It doesn't matter if you shorten the inactive phase, but it does if you lengthen it. So if you start your inactive BC phase on a Monday, should resume on a Sunday or whatever but start a day early, no problem because some women have no break at all and it really isn't a problem.

If you lengthen the gap though and started the active pills again late, that is a pregnancy risk.

You might want to think about a continuous pill, much more convenient.

I don't want a continuous pill....I kinda like getting my period every month. It makes me feel "cleansed" and eases my mind about being preggo. But thanks for the advice!!

I agree with skipping and using a backup (though i usually just tell DH we cant have sex for a week cuz he made me screw up my cycle :p)

Since I start my packs on a Wednesday, I just use the little days of the week sticker that comes with them to make sure I'm on the right track. (I just started on the pill after using the patch and ring for years and years - much harder for me to remember to take it!)