My Smartification Baby

Benjamin & I were talking tonight about my upcoming graduation, and how I won't know what to do with myself once I finish. I told him that I would need to prioritize how I would continue my "smartification" (aka, graduate school, teachers certification, MT school...).

Me: I could do a masters in like 4 semesters. I just wish I could find a job that I like. I don't even mean get a job that I like, I just mean find one to apply for.
Benjamin: Yeah, I know.
Me: *pouting* Ugh, it's so hard. *hug* Can I just have a baby instead?
Benjamin: Sure, in a couple of years!
Me: Hmm, I think I could go to school for another 2 years. Sounds like a plan!

Long Time, No Post

It's been a while since I've posted, mostly because of the end-of-semester madness that comes a couple of times each year. Here are some of the things that I remember:

My violin recital went quite well. I got to wear a pretty dress, and there were no major mess-ups! Somehow, I think the fact that the hall was full actually made me less nervous. Strange how that works... But Benjamin & my dad gave me some really pretty flowers, that I've been able to arrange nicely in a vase. It's a pretty mix of dark & light pink gerber daisies (duh), pink calla lilies, and pink gladiolas. Benjamin's family, grandparents, and cousin came, along with my parents & Juliane, Julie & Derek, and Zahra & Neil. I feel I was well supported :)

I was not, however, well supported by my teacher from last semester. I got a B+ in one of my literature classes in the fall, and decided to contest the grade and request an A-. I have gone all semester under the impression that I had until finals to start the process, but really I only had 8 weeks. I met with the professor anyway, and she didn't want to change the grade. I understand that teachers have the final authority on these issues, but I feel like I should not have made an "A/B" (whatever that is) on my paper and a B- on my exam. Especially when her only complaints were things like "don't phrase it that way" and crossing out "their native country" and scribbling in "Czechoslovakia." And really especially when I speak English fluently, and...well...

I have 1 more exam tomorrow, and then I'll be finished!

This summer I'm taking 5 classes:
> Statistics (CCCC)
> Advanced Composition
> World Music
> Intro to Criminal Justice
> US History

And then I'll be finished-finished! I don't know if I'm relieved-excited or scared-excited. Luckily I don't have to decide right now...I just need to get to the point where I do.

Last night Benjamin let Chloe sleep in the bedroom instead of in her kennel in the living room. I didn't notice until I got up to get some water at 4am. So I guess she behaved herself rather well, or maybe I was just tired & didn't notice her walking on me.

It's only 4:40 and I'm ready for a nap.

I'd like to find out what I need to do to get teacher-certified without having to take classes here.

I had a yummy margarita last night, and it was yummy. I want another one today :)

Water Off in Phase III

Dear Resident(s),

Due to an unforeseen emergency repair needed within your phase, it will be necessary to shut off the water to your phase Friday, April 11, 2008, between the hours of 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM. This repair will affect hot and cold water in your apartment home. We will strive to get the water back on as quickly as possible.

Once the water has been turned back on, it is possible that it will take longer than usual for the water to run clear or heat up. Please allow the faucet to run for a few minutes to clear the line of any debris and heat to an acceptable temperature.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you in advance for your cooperation in this matter. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the information center at 972.454.5000.

Sincerely,

Waterview Office People

There have been so many stinking "unforseen emergencies" in Phase III over the past couple of month, I'm about ready to scream. I mean, back when it was about once per month, I was satisfied to attribute the inconvenience to the crappiness that is Waterview. But now, it's increased to once a week.

Two weeks ago, the water was going to be off on a Friday. A Friday! And Fridays are my cleaning/laundry/organizing/making-everything-nice-for-the-Sabbath days! Since 10am-6pm is pretty much the whole day, I was forced to fill up vases with surplus water. That way, I could at least wipe off counters & wash a couple of dishes.

So, I have just been notified that the water will be off again - this Friday. Maybe I'll do all the laundry on Thursday night. I won't be sleeping because they're having a "luau" right outside my window until all hours. Poop.

French Eskimos

I was lying on the couch with Benjamin last night & we were smooching. (Yes, married people still smooch from time to time.) Anyways, the following series of ethnically diverse events took place:

Me: Kiss?
Ben: *kisses me*
seconds pass
Ben: Eskimo kiss! *rub noses*
seconds pass
Ben: Eskimo french kiss! *licks my nose & then rubs noses*

Ok, now that I've typed it up, that looks really boring. The TV was on, though, and we were smooching =P

Women Are Retarded

In my brief moment of faith-in-human-goodness, I posted a question on Yahoo Answers. Hoping to receive some sort of positive support to my ongoing search for birth control without being man-handled (ie, traditional pelvic exam), I checked back a few hours later. As you can see from the following oh-so-educated responses, people were eager to respond. And not nicely, either. Therefore, I have a new thesis: Women are not, as we previously believed, nurturing, as a rule. They are, to a notable degree, self-sure without cause, belligerent to other women, and outright annoying. And lest there be any further attack, I lump myself in with the rest of them from time to time. Let this be my (and our) motivation to break the vicious, Women-Are-Retarded cycle.

Go to the Yahoo Answers page here! It's formatted better. Answers are open until Thursday.

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My Question
Are there doctors that offer birth control pills without a pelvic exam? I'm married & have never had a pelvic exam. I got a BC prescription from Planned Parenthood through their HOPE program, but that's only for a year. I'm coming up on the end of the prescription, and I desperately do not want a traditional exam. I feel like it would be an invasion of my privacy, and since I've only had sex with my husband (and he with me) and have no family risk factors, I see no reason for this to be a requirement.
Does anyone know of a doctor that will offer birth control without a pelvic exam? I'm belonephobic (afraid of needles), but I would rather have a blood test to check for health issues than violate my personal beliefs.
I live in north Texas, but if there's a doctor somewhere else that offers other options to women, there are probably others. Please help!

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Blondie 2442's Response
im 18 and my doctor just gave them to me without one

My Response
Thanks for the response. Knowing this let's me know that several of the below responses were ill-researched. What doofuses.


Coop <3's Response
A pap smear has nothing to do with how many people you've had sex with. It has to do with checking for irregular cells on your cervix, which are not only caused by STDs. So, guess what, you get to suck it up, and be a responsible ADULT and get yourself to a gynecologist like you should have a LONG time ago. A blood test cannot check for irregular cells on your cervix, so you've just got to go do it. If you want to be a sexually active adult, regardless of whether you're married or not, you need to be responsible for your sexual and reproductive health, or, IMO, you are not in any way ready to be sexually active, sorry. Your discomfort won't mean crap if you get cervical cancer someday, and you realize that it could have been prevented by a simple pelvic exam.

Source(s): I'm a married woman who is a STRONG advocate of women taking control of their own health, regardless of how "uncomfortable" a pelvic exam is. http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-... http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-...

My Response
A pap smear has 90% to do with how many people you've had sex with!!! The #1 cause of cervical cancer is HPV, and the #1 cause of harmful HPV is through sexual contact!

I would like to challenge some of your premises, because you see so sure of yourself:
- "You get to suck it up, and be a responsible adult" - You don't get to tell me what I get to do. You get to run as fast as you can & stop commenting on my questions.
- "get your self to a gynecologist like you should have done a long time ago" - I'm 21! Back off.
- "A blood test cannot check for irregular cells on your cervix" - No, but it can check for an elevated white count, which is present if you have cancer!
- "So you've just got to go do it" - You sure think a lot of your instructions, dontcha?
- "Your discomfort won't mean crap if you get cervical cancer someday" - Sure it will. I've made a conscious choice, dumbass.
- "it could have been prevented by a simple pelvic exam" - No it can't. Cervical cancer can't even be detected fully until it's somewhat advanced. Since when did going to the doctor guarantee someone wouldn't die?

You say you're a strong advocate for women taking control of their own health. I guess what you meant to say is that you're a strong advocate of forcing your opinion about other women's health upon them, and having them let you take control of their health. It's a simple mistake, anyone could have made it.


GreenScreen451's Response
No doctor can force you to have a pelvic exam. I think most would give you the prescription without if you are adamant that you do not want the exam. It might be a good idea though, just to check that everything is alright. It's really not that bad.

My Response
You're right. This is something I wish people would consider before insisting that I am under some sort of health care dictatorship. I appreciate your advice. I will keep this in mind because you are not being a poop.


Hannah's Response
Ask a doctor or someone from a clinic whether you'll need it.! =] Where I am I didnt need one. I needed to be weighed every 6 months and asked a few questions.x

My Response
Awesome! This is very helpful.


WhitneyB's Response
Doctors are required to perform pelvic exams before administering birth control. Even if you have no family risk factors and have only had one partner, problems can still occur. I understand your wanting to protect your privacy, but many of the issues doctors look for in a pelvic exam cannot be detected with a blood test. I prefer to see a female OB/GYN. It's never comfortable for me (I too feel an invasion of privacy with the exam), but at least she is efficient and gentle. If you are truly adamant about not undergoing this exam and do not wish to conceive at this time, your best bet is to use condoms.

My Response
Well, at least you were pleasant, so I can't fault you with anything but being stupid. If I wanted to know if doctors are required to do the test, I would have put that in my question. They're not, which means that you spent too much time submitting to the system and finding someone who "is efficient and gentle" (whatever that means) instead of researching & finding a way to change the social norm. My best bet is not to use condoms. If my point is I don't want foreign crap inside of me, that includes the latex to which I am allergic.


WhoKnows?????????'s Response
first of all the doctor does the pelvic exam for your health. It doesn't have to do with the sexual parteners you have. the problem is that some people may suffer from certain conditions without knowing like endometriosis, or ovarian cysts, and when you take the birth control pills these will make them a lot worse. so the doctor does the pelvic exam for your safety. i did it, there are no needles invovled nothing, he will insert a plastic to see the inside of vagina etc. to see that there are no scarring. So if I were you i would do it, especially if you are going to take the birth control pills for a long time.

Source(s): studying to become a doctor

My Response
Wow, you're studying to become a doctor? Yesterday I was studying to become an astronaut. If you'd like me to give you some advice on launching yourself into outer space (it's "for your health") let me know. I'm just saying, I think there's a reason they give you the short coat. And yes, genius, it does have to do with how many sexual partners you've had. And I know there are no needles. And if you want to be a doctor, you still have to know how to comprehend what you read & spell correctly. If a doctor wants to amputate your leg, I'm sure he would say that's for your safety, too. You still have options. So while I appreciate the paragraph you've quoted from you're MCAT study guide, I'd appreciate it more if you would can it until you can present some irrefutable facts.


AW's Response
Suck it up. You are a big girl. Cancer and other health issues can develop at ANY time in your life even if you have NO risk factors. I just found out a friend of a friend who is 45 years old was given 2 months to live TOPS due to cancer. He had no previous problems, he had absolutely no family history of any kinds of cancers. Exams are also to prevent future problems not just know what you have done. You have a severe phobia about this. What is going to happen when you have children? Are you going to refuse to go to the doctor because you feel that a doctor looking there is an invasion of your privacy? That is disgusting, quite frankly, that you would risk the lives of possible future children along with your own.

My Response
You're just being a jerk. How do you know I'm a big girl? I'm actually a little girl who would like her mommy to punch you. I bet your friend would not have gotten cancer & would still be alive in 3 months if he had gone to his gynecologist every year before he took his birth control pills. Right? Cite relevant anecdotes only, please. If you need a support group to deal with your friend's death, don't take it out on my question. Given that you have the authority to diagnose my "severe phobia about this" (by the way, the appropriate preposition is "of") you should be able to deal with your grief without taking stage 2 out on me. Actually, except for a torn hymen a doctor can't tell what you've done. Since you seem so interested in what goes into & comes out of my vagina, my husband & I have decided to have our children at a birthing center or at home. Midwives & doctors at birthing centers allow a more natural process without the social requirements and restrictions to which you seem so attached. I prefer not to risk the lives of my "potential future children" by stabbing them with amniocentesis needles and exposing them to the HPV vaccine. Doctors say those are good, too.


ChellB's Response
All I can say it is so important to get pap/pelvic exam done. I knew a woman that waited till she was 30 to get a pap done and found out she has stage 4 cervical cancer. she is no longer living. I don't know any doc that would not do an exam first.

My Response
I appreciate your opinion. It is important to consider the potential complications of a decision such as this. After thinking about all of the harm, I've made up my mind that I would prefer to take the chance on cancer. I'm also sorry for your loss of a friend. I'm sure she didn't get to make the same conscious decision as I have.


DX's Response
Yes. While many doctors do require the pelvic exam, some will now prescribe BCP without it. Go to another Planned Parenthood, or call the one you're visiting now and explain the situation. Most PPs will give you the pills to protect yourself. If not, talk to your family doctor.

You should know that cervical cancer can affect anyone, regardless of family risk factors and can be a very nasty customer. If you're fully aware of this possibility and still don't want the full exam, try to get yourself the HPV vaccine, at least. If you're forced to take the exam to get the pills, you can also ask them to only do the Pap and test for HPV and leave out the rest.

I currently take BCP but I do not go for pelvic exams. I am NOT sexually active, have no plans to be, and I take the pill for endometriosis. I get my weight and blood pressure checked every six months to ensure everything's in order. I did get an exam two years ago--under sedation because I am an abuse survivor and it was such a traumatic experience--and was found to be fine and HPV negative, so I'm not considered to be at risk.

Source(s): current experience with BCP

My Response
I think this is the most helpful response. It came about 5 hours ago, and I would have slept a lot better had I read it last night. I won't get the HPV vaccine because I won't get any vaccine. They make you sick before they make you better. I will try another PP and hope for good results.

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How sad, that we have become so blind as to accept a medical practice simply because it has become customary.

List of the Goings On

I was reading Zahra's blog this morning, and she made a list because she was lazy. I am equally lazy right now, so I shall copy her.

1. My sister was supposed to go to Corpus Christi for orchestra. But it's the weekend of my recital. And she would miss a holy day, which no one knew until now. So she said she is coming to my recital instead, which makes me happy :) Plus, she has 2 doctors & a physical therapist saying she can't play because she hurt her shoulder. That doesn't make me happy :(

2. I'm still really upset about Perfume Girl making me ill. Just in case someone was wondering. I'm feeling somewhat better, but I'm staying home from church today because smelling exhaust or anything will make me relapse.

3. Benjamin took his acoustic guitar & an amp & some other music stuff to church today. The living room looks empty now.

4. Yesterday, Benjamin stole my laptop & took it to the store. He insisted that I needed more memory, and I insisted that I didn't. I now have more memory.

5. I learned last night that I can open files on my laptop that are really on the external hard drive plugged into the desktop. I'm told I can only do this at home, though.

6. Benjamin & I are reading "The 5 Love Languages" each night before we go to sleep. First, we read the first 3 chapters, which were annoying. The author seemed to be saying this:
"You got married because you thought you loved each other. But you didn't. You were really just 'in love' and after you've been married for a couple of years, you'll no longer be 'in love'. And you won't love each other either, cause you never really did. You just thought you did. Oh, and by the way, I know this sounds harsh, but I know you better than you do, cause I write books with the cool raised-letter covers."
We also read the 1st "love language" which is "Words of Affirmation." That chapter was less pessimistic.

7. We have a Victoria's Secret bag sitting on the coffee table that's been there for about a month. Benjamin needs to send it back. I wonder how long until one of us realizes it's there & send it back.

8. Chloe has been nicer lately. Yesterday Benjamin clipped her front claws with fingernail clippers. They're no longer sharp. When he was putting her in her kennel for bed, I heard cat-crying. He came in and said that he thinks she's mad that she can't scratch him anymore.

9. I packed Benjamin a lunch this morning for him to have between Men's Club and church. So the sandwich wouldn't get soggy, I put the bread in 1 bag and the lettuce, turkey & cheese in another bag. Then I put the mustard in a tupperware and the pickles & tomato in another container, with salt & pepper on the tomato. I also gave him a banana & some doritos (which I opened from the bottom of the bag right in front of him, muah-ha-ha!) and coke. And a napkin & a plastic knife. I packed all of this in my super-cute pink ice chest. He looks very manly.

10. Last night we went to Wal-Mart for dinner stuffs. I wanted straws and popsicle molder things. We looked everywhere & couldn't find either. Then a lady told Benjamin where to find straws, and they were out. She was shelving, so she & Benjamin started going through the boxes to find straws, but they were bendy straws so I said I'd just wait. I don't like bendy straws cause they get air in them in make you burp.

Countdowns
Recital: 20 days
Anniversary: 121 days
Graduation: 131 days

Something Smells

On Tuesday, a girl at work wore a lot of perfume, and it made me ill, because we had to spend a lot of time together training.
Then on Wednesday, the same thing happened.
Then on Thursday, the same thing happened.

Mom told me to talk to my boss, and explain that I can't be around all the smelly stuff, but I'm a chicken. I don't want to come across as rude, so I suck it up and get sicker. Of course, this isn't the best course, I ended up crashing yesterday afternoon. I got home from class around 4:30, and didn't wake up until after 8:00. Everything hurt, and I didn't have a fever. In fact, my temperature was 97.3!

I had to ask Benjamin to go to my sex class with me yesterday, just so I'd have the motivation to go. We were supposed to go over the exam, on which I got an 85, which is terrible. Since only about 1/3 of the class actually showed up, though, we got 5 bonus points for that, and another 7 points for the curve. So my 85 is really a 97, and I'm happy with that :)

I'm feeling a little better today. My temperature got up to 97.9 right before I went to bed. Benjamin had gone out to get me soup, and when he came back he saw me sitting on the bathroom floor cleaning the bath tub. He wasn't very happy with me for that, but I have this thing against taking a bath if the tub hasn't been scrubbed.

This morning, Chloe got up in bed with us & took a nap. I think she's becoming a little more amiable in general. She hasn't tried to bite me in a couple of days, and she's started bringing her feather toy to us and dropping it at our feet like a bird. That means she likes us :)

I just finished a research project for work, which I got to work on at home (thankfully). I don't know if I'm going to be able to stay there. I explained to the girl that perfume makes me sick, but she's continued wearing it and sitting in my cubicle. I could handle it if I didn't have to be near it, but this I can't. And I don't want to be a tattler. Oh well, we shall just see what happens...