While other people covet computers and iPods and cars, I have always coveted good cleaning equipment. I am a fan of the emotional clean--the absolutely-can't-sit-still-and-I-need-to-feel-as-if-something-is-within-
my-control clean. The kind you do during the two week wait. The kind you do when you've received bad news and you don't know what is going to happen next.
We received a check for our anniversary and it was enough money to cover the cost of the vacuum which we purchased with a sale coupon. It was difficult to turn over that sum of cash for a vacuum when we're about turn over an enormous sum of cash in a few weeks to start up treatments again. But the cost of the vacuum is sadly a small drop in the vast ocean of the costs of IVF. Isn't it sick? I spend an evening worrying that the vacuum is too expensive, but I think nothing of injecting several hundred dollars worth of Follistim simply for a chance. Which isn't true at all. I think about the cost of Follistim a lot too.
So I'm thankful for a vacuum that could suck this much junk out of my carpet:
But this vacuum is just a tangible reminder of something larger. As I was stressing about purchasing this enormously expensive vacuum, I called LJ who not only talked me through the purchase, but agreed to come to the store with me and hold my hand. And I know it sounds a little silly to get choked up thinking about this, but how many people can say that they know someone who would dump work for a moment and drive down to the store and help them purchase a vacuum? I'm not just talking about a friend, but a certain type of friend. The kind who is not only good for a post-beta cry, but the kind who will also not laugh at you when you explain how stressed you are about spending that sum of money on a vacuum. Because she understands. Because she has the same stress. And she is there whenever I call. And I hope she knows that I am there for her too.I am very lucky that I have my stirrup queens in town. I know most people are not that lucky. I know many people in the blogosphere depend on the blogosphere because it is their only outlet and so, on an even larger level, I am thankful for all the DC Bloggers who get together once a month to bitch and cry and celebrate. I am terrified that I am going to inadvertently leave someone out, but LJ (our founder), Leah, Karen, Kristen, Lea Bee, Shelby, In and Out of Luck, Changing Expectations, Sunny, Bean, JJ (honourary member since she has come up before), Deanna, Meghan, DMarie and Flicka (if I forgot anyone, I'm so sorry--I'm making a pumpkin pie at the same time. Heavy cream and pecans may have made the list inadvertently in your place).
And taking it up a level again, I am thankful to the blogosphere. You weren't here the first time we were trying and I can honestly say that while this is stressful, it makes a huge difference to be able to read another person's story. To find someone in a similar situation and hear what they tried. To spend at least one day together each month catching everyone up on your life at the Virtual Lushary. Following people back to their blog and giving support. Taking support when you need it. I am thankful that this technology exists that can bring together people from large cities and people from small towns. That I can chat with someone in Singapore or watch movies made by someone in Australia or email with someone in Massachusetts. It's pretty freakin' amazing when you take a step back and think about it. I really don't know what I would do without all of you on the other side of the computer.
And zooming back in, now that we've panned out to include several thousand people, I am thankful for my siblings who did something that touched my heart beyond words tonight. But that is a story for the next Virtual Lushary.
And zooming closer still, my parents for always having our back--a stirrup queen and sperm palace jester themselves who get so much of it. Even if the technology is different, the emotions are the same.
And zooming to the dots of light closest to my heart: Josh and the ChickieNob and the Wolvog. I am so thankful for you. You are the reason I always want clean floors. I am thankful that you let me nurture you.
16 comments:
I just got the Dyson Animal and I love it. I love it so much that I even moved all the furniture in a quest to find more carpet to vacuum.
I am thankful for the blogosphere as well. It's great to be able to vent, get advice, and just talk about nothing with people who are at the same place in life as I am. I am also grateful to you. Thank you so much for taking all the responsibility in making this such a community. You help.
I am so thankful for the blogosphere. Although my blog was up and running this time last year, it is only this year that I have met the most fabulous women I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. You girls are the highlights of my day - honestly.
And, Mel, I am so thankful for you since you are the one who brings us all together. Without you, I would either be in the looney bin or a hermit. I love our D.C. bloggers group and I look forward to it each month. You girls are the closest thing to best friends that I've got.
Have a happy Thanksgiving and enjoy that new Dyson! You deserve it, girl! XOXO
I am so very thankful for the blogosphere and for your blog, Mel. I found you when I felt so alone and so pissed about infertility. There were SO many links here that I considered it my "homebase" until I started my own blog. Thanks for being "homebase" for so many of us!
Hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday and that you Dyson the heck out of your carpets! :)
YOU SUCK! In style, girlfriend!
Love the new toy, and am a little bit jealous. Of the Dyson, and of the fact that you spent the afternoon with LJ. And that you get to meet face-to-face with the others whom I admire from afar.
This is my first TGiving in the blogosphere. I owe you, my fairy blogmother, a heaping load of thanks.
XOXO, Mel.
If I had carpet, I would be jealous of your super-vacuum. As it is, it's awfully pretty, even full-up with your carpet-leavings. You're a cleaning force to be reckoned with now, Mel. Here's hoping it makes your upcoming 2WW a little easier to bear.
I'm so, so grateful to live near the DC bloggers. I started looking forward to our next meet-up, even as I walked to my car from the last one. You all are true gems, and definitely something worth being thankful for.
enjoy your dyson. i have one. although i don't have the same feelings for mine that the whole world seems to have for theirs, it is kind of neat to see how much crap it picks up (when mine isn't being crabby, and actually decides to pick things up)
have a happy, healty thanksgiving.
Hey Mel - Do you know what I am thankful for? You. Without Stirrup Queens I would have never found some of the most wonderful people in the world who got me through some of the most difficult times. Thank you.
Oh, and thank you for the delightful photos of my old stomping grounds, Old Town Alexandria. The thing I love most about Old Town is its dog parks. I think there are most dog parks than park parks. We used to go to dog park every day. I sometimes miss the old brick streets. Happy Anniversary.
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
I love my dyson - in fact I love both my dysons. The one in my flat in the UK that is rented out and will keep the carpets there clean and the one I have here in Denmark.
Totally worth the silly price.
ohhhhhhhhhhhh, i LOVE my dyson. seriously. i would tongue kiss it, but don't only because i don't like the taste of plastic. you can SEE the dirt. there it is. it is so satisfying.
Ok, so now I want a Dyson even more. And I've been trying to tell myself that it's more important to pay bills than buy a 500.00 vacuum. But hey, it's to suck up all the yuckies in the carpet that my precious baby someday will be crawling on. I too am very thankful for the blog world. I have met so many amazing people and am thankful for the support.
I never knew the joy of vacuuming until we got a Dyson.
Alas, we had to leave it in the UK and now can't afford to buy another one. Then again, we have no carpeting, so all is good.
I so want a dyson! oh and a roomba. We have to labs, and the dog hair is every where. The Swiffer just can't hack it. We don't have carpet in our house, but I saw a demo of the Dyson working on couches and fell in love. It is so on my Christmas list. I am thankful for you and the other ladies in the bloggy world as well as your wonderful site.
DH and I bought a Dyson a few years ago and we've never looked back. We had 5 cats at the time (we're down to 3 now) and nothing sucks up fur and other assorted carpet horrors like the Dyson. Enjoy it!
Additionally, a very sincere thanks to you for all you do for us, Mel. :)
A great list and a niiiice vaccuum cleaner.
*wave from Singapore*
Thanks for what you do online, too.
Bea
I'd be happy to get dirt up like that! I am thanksful for the blogsphere too.
Your site is definitely a lot faster since your changes!
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