Wednesday, February 28, 2007

Wacky Wednesday quiz of the week...

Here it is yet again, Wacky Wednesday, and here is your quiz of the week...





Your Birth date: June 24



You understand people well and are a natural born therapist.

A peacemaker, people always seem to get along when you are around.

You tend to be a father or mother figure to friends, even to those older than you.

You enjoy your role, and you find that you are close to many people.



Your strength: Your devotion



Your weakness: Reliance on others for happiness



Your power color: Lilac



Your power symbol: Heart



Your power month: June

Pollutants change 'he' frogs into 'she' frogs (what's the world coming to?)

Pollutants change 'he' frogs into 'she' frogs by Marlowe Hood
AP: Tue Feb 27, 7:02 AM ET




PARIS (AFP) - Frogs that started life as male tadpoles were changed in an experiment into females by estrogen-like pollutants similar to those found in the environment, according to a new study.

The results may shed light on at least one reason that up to a third of frog species around the world are threatened with extinction, suggests the study, set to appear in the journal Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry in May.

In a laboratory at Uppsala University in Sweden, two species of frogs were exposed to levels of estrogen similar to those detected in natural bodies of water in Europe, the United States and Canada.

The results were startling: whereas the percentage of females in two control groups was under 50 percent -- not unusual among frogs -- the sex ratio in three pairs of groups maturing in water dosed with different levels of estrogen were significantly skewed.

Even tadpoles exposed to the weakest concentration of the hormone were, in one of two groups, twice as likely to become females.

The population of the two groups receiving the heaviest dose of estrogen became 95 percent female in one case, and 100 percent in the other.

"The results are quite alarming," said co-author Cecilia Berg, a research in environmental toxicology. "We see these dramatic changes by exposing the frogs to a single substance. In nature there could be lots of other compounds acting together."

Earlier studies in the United States, Berg explained, linked a similar sex-reversal of Rana pipiens male frogs -- one of the two species used in the experiment -- in the wild to a pesticide that produced estrogen-like compounds.

"Pesticides and other industrial chemicals have the ability to act like estrogen in the body," Berg said. "That is what inspired us to do the experiment," she said referring to her collaborator and lead author of the article, Irina Pettersson, also a researcher at Uppsala.

The other species examined was the European common frog, Rana temporaria.

Some of sex-altered males became fully functioning females, but other had ovaries but no oviducts, making them sterile, Berg explained.

The study does not measure the potential impact of pollutant-driven sex change for frog species, but the implications, said Berg, are disquieting.

"Obviously if all the frogs become female it could have a detrimental effect on the population," she said.

The only immediate remedy, she continued, would be to improve sewage treatment in areas where frogs and other amphibians might be affected to filter out estrogen concentrations coming from contraceptive pills and from industrial pollutants.

Tuesday, February 27, 2007

Thank you MW, the gifts are wonderful

MW is just wonderful, as always, she is so considerate, and Chynna will be so stylish when she is sporting these fabulous gifts.

Thank you MW!!!


Monday, February 26, 2007

Emotional rollercoaster


Okay, I guess I have to be the first to admit that my emotions are on a roller coaster ride and I am unsure of what the next stop will be.

All day long at work today, I would go from 0 to bitch in a matter of moments with no warning, and then from Bitch to a teary-eyed mess, and then to Angry, with no stops in between, and for no rhyme or reason.

Okay, so maybe there is a reason, my hormones are on a wild ride and I unfortunately have to tag along, and nobody seems to be safe if they get in my way either.

My head knows I shouldn't act this way, but there's no stopping the emotional Monster that emerges. Thankfully, for all those around my Hormonal buttocks, I do have my follow-up appointment with my Gynecologist on Wednesday, let's just hope nobody crosses the roller coaster tracks between now and then, goodness help those who dare to attempt it.


P.S. Ray's gone into hiding I think, so if you see him crouched behind a large rock, let him know I do love him, and I believe this Monster will be gone soon (I hope).

Saturday, February 24, 2007

Happy birthday to one of the bestest men I know, my daddy




Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Daddy, happy birthday to you.

And many, many more!!!!!


Today my daddy (affectionately known as "doot, doot" to me) turns 25!!! (Okay maybe not really, but 25 many times over). He has always told us children that is how old he is, and he can't figure out how his kids got to be older than him, but hey guess that's how it goes.


He is such an amazing man, whom I love very very much, and am so very blessed to have in my life. I LOVE YOU DAD VERY MUCH AND WISH YOU THE HAPPIEST OF BIRTHDAYS YET!

Friday, February 23, 2007

The reason for my bad day




I first wanted to say, thank you to all of you who are so supportive of me, it makes me feel loved and important from all my online bloggy friends who I've never actually met but feel so close to, so much so I feel comfortable sharing my pain with you all, so you understand why I am so very sad.

My dh and I have been trying for some time to get pregnant without any success. We went to a fertility dr. and had tests run and I was diagnosed with PCOS (poly cystic ovary syndrome) and I was told that I was most likely not able to actually get pregnant (too many cysts in my ovaries which didn't allow ovulation, etc.), so Ray and I looked at the other options and our hearts led us to China, and thus our dream of parenthood started to become a reality. Our journey to Chynna has filled our hearts with such love and happiness.

Well b/c of the PCOS it is not unusual for me not to have a menstrual cycle for a few months, so when I didn't have one for about 3 months, nothing unusual there. And I am quite moody normally so nothing weird there either. Well I started getting really itchy feeling, all over and all the time, so about 1 1/2 months ago I went to my primary dr who ran blood work and a pregnancy test (which came back negative) and my histamine levels were high so he thought I was allergic to something (or b/c my stress level was up b/c of work related things) so he had me take antihistamine to reduce the itching.

Two weeks ago I started my menstrual cycle, kinda, again not weird that it was light.

Then about 2:00 a.m. on 2/22 I awoke in the middle of the night with pains in my lower abdomen. I wasn't sure what it was, thinking my stomach was getting upset or I was having gas pains. I tried to go back to sleep, which I would do for about 1/2 an hour or so. Ray said I would wake up and tell him it hurt so bad and then go back to sleep, he wasn't sure if I was "dreaming" or what so he didn't think about it. Then about 3:30 a.m. or 4:00 a.m. it was getting worse and more often. By 5:00 a.m. it was happening about every 2-3 minutes. I called my mom to ask "what do labor pains feel like" to which she asked "why" and when I told her (while having more and more severe pains) she insisted I go to the ER right away. Ray rushed me to the hospital and while awaiting our "turn" in the ER I miscarried, a baby I didn't even know I was carrying, nor would I understand this until hours and hours later. They ran a urine test (with what little I could give them), blood work (after poking me like I was a pin cushion cuz my veins are difficult to find), and ultrasounds (inside and out). The ER dr. about 1:00 p.m. (when we finally got to see him) asked me (and these were the first words out of his mouth) "how long have you been pregnant" and "why didn't you tell the nurses when you first got here". Ray and I were in complete shock, what do you mean pregnant???? And how did I not know I was pregnant??? I was still having some severe pains but not as bad as when I first got there at 5:30 a.m. He did a vaginal exam and thinks he removed the remainder of the fetal tissue. He told me they couldn't find a baby when they did the ultrasounds so they believe I miscarried that morning in the ER waiting room too. He told me my levels were so high I "had to be pregnant for some time now".

Now I am just sad, angry, happy (because I found out I can get pregnant), confused, it's strange. My emotions are just all over, I don't know how to feel.

But then I think, I am so loved by my husband, my family, my friends, my co-workers, and my online friends. And I know I will make it through this, it will take some time, but I know I am strong and I can pull through this.

Besides, the CCAA is gonna work hard after CNY and the lines are gonna start moving quicker, and before we know it, Chynna will be in our arms and home where she belongs.

And that my friends is why my bad day was worse than yesterday's poop picture...

Thursday, February 22, 2007

Bad day

I had a really bad day today, which I'm sorry but I'm not ready to share my sad news yet, but hopefully will feel up to sharing soon.

So, I got this in an email, and it kinda made me giggle a little (something I really need right now), so I'd thought I'd share it with you.

You know you're having a bad day when...



(Unfortunately my day was worse than this, but yet I guess it may have a positive side to it too, I'm just not ready for the positive yet).

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

Another Wacky Wednesday, Emmie style...

Okay, finally Emmie posted Wacky Wednesday, and since I enjoyed the results, check 'em out...


Your Hair Should Be Blue

Wild, brilliant, and out of control.
You're a risk taker with an eye to the future.


Come on, join in the fun and play along, we all could have funky inner hair color, but you don't know if you don't play.

Wacky Wednesday yet again

This is usually Emmie's post that I participate in, but this week she hadn't yet posted her Wacky Wednesday, and I saw this one on TundraChica so I "borrowed" it.

So here it is, the Wacky Wednesday quiz of the week "What color is your brain?":

Your Brain is Blue

Of all the brain types, yours is the most mellow.
You tend to be in a meditative state most of the time. You don't try to think away your troubles.
Your thoughts are realistic, fresh, and honest. You truly see things as how they are.

You tend to spend a lot of time thinking about your friends, your surroundings, and your life.

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Thank you Cyber Pal Stacey C.

I came home today from work, and there awaiting on my doorstep was a very appreciated package from my 7/06 DTC Yahoo Group Cyber Pal Stacey C.


I can't wait til Chynna comes home to enjoy it playing "twinkle twinkle" as she saves her money in it.

Thank you Stacey!!!



Sunday, February 18, 2007

Happy Year of the Pig!!


Well today is Chinese New Year, and the first day of the Year of the Golden Pig.

Years
1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031

Pig personality traits
Intellectually curious, honest and tolerant, those born in the Year of the Pig can be relied upon for their loyalty and often make true friends for life.

Like the knights of old, Pigs are often highly regarded for their chivalry and pureness of heart, and will often sacrifice their own well-being for the greater good.

The Pig can be very naive, however, and may easily fall victim to the unscrupulous
who take advantage of their idealistic nature - as Pigs see everyone as loyal and caring as they are. Although forced to play the fool many times, they will just as likely hold fast to the notion that everyone is at heart decent and admirable.

Stubbornly optimistic, the Pig will not tolerate those with well-meaning advice on how to be a Pig, but since they dislike quarreling and discord their anger usually cools quickly. Sometimes looked upon as a snob, the Pig just finds it right and natural to exhibit good manners whenever possible. Their main goal in life is in serving others, and no matter how difficult circumstances become the Pig will never waiver or retreat, forging ahead in the sure knowledge that all will be well.

Pig people love to read, are generally thirsty for knowledge, and not readily talkative, but if presented with an opportunity to discuss topics of interest with like-minded individuals Pigs may find themselves talking non-stop for hours!

People born in the Year of the Pig are trusted associates in whatever career they
happen to choose and often shine as entertainers, social activists or politicians.

Pigs are most compatible with : Rabbit, Sheep

Famous people born in the Year of the Pig : Lucille Ball, Humphrey Bogart, Thomas Jefferson, Ernest Hemingway, Alfred Hitchcock, Mahalia Jackson, David Letterman, Arnold Schwarzenegger......and possible our Chynna too!!!

Saturday, February 17, 2007

Mystery killer fungus attacks frogs (OH NO !! SAVE THE FROGS!!!)


Mystery killer fungus attacks frogs
Thursday, February 15, 2007

Experts from around the world are launching a campaign to tackle a mysterious killer fungus - which threatens to make frogs extinct.

The strange fungus has wiped out 170 species of frog in the last decade and an additional 1,900 species are threatened, but nobody has yet found a cure.

Now scientists are meeting to organise a worldwide effort to fight it.

They are also asking zoos, aquariums and botanical gardens to take in threatened frogs until the fungus can be stopped.

The group, called Amphibian Ark, hopes to prevent the world's more than 6,000 species of frogs, salamanders and wormlike sicilians from disappearing.

They will meet in Atlanta in the US.

Joseph Mendelson, curator of herpetology at Atlanta zoo and an organizer of Amphibian Ark, said: 'This is the precedent of a disease working its way across an entire species on the scale of all mammals, all birds or all fish.

'Humans would be absolutely stupid if they didn't pay attention to that.'

Amphibians - of which frogs make up the majority - are a vital part of the food chain, eating insects that other animals don't touch and connecting the world of aquatic animals to land dwellers.

Without amphibians, the insects that would go unchecked would threaten public health and food supplies.

Amphibians also serve important biomedical purposes. Some species produce a chemical used as a pain reliever for humans; one species is linked to a chemical that disables the virus that causes AIDS.

Amphibian Ark wants zoos, botanical gardens and aquariums in each country to take in at least 500 frogs from a threatened species to protect them from the killer fungus, which is called chytrid fungus.

Each frog would get cleaned to make sure it doesn't introduce the scourge into the protected area.

The group estimates it will cost between $400 million and $500 million (£200 million to £250 million) to complete the project. It is launching a fundraising campaign next year.

Preserved frog found: Now this is news I love to read




Sat Feb 17, 12:42 AM ET AP reports:


MEXICO CITY - A miner in the state of Chiapas found a tiny tree frog that has been preserved in amber for 25 million years, a researcher said. If authenticated, the preserved frog would be the first of its kind found in Mexico, according to David Grimaldi, a biologist and curator at the American Museum of Natural History, who was not involved in the find.

The chunk of amber containing the frog, less than half an inch long, was uncovered by a miner in Mexico's southern Chiapas state in 2005 and was bought by a private collector, who lent it to scientists for study.

A few other preserved frogs have been found in chunks of amber — a stone formed by ancient tree sap — mostly in the Dominican Republic. Like those, the frog found in Chiapas appears to be of the genus Craugastor, whose descendants still inhabit the region, said biologist Gerardo Carbot of the Chiapas Natural History and Ecology Institute. Carbot announced the discovery this week.

The scientist said the frog lived about 25 million years ago, based on the geological strata where the amber was found.

Wednesday, February 14, 2007

Wacky Wednesday, Valentine's Day, and 7 Months

First of all, it's Wacky Wednesday on Emmie's blog, so time to play along once again...

You Are Vanilla Ice Cream

Your personality is anything but "vanilla"
You're a risk taker, who's up for anything new.
You go well with anyone and fit into any situation.

You are most compatible with rocky road ice cream.


Also, it's Valentine's Day, so take the time today to tell your loved ones how much you love them and appreciate them.



And finally, today marks our 7th month of waiting since LID. Are we about half way there now or only a 1/4 of the way??? Only time will tell. All we know is we are still waiting get into that darned review room, but soon, I can just feel it, soon!!!

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

10 things I really like beginning with T


Aimee sent me this meme that is based on a single letter. She sent me the letter "T", so these are 10 things I really like that begin with a "T":

1. Talking. Some people say I do this too much (right Mom?).

2. Teaching others. I know this isn't my profession but I enjoy showing others how to do things that I already know how to do.

3. Taking pictures. I'm not very good at it, but hey I try.

4. Teasing others by my smarty comments. I can't help it, it's fun.

5. Tea. Hot tea with milk (english style) and southern sweet tea (hold the lemon please).

6. Tall tales. I don't know why, but they always fascinate me.

7. Thursdays. Only because it is the only "T" close to the weekend, hehe.

8. Travelling. Especially on cruises. I love the new places to see and explore.

9. Toast. For whatever strange reason, if I have this with a meal, I always save it for last.

AND FINALLY:

10. Toads. Okay not really toads, but frogs, but they are in the same reptile family, so I really like them too!!

**If you want to play along, you can leave me a comment and I'll send you an email with a letter (I promise not to send "x" or other goofy letters)

Monday, February 12, 2007

Embarrassing Moments

Okay I saw this video and after I picked myself off the floor from laughing so hard, I thought I'd divulge an embarrassing moment of mine, but first the video:




Oh so funny, but oh so embarrassing.

Okay, now for my oh so embarrassing moment. In High School English class we were supposed to recite from Julius Caesar the "Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ear" speech, and I practiced, and memorized, and worked on it over and over, at home, with friends, by myself. I was ready. Now mind you, I don't do well at giving speeches, I get really nervous before a group of people and it doesn't matter if they are all my friends or strangers, same horrible feeling overcomes me (get where this is going yet?? bet you don't!!!) All my friends got called to do the same speech before me and they all did amazing!! Not a word missed, not a stutter heard, they were loud and proud. But then it was my turn "Dannye, please come to the front of the room..." I stood up, started to walk to the front of the room, and got really light headed (and apparently quite pale faced too) so the wonderful teacher asked me to quickly sit back down, which I happily complied with. Never have I passed out before, but let me tell you I think I may have if I had to go to the front of the class and stand in front of all those people (30 friends/acquaintances) and recite those words, the words I knew. I did have to give my speech, but luckily I only had to stand in front of the teacher, after class, and passed with flying colors (and all the color in my face too). My friends laughed at me for a few days about it, finding it quite funny that even though I am an easy going person, who is very outgoing, I can't stand in front of a roomful of people I know and talk to them without freaking out. I never got over that fear, but hey I don't plan on becoming a public speaker anytime soon (unless of course you count this blog as public speaking, this I can do, standing on my head!!! hehehe).

Come on now, share something embarrassing that happened to you! I won't tell anyone (wink, wink).

Chynna's nursery so far

Okay, some of you have been wondering where I have been and the only excuses I have is that I have been lazy and I didn't really have anything fun to post about.

Well, Steffie had a great idea posting pictures of Sophia's nursery, so I decided to "borrow" her posting idea and post some pictures of Chynna's nursery as it is now (we are still working on obtaining the furniture and stuff, but it's a start)

This is Chynna's fan (sorry it's looks kinda weird, I laid on the floor and took the picture from underneath).















And this is her dollhouse/bookshelf (we are fortunate enough to have started her book collection, gotta love Dr. Seuss)












And this is some of my stuffed animals I had growing up (along with my original Cabbage Patch and other dolls) that will be passed down to Chynna for her playing enjoyment.

Now if only we could bring her home soon.....

Thursday, February 8, 2007

My brother spoils me (and Chynna too)


My brother decided since CNY was coming and it's the Year of the Pig, he would spoil me (and Chynna) with a really cool present, the Fisher Price Laugh and Learn Piggy Bank, it really is cool, it teaches colors, counting, coordination, songs, music. It's great!

Hopefully it won't be too worn out by the time Chynna comes home (but hey a girl's gotta know how the toys work to teach our babies right???).

Thanks Jimmy I love it and know Chynna will too! I love you!!!!

Right now....


I got this different, cool meme from my one of my online bloggy friends TundraChic and decided since I had nothing exciting to blog about, I'd give it a go, so here we go:

This meme's answers are about me, at 7:50 am (EST) on February 8, 2007.

1. What are you wearing? Plum dressy shirt, jeans, my rings, my watch, and of course my bracelets that will remain on my wrist until Chynna is in my arms, oh yeah, and my glasses (otherwise I wouldn't be able to see the computer screen)

2. Where are you sitting? On a chair

3. What room are you in? the computer room

4. What do you hear? Freckles trying to make himself comfortable on the couch for his morning nap, and a really happy bird outside the window.

5. What do you smell? My vanilla deodorant I just put on (it Secret, and I love it).

6. What can you feel (besides the keyboard)? the cool air, my stomach telling me I should eat some breakfast soon, and the headache I can feel coming on

7. Is anyone in the room with you? No

8. Are you hot or cold? Kinda just right

9. Are you comfortable or uncomfortable? Comfortable (just a little sleepy, trying to still wake up before getting on the road to work).

10. What are you eating OR what are you digesting? Nothing yet, but in a few Special K with Berries (dry while driving down the road)

11. What are you craving? At the moment nothing, but lately CHOCOLATE

12. What kind of mood are you in? A blah, sleepy mood at the moment, but that is subject to change once I've had breakfast and my body has totally woken up

13. What is something red you can see in the room? the hat on my singing/dancing frog

14. What is the most interesting object in the room? Me, of course, hehehe.

15. Do you have to pee? Nope, I'm good right now, thanks.


Well that's all there is about me, if you feel you'd like to participate let me know so I can check out your answers too!!

Wednesday, February 7, 2007

What Planet Should you Rule (Emmie's Wacky Wednesday Quiz)

It's that time again, Emmie's Wacky Wednesday quiz. I love playing along, and once again, we seem to have the same results...

You Should Rule Venus

Venus is a mysterious, stormy planet - shrouded in a thick layer of clouds.

You are perfect to rule Venus, because you are quite emotional and volatile yourself.
Your emotions change as rapidly as the weather on Venus, and both you and the planet are incomprehensible to others.

While you are not a logical thinker, you are quite empathetic.
You can care for and understand others, but your emotions swirl too quickly to truly understand yourself.


Don't be a spoiled sport, jump on the Wacky Wednesday train and play along!!!

Monday, February 5, 2007

Okay I finally accept the photo challenge

Okay after much procrastination, I finally give up and decided I better participate (otherwise I may not be invited to participate in other fun photo hunts), so after much ado, here they are, my photos of growing up:

First you have one of my parents favorite baby picture of me (and I have to admit, I am quite cute, I know you just want to say "awwwww")







Then this one is one of my first high school boyfriends (I wonder what ever happened with him, after 9th grade year he moved into another school district and I never heard from him again) and here I thought that he was "the one" (man how starry eyed I was, hehehe).






And lastly I'll share this photo of some friends and I participating in Spirit Day in High School (senior year I must add), how funny that we weren't embarrassed to be out in public dressed like that (I'm the one in the middle front with the stuffed monkey, his name is "choco" by the way and I still have him, hehehe).

Okay so that's all the crazy photos for now. Hope you enjoyed them somewhat (or at least got a bit of a chuckle).

Sunday, February 4, 2007

My image of the Review Room

People ask me, "what is the review room you refer to?" and I explain to them about how it is THE Room where our papers we chased after (yup we ran and ran and ran after those papers,
we were almost out of breath once we caught them all) are looked over with a fine tooth comb to verify all the "i's" are dotted, and the "t's" are crossed. It's THE Room we want to be in and out of quickly and without any questions by the Reviewers.

Another question we get is "what does THE Review Room look like?", and I have to tell them since we don't know for sure we have to go with what my wild imagination has created about this room.

As I've discussed in previous posts, I imagine this Room as so:


- It has really really long lines, where people are butt to face with no personal space in line (since I have heard that in China if there is any space in a line the Chinese people don't think you are standing in line and will "fill" that space), so you better be really good "friends" with those around you in line (and hope they wore their deodorant thus reducing some of the B.O., although as long as we stand in this line with no showers and no bathrooms, I can only imagine the smell, ANYWHO.....);


- And since the people in these long lines really want to get into THE Room the door has to be quite sturdy to withstand people trying to "beat it down", hence my mahogany door image, but that's not where it ends.

- I imagine a second door once you get inside the first beautiful mahogany door,
and that door is like a bank vault, one in which only the people who have the right combination can get in, kinda like this one:


- But before you can get into the mahogany door you first have to get past the first guard

- And then in order to get through the second door
you have this guard (which I understand includes the changing of guards there too) to get past:





- then once you are done in THE Room, you get to leave through this door:


- and you walk out with this:


So a big congrats to all my online buddies who have made it through this process. I can't wait until we can breathe easier with that Golden Ticket in our hands, while we once again wait, but this time for the picture of our Chinese Angel:

Saturday, February 3, 2007

Yeah!!! We are close to the review room door, we can almost touch it




The CCAA updated its website (finally) regarding the review room. Now our agency has been doing a GREAT job keeping us informed as to where we are in that long a$$ review room line, but its always a WONDERFUL thing when you get to see it in black and white. Maybe soon, really really soon I'll finally be able to tell you all what kind of door is to the infamous Review Room. I always imagine it as being mahogany and a really thick door that is quite heavy (this is to keep the others in line from breaking down the door, hehe).