Vain Roxy

Every year I make new years resolutions in the hopes that I can actually continue them past the third week of January. This year is no different, however, I am determined (and I mean flat-out hell-bent) on keeping them. I have a lot of room for improvement (don’t we all?), so I figured I would begin with small and simple goals that I could easily conquer, beginning with an improved, healthy lifestyle. Now, lest you think this is not a “small” goal (which it isn’t), I have come up with a myriad of tiny steps which will hopefully result in my new objective. Perhaps you could do some of the following:

• I will give up diet coke! I cringe as I type those words and my little caffeine addicted brain cells are threatening to unleash a whollop of a withdrawal if I actually try to go through with this. But not even that cannot deter me; I drink diet coke like it’s going out of style and I have decided to finally Just Say No! to that sugar-saturated brown and bubbly liquid goodness that delivers nothing but a temporary caffeine jolt and a whole lotta empty calories. It’s just not good for you. I will be (hopefully) replacing my addiction with one that is quite a bit more healthy…such as water.
• I want to start taking a weight loss supplement, such as Akavar 20/50, to help kick-start my new and improved lifestyle. The supplement will help curb hunger so I can withstand the munchies that seem to strike everday at exactly 2:37 p.m. (anyone else seem to have that problem?).
• As of now, I only make it to the gym about twice a week (and that’s if I am feeling really motivated). Making the resolution to go to the gym five times a week would just be setting myself up for failure (realistic, right?), so instead I think I will start slow. Instead of two days a week, I will now go three. Baby steps…
• Flossing every night! I know it sounds silly but I am what you would call a “selective flosser;” it is something that is certainly not done on a regular basis and only gets accomplished when I am really feeling gung-ho about my dental hygiene. So I am going to floss every single night and swish with Listerine (I know, I must be nuts).

Well, that’s it for now. Like I said…baby steps! Now that I have shared a few of mine, what are a few of yours?

Surrogacy is often a popular infertility alternative because it allows a couple to have a biological child. Surrogacy entails an embryo made of the egg and sperm of the intended parents being inseminated into the woman who will be carrying the child to term. Most couples are able to form a close relationship with a surrogate and be involved in the pregnancy of the child. It is always recommended to go through a surrogacy agency when utilizing the process of surrogacy to have a child.

In areas where surrogacy is legal, the most common way for couples to find a surrogate is through a surrogacy agency. An agency will screen all potential surrogates through medical and psychological tests before they consent to take a woman on as their client. Most agencies have a legal department that handles all legal aspects of a surrogate relationship (rights of the birth mother, rights of the intended recipients, etc.) The lawyers will also set forth a contract for the surrogate to enter into. It is always wise to have your own lawyer look over all the contracts and written agreements before you sign anything.

Once a couple chooses the surrogate, both groups need to decide and agree on the terms of the pregnancy. Since there are so man legal aspects to consider when it comes to surrogacy, both parties should have their own lawyers to ensure that they and their rights are protected. The surrogate and couple should also consider receiving psychological counseling from the surrogacy agency because there are numerous emotional issues that can arise as a result of a surrogate pregnancy. You should make sure all concerns, emotionally, physically, and mentally are addressed before you become too involved in the process.

Abortion is certainly a hot topic of debate in American society; just watch one of the political debates for the 2008 presidential election and see how long the topic is addressed and the candidates’ platforms in regards to the issue.  The moral dilemma of life versus choice has caused Americans to become incredibly impassioned on the topic, either for one side or the other. 

Pro-life activists have long encouraged adoption as an abortion alternative and denounce abortion in all scenarios.  On the contrary, pro-choice advocates believe it is solely the decision of the mother to decide what is best for her physically and emotionally.

Vain Roxy wants to know, where do you stand on the abortion issue?  For or against?  Why?

An unplanned pregnancy can be a frightening and overwhelming experience at any age.  If you, or someone you know, is going through such an ordeal, it is important to know that you are not alone.  There are numerous resources to help you; hotlines, non-profit organizations, adoption centers, and counseling centers are all available at your disposal, most free of charge.   The Option Line is a free and confidential resource for young women dealing with unplanned pregnancies or post-abortion stress.   They can also discuss and refer you a number of different options for you and your baby.