This Holiday season was probably the best so far. It trully is the best time at Christmas because of all the family you get to spend time with. What will 2009 bring us?
Accomplishments in 2008 for our "Wood" Household were:
1)Beautiful front yard finally finished
2)graduated from beauty school.
3)made it work
4)started the goal with "Simplifying" our house, and riddance of the clutter.
5)a little more social. We are both hermits, me more so.
6)This is the best accomplishment in my life: fitting exercise in my lifestyle.
7)Happiness without.
8)I am becoming more anal in organizing....yes me of all people.
9)Scott starting mixing techno again.I am SO happy about this.
10)4 wonderful years of marriage

Progress.

I am clearly over my mourning stage-for now :) Recently, I went to one of my 2 doctors which he is a endrocrinologist, and he called me on my crap. I have to smile. As you know I struggle with a disease called polycistic ovary syndrome, or PCOS. There is no cure for this only treatment. I have to take meds to metabolize insulin(I am not diabetic). My body doesn't overproduce, it just doesn't metabolize it. In the meantime, all that insulin goes to the ovaries and produces cysts instead, which goes hand in hand with infertility. Fun fun. This is why most females with this syndrome have large midsections. Anyhoo, let me get to the point. My doctor is from India and he is one of my more,"Eastern treatment therapyesque"kinda dude(he treats me for my pcos). I asked him if there was anything magical I could take to get pregnant. His response is my conscience now and plays in head repeatedly,"Sam stop being a hippocryte, do what you say your going to do." i.e. exercise and good diet, along with taking your metformin. Ya ya I know we have all heard that one. This time it stuck. I have to do cardio 6 days a week and implement my raw vegetarian food(not meat, of course)with a little protein. He also said that we should really watch how much we eat in our diet. Did you know that your breakfast isn't fully digested by lunch time and the same with lunch and dinner? Americans have been programmed to think to eat until there full and I was told that was all wrong. We can eat what we eat only until were satisfied. I have been trying that. OMG how much energy I have had in the last 3 days. I will keep you updated on the progress!

aftermath

It is truly heartbreaking when reality hits sometimes. To follow up from the last blog for all of you who have been following, the hcg trigger did work remarkably, but I am afraid no little one was created out of this. Tomorrow, I will be getting blood work done for a result. I am not getting my hopes up because already I feel discouraged. As for future attempts we will go through this cycle maybe 1 or 2 more times...then invitro a year after for it is VERY expensive to continue such large treatments(invitro is now up to $10,000+)especially the way the economy is. Until then, I need to get myself together. I don't think it is a good idea for me to keep this in common discussion or be my main focus. I will let you know soon what the result is in my comments. Thank you for all your support.

Many of you who know us know that we have been trying to have a little one. After a year of trying, a very expensive month, and 2 ultrasounds later we were told the FSH injections are working. I will recieve a HCG injection possibly today or tomorrow(this stimulates ovulation), and this is my first. The trick here is that this causes multiple births and we are going to TRY to avoid this. We hope that we get twins! we would be fine with triplets! one would be great. Please say a prayer for us. We have already asked for a miracle, so far the light has shined are way, after a long walk in the dark tunnel.

A week of learning!

Whoever made the phrase,"When one door closes the another one opens" gets a gold star for optimism. The last 2 weeks have been a learning experience and so on. I encountered my first bad men's haircut and really it was a blessing in disguise because of the lesson that was learned from it. I am happy to work for the team I do. I am now apprenticing an amazing, and experienced stylist for men's haircuts. Today, I am confident. Also, I have to keep on telling myself that all people cannot be pleased. In other news, I will be starting my FSH injections on Sunday. If this does not help our situation we will try these injections every 3 months. It is very expensive to have this done, and with the economy the way it is, it is definately taking a risk. I got a chance to babysit a fun little baby boy today! He is 10mths. old and already walking and saying a few words. It is so precious when they fall asleep in your arms.

Trip to Vernal

We took a trip to Vernal over the weekend to see some good friends(Jack and Taya Harper) of us and meet their new baby Nick Jagger. On the drive there we got to experience the fall colors in their prime. I am a sucker for this change and was in awe for half of the drive. We haven't had a vacation in years, and this one was definately rejuvinating. Scott decided to bike in the canyons 24 miles in a 2 day period. He is burnt to a crisp. While he was doing that I caught up with the whole family! Did some hair. Made someone happy.

Time is important.

I don't know if all woman my age go through a, "Reality Check", but it is certainly hitting me! I am turning 32 next sunday and I have crossed a turning point in my life to finally be doing something for myself that is healthy. If you don't care I have a lot to reflect! I like to write, too! what I have came to learn at this point in my life:

1) you know who you love, trust, and hold meaningful friendships with.

2)People may not understand the true you, but you understand yourself.*NOTE: it has taken me 30 years to love myself, and I like who I am, and comfortable as a person.

3)You can realize what,"Level" you are on with friends, aquantances, family...etc. and a lot of you might understand what I am talking about, but for those who don't it means a level of acceptance, almost a unwritten coping skill.

4)It took me this long to start being addicted to fitness? say what? I have a busy friend that has taught me by one class that you need to dabble in the water! YOU CAN DO IT(even if you are outta shape!)

5) I have what I want, and very lucky. Insert husband here. My husband and I were trully meant to be. He has taught me things(and will continue)of what love is. He has taught me: Material things do not bring happiness, instead a lot of stuff is a pain to clean up i.e. simple is good(and it keeps money in the bank). The golden rule: we all know this but forget. Love thy neighbor as you love yourself. We make eachother shine.

This is great that I could be so fortunate to share this with you! thank you for letting me! :)

Doo doo do

I have hit blogger's block :) Most of my time lately has been taken by playing endless video games, walks in the park, exercise, and being a domestic diva when I can. Scott has taken an interest in running in the park. I am teetering on the idea to tryout for the derby girls. My 32nd birthday is just around the corner-I can say 30 has treated me the best. Yes we want children and hope if you read this you could say a courtesy prayer for us, or send child :) karma our way. Our yard is more gorgeous than ever. Scoot has really put a lot of time and effort(and a little help from me)to make it an eyecatcher. House of Ashley seems to keep me on my toes, and day by day I am getting one or two extra customers a week. Establishing clientele is not easy. Drop me a line! I would love to know what ya'll have been up to! How is your summer?

Acceptance

It is really hard to accept that I am my own worst critic. Being a PERFECTIONIST takes it's tole. I am coming to realize that it is okay to make mistakes(my current fixation:practice makes perfect in hairstyling..not to say that I am doing bad hair, but I am not doing advanced cuts..). How many times does one have to have reality hit you before you can accept what you need to and move on??? Yesterday, My buddy Amanda and I went to liberty park in the depths of hades to go skating(she skateboarding, me rollerderby)we went around twice and had a blast. An epiphany crossed my mind and I shouted out loud,"I want to be me when I grow up!!!" It has taken 30 years to come out of my shell and accept me for me. I am proud to say that I am letting go little by little of this whole,"Perfectionism thing".. and happily accepting me for my quirks.

It's official!

I received my license a few weeks ago, but it had been printed with my maiden name on it. I finally got my updated one today, so when I join the House of Ashley staff next week that there will no problems. My last days of being a domestic diva are over this week. I have been spending time cutting mannequins hair, and re-watching my Sasoon Videos. I will be working Tuesday's, Thursday's, and Saturday's. It is a cute little shop that is located in Midvale. I will also continue working for CTA Community Supports on Sat graves and Monday afternoons.

Aspiring Derby girl!

I have a confession: My alter ego belongs to that of a derby girl..:) I havent been in roller skates since '94(my first year in college and they were my own!). This is one of the many things I am using to help me lose my Cameo "30". Scott bought me a pair of the coolest skates on my 30th birthday! They barely came out to see the world until yesterday. Who knows what a few years of practice could bring...

Viva La Juice!

It's official! Monday I sent off for my license on Monday and was told it would be in the mail 10-14 days!!! It has now hit me that this is,"For real". I am home most of the time now until it comes. I do not know just yet what is going to happen from there, but I will keep you posted! Scott has been working extra hard lately! We have been watching the on demand for the show Dexter and cannot get enough. I have some pictures of my niece shiloh's 1st birthday!
but this is my favorite...her mom Krissy says Shiloh loves juice...All I can say is when I see this it says,"Long love Juice!"

Done at last!

I graduated from Cosmetology school last week! I still have one written test to finish and that will be my key to getting signed up for state boards. Until I have my license cutting is not in option in a salon setting. READ between the lines on that one. Summer is right around the corner and I thought I would be an extrodinary wife and help my husband out with the yard. We spent an amazing 6 hrs yesterday doing yard work. Some plusses: Our front yard is 20 min from being complete. We met our new neighbors Jen and Jason. They seem to be on the same pathway as ours with desert friendly plants. Negatives: My body isn't working well today! :) worked all of my muscles!(A good way to lose my cameo 30).

2 Weeks left.

Wow can you believe I graduate in 2 weeks??? :) that is so cool. It seems all too surreal for me now. I haven't been much a friend to anyone because of my dedication. I know I know that doesn't give me a license to be that way-but I am OVERLOADED and both EXHAUSTED. Scott's 30th birthday is on 4/29/08! I cannot wait!!! :)I still have no idea what he wants...as usual :)...Send me a comment and let me know how you are doing!!!

~Sammy

What lies ahead???

How is everyone doing out there? I am getting closer to my last day of school! I have been working on a lot of personal goals. Spring to me is a rebirth, and I feel it like the earth(strangely that rhymes). Scott and I have been working our booties off, but taking the time to spend a little with eachother. He is going to do some volunteer work tomorrow...Did I ever tell you how highly I think of him? Bless his soul! That man would give the shirt off his back for you and then some. I am his little pig pen :) Did everyone have a good easter? What does it mean for you, spiritually? Send me a comment back!

Embrace change.

I came to a conclusion that seasonal change is spiritual. The time just changed and even know its rough to get used to at first, it sure is nice to see the sun come up in the morning. Spring to me has similar meanings as January's,"New year resolutions". It is always beautiful to see the earth turn green right before your eyes. Thats when I feel its time for a change for better growth. March has been gorgeous. Our neighbors told us that they are now raising chickens! how fun is that? Scott has been starting projects in our yard. We got rid of a ginormous tree in our back yard(we were both sad we killed it!!but we have tons a wood chips that we are going to scape with our yard, and it was prolly as old as our house, maybe 90 years old)and scott has been filling up our front yard with the bark. I have found out that I have a position doing hair when I graduate!!! I graduate soon... :)

Life goes on.

You know it is really frustrating when you have something going wrong with your body, seek professional advice NUMEROUS times, and you get hit with a blanket statement. That when you feel like calling out to the universe, what next??? He he he. Life does go on. Scott and I finally sat down to watch, The Secret last night. I am amazed of how this show compares to Zen. Feeling is such a movement in our lives. I could get all philosophical here, but will leave that to curious readers to call me on it. I hope you all have a great weekend!

Please support our animals!

This is a petition to make animal torture a felony. If you support and want to help the cause, you can go to http://www.utahhumane.org/ and click on CONTACT YOUR REPRESENTATIVE to send a quick note. They even have a sample letter you can copy and paste. It only takes a minute and is for a wonderful cause for all us animal lovers!

(Thank you, Chrissy and Leila!)

Wood Compote

Wow! we have now visited the realm of blog technology(some would say we were a little behind!). We started this blog in hopes to stay in touch with our family and friends, and we feel that myspace isn't always that private. We are doing well and fairly busy! I am in the crunch time before graduation(2.5 months to go!)and excelling, while Scott is working hard to keep our humble fort down. Before we know it summer will arive and we will have are hands full all over again with home and yard improvement! I cannot wait until the warm months!