Sunday, we discovered a mouse had taken up residence in our kitchen pantry. So, after almost four years of living pet-free, we got another cat.
Dan, Jenn and I went to the Salt Lake City Humane Society (now there's a gut-wrenching place) and picked out a 2 month-old tortoise-looking calico, spayed female kitten, with yellow eyes. It was really difficult to choose, and many of the kittens tugged at my heart. (Never mind the older cats, and I couldn't even look in the dog room)
For now, we're calling her SheeRah, Princess of Power; but I'm not quite convinced that's her name. I'm kind of tossing around Tortellini. Given our diverse pet names, who knows what we'll end up calling her?!
She has a mighty big role to fill as our family pet. We'll always miss Grunty, Ytl, Soobie, Poose, Mo, and Lucy.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
The thing I like best about the first day of fall is having survived the summer.
Busy. Hectic. Full. Sad. All of the above. We had our daughter and 3 children from Houston visit us for a month in May-June. It was so much fun and we packed in all the love we could. Then, my sister's family came for 8-9 days for her daughter's wedding. They brought Brody with them, too! (Thanks so much) Less than 2 weeks later, we were the host family for Mel's family reunion. We fed and entertained between 60-70 people for 4 days. *Whew* We had a lot of fun, but it was exhausting.
I thought I'd cruise the rest of the summer, and catch up on projects, etc. But, 5 days after the reunion, Sarah and Bob found out their baby had died at about 20-21 weeks of pregnancy. Sarah had gone for a routine ultra sound, and the baby had died. On July 23, 2009, Baby Boy Ralston was stillborn. We are all devastated.
The rest of summer passed slowly and sadly with the exception of Jenn's graduation from BYU in August. *GO JENN!* We got to visit with her family while they were here from Colorado.
Now, school has started -- Bailey in Kindergarten (all day!) in Houston; Bob in his Nurse Practioner program at BYU; and everyone wants to join Army ROTC, so my business is good.
So long summer. Welcome Fall -- the best season in Utah. We are ready for a change.
I thought I'd cruise the rest of the summer, and catch up on projects, etc. But, 5 days after the reunion, Sarah and Bob found out their baby had died at about 20-21 weeks of pregnancy. Sarah had gone for a routine ultra sound, and the baby had died. On July 23, 2009, Baby Boy Ralston was stillborn. We are all devastated.
The rest of summer passed slowly and sadly with the exception of Jenn's graduation from BYU in August. *GO JENN!* We got to visit with her family while they were here from Colorado.
Now, school has started -- Bailey in Kindergarten (all day!) in Houston; Bob in his Nurse Practioner program at BYU; and everyone wants to join Army ROTC, so my business is good.
So long summer. Welcome Fall -- the best season in Utah. We are ready for a change.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
MODERN MARVELS
**CAUTION** ORGAN RECITAL FOLLOWS!
For over 5 years, I've been pursuing relief from allergies and asthma. I've suffered unbelievably my entire life, no matter where I live. Three times, in 25+ years, I've tried allergy desensitization shots and couldn't tolerate even the lowest dose.
About 5.5 years ago, when asthma was becoming a chronic and regular issue, I went to a pulmonologist. He tested my blood for auto-immune somethings. I was over a 100 points past BAD. In turn, because of having this test, I met the criteria for a super-duper wonder drug, Xolair, that blocks all antihistamine responses. I go to a local allergy doctor for this.
This wonder drug is made from recombinant DNA and costs $1800 every 2 weeks, for 2 shots. The serum is thick like honey and hurts while going in very slowly. The nurse's arm would start to shake while injecting it! This shot enabled me to take allergy desensitization shots. This involved 2 shots, twice a week, gradually decreasing over 5 years to 2 shots, every 2 weeks. A separate office visit was required for each set of shots. As you can see, this has taken a huge amount of time and commitment on my part -- as well as really good insurance! I did have a relatively small copay. (We have primary and secondary insurance)
Last week, I had my final Xolair shot! After meeting with the doctor on Monday, I'm looking at stopping even maintenance desensitization shots in 6 months or so.
I can honestly point to this treatment as a therapy that has changed my life. Not only have I been able to stop 3-4 regular prescriptions, but I rarely require an antihistamine. I can be outside, work in the yard, sit in the grass, eat fresh fruit and veggies. I rarely have sinus issues, and I haven't had an asthma attack for over 5 years.
This sounds like an organ recital, but for me, it's been a long, demanding journey whose destination has changed my life.
Thanks, Dr. Matheson. YOU ROCK!!
For over 5 years, I've been pursuing relief from allergies and asthma. I've suffered unbelievably my entire life, no matter where I live. Three times, in 25+ years, I've tried allergy desensitization shots and couldn't tolerate even the lowest dose.
About 5.5 years ago, when asthma was becoming a chronic and regular issue, I went to a pulmonologist. He tested my blood for auto-immune somethings. I was over a 100 points past BAD. In turn, because of having this test, I met the criteria for a super-duper wonder drug, Xolair, that blocks all antihistamine responses. I go to a local allergy doctor for this.
This wonder drug is made from recombinant DNA and costs $1800 every 2 weeks, for 2 shots. The serum is thick like honey and hurts while going in very slowly. The nurse's arm would start to shake while injecting it! This shot enabled me to take allergy desensitization shots. This involved 2 shots, twice a week, gradually decreasing over 5 years to 2 shots, every 2 weeks. A separate office visit was required for each set of shots. As you can see, this has taken a huge amount of time and commitment on my part -- as well as really good insurance! I did have a relatively small copay. (We have primary and secondary insurance)
Last week, I had my final Xolair shot! After meeting with the doctor on Monday, I'm looking at stopping even maintenance desensitization shots in 6 months or so.
I can honestly point to this treatment as a therapy that has changed my life. Not only have I been able to stop 3-4 regular prescriptions, but I rarely require an antihistamine. I can be outside, work in the yard, sit in the grass, eat fresh fruit and veggies. I rarely have sinus issues, and I haven't had an asthma attack for over 5 years.
This sounds like an organ recital, but for me, it's been a long, demanding journey whose destination has changed my life.
Thanks, Dr. Matheson. YOU ROCK!!
Thursday, September 17, 2009
A Witness to Grace
"I learned that unbelievably awful things can and do happen. In truth, they are not such rare, isolated events. Each of us has a story that would break someone’s heart. Despite the grief and the unfairness of it all, we keep going. There are chores to be done. There are people who still need our care. There is a life to be led.
The real lesson? I realized that, regardless of the heartache, we may choose the moments in which we live.
On that day, I learned that love creates a tremendous capacity for grace. And perhaps it is that grace that keeps us moving forward." (Aldra Robinson)
This is part of an essay that was featured today on the Real Simple Daily Thought page. It certainly strikes a chord in my soul. Especially today. And everyday.
The real lesson? I realized that, regardless of the heartache, we may choose the moments in which we live.
On that day, I learned that love creates a tremendous capacity for grace. And perhaps it is that grace that keeps us moving forward." (Aldra Robinson)
This is part of an essay that was featured today on the Real Simple Daily Thought page. It certainly strikes a chord in my soul. Especially today. And everyday.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Shredders, Copiers and other Office Annoyances
I went a couple of rounds with my shredder today. The area around my desk looks like someone threw up confetti. At least I didn't have to find any paper jams in the copier, too. We had Mr. Copier-Fix-It out yesterday to rehab the machine. The first week of school pretty much trashes it. (I wish I could convince my co-workers that there IS a right/wrong side of copier paper when you load it.)
Then there's the NEWANDIMPROVED voice messaging on the telephone. I pray everyday that they don't "upgrade" our service again. Don't even get me started on computer updates ~ my Microsoft 2007 wants to update to 2008, every time I start or close my computer. Never EVER agree to automatic updates. If you do, you're screwed.
Thank heavens we have an in-house techie for part of each day. The scariest thing is that I'm not even close to the most machine-impaired person in this building.
Then there's the NEWANDIMPROVED voice messaging on the telephone. I pray everyday that they don't "upgrade" our service again. Don't even get me started on computer updates ~ my Microsoft 2007 wants to update to 2008, every time I start or close my computer. Never EVER agree to automatic updates. If you do, you're screwed.
Thank heavens we have an in-house techie for part of each day. The scariest thing is that I'm not even close to the most machine-impaired person in this building.
Friday, September 4, 2009
LET'S HEAR IT FOR HOLIDAYS
So, a 3-day weekend, and not a moment too soon. We're going to St. Anthony, ID to visit Mel's dad. Daniel and Jenn are going with us, so we should have some fun. Maybe I'll even figure out how to post some pictures when we get back.
Anyone else have fun plans?
Anyone else have fun plans?
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Classmates
School has started again, and working at a university, I still get some of the new-school-year thrill. Nothing like when I was a kid, or when my children were in school, but still. . . . So, I decide to look on ClassMates.something for my high school in Atlanta. I was able to see MANY names that I think I recognized. But, after 36 years, who the heck knows? I clicked on a few names with pictures and stories and was struck by how OLD everyone looks! (I need to get younger friends since I'm sure I don't look nearly that old) There was not one person that I actually felt like I'd want to contact. Many of them had obviously had VERY different lives than I have, and I can't imagine we'd have much in common. Am I the only one who is somewhat dismayed/concerned/appalled at 54 year old men who are still playing their electric guitars in their garages? *sigh*
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
THE BEGINNING
Today, being September 1st, seemed like a good beginning to blog about my life.
Sometimes, my life is like a whirlwind or outrageously funny or gut-wrenching sad, always drama filled, and (hopefully) boring someday. I want to document and share with friends some of the joys and sorrows and humor of my world.
Sometimes, my life is like a whirlwind or outrageously funny or gut-wrenching sad, always drama filled, and (hopefully) boring someday. I want to document and share with friends some of the joys and sorrows and humor of my world.
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