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Sunday, December 11, 2011
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Are you ready for a disaster? I'm getting there.
Okay, didn't mean to scare anyone. Just going through the emergency preparedness checklist I have. Thought I would post on here as a reminder to my friends and family to make sure they have supplies. There was recently an earthquake up in San Francisco and then the big earthquake in Turkey after that.
I went through our list and our containers and we do have some items (thanks to my mom), but I think I need to get some more.
Things I have: bottled water, ramen noodles and cans of chili, first aid kit, plastic eating utensils, TP, and matches.
Things I am going to get: extra water, battery or hand-crank radio, extra batteries, extra flashlight, dust masks, wrench or pliers to keep in kit, extra can opener, cell phone solar charger, extra diapers, extra pet food, extra blanket, extra change of clothes, bleach, fire extinguisher and make sure the matches are in a water proof container.
Other things recommended are: plastic sheeting, duct tape, garbage bags, local maps, prescriptions and glasses, personal hygeine items, paper and pencils, books, etc. and extra cash. I will have to work on this last part.
So I hope everyone out there is ready just in case - hopefully, we will never need to use it.
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I went through our list and our containers and we do have some items (thanks to my mom), but I think I need to get some more.
Things I have: bottled water, ramen noodles and cans of chili, first aid kit, plastic eating utensils, TP, and matches.
Things I am going to get: extra water, battery or hand-crank radio, extra batteries, extra flashlight, dust masks, wrench or pliers to keep in kit, extra can opener, cell phone solar charger, extra diapers, extra pet food, extra blanket, extra change of clothes, bleach, fire extinguisher and make sure the matches are in a water proof container.
Other things recommended are: plastic sheeting, duct tape, garbage bags, local maps, prescriptions and glasses, personal hygeine items, paper and pencils, books, etc. and extra cash. I will have to work on this last part.
So I hope everyone out there is ready just in case - hopefully, we will never need to use it.
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Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Vivian's Surgery
Just wanted to write a quick blog although I posted most info on FB.
The doctor said that her skull will have a small divet area from where the lump pushed on the skull. Since the lump was in the back of the skull it did put a little pressure on the skull bones, like laying on her back. Infants have softer bones and unfortunately since her skull was still hardening when it developed, it did put a tiny "dent" in the skull bone. The good new is that it didn't affect any brain tissue or cause any damage inside the skull - Her head will just be a little lumpy, but her hair will cover it up and it shouldn't be too noticeable.
The incision is about an inch and a half in length and so far is healing nicely. It does feel a little swollen to me so I am checking it and if it stays that way I may take her in to get checked before her post-op appointment. I don't want to take any chances, especially because of the location.
She's on antibiotics 3 times a day as a preventative measure, neosporin ointment twice a day and baby tylenol for pain.
The doctors and nurses were very nice at Loma Linda - so I want to thank them for that! She had three doctors taking care of her and two nurses in the OR (at least that I know of), plus several pre-op and recovery nurses.
I will continue to keep everyone posted with any updates, but I am SO happy it is over and should be smooth sailing from here. :)
The doctor said that her skull will have a small divet area from where the lump pushed on the skull. Since the lump was in the back of the skull it did put a little pressure on the skull bones, like laying on her back. Infants have softer bones and unfortunately since her skull was still hardening when it developed, it did put a tiny "dent" in the skull bone. The good new is that it didn't affect any brain tissue or cause any damage inside the skull - Her head will just be a little lumpy, but her hair will cover it up and it shouldn't be too noticeable.
The incision is about an inch and a half in length and so far is healing nicely. It does feel a little swollen to me so I am checking it and if it stays that way I may take her in to get checked before her post-op appointment. I don't want to take any chances, especially because of the location.
She's on antibiotics 3 times a day as a preventative measure, neosporin ointment twice a day and baby tylenol for pain.
The doctors and nurses were very nice at Loma Linda - so I want to thank them for that! She had three doctors taking care of her and two nurses in the OR (at least that I know of), plus several pre-op and recovery nurses.
I will continue to keep everyone posted with any updates, but I am SO happy it is over and should be smooth sailing from here. :)
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Tokyo's Story
This is a blog in honor of my Tokyo pug. We got him and his littermate/sister, Paris, when they were only 8 weeks old. Our house was still being built so we were living in the 526 property. I still remember that night when my parents and I went to see the puppies. We had actually went to see Paris (I wanted a female) and the woman brough down two tiny little fur balls, one in each hand. These were the last two puppies of the litter (there were 7 total). Paris, as a puppy, had been scared and very timid. But Tokyo, with his rotund tummy, warmed up in a few seconds and then wanted to roam around and smell stuff in the way that only a puppy does.
Well, they were both so darn cute and I couldn't possibly leave the last puppy by himself. I called up Case (and brought along extra money just by the off chance I should want two) and asked/told him I was getting both of them. He was at home building a makeshift pen to keep them in so they could go outside in the back. So the woman agreed and I took them both home together in a little cardboard box.
We made pitstop to Petco on the way home picking up a crate and some supplies. Paris and Tokyo slept together that first night and every night thereafter until Paris passed away due to a coyote attack. Tokyo mourned and would cry if he was not right there with someone - even if we were in the house. So along came Cairo. We took Tokyo to see some pug puppies to find out if there was one that he seemed interested in or liked. Honestly, he didn't seem interested in any of them. But we picked one anyway who seemed sweet.
Now Cairo, was her own little personality and different than Paris. Paris was more docile and loving - Cairo was energetic, playful and stubborn. She would pick at Tokyo even though he mostly disregarded her during her puppyhood. Eventually, however, I think she won him over. His life was never the same and I think he went from being in charge with Paris, to just thinking that it was too much work and energy with Cairo. But he didn't cry or whine anymore once Cairo was here. So I think she helped him (and me) fill a void that Paris left in our lives and hearts.
Now my sweet Tokyo is gone but not forgotten, and honestly I still can't believe he isn't sleeping on the doggy couch - his usual spot. I have his ashes in a little wood box on a shelf by Paris. Which is next to their crates and by where he and Cairo slept. I like to think that's how he would want it to be.
Well, they were both so darn cute and I couldn't possibly leave the last puppy by himself. I called up Case (and brought along extra money just by the off chance I should want two) and asked/told him I was getting both of them. He was at home building a makeshift pen to keep them in so they could go outside in the back. So the woman agreed and I took them both home together in a little cardboard box.
We made pitstop to Petco on the way home picking up a crate and some supplies. Paris and Tokyo slept together that first night and every night thereafter until Paris passed away due to a coyote attack. Tokyo mourned and would cry if he was not right there with someone - even if we were in the house. So along came Cairo. We took Tokyo to see some pug puppies to find out if there was one that he seemed interested in or liked. Honestly, he didn't seem interested in any of them. But we picked one anyway who seemed sweet.
Now Cairo, was her own little personality and different than Paris. Paris was more docile and loving - Cairo was energetic, playful and stubborn. She would pick at Tokyo even though he mostly disregarded her during her puppyhood. Eventually, however, I think she won him over. His life was never the same and I think he went from being in charge with Paris, to just thinking that it was too much work and energy with Cairo. But he didn't cry or whine anymore once Cairo was here. So I think she helped him (and me) fill a void that Paris left in our lives and hearts.
Now my sweet Tokyo is gone but not forgotten, and honestly I still can't believe he isn't sleeping on the doggy couch - his usual spot. I have his ashes in a little wood box on a shelf by Paris. Which is next to their crates and by where he and Cairo slept. I like to think that's how he would want it to be.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
My "Old" Life
Well, I went to a retirement party this week for someone where I used to work. It was great to see so many people from the past that I hadn't seen in years. I really miss working with such wonderful people. (Although I am lucky that I work with some good people now too - don't get me wrong). I got to bring my sweet girl with me, so that was extra special that my "old" life that I left over eight years ago got to meet my "new" life, V.
Everyone looked great and I don't think anyone changed! Hopefully, I didn't age too much myself. ;)
It made me miss the good old days a little bit and even my hubby said he could tell it when I told him about the party later on. Those really were some great times...
I am grateful for the time I spent in my old life, but also grateful that I've hopefully expanded my horizons and have a wonderful life now which includes the cutest, sweetest little face I have ever seen! And the fact that I have four big brown pug eyes to look at every day isn't bad either. Well, I have my hubby too which is good. ;)
When I saw everyone I really felt like the same person and that not much time had passed at all. Amazing really how that happens.
Everyone looked great and I don't think anyone changed! Hopefully, I didn't age too much myself. ;)
It made me miss the good old days a little bit and even my hubby said he could tell it when I told him about the party later on. Those really were some great times...
I am grateful for the time I spent in my old life, but also grateful that I've hopefully expanded my horizons and have a wonderful life now which includes the cutest, sweetest little face I have ever seen! And the fact that I have four big brown pug eyes to look at every day isn't bad either. Well, I have my hubby too which is good. ;)
When I saw everyone I really felt like the same person and that not much time had passed at all. Amazing really how that happens.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
I miss that girl
this time I am talking about myself. I miss that 1980's young girl I used to be (well, lately anyways). We have seen a couple old concerts from 80's musicians recently and it is amazing how the music can take me straight back to a time and place - riding around in the car with my mom, a school dance.... Although certain parts I would NOT want to relive there are things I want to have a do-over with (does anyone else remember do-overs?).
That girl I used to be was trusting and nice, and though I had moments of not nice (which I regret), I believed in all things good and possible, including love, friendships, romance, first kisses, and all that other stuff. I didn't know then what I know now... I just have to wonder how things would be. Now don't get me wrong, I love my life and wouldn't want to be someone else - but the nostalgia of the music does take me back, and makes me think of a young teenager who wanted to look like Madonna, listened to Hall & Oates, liked PacMan, but liked Ms. PacMan better, and didn't know that I really did have so much opportunity perhaps I wasted some of it away - although I had a wonderful life waiting for me. All that trust, optimism and promise of a future - now I want that for my daughter and will get the joy of reliving it all through her. But I still miss that other young girl once in a while :)
That girl I used to be was trusting and nice, and though I had moments of not nice (which I regret), I believed in all things good and possible, including love, friendships, romance, first kisses, and all that other stuff. I didn't know then what I know now... I just have to wonder how things would be. Now don't get me wrong, I love my life and wouldn't want to be someone else - but the nostalgia of the music does take me back, and makes me think of a young teenager who wanted to look like Madonna, listened to Hall & Oates, liked PacMan, but liked Ms. PacMan better, and didn't know that I really did have so much opportunity perhaps I wasted some of it away - although I had a wonderful life waiting for me. All that trust, optimism and promise of a future - now I want that for my daughter and will get the joy of reliving it all through her. But I still miss that other young girl once in a while :)
She's growing every day...
Yep, it is true - my little baby is growing so fast. It truly is a bittersweet experience. I want to savor every day. I am happy she is growing and excited to see the things she is doing and learning (who knew babies and toddlers have a sense of humor?), but I have moments that I remember her being so little and small and I miss them already! While she is just over 13 months now and I did experience the fastest year of my life, I also know that I have many more wonderful and joyous years to spend with her. I just hope that she stays sweet like she is now, and we don't screw things up too badly. ;)
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Lessons Learned This Week
Well, it has been an interesting week and even at my ripe old age, I can still learn life lessons.
The things I've learned this week are that you can know someone, but not understand them. You can know their clothes, their favorite foods, their humor, etc., but still not understand their deepest responses or actions or why. You can know where they were born, where they live, but still not know where they are coming from (so to speak). There is a difference between knowing someone and understanding them.
I've also learned that sometimes we just have to let go of people. We can't change people into what we think they should be (even if we are right -haha). We just need to let them be themselves, and if they have regrets at the end, well that is their choice and right to have. For example, say we think they should be outside enjoying the sunshine and all they want is to sit in the house and play video games (I'm talking an adult here not children), then just let them be - still invite them, but if they don't go then it is their choice and each person's decision on how to spend their time.... Which leads me to another lesson - that what some people see as work others see as a hobby. I tend to lump all money-related/work items together as work, but I have learned that others see it differently. What may be work to me, is not to someone else - go figure.
My last lesson is one I had known but have had a reminder of and that is how short life is. I have known of five people who have passed away (including one family member just last week) so far in 2011 and it is only June! So life, really is too short and we really don't know when we go to bed if tomorrow is our last day. We don't know if this week is our last week, or if this is our last year. For me, that is why it is important to try to focus on what is important in life and that is something each of us have to decide for ourselves I suppose.
The things I've learned this week are that you can know someone, but not understand them. You can know their clothes, their favorite foods, their humor, etc., but still not understand their deepest responses or actions or why. You can know where they were born, where they live, but still not know where they are coming from (so to speak). There is a difference between knowing someone and understanding them.
I've also learned that sometimes we just have to let go of people. We can't change people into what we think they should be (even if we are right -haha). We just need to let them be themselves, and if they have regrets at the end, well that is their choice and right to have. For example, say we think they should be outside enjoying the sunshine and all they want is to sit in the house and play video games (I'm talking an adult here not children), then just let them be - still invite them, but if they don't go then it is their choice and each person's decision on how to spend their time.... Which leads me to another lesson - that what some people see as work others see as a hobby. I tend to lump all money-related/work items together as work, but I have learned that others see it differently. What may be work to me, is not to someone else - go figure.
My last lesson is one I had known but have had a reminder of and that is how short life is. I have known of five people who have passed away (including one family member just last week) so far in 2011 and it is only June! So life, really is too short and we really don't know when we go to bed if tomorrow is our last day. We don't know if this week is our last week, or if this is our last year. For me, that is why it is important to try to focus on what is important in life and that is something each of us have to decide for ourselves I suppose.
Friday, June 3, 2011
So this is what 41 feels like...
I am on my third day of 41 and so far it really doesn't feel that much different than 40. ;) I do vividly remember turning 40 last year, and although 40 is a milestone (good or bad), I didn't really have the time to dwell on it. I was in my third trimester and down to my last month of school. I had finals to finish and a nursery/baby to finish getting ready. To top it all off, I was so sick on the actual day with a cold/virus thing and I felt miserable. I laid on the couch most of the afternoon and Case brought home Baker's drive-thru for dinner (I had wanted to go out but didn't feel like it).
I can't believe a year has passed since then - it really has flown. V will be a year-old next month. I physically feel a little older I guess - more aches and pains and I know I look older (darn wrinkles), but inside I still feel in my 30's. Not my 20's - don't really miss those all that much - but 30's that's a good place to be in my head even if no where else, and my driver's license says a different number.
So no more milestones for another 9 years I imagine. Maybe I will feel different at 45 - but at this point I'm not really counting years until I get to the next decade of 50. It gives me 10 years to start saving for my facelift. ;)
I can't believe a year has passed since then - it really has flown. V will be a year-old next month. I physically feel a little older I guess - more aches and pains and I know I look older (darn wrinkles), but inside I still feel in my 30's. Not my 20's - don't really miss those all that much - but 30's that's a good place to be in my head even if no where else, and my driver's license says a different number.
So no more milestones for another 9 years I imagine. Maybe I will feel different at 45 - but at this point I'm not really counting years until I get to the next decade of 50. It gives me 10 years to start saving for my facelift. ;)
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
a little bit of a shock
I just found out that someone I used to know passed away a couple weeks ago. I'm in shock and we will just leave it at that. Gosh you just don't know when your last day is. A good reminder to be kind and remember what is really important in life.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
CCFA Walk - June 2011
I'm a little behind, but I finally registered for the CCFA Take Steps Walk in Irvine. I had been raising $1,000 for the last two years, but with the economy and all I know things are tight for everyone. Therefore, I lowered it to $500, but that's still not bad. If I get a good response, then back to $1,000 it will go!
This year it will be exciting since V will get to go and will be almost a year old! Last year I was VERY pregnant, but made it, so this year should be a piece of cake. That and the fact that Case and I have been walking about 4-5 days a week lately.
So I am looking forward to the walk again - this will be our third year in a row!
This year it will be exciting since V will get to go and will be almost a year old! Last year I was VERY pregnant, but made it, so this year should be a piece of cake. That and the fact that Case and I have been walking about 4-5 days a week lately.
So I am looking forward to the walk again - this will be our third year in a row!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
My article on Suite 101.
http://www.suite101.com/content/does-technology-make-us-closer-a347759
Actually it is my second article, but it is a start. Not really making much money yet. Still hoping to get a spot for online teaching, but it has been slow going. I got an inquiry from the University of Phoenix, so I am still hopeful.
Well gotta run!
Actually it is my second article, but it is a start. Not really making much money yet. Still hoping to get a spot for online teaching, but it has been slow going. I got an inquiry from the University of Phoenix, so I am still hopeful.
Well gotta run!
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Here we are
So, here we are, the first week of 2011. Other than being sick, it is going well - we are almost a week into the new year.
There are lots of things to blog about, but honestly, I'm too tired and behind on chores to think of them much at the moment. That will have to wait for next time.
However, random thoughts/things are the Palm Springs Film Festival this week. Going to try to talk Case into going to PS to see some celebrities!
GPS systems for kids. - I can't seem to find exactly what I want that isn't a small fortune.
Cheap/inexpensive things to do and entertainment options. Websites are weak that I have found so far .... so maybe I will start posting them on my blog... hhmmm that's an idea.
Next week is busy - Small claims class, meeting with the bookkeeper and my small bowel series - all fun, fun, fun!!!
Until the next blog...
Crystal
There are lots of things to blog about, but honestly, I'm too tired and behind on chores to think of them much at the moment. That will have to wait for next time.
However, random thoughts/things are the Palm Springs Film Festival this week. Going to try to talk Case into going to PS to see some celebrities!
GPS systems for kids. - I can't seem to find exactly what I want that isn't a small fortune.
Cheap/inexpensive things to do and entertainment options. Websites are weak that I have found so far .... so maybe I will start posting them on my blog... hhmmm that's an idea.
Next week is busy - Small claims class, meeting with the bookkeeper and my small bowel series - all fun, fun, fun!!!
Until the next blog...
Crystal
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