National Infertility Awareness

Last week was National Infertility Awareness week. I didn't even know that was a thing until recently. As I've said before, most days don't bother me. I check my temperature or remind Miles about our, ahem, scheduled play date, but I don't think about my fertility... or lack thereof.

And then there are the hard days. Days where I can't be social with other pregnant women and the big question mark in my life is in the back of every thought.

Today, I'm in between those days which is probably why I can blog about it.

 I'm feeling honest. Honestly, I'm tired of trying and I'm tried of waiting. 5 rounds of fertility medication have not produced results, but I have endured five months of hot flashes, dry skin, rashes, sleepless nights, mood swings, and bloating.

 In May, I will see a new doctor- a fertility specialist who can do way more- for more testing and medication. I've heard that he's not too expensive, that he tries to get results without breaking the bank, but I'm still expecting some fairly large bills coming my way. My insurance will pay for things related to my health [like pre-cancerous cysts, endometriosis], but not things that are considered fertility-related. I'm anxious to find out the treatment plans.

Anyway, if you know anyone who is  suffering  dealing with infertility, you might read this publication by RESOLVE. The first time I read it, I cried the entire way through. It was a nice reminder that I am not alone. So many truths.

Discombobulated

Discombobulated. That's how I'm feeling right now. Over the past two weeks, Miles and I found a new house, turned in our rental notice, signed a lease, moved out of one house, and move into the new one. It's been a whirlwind of a month. My kitchen and bedroom are the only rooms unpacked. I can't find my pasta strainer, my cats freak out whenever someone walks up our creaky stairs, and for the life of me, I cannot find a light switch when I need one. Oh, the joys of moving. Thankfully, this will be our final move here in Knoxville. The next time we sign a lease we will be in Maine! Or Michigan! Or Oregon, Washington, Denmark, Arizona... or Minnesota! (Ha- seriously, we could be anywhere.) But for now, we live in this little house that feels like a mansion in the middle of Old North Knox.

Spring in my Step

Skirt: Banana Republic // Sweater: Belk (maybe?) // Blouse: Land's End // Heels: Clarks

Today I wore heels for the first time since boot season started and it's all everyone talked about. It's funny how a little pair of heels can get so much attention! However, while I was prancing around the building today, I decided that this was the first and last time I'll wear heels this spring. With 33 school days left in the year, I just don't have the time or energy to wear heels. I need comfort! I need speed! I just can't do that in heels this late in the year. So, goodbye heels. I'll see you next school year.

Four Things

1. I've cut my fingers enough times on my hand held zoodle maker... It's time to invest in something that won't leave me bleeding! The Paderno Spiralizer looks perfect. Do you have a zoodle maker you prefer?

2. I'm not sure if it's the L.L. Bean girl in me or the fact that I've been in the south too long, but I need a hat just like this. Monogrammed and faded navy? It goes straight to my heart. I'll be hitting up Etsy to buy this hat soon unless I can find someone with a monogram machine...

3. Last weekend I spent part Miles' REI dividend on the black pair of Chaco Dorra sandals. I'm going back this weekend to buy them in brown leather. Full post coming about them soon (just know they are the best sandals I've found in my entire life).

4. I have three day weekend (do other parts of the country let out for Easter or is it a Southern thing?), so I'm finally going to dive into Rain Reign by my favorite Ann M. Martin. It recently was awarded the NCTE Charlotte Huck Award for Outstanding Fiction for Children along with being named an ALA Notable Book (among other recognitions). I'm betting it will be wonderful; I'll give you all he full scoop next week! Any other YA or Ann M. Martin lovers out there?

Books Read in 2015: Molly Murphy series

Molly Murphy series by Rhys Bowen

I wanted to give an update on what I've been reading! During my snowcation, I read through not one, not two, but the entire Molly Murphy series. I should be ashamed to admit that my favorite fun-reads are female, Irish detective books, buuuut I'm not. I read professional books for work, I read MG & YA novels for my students, I read the top 25 books of the day... sometimes, I just want to splurge on my favorites. So for my snowcation... I did just that. I splurged and couldn't stop reading. It was wonderful.

Food

Since August, Miles and I have gotten into a food rut. We've been eating the same stuff-- whatever is easiest to make-- or eating out. Cooking for two is such a pain! With springtime, though, comes a chance to restart (or something like that) and I've been itching to try all the new recipes I've been finding on Pinterest.  

1. My first grapple! If you watch Psych, they mention grapples in of the episodes. I've been curious about them for years. They look like an apple, but they taste and smell (oh, my the smell!) like grape.

2. Cauliflower pizza. I made this last night after the suggestion from a friend. I was a little unsure of how I'd feel about it, but it was so good! Super messy to make (and I almost burned my hand), but very good for a pizza made of cauliflower. 

3. Kale chips. I've heard of them, but I wasn't interested until Miles came home and wanted to know if we could try making them. Again, I was intrigued and impressed with how they turned out. And Miles likes it which is always a win!

4. Cauliflower fried rice. This has been on my recipe board for months, but I just got adventurous to try it. It basically tasted like fried rice, but the entire time I kept thinking, "This is not fried rice." I think it might have been the texture that threw me off? Anyway, we ate it, but I'm not sure I will make it again. I mean, if I want to eat fried rice... I want to eat fried rice. Not some healthy version.

5. Speaking of apples, it's taken until last month for me to like peanut butter... only I only like peanut butter with apples! I'm not sure what possessed me to eat apples and peanut butter together, but what a treat! It makes for a good snack.

6. Spaghetti squash (with a little too much cheese). I've had spaghetti squash a few times now, but I made it again recently to convince Miles it was good. Unfortunately, he's still not convinced. He says if he's going to eat spaghetti squash, he just wants actual spaghetti. I think I need to try a different recipe for it. Any suggestions?

Have you been eating anything delicious and different lately?

For Cat Lovers: Lesson Learned

Today's lesson learned:

When a strange cat comes up to your house and your sweet, protective cat sees it, do not, I repeat, DO NOT put your foot in the way to block them. Doing so will result in a bloody foot, swollen toes, a deep wound, a tetanus shot, and antibiotics. Oh, and a limp because you won't be able to bend your toes.

I know this because yesterday some random neighborhood girls brought a cat to my doorstep. They thought it was mine-- despite the fact I've never seen the girls in my life-- and didn't know what to do with it. Miles told them to leave it alone, but the girls were adamant that something needed to be done. He finally got them to put it down. Then the cat decided to make itself cozy on our stoop. 

Now, while this was going down, Lewis and Clark were happily bird watching from our screened in front porch, but when they heard the commotion-- and cat whines-- they came to investigate. Clark was pretty indifferent to the other cat, but Lewis could NOT handle someone on his birdwatching turf and went straight for the other cat. Long story short, I tried to block Lewis and ended up with a bloody foot, swollen toes, a deep cut, a tetanus shot, and a round of antibiotics. Oh, and the limp because I can't bend my toes without making my wound bleed or drain. 

I really never imagined a cat bite would hurt this bad. Lesson learned.