My fun event for the day was a peer support group outing at The Cheesecake Factory! I took the day off work to go (yippee!), and it was sponsored and totally free for us! This is the first day in a long time I've taken off work just for me. Boy is it worth it. I think I'm officially out of my funk.
I have been looking forward to this event for about a month, but I have to say, it wasn't exactly what I was expecting. When we arrived many of the couples (and singles) were already there. Everyone greeted us, and we just chatted until all arrived and food could be ordered. We didn't have to stand up and state our names and problems or anything. I also didn't feel the connection with some of the ladies that I've felt immediately with other "infertiles."
I did realize something however. I realized that for the first time in a long time, I am not my infertility! There were a few women there who seemed to still be in that place. They were consumed with discussing every detail of every treatment and making sure all were in agreement. In the meantime, I was happy to discuss our problems in the context of our lives. We met a lovely couple with whom we discussed work, our city, social problems and preferences along with our medical issues. It was important to me, but not the only aspect of our or others' lives in which I was interested. Don't get me wrong. It was nice to discuss various problems with these people face to face. But since they were strangers, it was a little difficult for me to launch right into my life story.
There was a very nice, but slightly odd woman there who asked each person immediately as they entered, "So what's your story? What's wrong with you?" Both DH and I paused and blinked at her a moment before answering. She also had a lot of answers for us despite the fact that even though she's had 7 IUI's, she didn't know what they were called, and at one point called it an "IVI." She was also very confused about LH, FSH and any other hormone we routinely deal with. I guess she was entertaining at least. But I'm glad we sat across from the more normal couple.
In short, it was fun, but surprising in ways. I willingly signed peoples' books with my email address, but I don't know that I'm going to keep up with them. The food was yummy (more detail in a minute), and bless my sweet sweet hubster for coming out with me. What a gem!
THE FOOD
We could order anything we wanted! How great is that?
Appetizers: DH had fried calamari, and I had Thai lettuce wraps. I don't eat squid, so can't talk about that, but the lettuce wraps were YUM! And good for me too! (points for later)
Lunch: DH had spicy crispy beef, and I had chicken piccata (lemon sauce and capers). The sauce & veggies in the beef dish were fabulous. My chicken left a little to be desired. I like more lemon and caper taste in mine.
Dessert: DH ordered a Kahlua chocolate cake (I think), and I got a caramel apple dumpling. See, that's where the points from the lettuce wraps come in. I lost a lot with that decadent dessert. I thought maybe if there was fruit in it, it wouldn't be SO bad. I could only eat a third of it though! It was sooooo sweet! I'm just not used to that anymore. It's a little sad, and good at the same time. It's going to take me days to finish it.
So after all that, I'm still tired but feeling better. I watched Knocked Up the other night with DH and blubbered a bit. Then I got out my knitting for the first time in a while and was soothed by the beautiful yarn and the clicking of the smooth, cool needles. That marked the beginning of my entrance back into the land of the normal. Thanks for all your kind thoughts and comments!
