New Digs!!

I have moved!!!

Please visit me at: http://justgottahangon.typepad.com .

That's right, folks! I've moved over to Typepad! I've enjoyed my time on Blogger, but now I've gotta move on. I'll leave this site up indefinitely as a way to store my archives, so feel free to come back here and check it out anytime.

Please be sure to change your bookmarks and blogrolls to reflect the new URL.

Thanks so much!!

ATTENTION: ANYONE ADOPTING FROM GUATEMALA!!

I'm passing along this info for Erin. You can read more about her situation at: http://jesuswasnotarepublican.blogspot.com (sorry, hyperlinks STILL don't work for me, the link is also in my sidebar).

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Missing Guatemala City Signature: Searching Out Others

Dear readers:

Thank you for your supportive comments. Unfortunately, this is not a situation for which we can contact US politicians or government bodies for assistance. It concerns a Guatemala citizen's document -- issued by a municipality in Guatemala -- that is not being accepted by a Guatemalan government body. It could even be counterproductive to attempt to bring US parties into the mix.However, there is something you can do to help if you so wish. If you are ADOPTING FROM GUATEMALA and you are with an agency or facilitator that is not HAPS or For This Child, PLEASE EMAIL THE FOLLOWING LETTER TO YOUR AGENCY. If you are NOT ADOPTING but you have a blog, please POST THIS REQUEST ON YOUR BLOG.

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Dear [agency-name],

If your agency has a case in process that contains a Guatemala City cedula or birth-certificate that is missing the Civil Registry signature (usually the mayor's signature), we have important information to share.According to PGN, if your case has not yet received a previo for the missing signature, it will. The letter from the Civil Registry and/or the Mayor of Guatemala City is no longer sufficient to satisfy the previo. The four PGN assessors have made a joint decision that these unsigned documents MUST be signed. However, at this time there is NO ONE in Guatemala City with the authority to sign these documents!

We are Cheri xxxxxx and Erin xxxxxx, in the process of adopting Guatemalan babies through For This Child and HAPS, respectively. After many months working on this issue separately, our agencies are now collaborating to find a solution. They have discussed this with the PGN reviewers, Barrios, and the Mayor of GC directly. The conclusion is that the mayor does NOT have the authority to sign a document issued under another mayor's tenure. Therefore, we must file an acta with a different branch of PGN that will require the Civil Registry of GC to 1) designate and authorize a person to sign these documents, and 2) order that person to do so.

The PGN reviewer on Erin's case currently has 12 cases that have been kicked out for this reason. If all 8 reviewers have a similar number of cases, that means 80-100 cases are in this same predicament! We have been advised to find as many of these other cases as possible so that we can ALL file the acta together. We have strength in numbers.

If you have, or know of, a case that contains a Guatemala City cedula or birth-certificate that is missing the Civil Registry signature, please contact:Karla Ordonez, with HAPS: cell 5555-3610, office 2332-9040 Traci Orr, with For This Child: US #214-370-8436, traci@forthischild.org

Thank you for your time,

Cheri and Erin

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PLEASE pass this information along to whomever you feel is relavent, or re-post on your blog. Hopefully Cheri, Erin, and countless others will not have wait very much longer to bring their children home. Thanks, everyone!!

Allow Me To Distract You*

*With this video while I reconstruct some posts that Blogger ate while in draft mode. I'm just about ready to dump Blogger and go to Typepad, but a part of me is too cheap to pay. We'll see.

Firsts

You never forget your firsts:

Your first kiss

Your first time (especially if you're a girl)

Your first boyfriend/girlfriend

Your first car

Your first heart break

Your first.....

SPEEDING TICKET.

That's right. "The Man" got me today. 13 years of ticket and accident-free driving GONE. At least the cop was nice enough to drop it down to only 10 mph over, so that it doesn't go on my record and penalize me with insurance and points on my license. Now, I have to come up with $161 at the same time I have to pay $214 on my state taxes. Guess I better get to selling my e*Bay stuff!

*Sigh*

All good things must come to an end, right?

When was your first ticket? Or, do you still have a clean record?

The New Man In My Life

Introducing:

Isaiah Ryan

March 8, 2007

12:16 pm

10 lbs, 10 oz.

21 1/2 in.

Allow me to introduce you to the new man in my life, my "Fairy Godson", Isaiah. He was such a big boy, he had to enter the world via c-section, but we're so glad to finally meet him. He's already a very content baby-doesn't cry unless you change his diaper or try to change his clothes. Other than that, as long as he's being held he's as happy as can be! He's a good eater, good burper, and a good diaper-filler. I can't wait to get off work, so I can rush to hospital and hold him again!

Congratulations Aimee and Ike!!!

(PS: Hyperlinks aren't working for some reason (Damn Blogger!), so here's the URL to Aimee's blog if you'd like to read more about she and the baby: http://aimeeandthebaby.blogspot.com ; or you can click her link in my sidebar.)

Dear Anonymous Asshole from New Zealand:

You know, it's always sooooo fucking pleasant to receive a comment on a post where you're thanking your readers and friends for their love and support during a down time telling you (anonymously, of course) that:

"Anonymous said...
Carrying all that extra weight won't be helping any pregnancy chances you might have. In many women carry excess fat cells hormones are skewed to the extent the body just can't support the implantation of a fertilised egg.It's natures way of favoring fit and healthy parents.
4:35 AM
Anonymous said...
"carrying" (not carry). Sorry.
4:36 AM "

Hey, thanks for correcting your grammar!! Too bad you forgot to remember your manners while doing so!

By the way, dickhead, you've obviously never read this blog before, because if you had, you'd know that besides the obvious fact that yes, I am overweight, I also have endometriosis, and my husband has severe male factor issues with his sperm that make it 99.99% impossible for me to become pregnant-even if I was as thin as Nicole Richie. So, please, keep your unsolicited opinions to yourself. I will, however acknowledge that what you said is correct about hormones and fat cells-however, that hasn't kept any fat people I know from getting pregnant. Nor will being overweight affect my adoption plans (except in China, where I wasn't planning on adopting from anyway). If you're so confident in yourself, why post anon? You can dish it, but can't take it? Thanks for really making my day special!!

I think the late, great Johnny Cash can express my feelings far better than I can:

Sunshine's Peeking Through

I just wanted to thank all of you who sent me well wishes, and I wanted to let you know that I am doing a lot better. One of my biggest problems is my lack of patience. I'm an "instant gratification" kind of girl, and when I really, really, really want something, I can't stand waiting for it. The longer I'm forced to wait, the more frustrated I get.

I know that by taking the time to get our finances in order before adopting means that we'll not only be able to afford a better house to bring our child home to, but also the adoption costs won't be such a burden to bear.

It's just so hard emotionally when you're ready to be a parent and there's all these obstacles in your way. I think a lot of my "panic" also has to do with the fact that I will be 30 this year, and I really never thought it would take me this long to become a mother. Not that 30 is old, but seeing as how I started TTC when I was 21, it does feel like forever.

Like I said, I always bounce back, and the spring-like weather we've been having has been a real pick-me-up. It's hard to feel down when the sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and you feel a warm breeze upon your skin.

Once again, thank you so much for all of your love and support. It truly means the world to me.

Dark Clouds Rolling In

My old nemesis, Depression, is knocking on my door. I never care for its visits-draining me of energy, happiness, and any joy I may have in life. This month has been really hard. To have my hopes dashed for the millionth time has set off a chain reaction that I cannot seem to stop. I think the largest part of my pain lies in the fact that everyone I know is moving ahead with their parental goals or plans, and as always, I'm left behind. Either my friends are pregnant (most unexpectedly), "paper" pregnant (in the process of adoption), or have already adopted. All I have is the desire to be a parent. I am so, so, SO very happy for all of my friends, yet after 8 years of this shit, I'm ready to move on and join them.

We can't conceive a child, and in no way, shape, or form do I want to pursue ART anymore, yet I cannot start any of the adoption proceedings that I so desperately wish I could. We are in no way prepared to even start a home study-our home is too small, and we're thinking of downsizing to a one bedroom apartment for awhile just to save money to pay off our debts.

Debt-yet another reason that our adoption proceedings are delayed. I know, it's our (well, mostly my) fault for letting spending get out of control. Until our debts are paid down, we cannot buy a house, or pay an agency to pursue an adoption. I'm so sick of staying in this holding pattern-it's repetitive, boring, and most of all frustrating. I'm almost 30, and yet I don't feel like an adult. Most of the milestones that define adulthood: college graduate, homeowner, parent, I have yet to reach.

I guess I'm just sad, frustrated, and burned out to some degree. I know only I can change my circumstances, and my outlook, but I guess I just have to wallow in it for a day or so. I'll be OK, I always am, eventually.

If You Blog About It, It Will Come

Yeah, so um, never mind about that last post.

Apparently, my asshole uterus got wind that my Hope Meter was on high, and decided to lay a smack down-and at a birthing class (with Aimee, I'm her labor "companion"), no less.

Added to this unwelcome "surprise": seeing how loving all the couples were to each other in the birthing class-knowing Jake and I will never get to share that experience- and then at the end of class, having the instructor inquiring as to when I'm due. Yeah, great.

Thank G-d that was our last class.

Think I'll have a stiff drink and a nice painkiller now.

Something's Missing At The End Of This Sentence

....and it's the same thing that's been missing for almost 3 weeks

If it doesn't make an appearance soon, I'll be forced to invite FRED over

I don't like FRED, because FRED never has any "positive" news for me

After 8 years, you'd think I'd be used to that by now, but I'm not

All this does is up my Hope Meter, and we all know what a dissapointment that can be

The daydreams get stronger the longer this thing stays away

The a.m. nausea (twice now) doesn't help, either

Other than that, there's no evidence of anything at all, one way or another

(Sigh) Well, like I keep telling myself, even if something does finally show up, it's not a big deal, because someday I'll have something to hold in my arms, even if it's not made from me

Surprise! Surprise! Surprise!

I did not have any hopes yesterday of receiving any sort of Valentine's Day gift. Jake and I had celebrated on Sunday by going out to a nice dinner, and I had given him a card, though he had not bought one for me. I teased that he had until Wednesday to buy me one, but didn't really think he'd remember. When I spoke with him yesterday afternoon, he was acting very blase' and once again, I was convinced he had not purchased a card-in fact, when I joked that he could make me one before I got home, he told me he was too busy playing a computer game and wouldn't have time, but that he loved me anyway. I sadly resigned myself to not having any token of my love's affection, but told myself, "Hey, he DOES love you, and it's a silly commercial holiday anyway." When I got home, I set down my purse and coat (as I always do), and walked into the living room to let the dogs outside, when I saw this:

(Please ignore the messy coffee table.) ("Bunny" is our pet name to each other)

Needless to say, I was surpised beyond belief! My roses were absolutely beautiful, my puppy adorable, and my card made me weep (with joy, of course). I love surprises, and my honey certainly pulled one over on me! After almost 12 years together, he never ceases to amaze me. I guess that's what keeps the romance alive.

Happy Love Thursday, everyone!!

More photos:

18 Gorgeous long stemmed roses, a "love puppy" and card that made me weep

Me with my roses.

Natalee and the Love Puppy (so soft!)

Reading my lovely card.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Chicks Rule and Freedom of Speech Wins!

Although I didn't watch the Grammy's last night (Jake and I were celebrating V-Day early), I was more than pleased to find out that the Dixie Chicks won all 5 of their nominated categories, and I don't care if they won for political reasons or not. Their album (Taking the Long Way) is actually a really great album, and it's not unreasonable to think that they won based upon artistic merit. However, if the vote was political, it's nice to see someone be rewarded (albeit, a bit late, IMO) for actually speaking out, and not forced to maintain the "status quo". I've always been a fan of the Chicks, and have become an even bigger fan since the entire snafu.

For anyone who thinks that celebrities shouldn't be spouting their political beliefs, I ask you "Why not?". Just because they are famous, doesn't take away the fact that they are also Americans, who are protected under the rights of Free Speech-the same rights you and I have. Don't other bloggers (like myself) express their political and social opinions in a public forum, and aren't many of them now infamous because of their blogs? What's the difference there? Or with a newscaster making political commentary? The simple fact is, there isn't one. Let us all not become the mindless lemmings who follow the propaganda blindly without informing ourselves of the real issues, and of what's important to ourselves as individuals. What's right for you may not be right for me, but we should all become educated on WHY we believe what we do, and I mean REALLY educated-not just listening to others' opinions, but forming our own based on real research from all sources. And don't be afraid to listen to a differing opinion, because you might actually learn something. If our Founding Fathers had not found their voice, and became famous dissidents, then there wouldn't be an America. Because they spoke out against what they felt was a tyrannical ruler, and they stood up for their beliefs, and were willing to fight for them, we now have the right and privilege to do the same. Let us honor them by following their great example.

*Rant over*

I Would Spend 3 or 4 Lines...

I love this song.

Quarterback Stink

I wish I could say that I pity Rex Grossman, because in Chicago he's now persona non grata-but, I can't. Damn, I really wanted my Bears to win, too.

Well, guess there's always next year.

PS: I love me some Prince; yes, sir I do.

Little Golden Buddy

Oh how I LOVE Oscar time!!! Every year, I wait with baited breath for the nominees to be announced, then I do my own critique of said nominations, and then anxiously count down the days until show time.

The gowns, the speeches, the extremely-too-long telecast - all a sumptuous feast for my senses.

So, here's this year's list of nominees. And here is who I think should win, and who I think will win:

Picture:

Should Win: "The Queen"
Will Win: "Babel"

Best Actor:

Should Win: Forest Whitaker
Will Win: Forest Whitaker, though I could be wrong and they could give Peter O'Toole the "sympathy Oscar"

Best Actress:

Should Win: Helen Mirren
Will Win: Helen Mirren

Best Supporting Actor:

Should Win: Alan Arkin
Will Win: Alan Arkin, although there could be an upset and they give it to Eddie Murphy

Best Supporting Actress:

Should Win: Jennifer Hudson
Will Win: Cate Blanchett

Best Director:

Should Win: Martin Scorsese
Will Win: Martin Scorsese (even if voters want to give it to Clint Eastwood, they'll give Marty the sympathy vote)

Do any of you like the Oscars? Will you be watching? Do you even care? Who are your picks? Share with me, people!!

Bleh

That's how I feel right now. I'm just really uninspired and can't muster up the energy to whip up a post right now. I think alot of it has to do with my life right now. Everything is great, but there's also not alot happening, so therefore, there's nothing much to share. Sometimes, that can be a good thing. There are some things that are possibly in the works, but I really can't talk about them right now, until I have more information or the plans are finalized.

Anyway, just wanted to let you all know that I'm still here, and I'm checking out other blogs everyday, and will eventually have something meaningful or humerous to say. Thanks for checking in!

Straight Pimpin'

Do you like Electronic/Trance/Dance music? Know of anyone who does? Then check out my hubby's websites:

Soundclick

MySpace

Even though I don't always like all of the songs/music he creates, I'm proud of him none the less. It's not easy being creative, and he puts his all into it. Anyway, just thought I'd brag on my man for a change!

Thanks!

Miss Me?

I have returned!!

The trip was extended by 2 days due to severe weather and illness. However, we had a great time, and it was really nice to see my husband's family.

Now, I have to play catch-up at home and work, so I'm still going to be out of the loop for awhile. Hopefully, by Sunday, everything will be back on track. I have several posts I'm working on (in my head), I just don't have the time to type them out yet. I spent last night catching up on everyone else's blog posts, and it looks like alot of exciting things went down in just a week (more on that later)!

Thanks for your patience, and I'll "talk" to you later!

Thanks!

...for all of the "get well" wishes. They must have worked, because I feel 100% better now. Just in time for my PMS to kick in.

New Year's was a nice, low-key event. My brother, SIL, her sister and husband, and Aimee were over and we ate good food, watched "Saw II" (not my idea-but I was out-voted) and played a rousing round of "Scene It" in which we were divided up into 3 teams of 2 and I was a team of 1. Why? Because I am The Shit at trivia games. So, of course I beat everyone for the win. Modest, aren't I? Hey, I have zero athletic ability, so I have do something to satisfy my overly-competitive nature.

Speaking of competitions, my beloved Sooners lost to Boise State by 1 point in OT at the Fiesta Bowl. It was one of the greatest football games I have ever watched. Boise State fought hard and they deserved their win-much as I am loathe to admit. It was well worth staying up after midnight for.

I suppose this really will be my last entry until my return from vacation on the 15th. I have so much to do this week, and no time to do it. I have lots to discuss, but you'll just have to be patient for a little while longer.

I hope you all had a safe, and Happy New Year!