First Ultrasound

IT'S THERE!!!! My precious little bean is RIGHT THERE! I can't actually see the bean, but I had a big bubble where the little bean is going to grow. :) He said it's exactly what we should see at this stage. I go back next week to hopefully see a yolk in the sac, and then the week after THAT to maybe see a heartbeat. He also said that the nurse misspoke yesterday- she meant that my numbers were low because I was so early..... We're not nearly out of the woods yet, but it looks like the little bean is here to stay.

By the way- something they don't tell you before you're pregnant. The ultrasound is not always the little device that's on your belly. OH No! When it's early, and the baby is very small….they use a probe. I've heard it fondly referred to as Dildo-Cam. How appropriate.

Oops, We did it again. . .

Update for Pregnancy Week 4- We find out

Ever since we got married, the #1 question Hubby and I have been asked is, "So, when are you going to have a baby?" Today, we are thrilled to finally have an answer. "Bump" is scheduled to make his or her appearance on October 17, 2007. Only 1 month after my miscarriage, I am pregnant again. The test came back loud and clear last night, and again this morning. Other than sore boobs, no symptoms, no awful cramping, no feeling of being sick.... I'm hoping that means this one is healthy.

Had HCG (the pregnancy hormone) testing on Wednesday and Friday. The numbers should double to indicate a healthy pregnancy. They did, but the nurse said the numbers were low. Because I needed something to freak out about. It went from 150 to 363 a few days before 5 weeks.

In other news, we sold the condo. We are officially in escrow. On to the new adventure…

Cuter than cupcakes.....

Ted is keeping warm.....

Harry Potter Proper, and Harry Potter Hotness?

So, Yay, it's going to be a Potterful summer. The OTP movie is coming out on July 13, and JK Rowling just announced that the 7th book will be released on July 21. While I'm not looking forward to the end of the series, I am anxiously awaiting this book. Looks like we'll be moving just in time for me to do a Harry Potter-a-thon to be ready for the 7 th book.

In other Potter news… Dan Radcliffe (who plays Harry in the movies) is causing a bit of a stir with his West End stage debut in Equus. First of all, it's a dark play about a boy that attacks horses. Second, the play involves full nudity. But the big hubbub is being caused by the promotional photos for the play… in which Dan is nude. The pics are tastefully done, but a lot of parents aren't pleased. I say more power to him. This is a great way to expand his range and not be typecast the rest of his life. I hope he can pull off the role. If he can, he's got a great future ahead of him…. But I'm frightened. I saw the pics. And d-d-damn. Harry Potter went and got hot. I am so disturbed that I think that. Especially since he's 17. Was it legal to even look at these photos?

Get a Grip and Save Your Money People...

The following is excerpted from an AP Article:

WASHINGTON - People once again spent everything they made and then some last year, pushing the personal savings rate to the lowest level since the Great Depression more than seven decades ago.

The Commerce Department reported that the savings rate for 2006 was a negative -1%, meaning that not only did people spend all the money they earned but they also dipped into savings or increased borrowing to finance purchases. The 2006 figure was lower than a - 0.4% in 2005 and was the poorest showing since a -1.5% rate in 1933 during the Great Depression.

The savings rate has been negative for an entire year only four times in history — in 2005 and 2006 and in 1933 and 1932. However, the reasons for the decline in the savings rate were vastly different during the two periods.

During the Great Depression when one-fourth of the labor force was without a job, people dipped into savings in an effort to meet the basic necessities of shelter and clothing.

Economists have put forward various reasons to explain the current lack of savings. These range from a feeling on the part of some people that they do not need to save because of the run-up in their investments such as homes and stock portfolios to an effort by many middle-class wage earners to maintain their current lifestyles even though their wage gains have been depressed by the effects of global competition.

Whatever the reason for the low savings, economists warn that it the phenomenon exists at a particularly bad time with 78 million baby boomers approaching retirement age. Instead of building up savings to use during retirement, baby boomers are continuing to spend all their earnings.

Geeez. And I though I was bad.

Space is cool.

Friday night, Hubby showed me this thru the telescope. My favorite so far. Yay Saturn.

Best Celeb Sighting of 07

Okay, so it's my first celeb sighting of a celeb in 07, but seeing as how we're probably moving out of state..... it might be my only. And that's okay.

So, I was having lunch on Friday with some new friends and their new babies, and doing some much needed girl time to get over some serious no-fun that started the year, when in walks Pete Sampras and his superhottie wife (just as pretty in person btw). They enjoy a good bento box lunch, and weren't celeb-y at all. Yahoo. I was tempted to say hello, but they were so low-key, I didn't want to disturb their lunch. I was, however, on the receiving end of a gorgeous Pete smile. Yahoo for me.

Golden Globes

Those of you who know me, know that one of my greatest joys in life is bashing on the fashions at Hollywood’s big events. Here is my take on last night’s Golden Globes:

• Who sent out the memo about everyone wearing white, Grecian toga gowns?
• What exactly possessed Vanessa Williams- Medusa Hair, weird dress, AND fur? Her show is a success, she doesn’t need a PETA protest to get her name back in the tabloids.
• Was it just me, or was Julia Louis Dryfus a little frenetic on the Red Carpet? Drunk maybe?
• WTF, E! The channel just aired a commercial proclaiming Dreamgirls the winner of 3 Golden Globes! The awards haven’t even started on the West Coast. You stink.
• Penny Cruz- The hair’s a little big, but she looks pretty.
• Eva Longoria- nice, safe, but I’m not crazy about the Hey-Look-at-my-Tits detailing around the bodice.
• Kate Walsh- She rocks. Sooooooo classy.
• Ellen Pompeo- Hair and makeup is great, but I’m not a fan of the dress. In a way, it reminds me of the Celine Dion backwards-white-tux disaster. Plus, that girl could REALLY use a cheeseburger.
• JLo- Didn’t we do this same dress two years ago in green. And by the way, the audience doesn’t give a rats ass about your bet with Brad.
• Chandra Wilson- SO HOT! Funny, talented, and a long way from playing Gary Coleman on Broadway. She’s my favorite thing about TV right now.
• Ben and Jen- such a cute set. You got so lucky, dude. And I think you know it.
• Felicity- gorgeous as usual.
• Cate and Renee- safe but very good. Cate could use a hairbrush.
• I’m not sure what I think about being able to see everyone’s calves. . . I’ll get over that.
• Angie Jolie, you look gorgeous, babe, but do you have to be a total bitch on the Red Carpet. I’m not fond of Seacrest either, but DAMN.
• Reese- SMOKIN. If the best revenge is looking good and living well, Ryan might as well roll over and die right now.
• Beyonce- Down, Diva. You’re not that great. Humility is not a bad thing.
• Kate Winslet- Not her best effort, but she simply rocks so much that I don’t care.
• Jennifer Hudson- Great for her freshman effort, and so poised for someone who knows she’s a little out of her league. Beyonce- pay attention.
• I’m sorry, did Prince just win a Golden Globe? (He was in traffic, apparently waiting for his ugly orange suit.)
• Naomi Watts- Way to go. Different enough to stand out, but simple and elegant. LOVE IT.
• WTF is Trump doing there? Haven’t we seen enough of this ass lately?
• Hugh Laurie- Funniest acceptance speech E-V-A.
• Meryl- a little too flesh-toney for my taste, but always beautiful and appropriate.

My two faves of the night are America Fererra and Reese Witherspoon. Yowza. America's figure does wonders for a dress (again, yay for a figure), and Reese is just unbelievable.

I have to say, though, that the highlight of this year for me was the number of beautiful, accomplished women present, women that can really serve as role models for young women- America Fererra, Chandra Wilson, Shonda Rimes, Kate Walsh, Felicity Huffman (yes, I do have an affinity for ABC programs), Meryl Streep, Kate Winslet, Helen Mirren, etc. Hurrah for real women on the Red Carpet!

P.S. Jack Bauer is back too. So far, not my favorite season. But I believe that they'll work it out. Jack needs his hoodie and man-bag back. They're the source of his power.

Happy Christmas!

I'm still dreaming of a White Christmas..... just like the one two years ago....

Well, folks, there may be no snow, but today was a pretty fantastic Christmas. Hubby and I were spoiled rotten by the in-laws, then the BIL, SIL and two ever-talkative nieces came by for yummy turkeybird dinner, lots of desserts. One in particular will be added to my repertoire- a dessert ball. It looks like a nut covered cheeseball, but the filling is made with cream cheese, lots of sugar, chocolate chips... OY. Happy belly. Happy belly. I'll take pics the first time I make it. Now we're settling in to watch MORE sports (thank God I have a supply of books (old and new) at the ready.

Giftwise, it was a great year. I did well with all of hubby's gifts, and like two years ago (when we were engaged), he surprised me with jewelry. My wedding band has been upgraded to something bigger and more sparkly. It was far more than I had hoped for, and I love it. I love him. A lot. And not just because of sparkly gifts.

Being here for the holidays really makes me realize how lucky I am. I have a wonderful husband, the best set of In-Laws anyone could ever hope for, and everything and more that I could possibly need in live. Yay Christmastime.

Green Christmas

So, Buffalo got plenty of snow in October, when Hubby and I were nowhere to be found, and NOW, on CHRISTMAS EVE- not a flake. It's a bit of a bummer, I have to say. We do, however, have a yummy dinner on the way, a fire in the fireplace, and presents under the tree, so I think we'll make it. We've been here for 5 days and have 5 more to go, then it's on to househunting and a NYE party in Beantown. Maybe there will be some snow there.

Okay Okay, I haven't posted in like, a month... and for that I suck. I promise to catch up soon. For tonight, however, it must be said that El D is the funniest person I know. See below:

Karma

I have committed some crime against the universe and I am being punished. In the last month, I've been stressed, sick, zitty, and been unresponsive to my spouse. Together, hubby and I have lost 2 pairs of expensive glasses, damaged both of our own cars and a rental car, AND managed to become victims of identity theft for the 3rd time in 5 months.

I'm going to the farmer's market tomorrow. I will purchase sage to burn in our home. I may go to St. Max's and sprinkle holy water on myself. I'm sure as hell mailing the black sand I took back to Hawaii (it's the only thing I can think of that I've done wrong!!!). If any of you have other suggestions as to how I can make peace with the universe and get things back on a more positive track, please let me know.

Mea culpa.

Karma is a bitch.

Greatest Film of the Last 5 Years.

Tonight, Netflix brought us Supersize Me. This film was amazing. Morgan Spurlock is a genius. I recommend it to anyone. Talk about motivation to try to be a generally healthier person. Wow. And it has a catchy theme song too.

R.I.P Virgil Fish

It's a sad day at Casa de T. Goodbye, buddy.

Things l ike this really happen.

So, I took off early from work today, to go to the Home Depot and pick out the self-stick vinyl flooring Hubby and I have been pondering for some time. We've gone in and inquired twice, last time discussing with the orange apron the terms for having it professionally installed. The answer to that was simple... "Totally easy, man. We're in and out in less than a day." For $1.50 a square foot, I thought this was a great deal. So today, I loaded up the cart with tiles, and went over to the installation desk to set up the day our house would get even better. Alas. It was not to be.

Despite the fact that the sign that says "We install!" next to the tiles, and our previous conversation with a nitwit teenage employee, they do not install these particular tiles. Only sheet vinyl (which is ass-ugly by the way, and three aisles over). At this point they all look at me like I'm the idiot, and proceed to load my cart with all the trappings of this DIY project. All of which have scary names, toxic fume warnings, and cost an obscene amount of money. Tell me this. If a tile is made and advertised to self-stick to any surface, why do you need an adhesive primer that needs to be troweled on?

Then, they sent me over to plumbing, where I asked another orange apron for a tutorial in how to move my toilet in order to tile, then replace it. The process seemed simple enough. Well, not simple- there was talk of needing a hacksaw to cut rusted screws, but I thought I had it under control... until we got to this part... "Now, after you move the toilet, be sure to stuff a rag down the pipe or the gasses will escape and it'll probably make you puke." Excuse me? I jokingly said that I appreciated the heads up because mine is a small, unventilated bathroom in a pretty big building. He looked me right in the eye and said, "You need to be careful then. That stuff is pretty gnarly. You could like, pass out and die."

Um. No. I called hubby, and we decided that the selling price will not be terribly affected if we leave the old vinyl as-is. It’s better than having to tell the next buyer that the previous owner died in a tragic home-improvement-killer-ass-gas incident.

Greatest invention of the 21st Century...

Yes. A new one. Hubby found this. It will prove to be HOURS of entertainment when I should be working. Move your mouse. Click to change colors. It's okay. You can say it. Artistic genius is hard to deny.

Other announcements...

I came across this link today. It cracked me up.

Walkin' in Memphis

That is how I spent the weekend. Hanging out at my old haunts on the Rhodes College campus with lots of old friends. It's been 5 and half years since graduation, and the reunion was great. Well, the events I went to anyway. Highlights were as follows: Friday night- Dinner at Ciao Bella (a new spot for me, but ravioli to die for) and seeing Greg (my great friend, sometime big brother, and director) in Little Shop of Horrors. Saturday- Slept late, went to the McCoy Reception to see the new space (I can't believe how huge and fabulous it is!), caught up with former professors/friends, got to see where Kevin is now working, and spent a few minutes up in his office, showing Hubby some tapes of my glory days on that stage. Later that evening, we caught up more with another friend at his newly purchased incredible home, did the actual reunion party where we ran into some great people I hadn't seen in a while, then had burgers at Huey's- a must stop if ever in Memphis. Both Hubby and I managed to straw-launch toothpicks into the ceiling.... I guess you had to be there for that. Sunday was more sleeping late, lunch at Central BBQ (which usurped Corky's as my #2 favorite BBQ spot. Rendezvous is still #1!) and a lazy after noon discussing future plans with Say and A. Maybe my dream of living next door to Say, raising our kids together will come true... All in all, the weekend was just what I needed.

Greatest invention of the 21st Century...

This item has changed life (and foot stink) as I know it. They fit invisibly into every pair of shoes I've tried them with- even those with toe cleavage.

(RED)

I don't know what the rest of the world thinks, but I love crazy Bono's new idea to raise funds for AIDS in Africa. I went to the mall early to be there when the second shipment of (RED) products arrived at the Gap. I have two t-shirts, a bracelet, and about 20 of the pins. And YES, I did know about this initiative before it was on Oprah.