Keeping it bright and shiny

My burn is healing nicely.  It looks pretty nasty, but it doesn't hurt when my shirt or hand graze it anymore.  Now if only I could keep the boys from sticking body parts out of that area.  But at least I haven't gone into labor!  I can only imagine how it would feel to have regular contractions with this sucker (instead of the very few and very far between BH contractions).

I know I had to have said this at least a billion times, but Mr. W really is Mr. Wonderful.  My Christmas tree is now up and decorated!  This is the first time, according to him, that he has ever decorated a tree.  It's just not his thing.  He said, "You should be happy."  My response was, "Well, I know you love me.  And I am carrying your children."  Snicker.  I guess I better get all the use out of that statement while it lasts.  :-)

It's raining here, which is a bit gloomy because it's been nonstop since night before last.  You'd think someone had sprayed Mr. W's dog with something stinky, or possibly even acid.  You can hear her as soon as she hits the dog door from going outside.  She slides all over the floor (new pergo floors, they haven't quite adjusted to the lack of traction) making her way into the living room.  She immediately throws herself onto the floor face first and rolls around while scratching her face with her paws.  She jumps up and shakes once or twice then repeats the whole performance.  It's hilarious!  All of that drama from a little bit of water.  Hahahaha!!!

Tomorrow is 36 weeks.  :-)

Still thankful

I am very thankful that Mr. W picked out such wonderful and sensible carpet!  We had it installed a few months ago (the one thing that Mr. W wouldn't do himself) and it's looked good so far.

Just a few minutes ago Mr. W put it to the test.  He didn't take his shoes off before going upstairs and managed to track dog poo all over the carpet (the stairs and all three bedrooms).  He proceeded to grab a rag and quickly clean it up.  It didn't stain or even stick to the carpet!  I am so thankful for our PET carpet!

Of course he'll use the steam cleaner as soon as his family leaves (leave already people!!!).

Thanks-giving is not over

Today is the day after the holiday, but I am so thankful. 

Mel did a post called Mico-Thankfulness and it made me think even harder about the little things in life.

I am thankful for my beautiful girls.  My Megan and my Emma dogs.  I call them my "heathens", but they truly are wonderful animals.  Yes, Emma will shred any piece of paper she can find and Megan will curl up in any available cushioned furniture, if  you leave them unattended for too long downstairs.  If someone comes to the door all I have to do is tell them "Go outside" in a firm voice and they run out their dog door and wait until I call them back in.  These girls love me and my husband unconditionally and it shows.  We very much love them back. 

I am thankful for my kitchen appliances and gadgets.  I know this is an odd one, but when we moved into this house it was full of really old nasty appliances and I had to live with those for a while.  I'm not the best cook, but I truly enjoy it.  It's so nice to have an oven that keeps the chosen temperature.  Making a cake (or a meringue) is so much easier with the stand mixer that Mr. W gave me last year for Christmas.  I'm thankful for all of my wonderful bamboo mixing spoons and my lovely pots and pans.  They serve me so well and clean up so nicely!  I also love my insanely cheap yet super sharp knife set.

I am thankful for my aqua globes, which truly have made it easier to keep my houseplants alive.  I am thankful for my houseplants.  I have quite a few of them and they almost all have a special meaning.  There is the plant that I received from my first job in Charleston (my first job in my new life as I like to remember it).  There is the small peace lily that was in the house when Mr. W moved in; we have no idea how it was alive since the house had been vacant for over a year.  There are the corn plant, the large peace lily, and the schefflera from my Grandpa's funeral a few years ago.  There are the mother-in-law's tongue and the african violet from my Granny's funeral two years ago.  I have three plants that started out as cuttings from plants at my second job in Charleston.  I have two jade plants, one was a gift from my last boss for my birthday year before last and the other is a clipping from a clipping from a clipping (etc) from a plant I owned my senior year in high school.  I love my plants.

I am thankful that Mr. W doesn't mind cleaning.  When I began this post he was in the kitchen loading the dishwasher.  After he finished that, he brought me a glass of water.  For that I was extremely thankful.

I am thankful that my menomenamena tree twinkles!  (just found this out as we just put it up)  The twinkling lights are so cheery and calming.

I am beyond thankful for all of the support and friendship I have received since first being found by Farah and then finding her blog. 

There is so much more that I am thankful for, and I plan on writing more posts, but for now I'll leave it at this.  Thank you!

Cooking Lesson & The Plot Thickens

The Plot Thickens:

J, from this most recent post, is now married.  Her and A had a little ceremony at A's house last night.  I was given less than 24 hours notice that she wanted me to walk down the hallway (her aisle) before her.  She also asked me to dress up.  Hahahaha!!!  I explained that I would wear the least casual of the two pair of pants and two shirts that still fit.  It turned out very sweet even as disorganized as it was.  I still say that, in her shoes, I'd probably make the same decision, but I hope she knows what she's doing. 

Cooking Lesson - Mashed Potatoes (pay close attention beginning with step 4)

1. Peel Potatoes


2. Put potatoes in pot with a little crushed garlic and cover with water


3. Bring to a boil for 20 minutes or until fork tender


4. Instead of draining the boiling water into the sink, pour it on your belly and feet


5. Immediately freak out about unborn children


6. Once pain sets in (per husband this takes about 5 seconds from the sound of the water hitting the floor) scream multiple profanities and repeat "Oh, God!" at least a dozen times as the tears begin to stream down your face


7. Place cold compress on belly and rush to call on-call doctor


8. Find out boiling water doesn't hurt unborn babies, but does hurt you


9. Realize toes are also in excruciating pain and place ice pack on them


10. Instruct husband on adding milk, butter, salt and pepper to drained potatoes


11. Sit on couch with compress and cold pack as husband uses hand mixer to mash potatoes


12. Enjoy!  (the potatoes, not the severe pain as your children realize that the blistered side of your belly is once again safe for them)

 Now for the picture proof that I did this insanely clumsy and stupid thing.

 

 

 

 

And a 35 weeks 2 days picture (sorry for the lack of a shirt...blisters and material just aren't fun right now).

Updated this morning:

Graco + Graco = WTF?

Just a quick note to all twin-moms-to-be:

If you get the Graco Pack N Play Portable Playard/Twins Bassinet, don't buy any Graco Pack N Play sheets for it.  They.  Don't.  Fit.  WTF?  And until I did about 20 minutes of research, I couldn't find where anyone had mentioned that the mattresses weren't "average" size.  Seriously people!!!  And if you go to the Graco site, you can't get the proper sheet there because they no longer carry it.  But they still sell the playard.  Jackasses.

Appointment Update and Schedules

In bullets because I'm that tired right now.  :-)

•  I seriously love my midwife.  I think she could tell me that I'm going to have to inject myself every day for six weeks and I'd still be happy and smiling.  Wait...she did tell me that and I did remain happy and smiling.  More on that in a second, though.  I just want the world to know that this woman rocks and makes almost every single visit a pleasure!


• My cervix is softening.  I'm a fingertip dilated on the outside, but still 1.5 cm long.  She said she couldn't tell about the inside because someone had a butt planted down there (Baby A).


• I'm scheduled for the first procedure of the morning for December 11.  I can't believe how excited I am to having something on the schedule!  This is, of course, just a back-up plan in case the boys don't decide to come before then.  I'll be honest and say that I'd like to naturally go into labor anytime before then (even right before would be OK).  I'd just like my body to be aware that it's about to lose its occupants before they're ripped out.  I know that a C-section will be a necessity with them both being breech, and I'm really OK with that now.


• It is documented in my file that I have the Prothrombin Factor II gene mutation, so they want me to do Lovenox injections for 6 weeks after my C-section.  This is a precautionary measure because I don't have a history of blood clots.  But of course my Dad didn't have a history when he had his appendectomy, and that didn't stop him from throwing multiple blood clots to both lungs afterwards (hell of a way to find out you have a gene mutation).


• The nurse working with me and the boys from my NST this morning stated that breech babies were usually much easier to monitor.  I think she jinxed herself!  She spent almost an hour sitting right beside me moving, twisting, and pushing on the monitor for Baby B.  He's a sensitive little guy, and does not like to be touched.  She commented on how she could actually feel him pushing the monitor away  (not kicking, but pushing).  Over the hour period she managed to get a cumulative 10 minutes of baseline monitoring for him and quite a few accelerations.  Baby A, on the other hand, stayed put and did exactly what he was supposed to.  This is such a change from how they normally are (We barely have any good u/s shots of Baby A due to the fact that he is so uncooperative).


• I can only imagine what babies are thinking when they stick the little vibrator thingy against them to wake them up.  "What the hell?!?!  What was that for?!?!"  Baby A had apparently gone to sleep and she wanted one more acceleration, and needed a few more for Baby B, so she stuck the vibrator thingy by him.  He immediately jerked and had an acceleration.  Poor kid.  Ha-ha!


• I finally felt (and knew what I was feeling) one of the little guys have the hiccups.  I don't feel Baby A as much as Baby B due to his positioning, but today the nurse pointed out that he had the hiccups.  I could hear the static on the machine every time he hiccuped then realized I was feeling a little tap in my lower abdomen at the same time.  It made me smile.  :-)


• Today was a very wonderful appointment.  My questions were answered.  I didn't feel rushed through like a head of cattle.  I have a date on the calendar.  I am a very happy camper right now!

 **************************

I really want to start a few posts on things that I am blessed with.  I read a post the other day and it's had me thinking since then.  I am very blessed, and not just with this pregnancy, but with so much more.  It's about time I acknowledge this.  Heads up for sappy posts about the things in my life I'm thankful for (besides my new bottle of Tums)!

Her suckage continues

Almost two weeks ago I wrote about my friend J (post is here).  Her and A have gotten an update.  Stage 4 cancer.  A softball size tumor in his head that has eaten the bone in the front of his face.  6-9 weeks of chemotherapy followed by a very serious surgery involving facial reconstruction followed by 6-9 weeks of radiation.  His chances of making it through the surgery are not very high, and if he does survive the surgery they give him a very small chance of ever making it off the ventilator.  If he survives the surgery and beats the cancer he has a high chance of being disfigured and having speech and vision problems.  His doctors told him to get the things done that he wanted to do before he died.

She is devastated.  But on the tail of this devastation she has some odd hope.  He finally told her that he wants to marry her and wants her to have his child.  He can delay the beginning of his chemo long enough to try one natural TTC cycle.  He's also going to freeze some of his guys in case it doesn't work this month.  He's had over five years to make a serious commitment to J and he chooses what could be his last months on earth to do it?

I question his intentions.  Of course when you're told that you're more than likely dying, you don't want to die alone and you don't want to die without leaving a legacy.  He's told her that if he doesn't make it, that she and the baby would be very well taken care of (financially).  But who would support her emotionally?  She barely has any family left.  His family is pretty emotionally screwed up (as in vacant). 

Of course, I support her in whatever decision she makes.  I know how much she loves A and has dreamed of marrying him and having his children.  I gave her a crash course in TTC and offered any support I can give her.  Now we just see what happens.

Wherefore art thou?

3 bottles of Tums have gone missing in my house.  3 over 1/2 full bottles.

I try to assure Mr. W that the bottle is left on the counter/end table is because I need it frequently.  Apparently I don't need it frequently enough for Mr. W.  He keeps "cleaning up" and misplacing them. 

Oh how I wish I had my tums right now!

************** UPDATE **************

Because you all wanted an update, right?  ;-)

I'm now waiting on Mr. W to wake up so I can nag sweetly beg ask him to go to the store and buy yet another bottle of Tums.  The Zantac alone just isn't helping!  I know he's only been asleep for about 5 hours, but my stomach and throat are in jeopardy here!  If only I had a clean shirt that would cover the vastness of my belly I'd go myself.  But my one fitting shirt is dirty.

AND HE JUST WOKE UP!!!!!  (really, as I was typing this I heard him get out of bed)  Let the pleading begin!

************** UPDATE **************

He rocks!  I know have Tums in my tummy.  Let's hope this helps.

Mr. W also talked to the offending child that was shoving his head into my stomach.  That seemed to help a tiny bit.  :-)

Autumn? Is that you?

I just heard the most glorious sound. The sound of the wind blowing the leaves around on the street. I love Autumn! And now it seems to have officially come to Charleston!

I know some of you are saying, "WTF???  It's mid-November!"  But in all reality it's 76 degrees right now as I type this.  Last night my air conditioning was running just to keep me cool enough to sleep (granted I seem to be hotter than usual in my state, but it's still too humid with the heat for me to sleep without a/c). 

I can look out my windows right now and see leaves scattered across my (still very green) lawn.  If I look down the road I can see some actual color in the trees!  Of course what's truly odd about this is to also see the color of the flowers blooming everywhere. 

You know, even having lived here for 5 years, I just can't get used to the odd seasons.  But I do love the fact that if we do have "Winter", it usually only lasts a couple of weeks and isn't cold enough for me to even buy an actual coat!  Plus, my blue-girl rose blooms from early spring until late November!

 

******************************************

Speaking of my rose bush...does anyone out there know anything about roses?  I've got a horrible problem with black spot on all of my plants (once again, the Charleston climate has it's drawbacks), and it's almost killed everything I've ever planted.  My rose bush is suffering horribly and has no foliage growing below the end of the stems/branches.  I know that if I seriously cut the whole thing back (like within two feet of the ground) that it will grow back, but does anyone know when the best time to do this would be?  Right now the plucky little thing is trying to bloom (mold and fungus be damned)!

Appt Update & Picture

Today I had my "34 week" appointment.  This included my (hopefully) last growth scan. 

The boys both look wonderful.  I wasn't pleased with the u/s tech, though.  I'd gotten spoiled by having the same tech for the past couple of appointments and had forgotten just how different each tech does things.  My last tech measures a little more liberally.  I guess that's why both boys were in the 66th percentile.  But this tech, she was wayyy conservative with Baby A and pretty much in the middle with Baby B.  She stated that Baby A is in the 38th percentile now (how does his growth change that much in 4 weeks?  And I did voice my concern, but she said it was normal.  WTF?) and weighs about 4lbs 12oz.  She stated that Baby B is in the 50th percentile and weighs about 5lbs 2oz (That sounds normal to me since they are running out of room).  This is the first appointment that the boys weren't within an ounce or two of each other.  But, like I said, I watched while she was measuring and she was seriously conservative with Baby A's measurements. 

It was amazing to watch the boys practive breath!!!  To see their little chests moving up and down and their little diaphrams...it was sooo cute!  Of course they're stubborn little guys and, although they've moved, they haven't moved the way I'd like.  They're now both breech. 

I met a doctor today that I've never seen before.  Of course he walks into the room, "Hey!  It's been a while since we've seen each other!"  Really?  We've never met, but whatever, I'll undress from the waist down and let's get this over with.  He did my strep-B test then a cervix check (I swear it took forever).  My cervix has gone from 5cm to about 1.5cm.  He was in and out of the room before I even had a chance to ask one question.  And since it looks like I'm headed for a C-section, I had questions.  Oh, well.  They made sure and put me on my favorite persons list (love my midwife) for next week!  I also start NSTs next week.

I'm fairly disappointed with the results of todays appointment.  I'm happy with how the boys are doing.  I love feeling them wiggling around all the time.  I'm happy that my cervix is just now starting to shorten (and not dilate, yet).  But I'm not quite as ready to hear that I'm more than likely headed for a C-section as I thought I was.  It's about what's best for the boys, though.  I know there is the chance that Baby A will still flip, but it's not too likely according to the doctor. 

Without further ado...here's some pics (even an ugly one to show just how pretty stretch marks can be).

  

We're well acquainted

While reading through my blogroll this morning I found a quiz from Nancy.  Question #4 reminded me of a funny questions Mr. W asked me last night.

"How do you wipe?"

He was serious, too.  I haven't posted a picture recently, but the belly is huge.  And by huge I mean please-pass-the-muumuu-'cause-nothing-else-fits!  My response?

"Um...I don't have to see where I'm wiping.  I kind of know where my cooch is.  We're pretty well acquainted."

Guys can be so ridiculously funny!

33 Weeks

Today marks 33 weeks.  I cannot believe that I am 33 weeks pregnant with twins.  I cannot believe I'm pregnant.  I'm still in awe of where I am right now.

This Thursday I have my final growth scan.  I'm expecting both boys to weigh five plus pounds (this would be keeping with their past two growth scans).  This is the scan that will pretty much decide if I'm bound for a C-section.  I really don't think that Baby A has turned into a good position since I felt him poking out opposite sides of my belly the other night (consequently causing me to have a contraction.  I tried to explain to him that if he pushes on the uterus it pushes back.  He didn't listen).  I'm not excited about the thought of surgery, but I'll do whatever it takes to get these boys out safely.

Speaking of getting these boys out...I'm about to jinx myself, but...I really feel that I've only got about two weeks (or less) left before these kids are coming.  I could be completely wrong on this one (good God please don't let me go to induction!), but it just feels like it's getting close.  The amount of contractions I've been having has increased drastically.  If I'm on my feet for more than 10 or so minutes I start contracting.  If I'm not laying on my left side by a certain time at night I start contracting.  Almost every night I have some cramping in my lower abdomen.  I guess I'll find out Thursday if all this activity has had any effect on my cervix.

Don't get me wrong, I want these two to stay in until they're healthy enough to come out.  I'm also very very very grateful to have gotten as far as I have with little to no issues.  I am very blessed.

***edited***

Mr. W says that he'll be surprised if I go past the middle of next week.

Justifiable Homicide?

My neighbor was hammering on something (outside, not in his house) at 7:45 this morning.  I threw on my robe as quickly as possible so I could waddle my ass outside to promptly chew his, but he was back inside before I got outside.  I am still fuming right now.  I know this sounds like such a minor thing, to be woken up shortly before eight, but I rarely manage to sleep past 5 or 6 anymore.  Of course, there is also the noise ordinance in our neighborhood (quiet hours are between 10:00 pm and 8:00 am).

I will see this loser bastard at some point and I hold a grudge way too well.

How does one person deserve so much horrible luck?

When I moved to Charleston, the first people I met were J & A.  They took me in and introduced me to more people.  They made me feel at home.

Over the years, as I'd moved around a bit and our interest diverged, we grew apart.  But J was always there if I needed her and I've always done my best to be there for J.

Last winter J called me sounding on the verge of a nervous breakdown.  She'd begun having anxiety attacks and didn't have anyone else to talk to about it.  Her closest friend told her to check herself into an institution (come on!  for anxiety attacks!  first thing is they won't take you...trust me.  second thing is, they're anxiety attacks, not hallucinations or voices).  She was scared and I was as there for her as I could be.

About a month later J went to a doctor due to a "sinus infection" she'd had for over 3 months.  It turns out that the majority of her anxiety and her sinus infection symptoms were being caused by polyps in her sinuses.  The polyps were pressing against her brain and eating away at her skull.  She was given a price tag for a necessary surgery that was way beyond anything she could come up with in a timely manner.  She has no insurance and a poor paying job.

While J was saving money for her surgery, her car broke down.  Mr. W managed to keep it running for her, but to truly get it fixed she'd have to fork out almost a grand.

Within a couple of weeks J called again.  Her father died suddenly of a massive heart attack.  J's mother did not handle it well, she has a multitude of health problems.  The night of J's father's receiving, J called again.  Her mother was in the hospital and they weren't sure if she was going to survive the night. 

J's mother missed her husband's funeral, but managed to pull through.  J had to put her mother in a nursing home (J's mother is in her early 50's).  J had/has no place to live and her boyfriend (A) was/is not supportive.

The only good news in the story:  J finally managed to scrape together the money for her surgery and it went off without a hitch!  All of the polyps were removed!  Her anxiety decreased drastically and her sinus issues cleared up almost completely!

Over the next few months J's mother went downhill.  She has no will to live and it's only a matter of time before her body gives out.  J is heartbroken, but knows that her mother wants to be with her father.

Night before last J stayed at A's house.  She awoke in the middle of the night to strange noises coming from A.  He was having a grand mal seizure.  She called 911 and rolled him onto his side.  She saved his life.  He had chewed up his tongue pretty badly and was choking on his own blood.

Yesterday A was kept in the hospital because the seizures continued and he had developed a fever.  They did a range of tests.  This morning the doctor's informed them that he has a cancerous tumor in his brain.  They're going to transfer him to MUSC (same hospital I'll deliver at) so he can receive the best treatment.  That's all the know right now.

Seriously...how does one person have so many horrible things happen in their life all within one year???

Any prayers, good vibes, good thoughts, chicken dances, anything for J & A would be greatly appreciated right now.  This poor woman needs something in her life to get better.

Voting in bullets

Yay me!  I voted!

• I arrived at the polls @ 6:45 this morning


• At 9:00 a poll worker came out and informed us that they weren't checking anyone in because they were full.  (Full???)  Their process was to check you in, give you a number, escort you to the auditorium where you would wait until your number was called.  Then you would wait in line for your turn at the polls.  The auditorium holds 400 people.  In 2 hours they hadn't been able to move even 1/2 of those people through?  I'd only moved all of 1,000 feet in two hours.  (Mr. W just informed me that 1,000 feet is 1/5 of a mile.  I'd moved a maximum of 200 feet)


• At 9:05 another poll worker was explaining the same thing but also informed us that 3 of the 9 machines had broken.  This caused a serious stirring among the crowd (read:  some people grumbled, but others started yelling about it trying to get people as riled up as they were).


• At 9:30 I had almost made it to the door of the school.  I would probably have to wait at least another 30+ minutes to even be checked in and given a number.


• At 9:30 a really nice woman (voter, not poll worker) walked up to me and told me that her husband had spoken with the curbside voting worker and he agreed to let me do curbside voting.


• At 9:35 I found my way to curbside voting and the attendant begrudgingly allowed me to vote.  (He obviously wasn't too fond of letting me vote this way since I didn't have a handicap placard.)


• At 9:45 I was the proud owner of 3 "I Voted" stickers!  The guy that checked me in was nice enough to give me a sticker for each of the babies' books.  :-)

After all of that I ran through a drive through for second-breakfast (I feel like a hobbit, but I was starving again!) then headed home.  By 10:00 I was asleep on my couch where I remained until my Mom called and woke me up at 1:30.  Now I sit and wait for the results!

ADDED:

So all the people that were in line @ 7:00 (as long as they're willing to wait) still get to vote.  Which means that SC probably won't be done reporting their votes until sometime next week!  We're such a backwards freaking state!!!!  I've noticed from other blogs that no one else seems to have had issues with lines that were many hours long.  WTF???

Bean & Cabbage Stew (vegetarian recipe)

Bean & Cabbage Stew

• 1 tbs oil (I use 2 tbs of olive oil)


• I large onion chopped


• 3 med potatoes peeled and cubed


• 3 med carrots sliced


• ½ tsp caraway seeds (I use 1/4 tsp.  caraway seeds are sssstrong!)


• 2 ½ cup veggie broth


• 4 cups cabbage chunks


• 1 cup frozen peas


• 1 can great northern beans


• 1 tsp salt


• 1/4 tsp black pepper

1. Heat oil in large skillet (I use a large pot).


2. Add onion potato and carrots.  Cook until lightly brown, about 10 min.


3. Add caraway seeds and sauté for one minute.


4. Add broth and cook until carrots are almost tender, 7 to 10 min.


5. Add cabbage and peas and cook 10 minutes, covered.


6. Add beans salt & pepper and cook 5 more min, uncovered.

Check veggies and seasonings and serve!

Taste even better the next day!

Dirty Little Secrets

Brianne @ Gibson Twins tagged me for the Dirty Little Secrets meme.  Basically I'm just going to reveal a few dirty little secrets.  I'm not parenting, yet, so I'm sure my secrets will change a little later on, but here goes!

1. I hate to dust.  I just cannot stand it!  I think it's because I have to move every little thing off of every piece of furniture to get it done.  Maybe if we didn't put anything on the tables or mantle, I'd be better, but I'm not.  Thank God Mr. W is so good at it!


2. I will not hand wash a dish unless absolutely necessary.  I grew up without a dishwasher (unless you count me and my siblings) and remember dreading having to wash dishes.  My sister feels the same way as I do.  I even found out that I can put my electric skillet in the top rack of my dishwasher!!  (Plus, I feel the dishes get so much cleaner if they go through the machine.)


3. I try to con Mr. W into doing a lot of the housecleaning.  The man is so good at cleaning floors, dusting, and other simple tasks that I just can't help myself!  I'll admit to you guys that I've taken advantage of my pregnancy to get out of all sorts of household chores.  I better enjoy it while it lasts!


4. I will not go anywhere unless I've had a shower, but I have been known to forget to brush my teeth.  Don't ask me how one forgets to brush their teeth, but I do.  Well, actually, since I've gotten my braces I haven't forgotten to brush my teeth.


5. I've read this one on most everyone else's list, but I hate putting away laundry.  I can get all of my laundry done in one day, but it will all end up piled on the guest bed until I get around to putting it away.  I usually end up putting it away right before it's time to do laundry again.

So now that everyone thinks I'm as gross as gross can be, it's your turn!  I'm tagging anyone that reads this!