Sunday, February 26, 2012

Happy Birthday to you!


It is a very special day.  Why?  Well, because not just one, but TWO very special people in my life are celebrating their birth anniversaries today!  My mom and my sister-in-law.

While I wish I was there to help my mom celebrate her big day, we have plans in the works for a make-up birthday party.  One that will involve me making whatever cake she wants.  I am looking forward to that as you all know I love a good birthday party. 

Mom, my birthday wish for you is that your upcoming year is filled with joy, peace and fun!  You deserve this time to enjoy life and live it to its fullest.  You've given so much of yourself to your family and now it's your turn!  Carpe diem!  Do what you have always wanted to do (as long as it is legal!) and spend your days fulfilling your dreams.  I love you and am so happy to have you as my mother!  Happy Birthday.

To my sister-in-law!  Although you are far away, you are always in my thoughts and prayers.  I know that you love birth anniversaries just as much as I do, so I hope that you are celebrating yours in style.  Thank you for being such a fun and loving sister...the one I never had!!!  I love you so much and Happy Birthday to you!!

Friday, February 24, 2012

Solidarity

Many of you who read this blog are friends and family of mine...thanks for reading and for your support.  For those few of you that are not, how did you find this blog?  What keeps you coming back?  Perhaps it's the randomness of my posts?  Or maybe you just googled something weird like "coconut cream pie" and came up with this blog?  Maybe you are going through the infertility journey yourself and are looking for anything to inform you, entertain you, or make you feel like you're not alone?

If you are here because of the final reason, then this post is for you.  I want to share a little story.  A few months ago I was sitting in my doctor's office.  I was there early, before work, waiting to get my blood drawn and for the inevitable ultrasound that involves a table and stirrups...you know what I mean.  Anyway, it's a fun way to start the day, let's just say that.  As I was waiting for the one hundred millionth billionth gazillionth blood draw, I looked around the room.  There were a handful women (and a few men) all sitting, awaiting the same fate.  We were all politely "minding our own business," not wanting to make eye contact for fear of invasion of privacy or something.  I was playing the game too...and it made me sad.

You see, what I really wanted to do was reach out and say, "Hey, I am going through this crap too and it really stinks, doesn't it?"  I guess you could say that I wanted solidarity.  I didn't want the awkward silence. I wanted something more.  No, I wasn't expecting a prayer circle or a rendition of Kum Ba Yah to get busted out, but maybe a nod...or perhaps a smile???  Why?  Because we need each other.  This little world of infertility isn't really that little at all and what if we all smiled at each other and made a pact that we are in a "safe place" when we're together?  We need to know that we are not alone...we can draw strength from that.  While everyone's journey is personal and unique, it is our responsibility to not be ashamed or embarassed of our situation. 

So the next time you are at your doctor's office, I challenge you to smile or nod, or heck, say hi and introduce yourself.  What have you got to lose?  My guess is that it's a lot less than you will have to gain.  Let's do this together...solidarity.

Friday, February 17, 2012

Ways to keep yourself from going crazy this winter...

I personally do not like winter.  This is ironic, considering I live in Chicago and our winters can be quite brutal.  It comes down to the fact that I simply do not like being cold.  Plus, you have to really plan what you're wearing...and not in a fun way.  Walking to the train I need my long, hooded winter coat, scarf, hat, mittens and boots...not to mention my layers of clothing underneath!  So while I am walking to the train I am warm-ish, but when I get on the train I am sweating and ready to rip off all of my layers.  Ahhhh, city life and winter just don't mix. 

So in the spirit of keeping my sanity on these shorter (although they are getting longer finally!), colder days I have found a few things that have helped me survive.  Here they are in no certain order:

1) Read a good book.  Trite advice I guess, but seriously, it's a good idea.  My mom got me Bossypants by Tina Fey and it's hilarious!  It's been fun to "escape" the cold with a funny biography.
2) Buy yourself something for the spring.  Really, do it.  Maybe it's a cute short-sleeve shirt or a fun pair of galoshes...whatever you want...it'll give you something to look forward to.
3) Take a nap.  Yes, I am serious.  In the warmer months you won't want to because there will be so many fun things going on.  In the winter, there's no better place to be than home, wrapped up in a warm blanket, taking a little snooze on your couch.
4) Try that "On Demand" exercise class.  Maybe you just can't get yourself to the gym in this weather, but if you are a sucker like me, you have cable and with that you have "On Demand."  Did you know that besides a million tv shows and movies, they have free exercise videos?  Yup and they're pretty good.  So roll out your yoga mat, put on your stretchy clothes and get ready for some downward dog.
5) Go ahead, buy that cupcake/ice cream cone/cookie.  Yes, I am a dietitian, but I am a person too.  :)  If you don't allow yourself a little sweet treat every good once in awhile you will just be sad (not clinically proven...but for me, it's true). 
6) Try something new.  Maybe now is the time to take that art class or karate lesson.  If you've been wanting to start something, do it now, when you have a little more free time.

By the time your done with all of those things, it'll be spring!  I am looking forward to it, but I will continue to enjoy these little things until then.

Friday, February 3, 2012

A feeling of peace

Peace...

Right now I feel completely and utterly at peace.  The years and years I have spent saying "yes" and living my life in a whirlwind seem to have fallen to the wayside.  I am not saddened by that at all.  I beleive this sense of peace is only a result of my past experiences.

If I hadn't worked so hard in school, I wouldn't have my great job.  If I hadn't exhausted myself with culinary school, I would've never been a chef.  If I never took care of myself or exercised, I would've never completed marathons and triathlons.  If I never said "yes" to the opportunities that came my way, I wouldn't appreciate this peace.

It is the first time I have actually recognized this feeling in my life.  I am happy and I am truly at peace.  While life still has it's challenges (my struggle with infertility, my inability to say "no" sometimes, family issues, etc), I am in a good place. 

Maybe I have felt this peace before but never truly acknowledged it.  From now on I plan on making it a goal of mine to live in the peace while I have it.  I challenge you to do the same.  Sometimes, just taking a moment to stop and reflect is all you need to feel it.  It's like a warm hug or a deep sigh...nice.

Find your peace.