Playland

My brother and s-i-l came to visit earlier this month.  I have been very slow about taking the pictures off my camera, but finally did last night.  Here are some of the fun ones I found.  We went to Del Taco one afternoon for lunch and so Connor could play in the Play Land.  I was convinced by the 2 year old to play in the play land too.  It turns out it was a bad idea.  I broke my toe.  And then re-broke it a week later, and again a week after that.  It is healing really well.

Coming out of the slide.

Pre broken toe.  I am still smiling in this one.

He has very blue eyes, I love it!

Cute Nathan

Nathan and daddy.

I love his chubbiness!

Connor was not terribly interested in pictures, he was interested in convincing me to go down the slide again.

Case in point: do not share drinks with toddlers.  Big old spit string commin off that straw.

Neither of the boys really wanted to participate in this picture.

He must be looking at his mom.

This is what happens when you tell Connor it is time to go home.

The good news is, Liz is still smiling.

And one of my cat.  Isn't she cute. (people have been asking for pics of her).

Now I need to go take some pictures of my nieces one of these days.  To prove that they are just as cute as the boys.

2009

I rarely make new year's resolutions. It just seems like a good way to be disappointed in myself. I know that is silly, and goals are really important and all. I set goals, they just don't coincide with a specific day of the year. Two years ago I made a New Year's resolution to make my bed everyday. I did really well for about a month. Go me. This year my resolution is to have no ER visits, and to have overall good health. Anyone who has spent much time with me knows that 2008 was not a great year- in terms of health. Otherwise the year was just fine. Sadly, I broke/sprained/badly bruised my toe on Monday. So much for this year. I have been limping ever since. It is getting better. I learned my lesson. When the sign at the playland at Del Taco says that you shouldn't get in if you are over 4 feet tall, you really shouldn't get in. And if you do, you shouldn't take your shoes off. It is just not a good idea.

2008 in review:

January
- lost at High School Musical DVD board game.

February
- voted, and was judged for it.
- Got an intestinal bug and decided I would rather have the bug than the cure.
- Spent a very large amount of money on a new computer and new camera. I love them both.

March
- turned 1/4 century old.
- bought a condo. And proceed to spend several weeks painting the condo.

April
- was mistaken for a minor (as in 14 or younger).
- saw Wicked for the second time while visiting my brother and sister-in-law and nephew.
- began getting hives at random times. Later in the year I am diagnosed with Cholinergic Urticaria. Not cool.
- have my first payed photography gig. I am not a professional.

May- moved into my condo.

June
- attempted to swallow a pill that then lodged in my throat for 8 hours requiring an emergency endoscopy. Subsequent diagnosis: eosinophilic esophagitis. Basically, if I don't take medication for the rest of my life my throat will close off and I will have to be on an all formula diet. No thank you.

July
- reconnected with my old roommates.
- went country dancing, for about 15 minutes. Promply dislocated/broke my leg. Took 5 weeks off work for recovery.

August
-went back to work.

September
- learned a very important lesson while cutting jalepenos.

October
- I don't remember what happened, which is a good sign.

November
- Went to South Bend, Chicago and Detroit.
- Got a cat. Her name is Gigi, and I love her.

December
- Decided that I am done with hospital visits for the next year.

I really can't complain (although I often do). I have a good life. I have great family and friends and love where I am at in life right now.

thoughts on sleep

There are a lot of things to be self conscious about.  I have decided that the things I do when I am asleep should not be on that list.  I am sorry to say, I cannot control what I do when I sleep.  If you can, please share your secrets.

1- When I went to the dentist last the nice dental hygienist told me that I have a lot of saliva.  She said that it was a good thing except when you are at the dentist and they have to suction you excessively to keep you from drooling all over yourself.  Needless to say, I am a sleep drooler.  I can't help it.  I try to fall asleep with my mouth closed, and from then on it is anybody's guess as to how much I am going to drool.  There is nothing I can do about this.  Or maybe there is.  I could set up some sort of suction device that would constantly suction the drool out of my mouth at night.  But lets be honest, that seems like a little silly.

2- I know that I snore when I am congested.  I can't help it.  Breathing is more important than being quiet while I sleep.  Sorry.  If I learned nothing else in nursing school it is the importance of the ABCs: Airway, Breathing, Circulation.  I am just trying to take care of the things that are important.  I have no idea if I snore when I am not sick.  I have not recorded myself.  I may snore.  And, I don't really care, to be completely honest.  Is that bad?  I have plenty of other things to worry about, like being healthy and getting to work on time, and taking care of my cat, and cleaning my house, and praying for my car to work everyday.

The reason I bring all of this up is that I was invited to go over to a friend's house last night to watch a movie with a bunch of people.  I ended up deciding not to go.  The major factor in this decision was the fact that I had slept approximately 4 of the previous 36 hours.  Anyone who knows me well knows that a tired Andrea is not happy Andrea.  Anyway, I opted out of going because I knew I would fall asleep almost immediately and then I would have to wake up and drive myself home in a state of delirium.  This seemed like a bad idea.  The other drivers on the road can thank me for my decision.  However, it also crossed my mind that if I fell asleep I may drool or, heaven forbid, make some sort of noise that I was not aware of.  And then people may laugh.  Or judge.  Or think that I am some sort of crazy person because I cannot control myself when I sleep.  Pull it together woman.  And for the record, I fully admit that I am crazy.  And I firmly believe that we all are.

Because of all of this, I have decided that I am no longer going to be self conscious about what I do when I am asleep.  I think I can do this.  My brother decided not to be ticklish anymore when he was younger, and that worked.  So here goes.

sleep

I worked Friday night.  Normally after a night shift I sleep for a very very long time.  Not so on Saturday.  I helped move my brother and sister-in-law into their new house.  I lasted until about 12:30 (when I sat down and passed out).  By the time I got home it was after 1pm.  So I slept until 4, when I randomly woke up.  That is odd for me because I normally can sleep forever.  Or close to it.  Then I went to our ward Christmas party, then conned a friend into going grocery shopping with me after so that I wouldn't kill myself driving in my sleep deprived state.  Be the time I got home, I was wide awake.  Rude.  I fell asleep at 12 something.  And slept horribly all night.  I woke up every hour or two.  Rude.  Then was wide awake at 4 and 7 and 9.  Not my style.  At 9 I finally got up.  It is just crazy because I was super super tired at the party last night, which meant I was a little silly.  Maybe a lot silly.  I probably have a lot to be embarrassed about.  Oh well.  At least I had fun, right.

I have a feeling I am going to be very tired today.  But for now I am alive awake alert enthusiastic!

Meet Gigi

After all the polls and everything, I have decided on a name.  And it is not one that was in the poll- sorry.  This is Gigi.  I like that it is silly and fun, and something I would never name my child.  And in response to the many aghast responses that I have received from people when they find out that I have had a kitten for almost 3 weeks without giving her a name, I say, I haven't done too bad considering that people get 9 months to come up with a name and I took about 2 1/2 weeks.  Thank you.  And in case you want to see more pictures of her, here you go.  I know, it's not like I have a kid, but she is the one I communicate most with during my time at home.  If that isn't a sad commentary on my life, I don't know what is.

She likes to sit in my lap, but doesn't like it when I do anything else but pay attention to her.

Her new favorite hiding place, in a box of Christmas lights my dad gave me.

He would be so proud.

I like this one because it looks like her head is half missing.

This is what happens when I get home from work and someone has poop all over her feet.

In case you are wondering, that is her nubbin of a leg.

This is the face she gives me when she wants to eat more kitty treats.

And tomorrow I plan to post about my trip to temple square last night.  Wait for it.

Poll

I just added a poll for what you think I should name my cat (for those who check my blog via reader). I put a sampling of the names that people suggested. I don't promise to choose what the number one choice is, but it will help me decide.

a new addition

Yesterday I was looking in the classifieds for a cat.  And I found one that I really wanted.  It was female and 3 months old and was missing one of its feet.  And then I called the lady and she had already promised it to someone else.  Shoot.  I don't know why, but this cat really seemed like the perfect cat for me.  Luckily, the lady called me back later and told me that things changed, and I could have her if I wanted.  Sweet!

So I got a cat.  And she is so cute.  She is grey and white and very clingy (at least right now), and she is quite skittish (at least right now).  I am not sure what I want to name her.  I have thought of a couple names, but I just can't narrow it down.  Any ideas?

You can see her little nubbin of a leg in this one.

She wouldn't hold still unless I was touching her.  I told you she was clingy.

Again, I am still holding on to her.  Oh, and she likes to sleep right up in my face.

This would have been really cute if she would have held still, but then she walked up to me and got all out of focus.

So, tell me your ideas for names, and then we will have a poll from the ones I like the best.

Isn't she cute.  

enough already.

This is just to say that I am done dating.

I am considering getting a cat.

I just thought you should know.

Just not in the mood

I keep thinking about posting something.  There are two problems.  I am not in the mood.  And now that blogging is so popular it is not as fun for me.  I guess the popular/cult things are just not very appealing to me sometimes.

I will post later.  Perhaps when I get back from my trip.  I really can't wait.  A break is just what I need these days.  A break from reality.

So, I will see you when I emerge from my hole.

More Pictures

Yesterday I went downtown and took some pictures with my roommate.  I also took some of these over conference weekend.  Let me know what you think.

This one just says autumn to me.  The colors and changing leaves make me happy.

This one and the next one were taken during the rain that came so constantly during conference.  And, I used my dad's lens, so I didn't have to get my camera wet.  I was able to stand a lot farther from the leaves than with my lens.

This was at Gallivan Center downtown.  I couldn't believe with the freeze we had a couple nights ago that this flower survived.  But I am glad it did.  Isn't it pretty.


Anybody know what type of flower this is?  I want some at my house.

Remove the building from the background, and this picture would be near perfect.

eeeeeeeaaaiiiii

I just cut up a jalapeno.  And now my hands are burning.  And I made the mistake of touching my right eye, so it is burning too.  I am afraid to look in the mirror in case I look like Quasimodo.  I feel like I am on fire.  Make it stop.  Please.

Oh, and yesterday at physical therapy we did some new stuff.  So I can't walk because my leg and butt on my left side only are very very sore.  Crazy sore.  I am going to have one very buff leg.

Yesterday I actually made the comment "If it is good enough for Emeril, it is good enough for me."  And I don't really like Emeril.  I should have gone with Bobby Flay.

Getting out

I like to make spur-of-the-moment decisions.  Especially when the world around me is spinning.  Best way to deal with the drama- flee the state.

So, I am going to South Bend, Indiana.  What is in South Bend, you may wonder.  My Brother and Sister (in-law) and nephews.  I can't wait.  It is going to be the best.  And I will get to shop in Chicago.  Which is the best.  I need new clothes and nothing here satisfies my need.  So, I found some cheap tickets, and if necessary will call in sick during the days I am gone.  That is how much I need to get out.  What can I say.

My sophomore year I did this sort of thing with a friend.  In that case we flew to California on a whim.  And the last time I went to South Bend it was this sort of trip as well.  And when I went to Mexico (sort of).

Now I just have to wait just under 6 weeks to get a really awesome break.

Maybe when I return all of my problems will have just up and disappeared.  Wouldn't that be awesome.  I guess I shouldn't say problems.  Drama is the right word.  Drama drama.

#1 and #2 looking slightly better

Here is after approximately 3 seconds of editing.  Blogger doesn't exactly make these photos look great or anything.  And your screen will make them look different than mine too.  And now for the vote.

#1:

Or #2:

Or neither?  Or both?  What do you think?  I really want to know.  Should I stop taking pictures of flowers and move onto something more exciting?  Should I get a macro lens so these photos really look great?

Photo Shoot

These are all pictures that I took around the Jordan River Temple on Wednesday.  They are all SOOC (straight out of the camera).  What do you think?

I don't know why, but this one (and several others) looks like one of those black and white photos with color added.  I promise it is not.

Don't you just love the curled petal.

Not my favorite composition, but a cute bud.

These flowers were so vibrant.

Now these next two are very similar.  I was experimenting with shooting the back of a flower with the sun coming through making the flower a little transparent. Which do you prefer?  #1:

or #2:

This one looks much better in full size.

The colors here are kinda fun.

Playing around with depth.

Obviously, I am no expert.  But it is fun for me.

phone calls and BFFs

This guy started talking to me on TRAX.  This is not uncommon.  He was kinda crazy.  This is not uncommon.  Our conversation started based on the fact that I was wearing scrubs.  This is not uncommon.

So anyway, here we are talking about nothing and then he asks if he can use my phone.  This is a difficult thing for me on several levels.  First, he may steal it.  Second, he may call some crazy 900 number and rack up my bill.  Third (and most importantly), he will get his germs on my phone.  And who knows where he has been.  I must have given him a look, because then he asked if I would make a call for him.  Hmm.  He wanted me to call his mom.  This guy was probably in his 40s, and I was calling his mom.  I said okay.  Because I am a gluten for punishment like that.  So anyway, I am calling his mom and he is telling me to tell her who I am and stuff.  Like me and his mom are going to be BFFs.  So I start talking to his mom and telling her that her son, Ernie, would like to be picked up at the TRAX station in 20 minutes (and would it be all right if he went out and played with Billy later on... or that is where it felt like it was going).  Then his mom gets all upset like, why am I always having to take care of my 40-something son.  And here I am sitting there taking all her stress in like we are BFFs.  But we are not.  So then I say, okay well have a nice night.  And she hangs up.  On me.  Seriously, I am just an innocent bystander.  Last time I make a call for a random person.

And last time I give a kid a dollar so he can buy some drugs.  Oh wait that was a different story.

Brainwashing

One of my favorite things to do with my nieces and nephews is to brainwash them.  While my nephew was in town for the summer I taught him something very important, the answer to the question "who is your favorite".  His answer: "Andrea", which actually sounded a lot like uh-die.  Which is exactly how he says "all done", but that is a subject for another day.  The important part is that he was clearly trained that I was his favorite.  Understanding what "favorite" means is a lesson for another day.

Today I taught my niece to say "no, I am a crazy chicken".  Although not quite as beneficial for me, this was still very useful.  It was hilarious every time she said it.  I would say "no, I am a crazy chicken" and she would very ardently state "no, I am a crazy chicken."  Classic.

And this is why God gave us nieces and nephews.  At least one of the reasons.  And the fact that they are more fun that other kids.  As soon as the two babies get old enough I will start brain washing them as well.

Self Discovery

Sometimes it is easier to live life on the surface.  You know, when you don't want to really delve inside yourself and discover who you are, where you are, and where you want to be.  Today was one of the days when I was not on the surface.  I was very much in the deep end.

I had a great day at work.  I took care of the same girl yesterday and today.  She was a doll.  And the family was great!  It was so fun.  I was actually really sad to see them go.  Happy that they went home, but sad at the same time.  Bitter sweet.  I enjoy that.  It is good to make connections with people.  I have found that some very valuable connections are made when one is vulnerable.  It is so important to be kind to people.  Sometimes you have no idea how vulnerable they may be feeling.  I am writing of much more than my experiences today.  Just in general, kindness matters.

It is easy to talk all the time and yet say nothing at all.  And it is a waste of time.  The last week or so I have tried to talk to people who have been busy, which is the way life is sometimes.  And I have talked a lot to people in conversations where nothing of significance is said.  I have realized yet again that it is important to have connections with people.  Deep and real connections.  Everyone needs someone.  In the Ensign last month there were lots of articles about single adults.  One talked about how it is important for single people to have someone to talk to every day.  It is so true.  That support means everything.  And yet it means nothing if it is not sincere.  However, I am reminded yet again that I always have the Lord.  I can talk to Him every day and have that connection.

It is better to love openly.  My current roommate is so open about saying "I love you," something I have never been very good at.  I learned how important saying "I love you" is from my roommate freshman year.  She probably doesn't even realize that she taught me this.  Thank you, Shanna.  I am not good about talking about my feelings when it really counts.  I am not good at opening my heart, yet I have such a vulnerable heart.  Tonight I opened my heart and it really hurt, but it is okay.  Sometimes the pain is good.

Friendships are so important to me.  I am not very good at keeping in touch with people.  Part of that has to do with the fact that I don't like getting hurt.  I don't open myself to deep relationships for fear that it may lead to deep pain.  But I realized (yet again) this week that all the pain is part of the joy.  My friends are so important to me.  I am not very good at expressing this.  I am not very good at being there.  I am not very good at supporting people no matter what.  But, when it comes down to it, I am a fierce defender of my friends.  And it hurts me so much when people say hurtful things about my friends.  I will continue to defend my friends, and to feel that those who care about me should care enough to care about my friends.  And vise versa.

I am sorry to wax on like this.  Sometimes we all need a little self-reflection.  And today was one of those days for me.  I am trying to become a better person, and I appreciate that you will stick with me through my bad days.

Eosinophilic Esophagitis and why it is not fun

I was just realizing yesterday that I am not sure if I could tolerate a mental illness, but physical problems I can handle.  I guess that is why I have been blessed with so many physical trials.  It is okay, I am a better person because of these things.

I was recently diagnosed with Eosinophilic Esophagitis.  Exactly.  It is about as confusing and obscure as it sounds.  I finally got into the allergist that knows what he is doing (and is a world expert, if anyone can be called an expert, on EE).  Unfortunately he is not covered by my insurance, so I had the opportunity of experiencing self-pay.  Almost $400 later...

Anyway, what this means for me is that my esophagus is inflamed severely, meaning that it is now much too small.  It is fun.  I chew a lot.  A lot a lot.  I have to take a bunch of meds that they hope will help, but they don't know if they will.  Any by "take meds" I mean that I have to either chew the pills or get the meds as syrups so that they don't get stuck in my throat.  And they did a bunch of skin allergen testing.  Luckily (or unluckily depending on your view) I did not react significantly to anything.  Soy sort of reacted, but only sort of.  So for now, no change in my diet.  Although an elemental diet has not been ruled out for future treatment.  Think how much easier it would be to be able to drink all of my food.  That sounds really nice.

So, no real answers on that front.  The amusing thing is that I will probably start being treated at Primary Children's because my doctor is going to start there and my insurance will cover my treatment there.  He suggested we just pretend I am a teenager.  Shouldn't be too hard.

In other news, he said I have cholinergic urticaria.  What that means is that I get hives a lot.  It is not fun.  I am going to have to take medicine for this.  And, since I can't swallow much of anything, I get to take the medicine as a liquid.  Sweet.  Hopefully this will make it so that I can start going to the gym again without getting so itchy.

As always, I am just keeping it real.  At least it is nothing that is going to kill me or shorten my life.  I may sound discouraged, but I am not.  It is going to be okay.  Everything always works out.  I have faith and hope.  And until then I chew very thoroughly.  It is a good weight loss plan.

Milestones

I have to take everything I can as a milestone these days.  I guess it is a good way to remember all the blessings I have.  Here are some of my recent accomplishments:

• I worked a 6 hour half shift on Friday day
• I worked a 12 hour shift on Sunday night
  
• I cleaned my tub today (very difficult to do if you can not kneel)
• I actually got things knocked of my list of physical therapy exercises
• I made a serious real meal today, and it tasted great
• I impressed the physical therapists with my flexibility and range of motion
• I made it home safely last night (I have to park at the church next door and then walk home alone in the dark)
• I have chilled out on talking on my phone, and thus have not caused us to go over our minutes.  Yay for more minutes starting at the end of this week.
• I have not turned on my heater yet even though it is freezing.  Instead I just wear thermals to bed.
• I have been given the go-ahead to slowly start back into my normal activities.

It is a good life.

Victory!

It was a fabulous day.  I went to physical therapy this morning and was so excited because my knee has been doing so well this last week.  It is as if this last week was the turning point.  I am still a ways from 100%, but I am doing so much better.  It is great.  So I really pushed myself at PT and everyone was impressed.  Yeah.  And then I went to see my doctor.  He was very pleased with my progress.  So much so that I don't have to come back unless I have concerns.  He did reiterate to me that 2/3 of people recover with PT, whereas the other 1/3 continue to have problems or dislocate again and require surgery of some sort.  Here is hoping that I am in the majority.  He even said I can start getting back into normal activities, as tolerated of course.  And I can go back to work (part time to start).  I am so glad that things have turned for the better.  And he said I don't really need to wear my brace unless I am in a situation that is high risk for my knee.  Good bye brace!  I haven't really been wearing it anyway, it is just that now I have the doctor's approval.  After almost 5 weeks I am back.  And it feels good.  I still have 2-3 months before I am back to where I started, but at least I am closer.  Much much closer.