Spring Break & Birth Control

Well its me again and I'm on Spring Break! I remember Spring Break being a lot cooler in high school and college when I actually had a break from everything for a solid week. This time its less exciting as I'm still working a full-time job, part-time job and preparing for 2 big tests. Yuck! But at least I'm completely finished (as far as I know) with night classes! HIP HIP HOORAY! It was awfully rough being in class til 8:30 two nights a week. Next quarter I'm only taking one course online, then I have a quarter off before I start nursing school in the fall. IF I start nursing school in the fall. Trying/hoping for a teaching job in the meantime, because I miss kids (never thought I'd see the day!) and I really hate not operating on the same schedule as my hottie hubby. So we'll see! Keep praying with me! I must note here that I have managed to hang on to my 4.0 for another quarter! It could be my obsessive-compulsive notecard writing, there are literally notecards all over our house.

Anyhow, that's really all I've got going on in my happy little life right now. Work is ok, I'm quite sick of filing and using my oh-so-professional phone voice, but it pays and I get to read. Hubby and I are planning to start working out or at least doing some form of physical activity soon, but we keep putting it off until "tomorrow." Seeing as each day passes with us pushing it off on another tomorrow it has turned into a vicious cycle. The baby fever is waning slightly, but more due to the fact that sweet Tyler is adamently against procreating at this time than me not wanting to get fat and make a human. What doesn't help is that I've just learned of THREE new parents-to-be! THREE! I heard of these within 12 hours and for a moment I thought there was some conspiracy against me. You see, I hate being jealous and I was quite jealous. However, when all those babies are potty-training I'm sure I'll be glad its just Tyler and me. As usual, I'm still hoping this is all a phase. Neither of us is actually good with children (we're quite awkward, really) and we're nowhere near financially stable enough for little Lipseys.

In reproduction-related news, I have a new interest in birth control methods. Dad, stop reading now, I know how freaked out you are that I even possess reproductive organs. You might think this is inappropriate to speak of on this public blog, but I have questions and you just might have my answers! Plus we're all adults here...at least as far as I know...still, I appreciate appropriateness and if I really thought I was toe'ing the line I wouldn't talk about this. The truth is, birth control is expensive. The other truth is that trips to the emergency room + follow up appointments are even more expensive. Thus, we're running out of health insurance funds. I'm doing a little bit of research on ovulation cycles (couldn't get enough reproductive talk in anatomy, I suppose), and how they can be used for birth control. Of course, I'm mostly finding information on how to track your most fertile days, but I'm sure I could just avoid those days like the plague and be ok! Thoughts? I know I speak a lot about my baby fever, but I truly know that we're not ready for babies right now and I'm really trying to avoid a pregnancy...I'm just also trying to avoid paying nearly $100 on the teensy pills every month. I've got a doctor's appointment Friday to beg for either generic pills or more information on tracking the ole cycle, but I love opinions from real people (doctors aren't real people are they? Kidding Dr. Melisa, in case you read this) and you guys usually come through for me! I will also add that I've read some hilarious stuff (due in part to my own immaturity) in my search for these ovulation calendars/fertility trackers, so you might want to google it and enjoy!

Heavy stuff this evening, hope I don't have you squirming in your seat! Love to hear from you as always & keep me in your prayers!

XOXO,
Hannah

Priorities.

Hello friends! Real quick post before I hit the hay because I'm exhausted from a day FULL of studying for my anatomy final tomorrow (yucky). Please say a little prayer..I need a 64 on the final to make an A in the class, so as long as I stay level headed (quite a task) I should be good to go.

I want to post about our incredible message at church today, but as usual I don't want to ramble too much and completely ruin it for you. We discussed prioritizing and how we should (obviously) put God first. He used an awesome metaphor with rocks and a vase (you kind of had to see it), but the main point was that your God rock should come before your other rocks. And your other rocks should be prioritized as well...for example, your spouse rock should come before your facebook rock. He talked about how you spend the most of your time doing what you put first...I felt as though I'd been smacked with a giant rock myself(not funny). The point for mebeing, I spend way too much time on fbook. I knew it already,  but sheesh it hit home today. He mentioned that putting God first could/should include spending time with Him first thing in the morning. I felt hugely convicted with that because my morning is not complete without a little face-stalking. So, though I've officially been talked out of a complete facebook hiatus, I am trying to cut back. Sounds ridiculous, doesn't it? It's not that I'm that interested in what you're all doing (although a large portion of you are having babies), I just use it as a procrastination/time-wasting tool...prevents productivity and I've become quite lazy. I digress, as always, check out the message here.

I've received all kinds of fabulous news from my best friends this weekend, but as its not my story to tell I'll have to wait til they come public with it all to share it with you. But I have to give a big hooray and praise the Lord for all of His blessings on them!

If you'd like to check out my wonderful hubby and his band, check my facebook wall and he'll be there 3 times conducting his little heart out. I realize you may not be into band or perhaps you're like me and don't understand it, but I'm a so proud of him, so I have to share anyway!

I believe that's it, aside from a bitter rant about taxes because I'm not getting money back, but perhaps I'll save that for another day or let it go. Say a prayer for my final!

XOXO,
Hannah

Twitter Quitter

Hey loves! I'm sitting here on my couch waiting my turn in the shower and figured I'd post really quick since I've not in awhile. Too long of a while.

Any how, I'm thinking of quitting facebook. I don't even have a twitter account so my title's kind of moot, but I thought it was clever and I'm always seeking to be just that. Facebook has become the ultimate time suck and I'm not getting things done because I'm trying to keep up with your life. Typically, your life is no more exciting than mine, so I'm not sure why this is necessary. Unless you are pregnant...is there a pregnant book I can join so that I can continue to live vicariously through those with the big round tummies that have tiny humans inside? I should create one. A website, not a pregnancy. Only that would be creepy since I'm not pregnant and don't plan to become that way anytime soon. In fact I'm hoping this "pregnancy is awesome and I wish I was pregnant" phase will pass incredibly quickly. So here's what I'm wondering, will you still read my blog if I don't consistently post links on facebook? Because I want to keep blogging...and when you tell me I'm funny/have good ideas/should write a book, well that keeps me going. I haven't made up my mind yet, but I'm leaning in the facebook quitter direction. I'll keep you updated...via facebook, ironically.

In other good news, my friend Julie is having a baby boy!!! YES! She's not due until September so I have to practice extreme patience (terrible at that), but I'm sure we'll make it. Ethan or Eli will be adorable and I can't wait to meet (read:steal) him!

More good news, my sweet, charming, adorable, nearly-perfect husband took his concert band to their large group performance evaluation yesterday. I am proud to announce that he got straight 1's and his band is "SUPERIOR!" Therefore, Mr. Lipsey is superior himself. I'm inclined to agree! We're currently listening to a professional recording of his band's performance and I am amazed. As someone who knows almost nothing about music (except that we in the dance world count it in sets of 8), I'm impressed that these young students can make a sound like that. I personally don't have the hand-eye coordination nor the desire to sit still that such talent requires. What an excellent teacher they must have! I'm also surprised at the difference in the sound of marching band music and concert band music. Whatever we're listening to right now is simply beautiful. And so is the man who is unconsciously conducting the recording. Hello, I'm Hannah and I'm teary-eyed because I'm so proud of my superior husband. And lucky, have I mentioned how lucky I am? Just thought you should know. Brag brag brag. I'm allowed, he's superior!

Well the time has come to prepare for the band chicken dinner (fun?) that, for reasons unknown, is happening at 10am. Bizarre, but I'm sure there's some sort of reason for this. Excited to see the kids...I didn't realize how much I'd miss angsty teenagers when I left the education world. Please, somebody hire me! They were keeping me young! Now I'm frumpy. I need a shopping trip...with someone who has better style than me. And I need my hair done. Why? I haven't had it done since December and its mid-late March. YIKES! No wonder I feel frumpy! I'm off topic...I was saying goodbye!

XOXO,
Hannah

Teach Me to Number My Days

Hi friends! Its been so long (almost a week) since I've posted, so I wanted to make sure you knew that I have not passed on, just been extremely busy! A quick update(which is a lie, because my updates are never "quick" I'm a rambler):

I have not yet been to the doctor, nor have I heard anything from the doctor's office I am trying to go to. Apparently I'm trying to go to an elite doctor (the one hubby goes to) which required me to fill out a new patient packet and wait 5 days to schedule an appointment. Good thing whatever is going on isn't life threatening! At least not that we know of...in all seriousness I've had no more episodes of temporary vision loss/crazy spots/etc. Praise the Lord for that!

In other news, Tyler and I worked audio/visual at church Saturday & Sunday, and I must tell you I walked away humbled with a lot to think about. The new message series is called Time of Your Life, and we're talking about how we spend our time and how, in the grand scheme of things, our lives are tiny and insignificant.

Randy started off talking about how much time we spend wondering what time it is, and estimated most people look at the clock about 20 times a day. Immediately things started hitting home. I'm pretty sure God was cracked up and had good reason for me listening to this message three times (with no cheat notes so I had to pay close attention), because I'm an extreme clock watcher. I have looked at the clock THREE times since starting this blog post. I watch minutes slowly tick by on a regular basis. This series is for me. Just looked a fourth time. Anyway, the basis of the message this week is that we're only here for a brief, tiny second and we shouldn't waste it. We should spend our time furthering God's kingdom and living out His purpose for our lives--not our own. "Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." Psalm 90:12, was the memory verse of the week and sums it up pretty well. I never want to tell too much on here, because I always want you to go listen for yourself! This week's message and notes are posted here, so please go check it out! You won't be sorry. I do want to share the prayer that Randy encouraged us to share and to pray everyday:

"Heavenly Father, teach me to number my days that I might gain a heart of wisdom and fulfill your purpose in my life. Teach me to number my days that I might gain a heart of wisdom, that I might think about my time differently, use my time more wisely, and fulfill your purpose for my life."

On a lighter note, between studying the reproductive system and having approximately 35% of the people I know pregnant, I have myself a serious case of baby fever. The odd part of my predicament is that I'm much more interested in being pregnant than actually having a tiny human for myself. I think there is nothing more fascinating than being pregnant. Before you tell me your horror stories about morning sickness and labor pains, take a moment to think of what a miracle it truly is. Everything has to happen perfectly for you to even find yourself with child. The egg has to be swept into the uterine tube and the sperm has to enter at just the right time (the egg is only viable for ~24 hours after all). They have to meet in the tube, but travel all the way to the uterus, which has to be ready, to implant. Then that tiny mass of cells has to turn into a legitimate human being in less than 9 months. THAT IS COMPLETE INSANITY! First you can't tell me there's no God, as otherwise this would certainly not happen, and you can't tell me that's not the coolest thing you've ever heard. Our microscopic cells meet each other, fuse together, and make PEOPLE! Tiny people! And despite all of this, our little bitty uteruses(not even sure that's a word) get enormous and our organs shift around and our belly buttons stick out and because of hormones we MAKE MILK! What a miracle! I cannot wait to participate in this miracle myself! I'm teary-eyed! Just think about it--reproduction, pregnancy, and anatomy in general are incredible and we are blessed to play a role in it. Fortunately (or perhaps unfortunately) pregnancy always produces a tiny human that grows into a teenager and takes all your money, time, energy, love, attention, etc. for 18+ years. Now, I can't wait to give all of those things to Little Lipsey, but I'm also not finished taking up all of the Mister's money, time, energy, love, attention etc! Kidding, I'm mainly not ready for parenthood as I have no stable career and am terribly irresponsible on the whole. Perhaps I'll finish school and love nursing and buy a car and a house and then Duggar it up and have some babies. Probably not 20, maybe 10. KIDDING, Tyler love! I suppose this is enough rambling about my unhealthy obsession with pregnancy? Maybe now you just know who to call should you need a surrogate??

Ok, I've run out of energy & its time to go watch our new favorite show--Dead Like Me--on Netflix. Its terribly dark and everyone on it has an incredible potty mouth, but Mandy Pantinkin (Inigo Montoya/Agent Jason Gideon)is in it and I'm slightly in love with him. I love his voice and dry sense of humor. The rest of the characters are pretty great too. I digress.

XOXO,

Hannah

Well that was interesting.

Hey friends, going to detail my day a little bit while attempting to keep it short and sweet, because I'm in serious need of REST.

Today I had my first seizure. And I'm not actually sure it was a seizure. If you have any input on the situation I am about to present, please divulge. Please make sure its legitimate input though, as I have had enough people say things that completely frighten me today. Here's how it went down:

Sitting at my desk and its been a perfectly normal day...very typical, did some filing (no problem) and other various and sundry office tasks. Then I picked up my beloved kindle. In the lower right corner there was a weird bright/fuzzy spot, like I'd been staring at a light for a long time. Fairly normal, until it didn't go away. It was distracting to read so I put the book down and stared out the window...the spot was still there. Picked the book back up and realized the spot had grown. I thought it was only in my right eye, so I covered it only to find it was in both--the lower right side of my entire field of vision. Reading was difficult, so I went back to the window staring and found the spot was larger still and now edged with strange psychadelic colors that seemed to pulsate/vibrate. I was in a complete panic. I stood and went to the bathroom--no other side effects, no dizziness or trouble walking, etc., and looked to see that both pupils were dilated. I came back, frantically looking around at everything (not sure if I was completely losing vision or what) and gradually the pulsating slowed and everything came back into focus. I had a weird feeling afterward--a light, airy, out-of-body kind of feeling, but otherwise I've been perfectly fine. Tiny headache, but I'm sure that's from straining to see.

I couldn't get in to see a doctor and my last ER experience was horrendous, so Tyler looked it up online (some credible sources, some not) and it appears to be a simple partial sensory seizure.  It is also said that it can be caused from drug withdrawal....could the steroids really still be harassing me?? After talking to a pharmacist its possible, because I was not weaned off the medication properly. I went from 2 a day to none a day, and most often the dosage follows a 3 pills for 3 days, 2 pills for 2 days, then 1 pill for 1 day pattern. No wonder I'm screwed up. I'm still waiting to receive a packet of information that Tyler's family doctor requires me to fill out BEFORE they'll schedule an appointment, so it appears to be a waiting game until then. Oh, and my micro colleagues seem to think that TIA (transient ischemic attack) aka mini-stroke is a possibility...this "possibility" continues to increase the chances of reoccurence as my blood pressure sky-rockets when I think about it. However, my BP is usually low, I'm under 55, I'm female, I exercise, I have a healthy body weight, and I don't smoke, so this seems unlikely. The only risk factor I've got is poor diet.

I'm completely freaked out, if you're curious. So, I'm asking for you input if you're medical-related personnel and not just trying to scare me. If you're not in the medical field I'd appreciate your prayers, both for my health and my sanity. Have I mentioned I'm freaking out? Had a good cry, which was nice, but I need a good old fashioned doctors appointment & a little talk with Jesus.

Here's to a better tomorrow.

XOXO,
Hannah

Don't feel neglected...

Hey loves!

I'm coming off my steroid "high" if you can call it that, so I've got nothing much to say. Feeling pretty awful and trying to stay awake, but at least I know now that I have re-gained the capability to sleep! YES! I managed to sleep all night last night, and here I am at 2pm longing for my comfy bed again! I've can also hear from BOTH ears now and have been to potty. Other than the sleepy fog, life is good...I feel like a new woman! Hoping this all wears off tonight/tomorrow so I'll feel up to work/school/life in general come Monday. And I promise when I am back to myself I'll give you a decent, sensible post.

Also a Happy Engagement Party wish to my sweet Christa Faye & cousin Cody!! I wish I could be there & I love you both!

XOXO,
Hannah the ultimate sleepy head

PS I've spent at least 1/2 the day thinking about wanting to do something new to my hair. ALWAYS open for suggestions...help me?

Odd Pod

IS IT SERIOUSLY JUST WEDNESDAY!??! This has been the longest week of my entire 23 year, 9.5 month life! No more steroids, please!!!! I'll never eat shellfish or fish at all again...I promise!! Let me tell you what's been going on in my lovely, dramatic, spastic, totally off-kilter life.

Oh wait.

I can't tell you because I have no idea. I'm seriously walking around in a funky haze because I can't focus. At least not for long. But I am wired/crazy/jittery enough to have made 100 on my microbiology test! ROCKSTAR!

Otherwise I've been hearing these types of comments for the past three days:
"I cannot believe how hyper you are."
"Will you please just let me get some sleep??"
"Would you like some Benadryl??"
"I cannot believe how wired you are."

You get the picture. I'm out of control and I'm getting highly annoying. Not to myself, I'm totally care free and at ease even though I'm incredibly tired. However, here is a list of some less than pleasant side effects (because even though I'm totally whacked out on drugs, I still love lists):
1. I'm exhausted (duh).
2. I can't shut up.
3. People have stopped responding to my incessant text messages.
4. I'm so sweaty I woke up with my hair completely soaked this morning.
5. I haven't gone to the bathroom (you know, #2) since Sunday. SUNDAY!
6. I was craving Mexican food at approximately 8:30 this morning...30 minutes after breakfast.
7. I can't hear out of my right ear.
8. I'm dizzy.
9. I'm twitchy/shaky.
10. I've bitten off all of my nails because of all of the aforementioned symptoms.

MISERY! Somebody free me from the bonds of this medication!! Perhaps that is a bit melodramatic, but it is rough and overall I feel terrible. Unfortunately you'd never know from talking to me because I'm crazy hyper and loud. EEK!

So, dance today. I was a little nervous because I thought the old 'roids might send me into a rage if my kids were wild. Luckily they were great! They had all kinds of questions when I told them what was up (had to explain my lack of hearing ability) such as: "Are you going to die Mrs. Hannah?" "Do you see blurry?" "Did it hurt?" and, my favorite, completely unrelated question during the hospital Q&A "Did you know its Dr. Seuss's birthday today!?" Hahaha I love my dance babies! Even when they're wild and test my patience. They did a great job today & are starting to catch on to everything themselves--they'll be doing the routines at the recital without me for sure! Great progress!

Today, one of the little sweeties who reminds me SO MUCH of a younger version of one of my Dazzlers (same impromtu/made up dance moves and all) asked if my iPod was called an odd pod! There's no way its as funny here as it was then, I know because I was there then and am now reading this, but we were totally cracked up. By we I mean myself and my incredibly helpful and fabulous ballet and tap assistant, Kristine, whom I owe tons of thanks for coming in especially to help me out today. I certainly needed her!

I was a little sad today though because I had to give my sweet 6 & 7 year olds a chat about being nice to people because they were being mean. I remember mean dance kids and I don't like that in my class! It breaks my heart to see these tiny little girls being so rotten to each other with all of the eye-rolling and bad attitudes! We had a little talk where they added things like the definition of respect (my girls are smarties!) and the golden rule, then I gave them costumes because they made a group pinky promise to be respectful. Of course they were getting the costumes anyway, but I'm still hopeful the talk helped. We'll see.

Last thing, I promise. I also teach an 8th & 9th grade jazz class and one of my girls complimented my hubby today! She said (without knowing he's mine), "Mr. Lipsey is so nice! He helped me!" To which I responded, "Mr. TYLER Lipsey? The band director??" I love him and I really love hearing good things about him. I was just proud as punch when she said that!! In all seriousness, I'm terribly proud of the job that he does and how much he puts into it...he doesn't want you to know that he works hard or that he loves it as much as he does, but I assure you this is the case. He has the kind of job satisfaction that people (me, especially) dream about. I'm jealous, but my heart is swelled with pride and I get a little teary-eyed just thinking about it. What a good man I have been blessed with! I mean, he hasn't left me yet even though I'm insane with the steroids....

That's all I've got--a serious case of the rambles.

XOXO,
Hannah