ANOTHER TRIP TO THE STIRRUPS? TRY FERTILITY SOCKS

Emily at FertilitySocks.org has started a movement in the world of infertility. It's kind of a pay-it-forward gift exchange with a one track mind. The idea is that something as simple as a pair of silly socks can lighten the load placed upon those of us who are reproductively challenged.

She's right, too.

I've found that I do strange things as well to help me cope with the gravity and sometimes seemingly unending pain of infertility. At my last appointment at the infertility clinic (before I had heard about fertilitysocks.org), I planned my outfit to include a pair of knee-high trouser socks with Chinese dragons printed on them because I thought they were reminiscent of sperm. I asked Kev to play along, so he donned a nice paisley tie - also spermesque. It seems silly, stupid, or maybe superstitious, but it did provide a moment or two of giggles. Because, let's face it, having your legs propped up in stirrups and a camera inserted into your holiest of holies is no laughing matter. In fact, it's nerve wracking. So the little things like printed socks help.

What Emily has created is a service to other infertile women living in the land of pills, shots, blood tests, etc. You just give her your info, and she sends you a pair of brand new socks that have been donated by other women in a similar boat. It's a small gesture, but to someone who's dealing with the isolation of infertility, feeling connected, if even remotely, is a welcomed and much needed solace.

I signed up to receive a pair of socks, and within a week, I was greeted with a package containing some green fish swimming in a sea of blue cotton. Despite my fatigue after a long day at work, I was inspired right then to go out and purchase some socks for Emily to gift on my behalf. I bought a lightweight pair of Gold Toe Premier with a floral pattern and one pair of knee-high fishnets. I hope whoever receives them has as much fun wearing them as I did picking them out. I also wish her, whoever she may be, fertile thoughts and baby blessings.

If you've been touched by the wide-reaching web of infertility - maybe you or your sister, friend, cousin - check out Emily's site and donate a pair of socks to brighten someone's trip to the stirrups.

SHOW & TELL - TWO FROM THE HEARTLAND

Two weeks ago, Kev and I took a day trip to Lexington, Missouri to see what we could see. It's a cute little town I'd never even heard of, but it was on the map and on our way to find Kev's ancestors' burial sites in Carrolton (another town I'd never heard of). The relatives we were looking for (and found!) are also relatives of General Patton (brother, uncle, grandfather, something - I don't remember). But I digress. Look closely at that picture of the courthouse above. In the lower left quadrant, you'll see a column with some writing on it. It reads, "Battle of Lexington Sept 18, 19, 20 1861." Directly above the writing, you'll find the canon ball that has been lodged there ever since. Pretty cool, huh?

After spending about ninety minutes looking for the Patton plot, we headed home. We did not, however, make a beeline home; we stopped at a local winery for a tasting and a bottle (or six) to go. It's funny how wine from those little local wineries can taste so good - even though I would not normally touch wine that sweet. Although, I must take this opportunity to give props to my home state. The story goes that most of the wine that is currently produced in France is actually grown on vines that were sent there from Missouri to replace the plants that were devastated during France's bug blight of the 1860's. Also pretty cool, huh?





Go see who else is standing at the head of the class today.

...MY SUMMER BREAK BEGINS

Six weeks left until...
One hundred eighty classes left to teach until...
Fifteen ten-page research papers left to grade before...
Twenty-six expository papers to grade before...
One hundred fifteen paraphrased, translated Shakespearean monologue recitations to listen to and grade before...
Nineteen literary analyses to grade before...
One hundred ten Missouri State End of Course Exams to proctor before...
Three finals to create before...
One hundred fifteen English II finals to grade before...
Twenty-six English IV finals to grade before...
Nineteen Senior Composition finals to grade before...
Two Shakespearean plays to teach to three very different levels of students before...
I can't wait until...

GOOD FRIDAY - WHAT A LOAD OFF

Today is Good Friday, and the public school at which I teach is out for the day. I don't really understand how a public district can do that without getting a bunch of flack from the non-religious community, but it gets me out of a day of work, so I don't ask questions.

Lots of things have been going on in my world lately, and you probably wouldn't understand most of this unless you are one of my dearest friends. But at times I just need to vent, so here goes.

1. We are NOT moving to Mexico. Not now, not ever. It's been one year of living in limbo. Here's what we've been hearing: "You're moving in three months. You're not moving now. You're moving in six months. You're staying here. You'll be out of the country by the beginning of the year. You are not moving. You'll be in Mexico by June. We're not sure when/if you're moving." What a relief to finally know one way or another. Now, I feel like I can plan my life with confidence that I know what country I will be calling home. Some areas of my life that I feel like I can work on again are: family, career, home repairs, major purchases, projects... the list obviously goes on.

2. My department chair is leaving at the end of this year. She is a friend, but I am also excited to see who will take her place and how the dynamics will change. The English department in my building is huge - there are twelve of us - and we've never really felt very connected. Three of us are being considered for the position. I am the most junior in age, experience, and tenure, and I really think one person in particular would be great. The question is will she take it? She'd be perfect for it. Time will tell who it will be.

3. I've been photographing for friends and family lately and I am having a super blast. I shot my nephew's wedding two weeks ago and got at least one photo I'm totally in love with. I would really like to share it here, but I want them to see it first and I feel I should have their consent to publish it. My husband's dearest friend and his new fiance (woo hoo!!) have asked me to do a photo shoot for their engagement announcement photos. I am truly honored that they would ask me to do this for them; they could afford the best photographer in the city and they chose me! I am a little nervous because I want the pictures to be perfect for them. We've got this Saturday planned for the shoot if the weather is good. Wish me luck.

4. I'm down at least 20 pounds now. The bad news is that my jeans don't fit anymore and I hate shopping for jeans.

5. Kev and I decided to make this Easter just about us (and Jesus, of course!). This is the only holiday that we feel we have to choose between his family and mine, and I always miss the one we're not with. So this year, we (mostly I) decided to just spend the day together. We're planning on going to church in the early morning, then we're going to the Royals vs. Yankee's game at the newly renovated Kauffman Stadium. We scored incredible tickets six rows up from home plate. I've also got a little surprise for Kevo in the form of a (very manly) Easter basket.

6. As far as my struggle with infertility and family-building... things are in the works. That's all for now.

There's more going on, but I'll have to save that for another day.

Have a good Good Friday.