My Natty

Many years ago {maybe 10ish} I met a cute, dark haired chick who played on my {now former?} sister-in-law's college volleyball team.  Since my sister-in-law wished me dead {no...seriously}, I didn't really get a chance to "buddy-up" with any of her teammates.  I was getting ready to marry Kyle...starting my own amazing life, so it didn't matter to me. 

I remember my sister-in-law talking about her friend...and how she wanted to start or was starting a photography business...which peaked my interest {since I heart photography}, but it didn't matter what I thought- she was my sister-in-law's friend...not mine.  And there was no way she would be allowed to be my friend...or vise versa. 

photosbynatalie.com

Kyle died a few months before his little sister/my sister-in-law got married.  I made it to the wedding, but it was not my finest moment.  And I'm not even talking about the enormous, highly-embarrassing panic attack I had the instant the daddy-daughter dance music started. {seriously- who plays "Angel" by Sarah Mclachlan at their WEDDING?" ...it's about a drug-addict's struggles with the world...but whatever, it wasn't my wedding.}  That cute, dark-haired photographer was there too.

Anywho...over the years it was decided {by me} that it would be the healthiest decision for my own well-being to distance myself from {the majority of} Kyle's family.  It was a painful decision...it still is.  There is simply too much {more than a decades worth} to write here, so you'll have to trust I did what was best for me...and what Kyle would have supported. 

Fast forward to my 10 year reunion.  My high school bestie and I officially reunited...over not so fantastic circumstances.  Stage IV colon cancer.  A whirl-wind of life in less than a year.  New reasons for a lot of things I had wanted, but didn't know how to open my mouth to advocate for until that moment. 

I should also mention I made some amazing new friendships.  So many it's hard for a trying-to-be-married, workin' girl like me to keep it all in perfect order.  There are a few of these incredible friendships I can't seem to screw up...like we were destined to be friends from the beginning of time...maybe since before we came to this Earth.  One of those amazing friendships is with that cute, dark-haired photographer...one with amazing talent and beauty beyond measure.  One with an amazing heart.  One with similarities that are linked to my soul.

Me, Michelle, Natalie, Erin & Laura

Her life is not mine, so I will not give exacts, and I will not betray her.  We were both raised Mormon.  We both have big families...and share bonds with our sisters that cannot be broken.  We found love early in life...and were married.  Our marriages both ended, but for different reasons.  We learned different lessons.  We both spent the majority of our 20's single...searching for true love, for happiness, for the families we longed to start.  We both found amazing men...men who had been married before.  Men who knew how to love...men who also longed to love...to have and to hold.  We both love with everything in us...we both would give or do anything for our friends and/or our families.

There is something about my friend I can't put the right words to, but I want to properly convey the amount of love and respect I have for her, for her friendship...for her love.  She is absolutely amazing.  I have never met anyone like her...so much so that I feel like I was jipped out of a decade of her warmth.  I will luckily get to make up for those lost years over the next decade...and the next as we share our life's experiences- the good and the bad.

During an especially hard week I was having last fall, I got a text as I was driving home from work.  It said, "I don't know how to tell you this, but I'm pregnant." 

photo by my cell phone...DROID, not the iPhone like I want.

I won't lie.  I was crushed.  Not for my friend, but for myself.

I had a rush of mixed emotions...she was at least the 5th or 6th friend to share that same news with me that very week...the same week-ish I found out our latest fertility procedure failed.  Emotionally I was struggling, but my heart was also filled with joy.  Joy for my friend's exciting news...I called to tell her congratulations...and when we hung up, I sobbed for hours.  I sobbed the rest of my way home from work, in the shower as I sat and wondered what life's purpose for me is...the tears streamed down my face. 

I was struggling.

It didn't take me long to quit thinking of myself and truly embrace the new life growing inside of my friend.  When we spoke, I deemed her baby "my baby" {since everyone else also thought of her baby as their baby...I did too}.  We talked about names, clothes, her nursery...  The days didn't bother to slow down for this pregnancy...they still seemed to move by at such a rapid pace they were hard to hold on to. 

17 weeks and 2 days.  That was the day scheduled for the big ultra-sound.  It was an exciting day for all of us...obviously it was even more exciting for our momma-to-be.

17 weeks and 2 days did not end the way we planned.  We all have these dreams of how the days should end...what the outcome of certain situations should be...and then we are reminded it isn't about our plan.

There is so much more to say, but not for now. 

My friend is experiencing something no one should experience.  I know many women do...I know she will be okay.  Someday it will be okay for me to say more, but for now...just know how thankful I am for my cute, dark-haired, photographer friend.  And know how much I love her.

Brooklyn: Amazing, Incredible, Beautiful...Past & Present

I thought I'd share this amazing picture of Brooklyn: present...then I thought I should also post my favorite picture of Brooklyn: past.  I hope Kyle has been able to watch her from above as she has grown from an amazingly crazy redheaded kid to this incredibly beautiful girl...so smart and full of life.

Brooklyn driving Kyle's truck at our family reunion a few days before the accident.

                                                 Brooklyn with The Boy & Lex-a-licious

And she still has some of the sweetest Angel Kisses on her face. Every time I see them I think of Kyle and how much he loves her.  I so wish she could remember too. Some day...

I love you, Brooklyn Nicole...more than words can say.

Flu-Bug

I have always bragged about not having the flu since I was in the Brownies.  I guess my braggin' rights are gone.  I don't think what I have is the full-blown flu, but it's taken more than 24 hours to feel not dead. 

On Saturday Richelle and I took the boys and Ryan's girls to the mall and to run some other errands.  Carsen complained about his tummy hurting off and on all day.  I guess we're jerks...we chalked it up to having Rodgers' bowel issues...even though he swore he'd been to the bathroom at least three times.  He didn't act sick, he didn't complain very much...he was kinda grouchy, but it's Carsen, so kinda grouchy on any given day isn't abnormal.

Richelle called late Saturday night to tell me poor Carsen had thrown-up his hot dog dinner on his top-bunk...gross.  We talked about every kid being sick for family pictures on Monday afternoon...ah crap.

On Sunday during church, Hayden didn't feel so hot.  ...luckily he didn't puke.  Poor kid just layed on the floor writhing in pain, so Regina took him to my parents' house.  Which was probably better for her incisions anyway...

After church, when Richelle went home to change, Carsen was acting totally fine.  Not sick at all. He was eating Oreos. Since he'd already been around everyone, she let him come to Dad's to hang out with everyone.  He never acted sick, never complained about not feeling well...neither did Hayden.  Both seemed fine.

Nobody was sick on Monday.  Well, not with the flu.  Lexi isn't well...she has a cold or asthma or RSV.  Which of course that means The Boy also now has whatever Lexi has..

Monday morning...long before my alarm went off (the first time)...I woke up with the worst stomach pain.  It wasn't even my stomach...it was my entire abdomen.  I couldn't get comfortable...I couldn't believe how much pain I was in.  I sat up to try and get comfortable and instantly became nauseous...

It just got worse from there.

I slept off and on most of the day.  Asleep was the only comfortable position...I still can't believe how much my abdomen hurt and how nauseous I was.

I finally couldn't take it anymore...I called Mike and asked him to please come home.  He did.  He brought me Gatorade and saltines...I even kept it down. So I was able to take some Advil...to hopefully help with some of my pain (mostly back pain from all the sleeping).

I slept a few hours more...I talked to Richelle...she was sick in the exact same way.  Mike took her some Gatorade and Saltines too.  Then I slept until Wednesday. 

When I woke up, I still didn't feel 100%, but death wasn't imminent.

I hate the flu.  I love being married.  I think I will get the flu shot next year.

Royal Weekend Part: 2

My alarm went off at 6:50 am on Sunday morning...that was way too early.

I got myself ready for church and then woke up my sleeping beauty, Alexis.  Oh how I love that little toe headed bundle of joy!!  I want one just like her. In fact, I wish I could just keep her all to myself.

I couldn't dress her in anything but perfection, so I picked her up a little something new to wear for the weekend...and the blessing.  She is such a cutie...and so fun to have around.  She lights up a room...and she is afraid of men in uniform. I can't wait for more little fingers to hold the legs of my jeans so tightly...it's hard not to love every second of it.

After the blessing, we headed to my parents house for lunch.  My dad served up my Grandpa Fred's enchiladas...they were delicious as usual.  We spent the afternoon being lazy and just being together.

The kids all really enjoyed getting to spend time together. The baby got passed around, Lexi hung all over me, we had dinner...blah blah blah.

We wish Ryan & Co. lived a lot closer.  I miss my girls a lot...I guess I'll get to start missing The Boy now too. 

p.s. Lex-alicious will be three on our birthday this year...



Royal Weekend Part:1

Richelle & I snuck over to my parents' house on Friday night for a quick snuggle with The Boy...but I got some of Lex-alicious too.  It amazed me that Lexi really remembered me at all...but she did.  And we are in love.  I can't believe how much she clung to me right away...it made my day. Okay...my {year}.

Saturday started rather early.  I worked two 18 hour days this week...I am still exhausted.  I usually get the weekend to recover from weeks like this, but this weekend was already packed.  Very little time for sleep...let alone anything else. Ugh.

Ryan & Michelle took The Boy to see her parents for a few hours, so Richelle, Sydney and I took the boys, picked the girls up and headed out to get a few things done.  It's hard to get a whole lot done with that many people...especially that many kids.

I got an outfit for pictures...which was fun.  I haven't been shopping in memory.  I bought a few things for my Lexi from Gymboree {for "our" birthday} and we played at McDonald's.  I know there was more in there, but who can remember?

We met for dinner at my parents' house.  Ryan introduced us to a Wii game called "Just Dance" {or something like that}...I didn't play, but I enjoyed watching.

I spent as much time as posible holding The Boy...and Lexi too.

Lexi came home with me to spend the night...and our long day ended very late.  And church started Sunday morning very early.

Harmony...Works Every Time

As I turned off the TV tonight...it made me giggle.

We got this nifty little remote from Rob for Christmas...it does everything.  Everything.

It even has a charging base. 

We have a kabillion remotes and this {one} little remote saves a bunch of time and stuff.  It is very user-friendly.  I even programmed it myself...

Here's the giggle.

Mike does not like it. 

He does not use it. 

He says it does not work.

I do know it took me some getting used to.  And I do know that we need to come up with $60 to buy the PS3 add-on (so it works the PS3 too...very smart, Sony)...but other than that, it's a gem of a remote.

I {heart} this remote so much I want one for upstairs too!!

p.s. here's the trick. 

to turn on:

A) point remote at TV. B) push WATCH TV button while pointing the remote DIRECTLY at the TV. C) Hold it still...while continuing to point it directly at the TV until all the components turn {on}. D) *sigh* a happy sigh and WATCH TV.

to turn off:

A) point remote at TV. B) push POWER button while pointing the remote DIRECTLY at the TV. C) Hold it still...while continuing to point it directly at the TV until all the components turn {off}. D) *sigh* a happy sigh and go on about your business.

pics courtesy of google something or other...

Mike is so funny. He gets so frustrated so quickly...and when that happens- he's done.  It makes me smile.  Not because I'm the Devil, but because he's just cute.  He still uses all the individual remotes...I'm pretty sure it's just to make his point, but I think it's dang funny.

I have wanted one of these stupid remotes since they weren't affordable.  And so has Mike.  He just doesn't want to use it.

It was a great gift. 



No Valentine's Day Dunes Trip

Last year: I sent Mike with his friends to the Dunes over Valentine's Day weekend.  I don't buy into the whole BS of this made up holiday, so I figured he should go and have a good time.

This year: Friday night started our weekend off on a nice note...  Mike got off early (and he actually got of early...not like normal when his boss says they will go in early, so they can leave at an earlier than normal time, but then they work several hours of OT).  We went to Rebecca and Cody's to make s'mores by the fire.  We always have fun with them...

On Saturday we spent the entire morning sleeping...after noon, we stumbled out of bed, made our way down the stairs and got comfy on the couch...I had an upsetting argument/conversation with my Prettiest Sister...which lead to many, many tears...and then it was back to the couch.  We watched a few movies, I fixed us some food...the day was peaceful and comfortable.  I somehow ended up back in bed by 8ish...why not, right? Mike worked off duty until 4am...

Sunday morning came and went...we slept way too late again.  Eventually, we had to get dressed for our BBQ with friends (see previous post), but we went pretty casual.  We had what we needed to fix what we were bringing to the meal, so that made it easier to not leave the house until we absolutely had to. :)

I set my alarm for Monday morning, so I would be able to get a few things taken care of this weekend.  I woke up, but didn't want to get out of bed...Mike didn't wake up.  I stayed in bed until I fell back asleep.  We both woke up and stayed in bed until our day was planned...and then I finally drug myself out when I knew it was a must.  We got ourselves ready,  I made us a quick lunch (fajitas in my Pampered Chef covered baker...I bought it over a year ago, but just recently fell in love) and then we headed out to see a cheap movie. 

A quick Costco trip and then it was home to make my Valentine dinner.  He wanted to go out, but I think this day is dumb.  I would rather save my "out to dinner" for something more meaningful...ya know...since we are not eating out much any more.  Plus I already had my menu done for this week and eating out would totally screw it all up.

We spent the rest of the evening on the couch...gaining weight from our meal and dessert, I'm sure.  Maybe next weekend we'll be more productive?  Well...only because we have plans already. Ryan's family will be in town...I can't freaking wait to see my girls (and the boy too).

Weekends like this one make us really enjoy not being able to have children.  It's things like this that keep us going.  No...seriously.

p.s. I did do a ton of laundry on Saturday...which required quite a bit of off the couch time. :)

Cranium

We have taken a short break from kickball...so we need something to fill the void.  I thought about taking a class or two (especially after our tax appointment), but I only want to take classes they offer at GCC-North.  The class I am interested in was only offered at GCC last time I checked.  Bummer.  Maybe Rio Salado will offer something interesting I can take on-line.

We'll rejoin the kickball league in the summer, but we all needed a break...and Gerald (our catcher) is having knee surgery.  We really need him...or there is a huge hole in our defense.  Another teammate's dad is very ill...another is pregnant, etc.  We only had six girls last season which made it extremely difficult not to forfeit.  One of the requirements is to have four players of each sex on the field at all times.  When life happened on our team...kickball suffered.

A few of us got together tonight for dinner and a game of Cranium.  We had a great time...and Mike really got to be himself- a Thespian. I love that Mike is good at acting and being goofy...he'll stand-up in front of people and sing or dance all day long.  I, on the other hand, would rather die.

We met at Cody & Rebecca's house and had BBQ brauts, scalloped potatoes, salad, and baked beans...it was all yummy.  Mario and Sheila brought his little girls, Isabelle and Christiana to play with Tatum and Maddie.  Everyone seemed to get along really well.  Gerald & Monique also added a lot of fun.

Sheila & Mario...proud new Verizon iPhone owners. *jealous* :)

Tonight was great...an evening full of laughter.

I hope we continue to have these get-togethers to fill the kickball void. 

Reality Bites

I {think} I've done a decent job over the last two years maintaining a {mostly} level-head about our "situation".

As the days turn to weeks...and weeks to months...and now months officially to years {plural}...it is becoming harder and harder to keep the head level. 

Not every day.  Just some days.

Today was one of those days.

Our reality is simply overwhelming.  We have made some pretty intense life-changes in order to be able to afford IVF in the near future.  We have cut out quite a bit, but the realization of how much money we need for IVF and the amount of money we can save...it will take years.

We feel trapped.  Unable to save enough in a reasonable amount of time, but feel guilty spending any money...even to buy lunch. 

Even to paint the house.

Even to buy a pool fence.

Even to buy tires.

Even to plan a fishing trip with my father.

{It's on my bucket list.}

It's my problem.  I have to deal with it.

Some days it seems harder than others.

Derek Turns 11 & Raelynn Has a New Look

We celebrated Derek's 11th birthday with carrot cake and presents tonight.  I can't believe he is 11 years old...I swear he was just born. 

{and like a week ago Richelle told me she was pregnant with him!}

Raelynn also showed off her new look tonight.  She picked out these hot new glasses all by herself.  Guess she got sick & tired of what everyone else was picking for her...she is 27 years old. 

Guess it's only fair to let our little girl grow-up a bit.

Culinary Dropout

Last Saturday night we headed out to celebrate Sarah's 34th birthday.  She invited us to dinner at a new {to us} restaurant in Scottsdale called Culinary Dropout.  I have been wanting to try this place...and since we are mostly eating at home these days, this was a better than perfect excuse to get cleaned up on a Saturday night and spend some time with good friends.

{friends that are family}

We really enjoyed ourselves...and the food. Sarah and I both ordered a delicious butternut squash filled cannelloni...Yum!  Mike ordered ribs...and seemed to really enjoy them.  Patrick ordered fried chicken...and I was a tad bit jealous.  It looked really good!!  Pat ordered Salmon and Ken ordered fish & chips.  I really enjoyed everything I tasted...especially the pretzel fondue appetizer we ordered.  It was sooo good!!  The restaurant was a little loud, but we had good service and it wasn't too expensive, so there isn't anything to complain about.

We always have fun with Patrick & Sarah...it sucks that we live so far apart and our schedules are so crazy.  We truly enjoy our time with them...and Miss Molly.

Nectar of the Gods

My mom is known for never drinking anything other than water.  She calls it the "Nectar of the Gods" and swears her healthy bones are a direct result of her H20 intake.

We had family dinner at Robyn's while we watched the Superbowl and discussed a few pressing issues...during the feeding frenzy, we caught Mom in the act...or we never would have believed it.

Yep...Grape Crush.

Another RAPID Adventure

So this afternoon we heard there was a collision on I-17 that caused a complete closure...of course my first thought was, "Oh crap! I'm ridin' the bus home, so I can't avoid the traffic mayhem!!"  I thought about different options, was offered a ride home from a co-worker and listed the pros and cons of sleeping at my desk.  I didn't want to wait to start my trek home until my co-workers were leaving...and I didn't want to make them drive out of there way either. 

I got on-line and decided I could hop on the light rail at Central & Washington...take it to Christown (Spectrum) Mall and then transfer to the RAPID bus...which would take me north to the Deer Valley Park & Ride (via Metro, but I wouldn't have to transfer buses).  I was hoping I would be able to catch the RAPID from Deer Valley to Happy Valley...and then drive home.  I would completely avoid the closure and the traffic nightmare that was I-17.

By the time I ran to the bathroom, gathered all my crap and took off in a near-jog towards the light rail.  By the time I was passing City Hall, I wasn't sure I would catch the light rail in time to make the RAPID at Christown....and then I would be STUCK at Christown Mall.  I was also running different scenarios in my head of why on Earth the bus (or any vehicle being operated by a normal human being)  even get on the freeway?  As the RAPID bus that said "Happy Valley" on the front was approaching the stop at City Hall, I jumped in the line of people waiting...I wasn't sure if I was making a mistake, or a smart, thought out decision, but I went for it.  Even sitting in traffic would be better than sitting at Christown Mall.

I sat down and got as comfortable as possible.  I was pretty dang happy to have gotten on at City Hall instead of 7th Avenue.  I got a decent seat...which was nice for such a long ride home.  After the last pick-up on Washington, the driver announced we would be taking 27th Avenue north because the freeway was closed.

We traveled north...with several other buses, semi-trucks and a variety of every kind of vehicle.  It was slow-going, but we finally made it to Glendale...and then back onto I-17.  There was hardly any traffic from that point on, so the rest of the ride was smooth sailing.

I am actually embarrassed to admit I am enjoying the bus.  Not because the seats are oh-so-comfortable, but because I know I am saving at minimum $8 a day...just in gas.  It's nice not to fight traffic, but it sucks not to be able to use my phone to talk to anyone.  That was the really the only time of day I allowed myself to talk on the phone.  Once I get home, I just don't want to...I want the few minutes I have to not involve holding a phone to my ear.  I like to cook, watch TV or work on one of my projects all by lonesome. 

I'm thankful for the opportunity to help us save money...even if it is just a few bucks.  Makes me feel like we are really trying to cut where we can so we can start our family as quickly as possible.

Photo Shoot 2011

My most amazing photographer & friend {Natalie} spoiled us rotten during a fun filled afternoon in Scottsdale!!  We have been wanting to move past our wedding era photos and hang a new picture (or two) for where we are now in life...and in our marriage.  It's a much better place...

We couldn't be happier with what we got. Here's a quick preview...

  

There were so many great pictures to choose from!!  Thank you, Natalie!!  You are amazing!!

Park & Ride...and Transfer

I have started riding the RAPID bus to work and back.  I have been thinking about doing this good deed for my checkbook (and for better air quality?) since my take home car was taken away in July.  There is a brand new Park & Ride at Happy Valley & I-17...each day as I passed the site I told myself as soon as it was done I would do it.  It finally opened about two weeks ago...so I started riding the bus.  It isn't as bad as I thought it would be.  I take a "RAPID" bus, so it's only business people.  The seating is a lot like a Greyhound bus...just a bit tighter.

I have spent quite a bit of time on the website trying to figure out the times and working out all the details.  I hop on at the Park & Ride...and take it all the way downtown to 7th Avenue and Jefferson.  In the afternoon, I get on at 7th Avenue & Washington...and take it all the way north to Happy Valley & I-17.

Except yesterday.

I haven't quite worked out all the kinks in my Total Money Makeover attempt at Financial Peace.  It's slow going, but...

On Thursday afternoon, I double checked the website to make sure I knew what time I needed to catch my bus in order to make it home in time for a quick Pampered Chef party at my house. (Richelle and I both wanted to order a few things, so we figured we should have a "party" to help earn a few cheaper thing.  I am pretty sure everyone that came (and almost everyone we invited) were "Richelle's friends", but school/work nights are too hard to plan this crap...)

Anywho...I checked my times, gathered my belongings and made a run to catch the next bus.  I was patiently waiting {for a whole 3 minutes} when I saw a RAPID bus pulling up...the front said "METRO CENTER" on it, but the sign at the RAPID stop said "I-17 - HV DUE".  I shrugged my shoulders and hopped on the bus.  I figured that since we some times stop at Metro on the way south to work...it must be the same for the trip north.

I found an empty seat (which isn't always as easy as it sounds) and made myself comfortable.  I reminded myself {again} to grab my book off my nightstand for my next bus ride and enjoyed not fighting traffic.  We made our way across Washington to I-17...and then worked our way into the carpool lane as traffic inched forward.  Before I knew it, we were getting off at Dunlap...I wished to  myself that I had not gotten on the bus that stopped at Metro.  It adds about 7-10 minutes to the trip.  Oh well.

The bus came to a stop and a bunch of people stood up.  The girl next to me was looking at me as if she wanted to stand up too, so I asked her, "Are you getting off here?"  The look on her face went from "patiently waiting" to "you're an idiot" when she said, "um...yeah?"

I quickly grabbed my {35 lb} purse, jumped up into the aisle and blocked everyone so she could get out.  As soon as she cleared our row, I sat back down...hoping nobody would sit next to me for the rest of the ride.

All of a sudden, I felt someone touch my shoulder.  I turned around...noticing that the bus was empty- except for me, the man touching me and the bus driver.  When I turned around, this nice man asked me, "Where are you getting off?"  "Happy Valley," I replied.  He looked at me a little sideways and then said he didn't think the bus went to Happy Valley.  Oh.  I quickly jumped up, gabbed my {35 lb} purse and walked toward the driver. When I asked if that bus went to Happy Valley, he told me "Nope."  Metro was as far as that bus went.

I got off the bus...followed by my new friend (Greg) and we located the RAPID board to find out when another bus would get there...and go further north.  We waited for about 25 minutes until another RAPID bus arrived.  After everyone that was getting off got off...we got on.  We were the only two that got on at metro...and we got some looks.  People definitely knew what mistake we had made.  Rookies.

We found seats on the bus and enjoyed a 1/2 empty bus ride to Deer Valley (the Park & Ride at I-17 & Bell).  That RAPID only went as far north as Deer Valley...so we got off there and waited about 15 minutes for the next RAPID bus to arrive.  Greg and I sat and talked...it made the time go by more quickly.  He is a nice man that lives near us.  Has a wife and a few kids...just got a job at Wells Fargo...blah blah blah.

We definitely got some strange looks when we got ON the bus at Deer Valley, but once we were on that bus we were done.  That bus drove us the rest of the way north to Happy Valley.

I learned a few valuable lessons on my bus ride home:

#1 - Metro (or {Ghetro} and I affectionately refer to it) is an interesting place.  Either I truly lived in a bubble back when it cost Rachel and me .50 cents to ride the bus up 39th Avenue to the mall, or it is a lot scarier now.  I was glad I was armed...and had a police radio for backup...and had a knife for when I ran out of bullets.  Okay- it wasn't that bad, but you get my point.  I wouldn't hang out there after dark or unarmed...and that part's true.

#2 - On the PM RAPID routes, when the bus says "METRO CENTER" it truly means METRO CENTER.  It does NOT mean Metro is a via point and then continues north.  In the future, I will only be getting on buses that say "I-17 HV"...no matter what.

#3 - Riding the bus isn't that bad.  I'm sure once I get it all figured out, I won't have too many more transfers to make.  I think saving the money on gas and maintenance on my vehicle will be worth it in the long run.