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