Gold Star

No, not that kind. Although I do qualify. And not even on a technicality.

S and I get a gold star for turning in all of our adoption paperwork. I hand delivered the packet today.
Next, home study.

PS
I totally cried as I drove away from the agency. I've become such a sap.

Cry, Cry, Cry

Remember them? And their cover of Fall On Me? That was so good. But that's totally not what this post is about.

Things that made me cry in the last 24 hours:

1. Our FBI clearance came in. Yeah! So all those questionable protests I attended in college didn't end up on my permanent record after all :) and we are free (according to the government) to adopt!! (or, at least to move on to the next hoop that must be jumped through)

2. I was a big girl, and as promised, told my BFF why I can't attend her baby shower this weekend.

3. Reading this blog and keeping this family in my thoughts and in my heart. Please help any way you can.

Ranting from the rooftops

Um, I did my taxes. And now I'm pissed. I mean, I was pissed before but seeing the numbers in black and white...gah! Let's just say I'm a frugal person. My car is a '98 and I plan to drive it until it dies. But between the self-employed medical premiums, the dermoid surgery, the IUIs, the sperm bank fees, and all the other baby making medical interventions, I could be driving a very nice, very brand new car. Or better yet, I could be driving my trusty old '98 with a baby in the back. Ugh.

And speaking of medical interventions. Why are people not more upset about the healthcare reform? I saw this today and it got me all riled up. Did you know that in some states it's impossible to get maternity coverage on an individual policy...until the reforms kick in in 2014! In my state I have 1 option for individual maternity coverage and it requires that I pay the premiums for 1 year before the coverage goes into effect and then the policy will only cover 50%. That doesn't sound like insurance, it sounds like racketeering. And yes, I think we should celebrate the victories. And if you live in Maine, you might even be able to help. But no maternity coverage for those in need of an individual policy seems unconscionable.

PS
I'll be 40 in 2014.

One word can change everything

Listening to a debate about paddling in schools on the local morning radio show.
The callers keep confusing corporal punishment with capital punishment.
Would hate to be the kid caught with a spit ball in a school with the latter policy!

Marshmallow fluff? I hate marshmallow fluff!

One of my clients started this let's-get-healthy-weight-loss-thing. And they invited me to join. I don't know if I should be happy (yay! team player!) or offended (boo! you look a hot mess and better join our program!). But, I succumbed to peer pressure (eeeeeeverybody was doing it) and signed up. I thought it might give a fighting chance to those cute jeans that have been gathering dust in my closet for years...ever since S and I took up eating ice cream in bed. (anyone else put on the first-year-of-marriage 15 and the omg-ttc 20?)

Yesterday was the first day. And other than over compensating with the coffee and diet coke, all went well. Until last night. When I had this frenzied dream where I was desperately scooping a mixture of marshmallow fluff and chocolate chips out of a mixing bowl with my bare hands. I could not get enough! And the weird thing is...chocolate chips? Yes! You can always count me in (well, except now, when I'm doing this healthy thing). But marshmallow fluff? I hate marshmallow fluff!! If it's a sign of desperation, I can't wait to see what day two brings....

Shameless plug...

...for someone else.

I was looking for something very specific for S's birthday. And I found it on etsy.


Nice, right? It's a long story as to why that present was exactly what I was looking for. But I just wanted to say that I loved the pendant when I finally saw it in person and that the customer service was awesome. If you want to check out what else this person sells, you can see her etsy shop here.

And, btw, I don't know the seller. We're not related. I've never met her. Etc....
Just wanted to spread the happy around.

And with that, a happy (now belated) birthday to my girl, S.

Answers

Question 1: F

Question 2: The ever popular write in answer E - just be honest

And I will. Just be honest. I already picked out a super cute present from her registry. We are tight in that old friend way where you can see each other all the time or sometimes go for weeks without even talking (we both travel for work...I'm in Germany right now...hi!) but just pick up right where you left off. So we'll meet in a coffee shop with our laptops and I'll tell her what's up and she'll understand and life will go on. The thing is, while I dread the baby-shower-ness, I am so super excited for the actual baby-ness.

Speaking of super excited baby-ness...Yay for the bionics!

And speaking of super excitedness, it's S's birthday on Tuesday. While this brings us one step closer to being official old ladies (boo), we do have lots of hikes and birthday dinners and one terrific present planned. I'll tell you all about it next week....