Well, it's been a while since I last blogged. Been super busy and super exhausted. Dad is experiencing extreme pain in his mouth and throat from the intense radiation burns...not to mention he still feels sick and nauseous all the time. I am sitting with him at KU Med right now while he receives his last chemotherapy treatment. The doctor thinks that we've beat it- but we won't jump the gun until he's had a CT (body) scan in a few weeks.
I am officially Catholic now!!! I know that many people will criticize the Catholic Church for the whole conversion process, but they do that to make sure the person truly wants to be Catholic. It is all about making the person comfortable with their choice, NOT forcing it on them. I really enjoyed my September to April conversion process. I learned a lot and feel that I have a stronger faith, which I didn't have before.
I had a wonderful Easter weekend! Scott did a TON of yard work and garage work, and my Mom worked super hard to put everything together. It ended up being really nice and the guests seemed happy, too. Not only was it Easter, but I was getting baptized, confirmed, and taking first communion! Dad even felt well enough to go! He saw me baptized but then he went home because he felt tired and sick...he wished so badly that he could stay for the rest but Easter Vigil is SO long.
Just found out this morning that my Grandpa is back in the hospital. My Grandma called the house at 5:30a to tell us about it. He has been sick lately and this time it sounds serious. They're down at the Lake of the Ozarks so it's hard to get there in a hurry. He is not doing well, so please pray for him and for my grandma. I love them both so much.
My Mom brought my Dad to KU Med early this morning for his radiation treatment while I dropped our cat Sammy at the vet. As soon as I got to KU Med, my mom left to go be with grandma and grandpa at the hospital. I'm staying in town to take care of dad.
My poor cat (that we've had since I was 9) is also falling apart on me :-( He's getting SO skinny, not eating well, and has some abnormal growths on his ear that are making it bleed like crazy. It's absolutely heart-breaking, and I'm sure the pain is using some of his energy. I DON'T CARE WHAT ANYONE SAYS, MY PETS ARE FAMILY!!! Always have been, and always will be.
Scott moved out of his house and into his friend's condo. Moving out of your parents' house can be weird but he's ready to be independent. He lives about 25 minutes closer to me now lol! He likes it so far.
I am still loving my job at Presentation Early Childhood Center. I love working with the 2 year-olds! I miss them when I take a day off... it's nuts. They ALMOST feel like "my" kids because I've been around them for so long now. Presentation is a wonderful place to work. Everyone is nice and it's all about the kids and doing the right thing.
I've finally started the 3rd book of the Twilight Saga- Eclipse. I am bound and determined to read it before the movie comes out. I think I like the Twilight Saga better than Harry Potter... sad to say because I was a HUGE Harry Potter. I think that Twilight is keeping a faster pace as far as producing movies- so it stays fresh in our minds. Whereas, Harry Potter has been a longer series and movies have been coming out since the early 2000s...weird to think about huh? Nonetheless, I'm excited to see the 7th movie, even though it's only PART of the 7th book.
I think Scott and I are going to take a day to go up to the Omaha Zoo. We're itching for a road trip and what better frugal way to do it than drive three hours to a REALLY good zoo? I've heard awesome reviews on it so I'm hoping we're not disappointed :-)
Until next time...
Christen
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Imagine a big long sigh
I am pooped. I had an 8:30 appointment at the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, MO today. I met with an academic advisor from the education department who was above and beyond helpful. It was such a positive experience. So far, I am enrolled in 9 hours this summer, and will probably bump that up to 12. I am enrolled in 17 hours for the fall semester, and may bump it up to 20 just to get done with school sooner. We'll see though... after my appointment at UCM, I had class, and then work. Now I have a ton of homework... YAAAAAAAAAAWN.
It was such an interesting experience driving to Warrensburg and walking on campus. I felt like I was behind enemy lines! lol but if I didn't feel comfortable going to school there, I obviously wouldn't have applied.
Dad hasn't gone into work the past few days... he's made a couple phone calls from home. He has been extremely tired, felt nauseated, extreme irritation, and his feeding tube may have an infection on the inside. Friday (3/26) will be a long day for us- surgery at 7:30 in the morning (have to be there at 6:30), getting fluids (for hydration) through his port around 11, and his radiation appointment at 2 pm. When it comes to cancer, there is no taking a "breather" or a "time-out"... it feels like it's a constant sprint. Not enough breaks. In the big picture, it will be worth it.
I am supposed to go to Kirksville this weekend. If it rains, I doubt I will be able to make it. I have all kinds of obligations this weekend. Scott is supposed to move out this weekend, but it looks like he has to push it back to next week. Have a church retreat Sunday. I am in the RCIA program (Rite of Christian Initiation in Adults... basically- my Catholic conversion) and Easter vigil is going to wrap it up- I will be baptized and confirmed. I could not be more ready or excited for this. I am so happy that I directed my path to the Catholic Church. It is where my heart belongs, and my faith has strengthened immensely.
I am SOOOOOO ready for summer!!!!!! Bring on the sun, lotion, and bathing suits!!!
Until next time...
It was such an interesting experience driving to Warrensburg and walking on campus. I felt like I was behind enemy lines! lol but if I didn't feel comfortable going to school there, I obviously wouldn't have applied.
Dad hasn't gone into work the past few days... he's made a couple phone calls from home. He has been extremely tired, felt nauseated, extreme irritation, and his feeding tube may have an infection on the inside. Friday (3/26) will be a long day for us- surgery at 7:30 in the morning (have to be there at 6:30), getting fluids (for hydration) through his port around 11, and his radiation appointment at 2 pm. When it comes to cancer, there is no taking a "breather" or a "time-out"... it feels like it's a constant sprint. Not enough breaks. In the big picture, it will be worth it.
I am supposed to go to Kirksville this weekend. If it rains, I doubt I will be able to make it. I have all kinds of obligations this weekend. Scott is supposed to move out this weekend, but it looks like he has to push it back to next week. Have a church retreat Sunday. I am in the RCIA program (Rite of Christian Initiation in Adults... basically- my Catholic conversion) and Easter vigil is going to wrap it up- I will be baptized and confirmed. I could not be more ready or excited for this. I am so happy that I directed my path to the Catholic Church. It is where my heart belongs, and my faith has strengthened immensely.
I am SOOOOOO ready for summer!!!!!! Bring on the sun, lotion, and bathing suits!!!
Until next time...
Sunday, March 21, 2010
First update
So I'm sitting here on my butt. Just finished watching some college basketball and am now doing some homework. So far my bracket is good... Scott and I have a competition every year in March Madness and I give him a run for his money. Back in 2008, KU won it (which Scott predicted, and I did not agree), and North Carolina won it in 2009 (which I predicted and Scott did not agree). We're both KU fans but I had Kentucky winning it this year. We'll see how that plays out.
This weather... is so infuriating. I wouldn't mind spending a few years in the south before having kids. I am really sick of the seasons. And I'm sure if I move away from KC, I'll eventually miss the seasons... ha ha. Just can't win with the weather!
The whole health care reform... I can admire our current administration's desire for a positive change. BUT, I do not like the idea they are putting forward. We just cannot emulate healthcare systems like Canada and France have. We just have a much larger population and many more factors at play.
Who REALLY needs changed? Drug companies and insurance companies. Let's fix THEM first. I'm sure if drug companies settled down, things would be a lot better.
School is going well... already finished with 2 classes because they were only 8 weeks long- Educational Psychology and PE for Elementary Teachers. Got an A in both... yay! I'm at Longview right now and will continue with Longview as well as Central Missouri this summer. I will get my elementary education degree through Central... kinda weird since I graduated from Truman... WHOA!
Dad is trudging through. He has had 20 radiation treatments and has 15 left. He has also had 4 chemotherapy treatments, and has 1 left. He's gotten so far in the treatment, and it has really worn him down. His spirits are positive and strong. If you talked to him, you wouldn't even KNOW he was sick. I only know because I live with him. He is making an incredibly scary experience seem like a piece of cake (well almost). He is unable to swallow food or pills, and his throat hurts. His BIGGEST complains besides fatigue and throat burns are nausea, acid reflux, and constant hiccuping. (aside from all the little things associated with the treatment)
My parents 25th wedding anniversary is Tuesday! It's their "silver" anniversary. Couldn't be more happy for them. This whole cancer experience has been a big reality check for all of us, and it really makes us re-prioritize things in life. They won't get to celebrate like they want to... but as soon as my Dad is better- they're going to celebrate like NO other.
My Dad and I love to eat at Taco Via and First Watch. I told him I wouldn't eat at either place until he was able to.
Mom is really taking on a lot. On top of her break neck job, she is the one really helping with my Dad's medications and feeding. I've gotten to go to 3 of his 4 chemo treatments, but I haven't been to a radiation treatment yet. I'll get to go this Friday because my work is closed. I just feel helpless because I can't just make this cancer leave my dad. I hate feeling helpless, it's a horrible feeling when my Dad is sitting on the couch feeling miserable.
I love my work. I get to work with 2 year-olds every day from 2-6. I learn a lot from them and I sure hope they learn from me! They never cease to amaze me or make me laugh with the things they do.
Had five prank calls from some stupid jerk kid. He blocked caller ID and was calling about my missing cat (who has been missing since August) and he was pretending that he had my cat. He said nasty things- sexual things and other stupid comments. I stopped answering and so far I haven't had another call. I went down to the police station with the intention of filing a report of phone harassment and tracing the number. After my phone conversation with a cop, I learned that the file would go to a detective and it would take two weeks to trace the number because it has to be subpoenaed. I'm just not sure if turning it into a court case is the best option. If he calls me anymore... you bet your butt it's going to court. I'm sick of the hurtful, nasty comments. I shouldn't let it get to me... the only reason it does is because he said things about my cat. You have no idea how much I wanted to reach through the phone and choke this kid. This experience along with other experiences I've had have greatly disappointed me about upcoming generations and sometimes their parents. I'm glad I'm going to be a teacher because I want to have a positive effect in their lives as well as foster strong relationships with parents. It's so important to me.
Ok, well this is so long for a first post. Not sure who is even going to read this but I hope that my thoughts are entertaining or beneficial somehow. More to come later!
~Christen
This weather... is so infuriating. I wouldn't mind spending a few years in the south before having kids. I am really sick of the seasons. And I'm sure if I move away from KC, I'll eventually miss the seasons... ha ha. Just can't win with the weather!
The whole health care reform... I can admire our current administration's desire for a positive change. BUT, I do not like the idea they are putting forward. We just cannot emulate healthcare systems like Canada and France have. We just have a much larger population and many more factors at play.
Who REALLY needs changed? Drug companies and insurance companies. Let's fix THEM first. I'm sure if drug companies settled down, things would be a lot better.
School is going well... already finished with 2 classes because they were only 8 weeks long- Educational Psychology and PE for Elementary Teachers. Got an A in both... yay! I'm at Longview right now and will continue with Longview as well as Central Missouri this summer. I will get my elementary education degree through Central... kinda weird since I graduated from Truman... WHOA!
Dad is trudging through. He has had 20 radiation treatments and has 15 left. He has also had 4 chemotherapy treatments, and has 1 left. He's gotten so far in the treatment, and it has really worn him down. His spirits are positive and strong. If you talked to him, you wouldn't even KNOW he was sick. I only know because I live with him. He is making an incredibly scary experience seem like a piece of cake (well almost). He is unable to swallow food or pills, and his throat hurts. His BIGGEST complains besides fatigue and throat burns are nausea, acid reflux, and constant hiccuping. (aside from all the little things associated with the treatment)
My parents 25th wedding anniversary is Tuesday! It's their "silver" anniversary. Couldn't be more happy for them. This whole cancer experience has been a big reality check for all of us, and it really makes us re-prioritize things in life. They won't get to celebrate like they want to... but as soon as my Dad is better- they're going to celebrate like NO other.
My Dad and I love to eat at Taco Via and First Watch. I told him I wouldn't eat at either place until he was able to.
Mom is really taking on a lot. On top of her break neck job, she is the one really helping with my Dad's medications and feeding. I've gotten to go to 3 of his 4 chemo treatments, but I haven't been to a radiation treatment yet. I'll get to go this Friday because my work is closed. I just feel helpless because I can't just make this cancer leave my dad. I hate feeling helpless, it's a horrible feeling when my Dad is sitting on the couch feeling miserable.
I love my work. I get to work with 2 year-olds every day from 2-6. I learn a lot from them and I sure hope they learn from me! They never cease to amaze me or make me laugh with the things they do.
Had five prank calls from some stupid jerk kid. He blocked caller ID and was calling about my missing cat (who has been missing since August) and he was pretending that he had my cat. He said nasty things- sexual things and other stupid comments. I stopped answering and so far I haven't had another call. I went down to the police station with the intention of filing a report of phone harassment and tracing the number. After my phone conversation with a cop, I learned that the file would go to a detective and it would take two weeks to trace the number because it has to be subpoenaed. I'm just not sure if turning it into a court case is the best option. If he calls me anymore... you bet your butt it's going to court. I'm sick of the hurtful, nasty comments. I shouldn't let it get to me... the only reason it does is because he said things about my cat. You have no idea how much I wanted to reach through the phone and choke this kid. This experience along with other experiences I've had have greatly disappointed me about upcoming generations and sometimes their parents. I'm glad I'm going to be a teacher because I want to have a positive effect in their lives as well as foster strong relationships with parents. It's so important to me.
Ok, well this is so long for a first post. Not sure who is even going to read this but I hope that my thoughts are entertaining or beneficial somehow. More to come later!
~Christen
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