OH, TWO MORE THOUGHTS....

The rain today really helped bring the pollen count down. We're less than a thousand now. That's still "extremely high" but lots better.

I got off my PIP (performance plan) at work about two weeks ago. I'm just a regular, non-trainee CR now.... That is a good thing. And since I reached my two year mark at my office, it's a whole lot harder to fire me now....

Hello!

Don't forget to come to Midtown's Easter Egg Hunt. The Easter Bunny will be there and the eggs will be full of great stuff! (-:

I've been exhausted today, even though I got 12 hours of Ambien induced sleep last night and took a long nap this afternoon. I'm going to bed as soon as I finish this post, too! Hope I'm not getting sick, and I hope it rains tons tonight and washes away the evil pollen. The count was almost 6,000 several days this past week. People without allergies are having issues, so you can imagine those of us with allergies are oh, so happy....

We did go to the "Reproductive Specialist" Monday. Isn't that a more positive name than the Infertility Doctor? Well, in our case might as well keep it the Infertility Doctor. They will probably put me on Metformin, but I have another test coming up to make sure my main problem is insulin related. The nurse practitioner thinks I have insulin resistance, so Metformin would help regulate my cycles. (That drug is typically used with diabetes patients, and might also help with my weight gain... In fact, insulin resistance would probably explain a lot for both Ben and I.) I do appear to be ovulating, so I probably don't have PCOS, and the HSG test came up normal, so no Endometriosis or blocked fallopian tubes.

Ben's sample had several low levels, so he's going to give another sample to see if it was just a bad day thing or what. If the first sample was typical, they are not really saying he CANT father children, just that it's a lot less likely. Unfortunately, there is a lot less they can do to help a male's infertility than a female's. We'll wait and see, but one topic that has come up is (no surprise) IVF for $17,000. We're thinking probably not, but no definite there. Just seems to me if you'd have to borrow the money to do it, God has a better plan, you know? And, I assure you, while our finances are better than we expected them to be two years into our marriage, we do NOT have $17,000 sitting in the bank!

Another option would be a sperm donor and IUI. (Think of that as turkey baster insemination as opposed to IVF where they take the eggs out of Mama and let them get fertilized in a dish, and then put them back in.) Choosing a sperm donor brings up all sorts of issues, so that is still on the table. Apparently you can choose characteristics like eye and hair color. Weird, huh? From the little I know, though, that would cost a LOT less than IVF, I would still get to go through a pregnancy, and it would be at least one of ours biologically.

Adoption is also extremely expensive, so we might be more likely to look into Foster parenting. God graced me with the gift of truly being able to love ALL children, so that would definitely come in handy!

Anyway, that's the update on where we are at the moment related to becoming parents. It's all speculative, though, as Ben and I both have more tests to take before they make definite recommendations and assessments. Ben also did not particularly like the people (nurse practitioner and doctor) we met with Monday, so he went online and found another clinic with a female doctor who went to Davidson undergrad and Emory medical school. I'm happy to get a second opinion and see if another clinic matches our personalities better. The one last week felt very clinical, and that wasn't the best experience at all.

Thanks for praying for us and asking how it is going. We're sure we'll have a family, so don't feel sad for us. We're just looking forward to how God works it all out! (-:

VBS AND FERTILITY DOCTORS

Hi everyone!

I am tired and I should be in bed, but I haven't written in a few weeks and I have a few things I want to share. I don't have to work tomorrow, but I have to go get THREE cavities filled (so much for my previous record of only two ever!) and then go to the doctor in the afternoon.

For those of you concerned, you'll be happy to hear that my Big Toe on my right foot is healing nicely from my Ingrown Toenail Surgery two weeks ago. It's my fourth surgery, so hopefully it's my last. (two sides on each big toe) Ben thinks the entire subject is utterly disgusting, which cracks me up. I found this out about two and a half years ago when I was telling him of my last surgery as we were sight seeing along the reflecting pool in front of the Washington Monument.
I'm quite a romantic, btw.

Ben's back is out, so he couldn't cut the grass this weekend. Last weekend he wasn't inspired, so it had not yet been cut this spring. Our weather has been gorgeous (got up to 88 today!), so it really needed to be done. So, I took a few puffs of my inhaler, felt confident about my Zyrtec, and got out there and did it. It was a beautiful day, so I actually enjoyed being active and outside. And my allergies did fine. Can't figure that out, though- the pollen count has been in the extremely high range all week here. Like, not just a few hundred, but 2,700+! Ah, yes. Atlanta.

Well, we got all of our fertility testing done and saw the OB/GYN a week ago Friday. I adore my doctor, so I was sad when he decided we had too many issues for him to sort through, so it was best that he refer us to the infertility specialist. We do that tomorrow at 1:30PM. Ben and I each had a few things that are not quite optimal, so he didn't want to waste our time trying all sorts of things without being certain which route was the best. I was having a really hard time with it. I mean, since about the 3rd time I got my period once we started "trying", I would have a day or so of sadness, but then feel really confident that God was in control and would work it all out. I guess in the back of my mind, though, I had figured it would be one issue with a simple solution. When several things came up from our testing and it clearly wasn't simple, I got distracted. I mean from my faith. Artie's sermon just hit the spot for me this morning. I need to die over and over again. I thought I had surrendered it all, but alas, I had not. Artie reminded me that my flesh had reared it's ugly head, I had veered too far from God, and my negativity and depression last week was the predictable response! I was reminded during Artie's message that we not only need to constantly surrender on the no-brainers, but on the road blocks as well. What a burden lifted. That's right, God is in control. And I COMPLETELY trust that he's got an amazing family in the works for Ben and I. Who CARES about the details on how that will come about!

As a last thought, we are going to do a VBS at Midtown. This is a first, btw. A huge answer to prayer. And guess who is the director? God is wonderful and he answers prayers in so many ways. Remember my prayers about a year ago? I was praying about becoming a preschool teacher. I knew in my heart that I was not fulfilling my purpose- to work with kids. A year later I am involved with the Children's Ministry and a VBS director. I couldn't be happier. What a blessing these things are in my life, and how wonderful it is to serve others, allow God to work through me, and LOVE every minute of it! It feels like a wonderful new adventure, and not like work. You know what I mean, right? When you volunteer for something because you feel obligated, it is a lot like work. Children's Ministry stuff does not feel like work to me, it feels like a gift.

God is good. All the time. Sometimes we're not looking, but he's always there, he's always answering prayers, and he's always loving each of us. And only HE knows our full potential... I think many of us would be frightened by that image and run in the other direction. He lets us in on it a little bit at a time, doesn't He? And only when we're in tune with His desires for us. Isn't that when you feel most fulfilled? When you are allowing Him to work in and through you?

Have an amazing week, my dear friends.

Procrastinator Jen

We're having our East Point Lifegroup here tonight. Pot Roast is in the Crockpot, but I still need to vacuum and tidy up the bathrooms... oh, and make the biscuits. I'm such a procrastinator!

I finally made some huge strides on our office a few months back (thanks, Mom). Even spent time last night going through some paperwork. Just about an hours' or two worth of work left. Now why is it still not done? I'm such a procrastinator!

I am almost done with updating the addresses on the Midtown Church directory, maybe about 2 hours work left, but I've been meaning to do it ever since New Years! I'm such a procrastinator!

I am playing my clarinet at Paula's wedding in June. Finally ordered some new reeds and the music last night. Now just need to practice.... I'm such a procrastinator!

My six month leave request is due on the 28th. I've known this all month. Watch, I'll turn it in on Tuesday....I'm such a procrastinator!

We need to decide how much time we'll take off and then what we'll do while in the West for Paula's wedding. We are really excited about the trip, but can't seem to feel like making plans at the same time.... I'm such a procrastinator!

I need to add exercise to my Weight Watchers plan. I'll do it soon. Even got a cool Trampoline to exercise indoors on.... I'm such a procrastinator!

I pretty much finished our taxes a few weeks ago. Just need to look over them with Ben and send them e-file. We've meant to do that the past several weekends. I'm such a procrastinator!

I've got some great pictures to share by posting them to this blog. I'll do it soon. I'm such a procrastinator!

I have tons of memorabilia to put into a scrapbook. I got all the supplies. I'll do it soon. I'm such a procrastinator!

I have a weeks' worth of laundry on my bed. All clean. I just hate to hang it up and put it away. I'm such a procrastinator!

I'm such a procrastinator! So here I sit. Blogging.

I KNOW, I KNOW. IT'S BEEN AN ETERNITY!

I wish I had good excuses for not blogging in, well, three months. Mostly, it was the holidays, then it was lack of news and lack of time.

I weighed in at 240.0 yesterday. That might not seem so great if you look at my last post, but the holidays and my birthday were huge setbacks. I joined weight watchers instead of Nutrisystem, but Ben is still doing Nutrisystem.

We're still not pregnant. And, much to Ben's frustration, we've taken some baby steps to start diagnosing why we aren't. Not that he doesn't want us to have a baby, just that now there is all this fuss about it. I guess something about me showing up on my 34th birthday to my OB helped him decide he'd start with preliminary things even though it was not quite a year since we started trying. I went off the pill 13 cycles ago, and we "pulled the goalie"/ "started trying" 11 cycles ago. Now, in calendar months, which Ben uses, that means I went off the pill in April and we started trying in June. However, as a woman who has really had too many periods for a calendar time frame of, hmm, 10 months, I am choosing to look at months as represented by a cycle. Anyway, trying a second time for a HSG next Monday (that's an xray where they stick dye in and take pictures of it flowing in -or not- your fallopian tubes). I won't be too detailed and gross, let's just say there were two separate issues that prevented it twice last cycle and we are hoping to correct those two things this time around. Also doing some blood work in a few weeks to check insulin levels, etc.

I am still on CWS, which means I still have every other Monday off. This has worked out very well with several holidays. For instance, for MLK, I got a four day weekend instead of a three day weekend. And I had last Monday off, today off for President's Day, and next Monday off due to my schedule.

Can you believe it? I am coming up on my TWO year anniversary as a CR in the Morrow Social Security office. I am still on a PIP (performance plan). My supervisors seem to think I am doing great, but won't take me off of it. My supervisor told me a few weeks ago that I could be off of it as soon as I hit my RSI timely goal. That means process 85% of my retirement and survivor claims in less than 14 days. Only catch to that is that, as an office, we haven't hit that target but one month of the last 12. Whatever. At least I don't have to take claims for people without appointments.

Usually I love my job and the people I meet, and try to maintain a positive attitude each day. I am usually but not always successful with that. I don't sweat the small stuff anymore.... guess the Lexapro was a great choice for me! I do still get frustrated with the red tape and the fact that I now have to be a SR (the people who do social security cards, address changes, overpayment questions, general questions about retirement, etc.) one day a week and a few hours each day. But, hey, if they want to pay me a CR salary for doing SR work, well, who am I to complain? I'll do whatever work they tell me to, or at least as much as is humanly possible. You can only do your best, and that's what I do.

My neighbor came over yesterday and we made cut out cookies. She's 7 and really fun to play with. (-:

Ben and I had some rough moments the last few months, but things are better than ever these days. We eventually got it all talked out. He's a sweetie and I'm so happy God blessed me with him!

Baxter and Lucy are just fabulous. They adore one another. They curl up together for their naps and play together, too. And, don't tell him I told you, Ben has turned into quite a "cat person".

We're also enjoying both of our Lifegroups. We continue to got to the Johnsons' on Mondays and we are part of the East Point Lifegroup revival. We have that on Sunday nights and alternate between our house and the Zooks' house.

Still active with the church childcare. We're hoping to finish a new classroom (renovating a room that's now a messy, yucky, storage room) in order to start an elementary class over the summer. Right now it is sort of under 3 and over 3. But our kids' numbers keep increasing, so our children's ministry is growing, too. I am also praying about ideas for our miscellaneous aged middle and high school kids. There aren't a ton of them, but it's not fair for them not to have something going on, you know? They probably need it the most. One project at a time. Or maybe there is another church with a bigger youth program nearby.....

Also planning a Girls Night out for our church ladies in a few weeks. That kinda started with just a few of us, but we didn't want to leave anyone out, so now it is sorta any Midtown Church woman who is interested. Should be awesome.

OK, bedtime. Bittersweet on my Mondays off.... I usually love bedtime as I love my comfy bed and still love to sleep.... most 34 year olds don't sleep late, but I do. Just like when I was a teenager. That's probably the only thing I will miss when we do have kids, btw. ANWAY, it's also bittersweet because that means my wonderful long weekend and day of Jen time has come to an end.

Goodnight, Weekend. Goodnight, friends. Goodnight, Moon.

I'VE LOST 22.4 LBS!

I just weighed in.... I'm down to 239.2 which is 22.4 LBS GONE! HOORAY! That makes my goal of 144.6 about 95 LBS away... which is lots closer than the original 117.

BEN is still doing well, too. He has lost 32 lbs! (-: Go, honey, go!

BTW, Happy Veteran's day. I love being a government employee! We're taking my Dad out tonight to say thanks... He was a fighter pilot in Vietnam.

It's been awhile since I talked about work. That is because it is actually going pretty well. I'm mostly "caught up" with my cases and should be really on top of things in about another 2 weeks. I spoke to my supervisor about coming off my PIP (performance improvement plan- should be a negative thing, but truly it's been a huge blessing- Thanks, God for that!). Hopefully I'll be off it and pulling my own weight in my unit by Christmas. I'm enjoying my work a lot and not feeling constantly overwhelmed which is huge. I love the people I meet and interview each day, and I'm feeling that I have an excellent grasp on how to handle most of the complex scenarios that come my way. I also feel really blessed by my excellent paycheck and my great new schedule that affords me 1 day off for every 9 days of work!

As for my longing to teach preschool or daycare, God has really provided me some great ways to be around kids. I've enjoyed being involved with the Children's Ministry at church, and I've also used several of my Mondays off to visit my girlfriends that are at home with babies. My favorite night of the week is Wednesdays- I get to spend those with six week old Sonny. He's a sweetie. It's a win win combo- I get baby time and his Mom and Dad get a night off! (-:

I'M AT HOME AND IT'S MONDAY!

I am really loving my new "CWS" schedule. I was sick with a virus all weekend, so I still have today to try to do a few things around the house. It's nice to be at home and have the house all to myself! Oh, and check it out. Friday is the Veteran's day holiday, so I have a three day (27 hr) week! Hooray working for the Federal Government!

Nutrisystem is still going fine. I've lost 19.6 pounds and Ben has lost 31! I'm really proud of Ben. He had a few weeks at a plateau but stuck with it. You GO, honey!

My nephew Zippy (my sister's dog) was here this weekend, so I got some good walks in. I've also been sleeping with him in the guest room because he's always slept with his Mommy since he was a little puppy and we don't want him to be lonely or sad. He's a great dog.

Got my period again. It was three days late, but it still came. )-: We were a little hopeful, but alas it was not to be. Oh, well. I don't stress about it anymore, and am not surprised or disappointed because I figure it's on it's way each month. I've started looking forward to April because that's when my OB said to come back if we weren't pregnant yet.... just so we can know if something is wrong. Probably nothing is wrong, and I realize it takes people a long time sometimes, but I'll be at least 34 when I have the baby and Ben will be at least 37! We will sure appreciate getting pregnant when God's ready! (-: In the mean time, I'm enjoying the babies in my life. Sonny is six weeks today and weighs an impressive 12lbs- 95%! He almost smiles, but it's not a full fletched grin yet. Gwennan (7 mos) sits up on her own now, and Bobby (9 mos) is really attached to his Mommy. He's fun and responds and smiles and laughs at people, though!

I have some pictures I want to post, but my printer/ memory reader doesn't seem to feel like talking to my computer this morning. Maybe Ben can figure that out later this week. I have some of our two kitties sharing their perch peering outside and one of Zippy, the greatest dog ever. Oh, his sister Eve just did really well at the National Agility Competetion. She got some great places and made it into the finals.

We'll, guess I'll try to get some more things done around this house before it's time to go pick up my sister Janelle from the airport. Zippy will be so happy to see her, but I'll be sad that it is time for him to go.

15.4 lbs gone!

This morning I weighed 246.2! That's a total of 15.4 pounds lost.

Ben is doing well, too. I think he's lost about 25 lbs.

Jen's News

Hiya. What's up with you? Here's what is up with me.

Nutrisystem is going well. I've lost 12.4 pounds since 09/05/06! From 261.6 down to 249.2! I'm down to the weight I was about last March. It's a start! Hasn't been too awful. Can't say I'm 100% faithful to the plan, but I am still making way better choices overall! Next big goal is 10% body weight- that is 235.5. That's a big one in Weight Watchers.

Got my period. Bummer. My Primary Care Doctor said not to worry yet, though. Lot's of couples take a year. We've just completed month 5. God has a plan and we'll be parents when the time is just right. Each month we don't get pregnant, we're a huge step closer to debt free except the house! Go Greenwalds! And I am sure enjoying being busy with the Childcare ministry at church.

Speaking of- Congrats Carrie on #2 on the way and due (I think) in May! And congrats Britt and Linn on #2 on the way.... and Congrats to Otto and Chirsty who's adoption got finalized. Wow, that makes three kids!

And congrats Amie and Ben on #1 being born! Hooray! Harrison David Armstrong, born 5:25 PM on 09/25/06, 8lbs, 20 inches long. We saw them briefly in the hospital on Tuesday and they were doing well. The Fowler's at our church had baby boy Samuel (their #2) three days earlier on the 22nd... such a booming congregation! (-;

I am headed to Baltimore on Columbus Day Weekend- that's next weekend. Then I'll have Tuesday off here at home to hang out with Donna Marie and maybe visit baby Harrison. Amie's parents are leaving on the 5th, so she might want some help by the time the 10th comes around! (-:

And we bought our Iowa tickets for Christmas. Can't wait to see the brothers, sisters in law, neices and nephews, and Grammy and Grampy Greenwald. We loved having Linda and Louie here last weekend! Baxter and Lucy adored them!

I put lots of posts on, so you might want to see the pictures and posts chronologically... scroll down to "SLEEPING, SPOONING KITTENS " done at 1:54 on 09/30/06 to start at the beginning of this series...

Have a wonderful, blessed day and week! Love you all!

And, a gorgeous drive back to Seattle....

Me, Ben, trees, a rolling hill side along the ocean, and Dave Ramsey. Yep, Dave accompanied us and encouraged us to make good financial decisions the entire drive.... Ben has a new idol. He IS really good. And people who make it to debt free get to call in a scream "We're debt free!" at the top of their lungs. It's an excellent radio program. I don't feel the need to listen to it nonstop over and over, but Ben enjoys it, and he was driving... BTW, isn't Ben ADORABLE in his driving hat?? (I picked that out!)


 

Day 3: Seaside Oregon

Norma's - the best Clam Chowder. Anywhere. We enjoyed the hat store, and of course, had to do the mandatory shopping- fudge, ice cream, and salt water taffy. Childhood memories. Can't beat them.

Only sad part of the day was that the Tilt A Whirl Owner had died, and they shut it down for the day. Talk about serious land mark... I used to love that thing, I also remember taking my cousins on it when THEY were little!

 

More of the Reception.

 

More of the Reception

By the way, this is my Mom's side of the family. Marmar is going to be 88 in December, and my cousins are Lindsey (the bride), Leslie (bridesmaid w/ hair up), and Erika (bridesmaid, hair down). My Aunt Pam is in the brown dress and Uncle Jiggs is wearing a pink shirt. We were thrilled Marmar was able to come, as it is about an hour drive from Portland where she is in assisted living. Mom was born in Oregon, grew up in Beaverton which is near Portland. Even though my cousins are younger than my sister and I, my uncle is a few years older than my Mom. My cousins grew up in Rainer, Oregon which is across the river from Longview, Washington.

Rainier Oregon- day two continued

Day Two: Lindsey's Wedding

 

Seattle Pictures

The first day of our trip Northwest was spent in Seattle. I had an awful cold, but otherwise it was awesome. So hilly and on the water. These are from Pike Place Market. We also went to the Boeing plant.

 

OFFICE PROJECT IN PROCESS....

Well, my office project is still in process, but getting there. I'm down to about 9 boxes instead of about 18.... and all the other projects are done. So today, it's a start to just be IN this room and updating my blog. Perhaps the last distraction, and first real relaxation, I've had for months! (-:

I think the only other around the house thing to do is plant my bulbs and pansies... and it's still a bit early for that in Georgia.

I'm even caught up on cleaning and laundry.... Well, guess I'll post my Oregon pictures and then get to this office project! (-:

PAINTING PROJECT COMPLETE!

Thanks for your help, Mom! She helped with painting the blue and with getting the pictures back on the walls... I think the rooms feel much more cozy and warm. Officially the colors are Behr: Egyptian Nile and Lost Atlantis. In other words, Olive Green and Wedgewood Blue. (-:

We ordered a gorgeous wing back "Ben" chair on Wednesday, and we're looking for a computer desk and an audio cabinet to complete the room..

SLEEPING, SPOONING KITTENS

I THINK LUCY AND BAXTER ARE GETTING ALONG WELL, DON'T YOU? Daddy Ben caught them sleeping together in our blue lazy boy....

 

Hi, y'all!

Last weekend my wonderful Mom came over and helped me paint our kitchen and dining room. They are now a beautiful blue. Mom called it Wedgewood Blue. It looks great!

I lost 5 lbs my first week on ns. Unfortunately, my original weight was 261.6 (not 255 as I expected!). Ben lost 15 lbs! Way to go honey!

Had a yucky day at work today, but that was the first one in weeks, so I'm trying to keep it in perspective!

Still enjoying Lucy. She and Baxter love to cuddle up and groom each other. It is just adorable!

I am planning a trip to Baltimore over my Columbus Day long weekend. Just me, no Ben. I have Monday and Tuesday off (my new schedule gives me Tuesday!) but Ben has neither.

Linda and Louie (my in-laws) are coming in a week and a half. I made Ben promise we could go to the Aquarium which we have not yet to see, and we both took Monday off, so it should be a fun visit! They just celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary.

I'm feeling tired and overwhelmed the last couple of days. My house is a catastrophe from moving stuff when painting and because the office project is only about 1/3 complete. Hopefully I'll get motiviated to be proactive instead of just procrastinating as I am prone to do. This isn't a fun way to be!

I'm up too late because I forgot to order decaf when I stopped at Starbucks on my way home from allergy shots. Better get to bed!