The Site

Please note that the information contained within this site is accurate to the best of my knowledge and research, but I am only human. Don't tell my husband.

Big Cover-My-@$$ Disclaimer: this site is not intended to treat, diagnose, or cure any disease or condition. Consult your physician before doing anything crazy. If (s)he is ignorant or annoying, get a second opinion.

This site is hosted on a server located in Florida. During hurricane season, power outages may lead to site downtime. Just FYI.

I have always had a penchant for diagnostic devices. My mom is a registered nurse and has taught college-level clinical medical assisting and terminology since before I was born. When I was about 7 years old, she let me experiment with her Rapid Strep Detection Kit. After a throat swab (I charged her $5 per gag) we would put the sample in a little vial, add some reagents, and drip them onto a cassette test. Two lines meant strep bacteria were detected. Fun!

You should have seen the merriment that ensued around the dinner table when my diabetic dad got his blood glucose meter. How many families gleefully poke each other with a lancet and guess each other's blood sugar levels?

And, of course, there is always joy in blood typing. I once dragged Jared into my mom's classroom lab, made him bleed, added the proper reagents and informed him he has A+ blood. (I was disappointed. As an O-, I was hoping to avoid RhoGAM shots in pregnancy.)

Anyway, when I realized that pregnancy tests were available OTC and diagnosed something a lot more fun than blood sugar or strep, I became a bit of a "peeon." And of course, women trying to conceive go a bit nuts anyway. I was hooked. I scoured the Internet for as much information on pregnancy tests as I could find. I shared photographs with other women.

I am not a medical professional. I have researched these issues and discussed various issues with individuals in OPK/HPT manufacturing and distribution, and the director of USA hCG Reference Service.* I minored in medical anthropology in college and studied genetics, biology, medical terminology, and anatomy; however, ultimately, I am really just a layman. While the information I present is accurate to the best of my knowledge and research, you should always speak with your doctor before accepting any medical advice over the Internet!

That said, I have undergone training as a teacher of the sympto-thermal method of Natural Family Planning, as well as used the method successfully for years. I am friends with and regularly consult teachers of various methods, and offer advice and interpretation of charts. Unfortunately it has been my experience that most doctors, even ob/gyns, are rather clueless about the inner workings of a woman's body! I have become passionate about spreading the word about NFP.

As a total aside, I am a Lightning Rod for Poor Customer Service and have begun to blog my more humorous escapades. And I love Mickey Mouse.

(I am a former Disneyland Cast Member.) This site was made on a Mac (I am also a former Apple employee. Steve Jobs must be so proud.)