I think colleges should be harder to get into academically. If colleges were about academics and not about jumping through hoops to impress prospective students and parents with the shiniest new facilities, it would be a hell of a lot cheaper. (Thinking about this a lot with the election talks lately. For the record, I'm a liberal).
Me: 29, DH: 31 Married: October 2014 Began TTC: April 2015 BFP #1: 9/18/15. EDD 5/18/16. MC 10/26/15. (9w) BFP #2: 2/27/16. EDD 11/7/16. MC/D&E 4/20/16 (11w) BFP #3: 9/22/16. EDD 5/29/17. DS born 4/24/17 BFP #4: 5/20/18. EDD 1/23/19.
I'm sure this will be unpopular, but I think it's kind of weird that people lurk around this board after getting KU. I mean I know that people can read whatever posts they want, and I get that the old regs want to see people get their BFPs. But pregnant people reading and chiming in on random posts? Idk, makes me feel kinda like this is the freak show of people who haven't been able to get KU yet. I'm probably being sensitive. But that's my UO.
DS: June 2008 Married: July 2015 BFP: 5/20/16 | EDD: 1/28/17 | Twin boys born 1/16/17
I think colleges should be harder to get into academically. If colleges were about academics and not about jumping through hoops to impress prospective students and parents with the shiniest new facilities, it would be a hell of a lot cheaper. (Thinking about this a lot with the election talks lately. For the record, I'm a liberal).
I see why you'd say this. I kind of think student loans should be more difficult to get. If student loans weren't so easy to get, tuition wouldn't be so high because no one could afford it.
I think colleges should be harder to get into academically. If colleges were about academics and not about jumping through hoops to impress prospective students and parents with the shiniest new facilities, it would be a hell of a lot cheaper. (Thinking about this a lot with the election talks lately. For the record, I'm a liberal).
I agree. I also think that not every kid *should* go to college, and that high schools should encourage more kids to seek vocational education. I also like the idea of a gap year, where kids should volunteer or work in some capacity. So many kids have no idea what they want to do and spend thousands of dollars in tuition figuring it out.
Me: 33 DH: 31 DS: 5 years old TTC #2 since August 2015 July 2016: Testing cycle with 100 mg Clomid = BFN August 2016: 50 mg Clomid + IUI = BFN October 2016: IVF#1 - 13 retrieved / 12 mature / 9 fertilized / 2 blasts November 2016: FET#1 = chemical January 2017: FET#2 = chemical March 2017: IVF#2 - 18 retrieved / 18 mature / 16 fertilized / 5 blasts
April 24, 2017: FET#3 - BFN May 24, 2017: FET#4 - BFP! - Beta #1 151 - Beta #2 503 - Due date 2/9/18
I think colleges should be harder to get into academically. If colleges were about academics and not about jumping through hoops to impress prospective students and parents with the shiniest new facilities, it would be a hell of a lot cheaper. (Thinking about this a lot with the election talks lately. For the record, I'm a liberal).
I agree. I also think that not every kid *should* go to college, and that high schools should encourage more kids to seek vocational education. I also like the idea of a gap year, where kids should volunteer or work in some capacity. So many kids have no idea what they want to do and spend thousands of dollars in tuition figuring it out.
My school encourages students to go to vocational school. We have two programs that help students get started in vocational work, like construction and car mechanics. It's great because those kids are still taking classes required by the state for graduation, but they are also taking classes that interest them and are directed at the job they will have after graduation. I have 4 students I'm encouraging to be electricians and several others going into construction. I agree that not all students will and should go to a 4-year college.
@Megzb510 - agree, I posted a similar sentiment a few weeks back about vocational school. I love that society asks an 18 year old what they want to do for the rest of their life. I'm in my mid-30's, a mother, wife, etc and I STILL don't know what I want to be when I grow up. I spend lots of time daydreaming about my ideal job. At 18/19/20 I would have had no idea what I like, don't like, because life guarding and teaching swim lessons isn't exactly a representation of the professional world... Sadly.
@DiFazette , that's exactly how I feel. I spent a ton of time and money on an undergrad and masters that I don't use. It took me 10 years after graduating to realize what I would love to do is nursing. But I sort of feel like that ship has sailed and now that I have a family, it would be too hard money/time wise for me to go back. I wish someone had told me to wait a few years to figure it out, before making such a huge commitment.
Me: 34 DH: 36 TTC#2 September 2015 DD #1 born July 2014 Clomid 50 mg x2 months- no ovulation Clomid 100mg x 2 months- confirmed ovulation first month, BFN
@HurricaneAmelia - I would have gone the nursing route, too. After my experience with DS in the NICU, I feel compelled to become a NICU nurse. Those women touched our lives more than we could ever repay. It's a lot of schooling, 12 hour shifts 7 days a week and not really an easy career path with a young child and trying to have another. Plus, there's only so many NICU nurses needed since it's so specialized.
Mu UO is that I am REALLY not into maternity photo shoots. I think they are cheesy. I guess a few pics with your SO in some normal pose or something is acceptable....but standing on the beach in some flowy dress with a wreath on your head? Or your hands making a heart on your belly? NOPE.
Me: 34 DH: 36 TTC#2 September 2015 DD #1 born July 2014 Clomid 50 mg x2 months- no ovulation Clomid 100mg x 2 months- confirmed ovulation first month, BFN
HurricaneAmelia I'm totally with you. I'd like to do the progress pictures and maybe a couple with DH when the time comes, but these women in long flowy dresses, walking along the beach like being KU turns you into some sort of goddess just makes me crazy. Hence why I loved the movie "What to Expect When You're Expecting".
@HurricaneAmelia I know right? That's not really my style either. I just always assumed that appealed to the same people who wanted the over-the-top engagement photo shoot and the 200 cliche, super posed wedding pictures (ya know not the pictures of the actual wedding but all the pictures of the couple, before/after the wedding, making hand hearts in front of the sunset or the guy making a hand heart on the woman's butt and such)
For example: and And they're also probably the same people putting their 2 day old baby in baskets and things
I clearly don't understand babies because seeing something so tiny and fragile just hanging out in a basket naked makes me super uncomfortable. I'm always over here like "someone put something warm on that baby and put it somewhere safer! These things don't exactly come with a warranty."
ETA: No offense if one of you ladies had photos like any of these taken. I'm also not trying to say that the newborn-in-a-basket parents are bad parents or anything. Just that, as someone who has never had a baby, it freaks me out a bit. I'm sure it's done in a perfectly safe way.
Me: 28 Husband: 31 TTC#1: January 2015- September 2016 Infertility, Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Rainbow baby born June 6, 2017 ❤️
@HurricaneAmelia@nwegman7878@NamelessAria I totally agree about the maternity photo shoots. Honestly, I don't even really understand engagement photo shoots...I just don't know what people do with all of these pictures of themselves. I once saw someone post a maternity photo on facebook in which the woman was completely topless and the man was covering her bare boobs with his hands--this is not a joke, and I wish it was!! If you want that photo for your own personal use, great, but why in the world would you post that on facebook!? Imagine if I, a non-pregnant person, posted a topless picture of myself with my husband's hands on my boobs. Not acceptable. Being pregnant does not make this acceptable.
@sldp123 I wasn't going to say anything because I am so new to posting (but not lurking) on these boards, but since this is UO, I might as well go for it, right?? I agree with you about the KU woman who continuously post on here. I know I am extra sensitive due to my TTC status, but I get especially irritated when they introduce the post with **Lurking from (enter BMB here)**> Honestly, I wouldn't mind at all if they just wanted to chime in, but it feels like waving it in our faces when they make it so abundantly clear that they get to be on a BMB and we do not (obviously I know this is only my interpretation and definitely not the intention).
I do agree some maternity photoshoots are so cheesy. But I think those newborn photos are cute. I've heard from my friends that the photographers do a good job keeping the baby comfortable, warm and safe. I think they have warm air blowing around the baby or something.
I completely agree about the college front. On numerous levels. Not everyone SHOULD go to college. Everyone should have an opportunity, but I hate the push everyone should. Also, on the affordability front, I 100% blame the loans. If the money wasn't so easy to get on loan, no one would be paying it. Also, why the hell can an 18-22 year-old go 100 grand in debt? No one in their right mind would give an 18 year old a loan for their house. Why? Because 18 year olds generally make bad decisions. Many people I know now have 50-100 grand in debt and don't even use the degree they achieved. Why? Because 18 year olds make bad decisions. (Not all obviously)
As said above, I think a year or two off to explore the world (be it travel, volunteer, professional, etc) would do a world of good in giving kids a reality check. They'd understand true income (not 20 hours a week with very little expenses) and hopefully their parents wouldn't shoulder all their finances and they'd have a true idea of the cost of living.
Most 18 year-olds have no concept of the money they're taking out nor how long it will take to repay and no one discusses it with them. It's INSANE what is being trusted and signed away on an 18 year olds decision. They can't even drink! Why? Because generally they make really freaking bad decisions and are reckless.
college is the new 2008 housing bubble. Unregulated loans being given out recklessly with no guarantee of an income when it comes time to repay. I'm so passionate about this and frustrated. All those subsidized loans by the government are going to wreck havoc eventually. I know more than one person defaulting on them purposefully because they see no end in sight and the banks aren't losing money. It's the government. It's really not a good situation IMO. (I have no financial degree. Please correct me if I'm wrong)
TTC1: May 2015
Primary IF May 2016; Failed HSG; Scheduled Lap Sept. 2016
I do agree some maternity photoshoots are so cheesy. But I think those newborn photos are cute. I've heard from my friends that the photographers do a good job keeping the baby comfortable, warm and safe. I think they have warm air blowing around the baby or something.
This is definitely true. I do newborn photography on the side and number 1 rule is baby safety. What you don't see is that any shot where the baby is doing something that a baby can't be doing (like holding its head in its hands or hanging from a branch) is actually a composite shot. The whole thing is perfectly safe.
Also... I use a space heater and also have the clients turn the ac off or heat on depending on the day. I sweat my ass off during newborn shoots
@sarah0985 this was my fear until his latest release. A couple of weeks ago I realized that I've been turning up my radio and signing along every time: Sorry, What Do You Mean, or Love Yourself comes on. At first I was like I can share this information with NO ONE but then I was like F IT, I don't care - I guess I like the new Beiber <shrugs> LOL
I'm sure this will be unpopular, but I think it's kind of weird that people lurk around this board after getting KU. I mean I know that people can read whatever posts they want, and I get that the old regs want to see people get their BFPs. But pregnant people reading and chiming in on random posts? Idk, makes me feel kinda like this is the freak show of people who haven't been able to get KU yet. I'm probably being sensitive. But that's my UO.
*TW loss mentioned*
I agree. I think that the TTGP graduates monthly thread is a better place to connect with old friends than to chime in on the daily threads. I know they have good advice and lots of knowledge to share, but it makes me sad and uncomfortable when I see them here. There's a reason I don't go to my old BMB anymore. I want to hang out with people in my same situation TTC and not have to be reminded that I was pregnant and am not pregnant anymore while other people still are. It's not rational or logical, but feelings rarely are.
Me: 29, DH: 29 Married 9/27/14 TTC #1 since 8/15/15 BFP: 1/2/16, EDD 9/13/16 - MMC 2/10/16 BFP: 3/17, EDD 11/23/16 November 2016 April Siggy Challenge - April Showers
I did come across the article below a few weeks ago that sort of softened my (previously eeh/ugh) stance on maternity photo shoots. Yes, it's a flowing dress and a beach moment... But she's got five of them in there! If that were me with a random quintuplet conception, you had better believe I'd be immortalizing that shit in photos.
I post on BMBs and Trimester boards fairly often. And a few other boards here and there. I understand not being pregnant makes people sad, I have bad days too. But every now and then on a BMB a UO or FFFC will come up about non pregnant people posting there and that it's "weird", "creepy", or the worst one "sad". I'm quick to say that we can post anywhere and as long as I am respectful and place a lurker warning, there's no reason I can't offer my opinion.
It would be hypocritical of me to say that pregnant ladies couldn't post here. Sometimes they have good information or a different point of view that might be welcomed. So long as there is a warning, all posts should be welcomed here.
Many of the grands are the people who taught me how to TTC and they have loads more information that I haven't learned, I wouldn't shun them because they achieved what we all want.
I do agree some maternity photoshoots are so cheesy. But I think those newborn photos are cute. I've heard from my friends that the photographers do a good job keeping the baby comfortable, warm and safe. I think they have warm air blowing around the baby or something.
This is definitely true. I do newborn photography on the side and number 1 rule is baby safety. What you don't see is that any shot where the baby is doing something that a baby can't be doing (like holding its head in its hands or hanging from a branch) is actually a composite shot. The whole thing is perfectly safe.
Also... I use a space heater and also have the clients turn the ac off or heat on depending on the day. I sweat my ass off during newborn shoots
Haha yep! All of this. I'm a newborn photog and agree that as long as you find a photographer who has experience or specializes in newborns, you're in good hands. Baby's comfort and safety is #1.
I lurk all over the boards (I like seeing the grads all happy and on their boards plus the information is great). I've seen on some BMBs this UO but reversed (or entire threads about it). That made me sad that they didn't even think lurking was okay for those not in their particular board. It made me especially sad when it was said by someone that I knew from the TTGP board (specifically about TTC lurkers). But the majority of the comments were against that line of thought for the same reasons @Lulucooks listed.
It also makes me happy when they do comment here. Most of the ones that comment or lurk have been here on this board before (unless it's a knottie#s or something) and we've become friends. Well, as much as you can on here. There are several women who I really looked up to and loved reading what they had to say. You could almost say they were mentors because I had no idea how little I knew about this entire ordeal before joining. When I see a TW about a siggy or being from a BMB it makes me happy to know they're still looking out for us and quietly rooting for us. I'm all like:
I think colleges should be harder to get into academically. If colleges were about academics and not about jumping through hoops to impress prospective students and parents with the shiniest new facilities, it would be a hell of a lot cheaper. (Thinking about this a lot with the election talks lately. For the record, I'm a liberal).
I see why you'd say this. I kind of think student loans should be more difficult to get. If student loans weren't so easy to get, tuition wouldn't be so high because no one could afford it.
Tuition is high because of administrative bloat, sports programs/salaries (coaches, obviously not students), and elite schools (or schools trying to be elite / move up in rankings) spending huge amounts on "perks" (super fancy dorms, state of the art fitness facilities, climbing walls, etc). Whether or not loans are accessible, tuition will be high as long as the state and federal government cut funding - and as long as schools are run like a business with overly large admin staffs and student-as-consumer mindsets.
I agree that college isn't for everyone (I teach at a college), but it would be a great fit for many students who can't afford it due to high tuition. It's unfortunate that those students have to either take on huge debt burdens or not pursue college education, when wealthier students are able to afford it. The whole system of funding education is skewed and mostly just reinforces existing gaps between those with resources and those struggling to get by.
/end soapbox
TTC #1 --- BFP #1 5/15, loss at 5 weeks --- BFP #2 12/15, loss at 4+3 --- RE testing 3/16 normal, still trying for our rainbow
I'm sure this will be unpopular, but I think it's kind of weird that people lurk around this board after getting KU. I mean I know that people can read whatever posts they want, and I get that the old regs want to see people get their BFPs. But pregnant people reading and chiming in on random posts? Idk, makes me feel kinda like this is the freak show of people who haven't been able to get KU yet. I'm probably being sensitive. But that's my UO.
I'm fine with people lurking from BMB. Maybe it's cuz I'm on mobile and don't see siggys with ultrasounds. Some things people ask on here are unique issues and if someone has experience with that issue, it's awesome to have someone who isn't even TTC anymore sharing their knowledge. I also love seeing TTGP grads. It's a free forum and as long as they post a *lurker* preface, they have done due diligence on the etiquette front for me.
Me: 33 DH: 31 DS: 5 years old TTC #2 since August 2015 July 2016: Testing cycle with 100 mg Clomid = BFN August 2016: 50 mg Clomid + IUI = BFN October 2016: IVF#1 - 13 retrieved / 12 mature / 9 fertilized / 2 blasts November 2016: FET#1 = chemical January 2017: FET#2 = chemical March 2017: IVF#2 - 18 retrieved / 18 mature / 16 fertilized / 5 blasts
April 24, 2017: FET#3 - BFN May 24, 2017: FET#4 - BFP! - Beta #1 151 - Beta #2 503 - Due date 2/9/18
...There are several women who I really looked up to and loved reading what they had to say. You could almost say they were mentors because I had no idea how little I knew about this entire ordeal before joining. When I see a TW about a siggy or being from a BMB it makes me happy to know they're still looking out for us and quietly rooting for us. I'm all like:
That's a good way to think about it. I'll still be sad and sensitive for a while, but I really like the idea of them looking out for and rooting for us. I'm going to make a conscious effort to think about that when I see them post
Me: 29, DH: 29 Married 9/27/14 TTC #1 since 8/15/15 BFP: 1/2/16, EDD 9/13/16 - MMC 2/10/16 BFP: 3/17, EDD 11/23/16 November 2016 April Siggy Challenge - April Showers
I think colleges should be harder to get into academically. If colleges were about academics and not about jumping through hoops to impress prospective students and parents with the shiniest new facilities, it would be a hell of a lot cheaper. (Thinking about this a lot with the election talks lately. For the record, I'm a liberal).
I see why you'd say this. I kind of think student loans should be more difficult to get. If student loans weren't so easy to get, tuition wouldn't be so high because no one could afford it.
Tuition is high because of administrative bloat, sports programs/salaries (coaches, obviously not students), and elite schools (or schools trying to be elite / move up in rankings) spending huge amounts on "perks" (super fancy dorms, state of the art fitness facilities, climbing walls, etc). Whether or not loans are accessible, tuition will be high as long as the state and federal government cut funding - and as long as schools are run like a business with overly large admin staffs and student-as-consumer mindsets.
I agree that college isn't for everyone (I teach at a college), but it would be a great fit for many students who can't afford it due to high tuition. It's unfortunate that those students have to either take on huge debt burdens or not pursue college education, when wealthier students are able to afford it. The whole system of funding education is skewed and mostly just reinforces existing gaps between those with resources and those struggling to get by.
/end soapbox
The administrative bloat, sports costs, etc are part of the reason tuition is so high, especially in undergrad. The amount my undergrad school spends on sports is ridiculous, and it isn't alone.
My rant: When it comes to grad and professional school, at least, student loans are a big issue. Just as an example, law school is notorious for leaving its grads without jobs and with 100k and more in loans. Student loans are way too easy for a law student to get, even though the job market isn't great and getting a high-paying job right out of school is unlikely for most law school grads. There are 203 accredited law schools in the country, and most of them are very expensive. If student loans didn't pay for tuition, at least some of those schools would either go out of business or lower tuition. Now, anyone can get tons of money in student loans, so more and more law schools are opening, which means the market is saturated and there are not enough jobs to put everyone to work. So it's a vicious circle, and the schools and the government make money to the detriment of the students and grads.
Student loans are non-dischargeable in bankruptcy, and the interest rates are high. Even with the income-based repayment plans that forgive the balance after 25 years of making low payments, the fed will paid because people will have to pay federal income tax on the amount of the loan that's forgiven.
The schools have some responsibility, and of course the students do, too, but something needs to change about the way student loans are being done.
I have feelings about student loans, but I was fortunate enough to get a full tuition scholarship and not need any, so I mostly keep them to myself.
I like it when grads come back in to comment from time to time, as long as they post a TW if applicable because a lot of them give very sound advice. It's the same reason I like BFP TWs, and on days when I can't take it, I don't read those posts.
I also like when lurkers post with the lurker TW because I think it is a VERY good reminder to everyone that this is a public forum. Sometimes it's good to see that and just remember, "oh yeah, maybe I want to think a bit more before I post that." And I think sometimes a lot of people on here don't think enough before they post some things.
Me: 30 DH: 32 ~~ TTC #1: Sep 2015 ~~ BFP: Mar 2016 ~~ Daughter: Nov 2016 TTC #2: April 2018 ~~ BFP: May 2018 ~~ EDD: January 2019
@cjt121413 , totally agree with the law school thing. I have a good friend whose husband just went back to school for law at a tier 3 school. He is 36 and will graduate when he is 39 or 40 (he's going part time). She's supporting them right now and told me that the deal would be she could stay at home when he graduates because he will be making $200K+......ummmm, good luck with that. I have friends that went to much better law schools and aren't even close to making that kind of money. I dont know if it's just ignorance to the job market, people being naive....whatever it is, she's in for a rude awakening (and an additional mortgage payment in loan debt).
Me: 34 DH: 36 TTC#2 September 2015 DD #1 born July 2014 Clomid 50 mg x2 months- no ovulation Clomid 100mg x 2 months- confirmed ovulation first month, BFN
My UO is that I LOVE reading comments on facebook or news sites. Sometimes it makes me cringe, but I can't help it. I don't know why I do it to myself. I just read this little gem today:
Person 1: I really want a girl too, I had a boy with my first husband and am remarried, and he had both from his ex wife.....I've always wanted a little girl! So we are starting to track my ovulation schedule and read up on the best ways to make a girl happen!
Person 2 replies: one of the ways is apparently conceiving 2-3 days before ovulation or 2-3 days after ovulation. Or so I have read, I think it worked for us but I am not 100% sure. My daughter was conceived 3 days before ovulation. My son was conceived ON the day I ovulated
Edited to remove image that was accidentally attached.
I'm on the opposite page when it comes to pictures. We started our TTC journey over 2&1/2 years ago so if I ever get KU we'll probably just be one & done. I plan on documenting everything. My maternity pics won't be in a dress on a beach with a flower crown, but I'm definitely taking some. And we'll get newborn pictures done too. I'm probably gonna get DH to take weekly bump pics too. I will be THAT person.
But I love having pictures. I keep them printed out in photo albums. And framed all over the house. I don't really use Facebook though, so I won't be bothering other people with them.
Me:27 DH: 28 Married May 2012 TTC#1 July 2013 - July 2015 (no success) Again TTC#1: Dec 2015 First RE visit: Feb 2016 BFP: 9/16/16 EDD:5/26/17
On the maternity shoot thing, I don't have plans on doing a special shoot or anything, but I do plan on doing some seriously awesome and nerdy progression shoots. Like, I'll take a progression pic of me walking across the room each week so when I put them together time lapse style it'll look like I got pregnant while walking from one side to the next. Or take a pic of my on the couch eating cereal each week. I don't know, something like that.
It sounds cooler in my head.
Me: 32 | DH: 36
Married June 2005
1/2016 - TTC#1
4/2017 - Initial RE visit, Dx: Severe MFI (Varicocele, 14% motility, 3% progression, but normal count)
7/2017 - Stage 3 endometriosis discovered during laparoscopic removal of ovarian cyst
9/27/2017 - BFP at 10dpo (cycle 22), baby boy due June 9, 2018
I lurk all over the boards (I like seeing the grads all happy and on their boards plus the information is great). I've seen on some BMBs this UO but reversed (or entire threads about it). That made me sad that they didn't even think lurking was okay for those not in their particular board. It made me especially sad when it was said by someone that I knew from the TTGP board (specifically about TTC lurkers). But the majority of the comments were against that line of thought for the same reasons @Lulucooks listed.
It also makes me happy when they do comment here. Most of the ones that comment or lurk have been here on this board before (unless it's a knottie#s or something) and we've become friends. Well, as much as you can on here. There are several women who I really looked up to and loved reading what they had to say. You could almost say they were mentors because I had no idea how little I knew about this entire ordeal before joining. When I see a TW about a siggy or being from a BMB it makes me happy to know they're still looking out for us and quietly rooting for us. I'm all like:
I totally understand this point of view, too. And I know no one is coming back here with any ill intent. I was just stating how it makes me feel, personally. I realize that doesn't mean they are wrong, and of course anyone can post anywhere they want to.
DS: June 2008 Married: July 2015 BFP: 5/20/16 | EDD: 1/28/17 | Twin boys born 1/16/17
I think so much of the higher Ed debt crisis is about keeping up with the f-ing joneses. I went to a state school, I had other options, better options. My tuition, and all other schooling expenses for me and my siblings was funded by my parents who can afford to not have their children start their adult life with a ton of debt. I still felt (even though I wasn't footing the bill) that private college tuition was absurd (16 years ago). Unless you are hell bent on a career that requires more than a bachelors, I think a state school is fine for most people. Just because you were accepted into an elite (read:expensive) school does not mean your career trajectory will be any different void of a few specific professions. I think most people want the bragging rights, for themselves or their parents. I will encourage my child/children to go to state schools, trade schools, even start at a community college. There is no shame in that to me as long as they do something.
I think colleges should be harder to get into academically. If colleges were about academics and not about jumping through hoops to impress prospective students and parents with the shiniest new facilities, it would be a hell of a lot cheaper. (Thinking about this a lot with the election talks lately. For the record, I'm a liberal).
I see why you'd say this. I kind of think student loans should be more difficult to get. If student loans weren't so easy to get, tuition wouldn't be so high because no one could afford it.
I completely disagree. I had a hard enough time getting student loans as it is. I have credit, but no history. My husband has history, but no credit. Together, we qualify for a house and vehicles, but not for student loans because we have a house and cars under our names. I've had to ask one of my brothers to co-sign for me twice, and even then it was a crap-shoot because he has good credit, but not a super-long history and no major purchases. We qualified twice, but I don't know if we'd qualify again if I need to take out another loan to finish school. If I wasn't married and independent, I'd better qualify for FAFSA, but, apparently being married with a kid and your own house/vehicles/responsibilities means you should be able to pay for school without any aid. Literally the only thing FAFSA offers me is loans. Oh, and $250 in grants. Which wouldn't even cover my gas for the semester.
So, yeah, no. Some of us rely on those loans to go to school, and it's hard enough for some of us to get them. And people can try to push scholarships and grants all you want, but if you're not a minority, you're not a teenager/fresh out of high school, or you don't have a special talent, your chance of getting one is about 0.001%. Trust me. I've applied to hundreds since going back to school last year. The only thing I've gotten is a scholarship from my work.
I'm not saying everyone should be handed money willy-nilly, but as someone who is struggling to finish school as it is, I would never say that student loans should be more difficult to get. I agree that students should be encouraged to take a year off between high school and college, and I love the vocational schools that have partnerships with high schools to offer free tuition to high school students (that's how I got my CNA) - but I wouldn't say that it should be more difficult to get loans.
As for my own UO - which apparently my previous post was unpopular as it is; I'm not a fan of PDA. I have moments where I'm playful with hubby and in a good mood and might grab his butt if no one's looking and it's exceptionally attractive, but it gives me the heeby-jeebies when a couple sits there and makes out and gropes each other in front of me. I'm glad you're interested in each other, but, go to your freaking dorms. This old married lady doesn't want to see it.
As for my own UO - which apparently my previous post was unpopular as it is; I'm not a fan of PDA. I have moments where I'm playful with hubby and in a good mood and might grab his butt if no one's looking and it's exceptionally attractive, but it gives me the heeby-jeebies when a couple sits there and makes out and gropes each other in front of me. I'm glad you're interested in each other, but, go to your freaking dorms. This old married lady doesn't want to see it.
Agreed... At home I grope DHs butt as a rule. In public though, holding hands is usually all there is. Quick peck on the lips if there is reason too, but public making out does not happen*
*when sober. When drunk and it's dark... I can't promise there isn't a quick playful tongue here or there.
Re: UO Thursday
Married: October 2014
Began TTC: April 2015
BFP #1: 9/18/15. EDD 5/18/16. MC 10/26/15. (9w)
BFP #2: 2/27/16. EDD 11/7/16. MC/D&E 4/20/16 (11w)
BFP #3: 9/22/16. EDD 5/29/17. DS born 4/24/17
BFP #4: 5/20/18. EDD 1/23/19.
Married: July 2015
BFP: 5/20/16 | EDD: 1/28/17 | Twin boys born 1/16/17
Me: 33 H: 36
Married: 12/14/13 DS: 1/29/09
BFP2: 10/9/15 MMC: 11/12/15
BFP3: 4/6/16 DD: 12/12/16
DS: 5 years old
TTC #2 since August 2015
July 2016: Testing cycle with 100 mg Clomid = BFN
August 2016: 50 mg Clomid + IUI = BFN
October 2016: IVF#1 - 13 retrieved / 12 mature / 9 fertilized / 2 blasts
November 2016: FET#1 = chemical
January 2017: FET#2 = chemical
March 2017: IVF#2 - 18 retrieved / 18 mature / 16 fertilized / 5 blasts
May 24, 2017: FET#4 - BFP! - Beta #1 151 - Beta #2 503 - Due date 2/9/18
TTC#2 September 2015
DD #1 born July 2014
Clomid 50 mg x2 months- no ovulation
Clomid 100mg x 2 months- confirmed ovulation first month, BFN
TTC#2 September 2015
DD #1 born July 2014
Clomid 50 mg x2 months- no ovulation
Clomid 100mg x 2 months- confirmed ovulation first month, BFN
Previously nweg...7878
For example:
and
And they're also probably the same people putting their 2 day old baby in baskets and things
I clearly don't understand babies because seeing something so tiny and fragile just hanging out in a basket naked makes me super uncomfortable. I'm always over here like "someone put something warm on that baby and put it somewhere safer! These things don't exactly come with a warranty."
ETA: No offense if one of you ladies had photos like any of these taken. I'm also not trying to say that the newborn-in-a-basket parents are bad parents or anything. Just that, as someone who has never had a baby, it freaks me out a bit. I'm sure it's done in a perfectly safe way.
TTC#1: January 2015- September 2016
Infertility, Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
Rainbow baby born June 6, 2017 ❤️
Baby #2 due June 12, 2018
@sldp123 I wasn't going to say anything because I am so new to posting (but not lurking) on these boards, but since this is UO, I might as well go for it, right?? I agree with you about the KU woman who continuously post on here. I know I am extra sensitive due to my TTC status, but I get especially irritated when they introduce the post with **Lurking from (enter BMB here)**> Honestly, I wouldn't mind at all if they just wanted to chime in, but it feels like waving it in our faces when they make it so abundantly clear that they get to be on a BMB and we do not (obviously I know this is only my interpretation and definitely not the intention).
Not everyone SHOULD go to college. Everyone should have an opportunity, but I hate the push everyone should.
Also, on the affordability front, I 100% blame the loans. If the money wasn't so easy to get on loan, no one would be paying it. Also, why the hell can an 18-22 year-old go 100 grand in debt? No one in their right mind would give an 18 year old a loan for their house. Why? Because 18 year olds generally make bad decisions. Many people I know now have 50-100 grand in debt and don't even use the degree they achieved. Why? Because 18 year olds make bad decisions. (Not all obviously)
As said above, I think a year or two off to explore the world (be it travel, volunteer, professional, etc) would do a world of good in giving kids a reality check. They'd understand true income (not 20 hours a week with very little expenses) and hopefully their parents wouldn't shoulder all their finances and they'd have a true idea of the cost of living.
Most 18 year-olds have no concept of the money they're taking out nor how long it will take to repay and no one discusses it with them. It's INSANE what is being trusted and signed away on an 18 year olds decision.
They can't even drink! Why? Because generally they make really freaking bad decisions and are reckless.
college is the new 2008 housing bubble. Unregulated loans being given out recklessly with no guarantee of an income when it comes time to repay. I'm so passionate about this and frustrated. All those subsidized loans by the government are going to wreck havoc eventually. I know more than one person defaulting on them purposefully because they see no end in sight and the banks aren't losing money. It's the government. It's really not a good situation IMO. (I have no financial degree. Please correct me if I'm wrong)
Also... I use a space heater and also have the clients turn the ac off or heat on depending on the day. I sweat my ass off during newborn shoots
I agree. I think that the TTGP graduates monthly thread is a better place to connect with old friends than to chime in on the daily threads. I know they have good advice and lots of knowledge to share, but it makes me sad and uncomfortable when I see them here. There's a reason I don't go to my old BMB anymore. I want to hang out with people in my same situation TTC and not have to be reminded that I was pregnant and am not pregnant anymore while other people still are. It's not rational or logical, but feelings rarely are.
Married 9/27/14
TTC #1 since 8/15/15
BFP: 1/2/16, EDD 9/13/16 - MMC 2/10/16
BFP: 3/17, EDD 11/23/16
November 2016 April Siggy Challenge - April Showers
https://m.huffpost.com/ca/entry/9052916
Married 10/12/13
TTC #1 since 10/15
Chart!
It would be hypocritical of me to say that pregnant ladies couldn't post here. Sometimes they have good information or a different point of view that might be welcomed. So long as there is a warning, all posts should be welcomed here.
Many of the grands are the people who taught me how to TTC and they have loads more information that I haven't learned, I wouldn't shun them because they achieved what we all want.
It also makes me happy when they do comment here. Most of the ones that comment or lurk have been here on this board before (unless it's a knottie#s or something) and we've become friends. Well, as much as you can on here. There are several women who I really looked up to and loved reading what they had to say. You could almost say they were mentors because I had no idea how little I knew about this entire ordeal before joining. When I see a TW about a siggy or being from a BMB it makes me happy to know they're still looking out for us and quietly rooting for us. I'm all like:
I agree that college isn't for everyone (I teach at a college), but it would be a great fit for many students who can't afford it due to high tuition. It's unfortunate that those students have to either take on huge debt burdens or not pursue college education, when wealthier students are able to afford it. The whole system of funding education is skewed and mostly just reinforces existing gaps between those with resources and those struggling to get by.
/end soapbox
TTC #1 --- BFP #1 5/15, loss at 5 weeks --- BFP #2 12/15, loss at 4+3 --- RE testing 3/16 normal, still trying for our rainbow
Me: 33 H: 36
Married: 12/14/13 DS: 1/29/09
BFP2: 10/9/15 MMC: 11/12/15
BFP3: 4/6/16 DD: 12/12/16
Hahaha this just made me laugh out loud! Baskets, wash tubs, tiny hammocks... I'm always like wut? All this for a picture?
April 2016 - AMH, FSH, Progesterone normal
June 2016 - HSG clear
*TW* BFP - Aug16, demise confirmed Sep16, incomplete m/c, D&C Nov16
BFP 3/27/17, edd 12/7/17
DS - 12/9/17
TTC #2 December 2018
BFP 2/22/19, edd 11/4/19
DD - 11/1/19
My Chart
DS: 5 years old
TTC #2 since August 2015
July 2016: Testing cycle with 100 mg Clomid = BFN
August 2016: 50 mg Clomid + IUI = BFN
October 2016: IVF#1 - 13 retrieved / 12 mature / 9 fertilized / 2 blasts
November 2016: FET#1 = chemical
January 2017: FET#2 = chemical
March 2017: IVF#2 - 18 retrieved / 18 mature / 16 fertilized / 5 blasts
May 24, 2017: FET#4 - BFP! - Beta #1 151 - Beta #2 503 - Due date 2/9/18
Married 9/27/14
TTC #1 since 8/15/15
BFP: 1/2/16, EDD 9/13/16 - MMC 2/10/16
BFP: 3/17, EDD 11/23/16
November 2016 April Siggy Challenge - April Showers
The administrative bloat, sports costs, etc are part of the reason tuition is so high, especially in undergrad. The amount my undergrad school spends on sports is ridiculous, and it isn't alone.
My rant:
When it comes to grad and professional school, at least, student loans are a big issue. Just as an example, law school is notorious for leaving its grads without jobs and with 100k and more in loans. Student loans are way too easy for a law student to get, even though the job market isn't great and getting a high-paying job right out of school is unlikely for most law school grads. There are 203 accredited law schools in the country, and most of them are very expensive. If student loans didn't pay for tuition, at least some of those schools would either go out of business or lower tuition. Now, anyone can get tons of money in student loans, so more and more law schools are opening, which means the market is saturated and there are not enough jobs to put everyone to work. So it's a vicious circle, and the schools and the government make money to the detriment of the students and grads.
Student loans are non-dischargeable in bankruptcy, and the interest rates are high. Even with the income-based repayment plans that forgive the balance after 25 years of making low payments, the fed will paid because people will have to pay federal income tax on the amount of the loan that's forgiven.
The schools have some responsibility, and of course the students do, too, but something needs to change about the way student loans are being done.
ETA: Fix typo.
Me: 33 H: 36
Married: 12/14/13 DS: 1/29/09
BFP2: 10/9/15 MMC: 11/12/15
BFP3: 4/6/16 DD: 12/12/16
I like it when grads come back in to comment from time to time, as long as they post a TW if applicable because a lot of them give very sound advice. It's the same reason I like BFP TWs, and on days when I can't take it, I don't read those posts.
I also like when lurkers post with the lurker TW because I think it is a VERY good reminder to everyone that this is a public forum. Sometimes it's good to see that and just remember, "oh yeah, maybe I want to think a bit more before I post that." And I think sometimes a lot of people on here don't think enough before they post some things.
TTC #2: April 2018 ~~ BFP: May 2018 ~~ EDD: January 2019
TTC#2 September 2015
DD #1 born July 2014
Clomid 50 mg x2 months- no ovulation
Clomid 100mg x 2 months- confirmed ovulation first month, BFN
I just read this little gem today:
Person 1: I really want a girl too, I had a boy with my first husband and am remarried, and he had both from his ex wife.....I've always wanted a little girl! So we are starting to track my ovulation schedule and read up on the best ways to make a girl happen!
Person 2 replies: one of the ways is apparently conceiving 2-3 days before ovulation or 2-3 days after ovulation. Or so I have read, I think it worked for us but I am not 100% sure. My daughter was conceived 3 days before ovulation. My son was conceived ON the day I ovulated
Edited to remove image that was accidentally attached.
But I love having pictures. I keep them printed out in photo albums. And framed all over the house. I don't really use Facebook though, so I won't be bothering other people with them.
Married May 2012
TTC#1 July 2013 - July 2015 (no success)
Again TTC#1: Dec 2015
First RE visit: Feb 2016
BFP: 9/16/16 EDD:5/26/17
It sounds cooler in my head.
Me: 32 | DH: 36
Married June 2005
1/2016 - TTC#1
4/2017 - Initial RE visit, Dx: Severe MFI (Varicocele, 14% motility, 3% progression, but normal count)
7/2017 - Stage 3 endometriosis discovered during laparoscopic removal of ovarian cyst
9/27/2017 - BFP at 10dpo (cycle 22), baby boy due June 9, 2018
Married: July 2015
BFP: 5/20/16 | EDD: 1/28/17 | Twin boys born 1/16/17
So, yeah, no. Some of us rely on those loans to go to school, and it's hard enough for some of us to get them. And people can try to push scholarships and grants all you want, but if you're not a minority, you're not a teenager/fresh out of high school, or you don't have a special talent, your chance of getting one is about 0.001%. Trust me. I've applied to hundreds since going back to school last year. The only thing I've gotten is a scholarship from my work.
I'm not saying everyone should be handed money willy-nilly, but as someone who is struggling to finish school as it is, I would never say that student loans should be more difficult to get. I agree that students should be encouraged to take a year off between high school and college, and I love the vocational schools that have partnerships with high schools to offer free tuition to high school students (that's how I got my CNA) - but I wouldn't say that it should be more difficult to get loans.
Me: 30 | DH: 34 | DSS: 14 | DS: 4
PG #2, EDD 10/12/2023
Me: 30 | DH: 34 | DSS: 14 | DS: 4
PG #2, EDD 10/12/2023
*when sober. When drunk and it's dark... I can't promise there isn't a quick playful tongue here or there.