Three Cheers for Alcohol
I don’t think we’ve spent enough time toasting the alcoholic drink. Or, more importantly, the mixed drink.
I’m a girl-drink sort of girl. I throw like a girl and I drink like a girl. I like umbrellas in my straw. I like my drink to be an odd colour. I don’t like to taste the alcohol.
Back in college, there was a wonderful bar called the Barber’s Closet that burned down my senior year. It was an old-fashioned speakeasy that was turned into a real bar after the prohibition. You entered via a secret panel and it was a rite of passage, the day you entered the Barber’s Closet for the first time. And it was when I was 21 (I put that in for my mother).
They had this incredible drink menu of girly mixed drinks. And my favourite was the Blue Angel. It was served in an ice cream glass filled with ice and it was 3/4 ounce of Blue Curaco, 3/4 ounce of Triple Sec, and sour mix to 1/4th of an inch under the rim of the glass. And that is the drink I would like to use to toast alcohol this month at the open bar. A blue angel for the toast and then whatever you need to drink to celebrate or forget.
As always, it has been a little under a month since we met, bitched, cried, comforted, and caught up each other on our cycles and lives. Pull up a seat and I’ll pour you a drink. Let everyone know what is happening in your life. There are many, many exciting pregnancy announcements to toast, new paths to parenthood to cheer, and, unfortunately, losses to grieve. My only request is that if a story catches your eye, you follow it back to the person’s blog and start reading their posts. Give some love, give some support, or laugh with someone until your drink comes out of your nose.
I have a ton of assvice in my back pocket and as a virtual bartender, I will give it to you unless you specifically tell me that this is simply a vent and you do not want to receive anything more than a hug.
So if you have been a lurker for a while, sit down and tell us about yourself. Remember to provide a link or a way for people to continue reading your story (or if you don’t have a blog–gasp!–you can always leave an email address if you’re looking for advice or support. If not, people can leave messages for that person here in the comments section too). If you’re a regular at the bar, I’ll get out your engraved martini glass while you make yourself comfortable. And anyone new, welcome. I’m glad you found this virtual bar.
For those who have no clue what I’m talking about when I say that the bar is open, click here to catch up and then jump into the conversation.
Happy Drinking.
52 comments
What the heck? I’m first. Yippee! Since it’s almost cruise season for me, I’ll have a Yellowbird since that’s what I drank the entire last one.
Me? Taking some time off to help keep my sanity even though I think time off is worse than game on.
Mel, once others show up, give them a round on me! Thanks for opening up, too.
As usual, I’ll take a glass of some German white wine. No wait, how about…no, I’ll stick with the white!
I’m all about a night out at the Lushary. Things are busy in our neck of the woods. Lucky is four months old, teething, not sleeping well, and we’re waiting for his case worker to update us on the termination of parental rights paperwork that was filed with the court this week. Fingers still crossed that the adoption is final by the end of the year.
My mom, Lucky, and myself are shipping out on a cruise in less than two weeks. Wish us luck!
I will definitely try on of those blue angels but then I think I’ll do lemon drop shots…I need shots before church.
This cycle is a no-go thanks to a couple cysts.
So, I can drink heavily today.
holy cow! I never knew this site existed. sweet!
Um, can I have a jack & coke? Is it too early in the day?
So this is my 1st time commenting here. I’m Calliope. I am single. I have been trying since April of 2005. Have had 13 IUI’s and have been on a break (to save money for IVF)
Well a few months ago I decided “WTF”- why don’t I try a home insem? So this weekend was my 1st home insem and I am so certain that I did it all wrong. ugh.
I feel like everyone is getting knocked up and I would really like to know when it will be my turn.
Ponying up to the bar for a drink. I to don’t like to taste my alcohol, so let’s go for a margarita on the rocks. A few of them. Just a vent to drown the pain of another cycle down the drain.
I’m in the 2ww so I’m supposed to be all careful and healthy and all that bullshit, but this is virtual so what the hell! Bring on some kind of fun red martini with vanilla vodka and cranberry juice and some other fun stuff that makes it fun. Cuz I need some fun.
And buy the rest of the girls a tequila shot cuz getting others drunk is my game:-)
Well, I probably shouldn’t have any alcohol in my “condition”. *wink*wink* *nudge*nudge*
I’ll try one of the Blue Angels. I like some of the “girly” drinks as well as those stronger ones, so I’m not too picky. And at the virtual lushery, there’s never any side effects!
I’m heading once again toward a frozen transfer, which hopefully this time won’t be canceled due to screw-ups with bloodwork in the lab. It’s been a while since I’ve actually even imagined being pregnant, so in a weird way, I’m looking forward to the tww. Assuming I’ll get there!
What a fabulous idea! I’ll take a key lime pie martini, please. Although I have to admit I broke down and had a glass of wine with dinner last night 🙂 We are currently finishing up preliminary testing to kick off our first IVF cycle – hopefully beginning in the fall. Husband just got a new job which was a sort of prerequisite for green lighting this whole expensive endeavor so I am immensely thankful to cross that off our list o’ things to do. I also just had another HSG last week so I am secretly hoping (althogh I should know better by now) that we may have some natural luck this month – I’ve had two ectopics in the past though my tubes are supposedly clear. Anyway *virtual tip for you* thanks so much for opening the bar for us! Cheers!
I’ll take a peach bellini, please! (No non-fruity drinks for me, clearly.)
I just went to my injections class on Friday and I’ll be starting my injectibles as soon as AF makes her appearance. I’m a little stressed out about that (don’t love the needles) and about trying to juggle the requisite ultrasounds with my teaching job.
I’m also scared that this, too, will be another dead end in my quest to reproduce. But, one thing at a time. Besides, a visit to the Lushary makes everything seem possible!
Cheers, everyone!
Peach mojito, please!
I’m feeling a bit of relief that this 2ww is over, with all its ups and downs, and I’m ready with a PLAN to tackle the next steps: 1)start another clmid cycle (if AF starts properly by tomorrow), and 2) contact a naturopathic dr. in town just to find out what she recommends. Hopefully a first date kind of thing.
Meanwhile, I’m mostly struggling to figure out how to balance the baby quest with being in school full-time, plus the ongoing challenge of a commuting marriage (he’s here every weekend. My clinic is closed Sundays. You do the math…)
Oh, and here’s what I learned this cycle (*chugs mojito*) – progestrone suppositories extend the length of my cycle. Significantly. And seem to make me really tired. Which totally fcks with my head.
Ok, I just have to post again, because my word verification is “OBNIFAT.” ??!!!
Hi everyone! Thanks for the Blue Angel Mel! Now how about a round of vodka&cranberry on me? I’m sick so I figure the virtual cranberry juice will be good for me and I can’t have real alcohol so the virtual vodka will be great!
Everything still going amazingly well here. Just about 24 weeks along now, baby boy measuring a little over a week ahead (he’s a big one!) and still very active so we’re thrilled! Now if I could just kick this nasty chest cold/cough/whatever that is kicking my butt!
Best wishes to everyone out there!
Mmmmm…pour me one of those Blue Angels. I am a total girl when it comes to drinks – not a fan of anything too strong. The sweeter the better. And if it’s a pink, that’s bonus points 🙂
Tomorrow is the 2-year anniversary of my first miscarriage so I think I’m entitled to a drink. It is also around the time we’d be finding out the gender of our second baby, if he/she had made it. Yeah, this is going to be a hard week so bring on the booze!
WOW an open bar on a Sunday!!! You are my kind of gal Mel!!!
First of all thank you ladies for the many rounds of drinks. Especially tequila shots. You know my poison!
Well I have had a lot of beer this weekend. Enjoy a RL diet coke and rum. SO let’s screw the diet and for a martini and then shots of more tequila for everyone.
Work starts back tomorrow. BOO HISS!!! Moving into the 2ww on our own. Not holding my breath. I checked out my work insurance yesterday. It got me excited but very nervous. If we do it right we should be able to start with another IUI the end of Oct. beginning of Nov. I have enjoyed our break and almost don’t even want to cycle again.
Anyways, CHEERS to all of you!
Mel, YOU ROCK!
TWW again although I don’t know how optimistic I am at this point. I did think of something though when I read someone’s comment about a key lime pie martini. I’ve had a key lime margarita with crushed graham crackers on the rim that was to die for. I would like one of those.
Well, I would like a Decaf Mocha and I really don’t want to talk about it. I would like to sit here with the rest of you ladies- just to listen and support.
The Blue Angel sounds wonderfully yummy. I’ll take one! 🙂
School starts up again tomorrow. It’s the start of another 16 weeks of hell. I hope I’m going to do well, but I am not looking forward to any of my biology labs. I wish I could skip them.
My MIL is quitting smoking for the health of the baby that will be arriving in less than 10 weeks…and it’s not mine. I am hurt and angry about this and trying not to be.
This past week also marks one year since our one and only IUI. It’s a little strange and might explain why I’ve been so totally hormonal lately.
I.Want.A.Mai.Tai.
But for the love of all that’s holy, I’m pretty sure you can’t make rum-and juice non-alcoholic. Because, frankly, then it’s just juice.
Bah!
I’m pulling up a chair! I like girly drinks, too. Although I’d take many of the drinks listed here, my fav of late is Riesling.
My bio…eleven IUI’s and two IVF’s. At least I think it’s eleven. Does that mean I’m finally moving on if I can’t remember the total?
We started the Colombian adoption process last fall and are anxiously awaiting our call.
I could be here a while so someone remind me…is it “liquor before beer” or “beer before liquor”? I can’t remember if it’s “always sicker” or “never sicker”. And which ever way I choose I always get sick and can’t remember squat from the night before so always end up with the same dilemma! 🙂
OMG. We had the same drink in college, too.
Only they were served in a bowl-ish-type glass, like a brandy snifter.
And we called them Tidy Bowls.
I wrote many a term paper while quaffing Tidy Bowls.
Lovin’ the Lushary.
This request is somewhat influenced by the Potter I’m reading at the moment, but can I have a drink of Not Thinking About Pregnancy For Two Weeks, please? You could make that a specialty – I’m sure you’d sell lots all the time. You could have a Not Thinking About Waiting To Adopt Cocktail as well.
Bea
I’d love a glass of virtual champagne. I need to celebrate. The pretty little pee stick had two lines again this morning and the pee stick test at the HMO’s lab did too.
So I wanted a beta but I’m not in treatment and my HMO doesn’t usually do them for normal people. So I called the advice line tonight to leave a message for my doc, hoping she’d call in the AM and I could get it done Monday. The advice nurse freaked the F**k out about one tiny episode of spotting and some crampy (since last week) and insisted I go to the ER. WTF. Whatever. We went and waited for 4 hours. And then they gave me my beta and a lab slip for a follow up and sent me home.
Despite sitting in a really javascript:void(0)hard chair for hours, I’m still over the moon at our surprise BFP. I really really hope it lasts.
Thanks for the drink Mel!
*sigh* as much as I’d love a cool glass of white wine… or a Mike’s Hard Lemonade… or a margarita… I’m going to have to pass. Because our 8w scan is tomorrow and I’m already freaking out that I’ve managed to do something to kill Squishy in the past couple of weeks since we saw him last.
So I’ll just take a still water, thanks.
Since it’s virtual…
GIMME BOOZE!
20 weeks here… Lumpy figured out how to kick me so I feel it… and then figured out where my bladder is. I wake up to pee a lot.
No word on whether Lumpy’s a boy or a girl, though.
A round of frozen peach bellinis with sangria on top… for everyone!
So many pg announcements. Congrats to everyone! And huge hugs to those like me who are still waiting for our turn. So, we made a decision, we picked an egg donor. If all goes well (which in my world it never does) we are scheduled for transfer the first week of October. And it just so happens that the second week of October is Fall Break from school so I could have lots of time to rest if all goes well (which I am not counting on.) How about a mimosa to celebrate the fact that we are finally DOING something again instead of just waiting?
Give me the hardest stuff you have – I could really, really use it!
Let’s see… I have to delay or put off permanently now TTC. DS was diagnoses PDD-NOS two weeks ago and we are trying like hell to get him into the appropriate services – except I am already having a hell of at time getting the Child Study Team to get moving to get him there. I am calling the county over-see-er today to see if he can get them moving. We have to seriously consider moving now – our town’s school system is crap, which is going to cost $$$ we just don’t have.
I am sure my thyroid is screwed up again – just waiting for the b/w to get back this week.
Thank goodness I am starting vacation on Friday! I need the time away.
I want the hardest drink you’ve got. The one that will knock me out in a single shot. And when I wake up, this would be all over. Maybe Absinthe would do. Still waiting to miscarry. As soon as this is all over, I’m heading to the nearest bar to get a real drink. Thanks Mel, you’ve been a rock during this rough time.
Just starting the 2ww, but I don’t really care. This feels like a placeholder cycle more than anything else, because I don’t believe that it will work, and I’m pretty sure I’ll have to skip my next cycle due to travel, and then I think my RE is going to suggest we move on to IUI, but then we’re at Thanksgiving/Christmas and I refuse to cycle during the holidays. I think I’m going to go with some good red wine and try to forget my sorrows.
Oh could I just say the ‘Cheers’ song was playing on the car radio the other day and hubby and I started singing to it, and I remembered the Virtual Lushary! Maybe I could request that you play it for all these wonderful ladies. Here it goes:
Making your way in the world today takes everything you’ve got.
Taking a break from all your worries, sure would help a lot.
Wouldn’t you like to get away?
Sometimes you want to go
Where everybody knows your name,
and they’re always glad you came.
You wanna be where you can see,
our troubles are all the same
You wanna be where everybody knows
Your name.
You wanna go where people know,
people are all the same,
You wanna go where everybody knows
your name.
Since this is virtual, I’m gonna pretend I can drink and have a huge margarita! I feel so crappy the thought of alcohol is some what repulsive, but I need it right now.
My husband was laid off on Thursday and it was a shock. He is in upper management with a custom home builder and while we know the industry is slacking right now his boss assured him as of 2 weeks ago that his job was safe and secure. The guy even had the nerve to say he was worried that the stress on me might cause a miscarriage and he didn’t want to be liable! What an ASS!
Ok, I guess I will take a seat. As for me, I think I will take a glass of dry, red wine…a Merlot would be great!
Not much going on my way…but that is always the problem. I am beginning a new cycle and hoping I will ovulate within the next couple of weeks…not months. Until then, this wine will be great to help me relax. Thanks Mel! I think I will take another glass or two before I go… ;]
Wow, busy bar already!! Must be in need of some stiff drinks!
Ill take some assvice Mel-we are in limbo of trying to decide what to do next after our failed IVF-do we go ahead with the FET, do we wait out the year and heal and DIY (scary)…
I just ask that you bring a Long Island Iced Tea with you to our little meeting=) Cheers!
That blue angel sounds a heck of a lot like the Blue Whales we used to get in Canada in my college days, minus an ounce of vodka. Living in Buffalo made easy access to Niagara Falls, Ontario, who has a legal drinking age of 19. Ah, those were the days!
I think I’ll have one! I’m celebrating that the spotting I’ve been having seems to be the second sac absorbing, and the baby is just fine. I was really terrified and an emotional mess all weekend. I’m 11w3d, and so glad all is well.
Thanks for the drink!! Mel, you really do Rock!!
Cosmo please. I’ll be reading if that is all right :).
Baby Blue, you need a mind eraser. And it will make you forget while tasting very good :). Ladies, any other takers?
Well, bartender…what do you prescribe? I start my Lupron injections tomorrow for the clinical trial! I’m a bit nervous but super excited!
At our first appointment, I only had 9 antral follicles but last week I had TWENTY ONE! WOOOT!
YAY!
Mel, I’m not normally a girly-drink kind of girl, but after yesterday’s scare and today’s scary-but-wonderful news, I’ll take whatever you are pouring! My nerves have earned a little anesthetic I think. Just throw some fruit juice in it so I can pretend it’s healthy.
Mel, I’ll take a Mojito please. Maybe I drink enough to breeze through this 2ww.
This is my 8th clomid cycle and i have gotten pg twice. Those are not great odds. but this time did have three follicles which is amazing for me. But I am afraid that will make the fall even further for me if my beta comes back negative.
So I’ll just sit here until the 31st and drink away my fears.
i’m with Bea. i need some kind of Potter-inspired cocktail that will enable me to function like a normal human until my u/s in 9 days! so, serve me up a Not Thinking About My U/S or something like that. it would be great if it could be all tiki like and with a dry-ice feature.
thanks, mel!
Normally I would order a boring old bud light. But today give me the hard stuff…I’ve freakin had it!!
Cheers everyone!!!
I’ll just take a sparkling water today. Still recovering from a bacchanalian feast — yes, many bottles of wine came my way on Saturday night.
It was a night out with friends who recently delivered twins via DE. It was nice to be with supportive IF friends who know how to have a good time. Now time to catch up with everyone else.
A prickly pear margarita for me as I come out of lurkdom. Thinking that ovulation may actually be timely this month. That’s worth a drink or two. Going for genetic counseling on Wednesday. . .
Looks like I’m late to the party – how unusual for me. that’s alright – I’ve been drinking enough malbec for all of us while trying to figure out if I should cycle again. Belly up!
Well, I’m a bit late for this one, but I was at work…worked all weekend and def need a strong one. Since it’s virtual, I shall take a frozen margarita–always a sure thing (unless you have some newbie who’s never made one before). I’m on cd 41 and still waiting for af…I took a hpt saturday and of course got a bfn, i’m having pain from my endo, and still no sign of af…I don’t want to deal with all the thoughts through my mind, I’ve blogged on my page enough about it as it is:) SO, here’s to you, ladies, those with bfp and those still waiting in line!
I moved home (possible custody war of Little H on the horizon) and got a new dog (see pic on my blog). And the redecorating is just beginning (as soon as we get some pictures printed off and hung and get the supplies for the freestanding cast-iron fireplace out in the garage). It’ll be the most adorable house ever, and since it’s an open floor plan the dogs can run the full length and not get hurt…
UV Blue and Sprite for me, it’s like drinking a melted popsicle, the perfect end to a very odd but good summer. And it was my birthday drink.
Pointless bit to celebrate: this morning I woke up to thunder but no rain, so out the dogs went to beat the rain, and I managed to get both inside mere seconds before the sprinkles started.
Big, eventful weekend IF-wise left me not posting for the most part. (Lots of books to review for main blog, too.)
I knew when I married DH spending money was hard on him. We have the money, but he hyperventilates every time we spend it. We put down our deposit for SIRM – Glendale to be in the Poor Responder’s Study. And goodness knows, I’m a poor responder. Even my local RE said we should look into it when I said they covered part of the drug costs if you participate.
So, I got to spend the weekend with unbearably, bear-like DH as he panicked repeatedly about the money, the trip, and everything having to do with it. (He is much like a cat who does not handle change well. I once rearranged the living area by hanging pictures and it took him a week to get used to it!)
Don’t get me wrong, he’s a great guy, but he lived in poverty as a child and it makes him constantly worry about having enough money.
Oh yes, and the tornado that tore through Fenton, MI was only 20 minutes away from us. Too much excitement for one weekend.
Pax,
MLO
OH, I forgot, I’m on like CD34 which probably means Clomid reset my cycle as I have a bilateral hydrosalpinx which gives me an astronomically low chance of a BFP – and if it is, a 70% chance that it is ectopic. So, I’m a little worried.
Pax,
MLO
A nice riesling please… actually just hand me the bottle. I’ll share if I must.
Me – trying to stay sane and not continuously have panic attacks about having a baby shortly. I know this is what we want, and it is what I want, but feeling very overwhelmed right now. I hate feeling overwhelmed it just sucks the life out of you and the sad part is I’m sure this will get worse before it gets better.
I feel like a ticking time bomb waiting patiently and just wanting to make it to the end with a live, healthy, happy baby…
Pour a drink for everyone else on me… know I’m thinking and reading and rooting for all of those who’ve lushed before me.
I’ll have a glass of White Zingandel rose, please.
We’re nowhere different. Living in limbo, which does my head in. On the plus side, I am losing weight. Look, I have a collar bone!
But oh. I do so want a baby.