Ready.... Set... Launch!

Well, it's finally over (in a good way)!

We had Ample Wellness' Launch party this weekend and it was quite the turn out. 

Jackie and I started thinking about Ample Wellness back in 2012. About a year later we decided to dive-in and see what we could create from our thoughts about wellness.

Last July we started the process of getting the registration and licensing going; we got insurance, liability forms, all the equipment, and finally went live October 2013.

It's been really exciting seeing what was once a little seed, grow into a beautiful tree.

We're starting small, doing it in our home for now, offering small group trainings and goal tracking and progression. 

We plan to expand within two years into a space outside of the home, increasing our area of focus.

We chose the name Ample Wellness based on the fact that we eventually want to offer more than just physical fitness. We think mental and spiritual (or whatever you would like to call it) fitness are both equally as important as physical fitness. Thus the "Ample" in the name... All encompassing wellness. 

Many people may work really hard for the looks, but without having their mind right, too... They still have a long ways to go.

We found that so many of us (me included) are looking for that balance in life; "woooosahing it out," I like to say. But rarely do we want to put in the work, and look in the mirror, to reflect on what it is we're really trying to create in the little time we have here.

With Ample Wellness we want to help people find that.... Plant their seeds and bring them to fruition. 

We'll eventually offer Meal Planning, Life Coaching, Meditation, Yoga, Kids Camps, as well as our traditional Group and Personal Training. 

Jackie is a great speaker, too - so we want to get into the niche of Corporate Wellness. She's already built two programs and has given pitches at The Women in Business luncheons. 

Her programs are focused on getting your mind right; changing the way you think to create the life you've always imagined. 

For more details, check out the website. Www.AmpdWellness.Com

If you know me well, then you know I look for any - and all - reasons to throw a party. So it only seemed necessary to have a Launch Party! 

Why wouldn't we want to celebrate all of our hard work with our closest family and friends? ;)

We had food, gear, raffles and a "not for kids" punch that was to die for!

After the party we ended up having a fun little photo shoot as well. Some of the things performed should have probably only be done by TRAINED professionals, but I give them all an A for effort. Although one of them did end up with a bloody lip - it was pretty hilarious!

All in all, I would definitely say it was a success! 

We gave away a 100$ cash prize, hoodies, tanks, T's, individual training sessions, a month of free training, weeks of free training and some lashes. We even sold over 500$ in apparel!

I think everyone enjoyed themselves and we did, too.

Thank you so much to all that supported us that night. And thank you to all of you who support us going forward. We truly couldn't have done any of it without the love an support from you. <3

City By The Bay

Just waitin for our flight home to take off, it's been delayed due to technical difficulties (sigh).

Came to spend Christmas with the Wong's. It was Miah's very first time to SF - she loved it!

It was a short trip, but oh so needed. We flew in Friday and were greeted by Momma and Poppa Wong (Linda and Paul), and Auntie Sam (Jacks little sis). They even came in and waited for us by the gate, I was a little nervous how Miah would feel but she was cute about it and fit right in.

She ADORED Sammy right away. "She looks just like Jackie but girlier, Mom..." She said. 

We had to break the bad news about the baby, everyone was disappointed but we all have our hopes up for round II. 

We went back to Antioch, the little city Jack grew up in, and went for Chineese food... It was sooooo good!

We then went back to the house and nestled in. It's always nice coming to visit because it's very relaxing. 

We did Christmas... each taking turns going around the room opening one gift at a time - It's a Wong tradition. 

Miah played fooze ball with Nik, Sammy and Linda - now I know where they all get there competitive side from, Momma Wong! 

We finished up with dinner, watching the tennis matches and chillin'. 

Miah, Paul and Jackie went fishing early morning the next day. They all caught multiple fish. I slept in and went shopping with Linda and Sammy - you know, girl stuff. 👠👗🚺

After fishing and shopping we BBQ'd and had Jackie's Auntie Yvonne, Cousin Rob and Doreen and Mike come visit. 

We ended the night soakin' up the sun in the back yard (70 degrees and blue skies), Nik practicing soccer with Miah, and again chillin' and watching Tennis... Poor, poor Serena. 

Sunday we woke up early and went to the City! We went to Jackie's Mom's church, Glad Tidings, then hit up Savor for breakfast with Debbie (Momma Wongs bf) and Andrew (Sammy's bf). Church was awesome. They have a full choir and the energy in there is intense! They were giving away a Mercedes, too. 

Next on the list was the Bay Aquarium. I'm not going to lie I thought twice about it after seeing Black Fish, but we went anyway.

Finally, we made our way back home to watch the Niners game and chill. 

I'd say the overall trip was a huge success, minus the Niners loss and the Seahawks tactless win!

Miah got to know the family, we had good long talks about everyone's future, lots of laughs and even more fun.

Miah loved it so much she said she wanted to move here (it's all because of Sam and Nik)! 

I'm glad she loved it so much and even more glad we all had the chance to bond. Thank you Wong's for making us both feel like family. Happy MLK day!! <3

Smarty Pants

My daughter is much smarter than I give her credit for.

I saw Bean at Costco last week and I was with Miah when she asked "Any news?" I gave her the panicked look like "She has no clue.... Shhhhh!"

On our way to the car Miah asked "Mom, what was Jill talking about?" So of course I lie and say, "There's a surprise for you...." Instantly she says "What surprise? What is it... What is it?!" I told her I couldn't tell her until we got back from Ca. At this point I still had hope we would see a BFP (that's infertility talk for Big Fat Positive) before we got back. 

For those of you who didn't read the last post, Aunt Flow showed up last night. (DB!)

So this morning Miah starts asking about her surprise again. She then says "Mom, I know what it is... I'm going to have a sibling." 

I always told myself I would be as honest as I could and talk to Miah about anything; child appropriate of course.

So I told her the good news... "We're trying to make a baby!" Her first reaction was "Nooooo!"

Just to give you a little back ground, a couple years ago I asked Miah how she would feel about having a brother or sister and she said she didn't want one. 

She said she was scared I wouldn't love her any more (heart break!). 

I reassured her and told her a tiny white lie. I told her all parents love their first born the most! Ha... (We all know that's not true, I'm the baby and my Mom definitely loves me the most!) Jkjk 

Luckily my friend Annalise was there and had some big elaborate story about how Mommy's grow extra love in their belly for nine months and when the baby arrives all the love that grew all those months goes straight to her... Or something like that. (Thanks, TwinneR!)

We have a few friends who have already done the turkey baster (yes, people really do that) method and others who have done AI, so luckily we've been given a few opportunities to talk to Miah about how it works. We've also asked her several times how she felt about a little brother and sister and she said she wanted a sister. 

After talking to her about the big "Noooo....." reaction, Jackie and I explained to her how she will still be loved, still get to experience all the things she gets to now, but now she will have to share the number one spot with her little brother or sister. She said she was okay with that. 

Now won't stop asking 543,327 questions!!

I was nervous to tell her about it, but I'm glad she knows. I explained the possibility of things not working out as planned, but the good thing about being a lesbian is my wifey can always carry. 

We're talking about her carrying another in two years possibly, as well.

So... I guess no more hush hush. The main thing we, as well as all our loved ones, need to do is show Miah she is just as important as the baby and make sure we include her in the process, as well as conversations about the baby.

We're heading to California to spend Christmas with the Wong's and show Miah the big city today. 

Can't wait to expand our family! <3

Not Quite Disappointment, More Like Impatience

Welp, it looks like that Beezy Aunt Flow decided to show up!! ;(

I wouldn't say I'm disappointed, more like impatient. We're SO ready for this and it not taking the first time just makes us more impatient. "I'm too exxxxxcccciiittteeedd to sleep!"

Maybe I shouldn't have went skiing the day after......??? Nah!

I truly believe when, and if, it's meant to be - it will be. 

Luckily, we only have to wait two more weeks before we try again.

I've been meditating a lot, listening to "fertility affirmations," and trying to limit distress as much as possible. "They" say you double your chances the less stressed you are.

Round two, here we come. Wish us luck! <3

A.N.T.I.C.I.P.A.T.I.O.N

The anticipation is killing us!

One more week and we should know if we have a bun in the oven. (I think I do, but I could be psychin myself out - what if there are two?!). 

Jack has been so cute, doing all sorts of research online; educating herself on what to expect, when to test, etc. She's so excited she's having a hard time sleeping. Cutie!

Luckily, It's been a great week and we've stayed pretty busy. 

We went Skiing Sunday, it was a beautiful day, but SO cold! I tried skiing for the first time in years. I used to be a great skier when I was little, but man.... growing up and further away from the ground definitely makes things different. 

After two runs I decide it would be brilliant of Staci (she was the only other one that would ski with me - the rest of them are boardin fools) and I to take a different route, a harder run. Um.... Never again! 

At first it was smooth sailing, then the first drop off was literally a drop off! (Ha) Being it was my bright idea, I went first - slowly, and in pizza style the whole way down. I barely had any control.... started veering off into the side trails and hit a tree. HIT A TREE! What an idiot. 

Staci just sat at the the top of the hill laughing at me, makes it down safely and continues on down the hill. 

Still stuck on the tree I had to get my self out. So... I did successfully (thank God), and we both made it down the slope safely and uninjured. 

Lesson of the day: taking risks skiing for the first time in years probably isn't the best idea I've ever had, but it makes for great memories!

This week was also our THREE year anniversary! I can't believe it's already been three years. I was such a romantic and surprised Jack with Tiffany's "promise rings," I guess that's what you call them. ;) 

Being the non-emotionalyl driven one in the relationship, Jackie had no clue. She thought I didn't even care... then BAM! She felt really bad cause "she didn't get me anything," but oh she did. I also got a Tiffany's promise ring and the best dinner made by mine truly. Love you, Babe!

It's been a great journey. We have gone through, and grown, a lot; continuing to try everyday. Whoever said "relationships are a full-time job," was right! 

Fortunately, so many awesome things are happening due to that hard work. We're starting our business and adding to the family.... I can't wait to see what our future holds. 

Finally we ended the week taking babygirl to Lydia's birthday party. We got them Twinner hats, and she loved her gift! #CoolMomsBuyCoolGifts Syd would say. 

I also saw the greatest idea yet and I can't wait to do it on my day of birth celebration: spank machine!!! <3

It's Our Anniversary (echo) It's Our Anniversary, Anniversary!

Like Tony, Toni, Tone said... It's our Anniversary! (It's our Anniversary!)

Three years, today. We made it!

"It might take a year, it might take a day... Whatever is meant to be, will always find a way!"

Happy Anniversary!

The Art of Artificial Insemination (AI)

Well, we did it! Yesterday was the first attempt at insem (yes there is even slang for insemination).

My Gyno is seriously the coolest lady I have ever met! She is super informative and educates me on something new every time I see her.

Her name is Anna Mair, and she's at Jordan Valley Medical center, if you ever need the raddest Gyno!

The art of Artificial Insemination, it really is an art you know. You'd be surprised how many people (women and myself) don't know "how it works." 

If you're a man reading this blog, it may not be your cup of tea - feel free to stop now. ;)

Jackie and I started the baby makin' process about a year ago. But in spite of all our efforts, we have been unsuccessful on our own (I joke, I joke).

Really tho, we started talking about wanting to have a baby about a year ago. We've had many discussions with Miah, too, but we aren't telling her the great news until we know for sure it takes.

So... Back to planning. 

We were going to get preggers (as my Gyno would say) in October, but unfortunately things didn't go as planned. 

I thought I wanted to be pregnant in the winter, but the more I learn about our "worst air in the world and how it affects babies in the womb," I'm glad I'll spend the bulk of my pregnancy in the summer. Plus, I'll be able to have a nice tan, too! 

Jackie and I did a bunch of research, met with my Dr. and started our Cryobank profile.

What you can expect if you're planning on doing AI:

Step one: Talk to your Dr. 

Find out all you need to know about timing, the process of AI, and assistance needed (charting your period and ovulation, Clear Blue Easy ovulation test - the one with the smiley, and all that jazz).

Step two: Pick a donor. 

Utah doesn't have this option so the next best thing is the Cryobank of California. 

You pay a 145$ fee to see donor profile information (medical history, family medical history, baby pictures, a little bit about the donor, etc.). 

The Cryobank only accepts less than 1% of their applicants, whom each go through a seven step process of testing (genetics, infectious disease, sperm mobility, etc.). This way, you know what you're getting is good pickin's!

*Check out the "Brrrrrr!" blog to see all our donor information, pics, etc.

Step three: Chart period and ovulation.

Look into Natural Family Planning to help you understand what you need to watch for. 

It's funny, I've been charting for years, but until this process, I never realized I actually have ovulation pains. 

Next get a Clear Blue Easy ovulation tester and watch when you have an LH surge (you get a surge in LH - a hormone - 24-36 hours before the egg releases).

Step four: Stay in close contact with your Dr. 

Once you have your LH surge you'll go in for insemination within 24 hours.

Step five: Order sperm. 

The sperm will be shipped in a 3ft nitrogen charged tank, where the sperm can last up to 7 days. 

You can order two day shipping, or over night. We went with over night just to be safe. 

Not knowing exactly when you'll have your LH surge, and it being New Years, we didn't want to take any chances. (No shipping on holidays or Sundays.) 

You'll usually have High Peak days (blinking smiley on the ovulation test) before your LH surge (still smiley), so High Peak days are a safe time to order.

Step six: Visit Dr. 

Now this was a little awkward; entering the Dr.'s office carrying this huge box holding a teeny tiny vile of sperm! 

The visit was just like a pap, the Dr. first has to incubate the sperm until it's at body temperature. Then she checks the sperm under a microscope to ensure you have good, live, swimmers (about 1/3 die during the process leading up to insem). 

Next she inserts a tiny catheter into your cervix and into the uterus, then releases the sperm. 

You lay there about 15-20 min and you're good to go! (Studies show higher success rates if you stay horizontal for 15 min.)

Note: your egg lasts about 24 hours and the sperm can live up to 72 hours.

Oh yeah, prices:

145$ donor profile

695$ for the sperm

30-50$ for Clear Blue Easy Ovulation test (get the ADVANCED one)
195-295$ for shipping (depending on when you order)

320$ for insem
185$ for a follicle test (Ultra sound to see when your egg drops)
Total = ~1525$ a pop! 

It's about a one in four chance to get pregnant with intrauteral insemination (the sperm is injected into the uterus. They also have intracervical injections that are injected into the cervix, but the intrauteral has a higher success rate).

I guess implantation will happen within 72 hours so we should know by the 16th.

Keep your fingers crossed and wish us luck! <3

New Years Resolution(s)

New Years resolutions... always a good time to reflect and think about what it is you've accomplished in the passing year, and what you want to accomplish in the upcoming one.

For me, I try to continually implement short-term - and think about my long-term - goals all throughout the year. Tho, I must admit since my MBA in 2008, there hasn't been many long-term goals on the list. Not this year! ;)

2013 has been great! A lot of growth has transpired this year,  and many realizations surfaced:

• God loves me for me.
• We can't hold people collectively responsible, each relationship we have with every individual in our lives is separate. 
• Slayer was, and still is, my brothers angel. (RIP Nephew)
• I've strengthened the bond between my daughter and me.
• Quality over Quantity. 
• Good friends are hard to come by and I have been abundantly blessed.
• Ego's are very real.
• I've decided to make a baby with my LIFE PARTNER (<--I love saying those two awkward words!)
• Most people will do what they tell you they would NEVER. 
• Choosing to be healthy and more fit is the best decision I've ever made!
• Relationships grow with hard work.
• The more okay I am with my sexual preference, the more okay others are, too. 
• I've grown closer with my family. 
• Good times don't come cheap. 
• Saving matters. 
• Dreem loves COCKtails!
• My Mom and Sis really are great dancers! 
• Jackie is terrified of Mice and Katydids. 
• The people you love most will hurt you in ways you never thought they could.
• Reconciling differences, even when those people are no longer actively in your life, helps healing.
• Forgiveness is a choice. 
• We all make mistakes. 
• After visiting the twin towers memorial, it's true... we will never forget.
• Equality is a MUST. 
• I will marry Miss Wong one day.
• Everything worth it takes a lot of work. 
• Starting a business takes MONTHS!
• Artificial Insemination is a process. 
• Miah is her mother's daughter. 
• Girls trips to NAPA rock!
• Networking is a talent.
• Effort goes noticed.
• Times are a changing!
• Jackie and I can still have fun together even when others are determined to be upset.
• Snowmobiling is scary.
• Thoughts become things (reaffirming this one).
• Kids really do cry when you take them to see their favorite artist (JB). 
• Sometimes we are just very different than others and that is ok.
• You must decide what is best for you; socially, personally and professionally.
• Jackie is really good at backing in the trailer. 
• Tony Robbins might be the most amazing man alive.
• I do what I want!
• 1920 Mustache Bash's might be the best thing since sliced cheese!
• My therapist is my comfort angel.
• My person (Christy Williams) provides mores support than anyone could ever ask for.  
• What we give we get to keep, what we fail to give we lose forever. 
• Tandem bikes are a true test for a relationship.
• Accidental drowning is very real.
• Don't ride on tubes while intoxicated. 
• Tennis is hard.
• Layoffs happen.
• Doing lashes is a lot harder than it looks.
• Jack is really concerned about the headlights being on.
• My lesbianism is an act of charity for all those women praying for a man.
• There is no such thing as too much camping.
• Glow sticks make for some pretty fancy earrings.
• Crossfit is hard.
• Smells are important.
• Never sleep in the SUV while camping.
• Maddox hates rafting.
• Mountain Men Rendezvous is great, but it's time to pick something new.
• Kissing doesn't kill, greed and indifference do.
• If you fall asleep during the Pub crawl in NYC, they too will kick you out!
• I choose not to live life without my best friends.
• I still love Leatherby's!
• Rudolph on Christmas Eve never gets old.
• Don't pick sides.
• Dream bigger. 
• I'm the luckiest girl in the world!

I'm excited to see what 2014 brings. New baby, thriving business, and new awakenings.

I'm going to work on my Life Coaching, with plans to grow up and be one some day....

I'm going to love harder...

And just breathe.

Happy New Years everyone <3

 

Here's a little bit of the fun we had ringing in the New Year: