Fertility: Public Service Announcement

When I was 5-years-old, my mom taught Lamaze (birthing) classes. Sometimes the expectant couples would all come over to our house. I loved being with them as mom taught about labor & delivery and the best part were the birthing films. I loved watching the babies being born. I knew the significance of having a baby was enormous.

However, I didn't fully understand how fertility, conception and pregnancy work--until now. Surprising isn't it? Just because I have "the machinery,"sat though high school Health class, my mom is a nurse & former Lamaze teacher and I dig birthing shows, doesn't mean I know how it all works. The fertility basics in the book Taking Charge of Your Fertility are eye-opening.

Things like:

• A "cycle" starts on the first day of your period and ends the day before your next one starts.
• "Cycles" normally range anywhere from 28-34 days. Ovulation typically occurs sometime during Day 13-22.
• The body can delay and even prevent ovulation if a woman is stressed or sick.
• Women are only fertile for a 24-hour period a cycle. Then the egg starts to disintegrate.
• There are physical signs of impending ovulation to watch for (noted in the book).
• KY Jelly and saliva can slow down or kill sperm (!!!)

I waited for several months to read this it because I didn't want to get all bookish about this natural process but I spent several early months worrying about stuff that was answered within its pages. Something to think about if you are thinking about getting pregnant or trying to currently.

Side-stepping the Crosshairs

Dear Grey's Anatomy Writers:
I'm pleased to see you restrained yourself from further trivializing this amazing show. I was VERY worried after last week's episode. Personally, I'm now more ok with the George/Izzie situation but I'm glad the Attendings didn't have the occasion to yell at each other again--that's just embarrassing. Derek unraveling and looking very unrested breaks my heart but it'll be interesting to see what happens. Another viewer commented, this episode felt like "home." I couldn't agree more. Just remember: you don't have to exploit every possible sexual liaison among the characters to get our attention. This episode got back to basics and it's a warm, comforting feeling. Thank-you.

Love,
Kali

Open letter to the Grey's Anatomy Writers

Dear Grey's Anatomy Writers:

Upon reading some of the comments on the Grey's Anatomy Writers Blog, you are starting to hear some overdue criticism from us loyal viewers. This formerly smart and interesting show has run amok due to sensationalism.

It *feels* like (creator) Shonda Rhimes is less involved now and the characters are gravitating away from 3D to 2D. Get back to the subtleties you were known for in Season 1 & 2--the touching stories, the medical/philosophical learnings--make us care about the characters again.
And by the way, you don't need a "Super Bowl episode" every week to sustain viewers. You just don't. The 3 episode "Ferry Crisis" could have been handled in 2 well-cut episodes. (Three eps was bloated and self-indulgent.)

Now, I know without the Meredith/Derek tension of Season 2, there's not that overriding anguish that makes drama so delicious but you don't have a comparable situation with the Izzie/Callie/George triangle. I think you need an intervention--get back to basics. Solicit ideas via a contest from the fans even, you might get some gems and give yourselves some perspective before you ruin my most favorite show on TV.

Love,
Kali

Just Fix It....

OUTRAGE!!!

Hey Cougs,

Take a look at this t-shirt on the CBS Sport Store. Can you find the Cougar Logo?

No?

But can you spot the UW "W" in the lower left quadrant?

That's funny because the Huskies aren't even "on the road to the Final Four." They're not in the NIT either.

Would you like to express your outrage to CBS Sports?
Make your feelings known via Email or Call: 1-866-690-2381.

Much love,
Kali


P.S. Congratulations to the Cougs who won today against Oral Roberts University--consider it a spiritual win also.

Good luck on Saturday against Vanderbuilt!