Shots--Anyone?

Today we went to see the fertility specialist. (I really like that he doesn't sugar coat things with us.) apparently--my problem is all in my head. No really--I don't make enough chemicals from my head to tell my body what to do. Basically (long story short) I don't make the 'follicle' big enough so I don't make babies. (Maybe at times I do...but not on regular schedules.) So what we need to do is get 'drugs' (which is real hormones just shot into me) every cycle. I will be watched fairly closely and then if and when the 'follicles' are big enough I will get another hormone shot to get the 'eggs' going in the right direction. BUT there is a short story here I have to tell. This drug is blamed for the high multiplies running around. Don't worry my doctor has a plan...If there is ONE "ripe" follicle...I will take the shot to make my egg move...If there are 2 to 3 "ripe" follicles...it is left up to me to decide if I want to take the shot or not...BUT if there are 4 or MORE...I'm not ALLOWED to take the shot. There are too many health risks with 4 or more babies...and our doctor doesn't want anything to do with that. So...here are the numbers we are looking at 1 to 2 follicles Single birth 85%--twins 15%...3 follicles Single birth drops to 65%- twins/triples 35%. Cool numbers huh? And Dr. Cline believes that within 3 cycles (of this medicine) we will have a positive result...and it doesn't have to be one cycle after another...just 3 cycles.
I know you are asking $$$ right? Well--we are waiting on that answer. On our insurance company's website the drug they want to put me on is listed on the list of specialty drugs they pay for. But to make sure the Drug company that will be sending us the drugs is calling and checking with the insurance to be sure (but they think we are fine). If not the drugs are out of pocket and that will be all I'm asking for Christmas. But we should know something by Monday! So--we wait out the week and pray REALLY, REALLY hard...and HOPEFULLY our prays are answered! We know that the blood tests and ultra sounds will be paid for by the insurance. So, keep your fingers crossed! (I would like to have a baby!)
Talking about babies...I got to visit with Marcus and Jackie....and Hold Baby Zachary! He's such a little man! Dang cute! I made them some dinners to stick in their freezer...so Jackie doesn't have to worry about 4 meals. I thought they could use that more then baby clothes! Babies are just to dang special! Jackie and Marcus enjoy him while he is still 'small'! (If you need a babysitter just let me know!)
Well I have to work the opening shift at work...so I should go now! Have a great week! And remember to cross your fingers for us!

No Good News

Well to report on the job in Virginia...Don was offered the job (yeah!), but there will be NO move! After talking about money...we had to turn it down. The company he would have worked for wants everyone on commission. Don and I understood that, but the owner told Don until he is ready to go commission he could be salary. The only catch was they would only pay what he is making now (at the prison). Well-rent is too high and that with bills we just couldn't jump at the job. So we had to tell him no thanks. So...we are still hunting the "right" job! When it comes it will be a relief! But at this time we don't have to worry about which dog to get rid of!

Now on to news about fertility...we have our next meeting with the doctor on August 21st. (With Don and I both working it was the first day we both could go.) We will be sitting down with the doctor and setting our goal. He sent us a "video" to watch. It was all about the drugs to make me more able to get pregnant and stay that way. But I'm only worried about it the COST. We will be asking alot about that. I think our insurance might help with the cost of the drugs (this time), but it's every other test we have to know the cost of. So hopefully we won't have to pass on this round. We just keep praying that we can understand what the doctor says and be able to pay for the treatment! But we will keep you posted on that!

That's all the news at this time! Have a great week!

Not Great News...

Well we got to talk to the specialist today. And he told us that I'm not ovulating properly. So he is sending us some videos (WOOHOO!) to watch to educate us about what is going on. Then once we have watched those videos he wants to sit down with us for a conference (are you as excited as me?). Then since I had that bacteria infection...he needs to retest for that. But he did say that once we know that the infection is gone he can put me on some other meds for treatment...he did say there is a 90% chance of pregnancy within the next 3 cycles after starting treatment. Now it's not the best news...but there is a little hope yet. If we can just get my body to do what it's suppose to do then we might have a baby of our own!

On other news...Don is getting closer to a job! We will know more later this week...so we will update on that. Don says if anyone want to contribute to the 'Davidson Moving Fund' just let me know! But we might have to get rid of a dog or two...but that too is up in the air! Most places won't let you have more than 2 dogs...but you can have cats! What's up with that? But we will keep everyone updated on what is going on with Don's job hunt!

I just want to say congratulations to my nephew Marcus and his wife Jackie...on their new addition ... Zachary Alan...we can't wait to see him!

First Day of Work

Today was my first day of work and I lived! I was very, very nervous...but it was okay...Only 2 men haircuts. The boss asked how I felt about color and I told her that I love to do color...And she said "good; because this Regis does more color then most in the region." So, I'm excited that I will learn a new line of color and get to use it a lot! I also fell into a wonderful set schedule... I work Mondays 3-9, Tuesdays 9-3, Wednesdays 3-9, Thursdays off, Fridays 3-9, Saturdays 9-3, and Sundays off. So, if you want Regis prices come on in and see me...If not call me and we will set up a home session for much cheaper! But new hires don't usually get out of working Saturday nights and Sundays...But the girl that left at short notice that was her schedule so I'm not complaining!

I was really hoping that the school would call and get me in soon...But it doesn't sound like they are going to start classes anytime soon. I would have loved to work at the school while taking my instructors classes. Regis knows that I am waiting to get that call. But I think the manager is hoping that I like working there more than going back to school. I don't think that will happen but I will work there (I guess since I have to) till the call comes.

Don is still looking for work...So if you know of any funeral homes hiring...Let me know! Well, you guys have a great week...And try to stay cool...The Heat SUCKS!

Pictures of our Trip

Yesterday I got a job...I am going back to Regis Salons...but this time I'm going to work in Logansport. I like knowing that no matter what I'll get a pay check...and if Don does decides to take a job somewhere...I can transfer stores and still have a job! Which will help me greatly! Now today I got those pictures to upload that I wanted to share yesterday. The trip was beautiful and here are a few pictures to show you. Enjoy!

West Virginia was very beautiful with all the green trees...I think this makes the mountains look like mountains and not just hills.
Military playing on the Chesapeake Bay.
There were TONS of fishing boats on top of each other on the Chesapeake Bay...I couldn't believe how close they sat to each other.
We passed a lot of beaches, but we never stopped at one...but this one was about the smallest!

This is one of the tunnels on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Tunnel adventure.

This is a view of the two bridges on the Chesapeake Bridge and Tunnel adventure...but these sit like 80 feet (or more) above the water.
These are cranes just hanging out on the Chesapeake Bay.

Busy Weekend

This weekend went fast! Thursday Don and I started out to Virginia. It was a long 13 hour trip. We got down there and got settled for the night when the guys interviewing Don changed our afternoon interview to a morning interview. On Friday we met the guys and talked about the job over breakfast. We were then shown 3 of the 10 Funeral Homes that Don would work out of. (Now I know I married a Funeral Director...but I'm not into touring them...that is not sight seeing that I like to do.) We spent all morning and part of the afternoon with them. And were sent on our way to the next Hotel and told to look around the area to see if it was somewhere we were willing to move to. We spent time getting lost in Chesapeake, VA ... and I have to say...it's beautiful. We found a few apartments that we could live with. But the major problem we will have is taking ALL our dogs...most of the apartments only allow 1 or 2 small dogs. We did find ONLY ONE that we could take all three...but they sounded very full.

After we took our tour of Chesapeake...we went to Williamsburg to the the Yankee Candle Company. That was very fun (for me). Then we tried to make our way back to our hotel. Then on Saturday we took some time to go on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Tunnel. It was really cool! There are 3 bridges and 2 tunnels to cross the Chesapeake Bay.

We left Saturday afternoon and hit some horrible traffic from Virginia Beach to Richmond. I didn't think we were ever going to leave the state...it took 14 hours to get home...arriving at 3:30am. I learned I should not let Don decide at the last minute to sight see...but we did have Fun!

(for some reason I can't upload pictures...but as soon as I figure out what I did...I'll post some!)

Have a great week and stay cool!

A little Up Date

Tuesday afternoon Dr. Cline's office called (our specialist) to update me a little. It seems that I have one of three types of bacteria in the reproductive tract (vagina, cervix, uterus, or fallopian tubes). (He tested for that on July 5th...And the test just came back.) So now Don and I both have to be on meds for 10 days. (That way it would transfer back and forth.) But I still don't have all the test done ... And the test I have done...Not all the results are in. They just want to make sure we address that issue right away. It's kind of stressful just waiting to hear what is wrong with you...After going to other Doctors who just think they know how to treat you and you think everything is okay...And you are really broke!

Well, nothing else to report...But when I hear something I'll post! Have a great week...And remember clowns are our friends! (Got to love the Circus!)

Nothing great

Well yesterday I went to see Dr. Cline (our specialist) yesterday...But there is not much to report. The follicles on my ovaries aren't growing big enough yet and I think my body is fighting and killing the sperm. But we won't really know anything until August 8th when we hear the official report. I have one more round of blood work next week. Then when all the tests are in he'll make our plan on how to fix me. Isn't that wonderful...He thinks he'll fix me! (Good Luck!)

I'm sorry that there isn't more news to tell until August...I'm very sore so I'll leave this as my post! Everyone Have a GREAT week...Remember the Circus is in town (here ---anyways). I hope some of you will come see us while it's in town!

Letting off a little steam

I just want to start with the statement...That I hope no one takes what I'm going to say to heart. I just have some things on my mind so I'm just letting off a little steam. Tonight Don and I went on a double date. (We have a few things in common...Don works with the guy...And I know the couple forever...And they are having trouble having a child also.) This is the second time we went out...And we have lots of fun. Tonight after dinner we went to Walmart. I swear the "white trash" teen moms are there in force. As we are walking around I'm just amazed on how many teen moms (and they are getting younger) are walking around swearing at their children. First when we walked in someone had to go potty...So the rest of us wait near the door...There comes a "white trash" mom with her baby (no older than 18 months) in the cart (standing none the lest) yelling at it..."NO I'm not picking you up...You are TOO fat"...Now this child is SCREAMING at the top of his lungs...But he is only wearing a diaper...No clothes...And falling over in the cart. Now, I'm sure that girl could have but a little something on that child...I know it's hot and humid but let's get real...a little onesie would have been better than nothing.

I guess I'm just mad that some people just keep having children that shouldn't. And couples that want to have them and go through hell and high water to get one...Can't without paying an arm and a leg for one. I know I'm more open about not being able to have children, but some couples aren't as open and it's hard to walk around seeing children mistreated. I hate it when people that I know or not known for a long time...Ask...."Now why don't you have children...I thought you would make a good mom"...People think before you speak...If you know someone don't just assume they don't want children...We aren't all bunnies and can have them at will!

I'm just glad we have friends that can relate to our situation...And we are blessed that we have family (and friends) who support our venture to find the answers of why we cant have children and are there to pick us up when we get down in the dumps.

Now on to news...We are seeing Dr. Cline (the specialist) on Saturday...So depending on how I feel after test I'll post any new news. It may be Monday before I post about that. Then on the 27th of July Don and I are going to Virginia...He has a job interview the 28th. So hopefully we hear something good from that! Next week is Circus City week...So hopefully I'll get some news or just good gossip from people to share from up there.

A long process

Today I was informed that I forgot to post about my doctor's appointment. Well to tell the true... I was in pain so I didn't want to sit at the computer that long. I think I really like this Doctor... He is honest even if you don't like the answers.

But here is what he basically said...(from his webpage) we should identify the cause/causes of infertility. The cause/causes of infertility basically fall into four major groups and that’s it! We know a couple can have one cause, all four, or any combination of the four. They are all equally important so the area we talk about first should not be thought more important than the area we talk about last. Firstly, we know that some women have one of three types of bacteria in the reproductive tract (vagina, cervix, uterus, or fallopian tubes) which, if present, can affect fertility. These bacteria may offer no signs or symptoms. Gonorrhea can cause damage to the fallopian tubes by either blocking them or scarring them so they cannot either pick up the egg at the time of ovulation or cannot properly transport the egg down the tube to come in contact with sperm. Chlamydia can affect the fallopian tubes in a similar way and also may cause enough inflammation or irritation on the lining of the uterus (endometrium) that implantation of the embryo may be adversely affected. Mycoplasma hominus and its’ “cousin”, Ureaplasma uryliticum, have been shown to attach themselves to sperm and ride on the back of the sperm out into the fallopian tube, where fertilization takes place, and reduce the sperms’ ability to fertilize the egg. Now, if these bacteria frequently fail to cause signs or symptoms, how are we ever going to know if our patient has them? The answer is that we do cultures. A small cotton “Q-Tip” is inserted into the cervical opening, pulled out, sent to the lab and within two weeks we will know if these bacteria exist. If they do exist, we will treat both the wife and the husband with an appropriate antibiotic for ten days and then re-culture to confirm the treatment was successful. The presence of these bacteria in the reproductive tract is not an “absolute” regarding pregnancy, but may play a major part and therefore must be diagnosed and treated. The second area of the causes of infertility asks the question, “Does the husband have adequate numbers of normal, motile sperm and, just as the wife is ovulating, do they live well in the cervical secretions to pass through those secretions and get out in the fallopian tubes where fertilization takes place”? We like to do a post coital test on a day the patient is just ready to ovulate, but hasn’t yet ovulated. For example, if the cycle is 28 days, we will do the test on cycle day 12 (no matter what day of the week cycle day 12 might fall). In a 30 day cycle, we do the test on cycle day 14, etc., etc. This test is also known as the Huhner test, the Sims-Huhner test, the PC test or the PK test. We simply ask the couple to have intercourse at home, two to four hours before their appointment. Then, at the appointment, we place a speculum in the vagina, extract cervical mucus from high in the cervical canal (similar to a PAP smear), place that mucus on a glass microscope slide, and immediately look under the microscope to determine if we have adequate numbers of sperm and, are they alive and do they have good directional kinetics (move purposefully in a basic straight line). If we see this, we probably do not have a sperm or a sperm-cervical mucus problem. If we see any problems or see any significant variation in the shape of the sperm, we will order a semen analysis to be done at a laboratory. If we see very few sperm, we may have a problem with decreased numbers of sperm, or, the numbers may be adequate but the sperm may not able to get through the cervical mucus. Again, a semen analysis is helpful in sorting out the problem. At times, we may see a lot of sperm in the cervical mucus but they are either barely moving or dead. We then have a “true” sperm-cervical mucus problem. The treatment of the various conditions causing a sperm or a sperm-cervical mucus problem will not be fully addressed here but look for a complete essay on these problems in the future. Suffice it to say that many problems are treated by doing husband intra uterine inseminations (HIUI) at the time of ovulation. Many times we suggest the husband see a urologist. The third area of infertility asks the question, “Are there any structural areas that may be the cause of infertility”? Specifically, are there any intrauterine problems such as a septum, intrauterine fibroids (myomas), or intrauterine polyps which may affect the ability of the embryo to implant or may allow such a poor implantation that an early pregnancy loss will occur. Are the fallopian tubes open (patent)? A hysterosalpingogram (HSG) x-ray is the best procedure to evaluate these areas and is done as an outpatient by a radiologist. Also, the patient may have pelvic endometriosis or adhesions with or without pain or menstrual cramps and these conditions can only be diagnosed by direct visualization of the pelvis usually by doing an outpatient laparoscopy (bandaid-bellybutton surgery). The fourth, or last, area of infertility asks the question, “Are you ovulating properly”? Note that I have not asked if you are ovulating but if you are ovulating properly. What do we mean by that question? During the “menstrual month”, there are times that your body must meet certain criteria. The first of these times is on cycle day (CD) 12 based on a 28 day cycle. On CD 12 you should have developed, on one ovary or the other, a cyst that we call the follicle. In Greek, the word follicle means ‘little cyst’. This follicular cyst contains the egg of the month and the wall of this follicular cyst secretes the chemical hormone estrogen (estradiol). Estrogen, in turn, circulates throughout the body and acts on the lining of the uterus (endometrium) and causes it to grow back as it just fell off with blood a few days earlier during the period. On CD 12, if we do a vaginal ultrasound, the follicular cyst should measure at least 18 X 18 mm., the endometrium should mInsure at least 9 mm. in thickness, and the blood estradiol level should be at least 150 units (pg/ml) or higher. If the follicle is too small, the lining too thin, and the estrogen level too low, this is related to a condition called follicular immaturity. With follicular immaturity, the egg itself is immature when it is ovulated and will not fertilize well. The next segment of time your body must meet certain criteria is after you ovulate. Once you have ovulated, the follicular cyst collapses but continues to secrete estradiol and begins to secrete the second ovarian hormone, progesterone. Progesterone is responsible for changing or converting the endometrium into the type of tissue that is perfect for proper implantation when the embryo falls into the cavity of the uterus three to five days later. The blood progesterone level seven to ten days later should be 10-15 units (ng/ml). If the progesterone is too low then either the embryo will not implant or may implant so poorly that a miscarriage will occur.

Well needless to say...I'm alittle sore from exams and tired! I think his nurses can only do early appointments...and since we live an hour and half away...6:30am comes early! So, I'm sorry for not posting sooner...but I will post something when we know more...but if you have anyone that has fertility problems and would like to read more here is Doctor Cline's website! reproductivehope.com

Stress Sucks!

Well in my last post I told you that Don turned down his offer in Alaska. But the stress that I went through that week and a half has played it's toll even now. I have a great fever blister to mark the outward sign of stress. Nose bleeds and running a low grade fever is just running it's course.

Now I'm stressed out about doctors too. I went to my doctor to have tests ran...So she would send me to a new Fertility doctor. All my test are good...And the appointment is set for a fertility doctor. We see him on Wednesday the 5th. Which means all weekend I'll be nervous about this appointment! (I do have to tell you that the specialist sent me all the "new patient paperwork". I had to fill in my religion...He also wants to know our income...And all the ins and outs of my life. I think some questions are none of his business!) But Hopefully we will get some good answers and ideas of what the heck is wrong with me! (I know the list is long and he's only one man...But I would like some kind of answers!) We will let you know if we find out anything wonderful!

Making Choices

This past week and a half has gone fast for me. Don got a job offer in Ketchikan, Alaska. I have been online searching for info and ways for us to get there. Every step I took forward...I got knocked on my butt. First, we looked at pulling a trailer up there...well to rent one for that far is way to much...so we have called moving companies...and they too think everyone has deep pockets. Well dealing with that I have been also trying to find an apartment up there...Let me tell you a little about Ketchikan, AK...it's an island (and everyone up there when you call tells you that). They don't measure rain by inches...they do it by feet...like last year they got 123 FEET of rain (fun, fun). They are in the middle of their tourist season there...and there are NO apartments to rent until Sept. But I didn't want to rain on Don's parade. Ever time I thought I got somewhere it really was a wall that was around the corner.

Today Don decided that since...I didn't really want to go that far from family...that he would turn the job down. I feel sad for him that he turned down a chance to be in the business, but I'm kind of happy that I don't have to fake being happy for years. So we are still on the hunt for a funeral job for him.

Many Thanks

I have to say thanks to Jackie! She is talented and very helpful! Because of her talent and willingness to help I now have a new look for our blog. I had asked but never had excepted such a scheme that fit so well! I now have to come up with something to pay her back. Jackie, just say the word and I would do just about anything to repay you! I know that you are a busy woman and that makes it even more special!

Still no new news to share about Don's adventure on finding a new job. I will post something right away when we hear! I was looking at my "favorite" web goings last night. He has applied just about everywhere. From coast to coast and even Alaska. I don't think he's applied for Hawaii YET but I wouldn't be surprised! He did apply to a state he said he would NEVER go again...Utah. (I just think it's funny that he applied...Never say Never!)

Just another Sunday

This picture is for Sarah and all those who haven't seen Don's "Bling-Bling on the Grill". He is very proud to smile and "shine". That shouldn't shock anyone that knows him! "Love ya!"

But today is just another Sunday in a very long week. I went back to the doctor to see if we could use more drugs to make a dang baby. Well...My doctor wants to try me on a medicine for a while, but wants me to check out a fertility Doctor to see if it on that I would feel good with. The meds I'm taking are to help with my hormones...And help get my ovaries working right. But the doctor was wise to tell me that they will make me sick...And she was right. I just hope that with this medicine we can make the progress that we need to ... I don't look forward to go through all the test that the fertility doctor will want to do...I have been there done that. And to tell you the truth I am NOT looking forward to it. I give my gratitude to those women that go through years of fertility doctors. It's hell on earth!

But on a brighter note...It's Father's Day. I'm grateful to have such a great father figure in my life. My Grandfather has always been there for us. I'm very lucky he has been part of my life! He has set the standard of men I dated...Not that anyone could be as great and wonderful...But still I had someone to measure them to! No man can cook, clean, do odd jobs, and love his family more! I love you, Grandpa!

Trying Pictures...

I want to thank Jackie for helping a poor simple mind. I don't think I would ever have a picture on this silly thing without her. Jackie, sorry I'm slow...I try to teach myself simple computer skills. I'm better in the kitchen. That is my strong area!

This picture is an old one...but it's all I had to play with today. This was taken shortly after Don and I got married...Doesn't he have a baby face?
We will be getting newer ones up soon. Now that I know how and I got my portable 3.5 floppy drive. My digital camera will come out of storage again. Don will be excited to show off his bling-bling on his grill...(For those who haven't seen it yet (Sarah) I'll get one posted).

Thanks again Jackie...One day I'll figure out how you and Stephanine got your blogs looking so wonderful!

Seeing Red

Today I'm coming out of the funk of the baby blues...but I was told something that just makes me mad! My "friend" Becca (who I went to cosmetology school with) borrowed some money from me in January with the repayment in February. She wasn't able to repay right away and I have asked for repayment when I saw she was making money. Since we worked together I thought it wouldn't be a problem for repayment. Now that we don't work together (that's another story all on it's own) I have called her a few times and asking when I would get it. She took my address and told me that she would be sending it soon. Today, Don went to the shop (I wasn't feeling well so I didn't go) that she works and asked her when we would get repayed. Becca then calls me on my cell phone (not my home phone) and asked if I sent him as a strong armed act. (If I was going to strong arm her I would not send Don ... I would go myself ... I don't need anyone to do my dirty work.) Anyways, she starts all this crap about how people told her that I talked bad about her (like the owner, the owner's daughter, customers, and people we went to school with). I really thought that she was my friend and was shocked when she started all this...but then went on to say how customers told her that if they called when I was there that I would either say she's not in or book them with myself. In my mind, I was having flash backs of beauty school, and high school. She is pregnant and is due soon so I know she is having problems. I told her that if people were talking like that she should have called and gotten the story straight. She was like "I don't need this crap, and I thought you were my friend". She also told me that she had to fix hair color I did and crap like that. You know that I have only one person I truely screwed up on and that is my own mother...with help from an instructor in beauty school. I'm just so very shocked that she would act like this after all that I have done for her. I helped her get out of her apartment (with another friend) after she got pregnant and her boyfriend couldn't move in. I guess my judgement with befriending her, helping her move, helping her get a booth rent job, and just being a true friend. Teaches me that I won't stick my neck out for people that I truely don't know. I have a few good friends and I think I will just stick with them and not try to make the world a better place.

Baby Blues

The last few days have been really hard on me. I'm going through the baby blues! It's nothing abnormal, but it makes it to function.
I guess being the youngest of eight children, and the only one that is married that doesn't have a child. I even have tons of nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. I have gone through fertility drugs, shots, and horrid tests...And yet no baby. We have thought about adopting a baby. Don's youngest sister got pregnant and she thought about letting us adopt it,but since we aren't made of money...She can't get much money for "selling" her baby. And if we were to go through the church social services that would cost us money that right now we really don't have. So, right now we can't do that.
So I have decided that I will go to a new doctor, and see about doing more rounds of drugs and shots. I'm sure that Don can't wait for the roller coaster ride of hormones that comes with all of that. Hopefully, sometime soon I can announce good news!

Now I understand

I now know why people without life should not have a blog! There is nothing that happens in our lives...So there is nothing ever to post!
I understand with children you have lots to post just no time to do so. The most excitement that happens to me is that Don gets hurt and I sit at Med One for two and a half hours. WOOHOO! We thought he broke his hand at work yesterday (trying to leave, and got his hand "shut" in a slider door). You would think at his age he would know where his hands were at all times...But he hasn't gotten to that stage yet!
And our girl dogs are evil and of the devil. The girl dogs tried to bite the Schwan's man. He must have jumped a good 2 feet. He couldn't have petted Roo (who isn't evil or of the devil). Now you all know that my life is boring when I have to talk about my dogs like they are my children!

Trying Something New

I have been told since I don't have a website that I should do a blog. Well...After a week of trying I have figured out how! So, any helpful tips would be nice.

Let's get up to speed on the Davidsons'. I have been thinking about going back to school. (I know I just finished with my Cosmetology License only 10 months ago, but I really want to do this.) So as I have been hating the "shop" life...I work when I can and filling out paper work for school. Which I am now on the next list of Jr. Instructors at Rudae's and with a (almost full) pell grant...My wish will be granted. I just have to wait for the call that they need more Jr. Instructors.

As for my husband. Everyone knows that Don really would like to move away from Indiana, and back into the funeral business. He is constantly on "the next job". Alaska adventure didn't go like we would have liked...The owner wouldn't put things in writing and we are not going that far for a "maybe job". So Don has really been looking around. He had a few phone interviews, but nothing seems to pan out. Until lately...Don applied to a New Mexico firm...Had SEVERAL phone interviews... Friday we got a call from the manager of the place hiring. Don can't take any of his licenses to New Mexico since he hasn't worked in the last 5 years (in the business). We were bummed and called to see what we could do. The COO of the company said if we could get the state board to over turn it...He would hire Don. We spent Friday evening on the phone with NM's State Board with nothing happening. Monday being a holiday we sat all weekend hoping something good would come of it. Well today... We found out that it is the LAW and not even going in front of state board could over turn that...Don called the manager (Scott) and told him what we found out. Scott is calling the board Wednesday and seeing when the State Board is meeting because the company would like to have that law redone. Scott told Don...Not to worry that he will work on his end and Don must keep his licenses up...And we will see what happens. Scott really liked Don in his interviews...So please pray Don gets a job in the Funeral Business soon. The prison is making him so very friendly!