February 29th

Ok since today only comes around once every 4 years I figured I'd better post something right?

This past week has gone relatively well. One thing that I am looking forward to is May, I get to take a group of students to Spain. Right now that is what I need and am anxiously awaiting the time.

Health wise I've been having terrible stomach pains so I saw the Dr this week. Turns out to be gallstones--(eww) so she put me on a non-fat, non-fried food, non-dairy regimen. Not surprisingly the pains are gone. Those that know me know that this eliminates 2 of my major food groups so we'll see how much longer I can last. My clothes is beginning to get looser so on the plus side I may get a new wardrobe out of all this :)

I had a much needed boost to the ego today. A female student who missed class this week came to my office to see what she had missed. As we were talking she noticed the pictures of my kids and commented

"Are those your kids?"

"Yes" I said

"I didn't know you were married"

"I'm divorced actually"

We continued talking and when we finished she mentioned--"you know I graduate this May, just in case you ever want to hang out or something" and smiled.

Wow I thought, maybe this whole divorce bit isn't so bad after all.

Winter blues

OK so I have been relatively lazy recently, it mainly has to do with the fact that I have been really sick for a while. It seems as if I can't shake whatever bug I have. On the bright side I have lost 7 lbs this past week which I suppose is always a good thing.

At this moment I am sitting in my class watching them take a test I am giving 3 more tests tomorrow so it has been a relative easy week which is what I have needed. The only issue now of course is having to grade them all but that really isn't all that tough, just time-consuming.

I have recently been examining my life and what it is I want now. I find myself very confused because this is soooo not what I expected things to be like. I do know one thing, I am through with women for a while. Since the separation from my wife I have been involved with 2 women, both relationships have ended rather poorly. Maybe I'm just out of practice, maybe New York women are different from those out West, maybe I really am difficult, maybe I picked the wrong women; Whatever the reason I have decided to focus on my kids and my career. My kids appreciate all the time I spend with them and are actually happy to be at daddy's house as often as they are.

It has been REALLY cold this past week. It is usually at this point in the season when most people are ready for the Spring. This winter has been relatively mild but I must agree with most people, I too am ready for the Spring. The only bright spot is that right now most winter gear is on clearance so I have been able to find all kids of clothes for 75% off. Just yesterday I bought two new hats for .75 cents and some new gloves for $5 each pair.

Maybe I'll go shopping tonight--hasta luego.

Are these instructions necessary?

OK so I have a google account, igoogle specifically, you can program it to display any number of things like the weather, local movies, and of course your gmail. Well I also have it set to display a type of "How to" section--you know google's version of Wikipedia of sorts with instructions on how to do random stuff--

One of today's posts was "How to get pregnant"--hmm as I recall that wasn't very hard (3 kids within the 1st 4 yrs of marriage--not bad considering my ex-wife is a Lesbian), heck my ex constantly was trying to NOT get pregnant--

but nevertheless here are the instructions:

How to Get Pregnant

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

For some people, avoiding pregnancy is difficult; but for others, conceiving a child can be elusive and frustrating. There are only six days per monthly cycle during which a woman can conceive[1] and there are many factors which can affect fertility and conception. Here's how to increase the likelihood of pregnancy.

Steps

1. Discontinue any form of birth control. Some birth control methods have a longer "readjustment" period after stopping than others, so the time it takes for a woman's body to be again ready to become pregnant varies. For example, women using Depo-Provera, an injectable contraceptive, usually do not get pregnant until 9-10 months after their last injection.[2] On the other hand, ceasing to use barrier methods has an immediate effect.
   
2. Make healthy lifestyle choices. Maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, eat healthy foods, and keep stress under control. Illness and stress can both affect the timing of ovulation, making it difficult to predict.[3]
   
   • Both partners should eat a well-balanced diet, including foods high in anti-oxidants (e.g. fruits and vegetables) and vitamins, and consider eating less seafood, as it is associated with increasing blood levels of mercury, which has been linked to fertility problems.[4] Consumption of pesticides may also be linked to pregnancy difficulties[5] so now may be a good time for couples to choose organic foods. For women, taking folic acid (vitamin B9) supplements before trying to conceive to reduce the risk of spina bifida and other neural tube defects.[6]
     
   • Visit a doctor for pre-conception planning to identify any necessary lifestyle changes, as well as to check if any of the medications either partner is taking can decrease chances of pregnancy or damage a developing fetus. There may also be vaccines needed to prevent illness or defects in an unborn child.
     
   • Stop smoking. Tobacco affects cervical mucous in ways that may obstruct fertilization.[7] Smoking also reduces sperm count and sperm health.[8] Exposure to second-hand smoke can be just as counterproductive.[9]
     
   • Sleep better. Sleep deprivation results in lower levels of the hormone leptin, without which ovulation may be affected.[10]
     
   • Quit caffeine (or at least cut back). A recent study has shown that consuming more than 200 mg of caffeine (approximately two cups of coffee, but it can come from other sources like tea and soda as well) on a daily basis during the first trimester of pregnancy can significantly increase the likelihood of miscarriage.[11] Since you don't know instantly when you're pregnant, you may want to consider quitting caffeine or reducing your intake to, say, a single cup of coffee per day.
     
   
   
3. Record the first day and the length of menstruation every month.
   
   • If menstruation consistently starts every 28 days, you can reasonably assume that ovulation occurs 14 days after the first day of menstruation.[12]
     
   • If menstrual cycles are more than 28 days long but are consistent, subtract 18 from the average number of days in your cycles. For example, if menstruation begins reliably every 35 days, the difference is 17. On that day in the cycle is when ovulation can be expected to take place.[13]
     
   • If cycles are short, irregular or unpredictable, this method won't work.[14] Move on to the next steps.
     
   
   
4. Record your basal body temperature (BBT) daily. BBT is your body's temperature when you're fully at rest and can be measured with a thermometer specifically labeled for basal temperature.
   
   • Make a graph on graph paper or on the computer, with dates on the bottom and basal temperature on the side. You can find and print fertility charts online, as well as sign up for a fertility charting service.
     
   • Look for a gradual or sudden rise in temperature (between 0.5 and 1.6 degrees F).[15] Fertility is highest during the two to three days before your basal temperature rises[16] so if you can observe any month-to-month patterns in when your temperature rises, you can predict the best time to conceive.
     
   
   
5. Observe changes in cervical mucus daily. At the beginning of a menstrual cycle, it's sparse, tacky, and dense; when ovulation is near, it starts becoming more slippery and plentiful, resembling raw egg white.[17] It gets like this in order to help the sperm reach the egg.[18] To check your cervical mucous, wash your hands, rub some toilet paper or your fingers over the opening of the vagina, examine the color and consistency of the mucous, and write it down.[19]
   
   • Checking cervical mucous can reinforce observations about ovulation gathered in other steps. 22 out of 100 women practicing only this method for one year will get pregnant. It'll be less effective for women who naturally do produce very little mucous, or who use feminine hygiene products and douches.[20] Checking right after showering, bathing, swimming, or intercourse can also make this method less accurate.[21]
     
   • If you're comfortable with it, you can also observe the position of your cervix to determine whether you are ovulating. Wash your hands, insert two fingers, and feel the end of the cervix. If it's hard and dry, like the tip of a nose, you haven't ovulated yet. During ovulation, the cervix will shift higher and feel softer and wetter.[22]
     
   
   
6. Test your urine with an ovulation monitoring kit. These can be purchased over the counter and work by detecting the surge in hormones that takes place right before ovulation. Follow the instructions that come with the kit carefully. This method can be expensive, and is best used after the previous steps have been followed (see Warnings below) but have the benefit of giving you advance notice.
   
7. Try to conceive based on predicted ovulation. Have intercourse at least once a day in the days leading up to and during ovulation.[23] Have intercourse at least 2-3 times per week when ovulation is not predicted, just in case.[24] Don't refrain from intercourse because of concerns over sperm counts being depleted. While sperm count may be lowered by increased frequency of intercourse, there is still statistically a better chance of pregnancy if the couple tries to conceive more often.[25] • Get in position. While it hasn't been scientifically proven, it's generally thought that positions which place the sperm close to the cervix are more conducive to pregnancy, specifically the "missionary position" with a pillow under the woman's hips. Remaining in bed for at least a half hour after intercourse may also increase the chances of sperm reaching the egg.[26]• Enjoy your time together. Trying too hard to get pregnant, especially by strictly following a schedule, can cause stress and reduce physical and emotional intimacy between you and your partner. Many couples recommend being creative with intercourse and keeping it lighthearted and fun.[27]
   
8. Take a pregnancy test if you miss a period. Wait at least 28 days from the day you were supposed to get your period before using a home pregnancy test, or else you may get a false negative result.[28] A blood test administered by a doctor, however, can be taken as soon as a period is missed without any sacrifices in accuracy. Consult a doctor if both partners are in their early 30s or younger and in good health have not conceived after a year[29] plus the expected recovery time from a birth control method. Those who are older, experience menstruation cycles that are longer than 35 days, or have reason to suspect fertility issues may wish to visit a doctor sooner.
   

Tips

• Just because a previous child was conceived quickly doesn't mean any following pregnancies will be just as easy to come by. As a woman gets older, the likelihood of conception decreases.[30]
  
• Avoid the following:[31]
  
  • vaginal sprays and scented tampons can result in a pH imbalance in the vagina
    
  • artificial lubricants, vegetable oils, and glycerin can kill off sperm
    
  • douching alters the normal acidity of the vagina and may wash away the cervical mucus that is required to transport the sperm
    
  
  
• Beware pregnancy myths:[32]
  
  • Drinking coffee is not proven to decrease rates of conception. However, a recent study indicates that drinking too much caffeine during pregnancy may increase the risk of a miscarriage.[33]
    
  • Cough medicine will not increase your chances of getting pregnant.
    
  • A man can wear briefs without decreasing his sperm count.
    
  
  

Warnings

• Ovulation monitoring kits can be so specific about timing that you may miss the mark by concentrating your conception efforts into a very narrow time defined by the kit.[34] The pressure associated with using these kits can also result in stress, which will not help the chances of pregnancy.[35]
  
• Make sure that you and your partner are disease and infection free before stopping any barrier methods of birth control.
  

Related wikiHows

• How to Take Your Basal Body Temperature
  
• How to Increase Your Fertility
  
• How to Know if You are Pregnant
  
• How to Announce Your Pregnancy
  

Sources and Citations

1. ↑ http://www.redbookmag.com/your/get-pregnant-yl-2


2. ↑ http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/women/contraceptive/043.html


3. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/how-to-get-pregnant/PR00103


4. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/baby/guide/getting-pregnant-ways-to-improve-your-fertility?page=2


5. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/baby/guide/getting-pregnant-ways-to-improve-your-fertility?page=4


6. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/how-to-get-pregnant/PR00103


7. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/how-to-get-pregnant/PR00103


8. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/baby/guide/getting-pregnant-ways-to-improve-your-fertility


9. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/baby/guide/getting-pregnant-ways-to-improve-your-fertility


10. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/baby/guide/getting-pregnant-ways-to-improve-your-fertility?page=4


11. ↑ http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22718279/


12. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/how-to-get-pregnant/PR00103


13. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/how-to-get-pregnant/PR00103


14. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/how-to-get-pregnant/PR00103


15. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/how-to-get-pregnant/PR00103


16. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/how-to-get-pregnant/PR00103


17. ↑ http://www.redbookmag.com/your/get-pregnant-yl-2


18. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/fertility-tests-for-women?page=2


19. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/fertility-tests-for-women?page=2


20. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cervical-mucus-ovulation/BI00029


21. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/content/Article/88/99728.htm?pagenumber=3


22. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/fertility-tests-for-women?page=3


23. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/how-to-get-pregnant/PR00103


24. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/how-to-get-pregnant/PR00103


25. ↑ http://www.redbookmag.com/your/get-pregnant-yl-3


26. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/content/Article/88/99728.htm?pagenumber=3


27. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/content/Article/88/99728.htm?pagenumber=3


28. ↑ http://www.redbookmag.com/your/get-pregnant-yl-3


29. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/how-to-get-pregnant/PR00103


30. ↑ http://www.redbookmag.com/your/get-pregnant-yl-4


31. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/content/Article/88/99728.htm?pagenumber=3


32. ↑ http://www.redbookmag.com/your/get-pregnant-yl-5


33. ↑ http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/21/health/21caffeine.html


34. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/how-to-get-pregnant/PR00103


35. ↑ http://www.redbookmag.com/your/get-pregnant-yl-2

Article provided by wikiHow, a collaborative writing project to build the world's largest, highest quality how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Get Pregnant. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Sick day

So I woke up with whatever illness little Roman had this past week. I debated on whether to go in or not since I hate missing work cause then I need to rearrange my entire syllabus. Then I checked and it turns out that I have nearly 234 hours of sick time--that comes out to about 35 days or so. I am definitely taking the day off. It seems like my students don't mind anyways so I will be resting today.

Yo no hablo Español

It's been a while but since it has been the beginning of a new semester I have been busy. Lately my kids have shown an interest in speaking Spanish. This has actually come as quite a surprise because their mom is white (non-Spanish speaker), they are pretty much surrounded by all English with the exception of Dora and Diego. Well My daughter Rachel has just recently realized that there are different ways to communicate and has been slowly asking how to say things in Spanish. This is a surprise because I recall growing up actually being a little ashamed of my Hispanic heritage. I grew up in a predominantly white area and my parents didn't speak English so often my siblings and I were their interpreters. Needless to say that the people around me often found this amusing (even those who I considered friends come to think about it) so trying my best to fit in I tried to use as little Spanish as possible in public. Of course it wasn't till later in life that I realized what an advantage I had being fluent in two languages but as a youth it was hard to see. Plus having grown up in Southern California being Mexican was occasionally looked down upon (still is really). In fact I recall Mexican jokes being told in front of me by Church leaders, I tried my best to laugh it off but thinking about it now is really beginning to piss me off. Hence why I am so proud of my daughter, well within the past two weeks I have tried to speak only Spanish to her. She can't always answer in Spanish but she can understand what I am saying about 80% of the time. For example this morning--

Rachel: Dad

Me:¿Qué quieres?

Rachel: Can I have some chips?

Me:Está bien.

Rachel: Where are they daddy?

Me: En la cocina, usa un plato.

She came back with some Doritos in a bowl.

Not to be outdone, little Roman has asked (usually emphatically) that all his DVDs be played in Spanish and he too is beginning to communicate in Spanish. He knows his colors and numbers till about 20 or so and of course simple words like hello, thank you, please etc.

I know this will tick off many Conservative right-wing fools out there but first- please realize that a second language is an advantage to anyone and second that language should be Spanish. You aren't getting rid of us no matter how hard you try. A wall won't do it. You won't be able to deport all 12 million--heck you still can't find Osama. Plus I really can't imagine some white person spending all day picking lettuce or oranges. Since you really do need to face reality, take lessons from my daughter, start learning some Spanish.