhow, we're chugging along with everything. As we look towards this next cycle (cycle 4 after surgery), the goal is to get everything in order since the HSG is in the middle of it and the end marks our first TTC cycle in 6 months. I started this current cycle temping, failed miserably and gave up. I then thought to do some ovulation tests, forgot a few times and missed that too. I've decided to take the plunge for the April cycle and get an OV Watch. Hopefully I can remember to wear it to bed.....
As for health and nutrition, I've lapsed and have been working my way through a large bag of chips over the last few days. Good news is that now that I'm allowed to dance (read: jump up and down), I can do something to lose these 10 lbs I've picked up since surgery. I've decided to do the Chalean Extreme program to kick start the process. I had intended to do another programme but I am not ready for that one yet.... Anyhow, the workouts should fit into my schedule and hopefully I'll have endurance, flexibility and strength for dancing in the coming weeks.
Other than that, we've gotten a few new DVDs to watch (Leverage - Season 1 and Secret Diary of a CallGirl - Season 2). I have a ton of work to do for a meeting next week and a ton of studying to do for the highland exams. And I still need to sit down and do some dissertation work... Yeah, I need a break!
09 March 2010
You're Approved!!!
That's what today's email from the IVF coordinator for the clinic in Budapest felt like. Last week we contacted the coordinator and immediately heard back from her. She sent us the medical history form and an overview of the process and options (pretty much the stuff on the site). We sent the completed form back with additional supporting materials by the next morning. We also sent a few questions about acupuncture and co-culturing. We then spoke with her briefly the next day as I wanted to ensure everything was received. She confirmed that she had received and immediately forwarded the information to their partner clinic and I would receive an update in a few days.
Today, I received a message from the co-ordinator saying that my consultation has been scheduled for June 18th and that if I want to cycle in September, they'll make those arrangements in June. We've received a Terms and Conditions sheet that we'll send back shortly and we're also going to go forward with the first visit package that they offer.
Today, I received a message from the co-ordinator saying that my consultation has been scheduled for June 18th and that if I want to cycle in September, they'll make those arrangements in June. We've received a Terms and Conditions sheet that we'll send back shortly and we're also going to go forward with the first visit package that they offer.
As I said earlier, it felt like we've received an approval in the mail. I will admit to being a bit nervous when she said they would review our information and then make any arrangements. I didn't expect to be turned down but it was a possibility. So now our back-up plan is in play!
So now we need to send back the terms & conditions and pay the deposit via back transfer. We'll also get them to book the hotel at that time. I've started looking at airline options. It looks like we'll have to leave here on June 16th (leaving about 8pm), arriving in London on June 17th (at about 7am). Then, we either have to go to Heathrow or we can wait until 7pm for a flight out of Gatwick (a day in London perhaps...). My first appointment is scheduled for 10am on June 18th and we expect to also have stuff to do on the 19th. It looks like we'll then need to fly back to London on June 20th at 7am and go home on June 22nd. That would mean that I'll get to spend my b-day (the 21st) in London!
08 March 2010
Wonderful Sunday...
The weekend was lovely but Sunday was much warmer than Saturday - hence the 'wonderful' distinction for Sunday.
I am so sick of being cold. On Saturday I sold tickets on behalf of the dance foundation and then I had the exam class for highland. I froze for a good part of the day, even with a sweater and a fleece lined jacket. We went to L'Oriental for dinner and unfortunately I was not feeling great. This head cold is such a PITA.
On Sunday I slept in to try to deal with the cold. I still had a charity walk for the day with the dogs. We did 3 miles and both Bronwyn and Ptolemy did well. They slept through the entire night, which I loved!
We watched the Oscars last night. I forgot they were on this weekend. I don't know why I stayed up to watch the whole thing. There were no surprises and the fashion wasn't that great....
I am so sick of being cold. On Saturday I sold tickets on behalf of the dance foundation and then I had the exam class for highland. I froze for a good part of the day, even with a sweater and a fleece lined jacket. We went to L'Oriental for dinner and unfortunately I was not feeling great. This head cold is such a PITA.
On Sunday I slept in to try to deal with the cold. I still had a charity walk for the day with the dogs. We did 3 miles and both Bronwyn and Ptolemy did well. They slept through the entire night, which I loved!
We watched the Oscars last night. I forgot they were on this weekend. I don't know why I stayed up to watch the whole thing. There were no surprises and the fashion wasn't that great....
05 March 2010
1st Performance since surgery
All I can say is "oh well". We had a small performance at a local school scheduled for today and since the kids who go to the school didn't want to dance, I got pulled in with the other teacher. We decided to do the sword dance which is usually fun for kids to watch. We also decided to do a more challenging middle step for the challenge of it all. We practiced the difficult step, went in to perform and I got through the first and 2nd challenging step with out a problem. Then my mind went blank and I couldn't remember the last step at all. I tried a few times to figure it out but had no luck.
I didn't think anything of it. Sure, it was embarrassing but that's dancing - sometimes you lose it and can't catch up. Unfortunately, the Pipe Major then made a joke that I needed to practice more. I got pissed, walked out on stage and said it doesn't help that I've been sick for the last 3 months. I was pretty pissed but then I just said 'whatever' to myself and started to think about the rest of my day. The other band members were still pretty mad though about the comment, particularly since everyone knew that I've had surgery and haven't been allowed to dance (and I officially still can't until next week...). I told them don't worry about it, it's no big deal.
So anyhow, I've figured out the step that I forgot and I also need to figure out a way to keep all of these new steps and old steps organized in my head... preparation for these exams are killing me mentally!
I didn't think anything of it. Sure, it was embarrassing but that's dancing - sometimes you lose it and can't catch up. Unfortunately, the Pipe Major then made a joke that I needed to practice more. I got pissed, walked out on stage and said it doesn't help that I've been sick for the last 3 months. I was pretty pissed but then I just said 'whatever' to myself and started to think about the rest of my day. The other band members were still pretty mad though about the comment, particularly since everyone knew that I've had surgery and haven't been allowed to dance (and I officially still can't until next week...). I told them don't worry about it, it's no big deal.
So anyhow, I've figured out the step that I forgot and I also need to figure out a way to keep all of these new steps and old steps organized in my head... preparation for these exams are killing me mentally!
02 March 2010
Hungary?
This whole IVF back up plan has been irritating me since the fire. I feel guilty putting money aside for IVF when we need to renovate the apartment. I don't feel so bad about our vacation account (it's been a bill in my budget for years...) but the extra I should be putting towards paint and tile and contractors.
We're currently considering an option in Hungary. The coordinating office is in London since most of the clients are British. They've gotten back to us with information already. Initial number crunching make it cheaper than even CZ (primarily because it is a week less) but more coordination services (the coordinator is at your service 24/7, picks you up from the airport, will run errands, plan excursions, etc). Apparently, it's what separates them from other services. We're looking at a comparison of IVF with ICSI and drugs in Boston being about $3K more than 2 air fares (June consultation and drug purchase & September cycle), 2 hotel stays (with breakfast and internet), IVF with ICSI, drugs, coordinator (including airport transfers and clinic transfers), and local cell. The wonders of cycling internationally!
Boston is still doable - as is Norway ($3K more than the Boston barebones but that would include all the air travel, car and hotel). With Boston the advantage is that the doctor knows my situation well and I know Boston well. The con is that I'm afraid that with flights, hotel, food, possible additional protocol needs and transportation, we'll end up spending way more than I'd like. That decimates our vacation account... BTW, the Norway benefit is that I've never been there :) but the con is that Norway is so expensive for food, car rental, hotel, etc.
Anyhow, Aidan wants to explore the Hungary option further so we'll go through their paperwork as the week progresses. I think if we put this to bed soon in light of our apartment renovation situation, we can then focus on getting the apartment done and Aidan's grandfather back in there asap.
UPDATE - We sent the information off today (March 3). Looks like our consultation will be in Hungary on June 17 or 18. I'll most likely then get to celebrate my b-day in London! Still, hoping it wont be necessary as I really want to go to Ireland.
We're currently considering an option in Hungary. The coordinating office is in London since most of the clients are British. They've gotten back to us with information already. Initial number crunching make it cheaper than even CZ (primarily because it is a week less) but more coordination services (the coordinator is at your service 24/7, picks you up from the airport, will run errands, plan excursions, etc). Apparently, it's what separates them from other services. We're looking at a comparison of IVF with ICSI and drugs in Boston being about $3K more than 2 air fares (June consultation and drug purchase & September cycle), 2 hotel stays (with breakfast and internet), IVF with ICSI, drugs, coordinator (including airport transfers and clinic transfers), and local cell. The wonders of cycling internationally!
Boston is still doable - as is Norway ($3K more than the Boston barebones but that would include all the air travel, car and hotel). With Boston the advantage is that the doctor knows my situation well and I know Boston well. The con is that I'm afraid that with flights, hotel, food, possible additional protocol needs and transportation, we'll end up spending way more than I'd like. That decimates our vacation account... BTW, the Norway benefit is that I've never been there :) but the con is that Norway is so expensive for food, car rental, hotel, etc.
Anyhow, Aidan wants to explore the Hungary option further so we'll go through their paperwork as the week progresses. I think if we put this to bed soon in light of our apartment renovation situation, we can then focus on getting the apartment done and Aidan's grandfather back in there asap.
UPDATE - We sent the information off today (March 3). Looks like our consultation will be in Hungary on June 17 or 18. I'll most likely then get to celebrate my b-day in London! Still, hoping it wont be necessary as I really want to go to Ireland.
01 March 2010
Freesias
It has been an unusual winter in Bermuda this year in that it has actually felt like winter. The cold temps, the winds and rain. My garden is blown to bits and even the grass has suffered. Over at Aidan's grandfather's, where part of the grass is marred by the soot and charcoal from the fire, freesias have started to bloom around the yard. That means that Spring is coming! A wonderful promise...
I didn't do well during February's ICLW because work is so hectic. I've been coming home in the evening and crashing! This weekend, to get rid of part of the burden, we finally created the menus and associated shopping lists for a 6 week rotation. It is amazing how knowing whats for breakfast, lunch and dinner make life a little simpler. Now if I can just organize the rest of the house.... and do some school work!
We discussed IVF choices again this weekend. Aidan is asking the clinic in CZ whether we can start the protocol at home and be scanned here since we can't be away for more than 2 weeks. Of course, we still hope not to have to do this but we need a plan. We're still not 100% sold on the amount of money we'd have to spend to cycle in Boston.... and so it continues.
Update - CZ said no for starting the Protocol in Bermuda. That means if we choose CZ, I will be out there for 2 weeks on my own and Aidan will join me on day 10. At least we tried...
And finally, I am exercising. I have so much work to do. I am a week from being able to dance again and my flabby gut is awful. Hopefully I can get that under control soon.....
I didn't do well during February's ICLW because work is so hectic. I've been coming home in the evening and crashing! This weekend, to get rid of part of the burden, we finally created the menus and associated shopping lists for a 6 week rotation. It is amazing how knowing whats for breakfast, lunch and dinner make life a little simpler. Now if I can just organize the rest of the house.... and do some school work!
We discussed IVF choices again this weekend. Aidan is asking the clinic in CZ whether we can start the protocol at home and be scanned here since we can't be away for more than 2 weeks. Of course, we still hope not to have to do this but we need a plan. We're still not 100% sold on the amount of money we'd have to spend to cycle in Boston.... and so it continues.
Update - CZ said no for starting the Protocol in Bermuda. That means if we choose CZ, I will be out there for 2 weeks on my own and Aidan will join me on day 10. At least we tried...
And finally, I am exercising. I have so much work to do. I am a week from being able to dance again and my flabby gut is awful. Hopefully I can get that under control soon.....
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