Baby Bump Picture #1!!

Okay, so I know... it's just starting - not a lot to show yet, but that shirt really accentuated it yesterday! I'm 12 weeks now!! Pink or blue?? Can't find out for a few more weeks - stay tuned!

No need to worry now, Obama gonna pay my bill

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gz78T_kvqUU

I saw this video and I was just shaking my head in disbelief. Are people really this dumb? Maybe I shouldn't be so quick to judge, afterall, maybe Obama really is a nice guy and will pay my mortgage too. Let's see.....NOT!!!

Speaking of mortgages, we really did think we had this house thing in the bag. I mean, they called us up a week and a half ago, and said "you can qualify on your own" no worries, etc. etc. Ben and I were thinking - "Great! We have a house now!" Well, in the last week or so, the loan officer that we've been working with said that we now need a cosig, (even though our credit is actually BETTER than it was before) and because it is a fixer-upper, we need not only cabinets, but we need fixtures, carpet in one of the rooms, and we need to fill the pool with water. But - they still won't guarantee the loan until those things are put in. Do they think we're stupid? Who would dump a ton of money into a house that is not theirs? And the banks want to get this house off of their books, meanwhile, it is going into dis-repair as it is sitting there? Oh, get this... they want us to fill the pool, but we can't even do that when we can't turn on the water in a house that is not ours! Idiots!
I don't know what we're going to do. I really do love the house, but we're not going to do those things until we have a guarantee that we can get the loan.
Funny thing is, I'm not really that worried. We're really okay, and if we can continue to keep paying things off the way we are doing now, well, then, we're in a better position than most.

Times may be getting tough, but we've got family around, we're healthy and happy. I'd say we're doing pretty good.

New News!!

Oh, so many good things to update everyone on!! I know that many of you already know the things that have happened to us over the last week or two. But, just to be able to say it again -

WE HEARD A HEARTBEAT, WE GOT MEDICARE, AND WE FOUND A HOUSE!! (The house part is almost 100% sure, but we will find out if all of the financing goes through this week.)

I can't even begin to describe the high we felt when all of that happened last week!! Wow!

It seems as if things may be starting to pay off, and we can see a light at the end of the tunnel!

I know this is a fairly short post, but I just wanted to spread the good news! Don't worry, more to come this next week!

Love you all!

Next up...

Okay, so no such luck with the house. (See previous post) There is another bid on it. We went ahead with a slightly higher bid, but won't go any higher. So... Next!! I guess it just wasn't meant to be.

I'm having one of those down days because so much is up in the air, that something is bound to drop! Medicare, the house, etc... I know things will work out, it's just that I want it to work out now.

Ben spoke to Yolanda (medicare reviewer) and she said that our app is in the "final review stage" whatever that means. We'll see, I'm at the point now that I won't believe it until I see an actual number in my hands. I know, not the best attitude. Hopefully, that too, will improve as things continue to progress.

We'll continue to keep everyone posted as things change! (Hopefully, for the better!)
Sorry about the negative attitude in this post!

OOH Baby!!

What a cute handy hubby I have!
Ben was emptying the bugs from our lights, as they love to live there - I guess they need a place to live too!!

Speaking of a place to live, we may have ourselves a house sometime today. We put a bid in early this week on the very first house we saw when we started looking. It was going to turn into a bidding war, so we said, "forget it." It really is a beautiful home, though. Turns out, it went back on the market, as the financing for the other party fell through. So, early this week, we bid the asking price, so we should find out sometime today if there are other bids on it. Fingers crossed!! Don't want to get the hopes set too high, it's hard not to though. There is another pretty house out there if this one doesn't work. It WILL work, though, positive thinking!!

Let's see... other news to update everyone... My sis is labor! The first grandchild for the Brown family! My parents are soooo excited! The other day, her water broke when she sneezed (funny, I know) but she's not dilated yet. So, today they're inducing her. We'll see what happens! My parents are going to get 2 grandkids in one year!! For the longest time, my parents have been wanting grandkids, now they're getting 2 at once!!

Other than that, life is good. Can't complain!!

Back to the drawing board...

This is where we spend our time house hunting... Thank God for internet!!


Our quest for the perfect home begins yet again...

As some of you are aware, Ben and I have been house hunting for the past couple of months. With the market in shambles and foreclosures left and right, you'd think we'd be able to find something! Wrong!! We have been looking primarily at foreclosures - great price, usually, may end up getting it for a steal.
Problem #1 with foreclosures - many time fixer-upers. No problem if you have a handy hubby like mine. Might even keep him outta trouble once in a while. (hee hee)
Problem #2 - multiple bid situation - the fact that we think the deal is great means other people do too. Stinks.
The house we had our eye on was a great house for a great price. Found out yesterday we didn't get it. Another person did - they probably had a better offer. I'm getting tired of looking!! I just want to find a home and settle. We'll make it ours. I don't need much, just a place to set up! As much as we love and appreciate the family members that have offered us a place to stay - thank you, thank you, thank you, we would not be where we are today without you! We love you to pieces! Nonetheless, everyone needs their own space. Goes without saying.

Oh, well. I know that perfect home is out there somewhere.

A little better today...

Well, besides my lame handicap this week, things have actually been going quite well.
Ugh... how I long to not have to write about the Medicare saga anymore. We did actually receive a second inspection, this time, by actual Medicare. We had the accrediting body come and do their inspection a few weeks ago, as you all know, and no one seemed to know if we would actually need another inspection my Medicare. Well, the other day, it was a surprise, he did show up. Totally caught us by surprise. I think we did okay, but there were three forms we didn't have, Ben was able to produce them right away and fax them over to him. Hopefully, we're in the clear. He did say "it looks like you did go above and beyond what Medicare standards are." I'm thinking "that's an understatement." So, now we're just waiting to hear back from our reviewer to find out what the scoop is. Oh!! How I can't wait until this Medicare thing is over and we have our number!!

As for other things, I think Ben and I may go see a movie tonight, we'll see. I have 2 free movie passes from a long time ago - Score! Might go see that movie "Flash of a Genius." It looked pretty good. A little date night w/ my honey, can't complain. Life is good.

I just can't throw it away!!

So, here it is, my official pee test. I just can't bring myself to throw it away yet! My first apt is on Oct. 24th!
I went on to babyzone.com and what a cool website! They tell you week by week what is going on, and I love it! I am officially 6 weeks now!! I couldn't believe it when I saw that, but that's what it said!
I'll start sending baby bump pics when I get a couple months behind me and I start showing. Won't be for a little while yet. Gotta say though, I definitely like the bigger boobs right now, (except the hurting part.) I know, I know, all you moms out there are saying "soak it up while you can honey, cuz it won't be like that for long!" I'll be happy while they last. :) Ben will too. :)

Fashion Statement??

My exercise routine has left me handicapped!! The other day, while running, I did something funky to my foot. Don't know what it was, but I thought, okay, as long as I can still walk. WRONG!! I barely made it through half of my workday the other day limping from patient room to patient room (patients are giving me the look like, oh, great, this is my nurse today?) So, I ended up leaving work early that day. Now I have it wrapped and a big fuzzy slipper on it! Ben was laughing at me when I put that on this morning!
Anywhere we go now, people ask, Ben, what did you do to her foot? Hee hee - I just look at him an give him a big teethy grin!

YES!!! WE'RE PREGO!!

There IS a bun in the oven!!

I can't tell you how excited we are!! I found out Saturday morning and I had to work that day!! Talk about not being able to concentrate!! Ok, so I know you're not really supposed to say anything in the first few weeks, ... but screw that! I'm so friggin excited!! If something happens (God forbid it does) I'm so open about everything anyway, that people would probably read it on my face. So, for now, healthy eating, SMART excercising (no running, I know) and positive attitude. Hard to do when my emotions are crazy right now! About how long does that last, anyone? (Ben would like to know) ha ha.

Where we are with everything else - we are ACTIVELY searching for that perfect home, infact, we're going to check out another place tonight. Ben and I drove by it earlier, and it's so lovely! Hopefully, it's just as nice on the inside! Yay, now I get to think about the baby room! How exciting!

Medicare - we finally have a reviewer (yes, an ACTUAL person who is dealing with our case) Can you believe it? So, we're bugging the heck out of her to make sure we get everything done. Poor Yolanda! (that's our reviewer's name)
Everyday, we're staying on top of that until we have a number.

Will keep you all posted on everything!! Love you all!

Update

Several new changes in our lives to update you all on...

Ben and I are now staying with his parents, who are absolutely fabuloso! We are so lucky to have such awesome in-laws on both sides. My parents have shared their home with us now for over 3 years - amazing - I know, a bit scary that we've had to stay there that long. Wow - it sounds even scarrier writing it. Now that we are staying with Ben's parents, we are also actively searching for a home of our own as well. As the market continues to drop, we are in the perfect time to buy. All we need is that perfect home for us to set our hearts on. We'll see what comes about over the next few weeks. Right now, this time allows us to get our bills paid down, and get a little more financially stable. It's an amazing feeling to say those words - FINANCIALLY STABLE.

Medicare for the store... let's see - we are calling them every day, sometimes twice a day to bug the hell out of them, until they get tired of hearing from us. We have done EVERYTHING they have asked and more to get this stupid number, and NOW IT'S THEIR TURN. Ben is so funny when he is on the phone with these people. It is just about impossible to speak with the same person every time, (even if you ask to speak with one person) it's basically the person who picks up the phone is who you speak with that day. So, now, we are keeping track of each person we speak with so if we get different answers from each person, we'll just say "well, Norma said that it was..." so we can play them against eachother. Is that too mean??.. Nah. It's actually quite amuzing when they stutter if we call them on something. Maybe, this way, we'll actually get somewhere. Wishful thinking, I know. What's sad is that our patients know the government system all too well, and completely understand what we're going throug to get this.

I absolutely love our store - it's so pretty! I can't wait until we are fully functional with Medicare, so we can go out and start advertising that we are here!
We have so many plans that are on hold for right now. I know it will come, I just can't wait!

That's about all for now, until next time...

Be careful...

OK, you guys are probably going to think that I sound like some quack, but, seriously, Ben and I have been doing a little research (some of it, yes, on YOUTUBE) but, there is a ton of crap in our drinking water! I know that many of you already know this, and, for the most part, I did too, but, what I did not know is how toxic some of the chemicals in it can be. There have been some controversey over the years about the amount of fluoride the EPA (environmental protection agency) adds to the city water. It does not even matter if you buy bottled water, because it's added to that too. Fluoride is highly toxic to the body if ingested. On the back of a tube of toothpaste, it says, "if ingested, seek medical attention immediately." Over the last 2 or 3 years, they have added even more fluoride to the water. Yes, it's good for your teeth, but only in very small amounts, and not to be ingested! Ben and I are seriously considering getting one of those water filtration systems in our place when we move. They are super expensive, though. Now, I just heard on the news that the plastic bottles the water comes in are unsafe. The chemical in plastic containers is called Bisphenol A - A.K.A. "BPA." It's a hormone added. It sterilizes people. Could it be that they are trying to control over-population? Wouldn't the government be in deep *&^%^** if they did that, or do they hope nobody will find out? I was thinking to myself, "our government wouldn't do that, that's not possible," or is it? The BPA segment was on Fox News yesterday, and apparently, it's happening globally. If anyone is interested, Google BPA. After hearing all of this, Ben and I went to Sprouts and bought some organic fruits and veggies, and some water that I believe is a bit safer than what we've been drinking. Be careful of some of the things you buy - things that we think are safe (things that contain aspartame and fluoride to name a couple) but there are many many more items that I know we probably don't even know about. Aspartame is in over 9,000 items on the shelf. It is known to cause respiratory problems, heart problems and brain tumors and cancer, just to name a few. I knew it was bad, I just never thought about it. It's in gum! I love gum! Moderation guys, moderation.
This is not to scare anyone, (it scared the pants off of me yesterday, though) just be aware. I don't know, these days, with the economy the way it is, and weird things happening, people just need to be aware and protect their families. They say "history repeats itself" could this be the 1930's happening all over again?
So, now that you've read this, I know you're probably thinking it sounds a bit paranoid and conspiracy -ish. I know. But...
I love my family and just want all of them to be safe!

A look back...

Well, I'm done with my days at the hospital for the week. Now, on to my other job...

So, it turns out that we may have Medicare here very soon. Yup, you heard right. Turns out, now that we are accredidted,it may very well speed along the process. Ben spoke to a lady at the Medicare office yesterday, and she basically said in so many words that once they receive the application, we may have the medicare number. I don't know, at this point, I'll believe it when I see it. We'll see what they decide to tell us next week. Maybe they'll say that since we help breast cancer patients, we need to supply pink elephants for all of the pink elephant lovers out there, because, if we don't, well then that would be pink elephant descrimination.



Anyway, aside from much of the crap we all have to deal with on a daily basis, I've learned to not sweat the petty stuff, and not pet the sweaty stuff. The other day I was trying to pep up Ben a little (as he does have a tendency to focus on "glass half empty kind of stuff") - I told him that this Medicare thing is a hurdle for us to get over, but remember when last December we kept saying, "oh I can't wait for the drywalling to be done," then it was, "oh, I can't wait till we can start on the paint," then it was "I can't wait until I can welcome people into the store and say Welcome to Fine Fittings." Now, all of that has come, and pretty soon, Medicare will be behind us. Ben and I both perked up a little after thinking of it that way. It's amazing how far we've come, and I totally believe that all of this is just shaping us for good things to look forward to.

What you give out is what you should get back...usually

href="http://www.whatisthesecret.tv">


Ok, so I saw this thing on Oprah, ... (the link above)
I thought it was pretty cool because this lady on Oprah states "if you put good vibes out into the universe, good things will come to you." (pretty much like karma)What am I doing wrong?! It was pretty inspirational to watch it, and I think it could work. Hey, at this point, I'm willing to try anything.

Ben just told me a little while ago that we didn't get the house that we wanted. We had a feeling, there were 5 other bids on it. It was a GREAT buy. OK, so.. I'm just thinking, it was meant to be. There's something better out there for us. We just really wanted this one. Gotta think good thoughts. Any suggestions out there?

Long time no blog!

Okay, I know that it has been forever and a day since I last blogged. Sorry, Tiffy, I know I was doing so good for a while! I'm soooo out of the loop!! Work at the hospital and the store have been occupying most of my time. Last week, I did a 5 day stretch of days at the hospital, and each day lasts about 13 or 14 hours. So, I pretty much lived there for almost a week.

So, last post was when I was so nervous if Medicare was going to come in. That week, they did not. I was pissed. At that point, no one's in the mood to talk, let alone blog. The next week, they came in - of course after Ben spoke to one of the guys in charge at the accrediding facility, and he told Ben he would speed along the application - for an extra 3,000.00 - check - made out for him to cash. Yup, we got bribed. This is a segment of our lovely government that works for us. So, we paid the money, 2 days later, the auditor came out, inspected our shop, and as far as we know, we passed. Now, we're just waiting for the confirmation of our accredidation number, which we have not yet received, which yes, makes me a little nervous. We called to check on the status of everything, and now... they tell us, "you no longer need the accredidation to get Medicare." I don't even have the stregth to scream right now. So, we are filling out our Medicare application - yet again - tonight, and will mail it in the morning. One good thing that came from all of that was that when the auditor came to inspect the shop last week, we found out that it is normal for them to spend about 6 hrs inspecting. She was there for 1 hour and 15 min. She said we had most of everything she asked for. We were very relieved and excited!

As far as other things are going, we are now looking for a house. How can we afford it, you ask? Very good question. We are taking all of our debt from the store and going to attempt to roll it into a home loan. Much cheaper interest that way, and with my new job, we should be A-OK. Let's hope, anyway. We are just trying to do everything we can to keep our feet on the ground. Hopefully, something good happens!! We need some good news for a change!

I promise to keep you all updated from now on, good or bad! It's just so easy to get lost in the days as they go by - especially when you're waiting for things to happen!

Love to all my family and friens!!

xoxoxo

No important person with a clipboard today...

NOTHING!! NOTTA!! The mo fo's haven't come yet. I was almost positive that if they were to come that today would be the day. Oh, well. We still have the rest of the week, but I just wanted to tell you all - I know I'm on the edge of my seat every time someone walks through the stupid door. So... still waiting...
I swear - When we get Medicare - I'll be at Fuzzy's. (The bar down the way - for you out-of-towners)

I'm going crazy!!!

Okay... so... rumor has it that it's possible that the inspectors may be out to inspect the shop today. I don't know for sure, but we have a feeling that it may be sometime today. Am I totally insanely nuts for feeling so nervous? I feel like I'm about to take a test or something, and God knows how I am with those!! So, this morning, Ben and I arrived to the shop a bit early so we could get a few things done - get the store cooled down, put the coffee pot on, make sure everything was in order. Now that things are up and ready, my heart skips a beat evertime I hear the door open. I swear, a lady with a clipboard came in this morning, and she was asking me questions about the shop, all the while I am thinking to myself "you're rambling, just shut-up and let the poor woman speak!" Turned out to be someone who wanted to do some advertising for small shops. Uugh!! Psych!!
So, we'll see. Regardless of what happens, we know we've put EVERYTHING we've got into this. I walked around the shop this morning and asked Ben, "how could someone say no to this?" It's such a beautiful place." Whatever happens, it happens for a reason. Say a prayer!! Fingers crossed!! I'll keep you all posted!!

MY BUBBY!!

Okay all, that's actually the hebrew word for "grandma." I saw my grandma last night, and since I've been blogging, I just have to show you all how darn cute she is. She's 87 years old, walks every morning, has weekly marjong dates w/ her friends, and I met up w/ her as she was coming back from a play in her community. Where do I sign up?? I love this woman!!

Hard at work with the fam

As the "unknown date" of our inspection slowly (and I do mean sloooowly) rolls around, the whole family is busy pitching in to try to prepare for next week. Fingers crossed...

It's the little things that count....

Medicare update...
The lady we work with (Linda) just called one of the guys who's been helping us out to try to get the Medicare, and he tells us that it looks like they'll be here the last week in August - next week. It's OK though, because there were a few little things on our list that we kept saying "oh, they probably won't look at that" that we definitely need to have. He even told us "have the little things, because they will check that." We need to have a "No Smoking" Sign for those who feel the need to light up. Surely one can't do business without that. (Absolutely ridiculous things they require)
So, right now, I'm at the store trying to plug away at some of this stuff. Ben just left to go get the soap dispensers that have to be the exact dimensions they require and be less than 5 lbs of pressure to push down. Craziness!! Apparently, when the accrediting body does come by, they are expected to stay about 6 hrs!! Hide the beer!! I keep telling Ben to put his drugs away, that they could be here any minute!!
Anyway, will keep you all posted!

Hello, my name is Ilana, and I'm a blogaholic

I have to say, I think I'm addicted. I just had two grueling days at the hospital, and I kept thinkin, ooooh I can't wait to get home and blog! Not only that, but it's fun to see the comments people post. I love it! Now I feel like I know what is going on in my family and friends's lives, even though we're all so busy!!

Ben gets a little lonely sometimes so he'll bring back "one of the girls" to keep him company.

I'd like some service please!!

It seems this week has been a little better customer-wise at the store. Not too bad in sales today! We just might make it through this thing! No medicare yet. It should be called "wedon'tcare" not medicare - I can't even believe the word "care" is in that word.
Oh, well. Things could be worse. What always gets me, though, are these young ladies that come into the shop, and seem to be dealing with everything so well, but you know they're going through hell inside. I just want to hug them. Hopefully, what we're doing can help alleviate some of the stress.
Be grateful for the time we have with our loved ones.

Does it ever get easier??

Today I started my new job over at Boswell Hospital. A little change from where I was at, but for the most part, it went rather well. The same crap that always accompanies the nervousness that comes along w/ any new job. I can't complain. Give me a few shifts and I'll have the hang of it. I had a preceptor for today, then tomorrow, I'm on my own! Kinda scary, but there's no better way to learn. Better get to bed here in just a bit, gotta wake up and do it all over again!! Yay!!

Check out the bed head!!

What a cute and adorable husband I have. This is him after a long day of work. Actually, not really. Today was a bit of a lazy day, but still mildly productive. Today consisted of sleeping in an extra hour or two, my morning treadmill jaunt while Ben surfs the internet, then heading out to the store to get some final things done for... (fingers crossed)... our medicare inspection. I know that most of you have heard the medicare saga, but for those of you who aren't up to snuff yet... allow me to bring you there. Our store is located in SunCity, a.k.a. "medicare land." For our store to do even mildly well, we need to have a medicare number in order to provide the products that we do to these folks. Medicare does pay for them to get the products they need, and they definately want to use it, but legally, they can't until we have that magic little number. We have been waiting for months and months to get this, and it is a government system, mind you, so by all means, we must be patient, right??
WE HAVE BEEN PATIENT LONG ENOUGH!!! I'm calm, really... I am... I think...
Seriously, though - I love doing what we do, so I know that in the long run, it'll all be worth it. We'll see if they decide to show up this week... I'll keep you posted!! Until next time...

Our lovely store!!

This is the area where women may be fitted for wigs

Bras Anyone??

Our Baby!!!!

So... for the last 13 or 14 months - THIS HAS BEEN OUR LIFE!!! For those of you who don't know, Fine Fittings is a mastectomy shop where women who've had breast cancer can go to buy bras, prosthesis, wigs, etc. Everything in the shop is tailored toward breast cancer. My mom started the shop a couple of years ago, where it was being run from home. As we all saw a huge need for this kind of thing in the community, we all knew that something bigger was in the works. So, long story short, (very long story short) through months and months of planning, drywalling, painting, scraping, drilling, priming, and much, much more - this is what we've come up with. We are all very, very proud, and very tired! There's a few more things that are needed to complete our project, but, for the most part, we are open and ready for business. I will keep you all posted w/ pics and comments on how things are coming along.

Where do I start???

So last night my awesome sis-in-law was showing me pics of the family on her computer, (loved them all) and everyone has a blog. I thought "what a great way to keep in touch with everyone on a daily basis!" So.....HERE I AM!! I don't have much yet, but hopefully, I'll get there! Now, I need to start snapping pics!!

I am starting this blogging thang!!!