tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53208202129818874722011-08-20T22:53:13.875+10:00Welcome to the Democratic <strike>Repubic</strike> Republic of NOT Joecities Where Pee, Poo and Farts Roam Free.Alana Janenoreply@blogger.comBlogger781100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-26819907440076462332010-10-25T18:35:00.000+11:002010-10-25T18:35:15.833+11:00

So, the last time I talked about my IVF treatment, I had a blighted ovum, after which, I couldn't talk about it any more than I could bear (and I couldn't bear talking about anything related to it). So I stopped talking about it altogether. It's been 7 months since, and I guess time really does lessen wounds. I still think about Onde Onde at times. Was it a boy or a girl? And if I hadn't

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-77797430548186222472010-10-14T00:15:00.001+11:002010-10-14T00:16:12.406+11:00

Exploring Lakes Entrance, Paynesville, Bairnsdale, Sale and Traralgon.

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-19676615971677592392010-10-13T08:50:00.003+11:002010-10-13T08:57:05.859+11:00

It still amazes me till this day that Baby C was conceived through ICSI.  The power of medical technology!

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-18986263612764029432010-07-28T22:12:00.001+10:002010-10-13T08:58:27.427+11:00

Everyone, say hi to my Goddaughter Isabelle Kimberly Kwan-Chong. :) Isn't she gorgeous? :)

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-27903508537839647482010-05-23T09:20:00.000+10:002010-05-23T09:20:24.747+10:00

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-58299803450387053102010-05-02T22:32:00.001+10:002010-05-02T22:33:34.239+10:00

My all-time favourite Thai dish - Pad Karapow Gai. This one is from Papaya Pog Pog (although Ying Thai's still the best)! :)

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-54479357576489416102010-04-24T16:36:00.003+10:002010-04-24T16:52:31.795+10:00

Kangaroo charcuterie. Compressed cucumber, tuna and wasabi roll. "Heide vegetable garden". Trout with horseradish and baby beetroot (and beetroot foam?), smoked at the table. Sautéed kohlrabi, tapioca pickled with cassis and cucumber juice. Truffle risotto. Roasted marron with bisque glaze served on hot river stone. Western plains pork with "flavours of the earth".

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-4363786237842986232010-04-22T10:38:00.001+10:002010-04-22T10:39:49.464+10:00

At Pacific Seafood BBQ House (South Yarra branch), the mud crab always trumps the crummy service!

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-18545941341077219932010-04-20T09:38:00.006+10:002010-04-22T10:42:28.028+10:00

A segment of Philip Escoffey's 2008 gig. Watched him 'live' at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2010 two nights ago. Mind-blowing!

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-55295201008683040482010-04-18T11:54:00.001+10:002010-04-19T12:39:52.231+10:00

Poached eggs drizzled in hollandaise sauce and slices of smoked salmon served on toasted English muffins - I think I just found my new favourite breakfast place in Café Sweethearts.

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-10232245661554218132010-04-13T12:35:00.003+10:002010-04-19T12:34:08.334+10:00

There's a difference between euphoria and joy. On a swing, they are one. :)

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-3481258014244871362010-04-12T14:27:00.000+10:002010-04-12T14:27:36.430+10:00

Those who put their feet up ...  ... and the drivers. :p

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-8703180795820423172010-04-06T11:36:00.001+10:002010-04-06T11:39:31.287+10:00

"There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man." ~Winston Churchill~ That's High-Girl (my favourite) and I ... getting ready for a canter. :)

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-88301165952362164192010-04-01T00:25:00.004+11:002010-04-20T09:55:21.639+10:00

I know I said I wasn't going to talk about anything related to my IVF experience but after some thought, I really think it's superstition on my mum's part. So, if you're reading this, and you know my mum, just feign ignorance, okay? The thing is, I almost always feel better after I've 'spilled the beans', if you know what I mean. I guess when your closest friends are so far away, writing

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-2408148030734852872010-03-29T11:55:00.004+11:002010-03-30T12:05:01.029+11:00

The way to the wife's heart is ALWAYS through the stomach. No exceptions. (Homemade pumpkin soup with croutons).

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-70318379613959249812010-03-28T18:47:00.006+11:002010-04-20T10:00:50.321+10:00

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-51716372050916753792010-03-28T01:31:00.001+11:002010-03-28T01:32:36.708+11:00

Take deep breaths when your husband asks you things like, "What if we were designed to fart through our mouths?" (while making fart sounds through his mouth). 

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-67665425885941521262010-03-23T18:05:00.002+11:002010-04-20T09:55:40.868+10:00

We never speak of that hour. When ripen fruit turned quickly sour. Hunger heals slow in time, With no one blamed for this crime. No day left here to celebrate. No reason here to congregate. No name to place upon this grave. No memories for us to save. We lost a life we never had, And felt a different kind of sad. Though we'll grow strong through all these pains, Yet still the hollow nest

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-67472419624954477292010-03-05T12:40:00.004+11:002010-03-31T17:03:15.477+11:00

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-31318326484398714802010-03-04T21:57:00.001+11:002010-03-04T21:57:37.962+11:00

"If you can look at a dog and not feel vicarious excitement and affection, you must be a cat." ~Author Unknown~

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-16883174790401044112010-02-05T17:48:00.002+11:002010-02-05T17:53:21.446+11:00

For some reason, my mom is really nervous about my sharing of the IVF journey with the Internet, and has asked me (repeatedly) not to "expose" so much of what's going on until I'm well into my second trimester (if I should achieve a successful embryo transfer) . I thought it's mainly superstition on her part but I don't really want to upset her either. So, I'm going to refrain talking about it

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-82581596946934695062010-01-22T13:31:00.008+11:002010-01-22T13:35:36.775+11:00

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-53764172778026330922010-01-19T02:57:00.002+11:002010-01-19T02:59:50.657+11:00

 ... I'm back in Melbourne! Been back for a week actually but if you've seen the state the house was in (I've always thought cobwebs only appear in houses abandoned for like centuries but no, one month is all you need), you wouldn't have time to update either. Plus the layers and layers of dust! (Where did they come from!). So, anyway, while trying to make the house look like a home again last

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-54129662070838336692010-01-05T03:06:00.001+11:002010-01-05T03:06:44.955+11:00

Sorry for the lack of updates but there will be no posting (except for this one) till I'm back in Melbourne (no time!!). :p Right now, I'm just going to enjoy every moment I have left with my family and friends. Six more days, and it's time to say goodbye again. *sobs* Hope this year is better than last for you! :)

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-55629545747780845472009-12-14T10:49:00.003+11:002009-12-14T10:53:11.383+11:00

Laura. Lauren. Lauretta. Chris. Leslie. Whoever ends up being The One had better be worth it. Next in line - Onde Onde. Simply because I'm sick of 'ang moh' names already. And because I'm craving for some!  Hmm ... where to find nice onde onde ...

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-62283083340526809132009-12-11T02:30:00.005+11:002010-04-01T00:33:55.996+11:00

Okay, time to pack for my annual pilgrimage back to Motherland. Though I've always looked forward to seeing everyone back home, I absolutely abhor the packing part.  As always, there are the gifts for friends and family which, from experience, have always been the bulk of my baggage. When I say bulk, I mean somewhere between 6-8kgs with the occasional stretch up to 10kgs. This year, for some

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-73873331573735780782009-12-08T12:21:00.002+11:002010-04-01T00:34:17.050+11:00

"If you can't stop her from eating other dogs' poo, you might as well encourage her to eat her own. Then we won't have to pick up after her." It's okay. I'm just glad he didn't say "If you can't stop her, join her".

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-79810525408787506552009-12-06T19:05:00.003+11:002010-04-01T00:35:13.008+11:00

Apparently, this is what I want for my birthday. Because I'm such a gamer, and I really like the fact that I could be on my DS while my husband's on his PSP. Ya. 'M' for Mario. Now, if you didn't jump for joy upon receiving the Super Mario Limited Edition Nintendo DS Lite, there must be something wrong with you.  Right, hon? ;)

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-35484000022067891862009-12-02T13:53:00.001+11:002010-04-01T00:34:50.323+11:00

Me: "Ooo .. what's this game you're playing? May I try?" Husband: "Sure." Me (fiddles with buttons): "Hmm .. how to play?" Husband: "First of all, it would help if you didn't hold the PSP upside down."

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-84190692126776019642009-11-30T18:18:00.003+11:002009-12-01T14:33:06.325+11:00

People, say hi to Embryo Number Two - Leslie! :) The embryologist magnified Leslie on a TV screen, and Joe took a picture of it.  I am still. awestruck.

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-66745192048848290112009-11-27T12:31:00.003+11:002009-11-27T12:40:03.440+11:00

Perth. Over.  Just like that. *snap* If only time would stop when you're having fun.  Oh well. There is Singapore and Penang to look forward to. Can't complain, really.  And . . . . . . . . . there is the second embryo transfer this coming Monday! :) My gynae seems to think that it's okay to go ahead with it despite the thyroid condition (although I'd have to see an endocrinologist soon).

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-78740033162107357942009-11-25T23:11:00.008+11:002010-04-01T00:34:57.453+11:00

If your connection is slow, wait for the entire video to load completely before viewing it.:)

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-53517796400079650442009-11-18T12:05:00.002+11:002009-11-18T14:11:58.684+11:00

I do not know what to believe anymore. According to the blood tests, I'm supposed to have hypo-thyroidism, but the ultrasound shows that I have hyper-thyrodism? What is going on? My GP suggested nuclear imaging to investigate the problem further but doing so means delaying the embryo transfer till next year! A radioactive dye will be injected during the imaging and we cannot risk having it done

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-70124916331781026092009-11-16T11:00:00.004+11:002009-11-16T17:11:02.067+11:00

Comforting words from a good friend,"God's delay isn't God's denial." And if the dude up there was answering my question through her, I guess He's trying to say, hey, you're not forgotten! I'm just slow! OKAY, GOD! I hear ya! :) In any case, Aunty Susan (who is like clockwork these days) is here again and, if all goes well, I should be able to have my 2nd embryo transfer in about 12 days? :D 

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-86744042166607944522009-11-13T16:37:00.002+11:002009-11-13T16:38:15.951+11:00

... did not take. Where did you go, Chris? :( Hey big guy, you haven't forgotten us, have you?

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-9986300625974969492009-11-10T18:00:00.001+11:002009-11-10T18:06:24.193+11:00

... and there is super cute! Not me lah! The baby, of course! :p Congratulations, K. :)

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-12042166506495431862009-11-06T17:42:00.006+11:002009-11-07T17:32:19.877+11:00

Even though there is no need for injections now, I am still on oestrogen tablets and progesterone pessaries to help with the implantation of the embryo. The last blood test revealed my progesterone level to be on the low side thus, my gynae has increased the dosage to three times a day making my work flow rather inconvenient at times. However, I'm glad to have such wonderful colleagues who,

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-82437446024959885212009-11-04T13:59:00.004+11:002009-11-04T16:01:26.681+11:00

If there's one place I like having my meals, it's at Miss Marple's! Unfortunately, the journey to the Dandenongs (approx. 1hr) and the long queue (they don't take reservation) mean that we can only to go there once in a blue moon. They are famous for their Devonshire scones but since it was lunch time, we thought we'd have the main course first before the scones. (Photo credit @ http://

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-3467949445520968812009-11-02T19:28:00.003+11:002010-04-01T00:35:30.149+11:00

Husband: "If we put our shit together, will we be able to tell them apart the next day?" Me: "Maybe by the shape of it. Mine tend to be more pebble-like."

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-3535087952863703402009-10-31T11:43:00.003+11:002009-10-31T18:24:00.160+11:00

It terrifies me just knowing that there is a living thing growing inside me. Whether it'll survive, I daren't even think about it. For now, I'm just going to take my mind off things by asking my live-in masseur for a nice, long massage. :)

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-2479660619331956752009-10-29T17:37:00.001+11:002009-10-29T17:41:39.915+11:00

I've had a few concerned emails as a result of my previous post. Just so we're clear, no tumour was detected on the breast scan, but I'll be seeing a breast specialist anyway to rule out malignancy. As for the hypothyroidism, a thyroid scan is in place to see if there's a need to see an endocrinologist. Nothing too alarming as of yet but there is a plan of action to correct any abberrancy should

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-73689937975826285662009-10-26T18:12:00.002+11:002010-04-20T10:00:42.328+10:00

As if battling PCOS and infertility weren't enough, the body decided to hit me with multiple cysts on both breasts. Even though they are most likely benign, my GP insists that I see a breast surgeon for a more thorough exam. I sense breast biopsies coming my way - OUCH! :( And to top it off, she also diagnosed me with hypothyroidism - an underactive thyroid gland. Apparently, the symptoms

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-56213368223336797442009-10-24T00:59:00.006+11:002010-04-01T00:36:27.669+11:00

... saying your husband's homemade curry puffs are terribly tasty ... ... even when they are not.: p

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-38240517120811858302009-10-20T13:12:00.000+11:002009-10-20T13:12:01.691+11:00

Aunty Susan has always been late; sometimes so late that she doesn't turn up at all for the entire month. Surprising, this month, for some reason, she's here a week earlier than expected. Maybe she knows that I needed her because her presence and eventual departure signal that we're almost ready for the embryo transfer that was postponed due to my developing of OHSS (an IVF complication).

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-14130454803242673642009-10-17T20:15:00.002+11:002009-10-19T14:14:57.370+11:00

Of the 25 eggs fertilised, 5 survived to become embryos. They are now frozen in storage, and one of them will be thawed for transfer some time next month. For now, we wait. Thankfully, the brother and the sister-in-law-to-be came a-visiting to take my mind off things. As you can see from the pics, it was a very food-centered trip! :P

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-356188110830101722009-10-13T10:27:00.005+11:002010-04-01T00:36:34.531+11:00

Husband: "I weighed myself before and after I went to the bathroom." Me: "And?" Husband: "2 kgs less." Me: "Attaboy."

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-52967750885862232742009-10-09T15:48:00.003+11:002009-10-10T13:26:27.301+11:00

As it turns out, there'll be no implantation tomorrow. My gynae thinks my body is not well enough to receive the fertilised egg. To forge ahead with the egg transfer would mean risking being violently ill throughout the pregnancy, and possibly losing the baby. Sigh. So, implantation will have to wait till 12 days after Aunty Susan came and left (another month of waiting, that is). Meanwhile, I

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-86139562351282106482009-10-08T22:47:00.004+11:002009-10-11T17:01:19.293+11:00

I am indeed an egg machine. Since the scan one week ago, I have grown another 13 eggs, making a total of 25 eggs during the egg collection this morning. The limit is 20 eggs so, they're monitoring me now for any signs of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS). Anyway, Chris will be implanted on Saturday. Wish us luck! :)

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-24749448907032298202009-10-05T15:54:00.008+11:002009-10-11T17:02:29.461+11:00

Thanks to all the drugs, I am now an egg machine. The scan reveals twelve eggs (yes, 12!!), and they are due for collection this Thursday or Friday (depending on the availability of the operating theatre). The lab will attempt to fertilise all of them, and the most promising embryo will be implanted two days after collection. Since I have no idea if the embryo is male or female, I shall call it

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-87908847212226483132009-09-29T13:12:00.005+10:002009-10-08T22:52:10.742+11:00

So, all three IUI cycles did not come to fruition. Laura, Lauren and Lauretta all chose a spinster's death, and we were left with the penultimate option - IVF (the last resort being adoption but let's hope we don't have to go there). I don't know how many cycles of IVF I dare venture, though I have psyched myself up for the same number as a good friend of mine who just gave birth to a beautiful

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-28952210983558696772009-09-24T20:57:00.007+10:002009-09-25T11:01:46.967+10:00

At work, I'm sometimes assigned to admit patients. When I say 'admit', I mean getting them ready for surgery, and making sure that they have done their pre-op preparation (things like fasting, blood tests, so on and so forth). Of course I'd rather be assisting in surgeries, but you get the occasional odd assignment when someone is sick. This particular day, I was getting ready to admit a patient

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-68027831166700304652009-09-23T11:02:00.002+10:002009-10-08T22:54:19.174+11:00

If you are still not used to words like pee, poo, and farts by now (see banner's welcome message above), you are probably not suited to reading my blog. I suggest you seek reading pleasure elsewhere. A preferred reader is someone who, upon seeing these words, faces them with gusto. Of course, there is no such thing as a preferred reader. Anyone can read my blog, and unless I shut it down, there's

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-10293413610822627342009-09-22T12:20:00.001+10:002009-10-08T22:55:03.886+11:00

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-38440093439848150572009-09-21T21:01:00.002+10:002009-10-08T22:55:12.738+11:00

My dog, she looks at me sometimes with that look, and I think maybe deep down inside she must know exactly how I feel. But then maybe she just wants the food off my plate. ~ Anonymous ~

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-66827575506948235102009-09-19T17:29:00.005+10:002009-10-08T22:55:35.801+11:00

Toilet: "Water again? I need food to survive too!" Me: "Sorry, that's all I have." Toilet: "It's been 7 days! I can't live on water alone!" Me: "I know but you saw how I've tried and tried. Would you rather have The Master come feed you instead?" Toilet: "No, not The Master, please! I'd rather starve to death than eat his food!" Me: "I thought so too. Don't worry, he is still restricted to

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-48150532864474516312009-09-17T00:07:00.001+10:002009-09-17T00:07:00.431+10:00

There's something oddly gratifying about reading a brand new book for free. A title you're interested in, but the tightwad in you refuses to buy it until after all avenues have been exhausted. First, you check The Local Library. Not there. Then you search The Other Local Library. Also not there. And you comb through all the other libraries affiliated to The Local Library AND The Other

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-9213457553403811832009-09-14T13:23:00.006+10:002009-10-08T23:06:19.809+11:00

Like I mentioned previously, the next step in our conception journey is IVF if this IUI cycle failed again. Anticipating that possibility of a negative result, Mr. Sperm Supplier (go on, click it) decided that we should get the ball rolling for IVF even though we had to fork out $265 for the mandatory IVF counselling and info session that would be totally redundant if I have already conceived.

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-61117975547220565432009-09-10T11:52:00.002+10:002010-04-01T00:36:45.336+11:00

Ok, so I lied. The dogs had nothing to do with Penelope's (2nd) disappearance. I took her. And I am holding her hostage. As a hostage-taker, I am supposed to make demands, right? So, here goes: 1) Penelope is to be confined to The Toilet at all times post release. All other areas are out of bounds. 2) You will have daily visitation rights of 30 minutes with her. You may break the 30

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-85525977869047017472009-09-08T15:50:00.003+10:002009-10-08T22:56:49.675+11:00

If Lauretta could tell you how she was swarmed by 24 million suitors yesterday, she would. But she couldn't. So, I'm here to tell you that she was, and that she has probably gone through the selection process. Whether she'd picked any of them, she would not reveal until two weeks from now. Meanwhile, the mister has already made arrangements for the next step should this cycle fail.   IVF or

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-20254154678473238922009-09-06T16:03:00.002+10:002010-04-01T00:36:50.449+11:00

So.  My husband had an affair. Yup, you heard me right. An affair so deplorable I BURIED the slut alive. She didn't struggle at all. In fact, she was so quiet I almost thought her dead. I placed her in a zip-lock bag before I bubble-wrapped her in one piece. She did not scream or protest. She just lay there motionless while I grabbed the spade from the garage and started pressing into the

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-52256506007950007392009-09-03T17:31:00.000+10:002009-09-03T17:31:50.779+10:00

Yup, that's us.   Ranging from Evening Primrose Oil (for my PMS) to Elevit (preconception vitamins) to Coenzyme Q10 (for heart health) to Vitamin C (that's a given) to Vitamin D (having tested for Vitamin D deficiency) to Antioxidant (Die! You free radicals!) to Fish Oil (cos everyone's taking it!) to Herbal Anti-Acne (for during the time of the month) to St John's Wort (for when I'm feeling the

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-49569609497827529202009-09-02T15:03:00.003+10:002009-10-08T22:56:59.224+11:00

Presenting débutante number three ... . . . . . . . . . . . .   Lauretta! Like her two late sisters, Lauretta is also from The Right Ovary. Her "coming out" party is set on Monday! Who will she pick (if she does pick at all)? ;)  

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-26862443305530690902009-09-01T11:08:00.009+10:002009-09-01T14:43:47.414+10:00

"A human lifespan is less than a thousand months long. You need to make some time to think how to live it."~AC Grayling in 'This Much I Know'~ Less than a thousand months long. Wow. I guess I never looked at it that way. So, if you are my age, you have about 600 months left (assuming you get to live to a thousand months). Oddly, 600 months sound really short but if you translate them into years,

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-83800532267267494842009-08-31T11:41:00.008+10:002010-04-01T00:37:37.632+11:00

"What do you do with your teeth pickings?" "I eat them." "Same here." ---------------------------- "...Getting to know you, getting to know all about you. Getting to like you, getting to hope you like me. Getting to know you, putting it my way, But nicely, You are precisely, My cup of tea..." ~Hammerstein Oscar~ ---------------------------- Took 6 years of marriage to find that

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-48954695410846422882009-08-29T12:57:00.028+10:002009-10-08T22:57:49.610+11:00

Okay, Part II. Where were we? Right, Ginger clearing hurdles. Well, she learnt that at this awesome country club where there's an agility training ground, a sand play, several dog runs, a man-made lagoon and a heated pool - ALL FOR DOGS. Panoramic view from the canine country club. The pool - kept at a constant temperature of 25°C. Ginger frolicking in the man-made lagoon. The beach

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-45439623009719592892009-08-26T11:37:00.038+10:002009-10-08T22:57:58.228+11:00

A friend asked me if I had photos of Ginger and Lucy, and I realised, even though I've got loads of them, they were mostly in my hard disk, and I had to prowl through them each time just to show my fav pics. So, I'm going to put some of the more memorable/fav ones here (with commentary) so that I can just point to this link the next time anyone asks. :)Starting from 2002...the year we got Ginger,

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-85967694126237274052009-08-21T18:20:00.010+10:002009-10-08T22:58:06.750+11:00

The problem with anthropomorphising your eggs is when you finally meet a real human by the name of Lauren... "Shirley, I want you to meet Lauren." (What?! Lauren? I thought you've gone to join your sister Laura?) "Hi Lauren, pleased to meet you." "Lauren is our new doctor from the gynae department." (Which other department could you be from?!) "Oh, of course. Welcome, Lauren." "Thank you!

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-80454345438647130152009-08-19T18:39:00.004+10:002010-04-20T09:58:28.562+10:00

Have not watched 'Idol' for a couple of seasons but now that we have the convenience of watching any program anytime (thanks to the tv recorder), we decided to tape the auditions for when we have some free time to kill. Anyway, I really liked this song when I heard it. Written by one of the contestants, Kate Cook (an abattoir worker) for her mom who committed suicide when she was 16. For some

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-17457093665683702032009-08-18T12:42:00.010+10:002009-10-08T22:58:55.087+11:00

Off to join her sister Laura. Farewell, Lauren. You shall be missed.

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-34734621395976951032009-08-17T12:35:00.005+10:002010-04-01T00:37:58.670+11:00

What do you do when your spouse insisted that you bought some low fat (yucky) fruity ice-cream instead of the double chocolate (yummy) one that you wanted? Joe: "No, you're not buying the double chocolate ice-cream. It's too fattening. Choose the light fruity one." Me: "But I love chocolate ice-cream..." Joe (fed up tone): "Nope, it's either that or none. I'm trying to help you lose weight!"

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-53051924378462157072009-08-14T13:56:00.010+10:002010-04-01T00:38:08.459+11:00

HUSBAND, n. One who, having dined, is charged with the care of the plate. ~The Devil's Dictionary~ Occasionally, he is also charged with the preparation of meals such as this: Especially when the wife is dealing with a formidable number on the scale, food like this effectively abates her whinging frequency. "I'm fat!" "No, you're not. Look what I've got here!" "Ba Kut Teh! Giam Cai! Cai Po

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-82195164003016514222009-08-13T12:27:00.018+10:002010-04-01T00:38:18.655+11:00

Even though IUI number 2 has completed, the injections continued in an attempt to "support" the assumed pregnancy. Of course, if it turns out that I am not pregnant, the last couple of shots would've been in vain. Still, the advice has been to "err" on the safe side (you know, just in case I'm pregnant) and allow myself to be jabbed anyway (sure! why not!). Thankfully, the final booster shot was

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-53488537808208961382009-08-11T13:29:00.010+10:002010-04-01T00:38:25.432+11:00

7pm Husband arrives home. 8pm Husband eating dinner. 8.30pm Husband watching TV. 9pm Husband laughing at TV. 9.30pm Husband ironing shirts in front of TV. 10pm Husband staring at TV. 10.30pm Husband keeping vigil by TV. 11pm Husband looking at TV. 11.30pm Husband gazing at TV. 12.15am Husband says bye to TV. 12.20am Husband says hi to computer. 12.40am Computer says noooooo. 12.45am

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-11956848719654957902009-08-09T09:53:00.018+10:002009-10-08T23:00:10.156+11:00

♪ Two drifters, Off to see the world, There's such a lot of world To see. We're after the same Rainbow's end Waitin' round the bend, My huckleberry friend. ♪ Sometimes all i need Is moments like this. Music in my head, And two idyllically perfect bitches. :)

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-53639892447336211082009-08-04T18:38:00.017+10:002010-04-01T00:39:13.257+11:00

Today marks the completion of IUI number 2 what with all the daily injections, weekly scans and, of course, the procedure itself which came to pass just a couple of hours ago. Everything went according to plan as the last cycle except when Lauren refused to part with her childish ways. But she didn't have a choice. The day we hit her with the maturation shot, the reluctant adolescent

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-46419870909251764632009-08-03T01:10:00.005+10:002009-10-08T23:00:38.495+11:00

"Go ahead with the Pregnyl trigger shot if the egg did not mature by Sunday." ------------ Pregnyl is an injectable, highly purified preparation of human chorionic gonadotropin obtained from the urine of pregnant women. URINE OF PREGNANT WOMEN?! ------------ Lauren, your refusal to grow up is PISSING ME OFF. :P

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-2864275476156645162009-07-31T17:14:00.007+10:002010-04-01T00:39:31.446+11:00

Extreme photophobia and excessive tearing due to a corneal abrasion had me curtaining off the entire house and moping around with an improvised eye pad (aka tissue) held in place to my left eye by the darkest of shades. The tiniest amount of sunlight would cause the affected eye to flinch and close off like the leaves of touch-me-not, and a rivulet of tears not caught by the tissue would journey

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320820212981887472.post-36461135619837025022009-07-30T10:25:00.002+10:002009-08-09T10:57:45.290+10:00

Oh look! I have my own blog again. :)Regrettably, I couldn't find most of my posts from 2002 except those that were posted on Joecities. Oh well, on the bright side, at least I can post whatever I want without "creative differences" anymore because it's MY BLOG now. :PSo, welcome to my world where you'll certainly find yourself "exposed" to scatological humour because I'm crass like that. ;)

Alana Janenoreply@blogger.com1