Well, it kind of depends on what kind of pills you have. I am no doctor, so you might want to call him up and ask him what to do. But I will tell you what I would do if I were you. If your pills are all the same hormone (they are all the exact same color) then as long as you're taking one every day it's ok. If you miss one or two, then just keep going the next day. If you have the pills that are the three different hormones (or strengths of hormones, i can't remember exactly) which means that they are three different color pills, then if you miss one, go ahead and take it as soon as you remember, or you can take that one with the next day's pill. If you miss two, go ahead and forget about them and skip to the correct day. If you miss more than that, just throw the whole pack out, wait to have a period and then start the new pack.

In your case, I would just rewrite the whole schedule and keep going (you took today's pill yesterday, so take tomorrow's pill today, and the next day's pill tomorrow, etc). Missing a couple pills here and there or getting them mixed up every now and then won't hurt you, unless you have some kind of medical problem. Pills work on a cycle, not on a calender, so the days don't really matter as long as you are taking them in order. Missing pills, however, could get you pregnant, so always make sure that you have taken at least a week's worth of pills without any mistakes before having sex.

Don't worry too much. I have some health conditions and have to get them about every 3 weeks... haha they are really no big deal. It's just like getting a shot but they will put the needle in your arm, like on the opposite side of the elbow, where your vein is, and it will hurt, but just a little bit... like getting a small splinter or something like that. Not enough to make you cry, unless you are really sensitive. How much depends on what they are testing you for. Sometimes I get 8 or 9 tests at a time, and they have to take like 4 vials of blood... but once the needle is in it doesn't hurt anymore. If it's only one vial of blood, it will take no more than 5 minutes to get in and get out. If they are more complicated tests, it might take a little longer.

Make sure you look away when they stick you, thats what I do, it helps a lot with the pain. If you watch the needle go in, you will feel it a lot more intense than if you can't see it.

It's interesting, the mother/child dynamics. I feel like since I moved out and have been many many miles away from my mom, our relationship has improved. For instance now we write emails almost every day, whereas before we were with each other every day, but we argued a lot and many times we would just ignore each other because we were fed up from being with each other every moment of the day. When we do visit each other, though, we go shopping, talk, etc.

You are perfectly normal :D

Whenever anyone starts a truly significant relationship, that kind of anxiety is an issue. Think about it, it is human nature to want to have some kind of control over what affects our emotions. But in a relationship, especially a young relationship, it can be extremely hard to put all of your feelings and hopes for the future into the hands of a person that you have no control over. You can't know what they are doing every second of the day, you can't know every girl they talk to. This will be true for every relationship you have for the rest of your life. It doesn't mean anything bad, and you shouldn't feel guilty about it. All it means is that you are scared of getting your feelings hurt, and that's ok. Isn't everyone? Of course you don't need to break up with him, and many times, it's not even worth having long, drawn out conversations with him about it. I have been with my bf for 5 years, and I still have little periods of time where I worry about what could happen in the future if we broke up... where would I go? Would I have to live with my parents again? Would I have to change schools? Who would I talk to all night? Who would love me for who I am? Mostly, just make sure you are not nagging him about who he is talking to, etc. Instead, let him know every day why you can't imagine life without him.

I can't tell you for sure if you will stay together in the future, but if he is worth it, he should ALWAYS have your feelings on his mind. Always remember that. And remember that mistakes are always made, especially in young couples. Basically, a serious, long term relationship at your age is a prime example of "taking a leap of faith". If you feel like he is your soul mate, put everything you have into your relationship. I know I did at 16 years old and I have NEVER regretted it.

As far as cost goes, it depends. Domestic adoption (within the US) is usually much cheaper than international, and in some circumstances can cost less than childbirth in a hospital. However, most people have insurance that covers child birth expenses, while adoption is never covered by insurance. I wouldn't want to scare you off from adoption - I think it is a wonderful thing, when successful. However, I don't think you should be scared of childbirth either. The thing is, although yes, it's uncomfortable and painful to carry a baby around for 9 months and then be in labor for hours, all of that is immediately masked by the emotion, happiness and awe of holding a tiny mixture of you and your husband. It's one of those pains that you go through knowing that in the end, it will be worth it... something comparable to getting braces or studying for a test (ok well the pain isn't comparable, but I'm trying to make it relatable...) but in the end you hold this human being that you created in your arms, and they look up at you and recognize you as "mommy".

Now, adoption on the other hand, although you still become a parent, is a much more business like process. TONS of paperwork, TONS of emotional stress, TONS of risks. With adopting an infant internationally, it is a complete gamble... more so in some countries than in others. You can adopt a child who you are told is perfectly healthy, and find out (once you are their LEGAL parent) that they are mentally retarded. You can fork over tens of thousands of dollars, and find out that the childs family decided to take them back. Inside the US, it can be the same way. Thousands of dollars for a baby, and the mother decides not to adopt it out.

If you adopt a young child, there is a whole different set of risks. First of all, you can adopt an older child (from age 4 and up, anything younger is usually considered an infant) for a smaller fee. However, now you risk emotional damage to the child because of years in foster care. This is what happened in my case when my parents tried to adopt a younger girl. We were told she was perfectly healthy, good school records, happy little girl. In the end, my parents had to terminate the adoption when she tried to kill me. So yeah... adoption can be extremely, extremely tough. I would say 99% of the time, more emotional and economic stress is involved in adoption than in childbirth. Think about it, would you rather spend 30,000 dollars at a hospital, paying for your childs needs and sending them to college, or pay that same money to an adoption agency (who knows what they actually do with all that money?) so that you can *maybe* be the parent to a beautiful child that needs a loving home?

Like I said, I'm NOT trying to turn you off to the idea of adoption, but just trying to give you another view, since you sound very scared of childbirth. And, of course you are way to young to be worrying about it too much, but many girls around 18-22 years old develop a motherly instinct, where going through childbirth and pregnancy don't sound so scary any more. I know I used to feel the same way when I was younger, but once you get more used to the idea it is easier to accept that childbirth is just part of life.

Here is some info on the costs:
Adoption:
http://adoption.about.com/cs/wantingtoadopt/a/cost.htm

Childbirth: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_much_do_child_birth_hospital_bills_cost


Hope this helped!!

Well, first you might want to go get a pregnancy test just to make sure, as many people have strange, unique symtpoms when they are pregnant. It could be a kidney stone as well, I had one not long ago and at first thought that it was cramping, but within the next few hours... I would have RATHER been pregnant. The pain starts in your lower back (I thought that my back hurt from driving for a long period of time) and then if the stone gets lodged in your ureter it can feel like cramping anywhere along your urinary tract and shoot down one leg. Mine was on my left side, so my left leg hurt. If you think this might be what you have, you should go to the ER to get an ultrasound.

That's just one possibility of what it could be, but if you do have one, I feel for you. They are not fun.

Well, if you are truly an introverted person, there's really not much you can do. Being introverted or extroverted is something that is decided at birth or very early childhood, and you will be it the rest of your life. Neither one is better or worse, although sometimes it may feel like it (ESPECIALLY during teenage years). I speak from experience. I am the same way of you, closed up and shy around people I don't know, but when I get to know someone they think I am the most sociable person ever. I have just had to accept the fact that that's the way I am, and it's actually a good thing. Introverts tend to be more observant and better listeners. Also, many times we are able to make better friendships, although fewer, because we are much more picky about who we become friends with. However, there is a difference between being introverted and being intimidated by new people. If this is your case, make sure you smile a lot to let people know that you are interested in them. Remember that when you meet new people, they are usually truly interested in getting to know you, so talk and keep talking! Even if it seems like cliche topics, like "how many siblings do you have" or something like that, people really like it when you seem interested in their lives. Also, always address people by their names when you see them at school or wherever, as this makes the relationship feel more intimate. Anyways, hope these tips help! good luck!

Well, you just have to buck up and tell her! There's nothing at all to be ashamed of, and most mom's are very happy for their daughters when they are told, as it means that you are growing up! It's a step into womanhood, and all women go through it. If you're embarrassed to tell her too directly, next time you are at the store just throw some pads into the shopping cart and she will probably get the hint :D

go back to her when you are both calm and tell her that your truly sorry for shouting and losing your temper. If you are sincere about it, she should go back to normal soon, but if she is really sensitive she might still be a little hurt. Just try to understand that some women can get really upset when you lose your temper and may lose some trust in you, even if it was only shouting.

good luck!

Unfortunately, almost all boarding schools are going to be expensive compared to public schools because it would have to cover a high-quality, college prep private education PLUS room, food, transportation, extra services such as pyschologists, room supervisors, and health care, and more extracurricular activities than most schools. Regardless, I will hook you up with some links to some good schools. (oh, and I dont really know what you and your family would classify as "too expensive" but I will try to stay in the lowest price range).

Basically, for Massachusetts schools, the price range is going to be between 40 and 50 thousand per year.

Here are some in the low $40 K range. http://www.thegovernorsacademy.org/page.cfm?p=1
http://www.macduffie.org
http://www.winchendon.org/default.aspx

If price is a big thing and you are just looking for something new, I might suggest some private day schools. I know that when I went from public school to private school the atmosphere changed completely¡ (not that there;s anything wrong with public school) but it was just a really good experience for me.

Let me know what happens!

Wow haha. Well we all have crazy dreams don't we? Like Kaya said, it could very well be hormones, they do crazy stuff to us... for example if you are ovulating at this time of the month, your body is technically getting itself ready for pregnancy (and NO!! this doesn't mean go get pregnant :D ) so it could be your hormone's way of telling you that they're prepping you for that. I know I get pregnancy dreams may times when I am ovulating (which is about two weeks after my period) They do tend to freak me out though!! As long as you're not actually pregnant, I wouldn't worry too much about it too much :D

Well, it kind of depends. How much do you like him? Is he a close friend, or just an acquaintance? Can you see yourselves being together (or in a LDR) for a long time? These are all questions you have to ask yourself... Long distance relationships are very difficult, so if it is worth your time and effort, I would say go for it. Or, if you need more time to get to know him, say so and you can always exchange emails, phone numbers, etc to keep in contact. Just because he's moving away doesn't mean it's "now or never". There are also many people who decide to date even though they are many miles away and never meet each other before starting to date. You have many options, but it's up to you to know what your true feelings are for him :D Hope this helped! and Good luck!

Hey there!

Well, if you have long hair you could pull it back and twist all of your hair until it twists into a bun. then put a hair band around it and for extra security you could put some bobby pins in it. This is what I do almost every day. Also, you could put it into one long regular braid at the back. Another thing that I do that is different and easy but a little more complex than the others: take the top half of your hair and pull it into a ponytail, but the last time you pull it through the rubberband only pull it halfway, making it into a little bun. Then divide the bottom half of your hair into two, down the middle of the back of your head. Take the left side, and wrap it around the little bun as many times as you can, and pin it into the rubberband that you used earlier. Then do the same with the right half of your hair. Other than that, use a good hairspray to make sure you have no flyaways when you cheer. Also, for makeup, you could put a bit of shimmery eyeshadow or your teams color eyeshadow on, eyeliner and mascara and a bright lip gloss to use. Make it simple, you don't need foundation and concealer and all that, because mixed with sweat and dirt from the field it may make you break out. Oh and one last thing, i would recommend a mist for your face that has sunscreen and something to wake you up before and after the game, i really like this one http://www.thebodyshop-usa.com/skin-care/facial-moisturizers/vitamin-e-face-mist.aspx.
Anyways, sorry it was long. hope this helps!

Good luck

It depends, I can't tell you a sure answer because I'm not a doctor. I was 15 when I got my period, even though most women in my family got it a lot younger. You don't have to worry about that part. However, if it doesn't come before you are 16, or if you are really worried about it now, you should see a gynecologist or even just your family physician. They can make sure that you don't have any hormonal imbalances or problems with your reproductive system.

That being said, if this IS the start of your period, congrats! Although most women say that they wish their period had NEVER started, we also know that getting your first period is exciting and satisfying to know that you are mature in the reproductive aspect of your life. It can cause pretty bad cramping or other symptoms, but we all get through them and of course you can always take OTC meds or there are even prescription meds if your symptoms are bad enough.

When I got my first period, it was a gusher (I know that sounds gross, but bear with me) so you need to be prepared. Wear pads for the next few days and even if it doesn't come soon, always keep an extra pad in your purse, or wear one just in case when you are feeling a little crampy or moody (that's a sign that it's your time of the month). I sure wish someone had told me about the extra pad thing, as mine came at school and basically was a pretty embarassing experience. But even then, it's part of life and every girl has a different story to tell about their first period.

Good luck! And welcome to womanhood!!

I kind of am in the same situation and know what you mean by feeling "like an old woman". I was recently diagnosed with lupus which causes chronic fatigue and joint pain and frequent illness, and I am also almost starting the university (hopefully). We don't have the same symptoms, but since I live alone, I also sit at home a lot and do nothing. I can't even work. However, one thing that keeps me busy while I wait for appointments/lab results/tests/my fate (ha just kidding) is having lots of hobbies that I can do around the house (cooking, crafts, beauty blogging) as those are things I really enjoy but don't require tons of energy, as I can only do so much in one day. I know it's hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel, but just remember that once you are fully diagnosed, you can get treatment, and treatment means things going back to normal, or at least getting a definition of what normality is going to be, if it is a chronic disease like mine. Make sure you get out of the house, go walk around outside, keep seeing your friends, but let the closer ones know what's going on so that they understand. Like everyone always says, if they are a true friend, they will understand and care about you. It's unfortunate that this kind of things happens to us when we are this age, but we just gotta make the best out of it and wait it out, keep seeing docs and do endless amounts of tests/labs. Also, do as much online research as you can. You know your body better than any doctor does, and many times people self-diagnose better than doctors as well. Look up your symptoms in forums, etc, and look for people that describe the same thing you do. And remember, it's ok to be a little down sometimes. That's what sickness and stress does to you. Sometimes there are good days and sometimes there are bad ones, but as long as you keep pushing forward to get healthy, you will be fine. Good luck to ya!

Remember that a normal cycle isn't a complete month, it's a little bit shorter than a month - 28 days is average. However, everyone is different, and also factors like stress can affect it, making it come a little earlier or later than usual, so don't worry too much. I'm the same way, but I get mine about every month and 10 days. I talked to my GYN about it, and apparently it's not uncommon to have a cycle that's a little different. As long as they stay about the same number of days in between, you shouldn't worry too much, but do mention it to you gynecologist if and when you go to one.

About the tampons, no, they don't hurt, but they can be a little uncomfortable to put in, especially your first time. I don't know if you've ever bought a box of them, but they come with instructions and a diagram. When you open the package, you don't actually touch the tampon itself (assuming that you buy the regular applicator kind). It's basically a little tube with the tampon inside, and when you push the plunger thing the cotten tampon slides out. So you just slide the applicator into you at an angle (remember, the vagina doesnt go straight up, you have to insert it at about a 45 degree angle, or else it will probably hurt) and then just push it in! It's really pretty easy when you get the hang of it, and you shouldn't feel it at all, if you do it's probably not in far enough. Then you just let the little string hang out, and you change it pretty much after the same amount of time as you do a pad. However, if you try to take it out too early, it may hurt a bit coming out just because it is too dry.

Good luck :D and I hope this answers your questions!

I had the implanon for 8 months... and I had my period for 8 months while I had it in! I also had horrible mood swings and headaches... until I finally had to get it taken out because it just wasn't worth it. Basically, you just have to try different types of BC until you find the right one for your body. Your doc may try to give you something to help the bleeding so that you can keep the implant, but in my experience, my hormones were so messed up that I didn't want to put anything else in my body. I got it taken out and put on the pill-and ever since I have been great, and baby-free!

Well, from everything that Implanon says, it is perfectly normal, however, there are soooo many different symptoms and implanon is so different for every girl that you just can't tell how your experience is going to be. Let me share mine. It sucked, bigtime. I had it for 1 1/2 years, and I bled nonstop. Like at the beginning, I was the same as you, annoying discharge, crampy all the time, major mood swings. And then the bleeding started about a month and a half into it. Anyways, I kept telling myself that it was going to take time for it to become normal, and I called implanon to see if what was happening was a normal symptom, and they assured me that after 6-8 months it would become normal, but it never did, so after 18 months I had to get it taken out, and I am really glad I did. I really wish I had gotten it out earlier. Truth is, implanon does not have a very high success rate (well, its successful at preventing pregnancy, but thats about it) all the girls I have talked to had to get it taken out early. So if you are bothered by your symptoms, and cant imagine living with them for a long time, I would consider getting it out.

Sorry its long, hope I helped!

Considering that it can take up to a year or two for a family to even be approved for adoption, no. By that time she would already be out of the system. And, since she is already adopted, you would have to convince the mother to relinquish her rights before you were able to adopt her.
On the other hand, a mother saying that having adopted her was a mistake is a terrible thing to do to a child that has been through the trauma of the foster system. You should encourage your friend to talk to her caseworker about that.

It is a very difficult situation since you have your family relationships at stake, but you must remember: you are an ADULT. Although you are still the daughter of your parents and the sister of your siblings, you have the right to your own future, and they can't stop you from being where and what you want to be. Granted, I am sure you do not want to completely let go of your family, so I would advise against totally cutting them off from your life, but you must let them know how you feel and tell them that you are going to do what YOU know is right for YOU despite what they say. It is not fair that your family does not support you and your boyfriend and as I see it your education and financial life. You can still love your family, but at some point they need to let you live your own life- whether it be what they want or not.

I don't entirely understand the whole car thing, but my advice would just be to either A) pull yourself out of the whole thing, it is not your problem (although that might not be the most "sisterly" thing to do...) or B) Help out however you can and show her you are there, but not willing to use all of your money on it.

That is just MY advice, use it if you want... I don't really understand the whole story, but I hope everything works out for you.

Ace

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