Kevin and Shelly, what did you expect?

Festivus :)

2010-12-23T19:10:00.002-06:00

So as Christmas is nearing and our shopping is not finished we realized we made but never actually ordered our Christmas cards. Dorks right here LoL. So instead I think we will be sending out New years cards and will resume our movie based cards next year, because I can't actually think of a New years movie to base our card on this year.

So Kevin and I have decided to head to the lake on Christmas day after family dinner to spend some time just hanging out and relaxing esp after all of the hustle and bustle of the last few weeks. I plan to spend some time unwinding, pampering myself and of course studying for my NCLEX, because it's Jan. 7!

give or take 106 days later...

2010-12-14T20:53:00.002-06:00

Yeah yeah, I don't wanna hear it :) Just putting that up front LoL

So this past 10 days or so have been super busy, and very exciting! I graduated from nursing school, with honors! My pinning was great, I had to speak but pulled it off alright, and then my graduation was 2 days later. I spent time with family and friends and loved every minute of it.

Okay enough about me, well almost, because I almost forgot to tell you I will be starting work as a nurse on Thursday this week! I'm nervously excited.

Kevin finished his first semester back to school and ended up with B's in both of his classes. Yay :) He has been working as a photographer and is going to be focusing mostly on school, which is about to become very busy for him.

So things are moving along here in Amarillo :) How are things moving along in your part of the world?

106

2010-08-25T19:21:00.002-05:00

106 days until Kevin finishes his first semester back to school! He started his math and english classes this week and so far so good. He is glad to be back in school and working towards a goal, I for one am a very proud wifey.

106 days until I am pinned by Kev's Aunt Judy, no not a wrestling match! I will be attending my nursing school pinning which means I will be finished, and graduating nursing school. Then it's on to boards and I'll be RN in 2010 (well maybe 11, depending when my boards are scheduled) I am very proud, and so happy to be almost done even though this semester is going to be busy busy busy, and hey I'm already practicing the art of procrastination :) Although I did finish my homework I have another project to get started but after 8 hours in class, my eyelids are pretty heavy!!

106 days until I get to see my family (give or take a couple of days) and I'm so excited that they will be here for my pinning! (by they, I may only mean 1 person but not sure yet).

Things are definitely moving forward in our household whoo hoo!! :)

Spontaneity and a water pump...

2010-07-14T09:31:00.003-05:00

This past weekend Kev and I headed to Dallas, it was something we had talked just briefly about the weekend before and decided last minute to just do it. We got in the car and drove 6 hours to Arlington. We ended up staying across the street from the new Cowboys stadium, so you know Kev enjoyed that! It also happened to be pretty close to the Rangers stadium who happen to be in town and playing the O's! We were both excited to see the game (for 2 different reasons though!). Of course if you follow baseball at all you know the O's have been uh... not performing to the best of their ability lately and so I was happy to see them win the game, not only that night but all 4 games they played against the rangers.

On Sunday we drove around to several different areas of Arlington and Dallas to check out some places we'd never been to before. We found several parks, a couple of malls and a Korean area that worried us just a little. We spent quite a bit of time at the malls, they have ice rinks in there... our next trip to Dallas we are so going ice skating! We window shopped and looked in stores we'd never seen or heard of before. Enjoyed lunch at 5 guys, a burger joint highly raved about from Kev's Aunt Kitty and my Dad. We then headed to a movie theater studio movie grill ( ) check it out! We were able to sit in the theater, in big comfy office type chairs and enjoy some dinner while watching our movie. Kev was in his happy place for sure!

Monday we slept in and headed home. It was a smooth, fun trip.

An hour or two after we get home we head out for some dinner and Wahoo with friends... well on the way my car starts running HOT, and the antifreeze light comes on... uh oh... so we turn around to take the car back to the house. Tuesday afternoon my friend's hubby comes over to take a look... I need a new waterpump... It was crazy because it was fine the whole trip, and was very sudden and almost stalled out at a light. So today my car got a ride to the shop on a tow truck.

6 Months

2010-06-22T13:19:00.002-05:00

In 6 Months myself and my significant other will be traveling in the unknown. Shelly will be graduating by December off to brave the new world of working as a nurse. My hat is off to my wife. She has a practically guaranteed job right out of school, so no worrys there. I sometimes find myself thinking about everything we have had to deal with to get to this point and think "Good God how did we do it and why did we wait so long". I know she is anticipating it more than I am. With the close of one chapter in our lives another one will open. I will be going to school as she ends to be a Paramedic. I've finally found something that I truly enjoy in life and am going to take my life in my hands. Its not going to be that simple the next couple of months. We have many thoughts and plans going through well at least my mind on how we should go about things. If we should move or if we should stay. We know of a couple of things we are definetly going away on a trip when she graduates. Puerto Rico is a destination I think we have settled on. It looks like alot of fun and should be nice that time of year. Its funny I never really thought of being a Medic or anything gory or what have you. If you know me you know that I can't really stand throw up nor can I stand people defecating (pooping) on themselves. But I have handled that stuff pretty well and then some. Now I'm hooked not the adrenaline which most people would be but on being the best. I know I'm smart book and street. I like being the best at everything and someday I'm going to be the better medics I can feel it. I'm sure the wifey and me will have plenty of debates on how to treat patients and what I should and shouldn't have done in her eyes but I look forward to those days the playful banter that is going to ensue. Especially since I'll have a greater knowledge base on human life. Thats enough blubbering for now.

The wind began to pitch...

2010-04-23T18:15:00.002-05:00

So the storm season has started and is in full swing. There are thunderstorms, hail storms, high winds, and my least favorite of all tornadoes!!

They have been popping up around here, none have hit on our side of Amarillo.. yet but you never know!!

Since moving to Texas I have developed an irrational fear of the storms here and tornadoes. Why? I have no clue, but I do know they are worse than anything I encountered back east, and well tornadoes just pop up and have a mind of their own. Not like a hurricane that you can plan for.

In my world when this happens....

I think this...

Always on the go!

2010-04-02T19:42:00.002-05:00

Lately we are always on the go. Between work and school though we have managed to get away a little. At the end of Feburary we drove to Albuqurque for a 2 night stay for our anniversary. We got a room with a fireplace, had dinner planned out and even had dessert and champagne delivered to our room Saturday night. On Sunday we headed to the Aquarium and the Zoo. It was a good time. Once we found it we bought tickets and headed on in. We then headed up sandia peak, a large tramway that takes you to the top of a mountain. On one side it's trees, cliffs, and a pretty rocky terrain. Imagine our thoughts when people we taking their skis and snowboards up!! Well once we got up there we learned the otherside of the mountain was full of snow, and ski lifts. It was cold and there was plenty of snow! We walked around the top of the mountain, stopped in the restuarant for an appetizer and a couple of beers, which I might add costs more than dinner... :) Once we left there we grabbed some dinners and crashed at the hotel. On Monday morning we were headed home, but not before a quick stop off at a big mall on our way out of town. (Kevin really enjoyed that trip to the mall!!).

For spring break we made a quick trip back east. It was a whirlwind for sure! We were so busy it wasn't even funny. We were however able to enjoy some seafood (you know that didn't come from red lobster), enjoy some laid back nights with our friends. During the days we visited family, my mom, my stepmom, sister, lil Tony (who I just count as a brother), my stepdad, my cousin and her boyfriend, other aunts, and cousins. Don't worry though we included some of Kev's family too!! We were able to have lunch with his uncle that he hasn't seen in a couple of years! We then headed up the day before we left to ride with his Aunt Kitty and his cousins to see his Grandparents and for some famous spaghetti from Grandma! It was a good visit, as it had been quite some time since we had seen them as well! Kevin was hit with allergies pretty bad, and had a rough trip home! It took a little bit for him to get over it but is finally feeling better!

These days though we are back to work and school. Kevin is working from Tuesdays to Saturday mornings, I'm in school 3-4 days a week and working 1-2 days a week. Sure makes a busy schedule! We are keeping our fingers crossed that Kev's interview on Monday is a success so that he'll be working in town again! So well now know why we haven't posted! Life is busy busy busy.

"We were just trying to help..."

2010-02-19T21:44:00.003-06:00

Normally I don't get too worked up over things. I am just laid back and unless it relates to me directly or something I am very passionate about. Then, I grow an opinion, and a strong one at that. Currently there are two things bothering. However one of those things is a silly school thing just frustrates me. The other.. That church group that went over to "save" Haitian children. Don't get me wrong, I do understand that they suffered a horrible natural disaster, and they do need help. I know many people felt obligated/the need to go over and help. A local man went originally to help rebuild. He met with a church group. This group visited orphans, were given children who didn't have parents. Some of them had parents but the parents agreed for their children to go. (I wonder if they all agreed...) They were stopped at the border with a van full of children. Arrested. Yesterday the local man returned home. The leader of this group has been accused of trying to make a profit from all of this. However the mayor and city felt it appropriate to hold a welcome home party for him, not to mention he was on Oprah today.

Like I said, don't get me wrong about helping, but really taking children? Across the border to another country to "help" them. What really gets me is that everyone sees him as a hero for this. I mean let's look at this another way. When hurricane Katrina happened many went to New Orleans to help wherever needed. So let's say this church group came, picked up some orphans, talked some parents into giving up their children and took them to an "makeshift" orphanage. I might add said orphanage was an old hotel that hasn't been used for years. Do you think people would be rejoicing and holding them in a high regard for helping?

Maybe I am looking at this wrong but I feel that it was wrong for them to take the children in the first place, let alone across country borders... I am so tired of hearing about it, and how great this man is for going to help!!!

Hey Hey You You

2010-01-14T21:26:00.002-06:00

Show us who you are! We wanna know who is out there!

We triple dog dare you....

2009-12-24T20:06:00.002-06:00

Most of you got our christmas cards, or saw it on facebook or twitter. Yes I posted it and sent it... what can I say? I was a dork, and pretty excited about my cleverness!! So here's the pic...

This year brought many ups and downs for us and our family. On New Year's Eve I presented Kev with tickets so see his first NBA game! Which he had a blast going to Oklahoma with some friends to watch the game. In February we celebrated our 4th wedding anniversary, and 6th year together. We just did the dinner and movie thing and enjoyed each others company. March brought a massive snowstorm, I even got to miss a day of school!! Also our friends welcomed their baby Maddox into the world, we just adore him, and his parents are great friends too, the best actually. So naturally we visit their house often! Then came April, not too much excitement there. I started my second rotation of clinicals, and started becoming antsy for the semester to be over, which brings us to May. This brings the 6 years... SIX YEARS!! since I'd had my valve replaced! Kev spent a few hours in Jail and made a life changing decision (not really in jail... he's no criminal). In June Kev quit working for Hill-Rom and went to school to become an EMT-B. (okay I admit it, I had my doubts, but really he kinda has a weak stomach... guess not while on the job) I worked and he went to school (talk about role reversal) Things went south for a little bit, a miscarriage and a death in the family consumed most of August. The upside of August was my birthday and a new car from the inlaws! Then I started back to school. Kevin went to work as a photographer while looking for an EMT job. In October I started clinicals, and my mom came out to visit for a week. It was quite a week but we all survived and it turned out more fun than any of us thought. In December Kevin found a job as an EMT! Granted it's out of town and he works a lot but he likes it a lot. I'm glad he found a job he likes. I finally made it past the half way mark of school, only two semesters left! TWO! This time next year I'll be a nurse!! In the meantime while I am on break my dad came to visit for a couple of weeks, so I'm taking off and letting Kevin hold down the fort in the way of working :) I've done my fair share before my dad got here so it's a trade off. Tonight is Christmas Eve, and since Kevin is working tomorrow so we exchanged gifts this evening. We all got things we asked for, and a few things we did not ask for but were happy to get!

We hope everyone has a great Christmas!

Yes, well you know

2009-12-09T17:26:00.003-06:00

Life has been super busy lately!! Between job hunting on Kev's end and finishing my semester, not to mention trying to some face time with each, friends, and family we are a pair of busy people!!

Last week Kev went to Lubbock to check out a few possible jobs. Ended up talking to a guy at a transport service who let him do a ride along the next day and well the rest is history. That afternoon he offered Kev a job there with his choice of schedule since he will be traveling to and from work 1-2 hours. It looks like he'll just get his four days out of the way and then head home for 3 days. We can handle that for a year. Kev is very excited and starts his job tomorrow. He will be the ambulance driver as an EMT-B!

Tuesday this week marked the end of my semester. I ended up 4 B's and 1 A this semester. I really thought differently about one of the B's but what can ya do? Atleast I passed this semester, and am headed on to Level 3! Two semesters left. This semester was the most unorganized/hardest so far thanks to all of the things that happened before the semester began and shortly thereafter.

A couple of weekends ago we went downtown with our friend Chris to get some pictures taken and get a picture for our christmas cards! Which you'll have to see if you sent us your address, otherwise you might have to wait because you know we'll probably post it somewhere :) Here's one of our favorites:

The others are posted on facebook (atleast mine at the moment, but he's tagged so if your only friends with one of us...)

My stepdad is coming in on the 23rd to spend two weeks here with us, I'm very excited!

Recipes

2009-11-01T13:45:00.002-06:00

I know it's been awhile... but have you heard how BUSY it is around here? If you haven't heard then well BUSY doesn't even begin to cover it! I've added to my list though. To make it worse though this time of year I get in this mood to want to try new recipes. Last year I made sweet potato rolls, cookies, homemade chicken and dumplings among other things. The first on my list this year... spaghetti squash! I'm also on the hunt for a good pumpkin cheesecake recipe. So the reason for this post? To ask you to give me your favorite recipes so I can try them and hopefully add them to my list. Thanks in advance!

Quick Update

2009-09-17T07:30:00.002-05:00

Ok so I know I haven't been writing much but here goes nothing. So a week ago I was getting on facebook on my phone and checking through my comments and found something weird. This was not my facebook it was somebody else's. Now my phone automatically signs me in and its not an app or anything. I found it odd and actually thought maybe somebody else had my phone and logged in without me knowing when I was looking up who it was (David Smith) and that I really didn't know them or where they lived. I had a momentary thought should I miss with said profile or should I just log off and get on my own. Having the kid inside me I thought I should play a few pranks. Nothing bad mind you but some harmless pranks and see if anyone noticed. I did two updates both quotes from either a tv ad or a song. Wouldn't you believe no one noticed funny right? That guy got on a few times in between these times and didn't notice. But alas today I will sign out of said profile so that I can access my own during my trip to Cali. On a different note. Things are going well my next test is scheduled for next thursday I'm ready for it. I have a part time job at a photo studio. I'm learning the art of taking pictures. Its alot harder than just pushing a button but its a good unwinding type of job from the jobs that I usually have and if I get to stick with it, it would complement the EMT job nicely. Other than that nothing really goin on. I haven't even left the house and I'm already missing the wife. Till the next post. Oh and thanks Chris for the job much appreciated.

Rainbows and butterflies... uh NOT!!

2009-09-08T15:44:00.006-05:00

Okay so yes I know, it's been forever, yet again. You see though we had a few bad days, weeks, month even. We however decided we did NOT want to focus solely on the bad because even though life isn't always all about rainbows and butterflies, let's face it no one wants to hear bad thing after bad thing. So instead of harping on that let's talk about a few other things and see where it takes us. Although I'm not promising it's all good because well I try not to lie.

A few weeks ago was my birthday, yes 27... I know okay :) The night before we had dinner at Arick and Amber's house they cooked for us! and then on the night of Some friends of ours had us over and cooked us a fantastic spaghetti (my request) dinner followed by strawberry shortcake. <3 A couple nights after my birthday we went to dinner with Kev's parents, for my birthday and to catch up some. After dinner Kev's parents presented me with keys to this:

That is an '02 oldsmobile intrigue. SERIOUSLY!! I have never been given anything like that well ever! I was completely speechless. I am loving it.

The very next day though we found out that Kev's Uncle Mike passed away unexpectedly which was very hard on the whole family and he will be going to California with his family later this month for the memorial service.

School started for the fall for me, I am currently taking L&D, Med Surg Level II, and Health Assessment. So far it is overwhelming but going alright. I am still trying to get all of my stuff straight and figure stuff out for the semester.

For now that's all!!

Good reasons we've been quiet... Time to let it all out

2009-08-04T23:53:00.002-05:00

Mostly we have been quiet because we have been filled with worry over this whole pregnancy thing, it's certainly been a rough trip and it's not over yet.

On 7/22 we went in for our first sonogram where they only saw the gestational sac and nothing else. Our pregnancy was dated 5w3d (10 days earlier than was expected). There were also some cysts on my right ovary. The u/s tech wasn't too worried b/c if I was really only 5 weeks then it was too early to see anything and so no big deal. Just repeat the sono

On 7/29 my NP calls and says she wants to talk and that she needs to check some hormones. So I go in the office where she tells me there is a good chance I have a blighted ovum. (basically that I'm just growing the placenta and no baby). She draws blood and schedules a sonogram.

7/30 we go to the hospital for a sonogram. They don't show me anything or even let me see the screen. I then have a second round of bloodwork less than 24 hours after the first.

7/31 the NP calls in the afternoon and tells me that they didn't see anything on the sonogram but the placenta and possibly the cysts are ectopic (pregnancy in tube or ovary, and is a VERY serious thing). She says my hormone levels rose, but that didn't mean anything because the sonogram showed nothing, in fact it showed that the placenta had stopped growing at 5 weeks, 3 days. She says she will get back to me on Monday with an appointment either at the clinic with a DR or at the high risk clinic I was already scheduled to go see.

Talk about a weekend of HELL!!

8/3 The nurse calls... they are cancelling the high risk appointment and making me wait a whole week before being seen... UH LADY are you CRAZY? I threw a little bit of a fit and got to keep my appt at the high risk clinic.

8/4 Confuse the high risk clinic about why I am there if I am not having a pregnancy, explain the above and they keep me (yay b/c she totally rocked) She said since I was still having symptoms of being pregnant she recommended another sonogram. (note 3rd one in as many weeks) I agreed hesitantly b/c I didn't want to see/hear about how empty it was *again*. So a couple of hours later I come back for a sonogram, and the dr comes to do it (told you she rocks). and surprise! There is a gestational sac that has grown to about the right size and a yolk sac that no one has ever seen before. They looked around FOREVER, and determined for sure that I do not have an ectopic (YAY).

With the yolk sac though they should be able to see a fetal pole (where the baby grows from as far as I can understand) and they were not able to see that part. So here's the plan:

8/11 another sonogram, to determine if anything changes, if so and there is a fetal pole then there is a good chance it's a viable pregnancy and things are hunky dorie. If nothing changes then it will be determined to be a non viable pregnancy and surgery will be in my near future. So in the meantime we wait, and wait some more. That's the worst part I think. We are trying to keep our hopes in a reasonable range, just in case. In the meantime I have to start blood thinners and will be getting a shot two times a day, by none other than Kevin! That will be until the pregnancy is complete (either way...)

So that's why we have been quiet, not knowing how to post what's going on and trying to wait til we know something for sure.

bellybean

2009-07-27T19:50:00.002-05:00

So today we are 6 weeks along. yes I know, you've heard that before. After our sono they found out my dates were a lil different than originally thought and so we were a little behind.

We were hoping to see more than we did but because the baby was only 5w3d it was too early to see much of anything which was a lil disappointing but so far we know that the baby is in a good spot, and not in the tubes or anything like that (YAY) OH and we know that there is only one bellybean in there :)

Yes we've dubbed the baby "bellybean" b/c it's cute and well the size of a bean and in the belly lol :)

So in the meantime know bellybean is doing well and is predicted to make a debut around March 22, 2010!

Scratch That...

2009-07-21T19:09:00.002-05:00

Well after some discussion, and talking with friends, and someone changing their mind Shim is out. We are still in debate as to what is in... Hopefully by Thursday evening/friday we'll have something new...

Anyways we are looking forward to our sono on Thursday but it's late in the afternoon so it'll be late before we have much to say but def. can feel the excitement at our house.

In non-baby news (what's that?... j/k!) Kev had his last class today! He takes his final on Monday, and then he can take his National Registry and hopefully find a job. Even though he gave up a good job to go to school and possibly start out lower than he was making I am happy that he has found something he enjoys and is happy with it. Our marriage, friendship, life, and child are much better off for it. I am so proud of him, that was a big step for him.

Shim

2009-07-18T18:36:00.002-05:00

Shim (a mix between she and him) is a name that a friend and I made up in high school for our boss who was pregnant. I've always thought it was funny and unique, and that somewhere down the road I would use it. Well that time is upon us, and until we know if we are having a little boy or a little girl, our lil one will be called Shim. (Way better than it, don't you think?)

Now of course there is a small chance that there are twins hanging out in there. My gut says no, but that's also what is said about being prego so you never know. If there are twins they will be dubbed Thing 1 and Thing 2 of the Dr. Suess. variety. We can thank Kevin for that :)

Of course by now you have figured out that we are having a baby! Probably in the middle of March. We find out the offical due date Thursday afternoon. YAY :) We are so excited. I am still a little nervous about everything being okay and what not. Thursday will put most of my fears at rest though.

In the meantime all we can think is OMG! We are having a BABY!!

First Clinical run

2009-07-10T15:34:00.002-05:00

Ok so its no surprise to any by now that I'm taking EMT classes and that I am now in clinicals. Last night was my first night and it was at the trauma hospital. The first few hrs was boring to say the least the patients were discharged within those 3 hrs. very slow night I thought. Of course I didn't want to ask any questions if they were always this slow as to not jinx the nurses cause they really hate it when you do ask. About 12-1 it really started to pick up. I had a 62yr. old complaining of chest pain. Her heart rate was irregular and blood pressure was unstable. It started two days ago and normal treatment was ineffective found out that basically she was having heart attacks for the last two days and was currently having small heart attacks. She wasn't loosing conscious or anything like that just kind of cool for me bad for her. The next patient that I helped with had asthmatic symptoms which was cool cause I can treat that on the truck so I got to help with that. Then all hell literally broke loose for a trauma hospital. The call initially was a male shot in right leg by drive by. Then it was a code 99 call which I found out means the patient had coded and cpr was in progress. The gentleman had a shotgun wound to the left leg and ripped through the bone and femoral artery not good at all. He had basically lost enough blood to make his blood pressure drop cause there was no blood. Had he been maybe five minutes longer on the scene. He would have no died no question. Anyways I got to see the entrance and exit of a major gunshot wound. I did do chest compressions as everybody stepped in to keep his blood pressure up and help keep pressure to the wound. All in all it was a cool night I only felt sick once and I think its because I really hate hearing and seeing people throw up but I will get used to it so I'm not that concerned. I dealt with blood in a high tense situation. Oh and by the way the guy did live they had to actually cut off the leg. I had other cases but I won't bore you with them. They were mostly skill cases for myself to help me learn. Take care.

July 4th weekend

2009-07-06T18:30:00.002-05:00

This weekend Kev and I headed to the lake to get away and celebrate the 4th... kinda. I had off from work on Friday for the holiday and so we left Thursday night. We had an enjoyable day Friday getting things set up and grocery shopping etc. Kev grilled some BBQ chicken that turned out awesome, while I made the sides.

On Saturday we drove to a small town Canadian to check out their advertised 4th of July festivities. Oops not all advertised was there and we couldn't find much of anything. But it was a nice drive and I did get to see new places I had never seen. Oh and fireman water polo was kinda cool. We ended up driving to another town Pampa and got some lunch and just meandered around and then headed back to the lake. We figured we would hit the rodeo/fireworks in town there later that evening. That did not happen because there was a huge thunderstorm! So needless to say our fireworks were lightening.

Sunday we got up and relaxed and then packed up and headed home to start the week. It was overall a good weekend, not your typical 4th by any means but we got to spend some time together and get out of town so it was perfect.

Hope you had a good 4th as well!

Summer Time

2009-06-29T18:59:00.002-05:00

Summer and I have a love hate relationship. I love the water, and BBQing, and sports, but uh the HOT temperatures I could live with being a little lower lol. Our favorite summer activities have to be going to the lake. At the lake we BBQ, take the boat out for tubing (although not looking good for this summer b/c the lakes are pretty dry at the moment) We watch movies at the drive in. It's a lot of fun.

This summer we are looking forward to going to some baseball games, and if we are not able to make it to the east coast we are hoping to make it away for a few days to Colorado springs. All of that is up in the air though so I can't tell you anything for certain. It all depends on money, Kev's national registry test, and work.

What are some of your favorite summer activities?

A thing

2009-06-16T10:57:00.004-05:00

While watching So You Think You Can Dance I began thinking about things, literally. The contestants on the show have found their thing... dancing (duh). It's what they love and they are good at it. It made me think about what is my "thing"? Growing up I always felt split between my families, which were vastly different in about as many ways as you can think of. I have tried (and eventually quit) many things. I never had any idea who Shelly was. I used to base my likes and dislikes on the people I was around. Whether it was art, sports, music, whatever. My siblings all had their thing nailed down pretty early, and I just didn't know. I don't know why but it just was.

For being a very independent person I sure didn't know what I wanted, liked, disliked. I just knew I was going to do things myself. I tried lots of things. Some things lasted one day, others a few years. There are things that I plan to pursue more to give it a better chance. I can't say there is any one of those things that I am really good at. Some of them I am awful at, but whatever I tried!

Through trying so many different things I have find things that I like, and dislike, and am mature (HA) enough to have learned that I have not given things the chance they deserve. I really enjoyed playing softball when I was younger and played for 4 years before quitting and it was for about the stupidest reason I can think of. Family drama... really!? Out loud I blamed it on my period or something but really it's b/c of issues that went down right about the time I started high school. Swimming, I'm no swimmer by any means but I love it, I would hang out in the water all day if I could. I have no rhythm so playing music and dancing are def something I do in the privacy of my own home haha.

I think my thing is academics. I love to teach others, learn new things, and help others. I am also still looking for my fun thing that doesn't involve school or my job. I have lots of stuff I enjoy doing and am willing to try new things, and so I want to know what is your thing? What works for you? That way maybe I will learn a little something about you, and maybe find something that I might want to try!

We answered the call

2009-06-09T14:27:00.008-05:00

Yes this is a late posting of something that happened last Friday. As most everybody knows I donated blood last Friday and this is, that story. See Shelly gets updates from the local news station sent to her twitter, they had broke a story saying that blood in the Texas Panhandle was scarce and that they would be buying or going to get blood from a different area just to prevent themselves from running out. Shelly asked me if I wanted to go with her to donate blood. Of course I don't mind giving at all if I can spare. Now I will admit I did ask how much money would we get for donating because well I thought they paid. Little did I know that it was called donating for a reason. One of those blonde moments. Anyway we went to go donate the next day and of course Shelly didn't get to, her blood wasn't good enough. So I had to brave the needle on my own. But least I did get a T-shirt out of it and a coke, the cookies didn't look that appeasing to me so I passed on them. Now why exactly am I bringing this up way after the fact. Not to look good in front of anybody, I mean it is cool and all, but to bring awareness. My cousin Adam wrote a blog about trading blood donations that he can't give and he'll do something else i.e. donate time. I think thats a great idea as he can't donate blood for reasons of his own. I'll keep donating when I can Adam, you find a way to donate time to the cancer society like we did when we were working Shorebird games. Just so you know I can't donate till July 31st their rules not mine. What do you say??? Oh and here is my proof!

Lost...

2009-05-29T11:19:00.002-05:00

No! Not that stupid television show! (Ok Kev likes it but I'm writing this post so I get to call it stupid)

Lately I am feeling lost... in the sense of what did I do before I started school? Really for the last year I have either been working 75+ hours a week or going to school and studying. This summer however I only have one job, and no school. I come home in the evenings and have no homework, and am not totally exhausted from a long day) Kev's joke is the house is cleaner now. It just feels strange not having that to do.

I think Kev is going to go through this same thing soon. He will have school 3 mornings a week. period. no work (atleast right away), no call, just school and of course HOMEWORK.

I predict that between the two of us we will be going stir crazy very very soon.

The one about organ donation

2009-05-20T22:31:00.002-05:00

May 20th, 2003 is a day I will never forget. If you remember (or not if you are new don't worry it'll be posted in a sec) last year I posted about my valve replacement from a different aspect which you can read here: (literally here b/c I don't know how to link back to it)

Five years ago today something life changing took place. No we didn't start dating, and we didn't get engaged today (Please we had only been dating 3 months!!!) The 3 months part is very important though. I had to have my aortic valve replaced. While that is HUGE to go through, the most awesome part... Kevin.I had a lot of thought about what would happen after only 3 months. He was such a wonderful trooper and really helped me through so much. There are many of our family and friends that were there as well. I think the day that Kevin drove me home Sunday May 25th I knew he was the one for me and I was the one for him. Just the simple way he took care of me, and was there on all of his days off just taking care of me, and when the inevitable post surgery breakdown came, he was there. Today is the anniversary of a week long of moments that made me realize just how much I loved Kevin. I believe it was the 23rd when I told him. One part that I don't even know if he knows I know (he will now I guess) The day after surgery he stopped by my mom's work and was very concerned if I was going to be okay, which after a little white lie and a lot of conivincing they finally let him see me the night before which was not exactly my best night. I am glad that he was able to talk to her and that she was able to comfort him.Kevin is one of the greatest people I have ever met and I love him with all my heart, stitches and all! I am glad that Adam invited, okay forced him to come to the party I was hosting for a friend, it definitely changed my life forever.

This year though I am going to talk about donation. Now I'm not going to preach to you or cite a bunch of articles and sites that you should read or even force you to change your mind. If you wanna be selfish, you go right ahead. I am going to tell you how it changed my life directly.

In August of 2001 I had a physical for work and was found to have a murmur, which was new. My primary care doctor had never heard it before and could definitely hear it then. He sent me for an echo where I was found to have a "small aortic leak" that was going be "no big deal" until I was much older. My cardiologist told me to simply have an echo every other year and not to worry. So fast forward to December of 2002. I am working in surgery and feeling not quite right. I black out for a second and then eventually pass out where I don't remember getting from one spot to the other. I'd been noticing that it was getting harder to run and I was super tired but didn't think entirely too much about it.

After passing out I make a visit to a new cardiologist, as my original one moved away. Turned out to be a good thing once he read my history and what not he felt I needed a little more investigation. He was thinking I was having arrhytmias though. So a couple of tests later proved that theory wrong. While I was getting one of the tests attached they were trialing a new echo machine and had no patients so since it was almost time for mine they went ahead and did it early. This is the beginning of the end...

They found a very large leak in my aortic valve (all of my other valves leak as well, just not as bad) that needed to be confirmed by a transesophageal echo (TEE) which was awful! Once confirmed they scheduled a cardiac cath and took measurements and found that not only was I feeling they symptoms my heart was starting to show some as well. I was referred to a surgeon and went to his office to discuss my options.

Now if you know anyone else with an aortic valve replacement they probably have a mechanical or bovine valve. These however are not good options for young patients and so I was going to need a human valve.

My surgery was scheduled within two weeks of this appointment... note just 5 months after having symptoms. I suppose I was lucky they were able to find a valve that was about the same age as me and the same size. I suppose that donor wasn't so lucky. I only know that the donor was young when he died and he had a wonderful family who donated his organs and tissue.

Many people think that if their organs aren't "up to par" or they have a certain disease or are receiving meds they cannot donate. This is not the case. Donated tissue is used in many many ways, one of them... heart valves.

My family and then boyfriend (now husband of 4 wonderful years) all became donors shortly after my surgery. I am grateful for that. I am also a donor even though no one would ever be able to use my live heart, part of it may help someone else. Just becoming a donor is not enough, you have to tell your family as they will be the ones making the decision. It could save lives, I know it saved mine.

I know I only have tissue, not living organs which require antirejection drugs. I had an immediate need but didn't have to wait like many people on the lists. It could be a lot worse for me and it is a lot worse for others. If you are not organ donor just take the time to consider it, it could save many lives. That is all I ask on this anniversary of my gift of life, which greatly improved my quality of life.

6hrs in jail

2009-05-13T19:40:00.002-05:00

I tried to think of a good made up story to try and tell everyone about. But really couldn't think of anything funny enough or believable. So I'll just say I was there delivering 13 beds on a capital delivery. I didn't get hit on or become anybody's man or lady. That's the whole story nothing really interesting. Just liked the headline for twitter. My whole head has been spinning with ideas and freaking songs. For the first time in a long time I've been happy for awhile. So expect alot of crazy happy from me. My first meal out of the joint was bacon cheese burger really good. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Changes

2009-05-09T22:14:00.002-05:00

In about one week I will be starting my EMT classes. In three weeks quitting my job of three years. I never had a plan in life. I've always just coasted through life falling into the right job at the right time and making the most out of it, but never really liking it. This is something I really think that I will be good at and enjoy, but now I think I'm more scared than ever cause I know what I want and I'm afraid of failing. Being the true brother that I have he tells me that its going to be hard to pass the class and it may be even harder finding a job. I've already said that I would move if I had to still staying in the Texas Panhandle moving possibly somewhere between fifty to hundred miles away. So now its a waiting game. I know I made the right choice its just hard to imagine if I do have to move and Shelly can't be with me. My head is spinning with so many possibilities. The chapter with Hill-Rom is coming to a close a new chapter begins and for the first time I don't know whats going to happen. I have had a minor slip up on my no smoking quest. I bought a pack of cigarettes on Thursday on a really bad day. It was a mistake that I know now I could have done without. A moment of weakness that I can't take back. I will continue my pursuit and try to control my emotions as that was what got me into trouble this last time. That's all I have to say.

Another semester closer

2009-05-05T19:31:00.002-05:00

As this semester ends on a very high note there is so much stuff that I have learned, and experienced... some are way more pleasant than others.

I have spent 8 weeks in clinicals, doing care plans that took upwards of 6 to 8 hours and sometimes (a lil shorter if I was lucky). I took care of 10 pts. for anywhere from 3 hours to 6 hours. Some were much more pleasant experiences than others. Like the time I had a scizophrenic patient who would chat one minute and be on the defense the next. The diarrhea of 2 of my patients (try keeping a straight face on that!). Administering medications, and shots (need one, I can help). Putting in a foley, and taking IVs out. That first smell of warm prune juice (GAG!) The patients who were super nice, even if not all there. The one that was almost unarousable (SCARY). An overbearing family who made me RUN my head off. But, all in all it has been a rollercoaster of an experience of clinicals this semester. I certainly have learned a lot.

Classes, boy they were hard, they don't joke when they say Nursing school aint for the weak! I did end up with A's in both of my classes though (one just by the skin of teeth) and so no stressing over finals.

I have made quite a few new friends and I'm really enjoying getting to know them and going through this together.

I am glad for the experiences that come with nursing school, but I'm also ready to graduate already LoL! December 2010 here I come!

Blessed?

2009-05-03T19:24:00.002-05:00

Well I guess I owe everyone a blog as I had promised many days ago. This one is titled "blessed" because a comment I had made on twitter and promised to elaborate in a blog later that day and just turned into days. For that I am sorry. Well the main reasons I'm feeling blessed is family. My family close and far has always been very supportive of me. I have the perfect parents for me. They never made me feel dumb for a dumb decision I ever made. I made it hard for myself very early in life and they supported every decision I made. Like the one that led me to meet my future wife in moving to the east coast. Now I move to a place I've only been to once to a family I hardly knew and didn't know what to expect. They took me in without any questions and not really very many demands. That really stayed with me over the years as I have helped with family in any way that I can. I gotta a chance to pay it forward or back which I really was happy to do. After five years on the east coast I decided to bring the wife to Amarillo. I got to reconnect with a brother I honestly didn't know. He changed his whole life and now is pushing his big brother into being the person that he deserves to be. I know I know its a bunch stuff and not a whole lot of detail maybe or maybe its just jumbled up but I guess the feeling that I am feeling is like I said blessed to have surrounded myself with those that inspire and push me to be the best individual I can be whether its a fireman or a janitor. I think to many times I take that for granted and just been thinking about that kind of stuff lately.

Kev promised this post.... instead he went to the lake....

2009-04-29T20:08:00.004-05:00

So this is a post that Kev was supposed to write oh I don't know a day or two ago. You see I was going to update and he was like no no I want to do it.... So I agreed... Well guess who is spending a long weekend at the lake totally unplugged and relaxing. *Jealous* can ya tell?

Life is good. Kevin is starting school this summer, quitting smoking, and changing jobs, that is a lot of change/stress at one time. His mind should be racing with things to come and what if's and what now? It doesn't seem the case. He is happy lately, not that he wasn't happy, but it's more obvious now, and he's fun, and sillier than I have seen him in a long time. He hasn't been happy with his job in quite some time and it's stressing him out. It hasn't really been feasible with me in school for him to change jobs unless he was going to make the same amount of money which is not the easiest task in this economy. After a little push and a little help we are going to be able to put kev in school this summer. My job fell into place with about the same pay and hours and letting me do more. Kev will be starting his EMT basic class on May 18th. He isn't sure if this will be his forte' but knows it is a means to the end of his dream of becoming a firefighter. I am proud of him for taking this step and glad it could be worked out.

Kev is doing great not smoking, it's like he never smoked, his temperment (which can be made worse by quitting smoking) has been calmer, and he's not flown off the handle once :) For that I am also proud. I've never made Kev feel like he *had* to quit because it's something he had to decide for himself and I'm not sure if it's the realization he has to get into better shape for firefighter school, or because the hospital tests for smoking and does not hire smokers, for himself/us, or because he figured if someone else who could hold themselves accountable to it on twitter so could he. I'm not sure the exact reason why... but I'll take it :)

Kev left this evening for the lakehouse and will be there until sunday. I on the other hand still have school tomorrow, and work this weekend so well you know.

I'm not entirely sure if these are the reasons that Kev is feeling blessed, he'll have to tell you if there is more, but I know I am blessed to have Kev in my life, and unbelievably proud of him for following his dream.

History is changing

2009-04-17T09:45:00.003-05:00

I am a huge history buff. Ever since I was young I loved to learn of the different wars that America and Texas has been thru and the revolutionary points in history that define a nation and people. I can remember studying the World Wars and thinking is there ever going to be a defining point in my lifetime. And then Sept. 11th happened, Katrina, the recession or depression and now I wish it was the good ole days. Did you know that Texas is the only state that can secede from the states whenever they want, our flag is the only one that can fly as high as the U.S. flag and we're the second largest state. I tell you this because last night as me and the misses were going to bed we had watched the news and there was a report that stated "Texas to Secede". Now being that it was news of course they made it seem as if it was going to happen but the truth is the Governor had expressed his discontent for the way the president has been running the country and of course some of the crowd had said secede. He didn't really shoot down the notion but didn't endorse it either. It strikes me odd though I've lived in Texas for over half my life and times have been tough before but maybe not this bad but never has anything like this been said. I wonder if its possible that this can actually happen.

Pro's: Texas has alot of the major resources meaning we wouldn't have to worry about expediting and bringing in outside food or oil. We have already been on our own before we know how to handle ourselves. The whole state itself isn't in as much debt as others we didn't take the handout that Obama was giving the other states. We have our own army so we can defend ourselves.

Con's: Dividing a nation in the worst time. Its completely unamerican. Would I be a U.S. citizen as I was born in VA or adopted into the Texas Nation? Will I need a passport to see my in-laws and extended family?

I don't really support this act. Its not in the works but the mere fact that they are talking about it makes me think that its more of a possibility than I ever thought. My how things have changed. I voted the president I picked didn't win. I don't support everything O'bama does. But I won't denounce my nation because of a president there will definitely have to be more of a reasoning than that. Besides he'll only be there for like 8 years. I welcome all opinions and thoughts.

Oh yeah here is the local news website that first shared this story. http://myhighplains.com/content/fulltext/?cid=51302

What a Hailish Day

2009-04-16T22:15:00.002-05:00

Ok so on my way back from dropping my boss off in Lubbock I was on my home and of course ran into some bad weather. Now I never pull over and wait on any weather activity to pass but this was a rare occasion. When you can't see but 10 to 20 feet in front of you because of the hail that's pretty bad. I pulled over for about 15 min. then continued on as I was ready to get home. Not the safest decision I made but o-well it was worth it. Watching the news tonight they said that, that was over 2-3 inches of hail on the ground for that area. Its like Christmas in April. I'm happy that we have such a diverse weather system here it can be sunny here and crazy tornado weather 30-40 miles away. Well goodnight all. I have much more to blog about tomorrow.

Pressure

2009-04-14T21:19:00.003-05:00

You know those people that put incredible pressure on themselves to do well and when you are talking to them and they are upset over a grade/job/skill whatever that you think really? they are upset with that?

Well I am becoming one of those people... I don't like it.

Today I had a test that I really wanted an a on but I didn't get it, but I still got a good grade and I was so bummed out about it! When I was telling my friend about it I felt ridiculous, and she told me as much (much nicer though). Through this I realize that I shouldn't be so hard on myself because I do better under less pressure.

**Edited to add: With questions being thrown out I ended up with an A. **

Speaking of pressure I just read a twitter from the local news about a shooting not too far from here... the police are there and unable to find anything.... and shortly after reading that I have lost all cell service through my whole house... uh... remember that whole my husband is out of town thing!? Talk about freaked out.....

Study Break

2009-04-13T23:36:00.002-05:00

I took a test today (96% thankyouverymuch) and now I'm studying for another tomorrow. Right now though I am taking a minute to rest my brain from studying. HIV/AIDS, Respiratory disorders, and Infectious diseases are swimming through my head at the moment. Now if I can just make sure it stays there we'll be great :) HAHA

Speaking of staying there... There is something wrong with the door knob to the bathroom. Everytime you have to go in there you have to turn as hard as you can, while shaking the door, and hoping by some miracle the little thing moves so you can get in! Better not wait til it's an emergency haha! Getting out is even harder! Kev was going to fix it before he left, but didn't happen for one reason on another, so now I am stuck with it until he gets home. While I am very handy with a lot of things (see any furniture that was put together, anything hung on the walls) but I don't do door knobs or light bulbs (the bulb thing should be obvious since he's 6'4 and I'm trying to push 5'4) So I must wait....

So here's to an A on my test after all of this studying, and not being locked out or in of the bathroom or a reason to have to be in there RIGHT NOW.

El Paso....

2009-04-12T19:47:00.002-05:00

Did you know that Kevin twitters now? Let's hope he keeps it up and that it doesn't die the slow death of his myspace LoL. He plans on trying it while he is on his trip (he's heading to El Paso) but I don't think he set it up on his phone, so maybe his hotel has wireless.

There are good things and bad things about him going away for work. He loves it, it's got financial benefits (and with only one of us working (mostly) that always helps!), and I get to catch up on my shows that he can't stand, and have the bed to myself, no elbows, snoring, or random conversations, although they are super fun! It also means a week apart which everyone says makes you stronger yada yada yada but we still miss each other! geez! LoL

In the meantime I have 2 tests and plenty of clinicals to keep me busy til he gets back :) I'm trying to think of something fun for the weekend but I'm coming up short... any ideas?

Orientation....

2009-04-07T11:06:00.002-05:00

For the last four weeks I have been doing my clinicals at the "private hospital" in their brand spankin' new wing. I'm talking huge rooms with huge bathrooms, easy in and out showers, flat screen tv's hardwood floors, granite countertops. The staff there is super nice and would be the ideal place if you had to be on the cardiac floor there. It's been a good experience, a lot of early mornings, and hard work but I learned a lot and met some really awesome people. Last week we oriented to our new floor for the next four weeks of clinicals. Talk about going from the Taj Mahal to the motel 6. We are moving to the "county hospital" The rooms are very small, no extras, an old school tv, a tiny bathroom that reminds me of the one we had at our house in Milford... the word tiny barely fits the bill here. The halls are very narrow, and overall it's dirty. There was trash lining the halls, well not all of them but more than you would like to see at a hospital. Everything is different. I have heard though that the people that work there are nice and very helpful. I don't do well in new situations, quiet, not proactive and am overwhelmed by the newness of it all. Tomorrow afternoon is the first time I head over there for patient information.... here goes nothing I suppose....

let it snow let it snow let it snow...

2009-03-26T21:33:00.004-05:00

We are under a pretty strong blizzard warning, like 90% chance, and while the rain hasn't even started, let alone the snow set to follow Many many schools are closed. Including mine!! After a good day at clinicals I don't think I could ask for a better way to end the week than with a 3 day weekend... well okay I'd be happy with a 3 days weekend even after a bad day at clinicals :)

Here's the thing, while I'm excited that no matter what my school is closed, I want it to still snow it's butt off so that the hubby can stay home with me! I don't want him driving in that mess!!

Here's my thinking though... it's been super nice lately, and I think that the ground is pretty warm for a bunch of snow to go sticking... It's supposed to start as rain and the temp is supposed to go to the 20's and then the snow is supposed to start. 2 inches over night, and then blizzard winds and 6 to 8 more inches of snow tomorrow.... talk about crazy and yet I'm skeptical that it will be that much.

Decisions Decisions

2009-03-22T21:08:00.002-05:00

As this past week was Spring Break for Shelly we thought it would be appropriate to get away. As we don't have as much money these days we opted to go to the wonderful lake house that the parents bought. From Wednesday till today I spent the whole time there Shelly had to come back to town for work on Friday but came back that night. Now back to the title of the blog. I had a decision to make as about a week in a half ago I put in my resignation at Hill-Rom to try and pursue other opportunities. Well the boss recognizing the talent that I am or the fact he didn't want to hire anyone else asked to me to think about and take some time off and think about it. So after watching lots of dvds like twenty discs of different tv shows. I finally came to a decision. See my brother started a college fund for me this past Christmas for me to pursue my certification in firefighting a career I've always wanted to take up. I would have to get my emt basic certification then move on to the other certification. I've been unhappy in my job now for awhile now and have been ready for a change I probably jumped the gun after a long hard day but whats done is done. My brother talked to the his old instructor about when the next course was for EMT was and they had said it would be this summer. So I'll be filling out the necessary paperwork and if everything goes well starting in the summer being done by the end. The pay for EMT is basically the same as what I'm getting now so I won't be taking any pay cuts. So for now I'll work at my job and when school starts I'll make another informed decision whether I can work here or not and still go to school. The job is really demanding and if its between school and work I choose school. But I digress the lake was fun and I enjoyed the fact that I truly vegged out and did nothing for the better part of a week I saw the running of the turkeys from the porch a deer and the beautiful night sky. Pictures of the turkeys to come in further blogs.

I like the IRS

2009-03-10T16:48:00.002-05:00

So most everybody knows that Shelly was employed by a doctor who decided not to take out taxes and I suppose hoped that his employees wouldn't file either. Well being the good smart americans that myself and the wife are, we claimed everything that she made and of course we did our best in how it should be filed with no information on how exactly we should go about it. This was all in our first year in filling this way in 07. Of course I wasn't naive to think that we didn't make a mistake here or there but I knew that did end up paying a crapload of money. Fastforward to a year later to be exact yesterday we get a letter from the IRS saying you owe us over 3 thousand dollars and we need to pay in 30 days or severe penalties will occur. After looking over the previous years taxes found that if they were correct in saying we owe this then it was news to us. Rather than just bending over and giving them that money I decided to call have an explanation given to me in more detail so that I knew what I was paying for. See the tax that we were supposed to pay is a self employment tax for Shelly's job at the doctor's office. At first I was having a hard time explaining the fact that Shelly wasn't self employed she had a steady paycheck was an hourly employee. I finally in a very calm for myself way explained everything to the lady how that the Texas Workforce Commission had already ruled that she wasn't contract work and so on. The very nice lady took the information that I had given her on the business and said to just send the paperwork stating that she wasn't contract work in and an explanation letter to them and they will investigate the situation but from just what I had explained to her we shouldn't have to pay the tax and they will most likely be going after him for any other tax collections associated with this situation. Finally I feel like Justice will be served.

Welcome to the World Maddox Xavier Villegas

2009-03-08T14:56:00.002-05:00

As we have not been posting in a long while. I thought it was fitting that we welcome into the world Maddox Xavier Villegas. Our good friends Tosha and Chris had their baby boy on the fourth by C-Section. He is healthy and doing very well. I think he came out to be 8lbs but I'm foggy on that stuff. I do know that he has some huge feet. Their not like fat their just long and skinny. Chris and Tosha's family has kinda of adopted us into their family so of course when we were there, there was plenty of questions for us like when we were going to have our first baby and so on. We both had mixed emotions about whether we would want one more now that they had theirs. But together we talked afterwards and figured that if it happens then it happens but if not then we can wait till Shelly gets out of school. Its not even a question of whether we can afford it or whether we can do it at this time. I've always been a fan of going the hard route it makes me appreciate my goals that much more. So to answer the question of when we would have kids were not trying but not preventing. So till then we will be the best unofficial aunts and uncles we can be. On another note Shelly did start her clinicals and is studing like crazy. She's getting good grades and I am really proud of her. Thats it for now we'll keep our plans updated for those still reading.

KC, couch potato, and clinicals

2009-02-24T10:24:00.004-06:00

Last week Kevin spent the week in Kansas City working. He worked a lot, and got to see a new place or two. In the meantime I went to pick up the car he had picked out for me. I was cautiously excited. It is going to be okay, but does need a little bit of work done. Kev's work is right next to a mechanic and they are going to take a look and we'll go from there.

Over the last month or so Kev, our friend Chris, and I have been following a running routine called couch potato to 5k. It's a 9 week program to go from not running to running three miles on a regular basis. We are currently on week 3. The first day is always the hardest but by the end of the week we are ready to move on. I am loving it. It took a little convincing to find someone to do it with me and once Chris agreed Kev was on board as well. I find that I always feel better after the run, even if I was in a HORRIBLE mood before starting. I haven't run like this since before my surgery, when I was running on an almost daily basis. I really enjoy it and am glad that I finally decided to get back into it. I can't wait until we get to week 10 and we'll be able to run 3 miles regularly.

Next thursday is my first day of clinicals!! I am super nervous and hope things go well! I finally have all of my uniform ready and am getting my patches sewn on today so here goes nothing! :)

a lil bit of everything...

2009-02-02T20:03:00.002-06:00

School has started and is in full swing already!! I have already had my first lab check off and test! EEKS I spent a LOT of time studying this weekend and it sure payed off, my first nursing school A! I got a 94. In a couple of weeks I will have a test in my other class and I am hoping for an A, but that class is much more technical and so it will take a lot of work. I am feeling up to it. There is reward, not only personal, to getting an A... if you manage an A at the end of the semester the final doesn't hurt you at all, you still get your A even if you bomb the final! SO let's just hope lol.

Wii fit :) I am not sure if I told you that I got one, and totally love it. In addition to that I have started running again. By again I mean I have not run since before my surgery, when it was getting harder and harder the worse I got. I am really getting into and liking it again. Kev is not sure if he is going to run, but he did go a long today, and kinda did his own running. :) My friend Chris is going as well, his wifey can't go because well she will be having a baby next month and so yeah :) We are following a program from couch potato to 5k, and our goal is in 2 to 3 months we will be able to run the whole 3 miles. We'll see how it goes. As for now I am happy to have completed 2 days of week 1. :)

In the meantime Kev is working working working and we are trying to save/get ready for him to start school in the next year or so to become a firefighter, his life long dream! Life is busy and we are doing what we can. We can't believe how time flies!

NBA here I come

2009-01-19T13:01:00.002-06:00

I have finished my trifecta of watching live professional sports. Meaning I've been to a NFL game, MLB game and as of last night a NBA game. Shelly and I had talked earlier this year about the possibility of me going to an Oklahoma City Thunder Game. She ended up getting me tickets for last night's game. They played the Miami Heat. It really was a good game despite the fact that the Thunder are one of the worst teams in the NBA. I think I might turn into a Thunder fan or at least keep closer tabs on them they do have a few players that I like. I might as well jump on the bandwagon when their bad so no one can question me when their good. All in and all it was a great night but a long drive home. Least I have the day off to recover from the lack of sleep.

Read any good books lately?

2009-01-14T17:58:00.002-06:00

Not that I would have the time to read it, as you can see below, I got a box of books today. Not a bag... a box!

So you can't really see how deep the box is in that picture (sorry) lol So let me show the contents:
Okay so that's 9 books, 3 patches, 2 class syllabi, and 1 medication kit. Am I really only taking two classes this semester?!

While I did get a few books over christmas break, mostly the twilight series and a few magazines LoL, I will be dutifully reading Medical - Surgical nursing and Pharmacology and well you get the point. Not to mention weekly care plans and whatever else they throw at me.

I am just a tad overwhelmed over here.

A few highlights from the trip...

2009-01-03T14:57:00.013-06:00

First things first, before the trip Kev and I exchanged Christmas presents. Okay so we went together and bought them lol. We gave each other an Ipod touch which we are both really enjoying having. While I was away Kevin put all of the music we already had on itunes and then got a few more things with a couple of itunes cards he got for christmas this year. I was really glad to have mine when I was flying and the guy sitting next to me would not shut up about how cold it was in Dallas... which okay I understand since we are from the same state and I know I expected Texas to be hot year round too, but for two and a half hours? Really?

While in Maryland I did all of my christmas shopping so I wouldn't have to lug it in my suitcase, they charge for those these days! Then my family hosted the annual family christmas party! I did so much cooking and baking it wasn't funny. It was a blast though. I got to see a lot of my family that I haven't seen in years! It went well, and most everyone was able to make it out. After the party it was time to get ready for christmas! We finally got everything finished late on christmas eve and so we all slept in a little on christmas day, even my nephew who is three. He had a great day! and he loves the camera, to be behind it that is!

On Christmas day I headed to Pocomoke to see my dad where I met his new girlfriend and visited with 2 of my brothers and my sister. It was fun, somehow I ended up with zero pictures from that night. I know I know!! The next day I went to see my "stepmom" (see she really isn't anymore but after 20 years of it being that way, we are just keeping it lol) and her baby Lil' Tony who I had never met before! Of course Kya, my niece as well. Diana posed, Lil' Tony (love those eyes!) just stared, and Kya was very resistant about having her picture taken but I tried anyways!!

After lots of family visiting it was time to visit with some friends! We hung out, went shopping, went out for a drink, even made an old school 2am visit to walmart. It was a good time! Another night I headed up to Easton to have dinner with Kev's Uncle Dennis and Aunt Kitty at Ledo's, a pizza place where their youngest son works. It seemed like Kitty and could talk forever about everything that has been going on! We stayed until they closed and a few minutes after anyways. Kev's uncle took a great picture of us all though.

On my last day in town, I headed over to Ocean City with my dad to take pictures of the sunrise!

While I was off visiting the Eastern Shore Kev was thoroughly entertained by our friends Chris and Tosha:

Okay Okay so maybe that was more than a few but you know lol :)

A new year surprise!

2009-01-01T11:45:00.003-06:00

Kevin has been talking a lot over the last couple of months about going to see an NBA game. I just always say, yeah okay. I really have *no* desire to go whatsoever. I was secretly plotting to send him to see one. I talked him friend and we picked out a decent game. The Oklahoma Thunder vs Miami Heat. I know you've probably never heard of the Oklahoma team, they are new and they are not very good. At the time I looked up tickets they had won 2 of 20 some games. Once I knew I could get the tickets I called the other service tech and had him take Kev's call on the day of the game. I also called his friend who talked to his boss and got him off on the 19th. I had the tickets mailed to our friends house and went on my trip. Once I came back, which was new years eve it was time to tell him. I couldn't hold it in any longer lol.

At midnight I told Kev my new years resolution was to send him to an NBA game. He was like yeah I know. I added on Jan 18th. As you can imagine he is thrilled. Once I gave him all of the details he was super excited.

Happy new year everyone, enjoy those black eyed peas today! LoL

By The Numbers

2008-12-28T03:35:00.002-06:00

Uncountable??? Ok thats not a number but that is how many times I've missed my wife since she left to go visit family on the east coast. Things that I have noticed is I definetly don't want to be single ever again. Shelly is a perfect fit for me not to sound to theatrical but she does complete me. She's made me a better person and for that I am thankful.

3 and 2??? That is three times in two days I have been dissapointed in the food industry. I recently have been eating fast food a little more than usual. I picked up some food from Mc D's Friday for lunch and I guess now they don't give you any ketchup unless you ask for it and this happened the next day as well. For dinner tonight I went to pick up Chinese food and they scimped on the Chicken for the Chicken Fried Rice I had ordered. I know that the economy is bad but give me a break you can't tell me that Mc D's can't still give you ketchup without asking. And that your chicken output can decrease by 25 to 50 percent. If your hurting that much for money raise your price but give the same portion.

419??? Thats the amount of movies that I have. For those who know me know I have alot of movies but this is alot more than I thought I had. Another couple of numbers I can throw out to ya is 54 movies a year the average I buy a year since I started. 100 the amount of T.V. shows that I have on DVD.

So to sum up. I miss my wife, I hate how the economy has affected Amarillo, (even though we are in the top 5 for the best economy's in the nation which will be discussed later), and I'm doing my part to stimulate the economy. Are you???

It's finals week, what did you expect?

2008-12-11T12:34:00.002-06:00

We had snow this week! It wasn't much but enough for us to call it snow LoL.

Today was my last final!! I couldn't concentrate and didn't do nearly as well as I know I could have. I really need to learn to push everything away when I'm taking a test. My grades this semester are:

101 nursing skills
81 nursing theory
93 nutrition
99 speech

some are definite, others are calculated by me and may be off a lil.

Now that my semester is over I can look forward to my upcoming trip! oh you don't know? I am headed east for Christmas! This trip has definitely given me very mixed emotions. While I can't wait to spend Christmas with my family I am going to sorely miss my hubby. He's not able to take that much time off from work around Christmas. While I plan to talk, text, and write him everyday I will definitely have a few surprises up my sleeve for him. I can't wait for that part.

I will be in maryland from the 17th until the 31st. Kev and I are looking forward to new years! He isn't on call and we are spending the day together.

If anyone wants to get dinner or whatever while I'm in town just let me know!

Oh and I got a haircut yesterday. I only have a craptastic picture and so you will have to wait until I get a better picture or until you see it in person LoL.

Catching up

2008-11-18T21:23:00.002-06:00

So yes I know, it's been a long time but you know life happens. That or I have been working a lot more lately and school is winding down so there is a lot of finishing up it seems for my classes. I still have 4 big tests, a 6 or 7 minute speech, a simulation lab and one big final. Today I finished my last return demonstration and finished my last nursing lecture this week.

I got all of the results from my hypogammaglobulinemia mystery and I do NOT have it! Talk about exciting! Looks like allergy shots are in my future, right now though I'm trying to put it off a little bit (I know I know I'm healthy now so I'm trying to put it off, I'll feel differently when I'm sick) Basically what Dr. M (the second opinion) said that being sick all of those times wore down my immune system making it harder for me to get over it, and once I did my numbers went back up. Apparently Dr. S (the first guy) didn't do near enough tests. Luckily he was wrong and I don't have to $1000/month treatments!!

Kevin and I are looking forward to Thanksgiving. We are going to two dinners. His family is having Thanksgiving on Saturday so we were thinking about having our own little one but we were invited to our friends Chris and Tosha's family thanksgiving so we are going to head over there. It is the last big holiday we are going to be together for this year. I know... I know.. I have to be all going home for Christmas. I am really going to miss Kevin but I am soo excited about going home for my big family Christmas. It's going to be hectic so if anyone wants some time you better let me know lol.

Kevin and I went to the lake this past weekend, and while it is ENTIRELY too cold to go to the actual lake but to hang out at the lake house and relax is awesome. I did take some homework but you know, it was still a great time for us to just get out of the house and spend the weekend together. We took sam with us for the weekend and she was well to say the least... depressed like she missed Roxy or something it was kinda sad but she got lots of lovin' for it LoL.

I think that is enough for now. Time for some sleep!

Concert

2008-10-30T10:17:00.003-05:00

Last night Kev and I went to see a concert that I bought for Kev way back in September for his birthday. It was moved from it's original location to a bar/club here in town, because of low ticket sales which wasn't our favorite idea but you know. The bands we saw were Tempered Cast (sorry couldn't find a pic), Aranda, Red, Saving Abel, and Puddle of Mudd. The sound was not great in this venue and it was pretty smoky. We had an overall good time though.

Aranda: They were first on the list and sound issues aside Kev and I agree that they did an okay job and we did miss about half of their set due to some confusion with the timing of the concert but hey what can you do?

Tempered Cast: Probably my least favorite of the opening acts, they didn't really impress me much at all.

Red: These guys were my favorite of the opening bands. I enjoyed their set and Kev says they were okay.

Saving Abel: Kev's current favorite band, despite more sound issues which is more a venue problem than a band problem. I enjoyed them and thought they put on a great live show.

Puddle of Mudd: I really enjoyed this set, and screamed my head off singing to all of their songs. Well that is until they started playing cover songs... what? they have plenty of their own music to not have to play covers. They covered AC/DC and Nirvana. There was the walking off the stage to get everyone to yell them back on for their last two songs. I hate that ego boost thing, because I knew they weren't done they were just waiting for everyone to yell to bring them back. We are there, so just play it's what we came for lol. Then in their last song they interjected it with lyrics from summer lovin' and then called it grease lightning... uh... yeah... so anyways overall I liked their set but was less than impressed with the covers. They also changed the tune of their last song as everyone was leaving to the tune of a swing song. It wasn't band but definitely interesting.

All in all we had a good night even though we felt old when we got home and I had to get up early to go to class this morning without much voice, and well Kev didn't have to get up today since he was scheduled off. We were planning on going to Lubbock today but I am going to go next week. As long as I get it done before next thursday we will be good to go. In the meantime we are just spending an almost all day off together.

Time to find some lunch and run an errand or two and maybe catch up on a movie or two. Have fun!

I know I know....

2008-10-26T15:56:00.002-05:00

But really, what do you want me to do? Make something up? I got a 100 on my speech, and passed my return demonstration (need a catheter? :0) I can do it) and have a huge test coming up in nursing school, that I am stressing about. I have been a cooking fool lately! I have been trying new recipes and reviving old ones, some days are better than others.

An update on my health is half here. My first two tests have come back with good numbers which means so far so good :) I am going on Thursday to have more blood drawn for the last test. If this one comes back that I made enough antibodies then I probably just need allergy shots. Since I've been waiting I have learned of two other people that this doctor has done this to. Told them they had this and when they investigated or told another doctor it was found that they in fact did have this, so I'm not the only one.

On Wednesday we are heading to a Puddle of Mudd/Saving Abel concert, we are excited. They did go and change the venue on us to a worse place because they were not selling enough tickets so who knows, but we are looking forward to it and are planning to have a good time.

Well I guess that's that. We are fairly boring and our biggest adventures lately are some new recipes lol. I am getting more and more into baking and cooking lately and am having a lot of fun with it.

Second Opinion

2008-10-02T23:45:00.002-05:00

Well today was headed to Lubbock (2 hours south) to see Dr. M. (I know right, finally not a b huh?), an immunologist/allergist, for a second opinion on hypogammaglobulinemia. Here's what he thinks:

Not enough tests were done.
He could not say for sure either way and did not think ivig was a good idea until he could say for sure.
Time for more testing.

What he did:

Pnuemovax (vaccine for pneumonia), to see if I develop any antibodies within the next four weeks.
Blood work to check my pneumonia antibodies currently, to check my tetnus antibodies and to take a look at my immunoglobin levels again.
Return in 6 weeks to see the results.

That is all we know at this point. Sorry no answers but further investigation is needed and so we'll have to wait and see what happens I suppose. If I do have hypogammaglobulinemia I am going to switch doctors. I liked that he answered questions, explained things and laid it all out there for us. If not and I just need allergy shots I will still change doctors but use a local one.

October? Already!?

2008-09-30T23:41:00.002-05:00

Okay so maybe not really for another 20 minutes or so :) I however cannot sleep and am hanging out in the living room. How is it Kev can go to sleep in like 3 minutes flat? I am jealous about that one. I have never been able to do that LoL. Despite being nervous (maybe that's why I can't sleep??) I have been trying my hardest to figure out a halloween costume for Kev and I. We have no clue what to do. So readers :) I am going to see if I can get any suggestions from you :) We don't mind if they are single costumes or a "couple" but we are needing something and don't know what to be! We are looking for creative, not the typical ones!

My second opinion is Thursday! ACK... Also the pharmacy did not have info for my IVIG and have just started work on that with my insurance company and possible cost. So we'll see how all of that goes, so wish me luck!

Update!

2008-09-24T21:43:00.004-05:00

I know I know, but you have to remember the fun I'm going through right now. I am going to get a second opinion on my CVID and see what he has to say. In the meantime the pharmacy is working with my insurance company to determine coverage, cost etc of IVIG treatment. I plan to call them tomorrow to see how it's going.

In other news.... well I guess there isn't much to tell LoL. School is going pretty good. I got an A on my first test, and passed my first return demonstration of bed bath and ROM. Exciting I know LoL. However one day it will all be worth it! Come on Dec. 2010

<~~~ Totally how I feel lately!! :)

Allergy Update Anyone?

2008-09-16T16:01:00.002-05:00

So as you know on friday I went for allergy testing and some blood work. Today they called me and asked me to come to the office to talk with the doctor about my labs. That is never a good sign. I was pretty curious even though there were really only three options in my future. They are 1. Do nothing. 2. Allergy shots. 3. Gammaglobulin infusions.

I knew the answer could not be 1 since they wanted me to come in and talk to the doctor. Since Friday I've been thinking allergy shots for sure, considering the allergies that came back positive on friday. In case you haven't figured it out Gammaglobulin infusions are in my future. Apparently I have Hypogammaglobulinemia, which he thinks will lead to Common Variable Immunodefiency. Which is very overwhelming at the moment. It does explain a lot, more than I am willing to explain at this second.

http://www.immunedisease.com/US/patients/IDF/cvid.html <~~ More info here

The plan is to find out which pharmacy my insurance will pay to whip me up some gammaglobulins and visit my allergy doctor once a month for 30-45 minutes for an infusion. At this point I'm not sure how long I will have to do that. These should be starting in the next few weeks and we'll have to go from there to see if these globulins are working and doing their job.

So, how was your day?

Football

2008-09-15T22:24:00.003-05:00

Well as you all are well aware of the season is in full swing. We of course have watched as many games as one household can watch. Of course it's Kevin screaming at the tv and me like yeah okay they can't hear you fool! LoL Speaking of football, we are both playing in two fantasy leagues. So far I'm 0 & 3, and Kev is 1 & 2. Not really going to well which I guess for some of you is great that Kev isn't doing too hot since he's a threat to most, but so far he has only beaten me.

We are watching the Cowboys/Eagles game at the moment. Our friend that is over is a "new" fan of the Eagles and everyone else here is about the cowboys, so as you can imagine it's been quite humorous here.

I might add the final score was 41 to 37 cowboys

Slightly Annoyed

2008-09-10T11:39:00.003-05:00

So what is the point in busting your butt to get an assignment done when the teacher just pushes it back a week because not everyone finished it? I mean seriously I feel like I put a lot of effort to get this assignment done in time and because some others did not, there is an extension? It's not like we didn't know about it until yesterday, we've had our assignments for the whole class since the beginning... I mean atleast it's done and I don't have to worry about it, but really where is the responsibility? I mean it's not like I am in high school anymore!

Okay so that was my rant for the moment! For now I am working on getting some rest since I was up late and then working on some other projects that I have due in the next couple of weeks.

In other news the fair is coming! We are celebrating Kev's birthday at the fair lol, it's a lot fun. We usually go once or twice and it's a lot of fun so def something exciting we are looking forward to at the end of the week!

Life is crazy!

2008-09-03T16:15:00.002-05:00

School is going good, but it's crazy I have tons of work to do! I am enjoying going even though I have to do presentations and speeches (my least favorite EVER, can't I just write a paper?) Soon we are starting hands on nursing skills in lab, most of which I already know how to do.

I am going to see an allergist, I can't remember if I told you that already. They scheduled my appt during one of my classes though so I am in the process of rescheduling that. My doctor thinks that I need allergy testing... again! and probably allergy shots to curb all of these upper respiratory infections I've been getting. I have added some Vitamin C to help as well. I am thinking they are planning to do the tests that day because I am not allowed to taking ANYTHING for my allergies for a week.... ugh I hope I don't get sick!

I am glad that this week is going by much faster than last week! I thought last week would never end!

I guess it's time to hit the books, or I should say videos for nursing class

School anyone?

2008-08-20T23:52:00.002-05:00

So you know the fun part about starting school on your birthday? Well once they find out they want to sing to you... As many of you know when I am in a new and unfamiliar situation I'm a little quiet and shy, and so by fun I mean totally embarrassing!

In case you didn't get it... I started school, well not so much school as "boot camp" for nursing school. Basically they tell you about a few things you'll be doing and give you a tour of the classrooms, practice labs, and testing areas. Our class is HUGE, the biggest ever for Amarillo College. There are over 100 students, and out of them I actually know one LoL.

Monday starts my full school schedule, I'm excited but nervous. I am only going to work at PAC on an "as needed" basis on days I agree upon, no more working every weekend and crazy hours. I will be working thurs and fridays at the surgery center, and class, or time for practice labs on the other days.

Really for now though I am hoping I feel better by then! Who wants to start school with a sinus infection? OOhh OOhh not me! Speaking of I am thinking they are going to send me to an ENT because this is my third one since the middle of June...

More about vacation

2008-08-15T20:54:00.002-05:00

As our vacation progressed things went alright. We enjoyed the boardwalk, putzed around Salisbury, and just hung out. We did head up to Philly for a short trip to see Adam and Megan. They thoroughly enjoyed the gift of a Cowboys shirt for their Nublet to wear :-D Okay okay so maybe not but we all got a kick out of it, considering they are Eagles fans so Kev and Adam were negotiating when Nublet could wear it.

Our trip home was interesting, we arrived super early as always when I am paranoid about not having directions to the rental car return (which turned out to be super easy, I got lost last time), traffic and other unexpected problems. So we checked in our luggage and went to get some early dinner and wait for our flight. We board on time and are leaving, and all of a sudden we stop on the runway, and sit there. Apparently there were storms in our route and no planes could fly... so an hour and a half later we FINALLY took off. We worried about making our connecting flight... We landed in Dallas about 15 minutes before our connection was scheduled to take off. As luck would have it we were at the BACK of the plane and were almost the last people off. We were nearly running through the airport. As we approached our gate, it was dim, the ticket agent was gathering his things and walking away, luckily towards us. He asked if we were going to Amarillo and we are like YES! and so he calls them and lets us get on where we have to sit in the front row like when you are in trouble on the school bus.

While the guy was preparing a paper, and glancing over a tickets, I inquired if our luggage would make it. He said oh the luggage usually makes it way before the passengers. I was like okay, fairly confident that my luggage would arrive with me in Amarillo. We land in Amarillo an hour later and watch the luggage go round and round, none of them belonging to us... We kept waiting and waiting, finally overhead we hear "This is all of the luggage from the American flight, if yours is not here come to the office" UGH! We go stand in line behind two other people and have to give our information and they look up our luggage which I guess did NOT make it to the plane as fast as we (the passengers) did. Must be because the luggage can't run like we can! LoL Thursday they delivered the luggage to Kevin at his work. When I got off from my second job I was looking for the luggage and Kev says oh oops I forgot it... So I didn't have my stuff for another night, oh well. Everything (Kev, the luggage, and me) all made it back to Amarillo safely and back to work we went, both working sixteen hours our first day back.

PS: I am officially a Nursing student, paid tuition and all!

Vacation

2008-08-08T09:08:00.004-05:00

Kev and I made it to Maryland!! We have had a perfect vacation so far (so not the norm for us) and things are falling right into place. We enjoyed the trees on our ride from the airport, and both of us had forgotten just how many there are here! So far we've seen five members of our family. Most of which we'll see this weekend. Today we are headed to the beach I think, of course after a great breakfast my dad is cooking for us. For most of the days we are kind of taking things as they go and having a good time. We haven't made many set in stone plans to allow for our vacation!

While you are working we will be soaking up the sun, and enjoying not working, which I might add we've done more than our share this summer and are totally enjoying just kicking back!

less than 3 weeks and counting!

2008-07-18T20:17:00.003-05:00

I know I know you all know that we are coming to the shore and well I am bringing it up again for more than the fact that I am super excited about it! I cannot believe how this summer has flown by. I've felt like we haven't done much of anything but work. We haven't been to the lake much, we haven't taken our camping trips we were hoping to and in less than a month I'll be back in school again. I can't believe it. So when I looked at the calendar the other day I noticed OMG it's 3 weeks until we go on vacation! We have been discussing sooooo many plans and are really excited. I am just hoping my sickness goes away lol, I am working on my second sinus infection in a month ugh! So while I feel like a summer has passed us by so quickly. Mostly my fault since I'm working like crazy!! I have really enjoyed spending time with the kids at job 2. I have revisited water balloon fights, three legged races, riding bikes, and going to the local pool. Oh did I mention we are taking them skating on saturday? I do enjoy that which is why I stay there even though it means I am working like crazy and I think I will continue to work there just not as much once school starts, probably a weekend thing maybe just one day so as not to over do LoL.

We also decided that we would cut back on our cable services (because really when your dvr stays almost full all the time then you don't have time to watch) and we are trying to work our way through all of our movies. Tonight's movies: Men in Black 2, Men of Honor, and if we are really adventurous Hide and Seek.

Babies, Babies everywhere

2008-07-12T22:00:00.002-05:00

Seems like everyone has a little one on the way these days. Adam and Megan were the first ones. Our friends Chris and Tosha who just got married in Feb. literally found out Tuesday night they were expecting. Were both happy and excited for both as they go on this new found adventure. I think its a little jealousy as well not in a bad way by any means but jealousy none the less. Is that wrong??? I don't think so, I think God or whoever or whatever runs the universe is just making us wait for that right time. But I know I keep thinking it may never happen as we have a timeline with Shelly's valve possibly needing to be replaced within the next 5-6 yrs. I know what some people are thinking "hey that's a long time" it is a long time. We haven't been trying by any means but we haven't been preventing either. I thought we would have had one by now to be completely honest. But that's all right because we have already talked and if for whatever reason we aren't able to have kids or don't get it done before her next valve replacement we have already decided to adopt. And tell you the truth I think I wanna do that even if we do have a couple of kids. Just looking from the crap that Shelly tells me about her second job. There is alot of kids who really need good homes and good families to grow into. Anyways, update on my minor surgery. So I had my EGD on Wednesday and everything went very well they didn't even poke a hole in my stomach like they said could happen when I signed the waiver sorry if we do it but you can't sue cause we told you it could happen. I think after I got my sleepy time shot I do remember telling the doc to be gentle on me cause I was fragile. Funny right? Oh I also think I had a dream that I woke up in the middle of the procedure. Talking to my father he said I may have woke up because you really don't dream win your under. So that's a question I definitely want to ask but I have to make it clear that I don't care if did happen, I just think its funny. Cause I know that the doc is going to deny cause he doesn't wanna get sued or whatever. All my blood test have come clean I have no problems period. The one thing that they did find on the EGD was that I have a hernia but its not a bad one its actually a common hernia that alot of people have. The side effects of having this type of hernia is that you usually have acid reflux bad in my case its pretty common to have acid reflux. They did do a biopsy on a part of my stomach that was inflamed so well see how that turns out. I should go the wifey is about to be home soon and I still have a little bit of laundry to finish up.

EGD anyone?

2008-07-09T16:03:00.002-05:00

Today was Kev's date with the scope :) Apparently they didn't stop at the tonsil hockey. After a good look into his esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.

The verdict: 1. An inflammed esophagus, they took a biopsy to see exactly why (infection, recent vomiting, smoking, acid reflux). 2. A Hiatal Hernia which at the moment I have no clue how big it is, but if it is small it's manageable without surgery or anything else. Until we know more about that there isn't a whole lot to worry about. It could be what is making him sick though. If it is big enough and causing him all of those symptoms he would have to have laparoscopic surgery. We're hoping for the little one were takes this medicine to prevent the reflux and watch what you eat and you'll be okay :) 3. NO ULCERS *hurray*

For the night we are just relaxing and letting Kev rest up after his exciting date :)

OH YEAH!!

2008-07-07T20:23:00.003-05:00

So I totally forgot (How? I don't know!)

Kev had his appt today with Dr. Ba (the GI doc). Well he basically said the same thing as Dr. Br about the ulcer, acid reflux and vomiting. He is going to do an Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, aka EGD (don't say you didn't learn anything today!!). Kevin is going to have this done on Wednesday morning so maybe we'll know more then. Or at his next appointment. I totally hate the waiting game... So I'm hoping for knowing more on Wednesday. We'll see from there.

To learn about an EGD check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Esophagogastroduodenoscopy

Movie Night(s)?

2008-07-07T20:15:00.002-05:00

It is fairly common knowledge that Kev and I are like working on owning our own video store in our living room. (well to those that read this blog, all 3 of you?) We have decided on a huge undertaking.... rewatching them all!! :) We have been going for a couple of days now and wow we have a LONG way to go. Almost defeats the purpose of cable for a few months lol. We have decided to each VETO one movie out of all of them :) Kev used his within the first few movies MUAHAHAHA. It has been fun and I'm sure we will find new favorites all over again. So in case you were wondering we are being totally boring and drama free and watching movies :-D Oh yeah I still work both jobs so with just that free time is hard. Less than a month and we'll be on vacation!! I can't wait!!

Kevin's trip...

2008-07-01T19:09:00.004-05:00

To see our family doctor that is. Today Kev went to see Dr. Br. (not to be confused with my ex-employer Dr. B) for the first time. He was of course going to see him about the vomiting. Which I might add was not a one time deal, not always coffee grounds but vomiting nonetheless.

His appointment was at a time were I could not tag along and let me tell you I so wanted to!! I did tell Kev to make sure he told him everything that has been going on.

They are thinking that he has a small ulcer. They did some blood work in the office and sent him home with a test to be sure he doesn't have a bleed elsewhere. He is also going to see a Gastrointestinal doctor... Dr. Ba (I have no idea why all of our docs start with B). Monday is when Kev will meet Dr. Ba. which is good because the second time they meet they are going to get a lil closer haha. Kev has to have an EGD done to determine 1. an ulcer? 2. How big? 3. Bleeding? 4. What needs to be done?

In the meantime he gave Kev some medicine for heartburn thinking/hoping that will stop the vomiting, and help the ulcer. So for now we wait for the results of the labs and procedures.

Kids....

2008-06-22T19:33:00.002-05:00

Things on my end have been SUPER crazy. Today was a great day though. I so love playing with the kids at my work. Today we had some issues and they'd been bad lately. Regardless we brought water balloons to work and had them do a balloon toss, a couple of relay races and a water balloon fight. It was sooo much fun. I love summer as it is and these kids are totally making this summer a lot more enjoyable. I plan to talk Kev into some backyard goofiness with water guns and balloons. Speaking of Kev he is headed to the doctor since I didn't even know all of the stuff that had gone on until midnight last night when I checked the blog.

In our free time (wait, that should be moments) we are trying to finalize some plans for the east coast so expect some communication from us in the near future.

What did I get myself into???

2008-06-21T21:04:00.002-05:00

Ok so about mid week I get a phone call from my friend Chris asking if I wanted to play in a charity basketball tournament. I do like doing some charity work here and there and he assured me it was for a good cause so I said sign me I'm down. I haven't played organized basketball in over 8 years probably haven't touched a ball in 3 so needless to say I was a little rusty. The tournament gave us a first round bye I think because collectively we were the oldest on the courts. No one was really close to our age. Hence why we called ourselves "The Has Beens" my suggestion was the never were. But has beens is better. Anyways our first game was at 10:30 against a team called 7-11 yes just like the convience store. They went up over ten points at one time and then we just came back and won. It was really inspiring a little bit because you know we're old, we're out of shape and we haven't played in a long time we just handled everything perfectly. I think my body went into shock after that first game. I couldn't really catch my breath that whole offtime, my back tightened up, and my head just started killing me. Our second game was more interesting the team we had played was a bunch of just graduated high school kids off of really good teams. So they really took care of us. The ending score to that one was 17-7. we were playing ones and two's everyone hence the low scoring. After that game I felt alot better like I had never stopped playing. I was tired but not beaten like I felt after the first game. The third game was against 7-11 again and again we went down a few points and then just turned it on and won. Our "captain" had to take off early between game two and three so we had to pickup a 4th. Guess what the people we asked turned us down. So I got introduced to a girl named Katy. Little did we know that she was just all Caprock basketball player took them to the playoffs first time in 20+ yrs all district player. She had literally lit some of them guys up we played to her advantages and she played to ours it was awesome. We won our third and had to play the same team we played in game 2. Of course they won but we did make it alot closer. On a different note I kinda scared myself today. I was coughing trying to catch my breath and stuff like that. I ended up getting sick and throwing up. Which isn't the scary part it was the fact that I think it was some of like tar from my lungs. It was definitely black and I didn't eat so I don't know what to make of it. But I think I'm almost ready to quit, it opened my eyes up to how bad my lungs are so. No promises but I'm thinking harder on quitting so that's a start.
Things I learned today:
1. I'm not in shape at all
2. Maybe I should stop smoking
3. I really liked playing in today's tournament maybe I should play more often

Tornadoes

2008-06-20T17:34:00.002-05:00

A couple of weeks ago in the middle of a talk about tornadoes which I've learned I really don't like and am scared of since moving out here to Amarillo.

S: PAC has a storm shelter for ALL the kids, Is it crazy that I worry about having to use that for a tornado!?
K: No, but don't worry, tornado season is almost over and they don't really come to Amarillo anyways.
S: oh I guess I'm safe for another year haha

Boy we were both wrong. Last night I was working at PAC and the skies were looking horrible and it started raining, we get a call that says take all the girls to the basement in the boys house for the weather. We line them up and are fighting a couple of girls to go over and the head manager pokes her head in the door and says you need to get over there NOW! RUN! I'm thinking what!? run!? now!? ACK...

We all run over there and hang out for a little while. Meanwhile three tornadoes hit, all within two miles of PAC, which they shared with the staff and not the kids. I about lost it! The kids were asking me questions about the tornado and how bad it was, would the basement hold up, what about their mom's who didn't have storm shelters and what would happen if it came to PAC and how bad is it and Miss Shelly are you scared and how bad is it?

Of course I had left my phone on the counter that morning and so I called Kev after everything and talked to him when I got home.

S: So much for that tornadoes don't come to Amarillo thing...
K: yeah but it wasn't in town limits...

Needless to say it was quite a traumatizing night...

Gotta love being materialistic

2008-06-11T21:50:00.002-05:00

So we finally got our stimulus check. Which was much needed to get us out of the hole with the hole debacle with Shelly's former employer putting us in a rut. So we did what any adults would do and paid off unpaid bills. We did however decide to get Shelly/me a new zune 30 gig mp3 player with zune subscription. Now for all you apple lovers it was definetly a hard decision to make. I just felt that microsoft has a good thing going with their zune product line and right now the only apple I would get is the Itouch there is less commitment with it. There is more reasons but we won't get in to that right now. We got it last night Shelly installed all the software that night while I was watching Jumper. Seeing as she has a late day today I installed about 60+ songs, some podcasts and a few pictures. I love this thing I'm happy that I got it for Shelly now I'll have to get myself one. We do have some new news. Shelly and I are planning our vacation for the east. We will be down from Aug. 6th to the 13th. More details as they come about. This is one of the few vacations to the east that I'm actually looking forward to. I have been promised that this will actually be a vacation full like vacation stuff instead of hanging with family. Don't worry we will still make rounds. I do look forward to that. I just like to vacation to. Between the two of us come August will be so ready for a vacation. Shell is currently putting just about 80 hrs. a week between both jobs. I'm only putting in 40 but there 40 long, hard, and stressful hrs. So here's to the east coast can't wait to see you and our families.

Love Hate relationship

2008-06-01T13:08:00.003-05:00

Ok so know this isn't Shelly posting this one it actually is the husband Kevin. I know its crazy right. Ok so on to my title with the love/hate relationship I have with I guess myself. I love that I have one of the greatest wifes ever. The best family any person can come into immediate and extended and by law families. I have great parents that have shown me unconditional love and support through all bad mistakes made. They have taught me the value of a dollar and how important it is to have a good work ethic. To good according to my wife who thinks I put work first more times than not which is probably true. I love that I live to the fullest and really don't care that I'm not rich. I'm comfortable and happy and thats all that matters. I work for a company called Hill-Rom. They are a specialty bed company that delivers beds and medical equipment to Hospitals. They have been around for over 75 years. I love the job and I can move wherever I want that has a service center in the states which is just about anywhere. I recently made employee of the quarter for my territory and received 30 shares of the company as well. Which right now is worth over 1200. So needless to say they like me and I like them. Shelly will be going to school in the fall for her RN. She has another job at the Taj Mahol of Surgery Centers in Amarillo paying very well and is going to work around her school schedule. All good news right? It is. Now to what I hate about myself. I have recently been looking into a change of scenery. I don't know what it is about me but I can't stay still for to long I like Amarillo, I like the East Coast but I just can't stay still. My new hotspot for a place to live is Seattle Washington. Its definetly the most beautiful place I've ever seen. I've been doing research into it and the cost of living isn't to bad its more less like living in Baltimore or Washington D.C. or even Philidelphia. So as far as the cost goes its not that bad. Now realistically we wouldn't even move until Shelly is out of school. But man I got that itch and really can't wait till then. I lived in the middle of the states, lived on the east, now its time to live on the west. Who knows maybe that will be the last move probably not though. Seattle has two to three service centers to choose from and they are always looking for people. Shelly says I have alot of wants but somehow we always make it work. Oh yeah I do have to still convince my wonderful wife to sign on to this adventure as she doesn't know yet thats our next big move. So good luck to me and maybe I'll start writing more so check back. Oh yeah congrats to my cousin Adam for being a dad!

takebacks?

2008-05-22T14:19:00.002-05:00

I would like to take back on of the YAYs from yesterday. Can I do that? Seriously, my car didn't get finished yesterday (something about Ford sending them the wrong part...) and so today it was finished... Okay I can handle that... but WOW! I just got a bill that is DOUBLE what Kevin, his brother and I were all thinking... Can we say OUCH? My pocketbook (shush Chris) really really hurts right now. But atleast it's fixed and will be home tonight or tomorrow afternoon whenever we have the time to get it since I have to work the evening shift tonight and the day shift tomorrow...

2008-05-21T21:19:00.003-05:00

YAY for Kevin coming home tomorrow!

YAY for getting my car back tomorrow!

YAY for David Cook winning American Idol!

That is enough YAY for today!

That is all

Happy Anniversary!!

2008-05-20T12:29:00.002-05:00

Five years ago today something life changing took place. No we didn't start dating, and we didn't get engaged today (Please we had only been dating 3 months!!!) The 3 months part is very important though. I had to have my aortic valve replaced. While that is HUGE to go through, the most awesome part... Kevin.

I had a lot of thought about what would happen after only 3 months. He was such a wonderful trooper and really helped me through so much. There are many of our family and friends that were there as well. I think the day that Kevin drove me home Sunday May 25th I knew he was the one for me and I was the one for him. Just the simple way he took care of me, and was there on all of his days off just taking care of me, and when the inevitable post surgery breakdown came, he was there. Today is the anniversary of a week long of moments that made me realize just how much I loved Kevin. I believe it was the 23rd when I told him. One part that I don't even know if he knows I know (he will now I guess) The day after surgery he stopped by my mom's work and was very concerned if I was going to be okay, which after a little white lie and a lot of conivincing they finally let him see me the night before which was not exactly my best night. I am glad that he was able to talk to her and that she was able to comfort him.

Kevin is one of the greatest people I have ever met and I love him with all my heart, stitches and all! I am glad that Adam invited, okay forced him to come to the party I was hosting for a friend, it definitely changed my life forever.

School?

2008-05-17T17:19:00.002-05:00

I got my letter yesterday!!! I am soo excited!! I have been accepted to nursing school in the fall. I also got a job that I had tried for a year ago at a surgery center and this time they hired me, almost right off the back! I am glad b/c they pay better and are willing to work around school and all that fun stuff! In the meantime work is crazy and I am exhausted! So yeah laters

so yeah wow...

2008-05-02T20:55:00.002-05:00

First things first... I GOT A JOB!! It's a pretty good job, with a horrible schedule, and a horrible pay... but if I get a higher paying job then I will have to leave or maybe work both jobs. For sure the first day I came home with a HUGE headache... Oh wait I am getting ahead of myself. I am working at Panhandle Assessment Center which takes care of kids that have been removed from their home for abuse or neglect, or it maybe that they used to be a foster home but things didn't work out for whatever reason, so they come to the center and stay for up to 12 weeks until they get a place to stay. Right now there are 17 kids total, 9 girls, and 6 boys. They were getting some new ones when I left this evening so I am thinking there are going to a few more girls and boys tomorrow when I go. I am about 12 hours away from finishing my training. I start my own shifts on Friday, and I have work the whole weekend!! :-P Saturday myself and another brand new girl are running the day shift so I am going in tomorrow to train for about six hours to see how the saturday shift works. I hope they aren't planning an outing since I still can't drive their vehicles yet. The kids are pretty difficult at times but other times they are good. I am a little worried because they don't listen to me very well lol. We'll see what happens I guess, I have an interview Monday but am trying to hold out for another position at a surgery center but we'll see I guess...

Secondly yeah I don't really have a secondly so hope you liked the first part LoL

We're back... worried weren't you? :)

2008-04-25T23:58:00.001-05:00

After some time we have decided that positive thinking is the way to go!! Today my job wasn't posted :( Texas workforce wants to discuss the "seperation" from my last employer, and I still don't have a paycheck... SO yeah on to the positive thinking... Today was my inlaws birthdays, I know crazy they have the same birthday, same year, and only about 1 hour apart (taking into consideration the time change as they were not born in the same time zone) My silly friend Kell didn't even believe it, my FIL even talked to her about it it was funny :) He was a good sport! I made them brownies and had dinner with them at their house. Kevin is out of town so I was playing both parts :) Don't worry, he'll be back tomorrow morning :) We are heading to the lake to spend the night, play on the boat (if the weather agrees) and just hang out... I hope we remember pillows.... we ALWAYS forget pillows... I am glad that some things seemed to have settled down and for the weekend atleast I can worry about remember pillows, so much better than during the week... On monday though it's back to the grind... lol

The good, and the bad.... we're skipping the ugly lol

2008-04-15T15:43:00.002-05:00

So Kev and I paid our taxes today... ugh hopefully next year will be very different, considering I will have a different job. School should help also. Atleast we were able to pay on time and don't have to worry about it anymore!! :) I am glad for that...

Onto the good.... We are going to be cold!! Okay so that doesn't sound too good but most know that I don't do heat real well lol and we got central air put in today, talk about exciting! For us anyways haha :) I am glad, I was not ready for a summer here with no AC haha

Today was otherwise a fairly productive day and tomorrow will be a little less but still productive nonetheless. Sam was supposed to get a shot and a check up but they over scheduled the vet and so no :) I do have to visit the college and fill out even more paperwork yay :)

Testing...

2008-04-09T21:16:00.003-05:00

So on Monday (much to my boss' dismay *rolls eyes*) I took a HESI exam. It tested my math skills, reading comprehesion, and vocab and general knowledge. I had bought the study guide and studied a little, but was mostly disappointed with not so much the guide itself, but the content is easier than I was expecting, considering it is a part of the entrance to nursing school with a 14% chance of starting this fall. I did very well, even the nursing teaching staff I had to turn my scores into were impressed. :) go me!! I got a 96% in math, a 93.62% in reading, and 98% in vocab. With an average of 95.87% I earned myself 5 more points. So I am hoping that 11 (maybe 12, not sure) out of 14 points will be higher than 600 other students and I can start in the fall... I am keeping my fingers crossed that I can start! Now all there is to do is to wait... I hate that part, atleast another month before I know anything else.

Relay for life anyone?

2008-03-31T18:20:00.001-05:00

Kevin and I have decided to join in Relay for life. We are putting together a team and working on donations and all that kinda stuff. So of course a nice little plug for ourselves on our own page lol :) So here is our link, if you are local and want to join, let us know! If you want to help otherwise that is awesome too! If none of the above works for you then just wish us luck! Thanks

http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RelayForLifeHighPlainsDivision?px=5683091&pg=personal&fr_id=6227

We got a new microwave..... again

2008-03-23T16:52:00.002-05:00

Well our recently purchased microwave went kaput and so today I exchanged it for a new one. Hopefully this one will prove all of the good reviews I'd read about it. Keep your fingers crossed :-P This weekend we spent some time at the lake house. It was COLD lol hopefully the next time we go it won't be so cold and we can actually visit the lake lol :)

We can be such slackers :)

2008-03-16T19:43:00.002-05:00

Yes yes I know we aren't very good lately about updating but you know :) So the only new news I have is that I've been accepted for school in the fall and am waiting for them to decide on which credits they are going to take. Keeping my fingers crossed that it is most of them.... Although I know there are some they are not going to like and some that well my grade probably wasn't high enough, which is only one, maybe two, but honestly it wasn't entirely my fault.... oh well though.

We also are going to be spending a lot of time at the lake now that it is getting warmer, pretty much a weekend that kevin is not on call... we will be at the lake fun stuff :)

Also I went to see the dietician this last week. He said that I am doing a pretty good job on my own and just wanted to tweak my diet. I have successfully lost 7 pounds in a month, not easy but definately is getting easier and more habit.

More updates later!!

Tennis....

2008-03-02T17:33:00.002-06:00

Today Kev and I went out and played tennis with our friends Chris and Tosha. We had a blast. I have been waiting for a long time to go. I had my racquet and balls for quite some time now but today we finally got to go play :) It was like 70 today! of course though with the typical amarillo wind it was a little cooler, but you know. Now for the kicker.... it's supposed to snow tonight! Go figure haha.

as promised!

2008-02-29T19:26:00.006-06:00

So not the best picture but hard to get it in front of a mirror since I have to keep them in the bedroom so Roxy won't eat them! HAHA

Happy Anniversary!

2008-02-26T20:49:00.002-06:00

Today Kevin and I have been married for 3 years. Crazy I know I can't believe it either. This year I left the planning of our anniversary to Kevin :) He did a great job! Apparently he went last week (yes last week.... I was shocked too since he usually waits til the day of) and ordered me flowers which were delivered to my work this afternoon. They are so pretty... Roxy likes em too, she was trying to eat them. When Kev got off work we went out to eat at my favorite resturant Olive Garden. It was good. Now we are just relaxing and spending the evening together. It was a great anniversary. I got Kev a funny card and the third season of Lost :) I have a picture of my flowers but haven't uploaded them but I'm working on it :) hehe Oh well back to our anniversary! more fun stuff later!!

oops....

2008-02-18T20:38:00.002-06:00

Well Kev and I got my office back together and were going to take some pictures so you could see the carpet which I might add no one quessed the colors :( However we went to close the door and it was snowing and freezing rain and we decided to get out of there.

I got my other set of lab work today and it pretty much said the same thing, some of it though I don't understand and will have to ask the doc about it because it in involves some very important information in the future of my fertility... so I need to investigate if those are okay or not. My thyroid does seem to be staying fairly stable through all of the lab tests and have another coming up at the end of the month to check it again and to check my lipids for any change. We will find out soon enough if I am going to be able to have a child on my own, and when considering, two doctors wants me to start soon and get it over with, the other seems to think waiting a long while is the better option..... so yeah I don't know. Do I go with which has the more votes? the one I see most often? The one who cares more about my metabolic x and pcos or the one who will be following me while i am pregnant, or ask another doctor... I just don't know. I am just taking it one day at a time and trying to get my stuff under control so I don't have to worry about all of this stuff....

As for everything else I am trying to think of a good surprise for Kev for our anniversary.... I did such a good job for valentines that the anniversary is going to be hard.... :-P

PS

2008-02-17T12:41:00.002-06:00

We got new carpet in my office this weekend... I have to go put it back in order.... fun stuff but I'm gonna take pictures of when things are put away :) It looks pretty i'm impressed with the choice.... oh btw I got to pick the color! I'll let you guys guess what color I picked before I show you the pictures :) (I don 't think I already told you....) if so then well you know! haha

Lab results

2008-02-17T12:18:00.002-06:00

My endo's office has this system where if you want your labs mailed to you, they give you an envelope you fill out your address and they send them to you with a note of what the dr says. I of course did that. They arrived in the mail yesterday! One thing I noticed that wasn't noted is my potassium is close to being low... will probably have to up my potassium.... ugh just what I want to take more pills lol. I also found out that my thyroid medicine is doing wonders for my thyroid so YAY to that. Another questionable one was my testerone levels.... which I might add are very normal. so another yay there. Now onto the bad.... I definitely have metabolic x, insulin resistance (same thing 2 names) it's not terrible but definitely it's there. I started medicine today to help level that out and will in the long run help out quite a few things even so hopefully this medicine will help. Finally something seems to be right since my thyroid is much better after 3 weeks of medicine it is at a better number than it was. I started taking the metformin today and am def having some of the side effects my poor tummy :-P the dr says that should go away, so I'm going to keep trudging along and hope it helps!

I know I know I'm a little late :)

2008-02-16T15:58:00.003-06:00

This is the promised pic of what was on my desk wednesday morning :)

PS that isn't my desk, just where i was when I took the picture, note that is it diet friendly for me :)

This is what I found when I got back from my doctors appointment....

yes.... that is a cialis sticker..... thanks to rep for that one, he was using my desk while i was gone and he was waiting for the lunch he ordered for our office.... guess he thought that i needed a cialis sticker...

For a little fun since I was late :) I added pictures of the babies :) Roxy's new place to hang out is the dryer (with or without clothes)

Our little runaway who is fully recovered and safe at home

Today part II

2008-02-13T21:32:00.002-06:00

Today I spent plenty of time at the doctors office, no not the one I work at, the endo's office. His name is Dr. Brantley and if it's been more than one month since he has seen you, or in my case a new patient you get blood work and a UA so that was my first stop in the office. Then he came in the room, and answered any and all questions I had. Today I learned....
1. I for sure have a crapped out thyroid
2. I for sure have Metabolic X syndrome
3. I have to take more medicine
4. I am going to see the dietician in exactly one month unless things are 'weird' with bloodwork
5. The aforementioned medicine will help pretty much everything above
6. I have to check my sugar often (NO I'm not diabetic)\
7. I will find out if my thyroid replacement is doing it's job very soon, and learned it may be temporary *keeping my fingers crossed*
8. I am weird as my lab result numbers confuse the doctor as to if I'm getting better or worse....
9. I have to go back in 2 months to see how everything is going
10. That means I have to have more labs drawn then

So today I still didn't learn everything but it's a step and gives me a better idea of what is going on.

In other news:
There was another field fire (did I tell you about the first? I dunno) but anyways this time 2 homeless guys started a fire (with very very windy conditions) in a field to cook their lunch... their 'campfire' grew pretty big. crazy i tell ya.

Tomorrow I will post a picture of what I found on my desk today before and after my dr appt. Yes I remember I am supposed to post a pic of my new glasses but I left em at chris and tosha's house oops...

Today

2008-02-13T10:35:00.002-06:00

They moved my endo appointment up from April 2nd to today.... This afternoon is my appointment. I am ready I have my food logs, my exercise logs, my labs, my questions, and my med list. Time to face the music and see what he says. I have been doing well with my eating and staying within my ranges. I haven't been soo good with exercising but I'm slowly making myself do it, I still have furniture to rearranging to do this weekend. Also I am getting a new machine, not sure which one yet but I can promise it will not be a treadmill :-P We'll see what this guy says today and hope that things go well!

Progressing....

2008-02-11T19:09:00.000-06:00

I have successfully gotten both of my appointments scheduled. I got some blood work done on friday (I have the bruise to show it!) The dietitican appointment is march 15th or so, and the endo appointment is scheduled for april 2nd but if they get anything sooner they are going to call me. Now all I can do is take my medicine, exercise, watch what I eat, write everything down and well wait of course.... At the end of the month they will check my thyroid and see if that number is any better.... keep your fingers crossed. They will check everything else again in July to see where all the other labs are. Depending on those numbers and a few other things in August they may do more labs and then we'll go from there I suppose.... Oh yeah I found out when I was getting my glasses that it is almost time for an exam, but I am going to put that off a little bit while they are doing everything else. Priorities you know :)

As for other things, Kevin is just working like a maniac still, tonight though he is off early and we get to hang out! Thursday he is taking the whole day off because he has too much overtime, which will give us a guaranteed valentines together b/c I get off at like 2 on thursdays.

rough stuff

2008-02-08T21:43:00.000-06:00

Well I was finally getting things on the right track, got my homesickness under control, we moved, things have been going well. I've been working my butt off at the gym, unfortunately not literally. Come to find out something is wrong with me.... again.... My thyroid numbers are high which means my thyroid is not working enough ( high numbers = low thyroid, go figure) None the less I have been gaining weight and am now more than I weigh before I started. I went to the ob/gyn doctor and I now have to see an endocronologist, and a dietician. The endocronologist for both my thyroid and another syndrome that I've had since I was 14 PCOS which only shows it's face when gaining weight. Despite everything I am doing just that. So my ob/gyn says no having babies for atleast 6 months to a year until they figure what is going on with my thyroid, I have started medication for it and in about a month they will do more blood work. Today I had lots and lots of bloodwork done as I'm having some other problems that well you all might not want all of the details to. Regardless it's been enough, although probably not as bad as you think. I've started to log everything I eat, drink, do, including medication, and the times of everything. As of now I'm in limbo, waiting for the endocrinologist who may or may not send me his own dietician or going to another through the hospital. awaiting my recent blood work, and looking forward to more (well not really but you know.) all in all that is what's going on around here. Otherwise Kevin is still pretty steady with NWTHS and we finally got to go get a movie and sack out a little tonight! :) oohh and I got new glasses today, pictures later promise!

Time to watch the movie hear from ya soon! :)

don't miss the first one from today but just though of something!

2008-02-06T21:36:00.000-06:00

yes this is a second post of the day.... I know two in one day right!? go me! (does this make up for the times I slack?!) LoL

This one is for Adam over at tuttletree.... I eluded to a story based on one of his photos and thought I'd let him out of suspense... although the likelyhood my childhood story kept him in too much suspense is low I figure I'll still share so here's to you Adam!

When I was little we used to go to Westminster MD to see my "poppy" (my stepdad's grandfather), I would say about a few times a year. He lived on this HUGE farm... there I learned to love, and then later hate horses. Learned to pick apples from a tree, rode on some huge farm equipment and tasted the most fresh water I've ever had in my life. We would hike way out behind the house, past the farm into the woods to a stream where water flowed from the mountain. We would find the perfect spot where it was constantly moving water and fill up some containers and drink right from the stream. The best place we found was surrounded with trees deep in the woods with beautiful trees, and spots of light poking through. It wasn't unsual to see a deer or two which we could get pretty close to if we tried really hard and stayed very patient. It was beautiful. I just wish I'd been into taking pictures, as a matter of fact I don't remember EVER taking a picture one when we went there to visit. The only ones we ever saw were ones that Jake (I can't remember if/how he's related) painted. They were beautiful. So now I know that my writing and story telling isn't up to yours and actually writing this brings back lots of wonderful memories, and sad since the farm was sectioned off and sold when my poppy died and is no longer the beautiful place it once was. I hope you get how the stream hit me so profoundly, if so then my story with some rambling did it's job.

Hello moon

2008-02-06T21:25:00.000-06:00

Moon.... because well Kevin has been seeing it a lot lately. The new contract for his company with UHS (the huge hospital system nationwide that just hired hill-rom), our local is NWTHS (the one I USED to work at) has been running him ragged. All of his beds are out and they are still wanting more!! Of course his helper is out of town this week for training and he's busting his butt off!

Did you notice the used to? I got "terminated" from NWTHS b/c they didn't call me.... go figure... of course though it is considered that I gave my two weeks and when I asked if for some reason I wanted to come back if I could... they were like uh in a minute, do you want to start next week!? I was like uh no I was just asking :)

Otherwise we are just working and rearranging some of the rooms as things are working the way we originally planned and I am making one room an office, and exercise room, and the middle room is the guest room. This will be of course until a baby comes, and NO there is not one coming so don't even start with me!

and for fun.....

yes i cheated, if you don't know how, don't worry bout it :)

2008-02-02T21:13:00.000-06:00

Today kev and I got a new tv for the bedroom. I have to add that it is not my bright idea for such a thing, seeing as how I would be perfectly content with not having a tv in there period. While going from place to place to find one we liked and with a decent price Kev got called to work and I got dubbed the tv finder. I finally found a decent one that I think will be good at walmart, as we didn't have much luck at best buy or sam's. As for the exciting part we got a new microwave! go us! We have been using the same one that I've had before I was with Kevin and I can't for the life of me remember if I got it new at 18 or if it was a hand me down. This 0ne is bigger and hopefully won't Power off on its own after 3 seconds of cooking.... and the last time we used the old one it was smoking and smelled so we decided not to use it after that. We ALSO ended up getting a new bluray player since it was on sale for a good price at best buy.Kevin is unfortunately still at work since he was called out while we were shopping, and has to had make a circle and some backtracking and places I don't really know where they were are, just an idea of how far away they are. Hopefully he'll be home in an hour or an hour and a half....Otherwise things are good, My staff is doing well and things seem to be running pretty smoothly at the office. On monday we are getting an "audit" "recredentialing" from BCBS and had to get some stuff at the office done today. Kev's dad came and switched a doorknob and fixed my desk. Dr. B got a hold of him and had him check out a few other things.... I was like Dr B he is just here to do me a favor!! Luckily I put a stop to that before it got even worse.Things are moving and grooving with kevins work he is soo busy!!

Accomplished!

2008-01-30T20:21:00.000-06:00

Since we moved into our house we've been trying to fix somethings up. We've painted and are in the middle of taking wallpaper down and decorating etc etc. Well today I stepped up to plate and changed a showerhead all by myself, teflon tape and all! I even know what that is haha! I also hung some decorations in the bathroom that I have had sitting around since christmas and pictures will follow. I didn't think to take them until I was pretty much finished. It took three tries of tightening and loosening until it did not leak but by golly by the time I was done we had a new showerhead with two heads that works! As you all know Kevin <3's his showers. This is his valentines gift that he had only to enjoy it. This part he got a little early because not only does it help him, but I didn't like the one we had before so it benefitted each of us :) Nonetheless I tackled it and was very proud that I in fact did it and got it to work!

Hello Sunshine

2008-01-27T13:54:00.000-06:00

Well nothing too exciting has happened since our trip. It was back to work for both of us and lots of laundry LoL :) I had to buckle down and play boss.... I sometime wonder how I am in that position because I feel so bad about it, I'm just too nice LoL so it was against my normal grain but I hosted a meeting and brought everything up that needed to be addressed. Kevin hasn't been killed but in the next week or so he will be starting with his new contract at the big hospital so he will be pretty busy!

I got to spend some time yesterday with Kev's mom at the spa! She had a massage, pedicure, and manicure, I got a facial, pedicure, and manicure. It was fun and totally something different. We then went out to lunch and just hung out as the girls LoL those days are always fun :)

Today is just a lazy productive day (doesn't make sense I know) but I've cleaned up the kitchen and am working on laundry and hunting up new recipese to learn to cook :-D If you hear of a fire in Amarillo you'll know HAHA. Speaking of the buzzer is going off and it's time for me to work on some laundry again. Hope all is well! check out the pictures and comment if you want!

Moving up

2008-01-24T02:45:00.000-06:00

Just a quick FYI I moved up in the world and signed us up for a flickr pro account, yes I know you are proud ;) Seeing as how I have sooo many pictures lately and so little space to put them I decided to step up to the plate and sign up lol Now you can expect all kinds of pictures LoL Hope you enjoy!