I really do suck at this!!!

Hi! I'm Jodi and it's been almost a year since my last blog. I don't know why I find it so hard to keep up on this, but I do. So lets see...I've gained most of the weight I had lost back. Not because I wanted to but because well...there really is no reason. I was on a medication that was helping to lose the weight only to have to stop it. Around the time I stopped it I started a new job. Because of this change I has to stop the medication. This caused my appetite to increase and me to put on weight. My new job though...it really is amazing. I'm a LPN in the Developmental Pediatric Department at Riley. I love my job and am beyond happy to have found a place that truly is where I belong. On the writing front, well I haven't had much time for that. But I still have ideas brewing in my head. I have joined a book review group. It's amazing and I have been able to read may books that have impacted me on a personal level. You might find it hard to believe that a romance book and touch a person, but it can. It's possible. There are some stories that just reach in a take you over. I've found many friends in the authors that write those amazing stories.

One of those amazing writers is LJ SeXton. Her series is amazing. Her Fixing Souls Novella series is a fast read. The stories and characters are beyond amazing. I know she is working on some other things but I can't wait until we get more from them. LJ is a great friend and one who has taken me on in the role of PA. This is not why I'm talking her books up, I'm doing it because I truly love these stories. LJ SeXton Amazon Page

The next author I want to tell you about is Scarlett Finn. Her Kindred Series is far more than I could have every asked for. This series reaches in a touches your soul. It leaves you wanting to know what will happen next. It leaves you wanting more. They are action packed. Scarlett's stories tend to be darker than most, but do not let that deter you from trying them out. Scarlett Finn Amazon Page

The last author today is H.C. Bentley. Her first book is Her Last Love. This is a second chance at love book. I fell in love with the characters in this book as well as the story. Instead of having a man come home from the military and try to acclimate back to civilian life, this story is about Lynn and her journey home. This story is touching and sweet. H.C. Bentley's next book When Love Comes Home will be out in November. H.C.-Bentley Amazon Page

Until the next post. I wish you all well.

Miss me much?!?!

Good evening! I know I've been crappy at this whole blogging thing, but I have taken to writing lately. I am trying to write a book. It's new and fun and terrifying all at the same time. I'm not sure what I will do with my book but we'll see. So I've also had some time to read some books as well. I wanted to give you the run down on a couple.

So the first one is Ivory by Hadley Quinn. Hadley is an amazing author and she doesn't have a book that I don't love. This book is a standalone, which means you don't need to read anything before you read Ivory and there is no cliffhanger at the end. Ivory is about a musician. His name is Jude. Jude had a famous career at one point, but after fate stepped in Jude walked away from it all. Now Jude is ready to get step back in the spot light, but on his terms. Jude is also ready to open his heart to love. This is an amazing story of loss, love, and starting over. Jude learns that the things he turned away from may actually be the things he needs and wants in his life. I highly recommend this book. It can be found on Amazon. Here is a link: http://www.amazon.com/Ivory-Hadley-Quinn-ebook/dp/B014I5BD3A/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1442447370&sr=1-1&keywords=ivory

The next books I want to tell you about are from an author I found while I was in Nashville. I am so shy around new people so I didn't say Hi to her and I regret that now. She is a great author and I loved this series. Her name is TM Frazier. The books are titled King and Tyrant. This is not the normal typical love story. In the beginning we find a girl who has no idea who she is, where she comes from, or what her life was before. She is living on the streets. She turns to prostitution and things go horribly wrong. She goes by Doe, as in Jane Doe. Doe ends up on the wrong end of a bad deal and becomes the property of King. King is a giant man with lots of tattoos. He by his own admission is not a good man. But even a bad guy can change, right. You have to read King first. I can't say much about tyrant, other that it is the continuation of King and Doe's story. Like I said, it's not my normal cup of tea, but I fell in love with the characters and I hope you will too. Here is the link and the covers. http://www.amazon.com/KING-2-Book-Series/dp/B014F73EZ6/ref=sr_1_1_ha?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1442448017&sr=1-1&keywords=tm+frazier

I have a collection I am beyond excited about. I love this series and all that it is. This is a collection of books by K. Bromberg. I love her. She is the best. The Driven series is one of my favorites. It's a 3 book series with a bonus book from Colton's point of view. I love this series because it's about racing. If you know me, you know how much I love racing. The fabulous Mrs Bromberg has combined all the books into one fabulous collection. Several of the characters have their own books now and I love her even more for how she has expanded this series. So here is the link for this series. http://www.amazon.com/Driven-Boxed-Set-Limited-Books-ebook/dp/B015458NWC/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

My final book is from another amazing author, MJ Fields. I am in love with the Men of Steel series. These boys are beyond funny and great! MJ's new book is Memphis Black. Memphis is a part of The Rocker's of Steel. This book is considered a standalone, but I love them so much I would at least read Xavier first (I would read them all, but it's your call.). Memphis is the lead singer of the band STD. I'll let you figure that one out. Memphis didn't know his little sister's best friend had a crush on him for years. Then Memphis did something stupid one night and Tallia was hooked. The boys is this band are hilarious. Fall in love with Memphis and the boys of STD. 

http://www.amazon.com/Memphis-Black-Rockers-MJ-Fields-ebook/dp/B014NNB16G/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

Over the next couple of weeks my goal is to finish my book. I might let some people take a look at it, and then I will decide what to do. Have a fabulous week everyone. I'll talk to you all soon.

Report

So...I went to the Weight Loss doctor yesterday. I didn't gain, but I didn't loose either. So my weight right now is 295. Considering I didn't really try hard last week I'm not complaining. So I was thinking about my difficult times of the day. I have decided it's dinner time. I usually take breakfast and lunch with me, but I find most nights by the time I get home I'm to tired to fix a proper meal. There are thinks I could do to help the situation, I just haven't had the chance to yet. Plus, right now I'm working long hours and it's just easier to get something out. It sucks cause I feel yucky after I've eaten well all day. My goal is to start trying to meal prep on the weekend. Hopefully that way I can have healthy food for the next week! With my diet, I'm also limited to what I can eat that sometimes I get frustrated. As I go along I'm hoping I find things that I like and that make food choices easier.

I've decided I'm going to write and talk about other things also in this blog. So to open things up, I thought I would let you, my readers, ask me questions. Anything within reason I will answer. There is one thing to know about me, I will tell you just about anything you want to know. To do this, you can comment below, send me an email, ask on my Facebook post, or send me a Tweet. I lead a pretty boring life so don't get excited! I'm also known to be sarcastic and a smart ass, be prepared! So ask away! twitter email

I'm excited to say my last post reached almost 40 people! I am beyond thankful that you took the time to read about me and what I have to say. So, I will try to post Sunday night with my answers to your questions.

Have a great week and remember to never let anything dull your sparkle!
Jodi

Time to update...Where does the time go

I hopped on here today to see how long it had been since I had blogged...gesh...I had no idea it had been years! I suck as a blogger. So here's whats been happening...me...I'm working on me! Working on me means working on losing weight. Seems to be a never ending battle for me. I started in January when my weight ballooned at 313 lbs. Yes, you are reading that correctly. Since January I have been changing my lifestyle. I would like to say I've had a huge weight loss, unfortunately, the weight didn't go on over night so it sure as shit isn't going to come off over night. In the beginning I did great. I changed my diet to paleo, started working out, and knew this was a change I had to make. I ended up losing 20 lbs in about 3 months. Then I found out work had a program where you pretty much get paid to lose weight. So I started this program in May. My doctor through the weight loss center wanted me to focus on a more diabetic diet as I am technically considered pre-diabetic! Unfortunately, that's part of having PCOS or Polycyctic Ovarian Syndrome. My body doesn't process insulin appropriately, so I gain weight. There are many other issues that go along with PCOS, but insulin resistance is a big one. So, I have been doing the exchange diet with a total of 1600 calories a day. I would love to say I'm seeing results but I'm not and not seeing those results has me reverting back to old habits. At my appointment last week my doctor told me I wasn't trying hard enough and I didn't want this enough. That really upset me. The truth is I do want this, I want to feel better, look better, and live a healthier lifestyle. When I left my appointment initially I was pissed. I couldn't understand how someone who is supposed to support you could say that. How could she look me in the eye and tell me I wasn't trying. On top of that some other support systems or lack there of where breaking down. So I figured if I wasn't trying then screw her! I really wasn't going to try! Well...after some time to think and reflect, I realize she is right! I'm not trying. I'm not trying as hard as I have been. I really haven't tried since I started going to the weight loss clinic. For me to make that revelation is huge! I have been down as low at 289 lbs, that was at my very first weight loss appointment. Since then, well...it's up and down. I can honestly say it wasn't until 2 nights ago that I figured out it's me who is my own worst enemy. If I don't get my shit together I will never make the changes I need to. So with that in mind I went to the store this afternoon. My diet focuses on low carb, high lean protein, veggies, and fruit. So I decided to try some paleo type meals and adapt them to follow the diabetic exchange. Which honestly shouldn't be that hard. So for lunch is week I will be having tuna, egg, avocado salad on romaine lettuce, fresh bell peppers, and carrots. To reach my veggie quota I bought so low sodium V-8 juice. I've also decided to start on Shakeology! I have tried it before and love it, but wasn't fully committed. Now I am. I was able to get a deal with the new Beachbody workout called Cize! It looks amazing! So...we'll see how things go. On top of everything else I'm working long hours this week to hopefully finish up a project and have some extra money for my upcoming trip to Nashville! So that's the happenings! I go to the weight loss doctor tomorrow. I know I have not lost the 2 pounds she challenged me to loose this week, but that's ok! I will! I got this! I'll post my official weight tomorrow. Until then everyone have a great Sunday!

Why are there always tough decisions

I seem to always start my blogs with good intentions, but seem to never follow through.  I guess that's how I feel about my life sometimes too.  I started this blog to hold myself accountable for weight struggles.  I have struggled more that I thought would have been possible.  I'm struggling even as we speak.  I have found myself gaining weight.  Which sucks, because there was a period of time where I was so proud of where I was.  I feel like I am on a never ending path and no matter how hard I try, I just can't seem to catch the break I need.  I say every year I'm going to work harder than the last.  This year I'm not going to say that.  This year I am promising to try.  Try with all my might to achieve a goal I know I have to reach.  Not just for myself, but for all my family.  It seems that I have had an awakening again.  Not necessarily health related, but I guess in a sense it is.  We have now exhausted all of our possible reasons for why we cannot seem to get pregnant.  While we a fighting with a borderline low count issue the doctor feels it is not enough of an issue to prevent us from getting pregnant.  So I feel like the pressure to have a baby is back on me.  It's frustrating to see people around you pregnant and with their children, knowing that you long to have one, just one and that it may never happen.  Zach and I are now faced with the tough decision of what to do next.  My employer recently merged with a large hospital which took away many of my benefits, one of those benefits that I lost was being able to use my flex spending account for fertility treatments.  Seeing as we are now part of a Catholic Organization I lose the right to decide how the money that I put into that account is used because I am "messing with God's will."  I know everyone says it will happen if it's meant to or you just have to stop trying so hard, well we spent all last year not trying and guess what, it didn't happen.  There is a part of me that has decided that I would be ok if I never had a child.  Then I think about those older folks that I talk to on a daily basis that have no one to take care of them.  No one to fight for their rights or to stand up and speak for them.  I wonder if I never have any children who will do that for me?  I know it's a silly thing to think about now, but it's the truth.  So we are faced with now deciding what we are going to do.  I am still paying on my hospital bill from last year, but we are going to pay that off and within a few months will have the ability to save money every month, something we have never been able to do.  We had talked about getting me a Harley with this extra money, but now that we are basically going to be out of pocket for any fertility treatments we have to decide which is best for us.  One minute I feel like I will be fine never having kids.  We won't have the same freedom that we have grown accustom to over the last 11 years.  Then I watch Zach with his nephew and see just how much he loves that little guy and it breaks my heart that we may never get to know that kind of love ourselves.  It's honestly a catch 22 and there's no good answer.  So do we save all we can and try harder then we have ever tried to have a baby or do we enjoy our time that we have to ourselves.  Do I wait another year and work really hard on my weight and try next year.  Plus within another year I will be finished with school and have my bachelors degree.  I hope to work on my Master's degree one day.  I don't know what the correct answer it and I don't think I ever will.  I just needed to vent.  You will find that sometimes I write and it's just to clear my head.  I have so much going on in there that I need to release some of it.

April 10, 2008

The date in the title changed my life forever.  This day was probably the worst day of my life.  And today as I sit here and write this blog 3 years later I've decided this day will no longer be sad.  For 2 weeks I have dreaded this date.  Yes it's been 3 years since my dad died and as I think about the man he was and the person he would want me to be I'm reminded that he wouldn't want me or anyone who knew him to be sad today.  He would want us to celebrate his life, party, and remember all the good times.  Lord knows there were plenty.  Although, I would be lying if I acted as if there isn't a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes as I write this.  My dad was like no other man I have ever known.  Although I have to admit they say a girl marries her dad...I fully believe that, lord knows my husband is about as close to my dad as I can get.  My most recent best memory of my dad was our last family trip to Daytona.  I have never seen him happier.  He loved having the bikes there and being able to ride on the beach.  The best time and most memorable for me was at the Boot Hill.  We sat down and had a few drinks and it was at that time that I saw my dad relaxed and happy.  That day was probably on of the best.  That whole trip was the best, for me anyway.  My new take on today is to celebrate, be happy, and remember all the good things.  He wouldn't want a single one of us to be sad.  He would want us to laugh and and tell all the great stories that we have.  If you didn't know my dad let me give you a little incite.  My dad was a big teddy bear, on most occasions.  The rest of the time he was a gruff, take no crap grizzly bear.  And he would fight and defend his cubs like no other.  My dad would do anything for anyone until you crossed the line, then you had to prove to him he could trust you again.  Growing up he didn't do much with my brother and I, but he made up for it later on.  When I was younger I couldn't imagine sitting down and talking to my dad, but as I got older, I couldn't imagine not talking to my dad.  He was notorious for calling at random with silly thoughts or just to ask what you were watching on TV so he could watch with you and talk on the phone.  I never dreamed my dad would be like that, but he was.

So take a minute today to remember those you may have lost in your life.  And while you do that try to remember something great about them.  I know for me, it was just spending time with my dad.  Our daddy, daughter motorcycle rides, hanging out with him on his days off, just him and I.  I couldn't be more blessed to have had such a great man in my life.  And today I will smile knowing how happy I made him during his time here.

New Direction

So I decided it's time to get back into school mode.  My step father is taking classes through Grand Canyon University.  I decided to apply to see what would happen!  Well I got in.  Now it's a matter of making sure I can get the financial aid approved.  I'm looking to do business administration, but they also offer sports marketing and management which is what I've always wanted to do.  So...I'm torn as far as what I want to do.  Maybe do the business administration first then get the sports marketing.  

So that's about all that's happening here.  I'm really excited because the MotoGP series starts next week.  We went to Supercross last night and had a great time!  Well I'll get back to y'all later.

I'm not alone

As most of you know I'm a huge NASCAR fan. I follow many of the drivers as well as their families. This is a blog from Kyle Petty's daughter Montgomery Lee. It's amazing to know I'm not alone in this journey with infertility. She said everything I have wanted to say for so long. We too know God has a plan for us and we will one day have a baby. But its hard and frustrating when it seems like everyone around you can get pregnant and you can't. Thank you Montgomery Lee for having the courage to tell your story.

http://montgomerylee.tumblr.com/post/3689172166/its-a-sisterhood

Good Week

So last week started out a little rough.  I ended up with that nasty stomach virus that's going around.  I guess that's not a good thing.  The good thing was going to my MD appointment on Wednesday.  I am so proud to announce that since starting my weight loss journey I have now lost a total of 13 pounds and I have lost 9 of if in the last 6 weeks.  I am so excited.  I'm now going to start working on adding in exercise.  Besides trying to use my Kinect to exercise, I think I want a bike.  I haven't had a bike forever and I think it will be a great way for me to work out and it will be low impact on my knees.  I really can't do a lot of high impact stuff yet and walking always is a challenge with my ankles.  Which hopefully will get better as I lose weight.  I do hope to walk in Race for a Cure this year though.  So my goal for the next 6 weeks and the weather gets better I'm going to get outside more.  I hope to start walking more and I'm really going to look into the whole bike thing.  I'm also going to have to start investing in clothes in multiple sizes.  I was so excited that I was able to get into my skinny jeans this weekend.  It's been awhile since I have been able to fit in those. 

I hope everyone has a great week!!!  I'm hoping this is the start of a great month.

Zach's finger

This is what happens when you smash your finger between a drill and a meter base. Sitting at Immediate Care to have it checked. Zach did this on Friday and here it is Tuesday and we are having it checked. Hope they don't have to cut it off.

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So true...

A friend just posted this and I thought it was worth reposting. If you wondered what trying to conceive is like for someone with infertility issues just read this.

What Nobody Told You About Trying to Conceive...

That your sex life would start to resemble a science experiment.

That you would see your OBGYN/RE more often than your DH at O time.

That the longer you TTC, the more PG women spring up around you.

That deep down inside, I can be a very jealous person.

That I would know more about the female reproductive system and menstrual cycle than most of the doctors I go to.

That living your life in 2 week increments would be the norm.

That you have no control over some of the goals you set.

That I wasted ALOT of money on Birth control pills!!

That it would help bring a group of wonderful, caring, funny, empathetic women together like this.
That I could have been rich saving money on condoms, which were obviously unecessary.

That other people's "good news" of pregnancy makes me sad and when they tell me they have good news, I hope that they just saved a bunch of money on car insurance by switching to Geico.

That had I bought stock in Clearblue Easy I'd have my mansion on St. Pete's Beach in FL by now.

That I would become addicted to POAS and not sleep at night because I couldn't wait to POAS in the morning!

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Time Flies

So as the title reads time does fly.  It's been a few weeks since I blogged.  Between me being sick, then Zach being sick, and working crazy hours the last few weeks, It's been a little hectic to say the least.  So I'm sure I'm losing weight, I just don't know how much. I know I lose weight when my cloths fit loose.  I'm so excited.  I am trying, but like all people I have days where that's very hard. 

So enough about that.  I'm so excited about so many things happening right now.  One of my favorite past times is starting back up.  Yep you got it.  Nascar is back.  One of my many joys.  It seems we have a busy summer coming up.  I love concerts.  We decided to buy a ticket this year that would let us see 6 concerts!  They are all wonderful shows. On top of that we have tons of fun things happening with ABATE of Indiana as well.  I am so blessed to have wonderful friends who have gotten Zach and I involved in ABATE.   It's funny, Zach and I have great friends, but they are not only friends they are family.  I just love them all so much.  Each one is different, but we are all the same in many ways.

So...April 16th is Race for a Cure.  I want nothing more then to walk the whole 5k, but I just don't think I can.  I know I have a month and a half, but I'm just not sure I can do it.  This makes me sad.  I have seen the Pulmonologist and he said my lung capacity is low.  Just walking a short distance I start wheezing.  It really sucks.  So I'm going to work really hard on trying to get this better.  I know it sounds silly, but we bought a new X-Box with the Kinect.  I bought a dancing game and I love it.  It makes me sweat, but that's good for me.  I figure if I'm doing something that's better then nothing.  Here is the info if you are wanting to join our team for Race for a Cure http://race.komenindy.org/site/TR?team_id=45292&pg=team&fr_id=1090&s_tafId=25070  I'll be joining on Friday.  We are walking for my mother-in-law Tammy and my cousin Libby.

As far as the whole baby thing...well we aren't really doing much there.  We don't like to say we are trying, because that just leads to heartache month after month.  I have to say, it is really frustrating that many of the shows that are on TV right now think that infertility is something to joke about or make light of.  I love Grey's Anatomy, but I don't remember my husband laughing as he was shooting medications in my butt.  It just seems like infertility is the hot topic right now.  There have been so many articles and shows right now that this seems to be the main topic.  Now don't get me wrong...I love that we are even talking about infertility.  What upsets me are the shows that make light of infertility or that think all you have to do is take a few pills and get a few shots and you will end up pregnant.  This is not that case at all, trust me I know.  Why don't we talk about the financial implications of infertility.  First off, most insurance companies don't cover the cost of fertility medications or the actual procedure that you have to go through.  Some will cover the the testing to find out if you have infertility, but that's about it.  Next lets talk about what the medications do to your body.  As if your don't feel bad enough already add in large doses of hormones and see what happens then.  Then you have those that say well you can always adopt.  Well it's hard enough when you already know you may never have a baby, lets add in the thought of going through the whole adoption process.  That's heartbreaking too.

OK, OK...I will come off my soap box now.  Part of my whole better me plan is to be healthier all the way around.  I have found a company that can help me do that.  I'm not going to sell anything, but if you want to know more about it let me know.  But on that note, I do have a friend who is selling Thirty-One.  Here is her information if you are interested in looking or maybe buying something.  Let me know.  I want to have a party, but I don't have good luck with people showing up.  http://www.mythirtyone.com/mgolden/

And here's the Muppets!

I honestly didn't have a better title.  I'm digging deep for the Muppet title.  Why, you ask? First for all I loved the Muppet's when I was younger.  I wanted to say little, but considering I've only grown 8 inches since I was 10, it's hard to say little!  Hahaha!!! Anywho, after my last blog, I was faced with the realization that I was actually doing this.  Not only was I making myself accountable for the food I put in my mouth, but also the fact that I was documenting this whole thing.  I started thinking about things I wanted to say.  I started thinking about things I could say to be funny.  But then I realize, that's just a defense, another brick wall.  It's hard to believe that I am breaking down all those walls.  I am going to see over them, I'm going to climb over them and kick them down.  I saw my new primary care MD after my last blog.  Normally I would be very against being told I need to diet, but not this time.  As part of my new outlook, I'm embarrassing all the help I can get.  My MD wants me to try a diabetic diet.  I'm allowed 1500 calories a day.  You have no idea how hard that is if you've never counted calories before.  I blew it big time my first day, hell lets be realistic my first 4 days.  But then I got my act together.  I've been super good about checking the calorie count of everything that goes in my mouth.  I even have my wonderful husband on board now.  We went grocery shopping last night and he was check the calorie count of everything.  It was super cute and funny.  We are learning very slowly how all this works, but the last few days have gone very well.

So again I was reminded why children are so adorable.  We went the other night to pick up one of our friend's son.  He's 3 and so sweet.  He asked me if we have children.  I told him no.  Then he asked if I had toys at my house.  I told him I did.  Then he asked why I didn't have a son.  My response...ask your Uncle Zach!  I could explain to a 3 year old why we don't have children.  I don't know myself.  I just loved him asking all those questions.  But it is hard to have to answer those questions.  Some day soon though, I hope.    For right now we are happy being Aunt Jodi and Uncle Zach to all our nieces and nephews, related and not related.  We have a lot of not related and one precious little nephew.

Thanks for reading.  As always let me know if you have any tips or just want to leave a comment. 

As the title reads I'm Back

Ok so if you've read my previous blog you know I wasn't the best about keeping it up.  I can't promise I will be so much better with this one, but what I can say is I will make a conscious effort to try.  I know that's not much of a promise, but it's about all I have to offer.  So again if you have read any of my older blogs you know my husband and I have struggled with infertility.  In some ways I think there is a reason God has not blessed us with children, but then there are days it's a real struggle for me because I just want a baby.  No just any baby either.  I want a baby that my husband and I created.  I know that sounds so selfish and on those days, trust me...I'm selfish.  Today is not one of those days.  Today...I have a new plan.  I'm going to work on things in my life that I think need fixed.  For starters, my weight.  Here I go admitting the truth...at 31 years of age I am 290lbs.  Yes!  I know...I'm sure you're make the same face I do every time I look at a scale.  I can honestly say I don't EVER remember a time in my life when my weight hasn't been a struggle.  So why am I telling you how much I weight, because starting today I'm holding myself accountable for that weight.  There is no one else to blame but that plump face in the mirror.  My goal with all of this is that I will not only lose weight and be accountable for any weight I gain, but maybe somewhere along the way I can help someone.  For me the decision to lose weight was due to a major health scare.  It's funny, but the thing that put me in the hospital was completely unrelated to my weight.  But because of my weight and the meds I'm on, they just assumed I had Type II Diabetes.  I don't, but I do take Metformin for my infertility diagnosis.  I have PCOS.  This syndrome causes insulin resistance.  So yes, I'm at a higher risk for Type II DM, but I'm not there yet.  The chance to have a baby is also what drives me to this new adventure.  I'm hoping with some major weight loss I will be able to get pregnant.  I'm not hold out hope for that to happen, but it would be nice if it did.  So along the way I'm going to chronicle my journey.  I know this is going to be a LONG difficult road, but it's one I have to do.  At this point in my life I have no choice.  So join me along the way.  I will share any helpful tips I find.  Also I'll give you updates about things in general.  For me this blog is an outlet.  You may not always agree with everything I say, and lots of times I second guess myself, but hang in there.  Feel free to drop me an email at birdiejm@gmail.com if you have any tips you want to share.  This should be a fun ride.