Well, at the very least I had to look up the exact date on FF. It's not like I have the date memorized or anything. And no, I never calculated my due date. I didn't really think much of it at all at the time. And I still think it was total BS...
So why do I still think about it?
Why can I remember exactly where I was and what I was doing when I got that phone call?
Okay, let me back up. So, I've never gotten a BFP, but last year, in August, I got a stupid BFP. What's a stupid BFP? One that only serves to get your hopes up but doesn't mean s--t. At 9dpo (yeah, that's right, 9 stupid days past ovulation) I went in for a beta. It was my first cycle at the RE. A clomid cycle. No IUI, just "timed intercourse." Oh, and I should mention that we had been married for just over a month, so it wasn't like it was THE MOST PERFECT TIMING EVER. Especially since we'd been trying, and worrying about trying, for the last 8 months or so (you know: what if we're successful and I can't fit into my dress? and all that BS). Anyway, why was my RE doing a beta at 9dpo? Who knows! At the time, it being my first cycle with the RE, I thought that was just the way it was done. (Oh, when you're seeing a professional, you don't have to wait the whole stupid 14 days! Woo-hoo!) Anyway, every cycle after that they told me to come in at 14 days, so that was wrong. Maybe it was for the progesterone level? But isn't that supposed to be 7dpo? So, who knows why, but they did my beta at 9dpo. And guess what? It was positive. Or, stupid positive. As in, not really positive at all. But boy was I ignorant back then.
So the call goes like this:
Jane: Hello?
RE: We got your pregnancy test result back, and it is positive...
Jane: (heart racing) Oh, okay?
RE: But it's a little low. It's at 9. So we need to retest it on Monday to make sure.
Jane: So what are the chances it's really positive?
RE: Oh, it is positive. Anything above 5 is positive.
Jane: Okay, well, what are the chances it's going to be a viable pregnancy?
RE: Well, there's no way to know really.
Jane: Well, do most women in your experience with a number that low go on to have a viable pregnancy?
RE: It's just too early to tell.
Jane: Okay, well, I guess I'll come in on Monday, then.
9? Seriously? And she's telling me it's positive?
But, okay, it's only 9dpo. If it were 14dpo, then 9 would obviously be super low, but maybe at 9dpo an hcg of 9 is okay? But no, she said it was low. But I did do a trigger shot, so maybe it was leftover from that? Probably. But they also tested my progesterone and it was over 40. That is pretty high. Like, maybe I was pregnant high. And when I went back on Monday and they retested my hcg it was at 2. One other time when I had my hcg tested at 12dpo (several months later) it was at 0 at 12dpo, so if it really was leftover from the trigger, wouldn't it have also registered the other time I had my hcg tested at 12dpo?
Can you tell that I'm still thinking about this? I mean, way over thinking about this?
Was I or was I not pregnant?
Okay, I was not pregnant pregnant. If an embryo implanted enough to produce hcg but not enough to delay my period (okay, I think it was delayed by 2 days, but clomid always seemed to lengthen my luteal phase), then that's not really pregnant. But could an embryo have implanted? In my uterus? Is it possible?
Going into IVF... I guess it would be nice to know that it's possible.
So, in closing, stupid not-even-enough-to-be-called-a-chemical-pregnancy pregnancies can SUCK IT.
And get out of my head stupid not-really-a-BFP BFP!
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
My Long and Winding Road to IVF Or: Doctors and Finances and Testing, Oh My!
As you may know, we are on the road to IVF. The long and winding road. We have seen 3 IVF doctors over the last 2 months, and although we're leaning toward one in particular, we haven't made any final decisions yet. I don't want to name these doctors/clinics here (because I wouldn't want them to find out that they're being blogged about), but if anyone wants to know names, feel free to email me. (And anyone in NYC that's familiar with its REs can probably make a good guess who they are based on the descriptions below.)
RE#1: With a respected fertility clinic associated with a major university. Definitely top 5 for IVF success rates in the city (top 1 or 2 depending on the age group). I'll call him Dr. University
RE#2: With a large and respected fertility clinic NOT associated with a university. Also top 5, or top 1 or 2 depending on the age group. We'll call him Dr. Big Time
RE#3: A fairly new NY clinic that is associated with a well-known clinic not in NY. In top 5 depending on the age group, but also not in top 5 in some age groups. They are known for testing for and treating immunity issues. We'll call him Dr. Immunity.
Let's start with Dr. University. Nice guy. Really obsessed with his clinic's awesome success rates. And why not? They're top notch. Two big drawbacks: First, really far from the subway (I know, I know, this seems like a silly thing, but since I'm going to have to be going there A LOT, and this is going to mean it will take me about an hour and a half to get there with that long walk tacked onto the subway ride, which is of course 3 hours round trip, plus the time actually spent at the clinic, I just don't know if I can find almost 4 hours to go there every time...), and, second, they don't offer an IVF refund plan (more on that below).
Okay, Dr. Big Time. Another nice guy, although a fast talker, but also very optimistic, which I liked. He advises us when we tell him that we also have an appointment with Dr. Immunity that Dr. Immunity is not in the same league as they are. Describes how their lab is a "clean room" just like where they make microchips, and that they had to close down a major avenue in Manhattan and use a crane to deliver and install their lab's air system. This impresses me, but probably impresses hubby even more. Hubby says "Well, we'll probably cancel that appointment" (but we didn't). Plus: they have a refund plan. Plus: they are close to the subway. They also have us speak to an IVF coordinator and a financial coordinator, who both are very professional and helpful. Drawbacks: none, really. Their success rates are not quite as phenomenal as Dr. University's, but really the difference is minor.
Finally, Dr. Immunity. Nice, soft spoken, maybe a little too soft spoken. They also have a refund plan, and are close to the subway. Big drawback: IVF success rates are all over the place. Also, as stated above, Dr. Big Time doesn't have much respect for them. But big "plus": immunity testing.
So, about immunity testing. As you may or may not know, so far no one has found ANYTHING wrong with either me or hubs. We have both passed all our tests with flying colors. The only thing is that I have had some symptoms of endometriosis (more on that here, if you care to know). But I asked all 3 IVF docs about this and every one of them said that if they can't see it on an ultrasound or HSG, then it's probably not a problem. So why the F can't we get pregnant? I'd love to have an answer (although I'm also afraid of an answer), and so immunity testing sounds good.
Also, about the refund plans. Hubs and I are leaning toward doing a 3 cycle refund plan. Basically, you pay for 3 cycles (at a discounted rate) up front and get a (fairly large) portion of your money returned if you are not successful. Hubs is way behind this, for some reason. I'm going back and forth over it. Part of me thinks it's rather pessimistic of me to think that I might not get pregnant after 3 IVF cycles (I've heard that 85-95% are pregnant and deliver a baby after 3 IVF cycles), but at the same time, if we'd already shelled out the money, and the first cycle fails, I'm thinking it won't be as big of a letdown if I know that I can try 2 more times (plus up to 3 FET cycles, too). Also, statistics are such that I know the majority of women do NOT get pregnant after the first cycle (the clinics I've been to have about a 42-44% success rate for my age group, meaning that 66-68% of women DON'T get pregnant each cycle, thus most women will require more than one cycle of IVF). Anyway, we haven't decided yet, so I'll probably write a longer post on this subject later.
We are leaning towards Dr. Big Time. If we go with him, I would start my BCP cycle in early/mid June and my IVF cycle in early/mid July.
But first we are going to do all the tests recommended by Dr. Immunity. Just to see. So, I had my first test today, which was not an immunity test, but a fluid ultrasound to look for fibroids/polyps, etc. in my uterus (which, if present, I understand could cause implantation problems). Results: all clear!
Next are blood tests.
Here is what they are testing the hubs for:
RE#1: With a respected fertility clinic associated with a major university. Definitely top 5 for IVF success rates in the city (top 1 or 2 depending on the age group). I'll call him Dr. University
RE#2: With a large and respected fertility clinic NOT associated with a university. Also top 5, or top 1 or 2 depending on the age group. We'll call him Dr. Big Time
RE#3: A fairly new NY clinic that is associated with a well-known clinic not in NY. In top 5 depending on the age group, but also not in top 5 in some age groups. They are known for testing for and treating immunity issues. We'll call him Dr. Immunity.
Let's start with Dr. University. Nice guy. Really obsessed with his clinic's awesome success rates. And why not? They're top notch. Two big drawbacks: First, really far from the subway (I know, I know, this seems like a silly thing, but since I'm going to have to be going there A LOT, and this is going to mean it will take me about an hour and a half to get there with that long walk tacked onto the subway ride, which is of course 3 hours round trip, plus the time actually spent at the clinic, I just don't know if I can find almost 4 hours to go there every time...), and, second, they don't offer an IVF refund plan (more on that below).
Okay, Dr. Big Time. Another nice guy, although a fast talker, but also very optimistic, which I liked. He advises us when we tell him that we also have an appointment with Dr. Immunity that Dr. Immunity is not in the same league as they are. Describes how their lab is a "clean room" just like where they make microchips, and that they had to close down a major avenue in Manhattan and use a crane to deliver and install their lab's air system. This impresses me, but probably impresses hubby even more. Hubby says "Well, we'll probably cancel that appointment" (but we didn't). Plus: they have a refund plan. Plus: they are close to the subway. They also have us speak to an IVF coordinator and a financial coordinator, who both are very professional and helpful. Drawbacks: none, really. Their success rates are not quite as phenomenal as Dr. University's, but really the difference is minor.
Finally, Dr. Immunity. Nice, soft spoken, maybe a little too soft spoken. They also have a refund plan, and are close to the subway. Big drawback: IVF success rates are all over the place. Also, as stated above, Dr. Big Time doesn't have much respect for them. But big "plus": immunity testing.
So, about immunity testing. As you may or may not know, so far no one has found ANYTHING wrong with either me or hubs. We have both passed all our tests with flying colors. The only thing is that I have had some symptoms of endometriosis (more on that here, if you care to know). But I asked all 3 IVF docs about this and every one of them said that if they can't see it on an ultrasound or HSG, then it's probably not a problem. So why the F can't we get pregnant? I'd love to have an answer (although I'm also afraid of an answer), and so immunity testing sounds good.
Also, about the refund plans. Hubs and I are leaning toward doing a 3 cycle refund plan. Basically, you pay for 3 cycles (at a discounted rate) up front and get a (fairly large) portion of your money returned if you are not successful. Hubs is way behind this, for some reason. I'm going back and forth over it. Part of me thinks it's rather pessimistic of me to think that I might not get pregnant after 3 IVF cycles (I've heard that 85-95% are pregnant and deliver a baby after 3 IVF cycles), but at the same time, if we'd already shelled out the money, and the first cycle fails, I'm thinking it won't be as big of a letdown if I know that I can try 2 more times (plus up to 3 FET cycles, too). Also, statistics are such that I know the majority of women do NOT get pregnant after the first cycle (the clinics I've been to have about a 42-44% success rate for my age group, meaning that 66-68% of women DON'T get pregnant each cycle, thus most women will require more than one cycle of IVF). Anyway, we haven't decided yet, so I'll probably write a longer post on this subject later.
We are leaning towards Dr. Big Time. If we go with him, I would start my BCP cycle in early/mid June and my IVF cycle in early/mid July.
But first we are going to do all the tests recommended by Dr. Immunity. Just to see. So, I had my first test today, which was not an immunity test, but a fluid ultrasound to look for fibroids/polyps, etc. in my uterus (which, if present, I understand could cause implantation problems). Results: all clear!
Next are blood tests.
Here is what they are testing the hubs for:
- HLA phenotype panel
- Hepatitis B surface ag
- Hepatitis B total core antibody
- Hepatitis C Ab
- HIV I and II
- HTLV I and II
- RPR/VDRL
- CMV IGM
- CMV IGG
- GC / Chlamydia-Urine Aptima
- HLA phenotype panel
- NK Activation with IVIg
- Hepatitis B surface antigen
- Hepatitis B total core antibody
- Hepatitis C Ab
- HIV I and II
- HTLV I and II
- RPR/VDRL
- Type and screen
- CMV IGM
- CMV IGG
- Cystic Fibrosis
- GC / Chlamydia-Urine Aptima
- Rubella Titer
- CBC
- Activated Protein C Resistance
- Protein C Activity
- Protein S Activity
- Prothrombin 20210 Mutation
- MTHFR
- Fasting plasma Homocysteine level (Cardiac)
- Factor V Leiden (DNA)
- Anti-thrombin III activity
- Lupus Anticoagulant
- Plaminogen Activator Inhibitor - 1 (Activity)
- Anti-Cardiolipin IgG, IgM, IgA
- Beta-2 Glycoprotein IgG, IgM
- Phosphatidylserine IgG, IgM
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Dear Movie Theater Ticket Taker
Dear Movie Theater Ticket Taker -
You wished me a happy Mother's Day when you tore my ticket today. All I could think of to say was "thank you." But afterwards I thought, "Does he assume that I'm a mother because I look past the age that I should have popped out a few by now?" and it made me feel old. Then I thought, "Does he say that to all women on Mother's Day?" and it made me feel not so special anymore. Then I thought, "Does he know something that I don't know?" and it gave me a little thrill. And then I thought, "Don't go reading into every little thing, missy," and I tried not to think about it anymore. Then I thought, "That's what it sounds like to hear someone wish me a happy Mother's Day," and I wondered if I would ever hear those words spoken to me again.
If that turns out to be the only time, then, once again, thank you, Movie Theater Ticket Taker. I will always remember you.
Jane
P.S. We really liked Iron Man 2.
You wished me a happy Mother's Day when you tore my ticket today. All I could think of to say was "thank you." But afterwards I thought, "Does he assume that I'm a mother because I look past the age that I should have popped out a few by now?" and it made me feel old. Then I thought, "Does he say that to all women on Mother's Day?" and it made me feel not so special anymore. Then I thought, "Does he know something that I don't know?" and it gave me a little thrill. And then I thought, "Don't go reading into every little thing, missy," and I tried not to think about it anymore. Then I thought, "That's what it sounds like to hear someone wish me a happy Mother's Day," and I wondered if I would ever hear those words spoken to me again.
If that turns out to be the only time, then, once again, thank you, Movie Theater Ticket Taker. I will always remember you.
Jane
P.S. We really liked Iron Man 2.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Previously on TTC Hopeful
Okay, to catch you up on where I was in March. Our last IUI (#4) went pretty awesomely. A nice 9mm lining, 4 decent sized follies, some good swimmers. I was so hopeful. And I knew it was our last chance at IUI - our next step was IVF and tens of thousands of dollars.
So, anyway, yeah, went awesome. Until that stupid beta.
And, like I said in my last post before my break, that kinda put me in a bad place. Now, I'm usually not a crier. Before starting TTC I cried maybe once a year. If that. And when I do cry, it's very dignified. A single tear, maybe two. A muted inhalation, perhaps, but never a sob. But after that last BFN? Sobbing so hard that I began to hyperventilate, get lightheaded, and consciously tell myself to calm the f down before DH called 911. Like I said, bad place.
So after that I didn't want to talk about TTC, read about TTC, or even think about TTC. Like ever again. Okay... for at least a month. So that's what I did. Or, um, didn't do.
Luckily, I have hobbies. Very time consuming hobbies, actually (I'm considering writing some blog posts about my hobbies at some point... so make sure you're all on the edges of your seats!). So, I dove head first into those and started to wonder how I had ever had time to go to the RE 2 or 3 times a week. Sheesh!
And, I'm not going to guarantee that everyone will have the same break results that I did... but... it went back to the way it used to be. Yes, you heard that right. Don't we all say that we wish things could be the way they were before we started TTC? Back when it was just us and our hubbies and we were content that way?
I GOT IT BACK.
I remember before we saw the RE for the first time how much I was looking forward to a doctor taking over my care so I could stop the temping and the OPKing and the running the show all by myself. But it turned out to be so much more stressful, with the wanding and the blood draws and the injections... and I have to say that it is such a relief to be back temping and OPKing. A relief, I tell you! I feel like I could do this forever. But, we don't have forever, and so it looks like we'll have 3 cycles of trying naturally before we start down the IVF path (we're getting towards the end of cycle #2 right now), and I'm happy that we'll have those 3 shots at doing this on our own, but, honestly, I don't have a lot of hope. And since I don't have a lot of hope, I'm not getting my hopes up.
And so instead, I'm just relaxing.
What?
That's right. I'm terribly relaxed about the whole thing right now.
So, it's like the way it used to be, before we started TTC. But we're still, technically, TTC.
It's brilliant.
Except that there is, like, a 99% chance that we'll still have to do IVF.
Oh, well.
So, in summary: breaks are good, and you CAN have it back.
Take that, infertility!
So, anyway, yeah, went awesome. Until that stupid beta.
And, like I said in my last post before my break, that kinda put me in a bad place. Now, I'm usually not a crier. Before starting TTC I cried maybe once a year. If that. And when I do cry, it's very dignified. A single tear, maybe two. A muted inhalation, perhaps, but never a sob. But after that last BFN? Sobbing so hard that I began to hyperventilate, get lightheaded, and consciously tell myself to calm the f down before DH called 911. Like I said, bad place.
So after that I didn't want to talk about TTC, read about TTC, or even think about TTC. Like ever again. Okay... for at least a month. So that's what I did. Or, um, didn't do.
Luckily, I have hobbies. Very time consuming hobbies, actually (I'm considering writing some blog posts about my hobbies at some point... so make sure you're all on the edges of your seats!). So, I dove head first into those and started to wonder how I had ever had time to go to the RE 2 or 3 times a week. Sheesh!
And, I'm not going to guarantee that everyone will have the same break results that I did... but... it went back to the way it used to be. Yes, you heard that right. Don't we all say that we wish things could be the way they were before we started TTC? Back when it was just us and our hubbies and we were content that way?
I GOT IT BACK.
I remember before we saw the RE for the first time how much I was looking forward to a doctor taking over my care so I could stop the temping and the OPKing and the running the show all by myself. But it turned out to be so much more stressful, with the wanding and the blood draws and the injections... and I have to say that it is such a relief to be back temping and OPKing. A relief, I tell you! I feel like I could do this forever. But, we don't have forever, and so it looks like we'll have 3 cycles of trying naturally before we start down the IVF path (we're getting towards the end of cycle #2 right now), and I'm happy that we'll have those 3 shots at doing this on our own, but, honestly, I don't have a lot of hope. And since I don't have a lot of hope, I'm not getting my hopes up.
And so instead, I'm just relaxing.
What?
That's right. I'm terribly relaxed about the whole thing right now.
So, it's like the way it used to be, before we started TTC. But we're still, technically, TTC.
It's brilliant.
Except that there is, like, a 99% chance that we'll still have to do IVF.
Oh, well.
So, in summary: breaks are good, and you CAN have it back.
Take that, infertility!
Thursday, May 6, 2010
My Vacation Story: Part 2
Once we decided on Key West everything else fell into place pretty easily. Hotel? Check. Flight? Check. Ummm... okay, that's it!
The island is only a mile and a half wide and about 4 miles long, so we really didn't need to plan anything ahead of time. We figured we'd stumble upon the interesting stuff just by walking around.
We came in on an evening flight and grabbed a bite to eat at the beachfront restaurant next to our hotel. They were closing up at 10, so we just ordered appetizers and a couple beers. We then decided to take a walk up Duval Street to relax and stretch our legs. A block or two up we saw a crowded open-air restaurant/bar. Oh! If we'd known we could've come here for dinner and drinks! Then, a half block later, another one. And another one. And ten more. And, ummm... I thought this was a sleepy little beach town?
Okay, don't laugh all those who have been to Key West before. We didn't know!
All those who don't know anything about Key West: it is a party town. A loud drunken party town.
And just like any respectable touristy party town it had tacky T-shirt shops galore all up and down Duval. My favorites: "I got Duval faced on Shit Street" (does it get more poignant than that?) and "I'm not drunk, I'm just naturally a loud, clumsy, friendly person" (Oh! The insight!). I am easily amused.
Anyway, we proceeded to avoid this aspect of Key West as much as possible, which was kinda easy since we got up early and went to bed early like old people.
Instead, we concentrated on Key West's historical sites, and enjoying a wonderful little thing we like to call "physical exercise"! We visited Hemingway's house, the Customs House, the Lighthouse, and we took a trolley tour. We went kayaking, snorkeling, swimming, and did the glass bottom boat tour (word of warning: glass bottom boat=horribly sea sick). We also rented bikes for a day.
And, we visited the Key West farmers market! Which... was just one table. But it was a table filled with an abundance of tomatoes, zucchini, and all sorts of stuff we won't be seeing here until July or August. And they told us that this would be the last farmers market of the season: their growing season ends in April! I love finding out about the odd little regional differences in farmers markets around the country (for example, they sell snow cones at the Reno farmers market. Which would so not fly in NYC).
All in all we had an amazing time. We found that most activities were very affordable, but that ALL of the "guides" would ask very humbly for tips at the end. But only after giving AMAZING service, of course. An example: on our kayaking tour, our guide at one point spotted something in the water, DOVE in head first, came up with a conch shell in hand, and passed it around so we could all admire the cute little conch creature inside. Wow! Every guide had an endless stream of warm and witty banter. Every tour they gave seemed like it was given just for us. They were all knowledgeable, friendly, and funny! That said, we tended to tip generously and I began to see what their angle was. Low prices up front, knock-your-socks-off service, and humble requests for tips that probably produced windfalls for them at the end. Brilliant. Hats off.
One last thing. Apparently, there ain't no party like the Key West party 'cause the Key West party don't stop. I counted about 5 visibly drunk people on our flight out. Visibly because they were stumbling and slurring but also because they, separately, had to each be told that no, they couldn't bring their drinks from the airport bar onto the plane, and so I watched as each one chugged said drink and then deposited it in the trash before being allowed to board the plane. Oh, and one of them was wearing a T-shirt that said "I'm not drunk, I'm just naturally a loud, clumsy, friendly person."
Key West out.
The island is only a mile and a half wide and about 4 miles long, so we really didn't need to plan anything ahead of time. We figured we'd stumble upon the interesting stuff just by walking around.
We came in on an evening flight and grabbed a bite to eat at the beachfront restaurant next to our hotel. They were closing up at 10, so we just ordered appetizers and a couple beers. We then decided to take a walk up Duval Street to relax and stretch our legs. A block or two up we saw a crowded open-air restaurant/bar. Oh! If we'd known we could've come here for dinner and drinks! Then, a half block later, another one. And another one. And ten more. And, ummm... I thought this was a sleepy little beach town?
Okay, don't laugh all those who have been to Key West before. We didn't know!
All those who don't know anything about Key West: it is a party town. A loud drunken party town.
And just like any respectable touristy party town it had tacky T-shirt shops galore all up and down Duval. My favorites: "I got Duval faced on Shit Street" (does it get more poignant than that?) and "I'm not drunk, I'm just naturally a loud, clumsy, friendly person" (Oh! The insight!). I am easily amused.
Anyway, we proceeded to avoid this aspect of Key West as much as possible, which was kinda easy since we got up early and went to bed early like old people.
Instead, we concentrated on Key West's historical sites, and enjoying a wonderful little thing we like to call "physical exercise"! We visited Hemingway's house, the Customs House, the Lighthouse, and we took a trolley tour. We went kayaking, snorkeling, swimming, and did the glass bottom boat tour (word of warning: glass bottom boat=horribly sea sick). We also rented bikes for a day.
And, we visited the Key West farmers market! Which... was just one table. But it was a table filled with an abundance of tomatoes, zucchini, and all sorts of stuff we won't be seeing here until July or August. And they told us that this would be the last farmers market of the season: their growing season ends in April! I love finding out about the odd little regional differences in farmers markets around the country (for example, they sell snow cones at the Reno farmers market. Which would so not fly in NYC).
All in all we had an amazing time. We found that most activities were very affordable, but that ALL of the "guides" would ask very humbly for tips at the end. But only after giving AMAZING service, of course. An example: on our kayaking tour, our guide at one point spotted something in the water, DOVE in head first, came up with a conch shell in hand, and passed it around so we could all admire the cute little conch creature inside. Wow! Every guide had an endless stream of warm and witty banter. Every tour they gave seemed like it was given just for us. They were all knowledgeable, friendly, and funny! That said, we tended to tip generously and I began to see what their angle was. Low prices up front, knock-your-socks-off service, and humble requests for tips that probably produced windfalls for them at the end. Brilliant. Hats off.
One last thing. Apparently, there ain't no party like the Key West party 'cause the Key West party don't stop. I counted about 5 visibly drunk people on our flight out. Visibly because they were stumbling and slurring but also because they, separately, had to each be told that no, they couldn't bring their drinks from the airport bar onto the plane, and so I watched as each one chugged said drink and then deposited it in the trash before being allowed to board the plane. Oh, and one of them was wearing a T-shirt that said "I'm not drunk, I'm just naturally a loud, clumsy, friendly person."
Key West out.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
My Vacation Story: Part 1
Hubs and I both wanted to get away for a few days, but the truth is we are just not vacationers. I don't mind moving, strangely enough (Pack up all our stuff in a U-Haul and relocate to the other side of the country? I'm in!), but vacationing, mmmm, not so much (Ugh, I have to pack a suitcase? But I have so much work I need to do! And who's going to take care of the dog? Do we have to go?). But, I guess we wanted to try it out. We see other people vacationing and raving about it, so why not us?
I didn't really want a sit-on-your-ass vacation though, so when I saw a blurb on the ol' internetz that had a picture of a couple on mountain bikes in the desert I was like "oooooohhhh... maybe a vacation could be good after all..." It was a resort in Arizona. They said they had miles of bike trails. I put in some random dates in May to get a quote. For a 9 day stay it quoted $890, which was just under $100 a night. Not bad, I thought.
Meanwhile, the hubs was looking at Key West, another idea we were mulling over. He had found a hotel right off the beach that was $115 a night. There was a bar right on the beach. There were pictures of people drinking Pina Coladas in beach chairs. Oh, my. Key West is a tiny little place and we wouldn't have to rent a car. Bonus! But I then saw that the place in Arizona would pick us up at the airport, so no rental car there either! Another bonus!
This was shaping up as quite the competition. Pina Coladas or mountain biking?
Key West had snorkeling.
Arizona had a complimentary spa (what?!).
Key West had kayaking.
Arizona had all meals included. Gourmet meals. Ummm... you're kidding, right?
For $100 a night all meals were included? Did I happen to enter in dates during the off-est of their off season? Was that a sale price? Arizona was starting to sound like a *really good deal*.
Hubs decided to put in some real dates (there was no way we would be able to go away for 9 whole days). So he put in a more realistic time frame: 5 nights. Their quoted price came back at... $890. Again.
And then I realized what was going on.
Arizona was $890 A NIGHT.
Anyway, we went to Key West.
I didn't really want a sit-on-your-ass vacation though, so when I saw a blurb on the ol' internetz that had a picture of a couple on mountain bikes in the desert I was like "oooooohhhh... maybe a vacation could be good after all..." It was a resort in Arizona. They said they had miles of bike trails. I put in some random dates in May to get a quote. For a 9 day stay it quoted $890, which was just under $100 a night. Not bad, I thought.
Meanwhile, the hubs was looking at Key West, another idea we were mulling over. He had found a hotel right off the beach that was $115 a night. There was a bar right on the beach. There were pictures of people drinking Pina Coladas in beach chairs. Oh, my. Key West is a tiny little place and we wouldn't have to rent a car. Bonus! But I then saw that the place in Arizona would pick us up at the airport, so no rental car there either! Another bonus!
This was shaping up as quite the competition. Pina Coladas or mountain biking?
Key West had snorkeling.
Arizona had a complimentary spa (what?!).
Key West had kayaking.
Arizona had all meals included. Gourmet meals. Ummm... you're kidding, right?
For $100 a night all meals were included? Did I happen to enter in dates during the off-est of their off season? Was that a sale price? Arizona was starting to sound like a *really good deal*.
Hubs decided to put in some real dates (there was no way we would be able to go away for 9 whole days). So he put in a more realistic time frame: 5 nights. Their quoted price came back at... $890. Again.
And then I realized what was going on.
Arizona was $890 A NIGHT.
Anyway, we went to Key West.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Quick Update
Since I last posted:
Oh, and a big thank you to everyone for all of your supportive comments - they warmed and continue to warm my heart!
- I turned 35 (ugh.)
- Hubby and I took an amazing vacation (more on that later...)
- We've been seen at 2 different IVF clinics (one more to go next week)
- I remembered that I have ambitions other than having children (phew!)
- We got another BFN (natural cycle)
Oh, and a big thank you to everyone for all of your supportive comments - they warmed and continue to warm my heart!
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