Okay, I know everyone has probably stopped even checking to see if I have been blogging, but I have decided to actually make an attempt at returning to the blogging world. So, since it has been 6 months, here are the top 5 big updates in my life. Don't get too excited, it is nothing too monumental.
1. After my last blog post, we did move in with my in-laws and I have become my father-in-law's live in nurse. It is going well and he is hanging in there. We have our good days and our bad days with so many people living in one house, but so far, no one has gone postal.
2. My dogs, Barley and Hopps have started dog training. They are doing a basic obedience course and even though it is a lot of hard work, we are enjoying working with the dogs and they seem to enjoy learning. Soon they will be very well-mannered dogs...I hope.
3. We are doing a family photo shoot next week. The Reid kids are doing this for my in-laws as a Christmas gift. Hayden and Jen thought of the idea and I think it is going to be really nice. We did some shopping for the boys today for new clothes to wear and the girls are planning a shopping trip on Sunday. We are going to try to go to Mayfield Park in Austin, which is actually where my in-laws were married so that should be really special!
4. My new winter hobby is cross stitch. I have done it in the past but I am really getting back into it now. Look out friends and family, there could be some framed cross stitch pictures or cross stitched baby blankets (Holly) coming your way soon! I am also trying to make exercise a hobby, but it is not quite as much fun as cross stitch.
5. I have recently fallen back in love with musicals and old movies. I have purchased Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Calamity Jane, Grease and Grease 2 (which I owned on tape but have now updated to DVD), and a Rock Hudson/Doris Day Collection which includes Pillow Talk, Send Me No Flowers, and Lover Come Back. If you have never heard of any of these films and feel like watch some good old romantic movies, I would highly recommend picking one of these up.
I guess that is about all I have time for tonight, have to hit the hay so I can start fresh again tomorrow. I will try to write again soon. Hope everyone is doing well!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Monday, June 15, 2009
My Life is a Blur....
Wow, I have really neglected blogging for about a month now! Sorry all, life has been a little crazy. Let me just give a brief synopsis of all the changes in my life right now.
First, we are moving in about 2 weeks. We are moving in with my in-laws the weekend of June 26th to help out and help us save some much needed money. With Taylor and I, our two dogs and one cat, this will make 6 adults, 4 dogs, 3 cats, 2 fish and 1 bird in a now 6 bedroom house. I feel like we might need to add a partridge in a pear tree just to make the whole picture. Life is about to get very interesting and much less private on the home front.
Second big change, I quit my job. Taylor's parents have asked me to become Spencer's (Taylor's dad) private nurse. They have long term disability insurance that will be paying my salary. So, as of July 1st- ish I will start my new role as live-in, full-time private nurse. It is going to be a big job but I really feel like God has placed me in this family for a reason and maybe this is it. I just hope that I can make Spencer and Royce's lives a little easier. I have a lot of ideas on how to improve his quality of life and make him stronger and more independent. A lot of the things I want to do are things that my mother in law just does not have time for or might not be comfortable doing. She has done a great job taking care of my father in law, with the help of her children, but I am hoping that one more person added to the mix with some knowledge of nursing care will make things even better. I am really excited to get started, which has been somewhat thwarted by complications in quitting my current job. I may have to stay and work an extra week, which I am really not excited about. I feel like once we are living in the Reids home full time, my job will be starting whether I am ready or not. But, we will see what can be done about the work situation.
Also in my life, we just got back from a family vacation to Hot Springs, AR. My grandmother was nice enough to give the Reid family two condos at her time share in Hot Springs Village. We had a nice vacation with all the kids and Taylor's parents. Taylor and I took over all of Spencer's care while we were there with some much needed help from my brothers in law, Hayden and Duncan. I think my mother in law really enjoyed having some time off from all her "Spencer" care. She got to just spend time with him and enjoy talking and hanging out. Also, some of Royce's family who live in Arkansas were able to come and visit, so that was nice. Also, big shout out to my sis in law, Jen, for keeping our condo sparkly clean. I don't think that my kitchen has ever been that clean. Thanks Jen! Anyway, we were able to go to the baths in Hot Springs, do some shopping, see Star Trek (which I loved!); we went to Crater of Diamonds and dug for diamonds; and we just had a great time hanging out and walking, playing tennis and swimming at the condos. I think that everyone got to do at least one thing that they wanted to, which is great with a group of 9 people. We also got to get Spencer out quite a bit and he and I even went to the Mountain Tower by ourselves. We were able to get up there and get him out of the car and take his wheelchair up to the top and then put him back in the car. I think he only got a mild concussion but bumping his head on the roof of the van. All in all, it was a great trip.
Well, I guess that is all the updating that I have time for right now. I will try to post some pics from Hot Springs when Blake gets them to me. He was our official picture taker on the trip, which was great, but I feel like there are a lot of bad pics of me. I know he took at least one when I ran across a road to the Shipley's Donuts to get Spencer some Maple Iced donuts. Such a great shot, fat girl has to run for donuts. Oh well, at least I know that they were not for me. Although I had already had some Shipley's earlier that day. Anyway, I will try to be better at posting and keeping everyone up to date.
First, we are moving in about 2 weeks. We are moving in with my in-laws the weekend of June 26th to help out and help us save some much needed money. With Taylor and I, our two dogs and one cat, this will make 6 adults, 4 dogs, 3 cats, 2 fish and 1 bird in a now 6 bedroom house. I feel like we might need to add a partridge in a pear tree just to make the whole picture. Life is about to get very interesting and much less private on the home front.
Second big change, I quit my job. Taylor's parents have asked me to become Spencer's (Taylor's dad) private nurse. They have long term disability insurance that will be paying my salary. So, as of July 1st- ish I will start my new role as live-in, full-time private nurse. It is going to be a big job but I really feel like God has placed me in this family for a reason and maybe this is it. I just hope that I can make Spencer and Royce's lives a little easier. I have a lot of ideas on how to improve his quality of life and make him stronger and more independent. A lot of the things I want to do are things that my mother in law just does not have time for or might not be comfortable doing. She has done a great job taking care of my father in law, with the help of her children, but I am hoping that one more person added to the mix with some knowledge of nursing care will make things even better. I am really excited to get started, which has been somewhat thwarted by complications in quitting my current job. I may have to stay and work an extra week, which I am really not excited about. I feel like once we are living in the Reids home full time, my job will be starting whether I am ready or not. But, we will see what can be done about the work situation.
Also in my life, we just got back from a family vacation to Hot Springs, AR. My grandmother was nice enough to give the Reid family two condos at her time share in Hot Springs Village. We had a nice vacation with all the kids and Taylor's parents. Taylor and I took over all of Spencer's care while we were there with some much needed help from my brothers in law, Hayden and Duncan. I think my mother in law really enjoyed having some time off from all her "Spencer" care. She got to just spend time with him and enjoy talking and hanging out. Also, some of Royce's family who live in Arkansas were able to come and visit, so that was nice. Also, big shout out to my sis in law, Jen, for keeping our condo sparkly clean. I don't think that my kitchen has ever been that clean. Thanks Jen! Anyway, we were able to go to the baths in Hot Springs, do some shopping, see Star Trek (which I loved!); we went to Crater of Diamonds and dug for diamonds; and we just had a great time hanging out and walking, playing tennis and swimming at the condos. I think that everyone got to do at least one thing that they wanted to, which is great with a group of 9 people. We also got to get Spencer out quite a bit and he and I even went to the Mountain Tower by ourselves. We were able to get up there and get him out of the car and take his wheelchair up to the top and then put him back in the car. I think he only got a mild concussion but bumping his head on the roof of the van. All in all, it was a great trip.
Well, I guess that is all the updating that I have time for right now. I will try to post some pics from Hot Springs when Blake gets them to me. He was our official picture taker on the trip, which was great, but I feel like there are a lot of bad pics of me. I know he took at least one when I ran across a road to the Shipley's Donuts to get Spencer some Maple Iced donuts. Such a great shot, fat girl has to run for donuts. Oh well, at least I know that they were not for me. Although I had already had some Shipley's earlier that day. Anyway, I will try to be better at posting and keeping everyone up to date.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Middle School Confessions
So this Friday, I am going to speak at Career Day. I am going to Walsh Middle School where my friend Kathi P works. I will be talking about my job as a nurse and the nursing profession in general. In writing up what I am going to say (because I am a little OCD and need copious notes), I began thinking back to my own middle school days. I shudder to remember... I have often said that middle school is the most awkward phase of a person's life. I mean, seriously, your hormones are raging, you usually have acne and body hair and body odor. You face and hair are greasy and you usually have appalling fashion sense. Is anyone else with me here? Or have you all just blocked out the memories. Here are five confessions of embarrassing things that happened to me or that I did in middle school. It's a wonder that I survived...
1. When I was in 6th grade, my grandmother Elaine took me to the mall and bought me makeup. Yeah, no $1.99 makeup for this girl. I started with Clinique. Everyday, I would leave my house with a "naked" face and every morning while I waited for class to start, I would put on my mascara, blush and lip gloss. I felt so grown up... Except that I was a goober, who didn't think to wash off the makeup before I went home. My mom figured it out in about a week, I think. Maybe sooner. She was nice and let me continue wearing makeup since it wasn't really that much and looked awful anyway.
2. My family moved to Portland when I was in 6th grade and it was right at the beginning of the "grunge" era. I sadly, was taken in by this fad. I used to buy XXL Eddie Bauer men's t-shirts, khaki or colored jean shorts, flannel long sleeved shirts over my t-shirt, and Birkenstock sandals with socks. I bow my head to the fashion gods in humble apology. I don't even keep any pictures of myself in this time period around. Did I mention that I also had braces? It a wonder a man ever married me.
3. When I was in middle school, it was the first time that I had ever had to change clothes for gym class and I used to keep a hair brush in my locker at school. Now, we all know that they tell you to not share your hair brush with anyone. I tried really hard but one day this girl I knew forgot hers and I let her borrow it. And what happened....I GOT LICE! YUCK! Worst of all my hair was still pretty long at that point. Mom and I did one home remedy and then also Rid-x or whatever that lice shampoo was. It was so gross. Then, to make matters worse, my mom took me to get Glamour shots for my birthday a few weeks later (shut up, you know you loved Glamour shots too) and the girl who was doing my hair found more lice. I was SO embarrassed that I started crying in the middle of Northcross Mall. Mom was so nice, she took me for ice cream and then for a manicure. I did get rid of the lice after that, but I was traumatized. I don't think I have every let anyone use my brush again. I even cringe when Taylor uses my brush sometimes to comb his hair.
4. In 6th grade I went to public school in Portland. The schools at that time in Portland were not all that great. They had this thing called New Math. I am not really sure what it was supposed to be, but I remember they were always trying to have us count with beans in egg cartons. I don't know. But anyway, we had all these projects that we had to do. One was a probability project where you were supposed to have 10 red dots and 10 blue dots in one bag. You were then supposed to draw 10 dots out of the bag and see how many were blue and how many were red. It was a really stupid project and I did it just how the teacher stated I was supposed to. I made this pretty little poster board where I wrote up my results and I even pasted the bag of dots to it. The teacher gave me a D. My mom, who had seen that I had done the project to specifications, called my teacher to ask why I had received such a low grade. The teacher told her that I hadn't put all my work on my write up. My mom said that I did. The teacher said that I didn't make enough mistakes. How are you supposed to make mistakes by pulling dots out of a bag? Not eat them? The teacher told my mom that the school was more interested in students experiencing the process more than getting the right answer. Did I mention that my mom has a degree in accounting? That is about the time that my mom decided to start homeschooling me. This one might not have been so embarrassing. I just thought it was a good tale.
5. This story is not so embarrassing as just weird. Before we moved to Portland, I started 6th grade at Deerpark Middle School in Austin. I was only there for six weeks but I knew a lot of kids since we had all come up from elementary together. However, there were lots of new kids too. I met a boy... He sat next to me in Pre-Algebra class and would always talk to me. I was just sure that he was going to "ask me out" (whatever that really means). Then, my dad got a new job in Portland and away we moved. I was so sad secretly because I just knew that I could have had a boyfriend. Later, in high school, amidst all those student-teacher relationship scandals, there was a teacher at McNeil High School who was rumored to have had an affair with one of her students. I had a friend who went there at the time and he told me the boy's name. IT WAS THE SAME BOY I HAD ALMOST DATED IN 6TH GRADE. I mean, it probably wasn't that weird since he was like 17 and she was in her early 20s but still. Those student-teacher things gross me out. I am so glad that we never got together. I am sure that it would have lasted anyway, as so many middle school relationships do.
I am sure that there were more embarrassing things. Middle school was a really tough time for me and I am glad that it is over and I don't have to go back. Tomorrow, talking at career day will be close enough.
1. When I was in 6th grade, my grandmother Elaine took me to the mall and bought me makeup. Yeah, no $1.99 makeup for this girl. I started with Clinique. Everyday, I would leave my house with a "naked" face and every morning while I waited for class to start, I would put on my mascara, blush and lip gloss. I felt so grown up... Except that I was a goober, who didn't think to wash off the makeup before I went home. My mom figured it out in about a week, I think. Maybe sooner. She was nice and let me continue wearing makeup since it wasn't really that much and looked awful anyway.
2. My family moved to Portland when I was in 6th grade and it was right at the beginning of the "grunge" era. I sadly, was taken in by this fad. I used to buy XXL Eddie Bauer men's t-shirts, khaki or colored jean shorts, flannel long sleeved shirts over my t-shirt, and Birkenstock sandals with socks. I bow my head to the fashion gods in humble apology. I don't even keep any pictures of myself in this time period around. Did I mention that I also had braces? It a wonder a man ever married me.
3. When I was in middle school, it was the first time that I had ever had to change clothes for gym class and I used to keep a hair brush in my locker at school. Now, we all know that they tell you to not share your hair brush with anyone. I tried really hard but one day this girl I knew forgot hers and I let her borrow it. And what happened....I GOT LICE! YUCK! Worst of all my hair was still pretty long at that point. Mom and I did one home remedy and then also Rid-x or whatever that lice shampoo was. It was so gross. Then, to make matters worse, my mom took me to get Glamour shots for my birthday a few weeks later (shut up, you know you loved Glamour shots too) and the girl who was doing my hair found more lice. I was SO embarrassed that I started crying in the middle of Northcross Mall. Mom was so nice, she took me for ice cream and then for a manicure. I did get rid of the lice after that, but I was traumatized. I don't think I have every let anyone use my brush again. I even cringe when Taylor uses my brush sometimes to comb his hair.
4. In 6th grade I went to public school in Portland. The schools at that time in Portland were not all that great. They had this thing called New Math. I am not really sure what it was supposed to be, but I remember they were always trying to have us count with beans in egg cartons. I don't know. But anyway, we had all these projects that we had to do. One was a probability project where you were supposed to have 10 red dots and 10 blue dots in one bag. You were then supposed to draw 10 dots out of the bag and see how many were blue and how many were red. It was a really stupid project and I did it just how the teacher stated I was supposed to. I made this pretty little poster board where I wrote up my results and I even pasted the bag of dots to it. The teacher gave me a D. My mom, who had seen that I had done the project to specifications, called my teacher to ask why I had received such a low grade. The teacher told her that I hadn't put all my work on my write up. My mom said that I did. The teacher said that I didn't make enough mistakes. How are you supposed to make mistakes by pulling dots out of a bag? Not eat them? The teacher told my mom that the school was more interested in students experiencing the process more than getting the right answer. Did I mention that my mom has a degree in accounting? That is about the time that my mom decided to start homeschooling me. This one might not have been so embarrassing. I just thought it was a good tale.
5. This story is not so embarrassing as just weird. Before we moved to Portland, I started 6th grade at Deerpark Middle School in Austin. I was only there for six weeks but I knew a lot of kids since we had all come up from elementary together. However, there were lots of new kids too. I met a boy... He sat next to me in Pre-Algebra class and would always talk to me. I was just sure that he was going to "ask me out" (whatever that really means). Then, my dad got a new job in Portland and away we moved. I was so sad secretly because I just knew that I could have had a boyfriend. Later, in high school, amidst all those student-teacher relationship scandals, there was a teacher at McNeil High School who was rumored to have had an affair with one of her students. I had a friend who went there at the time and he told me the boy's name. IT WAS THE SAME BOY I HAD ALMOST DATED IN 6TH GRADE. I mean, it probably wasn't that weird since he was like 17 and she was in her early 20s but still. Those student-teacher things gross me out. I am so glad that we never got together. I am sure that it would have lasted anyway, as so many middle school relationships do.
I am sure that there were more embarrassing things. Middle school was a really tough time for me and I am glad that it is over and I don't have to go back. Tomorrow, talking at career day will be close enough.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Adventures in Nursing, Part 7
I have been having a lot of trouble lately coming up with exciting things to write about. Our lives just haven't been that thrilling lately. However, at my office, we do have a nurse practitioner student who is working with us now, who also happens to be a labor and delivery nurse. She is really nice and we fall into patterns of talking about old war stories every time she comes in. The other day we were talking, and I remembered this tale. I realized today that I had neglected to share it in my Adventures in Nursing series. So, I have resurrected the series and will share this tale and hopefully a few more if my memory will work with me...
LIFE IS A HIGHWAY
When I worked in Minnesota, it was very cold. I mean, very, very cold. One night in February when it was about -15 degrees outside, we got a call in L&D to come down to the ER because this woman had delivered. One other nurse and I grabbed some blankets, bulb suction and cord clamps and ran downstairs. When we got to the ER, there was this woman wearing a t-shirt and really stretchy pants lying on the stretcher with a baby lying between her legs. The ER nurses were starting IVs on the woman and trying to get her into a gown. The baby, was laying there, practically blue and cold as can be.
Apparently, this woman had gone into labor and decided to drive herself into the hospital so as not to disturb her husband or her four children. On the way in, she stated that she felt the urge to push. Did she pull over or drive faster? Nope. She just delivered her baby...while driving...with her pants on...ON THE HIGHWAY! Then, once the baby dropped out of her pants leg onto the floorboard, she picked it up and sat it on the bench seat next to her (She drove an old pickup) and continued her drive into the hospital. Once she got into the driveway of the ER, she tried to call a security guard over to help her. He thought she might be crazy so was reluctant to come over and help. Then he heard the baby crying from the truck and walked over. He saw the baby and ran inside to get help. My favorite part of all of this was that the baby came into the world and wasn't held or even given a cover of some kind. Then the ER was so concerned about the mother that they were completely ignored the baby. That baby was alive for about 20 minutes before anyone gave it any attention. Plus, the baby was freezing! Um, it was -15 and no one could even bother to give that baby a blanket or wipe off the amniotic fluid. The baby was fine after I cleaned him off, bundled him up and rushed him up to the nursery where he was promptly placed under a warmer.
Poor baby. It would be nice if when you were born, somebody at least said "Hello". Luckily, the baby did not suffer any ill effects. And this story was not meant to make the ER people seem incompetent. We all have our areas and most ER people react the same way to a pregnant woman as I would to someone in cardiac arrest. It is just sheer panic when you are outside of the norm. They did a great job taking care of mom and to their credit, the patient didn't reveal that she had just stuck the baby on the seat next to her until we were down there and taking over the situation. I will be the first to say that I am not good in most nursing crises beside a baby being delivered and, now that I am office bound, probably not even that. Well, hope you have enjoyed this tale and I will try to rack my brain for a few more interesting adventures to share.
LIFE IS A HIGHWAY
When I worked in Minnesota, it was very cold. I mean, very, very cold. One night in February when it was about -15 degrees outside, we got a call in L&D to come down to the ER because this woman had delivered. One other nurse and I grabbed some blankets, bulb suction and cord clamps and ran downstairs. When we got to the ER, there was this woman wearing a t-shirt and really stretchy pants lying on the stretcher with a baby lying between her legs. The ER nurses were starting IVs on the woman and trying to get her into a gown. The baby, was laying there, practically blue and cold as can be.
Apparently, this woman had gone into labor and decided to drive herself into the hospital so as not to disturb her husband or her four children. On the way in, she stated that she felt the urge to push. Did she pull over or drive faster? Nope. She just delivered her baby...while driving...with her pants on...ON THE HIGHWAY! Then, once the baby dropped out of her pants leg onto the floorboard, she picked it up and sat it on the bench seat next to her (She drove an old pickup) and continued her drive into the hospital. Once she got into the driveway of the ER, she tried to call a security guard over to help her. He thought she might be crazy so was reluctant to come over and help. Then he heard the baby crying from the truck and walked over. He saw the baby and ran inside to get help. My favorite part of all of this was that the baby came into the world and wasn't held or even given a cover of some kind. Then the ER was so concerned about the mother that they were completely ignored the baby. That baby was alive for about 20 minutes before anyone gave it any attention. Plus, the baby was freezing! Um, it was -15 and no one could even bother to give that baby a blanket or wipe off the amniotic fluid. The baby was fine after I cleaned him off, bundled him up and rushed him up to the nursery where he was promptly placed under a warmer.
Poor baby. It would be nice if when you were born, somebody at least said "Hello". Luckily, the baby did not suffer any ill effects. And this story was not meant to make the ER people seem incompetent. We all have our areas and most ER people react the same way to a pregnant woman as I would to someone in cardiac arrest. It is just sheer panic when you are outside of the norm. They did a great job taking care of mom and to their credit, the patient didn't reveal that she had just stuck the baby on the seat next to her until we were down there and taking over the situation. I will be the first to say that I am not good in most nursing crises beside a baby being delivered and, now that I am office bound, probably not even that. Well, hope you have enjoyed this tale and I will try to rack my brain for a few more interesting adventures to share.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
My Top 5 Fictional Characters
I have been listening to Janet Evanovich's "Hot Six", which is novel #6 in her Stephanie Plum series. I really love the character, Stephanie Plum and this made me think about my other favorite fictional characters. So, I have put together a list of my Top 5 fictional characters. Some you may know and some you may not.
5. Daisy Miner from Linda Howard's "Open Season"- Daisy is a librarian who, on her 30th birthday decides that she is a boring, dull librarian with no love life. She then sets about changing her image. She moves out of her mother's house, dyes her hair blonde, gets some fashion sense, buys a big puppy and begins a relationship with the town sheriff. She is just so fun! She is so innocent and naive, but she is still really smart and capable. I mean, she must be smart if she lands the town hunk and foils a band of criminals who are smuggling illegal immigrants in to sell as sex slaves, right?
4. Mrs. Emily Pollifax from Dorothy Gillman's "The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax"- This is a series, but I started with the first book and have jumped around since then. Mrs. Pollifax just wakes up one day and decides to become a spy. She walks into the CIA and asks for a job. Her first assignment is in Mexico City. Her assignment seems to be fairly simple, but she, of course, ends up in a whole mess of trouble. Mrs. Pollifax is so surprising as a character, she is just this sweet little old lady who plays bridge and has grandchildren, but she is also a black belt in karate. Her best attribute is her ability to talk to people. She is just one of those people who you feel like you can tell all your secrets too. She actually reminds me of my mom. She is such a good listener that people just confide in her all the time. I feel like Mom could definitely be Mrs. Pollifax when she gets older (not right now, Mom, you are still WAY too young).
3. Miss Marple from Agatha Christie's Miss Marple Mysteries- Another series of sorts, but you doesn't necessarily need to be read in order of publication, each novel can stand on it's own. I have actually only read a couple of the Miss Marple series, but I have watched the entire Miss Marple collection with Joan Hicks. Miss Marple is just so smart and such a puzzle solver. You feel like she solves a murder the way she would do the Sunday crossword. You would think that solving murders all the time would make her hard and uncaring, but she is so friendly and good-natured. She is just a gossipy old village lady, through and through.
2. Amelia Peabody from Elizabeth Peters' "Crocodile on a Sandbank"- This is the first of a series as well. Amelia is a wealthy single woman who decides that she will travel to Egypt. She is very scholarly, friendly, and loves to take care of others. Her generosity is what allows her to meet her new companion Evelyn, who is found jilted by her lover in Italy. Once she and Evelyn arrive in Egypt, they meet the Emerson brothers, Walter and Radcliffe. I love Amelia's spirit and her sense of humor. She is so unaware of her own physical beauty, but is totally secure in her intelligence. She is a wonderful character and I have loved all of her books.
1. Stephanie Plum from Janet Evanovich's "One for the Money" - Another series. I think it must be really hard to come up with characters that people love throughout an entire series. It is easy to love a character in a stand alone novel, but when you read story after story about their lives, it is hard to keep people entertained and enchanted by a character. I love Stephanie Plum! She is my favorite fictional character. She is the perfect combination of dorky and cool. Stephanie is a bounty hunter and her first book follows her as she tries to apprehend Joe Morelli, who is wanted for murder, but is rumored to be innocent. Joe also happens to be the guy who deflowered Stephanie in high school and the guy who she plowed down with her father's Buick in college. Stephanie is a typical, tough New Jersey girl. She has big hair, short skirts and a lot of attitude. She is not exactly brave, more like she does heroic things by accident. If you have never checked out these books, I highly recommend you do.
So there you go, my favorite fictional characters. These may not always be my favorite, but they are for the moment. Please feel free and share some of yours.
5. Daisy Miner from Linda Howard's "Open Season"- Daisy is a librarian who, on her 30th birthday decides that she is a boring, dull librarian with no love life. She then sets about changing her image. She moves out of her mother's house, dyes her hair blonde, gets some fashion sense, buys a big puppy and begins a relationship with the town sheriff. She is just so fun! She is so innocent and naive, but she is still really smart and capable. I mean, she must be smart if she lands the town hunk and foils a band of criminals who are smuggling illegal immigrants in to sell as sex slaves, right?
4. Mrs. Emily Pollifax from Dorothy Gillman's "The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax"- This is a series, but I started with the first book and have jumped around since then. Mrs. Pollifax just wakes up one day and decides to become a spy. She walks into the CIA and asks for a job. Her first assignment is in Mexico City. Her assignment seems to be fairly simple, but she, of course, ends up in a whole mess of trouble. Mrs. Pollifax is so surprising as a character, she is just this sweet little old lady who plays bridge and has grandchildren, but she is also a black belt in karate. Her best attribute is her ability to talk to people. She is just one of those people who you feel like you can tell all your secrets too. She actually reminds me of my mom. She is such a good listener that people just confide in her all the time. I feel like Mom could definitely be Mrs. Pollifax when she gets older (not right now, Mom, you are still WAY too young).
3. Miss Marple from Agatha Christie's Miss Marple Mysteries- Another series of sorts, but you doesn't necessarily need to be read in order of publication, each novel can stand on it's own. I have actually only read a couple of the Miss Marple series, but I have watched the entire Miss Marple collection with Joan Hicks. Miss Marple is just so smart and such a puzzle solver. You feel like she solves a murder the way she would do the Sunday crossword. You would think that solving murders all the time would make her hard and uncaring, but she is so friendly and good-natured. She is just a gossipy old village lady, through and through.
2. Amelia Peabody from Elizabeth Peters' "Crocodile on a Sandbank"- This is the first of a series as well. Amelia is a wealthy single woman who decides that she will travel to Egypt. She is very scholarly, friendly, and loves to take care of others. Her generosity is what allows her to meet her new companion Evelyn, who is found jilted by her lover in Italy. Once she and Evelyn arrive in Egypt, they meet the Emerson brothers, Walter and Radcliffe. I love Amelia's spirit and her sense of humor. She is so unaware of her own physical beauty, but is totally secure in her intelligence. She is a wonderful character and I have loved all of her books.
1. Stephanie Plum from Janet Evanovich's "One for the Money" - Another series. I think it must be really hard to come up with characters that people love throughout an entire series. It is easy to love a character in a stand alone novel, but when you read story after story about their lives, it is hard to keep people entertained and enchanted by a character. I love Stephanie Plum! She is my favorite fictional character. She is the perfect combination of dorky and cool. Stephanie is a bounty hunter and her first book follows her as she tries to apprehend Joe Morelli, who is wanted for murder, but is rumored to be innocent. Joe also happens to be the guy who deflowered Stephanie in high school and the guy who she plowed down with her father's Buick in college. Stephanie is a typical, tough New Jersey girl. She has big hair, short skirts and a lot of attitude. She is not exactly brave, more like she does heroic things by accident. If you have never checked out these books, I highly recommend you do.
So there you go, my favorite fictional characters. These may not always be my favorite, but they are for the moment. Please feel free and share some of yours.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
My Life through Movie Characters
Have you ever been watching a movie and thought, "I wish I was like her.." or "That sounds just like me..." I do that all the time. Well, okay, so maybe I say the former more than the latter, but still. I have decided to chronicle several points in my life and tell you which movie character I wanted to be like, and which character I was really like. Let's start with elementary school since there really aren't many breakout baby stars. Besides, as a baby, I probably seemed much more like "Rosemary's Baby" than anything else.
Elementary School
I wanted to be like....
Matilda from both the movie "Matilda" and the book by Roald Dohl. Matilda was so super smart and could move things with her mind. Maybe not the coolest kid on the block, but I wouldn't mind understanding quantum physics by kindergarten.
Who I actually was...
Yep, Olive from "Little Miss Sunshine". A very lovable character, but a definite nerd. I didn't dance to Super Freak but I did sing loudly and in public at times. Plus, I had similar glasses, except mine were pink and purple, not just pink.
Middle School
Wanted to be like...
Jenna from "13 Going on 30". Not the middle school version, but the Jennifer Garner version. I wanted to just skip middle school entirely and be an adult already. Plus, do you know how hard it is to find a cool middle school character in a movie? If you think of any, please enlighten me because I totally drew a blank here.
Was actually like...
Yep, Dawn from "Welcome to the Dollhouse". If you haven't seen it, just let me tell you that it epitomizes just how dorky middle school kids are. I personally think that middle school is one of the most awkward periods in a kid's life. You are maturing, but still goofy looking because you aren't maturing everywhere, you are smelly and usually annoying to everyone you meet. I know I was, but eventually you become awesome... like me!
High School
Wanted to be like...
Cher from "Clueless". Seriously, who wouldn't want to be Cher in high school. She was super popular, got to shop anywhere she wanted, had the best closet ever, was beautiful and got to be with Paul Rudd. Do I need to expound further?
I was actually like...
Okay, I might not have been as sullen. I wasn't very popular at all in high school though. I hung out with the scary, long-haired, bass playing, philosophy reading nerds. I was a bit more popular in youth group, but I felt like I was always trying to catch up with the cool people. Plus, I did get a cute popular boy in the end...
College
Wanted to be like...
Elle Woods from "Legally Blonde". I loved this movie because Elle was so spunky and fun. She was also really smart as it turned out, and wasn't afraid to work really hard for what she wanted. Even though being in Delta Nu probably would have made me throw up...there was so much estrogen, it was probably a lot of fun too.
I was really like...
Laurie from "Gross Anatomy". Nursing school was really hard for me so I definitely studied too much. I did have fun while in college, just like Laurie, but I did tend to go a little overboard with my fun at times. Not that nursing school is as hard as medical school, but there aren't any movies about girls struggling through nursing school. Although there totally should be...
And that is where I will stop. I am not sure that I have really been a full fledged adult long enough to dissect my personality. I will say that I kind of hope to be like Miss Marple as an old lady. Yes, even living in a little village in England and solving murders. Although I don't think I would ever develop her love of gardening. I know I'm a dork, but its just who I am.
Elementary School
I wanted to be like....
Matilda from both the movie "Matilda" and the book by Roald Dohl. Matilda was so super smart and could move things with her mind. Maybe not the coolest kid on the block, but I wouldn't mind understanding quantum physics by kindergarten.
Who I actually was...
Yep, Olive from "Little Miss Sunshine". A very lovable character, but a definite nerd. I didn't dance to Super Freak but I did sing loudly and in public at times. Plus, I had similar glasses, except mine were pink and purple, not just pink.Middle School
Wanted to be like...
Jenna from "13 Going on 30". Not the middle school version, but the Jennifer Garner version. I wanted to just skip middle school entirely and be an adult already. Plus, do you know how hard it is to find a cool middle school character in a movie? If you think of any, please enlighten me because I totally drew a blank here.
Was actually like...
Yep, Dawn from "Welcome to the Dollhouse". If you haven't seen it, just let me tell you that it epitomizes just how dorky middle school kids are. I personally think that middle school is one of the most awkward periods in a kid's life. You are maturing, but still goofy looking because you aren't maturing everywhere, you are smelly and usually annoying to everyone you meet. I know I was, but eventually you become awesome... like me!High School
Wanted to be like...
Cher from "Clueless". Seriously, who wouldn't want to be Cher in high school. She was super popular, got to shop anywhere she wanted, had the best closet ever, was beautiful and got to be with Paul Rudd. Do I need to expound further?I was actually like...
Okay, I might not have been as sullen. I wasn't very popular at all in high school though. I hung out with the scary, long-haired, bass playing, philosophy reading nerds. I was a bit more popular in youth group, but I felt like I was always trying to catch up with the cool people. Plus, I did get a cute popular boy in the end...
College
Wanted to be like...
Elle Woods from "Legally Blonde". I loved this movie because Elle was so spunky and fun. She was also really smart as it turned out, and wasn't afraid to work really hard for what she wanted. Even though being in Delta Nu probably would have made me throw up...there was so much estrogen, it was probably a lot of fun too.I was really like...
Laurie from "Gross Anatomy". Nursing school was really hard for me so I definitely studied too much. I did have fun while in college, just like Laurie, but I did tend to go a little overboard with my fun at times. Not that nursing school is as hard as medical school, but there aren't any movies about girls struggling through nursing school. Although there totally should be...And that is where I will stop. I am not sure that I have really been a full fledged adult long enough to dissect my personality. I will say that I kind of hope to be like Miss Marple as an old lady. Yes, even living in a little village in England and solving murders. Although I don't think I would ever develop her love of gardening. I know I'm a dork, but its just who I am.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
If My Life Was a Romance Novel/Romantic Movie...
As I was listening to my book on CD the other day, I was pondering how my life does not mimic a romance novel in any way. Initially, I was disappointed because I think we all want to feel like we have stepped out the pages of a Julie Garwood, Amanda Quick, Sandra Brown or Linda Howard novel. Or, if you are not a romance fan, off the screen of "Pretty in Pink", "Love Actually", or "The Notebook" (I am not a personal fan of that one, but to each her own). I notice that when I read too many romance novels in a row, or watch too many girlie movies, I start feeling disappointed that my life is so "boring" and "unromantic". This time, however, I decided to think of all the ways my life would change if I were the starring character in a romantic story, rather than my normal life.
First, if I were a romantic heroine, I would probably not be able to have my current job. Not that being a nurse is not romantic... it is... ever heard of the Florence Nightingale effect? But it wouldn't be very romantic for the heroine to sit in a hallway, talking on the phone and typing on her computer all day. Especially, if she only talked to women about "female" issues. I would have to be an army nurse, nursing some poor soldier back to health, or an ER nurse, who meets a police officer who is investigating a gunshot victim. Did I mention that I mostly read romantic suspense so most of my heroine ideas have murder and mayhem involved?
Second, I would not be able to be aware of my own beauty. Romantic heroines never think that they are beautiful or usually even pretty. They always have some feature that they think is horrible, but one special man thinks is fabulous. It might sound conceited, but I have never felt ugly. Overweight, yes, but I have always secretly thought of myself as a pretty, curvy woman. I would never be like Amelia Peabody from the Miss Peabody novels who worries about my "mishapped figure with a overly ample bosom and small waist". Even with my occasional self esteem issues, I have way too much confidence in my looks to be a successful heroine.
Third, even though my relationship with Taylor was precarious in high school, it has really not been since then and I don't think that I would question his love enough. Women in romance novels and romantic movies are never really sure of their significant other's love. They are constantly questioning the man's love in their mind and never just asking him. I have had my moments where I don't feel like I am the shimmering light in Taylor's world, but I have never really worried that he didn't love me. Then again, he is a man who speaks his mind, and I'm sure that if he stopped loving me or never had, he would tell me in no uncertain terms.
Finally, I don't usually have any major disasters arising in my life. Not to say that I never will, but I have not had a lot of occasions for Taylor to prove his love. I have never been kidnapped by a rival admirer, been struck down with a debilitating disease or been forced to chase Taylor down before he left on a train or plane for some foreign country. Knock on wood about all those things. Although, I don't really see the kidnapping problem ever arising.
So, if you are ever reading too much Danielle Steel and get grumpy with your significant other for not carrying you off into the sunset, just consider what your life would really be like with a little too much romance.
(By the way, I just thought the picture above illustrated my point, I don't really read those kinds of romance novels. Just for those of you who might secretly be judging me for reading Harlequin romances.)
Friday, February 27, 2009
WARNING: This post is for mature eyes only...
I got this off an email from one of the girls at work. I thought it was hilarious. It is not for the faint of heart though.
PROOF THAT THE WORLD IS NUTS!
In Lebanon, men are legally allowed to have sex with animals, but the animals must be female. Having sexual relations with a male animal is punishable by death. I guess you want to ensure your heterosexuality even with animals?
In Bahrain, a male doctor may legally examine a woman's genitals, but is prohibited from looking directly at them during the examination. He may only see their reflection in the mirror. I think of it like Medusa, and you can only see the reflection or you turn to stone.
Muslims are banned from looking at the genitals of a corpse. This also applies to undertakers. The sex organs of the deceased must be covered with a brick or piece of wood at all times. Have these people never heard of sheets?
The penalty for masturbation in Indonesia is decapitation. Much worse than "going blind".
There are men in Guam whose full-time job is to travel the countryside and deflower young virgins, who pay them for the privilege of having sex for the first time. Reason: Under Guam law, it is expressly forbidden for virgins to marry. I think if this job gets out to the general population of men in America, there could be a serious influx of US immigrants in Guam.
In Hong Kong, a betrayed wife is legally allowed to kill her adulterous husband, but may only do so with her bare hands. The husband's illicit lover, on the other hand, may be killed in any manner desired. Can someone remind me to move Taylor to Hong Kong if I ever suspect him cheating?
Topless saleswomen are legal in Liverpool, England- but only in tropical fish stores. Because anywhere else would just be silly.
In Cali, Columbia, a woman may only have sex with her husband and the first time this happens, her mother must be in the room to witness the act. Gross, gross, gross.
In Santa Cruz, Bolivia, it is illegal for a man to have sex with a woman and her daughter at the same time. Sad to think that this was such a big issue that it required a law.
In Maryland, it is illegal to sell condoms from vending machines with one exception: Prophylactics may be dispensed from a vending machine only in places where alcoholic beverages are sold for consumption on the premises. I am glad that Maryland is encouraging the drunken one night stand.
So there you go, hope that it was not too much for anyone. And I am sorry if anyone took offense but in my defense I am a OB/Gyn nurse and I talk to people about sex all the time.
PROOF THAT THE WORLD IS NUTS!
In Lebanon, men are legally allowed to have sex with animals, but the animals must be female. Having sexual relations with a male animal is punishable by death. I guess you want to ensure your heterosexuality even with animals?
In Bahrain, a male doctor may legally examine a woman's genitals, but is prohibited from looking directly at them during the examination. He may only see their reflection in the mirror. I think of it like Medusa, and you can only see the reflection or you turn to stone.
Muslims are banned from looking at the genitals of a corpse. This also applies to undertakers. The sex organs of the deceased must be covered with a brick or piece of wood at all times. Have these people never heard of sheets?
The penalty for masturbation in Indonesia is decapitation. Much worse than "going blind".
There are men in Guam whose full-time job is to travel the countryside and deflower young virgins, who pay them for the privilege of having sex for the first time. Reason: Under Guam law, it is expressly forbidden for virgins to marry. I think if this job gets out to the general population of men in America, there could be a serious influx of US immigrants in Guam.
In Hong Kong, a betrayed wife is legally allowed to kill her adulterous husband, but may only do so with her bare hands. The husband's illicit lover, on the other hand, may be killed in any manner desired. Can someone remind me to move Taylor to Hong Kong if I ever suspect him cheating?
Topless saleswomen are legal in Liverpool, England- but only in tropical fish stores. Because anywhere else would just be silly.
In Cali, Columbia, a woman may only have sex with her husband and the first time this happens, her mother must be in the room to witness the act. Gross, gross, gross.
In Santa Cruz, Bolivia, it is illegal for a man to have sex with a woman and her daughter at the same time. Sad to think that this was such a big issue that it required a law.
In Maryland, it is illegal to sell condoms from vending machines with one exception: Prophylactics may be dispensed from a vending machine only in places where alcoholic beverages are sold for consumption on the premises. I am glad that Maryland is encouraging the drunken one night stand.
So there you go, hope that it was not too much for anyone. And I am sorry if anyone took offense but in my defense I am a OB/Gyn nurse and I talk to people about sex all the time.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Movie Recommendation
Okay, I just have a quick movie recommendation for all you chicks out there. My sister, Ryan and I saw "He's Just Not That Into You" (which I will now refer to as HJNTIY since the title is so flipping long) this last weekend and I loved it! I do like a good chick flick sometimes and I have found that since getting married and having sisters I like them more. My mom and I were also great watchers of chick flicks.
I really liked the cast the most in this movie. I loved Jennifer Aniston, Jennifer Connally, Ginnifer Goodwin and Scarlet Johansson (Man, there were a lot of Jennifers on this set. I wonder if they went by Jenny A, Jenny C and Ginny G?). Also, need to send a shout out to Justin Long. He is so cute and funny and I always love his movies, even if they are terrible. This is definitely not a movie for guys, unless they are really secure in their masculinity. It will make you laugh and make you cry, which is always good.
For those of you who don't know, HJNTIY is a movie based on the popular Oprah book. It follows the love lives of 4-5 main girls and the mistakes that we all make in relationships. Don't worry though, it will not make you feel like every decision you have ever made about men is wrong. At least not in the end. I was a little concerned about this because my relationship is a little abnormal and I thought this movie might make me feel like I had not followed the rules. But, no, it is a movie that is truly on the side of love, in all its shapes and forms. I would recommend you see it, it is lovely! I am not saying that you should throw away your copies of "Steel Magnolias" and "Love Actually", but I would put in on the same par as "The Holiday", "Under the Tuscan Sun" and "Mona Lisa's Smile". Hope that you will go and see it. It is a nice, feel-good movie, which seems to be rare these days.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
With a Litte Inspiration from a Friend...
Okay, so Holly did this Q&A thing on her blog with questions about how you and your spouse/boyfriend/significant other relate. So, since my life has been a little dismal lately and I don't really feel like rehashing everything on my blog, I will do this too. Hope you enjoy!
♥What are your middle names?
Elaine and Wade
♥ How long have you been together?
Married for 2+ years and together for 7 years officially and 9 years unofficially. What this means is Taylor told me all through high school that he "didn't want a girlfriend". He still stands by this, he says he still doesn't want a girlfriend, but he is okay with having a wife.
♥ How long did you know each other before you started dating?
We met the summer before I turned 16 in the teacher work room at Westover Hills C of C. We were preparing to go on a mission trip to Minnesota. Funny though, we both went to Westover all our lives almost, and on the VIP quilt our hand prints are right next to each other. I think it was fate...
♥ Who asked who out?
Well, I probably asked him out in high school, in fact, I am sure I did. But when we started dating again in college, he definitely pursued me. My sophomore year of college, I used to go to the drive in with Taylor and his roommate and Taylor would try and kiss me when his roommate would go get snacks or go to the bathroom.
♥ How old were each of you?
Sam 17, Taylor 15- then Sam 20, Taylor 18
♥ Whose siblings do/ did you see the most?
Taylor's, I don't have any.
♥ Do you have any children together?
Nope, just pets
♥ What about pets?
Our babies are Moe, my 6 year old tabby, Barley, our 2 year old Australian shepherd/Boxer/Foxhound/Pit bull mutt and Hopps, our 1 1/2 year old lab/pit bull mutt.
♥ Which situation is the hardest on you as a couple?
Probably money issues at the moment. But we are working on it. Other than that we are pretty united.
♥ Did you go to the same school?
Yes, Anderson High School, although I didn't get there until Junior Year.
♥ Are you from the same home town?
Yep
♥ Who is smarter?
It depends on the issue. Medical, me by a landslide; Random facts and all construction related topics, Taylor by far. Well, except movies, I kill most people when it comes to movie knowledge.
♥ Who is more sensitive?
Me. Have you met my husband? Although he is really sweet and sensitive to me sometimes...shh, don't tell.
♥ Where do you eat out most as a couple?
Sushi, I am obsessed!
♥ Where is the furthest you two have traveled together as a couple?
St. Paul, Minnesota where we lived for the first 5 months of our marriage. Next furthest would probably be New Orleans, LA.
♥ Who has the craziest exes?
I guess me? I went on a date once with a guy I met at Kadesh who had really sweaty palms and was 30 minutes late for our date. Other than that, neither of us has really dated other people.
♥ Who has the worse temper?
Me, me, me. I have a very short fuse, but I forgive and forget quickly. Taylor says that I might be borderline neurotic...well, maybe not borderline.
♥ Who does the cooking?
Both, though Taylor is by far the better of two of us. I make most of the weekday meals right now since he has been working later hours but we usually split it pretty equal. If we entertain, I am usually in charge of only bread and dessert.
♥ Who is more social?
I am not sure. I am much more friendly, but I think that Taylor has a lot more friends. People are just kind of drawn to him and really make the effort to be his friend. He's so cool!
♥ Who is the neat-freak?
Sadly, probably neither of us. I care more about the house being clean, but that is still not saying much. I am good about keeping the kitchen clean, maybe not always dish free but the counters and stuff are always wiped down. I am also OCD about my bathroom products being in a specific order, with all the labels out.
♥ Who is the more stubborn?
Taylor for sure. Have you ever tried to argue with a Reid? You might as well go beat your head on a tree. It would be less painful in the end.
♥ Who hogs the bed?
Well, we are transitioning into sharing a bed. We had a queen before and it was way too small. Now we have a California King which means that Taylor doesn't hog the bed, but he still snores. I am working on my tolerance for snoring. It is about 3 hours right now.
♥ Who wakes up earlier?
Me. At 6 am on weekdays and usually by 8 am on weekends.
♥ Where was your first date?
At the Round Rock 8 movie theater in Round Rock. We saw The Waterboy and Taylor told me afterward that it was not a date. Ah, memories..
♥ Who has the bigger family?
Probably, definitely Taylor. I am an only child and he has three siblings, one who is married. Outside of immediate family, mine is probably closer though. The Reids hardly see their extended family because they don't really live close.
♥ Do you get flowers often?
Sometimes, maybe like twice in our marriage. I actually prefer a balloon on V-day because Taylor got me one when we lived in Minnesota that lasted for 4 months. It was the most awesome balloon ever, we had to pop it when we moved so now he gets me a balloon every Valentines.
♥ How do you spend the holidays?
Splitting between our two families. They both live in Austin and luckily, at least for Christmas, it is a pretty easy split. We have cooked Thanksgiving for Taylor's family the last two years. Sorry, my family...
♥ Who is more jealous?
I guess me. I really didn't like girls who had crushes on Taylor in high school. Of course, Taylor has always been a little intimidating so I don't really think he ever had the chance to be jealous.
♥ How long did it take to get serious?
In high school, we didn't really know if we were truly dating, much less serious. By college though, once we decided to date after I left ACU, we pretty much knew we were getting married and in love and all that jazz.
♥ Who eats more?
Taylor definitely. I can eat a good bit for a girl, but I am nothing compared to Taylor. I think that works out best anyway. I have never really wanted to be able to eat my man under the table. I can already do that with some of his friends sadly.
♥ Who does/ did the laundry?
I do the laundry. Taylor washes his work clothes at some point in the week because he does not have enough pants. I do all the laundry on Sundays. I don't fold a lot though. I am really bad about that. When you wear scrubs and your husband wears workout clothes to work, there doesn't seem much point.
♥ Who’s better with the computer?
Me, by far. Although if we have any major computer issues we take it to my dad. I am the better typist and more Internet savvy. Then again I work on a computer all day so I might have an unfair advantage.
♥Who drives when you are together?
Taylor does. He thinks I am a bad driver and I already drive so far to work everyday that I don't mind if he drives. It doesn't stop me from being a control freak in the car and I am constantly apologizing for pointing out brake lights, red lights and basically any situation that could possibly turn into an accident. I am a psycho in the car, I know it and I apologize to anyone who has ever had to drive me around.
Hope you enjoyed this post and that you know more about Taylor and I now as a couple. Hope that everyone had a wonderful Valentine's day!
♥What are your middle names?
Elaine and Wade
♥ How long have you been together?
Married for 2+ years and together for 7 years officially and 9 years unofficially. What this means is Taylor told me all through high school that he "didn't want a girlfriend". He still stands by this, he says he still doesn't want a girlfriend, but he is okay with having a wife.
♥ How long did you know each other before you started dating?
We met the summer before I turned 16 in the teacher work room at Westover Hills C of C. We were preparing to go on a mission trip to Minnesota. Funny though, we both went to Westover all our lives almost, and on the VIP quilt our hand prints are right next to each other. I think it was fate...
♥ Who asked who out?
Well, I probably asked him out in high school, in fact, I am sure I did. But when we started dating again in college, he definitely pursued me. My sophomore year of college, I used to go to the drive in with Taylor and his roommate and Taylor would try and kiss me when his roommate would go get snacks or go to the bathroom.
♥ How old were each of you?
Sam 17, Taylor 15- then Sam 20, Taylor 18
♥ Whose siblings do/ did you see the most?
Taylor's, I don't have any.
♥ Do you have any children together?
Nope, just pets
♥ What about pets?
Our babies are Moe, my 6 year old tabby, Barley, our 2 year old Australian shepherd/Boxer/Foxhound/Pit bull mutt and Hopps, our 1 1/2 year old lab/pit bull mutt.
♥ Which situation is the hardest on you as a couple?
Probably money issues at the moment. But we are working on it. Other than that we are pretty united.
♥ Did you go to the same school?
Yes, Anderson High School, although I didn't get there until Junior Year.
♥ Are you from the same home town?
Yep
♥ Who is smarter?
It depends on the issue. Medical, me by a landslide; Random facts and all construction related topics, Taylor by far. Well, except movies, I kill most people when it comes to movie knowledge.
♥ Who is more sensitive?
Me. Have you met my husband? Although he is really sweet and sensitive to me sometimes...shh, don't tell.
♥ Where do you eat out most as a couple?
Sushi, I am obsessed!
♥ Where is the furthest you two have traveled together as a couple?
St. Paul, Minnesota where we lived for the first 5 months of our marriage. Next furthest would probably be New Orleans, LA.
♥ Who has the craziest exes?
I guess me? I went on a date once with a guy I met at Kadesh who had really sweaty palms and was 30 minutes late for our date. Other than that, neither of us has really dated other people.
♥ Who has the worse temper?
Me, me, me. I have a very short fuse, but I forgive and forget quickly. Taylor says that I might be borderline neurotic...well, maybe not borderline.
♥ Who does the cooking?
Both, though Taylor is by far the better of two of us. I make most of the weekday meals right now since he has been working later hours but we usually split it pretty equal. If we entertain, I am usually in charge of only bread and dessert.
♥ Who is more social?
I am not sure. I am much more friendly, but I think that Taylor has a lot more friends. People are just kind of drawn to him and really make the effort to be his friend. He's so cool!
♥ Who is the neat-freak?
Sadly, probably neither of us. I care more about the house being clean, but that is still not saying much. I am good about keeping the kitchen clean, maybe not always dish free but the counters and stuff are always wiped down. I am also OCD about my bathroom products being in a specific order, with all the labels out.
♥ Who is the more stubborn?
Taylor for sure. Have you ever tried to argue with a Reid? You might as well go beat your head on a tree. It would be less painful in the end.
♥ Who hogs the bed?
Well, we are transitioning into sharing a bed. We had a queen before and it was way too small. Now we have a California King which means that Taylor doesn't hog the bed, but he still snores. I am working on my tolerance for snoring. It is about 3 hours right now.
♥ Who wakes up earlier?
Me. At 6 am on weekdays and usually by 8 am on weekends.
♥ Where was your first date?
At the Round Rock 8 movie theater in Round Rock. We saw The Waterboy and Taylor told me afterward that it was not a date. Ah, memories..
♥ Who has the bigger family?
Probably, definitely Taylor. I am an only child and he has three siblings, one who is married. Outside of immediate family, mine is probably closer though. The Reids hardly see their extended family because they don't really live close.
♥ Do you get flowers often?
Sometimes, maybe like twice in our marriage. I actually prefer a balloon on V-day because Taylor got me one when we lived in Minnesota that lasted for 4 months. It was the most awesome balloon ever, we had to pop it when we moved so now he gets me a balloon every Valentines.
♥ How do you spend the holidays?
Splitting between our two families. They both live in Austin and luckily, at least for Christmas, it is a pretty easy split. We have cooked Thanksgiving for Taylor's family the last two years. Sorry, my family...
♥ Who is more jealous?
I guess me. I really didn't like girls who had crushes on Taylor in high school. Of course, Taylor has always been a little intimidating so I don't really think he ever had the chance to be jealous.
♥ How long did it take to get serious?
In high school, we didn't really know if we were truly dating, much less serious. By college though, once we decided to date after I left ACU, we pretty much knew we were getting married and in love and all that jazz.
♥ Who eats more?
Taylor definitely. I can eat a good bit for a girl, but I am nothing compared to Taylor. I think that works out best anyway. I have never really wanted to be able to eat my man under the table. I can already do that with some of his friends sadly.
♥ Who does/ did the laundry?
I do the laundry. Taylor washes his work clothes at some point in the week because he does not have enough pants. I do all the laundry on Sundays. I don't fold a lot though. I am really bad about that. When you wear scrubs and your husband wears workout clothes to work, there doesn't seem much point.
♥ Who’s better with the computer?
Me, by far. Although if we have any major computer issues we take it to my dad. I am the better typist and more Internet savvy. Then again I work on a computer all day so I might have an unfair advantage.
♥Who drives when you are together?
Taylor does. He thinks I am a bad driver and I already drive so far to work everyday that I don't mind if he drives. It doesn't stop me from being a control freak in the car and I am constantly apologizing for pointing out brake lights, red lights and basically any situation that could possibly turn into an accident. I am a psycho in the car, I know it and I apologize to anyone who has ever had to drive me around.
Hope you enjoyed this post and that you know more about Taylor and I now as a couple. Hope that everyone had a wonderful Valentine's day!
Friday, February 6, 2009
I Once Threw Up on Mickey...
Imagine that you are 8 years old. You have just spent 3-4 days in a car, driving from Austin, TX to Orlando, FL. You have watched the Disney channel all your life, being a faithfully devoted fan of the Mickey Mouse Club (MMC) and all the Mickey cartoons. You have been so excited for months, since your mom and dad told you that they were taking you to Disney World. Nothing could be greater! So, after journeying for what feels like millions of miles, you finally get there. You check into your hotel and then head straight to Chez Mickey for dinner. You think, " I will get to see Mickey, finally!" However, you are not prepared to not only see Mickey when you first walk in the door but that he will hold your hand and walk you to your table. Also, you are not prepared for Mickey to be 7 feet tall and enormous. So, as soon as you are seating and Mickey walks away, you tell your mom that you are about to be sick. You then proceed to spend the rest of the meal in the bathroom with your mom holding your hair back (something she would do only for you, since she hates even the thought of vomit). So there you are, are you imagining it? Yep, that was me. It was my first trip to Disney World. I didn't actually throw up and the staff at Chez Mickey were so concerned. They made our meals into beautiful foil Mickey ears and a swan.
Going to Disney World has always been one of my favorite places to go. I mean, it's the happiest place on earth! My parents always really loved it too. My mom and I would always get up early and be at the parks when they first open and then stay until right after lunch. This allowed us to get on most rides right away and then be out of the park for the afternoon when it gets really hot. Then we would go back to the room for naps or swimming and return in the evening for dinner and to enjoy time in the park with my dad. My mom and I would always plan for months, reading books about Disney World to see what had changed since we were last there. We would plan what parks we would go to on what days so that we could get maximum time in all the parks. If you have ever felt you wasted your money at Disney World, just come on a trip with my mom and I, we waste no time, but we are also not dead by the end of the trip.
Anyway, I just talked to a patient who was heading to Disney World the other day and began thinking of my childhood trips to Disney World. We have been having a lot of stress over the last few months and it sure would be nice to get away to the happiest place on earth for a while. (By the way, MOM, this is not a plea for a trip, just a happy memory to share).
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
My Serial Killer, Monster and General Maniac Survival Guide
For those of you who don't know, I LOVE horror movies. I have kind of been obsessed with them since I was a kid and used to scare myself by walking around the horror aisle at Blockbuster. When I was in elementary school, I had this secret fear that the creatures on the video covers could come out and get you if you turned your back on them. So I would creep down the aisle trying not to turn my back on the videos. I was a weird kid, okay? I was an only child and you have to make up a lot of things to do. I also watched a lot of movies... I always have.
Anyway, I watch all kinds of horror movies. I especially love the really cheesy, gory ones. This weekend, while Taylor was working, I watched a lot of horror movies including Hostel and Hostel, part 2. I am kind of strangely fascinated with the Hostel movies. I don't really find them scary, just more amusing and creepy. For those who don't know the plot points, Hostel is about tourists who go to a certain hostel in Slovakia and then are kidnapped and sold at auction so that rich people can murder them. Both the Hostel movies focus on Americans, who go for the highest price. They are amusing movies to me because the kids are so dumb and stay in this creepy town where the children rob you and everyone is just a little too friendly. Oh, and all your friends keep disappearing without a trace. I would be out, see ya, adios... but that's just me. The creepy part comes from knowing that something like that could go on. I could easily see the bored, rich people with nothing better to do seeking out this kind of entertainment. Not that rich people cannot be perfectly nice and not murderers.
Anyway, I am getting off subject... In watching the Hostel movies, it caused me to add to my list of ways to avoid getting killed by murderers, serial killers, vampires, werewolves, zombies and general psychos. This is just the little list that I keep in my head so that I am never one of those girls who is breaking her ankle while running away from the monster. So, here you go, I am sure that you will all want to keep this list somewhere handy.
1. Never go vacationing anywhere that has no phones available. I wouldn't camp or hike anywhere where I cannot get cell service. There might be inbreds about. (Lesson from Wrong Turn and Deliverance)
2. If being attacked by zombies, always destroy the head. You can shoot them for five minutes straight through the heart and it won't do a lick of good. If all else fails, decapitate! (Lesson from Dawn of the Dead, Shaun of the Dead, Resident Evil, and basically any zombie movie ever!)
3. If the town, hotel, gas station, etc...looks like it is out of a Hitchcock film, don't stop there and certainly don't be rude to the people there. (Lesson from Texas Chainsaw Massacre, House of 1000 Corpses, and Psycho)
4. When in Europe, do not stay in hostels in Eastern Europe. And if you do and your friends start to disappear, LEAVE ASAP! (Lesson from Hostel, Hostel, part 2)
5. Don't babysit. Well, at least not if you are a cute teenage girl and there is a serial killer on the loose. (Halloween and When a Stranger Calls)
6. If you meet people who have pointy teeth, suck blood, have no reflection and avoid sunlight...they are vampires. Get the holy water, crosses, garlic and wooden stakes. (Dracula, From Dusk til Dawn, Blade, 30 Days of Night, Underworld, any vampire movie...Hello!)
7. Never play a game that requires you to repeat a name into a mirror in the dark so someone can come kill you. So, no Candyman or Bloody Mary. Your friends might think you are a wimp, but at least you won't get slaughtered. (Candyman and Dead Mary)
8. Don't be mean to people who might be potentially serial killers or have telekinesis. In fact, be extra nice to them and if it seems like they are going postal, be somewhere else. (Carrie, Valentine, Willard, Firestarter, Tamara)
9. If your house seems haunted and people start dying... please move. Especially if people get sucked into TVs or become ghosts. That's just common sense. Oh, and don't go to haunted houses to see if they are haunted... they are. (Poltergeist, House on Haunted Hill, Rose Red, The Grudge, Amityville Horror, 1408, The Haunting...)
10. If you are a woman, don't wait for a man to save you when faced with a killer or monster. Grab that machete or gun or butcher knife and take care of it yourself. Besides, your boyfriend/husband/guy friend is probably dead anyway. Duh! And don't wear high heels and then look back as you run away, you're gonna fall, loser! (Be like the main girls in Planet Terror, Death Proof, Resident Evil, Scream and Hostel, part 2)
Hope you have enjoyed my survival guide. There are more things on my list, but these hit the main points. Basically, it's all about using common sense and if something feels stupid, maybe that's not the best choice. Good luck and don't come looking for me when the zombies take over, I will be busy!
By the way, this is Alice. She was in Resident Evil and she is my model of the way to be in a crisis. Plus, she looks cute while she is kicking butt!
Anyway, I watch all kinds of horror movies. I especially love the really cheesy, gory ones. This weekend, while Taylor was working, I watched a lot of horror movies including Hostel and Hostel, part 2. I am kind of strangely fascinated with the Hostel movies. I don't really find them scary, just more amusing and creepy. For those who don't know the plot points, Hostel is about tourists who go to a certain hostel in Slovakia and then are kidnapped and sold at auction so that rich people can murder them. Both the Hostel movies focus on Americans, who go for the highest price. They are amusing movies to me because the kids are so dumb and stay in this creepy town where the children rob you and everyone is just a little too friendly. Oh, and all your friends keep disappearing without a trace. I would be out, see ya, adios... but that's just me. The creepy part comes from knowing that something like that could go on. I could easily see the bored, rich people with nothing better to do seeking out this kind of entertainment. Not that rich people cannot be perfectly nice and not murderers.
Anyway, I am getting off subject... In watching the Hostel movies, it caused me to add to my list of ways to avoid getting killed by murderers, serial killers, vampires, werewolves, zombies and general psychos. This is just the little list that I keep in my head so that I am never one of those girls who is breaking her ankle while running away from the monster. So, here you go, I am sure that you will all want to keep this list somewhere handy.
1. Never go vacationing anywhere that has no phones available. I wouldn't camp or hike anywhere where I cannot get cell service. There might be inbreds about. (Lesson from Wrong Turn and Deliverance)
2. If being attacked by zombies, always destroy the head. You can shoot them for five minutes straight through the heart and it won't do a lick of good. If all else fails, decapitate! (Lesson from Dawn of the Dead, Shaun of the Dead, Resident Evil, and basically any zombie movie ever!)
3. If the town, hotel, gas station, etc...looks like it is out of a Hitchcock film, don't stop there and certainly don't be rude to the people there. (Lesson from Texas Chainsaw Massacre, House of 1000 Corpses, and Psycho)
4. When in Europe, do not stay in hostels in Eastern Europe. And if you do and your friends start to disappear, LEAVE ASAP! (Lesson from Hostel, Hostel, part 2)
5. Don't babysit. Well, at least not if you are a cute teenage girl and there is a serial killer on the loose. (Halloween and When a Stranger Calls)
6. If you meet people who have pointy teeth, suck blood, have no reflection and avoid sunlight...they are vampires. Get the holy water, crosses, garlic and wooden stakes. (Dracula, From Dusk til Dawn, Blade, 30 Days of Night, Underworld, any vampire movie...Hello!)
7. Never play a game that requires you to repeat a name into a mirror in the dark so someone can come kill you. So, no Candyman or Bloody Mary. Your friends might think you are a wimp, but at least you won't get slaughtered. (Candyman and Dead Mary)
8. Don't be mean to people who might be potentially serial killers or have telekinesis. In fact, be extra nice to them and if it seems like they are going postal, be somewhere else. (Carrie, Valentine, Willard, Firestarter, Tamara)
9. If your house seems haunted and people start dying... please move. Especially if people get sucked into TVs or become ghosts. That's just common sense. Oh, and don't go to haunted houses to see if they are haunted... they are. (Poltergeist, House on Haunted Hill, Rose Red, The Grudge, Amityville Horror, 1408, The Haunting...)
10. If you are a woman, don't wait for a man to save you when faced with a killer or monster. Grab that machete or gun or butcher knife and take care of it yourself. Besides, your boyfriend/husband/guy friend is probably dead anyway. Duh! And don't wear high heels and then look back as you run away, you're gonna fall, loser! (Be like the main girls in Planet Terror, Death Proof, Resident Evil, Scream and Hostel, part 2)
Hope you have enjoyed my survival guide. There are more things on my list, but these hit the main points. Basically, it's all about using common sense and if something feels stupid, maybe that's not the best choice. Good luck and don't come looking for me when the zombies take over, I will be busy!
By the way, this is Alice. She was in Resident Evil and she is my model of the way to be in a crisis. Plus, she looks cute while she is kicking butt!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
You'll Be in My Heart...
Today, Taylor and I have been married for two years! I can't believe that time has gone by so quickly. It seems like just yesterday that I was balling my eyes out at our wedding and then hopping into a truck with Taylor and we were off to Minnesota. Taylor is truly the love of my life! I have loved him since I was 17 years old and still when I look at him, I feel so much love for him. He is a great husband. He makes me laugh all the time, he is so considerate at times, he puts up with my nagging and crazy spells, he takes great care of our pets, he is a wonderful cook and he even helps me clean (if I beg). The thing I love most about our marriage is that we are just such good friends, on top of being husband and wife. I would rather spend time with him than anyone else in this world. I miss him when he works on weekends and when he occasionally goes out of town without me. Okay, I'm done being sappy now, just had to get that out.Also, my title of the blog entry is special because Taylor gave me a musical card for my birthday that played "You'll be in my Heart" and it was actually an anniversary card, but he didn't notice until he got it home. It was cute!
Monday, January 12, 2009
Up on My Soapbox Again
Sometimes I just have to get up on my Women's health soapbox. As an OB/Gyn RN, I am constantly looking for new educational tools and products to help keep our patients better informed of the issues they may encounter. Today, our BRCA representative came by the office and gave me some information on a newer non-profit organization that specifically caters to women in their 20-30s.
For those of you who do not know, BRCA is a genetic screening for the breast cancer gene. We all have a BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 gene in our bodies to specifically help our ovarian and breast cells from developing malignant cells. We all receive two sets of these genes from our parents, so even if one doesn't work, we have back up genes. However, some individuals are born with mutations to these genes, which puts them at higher risk than the average person of developing breast or ovarian cancer. The BRCA test looks at your DNA to determine if you have the above mentioned gene mutation. We determine a patient's risk of having a BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 gene mutation by family and personal history. If you have incidence of breast or ovarian cancer in your family or if you personally have a history of breast or ovarian cancer, the BRCA test might be suggested by your doctor. If you test positive for the BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 gene mutation, it can increase your risk of breast cancer up to 87% or of ovarian cancer up to 54%. Considering that the average female has a 7-12% risk of breast cancer and a 1-2% risk of ovarian cancer, these can be very staggering figures. Armed with your results, you can choose to either start mammograms and other screening tests early or choose to have an elective mastectomy and oopherectomy (removal of the ovaries). The thought behind this test is that it allows women to be more proactive in screening for breast cancer or in choosing to have the potentially problematic organs removed. My office has started doing this testing in the past few months and our patients really like it. If you have a family history where all the women have had breast cancer, it might be beneficial to know your chances up front.
Anyway, I digress. The organization that I learned about today was called Bright Pink. They are a non-profit organization that was started by a 20-something women and it focuses on addressing the breast and ovarian cancer issues that young women face. Since our chances of developing breast or ovarian cancer are smaller at this age, some women feel like they do not need testing. Bright Pink encourages women who qualify to have the BRCA test to have it done and encourages all women to have do monthly self-breast exams, have yearly pap and breast exams, start mammograms at 40, and live a healthy lifestyle. They have hip, fun events and even their brochure is super cute. I would recommend all my blogging friends to visit their website and take a look around. They have some good information and it is worth taking a peek at.
The website is http://www.bebrightpink.org/
Also, here is a poem written by a patient who tested positive for the BRCA gene. She was not my patient personally, but I thought it was encouraging.
Today was like finding a lump in my breast
I received the news from my genetic test
My doctor said; "I'm sorry" but you have the gene
The blood test confirmed what hadn't been seen
I know I'll do whatever it takes...to prevent the inevitable
There is too much at stake
So many I've lost, if only they'd known
They should have been able to see their children grown
Cancer now has become a fact
A number the next generation will track
But I'm blessed for this gift I've been given this year
It will make such a difference to those I hold dear
In life I know there is not a guarantee
But, with this knowledge
I now feel free.
-Anonymous-
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
I Think My Heart Just Stopped
I don't how many of you were watching last night, but the Fiesta Bowl was ridiculous! UT was up against Ohio State, which should have been no challenge after some of the teams we played this year. The first half was super slow and boring with only 1 field goal for UT and 2 field goals for OSU. After the half, UT came out a little more revved up and were able to score two touchdowns in the 3rd quarter, using most of the clock up. Then OSU scored another field goal and a touchdown, but they went for their first two point conversion of the season and didn't get it. So the score was at 15 OSU - 17 UT. Then, with two minutes left in the 4th, OSU scores a freakin' touchdown. Luckily, they tried the 2 point conversion again and missed. However, the damage was done and UT had to score a touchdown to win.
By this time, you can imagine that my house was a screaming, anxious mass. We had 5 people over to watch the game and it was very loud in my living room. My brother in law, Hayden was pacing continually around the kitchen and living room, grabbing tortilla chips whenever UT had a bad play. With 16 seconds left, Quan Cosby, a senior, dove into the end zone for a touchdown!!! We all jumped up and cheered. Then we sat on our hands for the next 16 seconds waiting for OSU not to score again. Please no repeat of the Texas Tech game. But we won!
It was such a nail biter that my heart was racing for the last 7 minutes of the game. I could barely sleep last night because I was so hyped up. Granted this was not UT's best game and it should not have been nearly this close. Ohio State is a good team most years, but not really this season. It was a great game and I was so glad that Quan Cosby got to end his college football career by saving the Fiesta Bowl for UT! In case you didn't watch the game last night, let me leave you with a pic of the game winning touchdown and the UT team celebrating. GO HORNS!!
By this time, you can imagine that my house was a screaming, anxious mass. We had 5 people over to watch the game and it was very loud in my living room. My brother in law, Hayden was pacing continually around the kitchen and living room, grabbing tortilla chips whenever UT had a bad play. With 16 seconds left, Quan Cosby, a senior, dove into the end zone for a touchdown!!! We all jumped up and cheered. Then we sat on our hands for the next 16 seconds waiting for OSU not to score again. Please no repeat of the Texas Tech game. But we won!
It was such a nail biter that my heart was racing for the last 7 minutes of the game. I could barely sleep last night because I was so hyped up. Granted this was not UT's best game and it should not have been nearly this close. Ohio State is a good team most years, but not really this season. It was a great game and I was so glad that Quan Cosby got to end his college football career by saving the Fiesta Bowl for UT! In case you didn't watch the game last night, let me leave you with a pic of the game winning touchdown and the UT team celebrating. GO HORNS!!
Monday, January 5, 2009
My Return to Blogging
I feel as though, in the past few months, that I have fallen behind in my blogging. Either due to lack of time or lack of ideas for things to blog about. But, no more. This year I am going to blog about happenings in my life and things I read, watch and do. Last year, I felt like some things that happened were not "blog worthy", but then I was disappointed with the ideas I did come up with.
My goal for this year is to love myself more. I tend to be my own worst critic. I scrutinize my looks, my actions, and my personality all the time. This year I want to focus on the things I do like about myself and on those that I love. I am going to re-focus my efforts to be a more healthy person, whatever weight that may be. I will also focus on trying new things and being thankful for all the people in my life who love me. Last year, I spent a lot of time being sad about not having a good girlfriend close by to do things with. But I have plenty of guy friends, a wonderful mother and mother-in-law, several blog friends, two great sisters-in-law, and a couple of friends that I would love to see more often, but whom I am thankful to spend even the occasional event with.
So, in following with my new goal this year to just write what I feel rather than what is "blog-worthy", I will give everyone an update on the end of last year and the events that took place in my life.
In November, Taylor and I made the decision to move in with my in-laws this coming summer. We are having a hard time saving any money, because our rent is expensive and we live paycheck to paycheck. Plus, my in-laws could use an extra hand or two around the house. With my father-in-law's Parkinson's on a steady decline, it would be helpful to have a nurse in the house and also a big strong man who can move Spencer and lift him when he falls. Taylor and Blake are turning the Reids' garage into a room and separate laundry room and then Taylor and I will move in. Also, this month, we lost my mom's father. On Thanksgiving, Popo pasted from this world and into a much better one. He had suffered with Alzheimer's for many years and then a week before Thanksgiving came down with what they think was Aspiration Pneumonia. He was made comfortable in his living facility and passed peacefully. My grandfather was a wonderful man. He was a father, a husband, a soldier, a police officer, a missionary, an elder and a grandfather. I will miss him, but I am truly happy that he is now in a place where he doesn't forget those that he loves and where Alzheimer's cannot reach him.
December was a better month for us. We did the usual Christmas fun with family, and Taylor and I, through the generous gifts from friends and family, were able to buy a new TV and a new bed. We have slept in separate rooms most nights of our two year marriage because we only had a queen sized bed. Some of you may think that sounds like plenty of space, but when you are sleeping with a 6 ft 7 in, 350 lb man in a bed with a giant dent in the center from years of him sleeping alone, it is not enough room. We will be getting our California King in this week. On New Years Eve day, I was lucky enough to get a lunch date with my good friend Kathrine. We have known each other for years and we don't get together as much as we would like. We had lunch at a great little tea shop and then did some window shopping. She is one of those friends that you can just pick up with even if you haven't really seen each other in months. For New Years eve, we went out to eat Hibachi (I love Japanese food!) with a couple of friends and then over to a friends house to hang out. It was a very laid back New Years and we enjoyed that. Taylor and Blake were also off of work the weeks of Christmas and New Years and began work on Taylor's parents garage. They are almost done clearing it out and will hopefully begin work on the actual construction this week.
So far, in January, we have already had a little drama. My dear kitty, Moe, whom I have had for five years has developed a disease called Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease. Apparently, it is the umbrella term for most urinary problems that cats have. We had to take him into the emergency clinic on Friday night at 11 pm because I was worried that he had bladder stones. He was going to the bathroom in odd places, there were crystals in his urine as well as blood. He also seemed to be in pain while using the bathroom. It was kind of stressful weekend due to his discomfort and I was terrified that he would have a urinary obstruction, which is a life-threatening problem. It may seem silly to worry so much over a cat, but he has been my companion since I started nursing school. He is a sweet dear cat and I would be devastating if he died due to a condition I can prevent. We are off to see the vet this afternoon for follow-up on treatment for him. He is thankfully feeling much better.
Well, now you are all updated on my life at this point. We have had some hard times the last few months, but hopefully this year will bring some happier days!
My goal for this year is to love myself more. I tend to be my own worst critic. I scrutinize my looks, my actions, and my personality all the time. This year I want to focus on the things I do like about myself and on those that I love. I am going to re-focus my efforts to be a more healthy person, whatever weight that may be. I will also focus on trying new things and being thankful for all the people in my life who love me. Last year, I spent a lot of time being sad about not having a good girlfriend close by to do things with. But I have plenty of guy friends, a wonderful mother and mother-in-law, several blog friends, two great sisters-in-law, and a couple of friends that I would love to see more often, but whom I am thankful to spend even the occasional event with.
So, in following with my new goal this year to just write what I feel rather than what is "blog-worthy", I will give everyone an update on the end of last year and the events that took place in my life.
In November, Taylor and I made the decision to move in with my in-laws this coming summer. We are having a hard time saving any money, because our rent is expensive and we live paycheck to paycheck. Plus, my in-laws could use an extra hand or two around the house. With my father-in-law's Parkinson's on a steady decline, it would be helpful to have a nurse in the house and also a big strong man who can move Spencer and lift him when he falls. Taylor and Blake are turning the Reids' garage into a room and separate laundry room and then Taylor and I will move in. Also, this month, we lost my mom's father. On Thanksgiving, Popo pasted from this world and into a much better one. He had suffered with Alzheimer's for many years and then a week before Thanksgiving came down with what they think was Aspiration Pneumonia. He was made comfortable in his living facility and passed peacefully. My grandfather was a wonderful man. He was a father, a husband, a soldier, a police officer, a missionary, an elder and a grandfather. I will miss him, but I am truly happy that he is now in a place where he doesn't forget those that he loves and where Alzheimer's cannot reach him.
December was a better month for us. We did the usual Christmas fun with family, and Taylor and I, through the generous gifts from friends and family, were able to buy a new TV and a new bed. We have slept in separate rooms most nights of our two year marriage because we only had a queen sized bed. Some of you may think that sounds like plenty of space, but when you are sleeping with a 6 ft 7 in, 350 lb man in a bed with a giant dent in the center from years of him sleeping alone, it is not enough room. We will be getting our California King in this week. On New Years Eve day, I was lucky enough to get a lunch date with my good friend Kathrine. We have known each other for years and we don't get together as much as we would like. We had lunch at a great little tea shop and then did some window shopping. She is one of those friends that you can just pick up with even if you haven't really seen each other in months. For New Years eve, we went out to eat Hibachi (I love Japanese food!) with a couple of friends and then over to a friends house to hang out. It was a very laid back New Years and we enjoyed that. Taylor and Blake were also off of work the weeks of Christmas and New Years and began work on Taylor's parents garage. They are almost done clearing it out and will hopefully begin work on the actual construction this week.
So far, in January, we have already had a little drama. My dear kitty, Moe, whom I have had for five years has developed a disease called Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease. Apparently, it is the umbrella term for most urinary problems that cats have. We had to take him into the emergency clinic on Friday night at 11 pm because I was worried that he had bladder stones. He was going to the bathroom in odd places, there were crystals in his urine as well as blood. He also seemed to be in pain while using the bathroom. It was kind of stressful weekend due to his discomfort and I was terrified that he would have a urinary obstruction, which is a life-threatening problem. It may seem silly to worry so much over a cat, but he has been my companion since I started nursing school. He is a sweet dear cat and I would be devastating if he died due to a condition I can prevent. We are off to see the vet this afternoon for follow-up on treatment for him. He is thankfully feeling much better.
Well, now you are all updated on my life at this point. We have had some hard times the last few months, but hopefully this year will bring some happier days!
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