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!!

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:

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!

It's in the Cards

Here are the Christmas cards I have received so far this year. I send out cards because it's something I like to do, and it's a way to connect-at least once a year-to those I care about. It means even more to me when I receive cards in return.

Several of these cards are from YOU, my Internet friends. Though I've never met any of you in person, nor heard your voice over a phone line, we've connected and bonded in a way I rarely do with those I see in the everyday. Several of you have known me for at least 4 or 5 years-the "B1" days. Most of you have moved on from infertility, and have already created a family, or are in the process of doing so. Just the fact that we can stay in touch-after all this time-and still wish each other well, fills my heart with a joy and love I cannot adequately describe. I know you may think it's "just a card", but to me, it's a symbol of love.

From the bottom of my heart, I thank you, and wish you all the best this Holiday Season.

Comment Problems *UPDATED*

Update:

Well, looks like whatever the problem was, is now fixed!! Huzzah!

For some reason, Blogger is not letting people w/o the beta accounts comment on my page. I don't know why, since I made the switch a while back, and have had comments from these same people since then.

If you can't comment under your usual name, just choose "anonymous" and sign your name to the comment. Hopefully, they'll fix whatever the issue is soon.

Thanks!

Snow Day!

Thanks to a winter storm blasting through my state, Jake and I didn't have to go to work today-Hooray!!!

So, I'm filling my day up with laundry, present wrapping, internet surfing, and crap t.v. All in all, a great way to spend the day. I hope that wherever you are, you are warm, snug, and with a loved one. Have some hot cocoa, sit back, and enjoy the Winter Wonderland.

Also, this is my last NaBloPoMo post!!! I managed to post everyday this month, despite how difficult it was at times to come up with subject matter, and a few times, I was posting just before midnight to make the deadline. Needless to say, you may notice a drop off in posts for awhile. It's the Holiday Season, and I'm super busy until the middle of January. I'll try to post when I can, but definitely not daily. It's been fun, and I hope you've enjoyed my daily posts, I know I have yours. Congrats to all who stepped up to this challange and completed it.

See you later, Taters!!

Hey Internets!! Can You Help???

I'm the kind of gal who tries to help out where and when I can, and I've recently come across two situations that I hope you can help me with.

Both involve women with young children who have left their abusive partners. Both women are desperate for any help they can receive, and one of them is pregnant with her third child. I'm gathering what I can to send to both of these women, but I hoped that perhaps some of you out there would have some items you could send as well.

If you've never been in an abusive situation, you have no idea what a nightmare it is. My birth father (I call him that because I consider my stepfather to be my "Dad") was physically and emotionally abusive to my mother for the duration of their 12 years together. That is not something a young girl should have to grow up with, and I am determined to help out any woman who is brave enough to leave that situation for the betterment of herself and her children. In the spirit of sisterhood, we should all stand together and help those women who need it the most.

(Just so you know the family dynamics, one of the ladies has a 1 yr old daugter and a 3 y.o. son in TX; the other is pregnant and has a 2 and an 8 yr. old boy in KS.)

The following items are needed or would be of great assistance:

*Size L-XL (14-18) Maternity Clothes
*Size 6-8 women's clothing
*Clothing for boys ages: 2, 3, & 8
*Size 18-24 months baby girls' clothing
*Clothing and various other items (non-gender specific) for a newborn baby
*Giftcards to stores like W*al-M*art, T*arget, etc. to help with groceries, toiletries, and possibly for Christmas as well.

If you are interested, and are able to help, please email me (my addy is under my profile) and I will be more than happy to provide you with the appropriate mailing addresses. Thank you so, so, so much!!

Dona Nobis Pacem

Thanks to Karen at Chookooloonks for the link to Mimi, who is promoting world peace today. Go to her site, and create a globe of your own!

Liberals - 1, Republi-Trolls - 0

I think I make it as glaringly obvious as I can on this blog that I am an unabashed liberal. Always have been, always will be; and the older I get, the more liberal I become. So, it was with great delight that I read Erin's post from yesterday, where she slam dunks on a Republi-Troll who didn't have the balls to give her his contact info (maybe because he knows his views are skewed?).

Erin's blog is "Jesus Was Not A Republican", and the reason she chose this title is to point out the hypocrisy of the Right Wing by choosing Jesus as a mascot, and thinking He only works for them. Of course, George the Troll was incensed to think that Jesus could be referred to as *shudder* A Liberal. Oh! The Horror! So, he posted a bunch of bullshit, and Erin countered him point for point, never missing a beat. And she did it all with intelligence and coherence, something I am not capable of in a debate. When I'm angry, I become extremely flustered, and can't form a rational thought (hence, the "incoherent ramblings" I refer to in my header), and end up devolving into using "So there" and "Neener-Neener" immature-style arguing techniques. This is to the great amusement of my husband, a man who couldn't find a debate he didn't love. Seriously, he'll argue about anything if thinks it would make a good debate, especially when it comes to religion. Yes, it can be annoying, however, after 11 years, I've learned to ignore his bait most of the time.

Anyway, I would really love it if you took the time to stop by her blog and have a look around. She's a really great, intelligent, open, honest person, and hers is a voice that definitely needs to be heard, especially before Tuesday's important mid-term elections. Thanks!

Learning to Love Yourself

(For "Love Thursday")

So often in the blogosphere we are confronted with a lack of love. This is one of the many reasons I enjoy the idea of "Love Thursday"; it forces us to examine our lives, and find the love in the everyday. We're also often encouraged to combat the negativity that can float around here by saying loving or nice things about other bloggers. Which is great, by the way, but how many times do we turn that love inward? Too often we forget to love ourselves.

Show of hands....how many of you out there put yourself last? Ah, I see quite a few hands, especially from the moms. It's so easy to sacrifice ourselves, our dreams, our ambitions, and most of all, our self-esteem. I know I'm certainly guilty of that one. So, for "Love Thursday" (and my 29th Birthday!) I'm going to force myself to list ten things I love about myself. I challenge each of you who read this post to do the same. You don't have to post about it on your blog, but take the time to really think and write down those ten things you love about yourself. You might be surprised what you come up with! Happy "Love Thursday" everyone!

Ten Things I Love About Myself

1. My blue eyes. Both of my parents, and my younger brother have green eyes, so I love the way I stand out. I love how the shade of blue changes with whatever I'm wearing, and I love that I have a visible physical connection to my grandfather and my niece and nephew, who share my eye color, despite both of their parents having green eyes.


2. My complexion. I get more compliments on my skin than any other physical feature I posses. I have very fair, porcelain skin, with rosy undertones. Classic Irish complexion. I rarely need makeup, and have been fortunate enough not have acne problems.


3. My dimples. I share this feature with my maternal grandfather, my Grandaddy. As far back as I can remember, even to this day, every time I see him, he smiles and says, "Show me Grandaddy's dimples." Now, how can I resist that?


4. My big heart. I'm such a notorious softy. I fall for pretty much every sad story out there, especially if it involves children or animals. I bawl my eyes out every time I watch "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition", because I empathize with the family's situation. If I see a person in need, I always want to know how to help.


5. My sense of loyalty. I am extremely loyal to my family and friends, and will stick up for them when they need it, and am by their sides when the chips are down. My loyalty goes hand in hand with my sense of protectiveness towards my loved ones.


6. My sense of humor. I am a complete and unabashed goofball. I will pretty much do anything for a laugh, even at my own expense. I'll make a complete ass of myself, just to crack someone up. Humor is one of the biggest things that my husband and I love about each other. Our ability to laugh at life has kept us going strong for 11 years.


7. My ability to find beauty in the everyday. I know it's cliche, but I'm rather like that boy in "American Beauty", I think there is so much beauty in the world that sometimes I can't stand it. The simplest of things are beautiful to me: a child's laugh, an autumn leaf, the sound of the surf upon the shore - I wish I could soak it all in and share it with the world.


8. My taste in music. I love everything. There is not a single genre of music where I cannot find an artist I could enjoy. I love discovering new artists, new sounds and even re-discovering the greats from the past. My diverse taste in music can open me up to new experiences, and help me to make a connection to people with whom I would normally have nothing in common.


9. My cooking. I'm not a gourmet by any stretch of the imagination, but I make delicious home-cooked comfort food. I'm not one of those cooks who measures anything. I'm more free-handed with my style. I know if I have too much or too little of anything based on taste alone, and I generally create recipes in my head. I don't get to cook as often as I'd like, but my husband thinks I am presenting him with manna from heaven any time I do.


10. My political activism. My interest in all things political began during the '88 elections. I remember being fascinated by the political process, and watched the debates between Dukakis and Bush on t.v. Now, how many 11 yr. old girls do you know who do that? I am a person who believes in standing up for what's right, and holding our leaders accountable for their actions. I watch and read any political commentary I can, and try and keep abreast of the latest legislation. I believe it is my duty as a citizen of the U.S. to exercise the freedoms granted to me in our great Constitution by casting my vote in every local, state, and federal election. If I weren't such a hothead, I'd probably run for office someday, but I'm afraid that my mouth would get me into trouble.

Finally, here's one of my favorite photos ever taken of me:

This is me, circa 1997. I went to one of those fancy photo places in the mall, where most women put on feather boas and have big hair for their pictures. However, they had started to do a "Hollywood Glamour" look that I loved. I just knew the photos would turn out great, and they did. The photographer instructed me not to smile, to think of the time ("It was war, all the women were sad", he said.) and to only use my eyes to express my emotion. I really think that all comes out in this photo. No one ever believes me when I tell them it's me, they always think I'm showing them a picture of my grandmother or something. Guess I was born in the wrong era, huh?

Are You a Blogging Chick?

'Cause I am!!

Check out the site here - and join up!!

Blog/Website Spotlight of the Week

Yet another new weekly feature beginning today is my "Blog/Website Spotlight of the Week". Each week I will bring you a blog or website that I think is definitely worthy of checking out. If you have your own nominees, let me know! Man, I love the internet!!

This week's spotlight:

Oh My That's Awesome!

It's Awesome, indeed! Spotlighting all kinds of cool finds in clothing, accessories, music, housewares, and just about anything else you can think of, this website is run by some really cool chicks: Sarah and Wendy. These two ladies, in addition to other contributors, scour the real world and the net to bring you the latest thing that's recently caught their eye. It was through their site that I discovered my new love for Sufjan Stevens. With the holidays just around the corner, you'll definitely want to check them out to find the perfect gift for the hipster or hard-to-buy-for person in your life.

(PS: I've also set up a permanent link in my "Daily Dose" list.)

Committed

In an effort to improve/maintain my writing skills (skills, what skills?!! bwahahaha), I have committed myself to NaBloWriMo, which although it sounds like something far dirtier than what it is, is actually a great idea. In fact, I've decided to take this thing one step further by committing myself to begin the daily posts today, starting with this one (hehe, I know it probably shouldn't count, but it's my rules this month, so what I say goes!).

So sit down, strap in, and hold on, 'cause you're about to have at least six weeks of unfiltered Nat Time!!

PS: Don't forget, I can wait until 11:59 pm to post, and it still counts for that day!! Oh, how I love interpreting rules to how I want/need them to be! (Must be why I work for attorneys.)