tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18850798892623906082024-03-04T20:16:11.004-08:00Ken and Tyan's AdventuresOur Adventures, Both Great and SmallKen and Tyan's Adventureshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06051498286681062773noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1885079889262390608.post-6468123384289770632010-10-25T17:38:00.000-07:002010-10-25T17:38:03.084-07:0034 Weeks!Wow. Only 6 weeks to go. It's crazy. Some of me wants it all to be over, but then I remember when it's over I'll have a baby, which despite how ill I've felt, will be a heck of a lot more work than what Pumpkin is requiring at this point. Ken and I have been finalizing our birth plan, deciding how we want it to go, etc. It gets tricky because my family is <em>HUGE</em> and they <em>ALL</em> want to be involved, but we want a small, intimate birth. So we're making everyone totally mad and only having immediate family at the birth center (which is <em>plenty</em> as far as I'm concerned). The fact of the matter is, the birth center will only hold about 6 people, so our immediate family is really all that will fit anyway. I figure we had a huge family wedding; we can have a small, intimate birth. It will be much calmer, and I will be able to focus on the important parts (labor, Ken, Pumpkin) a lot better. I feel horrible about making everyone mad, but this is what we want, and I'm only going to appologize so much for it. I just really hope the family can consider it from my perpective, and respect what we are wanting. <br />
My Mom and best friend Danielle threw me a shower on Saturday. It was awesome. So many people showed up (over 30!), were so generous with their gifts, and participated in the fun games. Danielle was in charge of coordinating the games, and she had asked Ken a bunch of questions about taking care of a baby, and I was supposed to guess what his answers were. Apparently we need to spend some more time going over basic stuff because some of his answers were crazy. He thought that babies go through 25 diapers a day, and don't sleep through the night until they are a year and a half old (I sure hope not!). Luckily, he said he would change 10 diapers a day, so I figure he can change the first ten, and I'll change any that are left over. I have another shower tomorrow with the family practice office at work, and then the PTs are having another small gathering next month. I'm certainly feeling very loved and spoiled. It's crazy how excited people get about babies. I was expecting a "wedding-level" of excitement, but this is all so much more than I experienced when Ken and I got married. It's very fun. <br />
Pumpkin is getting so big. I'm still not huge when compared to other pregnant ladies, but I feel certainly feel big. My tummy is rock hard, though my belly button isn't sticking out yet. It's getting closer, but not quite there. Pumpkin has very distinct awake/sleep patterns these days. S/he wakes up when I do, then chills out for a few hours, then wakes up again around 10, then is pretty mellow all day until I get ready for bed. Then Pumpkin goes <em>CRAZY</em>! That's when the crazy alien-baby side of Pumpkin comes out. Party in my tummy, which of course keeps me awake. S/he often has a dance-off around 3am which often wakes me up, but I'm able to go back to sleep most of the time. <br />
Anyhoo - things are going well. I'm getting more and more tired from daily activities. We'll see if I'm able to work 40 hours a week until baby comes. I hope I'm able to do it, I just may be an exhausted only-semi-productive blob the last few weeks. Hopefully my office will be ok with that. <br />
Wish us luck.Ken and Tyan's Adventureshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06051498286681062773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1885079889262390608.post-56807573493881514442010-10-17T20:00:00.000-07:002010-10-17T20:00:33.823-07:0033 Weeks (almost)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgezfBNfL7iQU5i_RvNpFTA3qR74qPf3vz6dyQo_O3iier8cws5ZkwGmOP4_a4zyccvPT3YnhGkgToZ7j2YeSLwAsIm8AU2UM_8Gr-eNy_9frCdMWRlqr3TiwUr-vobkci0zHzTGpSLX6Q/s1600/101710+031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgezfBNfL7iQU5i_RvNpFTA3qR74qPf3vz6dyQo_O3iier8cws5ZkwGmOP4_a4zyccvPT3YnhGkgToZ7j2YeSLwAsIm8AU2UM_8Gr-eNy_9frCdMWRlqr3TiwUr-vobkci0zHzTGpSLX6Q/s320/101710+031.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXZtiMM6BjRGMEnBNw8_S7E26F1fOA-vmc_MmSPCzPFot4ups16qcPRMINSRXoaKC5-I__ZsDRtXIgyzARJ9BPQbjvaEK0aPM5Xc59rbiZ8bqvawWgvrcpXNevtl0p3v-nHooMacpCCpw/s1600/101710+035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXZtiMM6BjRGMEnBNw8_S7E26F1fOA-vmc_MmSPCzPFot4ups16qcPRMINSRXoaKC5-I__ZsDRtXIgyzARJ9BPQbjvaEK0aPM5Xc59rbiZ8bqvawWgvrcpXNevtl0p3v-nHooMacpCCpw/s320/101710+035.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlHj-df2hyphenhyphenDz2P_GKnDu23vJtp5FRbbrbxTXsKr4f7LXNBtqY8CkKFo_SIsXA8-28zNKBr6Jbi1rW_enzfwqgVlHAvicU_ULApSt0l-vHY5d6x5u_iPoTru2CB5o1X2oC67USWlB9geyM/s1600/101710+024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlHj-df2hyphenhyphenDz2P_GKnDu23vJtp5FRbbrbxTXsKr4f7LXNBtqY8CkKFo_SIsXA8-28zNKBr6Jbi1rW_enzfwqgVlHAvicU_ULApSt0l-vHY5d6x5u_iPoTru2CB5o1X2oC67USWlB9geyM/s320/101710+024.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Things are starting to come together with Pumpkin's room. I bought curtains a couple of months ago, that I have decided that I really just don't want or need. The room NEVER gets direct sunlight and is relatively dark all day. The view is beautiful, so there's not a need to cover up the windows for aesthetic reasons. After going around and around, putting them up and taking them down, they're staying down. I'll keep them for now just in case I change my mind. Ken and I put up the pictures today, as well as the mobile. I made up the crib yesterday, cleaned the carpet, and arranged/organized. I still have my desk to clean off, and some random stuff that I need to find a home for, but I'm well on my way to getting Pumpkin's room completed. I had a really sick morning, so I didn't get as much done today as I would like, but still quite a bit.Ken and Tyan's Adventureshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06051498286681062773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1885079889262390608.post-74331915465634322042010-10-12T11:16:00.000-07:002010-10-12T11:16:01.572-07:0032 WeeksI promise I wont do a "catch-up" post seeing has how I've been MIA for several months. But, I am going to try to make an effort to keep this more updated now. I'm currently 32 weeks. I'm <em>still</em> sick. I know. You probably think I'm lying, but I'm really not. I'm actually currently trying very (very, very) hard to keep my breakfast down. The juice was a bad choice. My eating stuff is better, but not great. I still have to strategically eat - no veggies, very little dairy, very little protein, no whole grains, limited fruit. So in essence I'm still living on white carbs. Sometimes I can sneak something good in. Yesterday at lunch I had a piece of marinated artichoke heart. I was really excited about it (but of course I paid for it all afternoon, so it was really less sneaking and more self-sabotage). We had our last ultrasound yesterday. Pumpkin looks so much like Ken. I keep getting girl vibes, so this baby really may look just like Auntie Alicia. Of course, I'm probably horribly wrong and it's a boy and will look just like Ken. Pumpkin certainly has a Walker nose, not mine for sure. On one of the ultrasound pictures it looked like baby has dimples! I would love that. I'm getting very excited. Part of it is I'm really looking forward to not being pregnant anymore, since I haven't been very well. Last night was our last birth class. I'm so glad we took the classes. Ken was only able to attend the first two because of his school schedule, but my mom came with me to the last three. I'm feeling pretty motivated about the whole birth experience. I know it's going to be really really hard, but I'm excited to meet this little person. This weekend I'm going to finish up Pumpkin's room. I still need to hang up pictures, decorate, CLEAN!, shampoo the carpets, decide if I'm going to put up curtains or not, make the bed, possibly buy more storage baskets, and clean Ken and I's room. My mom and friend Danielle are throwing me a baby shower on the 23rd, and I need to get Pumpkin's room looking like a baby's room for the party. It's getting there, the furniture is in the right places, and most things are put away, but it still is in need of quite a bit of finessing. Hopefully I'm feeling well and able to get everything done this weekend. <br />
Wish us luck.Ken and Tyan's Adventureshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06051498286681062773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1885079889262390608.post-69304932686564000662010-07-04T12:23:00.000-07:002010-07-04T12:23:23.415-07:0017 Weeks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb17Og0H7OGOdj59cgi2genHSl-pzFQRvbN2j8bFpPSbzwm5oMHSDrEMzMR5JSHa2otvdOteH4EkycK0ruujaIK3imF7nUCzvl8aJUPZ8tB4ah6HUqK08wKe83NEt9vHBfDfehiMTqVSA/s1600/063010+074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb17Og0H7OGOdj59cgi2genHSl-pzFQRvbN2j8bFpPSbzwm5oMHSDrEMzMR5JSHa2otvdOteH4EkycK0ruujaIK3imF7nUCzvl8aJUPZ8tB4ah6HUqK08wKe83NEt9vHBfDfehiMTqVSA/s320/063010+074.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHJuAUSLABFh0kWOKaIgma2gxSihTgM8aEVdg39rNP_hdgsabdj8JbVhze1g9BSAbC5F2TzASQfbhtR21aYVTwQ4cHMVfFth8bxQiY6ip_fBA48XqZtC1t031VlQr8cfW4_SWFtt1PB7c/s1600/063010+085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHJuAUSLABFh0kWOKaIgma2gxSihTgM8aEVdg39rNP_hdgsabdj8JbVhze1g9BSAbC5F2TzASQfbhtR21aYVTwQ4cHMVfFth8bxQiY6ip_fBA48XqZtC1t031VlQr8cfW4_SWFtt1PB7c/s320/063010+085.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'MS Shell Dlg'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">I'm definitely starting to have a bump! Most of the time my tummy just looks chubby, but in certain clothes, like the dress above, I look pregnant. In other news, I developed shingles this week. Not so fun. It's a big ugly rash on my chest that itches and feels like a sunburn. Although, a lot of people with shingles have incredible pain, which I have avoided thus far. So despite the shingles, I feel lucky. I'm also supposed to avoid young babies and pregnant women, which I find funny (How am I supposed to avoid myself?). Hopefully this will be cleared up before my 20 week ultrasound and checkup, so that I'm not exposing a bunch of innocent bystanders to chickenpox. As of today I've only gained about a pound since my big weight-loss, which is fine with me. I know I'm going to gain baby weight, but I don't want to gain a bunch of mama-pudge along with it. Anyhoo, things are going well. I'm still feeling comparatively well to a month ago. I'm still throwing up every day or so, and am nauseous for most afternoons, but it's so much better than before. It's amazing how much my definition of a "good day" has changed over the last couple of months. For a while a "good day" was only throwing up 2-3 times a day, and now it's the days that I don't throw up at all, and am only nauseous for hours on end. I'm hoping I'll get rid of the nausea eventually, but it hasn't happened so far. I'm still shocked by how firm my stomach is. I wasn't expecting the "baby part" to be so hard. It's like abs of steel. I'm definitely enjoying my body changing shape. It's certainly different than before, and certainly going to get a whole lot stranger, but I'm liking it. </span></span>Ken and Tyan's Adventureshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06051498286681062773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1885079889262390608.post-32469640603736679682010-06-29T17:16:00.000-07:002010-06-29T17:16:51.985-07:00Pumpkin kicks ALL DAYSo I felt the baby on Friday, and then I didn't feel anything again all weekend. I felt like a dork who had mistaken gas bubbles for a baby. Good grief, what kind of a mother am I? Then I had a latte this morning, and holy cow! Pumpkin has been kicking <em>all day long</em>. It's really exciting, but makes me nervous for when he/she's strong enough to really kick me hard. Gulp. But today, when it's just a sweet, tickling flutter on the left side of my belly (the only side Pumpkin seems to like), I really like it, and am so thankful for a fun reminder that I'm growing a little person from scratch in my belly.Ken and Tyan's Adventureshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06051498286681062773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1885079889262390608.post-1724085965898953852010-06-25T18:02:00.000-07:002010-06-25T18:02:08.213-07:00I felt Pumpkin kick!Today at work, I was sitting there, minding my own business and I felt a flutter/popping sensation in my belly! It was waaaayyy too high up to be gas, and didn't feel like gas at <i>all</i>. I think it was Pumpkin! It lasted for a solid 45 seconds, so I had time to actually feel it, and think about how it felt before it stopped. Very exciting! I wasn't expecting to feel the baby for a few more weeks, but there you go! Finally a fun pregnancy symptom!Ken and Tyan's Adventureshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06051498286681062773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1885079889262390608.post-82063393492769849162010-06-22T17:00:00.000-07:002010-06-22T17:00:54.520-07:00Ken Started Classes!Woot! Ken started classes yesterday for his teaching certification program at the UofO. He was a little stressed, a little tired, but overall he was excited and it went well. <br />
Three cheers for Ken, and his awesome scholastic achievements.Ken and Tyan's Adventureshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06051498286681062773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1885079889262390608.post-63876957277000396552010-06-19T14:41:00.000-07:002010-06-19T14:41:31.335-07:0015 Weeks aka Finally Feeling Human again - Time to Blog<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhONzYsxU0-JnAnu-LS84XZj2P3EyxlKwcYn3VPUNWmuHQEXZXB8D0M9cj5ry_6PSxxI6TlLJaVvKHDq9OTLaZSG5m3Y3JAlyyLS8jlegtFafZuOL9TSPArIeuPTvprExrjOnzOQDrum_Q/s1600/42810+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhONzYsxU0-JnAnu-LS84XZj2P3EyxlKwcYn3VPUNWmuHQEXZXB8D0M9cj5ry_6PSxxI6TlLJaVvKHDq9OTLaZSG5m3Y3JAlyyLS8jlegtFafZuOL9TSPArIeuPTvprExrjOnzOQDrum_Q/s400/42810+006.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiArXWNDa44rfVMSogqBkGZCr8LAgdz55BKnXk_Z5MKVfKpJDpAhtkuJFKpbg4u5N2u8UhEwjdqZ01JHeDPig_J-aHo7pgcFu8nSziYncCDOeRF8dZFDMTfsJ4MDa_sVYCjSUYIBb-BLgc/s1600/42810+036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiArXWNDa44rfVMSogqBkGZCr8LAgdz55BKnXk_Z5MKVfKpJDpAhtkuJFKpbg4u5N2u8UhEwjdqZ01JHeDPig_J-aHo7pgcFu8nSziYncCDOeRF8dZFDMTfsJ4MDa_sVYCjSUYIBb-BLgc/s400/42810+036.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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Hello ya'll (anyone who's actually still clicking on this thing after two months without a post)<br />
So as you probably know, I'm unexpectedly knocked up. Quite an exciting, fun surprise that I'm happy about, but a shocking, what-the-heck-are-we-going-to-do? surprise. The first few weeks I was just in shock. (I never missed a pill - just keep that in mind ladies) Then I started planning, figured out a few things, feeling more prepared and relaxed about it, and then the sickness hit. Vomiting, vomiting as far as the eye could see. The term "morning sickness" is a big fat joke. I actually felt great in the morning. Everyday I would wake up, say to myself, "Gosh, I was being such a big baby about being sick. I feel great! Today is going to be a new day!" Then by about 11:00 I just wanted to die. If I wasn't puking, I was so close to puking, that my nausea was the only thing I could concentrate on for weeks on end. In addition, we had some crazy turmoil at work and I needed to work regular 12-hour days that I was short-handed during. So, I was doing the job of two people, working crazy overtime, and just wanting to curl up in a ball and cry during the whole thing. Horrible to say the least. It was by-far the most horrible two months of my life (and that's including the second term of LLD during which I was a giant mess) But I've started feeling more human. My vomiting down to only once every few days (waaayyyy better than throwing up after every meal), and I'm not so nauseous all the time that I just want to cry. Unfortunately, Pumpkin is still being a picky eater, and wont let me eat much more than white carbs (no whole grains...ever) a little dairy, and a little fruit. The fruit is a huge improvement. During my two-months-from-hell I was solely surviving on instant mac-and-cheese and rice cakes. Not so awesome. But, I can now keep down most fruit as long as I don't eat too much.<br />
Pumpkin is starting to poke out now. Which is really fun. I know people who were really unhappy when their body started to change and felt really fat. I don't feel fat, I feel pregnant! Hopefully I remain this upbeat about all the changes my body will go through the rest of the pregnancy. I can't wait until I can feel him/her kick. I'm really looking forward to that. We aren't going to find out the sex, so Pumpkin will remain Pumpkin until birth. Names are still a bit up in the air, though we've pretty much decided on Finn for a boy, and Moira for a girl. The middle name will be James (after my side of the family) either way. Anyhoo - I'm planning on keeping this thing up to date now that I'm feeling better, so that I can chronicle my pregnancy.<br />
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Wish us luckKen and Tyan's Adventureshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06051498286681062773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1885079889262390608.post-21112455546105550922010-03-27T11:02:00.000-07:002010-03-31T17:24:21.820-07:00Who are those furry animals?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span">You may be wondering, who the neck are those furry animals in the banner picture? I've never talked about them here, so how would you know? The Siamese, blue eyed beauty is Vella. I adopted her from the human society in Corvallis my Sophomore year of college. Ken and I were together, and he helped to get her, but initially she was my kitty (of course she always has loved Ken more, and is totally his cat). Vella is leggy, lean, and beautiful but has a saggy middle that swings when she runs. It makes for good entertainment for us, but she would probably like a tummy tuck. Vella has the classic siamese yowl, but is overall pretty quiet. Mable, her black cubby counterpart was given to us in 2006 by a friend who couldn't have Mable in her apartment complex. She is soft as a bunny, and very vocal. She doesn't have Vella's yowl, as she's much more squeaky, but she talks nonstop. She likes to play fetch with catnip toys, and is a hardcore snuggler. Both kitties moved into my parents house with us in December. They seem to be adjusting fine, although Vella sometimes gets into arguments with my parent's cat Winston over the food dish. While we don't have any real babies yet, our kitties are our babies for now. </span></span>Ken and Tyan's Adventureshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06051498286681062773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1885079889262390608.post-68528243544794484892010-03-23T13:52:00.000-07:002010-03-25T19:12:15.155-07:00Passport applications are sent!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEnrZlyBj5ky4osXSY2TVI1p6K_jph5L6e8ybnWEcJA5C_BRV83FIe6aN8h_nE3ObS_jSUBizTiIj1Cta6kbd91Ar-PM_0KQE1ZM-Qw6yg3Hjmye-k4uNnd0UBrPTQ_qH037lmp-KNGT4/s1600-h/passport.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEnrZlyBj5ky4osXSY2TVI1p6K_jph5L6e8ybnWEcJA5C_BRV83FIe6aN8h_nE3ObS_jSUBizTiIj1Cta6kbd91Ar-PM_0KQE1ZM-Qw6yg3Hjmye-k4uNnd0UBrPTQ_qH037lmp-KNGT4/s320/passport.jpg" vt="true" /></a></div>Ken spent his morning at the post office waiting in line to submit our applications for passports. We had filled out the applications ahead of time, and had everything ready to go, so once it was his turn it didn't take long. The lady who reviewed our appliciations said that everything was in order, took our money, and sent them off with the morning mail. WooHoo!<br />
The most "awesome" part of the entire experience was getting our passport photos. We had some time to kill yesterday afternoon, so we decided to go get them. Ken didn't want to go because he'd been wearing a hat all day so his hair would look bad in the picture. I tell him that everyone looks bad in their passport photo, that I'll help him make his hair look ok, and that he just needs to suck it up. Of course during this time, <em>I</em> haven't looked in the mirror, which let me tell you, I should have done. We get the pictures back, and mine's <em>horrid</em>. I then remember that I didn't put hardly any makeup on that morning (so I have giant dark circles, and I look like I died a week ago yesterday), and I ran out the door with my hair soaking wet so it's flat as a pancake. Awesome. I'm super glad I'm going to have this photo attached to me for the next 10 years. Ken of couse looks dapper in his photo. Jerk.Ken and Tyan's Adventureshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06051498286681062773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1885079889262390608.post-18565928578752753032010-03-19T15:20:00.000-07:002010-03-19T15:20:44.255-07:00One Last Hurrah!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnMA3lRqakCluku9nXtGKGeJJPGgpr5WTn6k4h9vdxGHsXCaU-VYhuhBd2lFwCg9kAkjE8UTqpnyLblGsR943vZkhKd0djzZWbvwzyJMkddqRoi_gflX8spoXM95WaDPqYtZgsSn8I1CI/s1600-h/Costa+Rica.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnMA3lRqakCluku9nXtGKGeJJPGgpr5WTn6k4h9vdxGHsXCaU-VYhuhBd2lFwCg9kAkjE8UTqpnyLblGsR943vZkhKd0djzZWbvwzyJMkddqRoi_gflX8spoXM95WaDPqYtZgsSn8I1CI/s320/Costa+Rica.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Costa Rica.....here we come!<br />
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Ken and I decided that we needed one big fun adventure before he starts grad school. So we've reserved the week of May 17th off work, and we're heading off to Costa Rica! We had planned on going to Mexico City, and bopping around there a while, but tickets to Costa Rica weren't much more expensive and we both would prefer to go there as it's less urban and more tropical. We are flying out of Portland the evening of Friday, May 14th, and will return to Portland on May 23rd. I'm really excited to be going on this trip. I haven't been out of the country since I went to Mexico on a missions trip Junior year of High School, and Ken's never been outside of the US. We're hoping to travel quite a bit once Ken's done with school and before we have babies, so this will be a nice introduction to international travel. <br />
Now's the mad dash to get Ken a passport, and mine renewed, as I've changed my name since I last used it. We have 8 weeks as of today, but probably wont have all of the pieces needed until the middle of next week, so we may want to pay the extra money to have them expedited, as I'd rather not stress about it. My parents have my old passport in their safety deposit box, and we have our marriage license (to change my name on mine) and Ken's birth certificate here at the house. So I just need my dad to get my passport, get our pictures taken and get down to the passport office.<br />
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Wish us luck!Ken and Tyan's Adventureshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06051498286681062773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1885079889262390608.post-86980300234287009992010-03-13T10:02:00.000-08:002010-03-13T10:03:36.128-08:00UOTeach Admission Decision<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcQuIP4JKndDMrgqaP2rwdzqzZ5UIU5j29nB3_W_7pL56IbmH9jndql7jkMyRxNe239DU1lMwp76qDKe5KHRLXO1ZA1ed00D3fn31VB7tIYxhc3fIUBzfQ1LICIWwFDSVLqa7HzGSTSjI/s1600-h/oregon.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcQuIP4JKndDMrgqaP2rwdzqzZ5UIU5j29nB3_W_7pL56IbmH9jndql7jkMyRxNe239DU1lMwp76qDKe5KHRLXO1ZA1ed00D3fn31VB7tIYxhc3fIUBzfQ1LICIWwFDSVLqa7HzGSTSjI/s200/oregon.gif" width="156" /></a></div><br />
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<br />
Got an email last night from the UO Ed Department ---<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Congratulations! You are invited to accept admission into the UOTeach Program leading to the Initial Oregon Teaching License and to a Master’s of Education Degree in Curriculum and Teaching. Confirmation of formal admission will be sent to you directly from the University of Oregon Office of Admissions. The UOTeach program has been approved by the Oregon University System, the University of Oregon Graduate School, and the Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission.</span></span></span><br />
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Yay Ken! He'll start the one year program in June, then complete his masters (an additional 3 months) from June to September next year.Ken and Tyan's Adventureshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06051498286681062773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1885079889262390608.post-25250255307732437292010-02-27T15:29:00.000-08:002010-02-27T15:29:57.345-08:00Interview Went Well!Yay Ken!<br />
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His interview went well! It was a group interview, meaning that he and a group of five other prospective students were all interviewed at the same time. The format of the meeting was that the applicants were given a prompter question and had to discuss within the group. Those of you who know Ken know that he can be shy, and I was concerned that he wouldn't get enough in to demonstrate his great ideas. Luckily, he says that he was able to make several good comments, and feels confident about how he came across. The program will mail him a letter in the next 3-4 weeks notifying him of his acceptance/denial. We have our fingers crossed!<br />
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In other news, I qualified for (and ordered) a new cell phone today. I'm excited about it, but Ken is in comparison, much more excited, as he has been using my <i>hot pink</i> razor phone off an on (aka between other cell phone murders) for over a year. He left his last phone outside during a rainstorm in the parking lot at work, and the phone before that he managed to somehow fling off the balcony at our 4th street apartment, resulting in its untimely death. Needless say, he will be much more happy (and manly) with my hand-me-down LG chocolate phone that is a nice reddish brown. We'll see how long he's able to keep this one alive. ;)Ken and Tyan's Adventureshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06051498286681062773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1885079889262390608.post-31973905497251759092010-02-24T19:49:00.000-08:002010-02-24T19:49:36.376-08:00Yay Ken!Yay!<br />
After weeks of waiting. Ken got an interview for the UofO secondary education program. Apparently he had kind of given up hope because he knew that those selected for interview were called/emailed last week, and he hadn't received an invite. Today when I was at work the person in charge of scheduling the interviews called <i>my</i> phone. She was quite frustrated as she had emailed him several times (to his now defunct UofO address, and <i>not</i> the address on his application - no idea why) and had yet to hear back from him. Somehow she obtained my number (Emergency contact maybe? Again, we have no idea) to get ahold of him. I called him, he called her, and the interview was set for Friday. <br />
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Yay! Go Ken!Ken and Tyan's Adventureshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06051498286681062773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1885079889262390608.post-39736734943009745612010-02-13T20:22:00.000-08:002010-02-13T20:22:18.759-08:00Valentines at the beach<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju3o2CKPZQ5kOUCnDOs3dO9mqESegBx8_rLgYusKJv3mZWc-Wd0kTfOXemR7P37iTY1b92d20unFipxfjZrsFcT-Y9UzAt9KTsW5dpx7okxSHPGNgDX5IDtTp-ZrhwbQUI6-P57qfTtlE/s1600-h/21310+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju3o2CKPZQ5kOUCnDOs3dO9mqESegBx8_rLgYusKJv3mZWc-Wd0kTfOXemR7P37iTY1b92d20unFipxfjZrsFcT-Y9UzAt9KTsW5dpx7okxSHPGNgDX5IDtTp-ZrhwbQUI6-P57qfTtlE/s320/21310+001.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA7yJpa1L4Au0mn-sZNJ7Rgbhc1m7amIkv42C9T5sjZI2nHS2dwt6YsWUq8XuhoDgG9JyWMzmR0NOL61-bvdwV587wj5n7niyhqXjNxFSTZDKtyZZ5-pyrQ2rItGpHGpaN05UWQ3KtMj0/s1600-h/21310+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSNxmKIQs_1GkOgNHwkAKUsLrsyT7MvSMNNVFigs3_mkrCY6y6iETY751uSo6RNqiRp14E840tTESM5He9CAaWP0aGoc8ZNVaUhO1ToI3Jg7YMNF_WSkBcUZnmD4wly00d8VbRxKwNktg/s320/21310+205.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHhu2DYxxqrZvJGhzKVpwieHU76ycn35R32GWtpe9LMtsotndm0wKa5ldsdWBhzttXe1vJ_JFJHM6o576SdWRFSUgX8c6DEfJPr1CHhRApzE_GjmDCg9oYlZba6_bXQ-zbtpeZ46SHFHQ/s1600-h/21310+212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHhu2DYxxqrZvJGhzKVpwieHU76ycn35R32GWtpe9LMtsotndm0wKa5ldsdWBhzttXe1vJ_JFJHM6o576SdWRFSUgX8c6DEfJPr1CHhRApzE_GjmDCg9oYlZba6_bXQ-zbtpeZ46SHFHQ/s320/21310+212.JPG" /></a></div>Ken and I celebrated Valentine's Day today (Saturday) instead of Sunday because he has to work tomorrow. He gave me a beautiful orchid (hopefully I wont kill it) and chocolates, and he got sleeping pads for camping (I swear this is what he wanted). We went to lunch at Cornucopia, and then drove to the beach. I love tide pools far more than actual sandy beach, so off to Yachats we went. We spent the afternoon, and had a blast. Ken brought his camera only to realize upon arrival that his batteries were dead. Sad day. But I had mine, so we still have pictures.Ken and Tyan's Adventureshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06051498286681062773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1885079889262390608.post-65969066998519893692010-02-10T12:58:00.000-08:002010-02-10T12:58:25.560-08:00New book!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsMFvOuNYW3_zVfxoLc0pUkwb4M314fyYCN4ty-ajg8uLMicLIH7x95WnwmzjnnM_as-9Xzsb5aQ3GhoEHQSRUX_yP5dxWrevHG-8IKiTvONfq2Owj5Adfs2wmUFQxZn_dQNrEFSGNtHc/s1600-h/51iLn2BlSbL._SS500_" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsMFvOuNYW3_zVfxoLc0pUkwb4M314fyYCN4ty-ajg8uLMicLIH7x95WnwmzjnnM_as-9Xzsb5aQ3GhoEHQSRUX_yP5dxWrevHG-8IKiTvONfq2Owj5Adfs2wmUFQxZn_dQNrEFSGNtHc/s320/51iLn2BlSbL._SS500_" /></a></div>Despite the horrible headache and actively-draining nasal discharge (gotta love sinus infections!) I dashed to Borders after work to pick up the glorious new book I've been obsessing over for weeks. My review? It's AWESOME! It's exactly the kind of sewing book I've been waiting for. It's all about dresses (which I wear about 85% of the time), it's all about how to take a basic pattern and adapt it to the awesome idea in your head. There are 25 projects in the book, and only two of them I dislike. Actually, dislike isn't the correct word, they just aren't my style. They would be totally cute on someone else. There's a military inspired dress with cargo pockets (not me at all), and this layered-illusion dress that really isn't me either. I like to layer <i>for real</i> not fake (seriously, I honestly don't remember the last time I wasn't wearing a cardigan or jacket). The other 23 patterns ROCK! I honestly can't decide what I want to do first. All in all, totally excited. The book recommends fitting a muslin before hacking into nice fabric, which is a good idea no matter what you're doing. I've cut out the pattern and pieces for the "Sheath" dress in muslin, and plan to sew it up tonight. Hopefully it wont have to be altered too much so I can get started on a project later this week!<br />
Three cheers for great new project books.Ken and Tyan's Adventureshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06051498286681062773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1885079889262390608.post-91771368734639021592010-02-07T19:47:00.000-08:002010-02-07T20:06:19.653-08:00New Dress<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5KaanauKB4zwIPrwoLkwEkrI3xx03TMNRJvqYBYZaihkoo2CS7R8a-ybGVP4LYPZzxCnxdcjwuI3gcsWoFeAYeXrmoXlnAVxcpW3bW1qcGyG4_5HB6msE-_j4iyoYr9CcyjOmDqjxFZA/s1600-h/2710+022.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5KaanauKB4zwIPrwoLkwEkrI3xx03TMNRJvqYBYZaihkoo2CS7R8a-ybGVP4LYPZzxCnxdcjwuI3gcsWoFeAYeXrmoXlnAVxcpW3bW1qcGyG4_5HB6msE-_j4iyoYr9CcyjOmDqjxFZA/s320/2710+022.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435717234572290978" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifrqTjcqgoEW-b5Vw6Ev5yrhX1GaN0KMNX7SgT89MDHy4S5NZL1Rbx_cHFeyqWX1JJ6XgvzXRImNvg6YgAlw5EDr12Pq0xM_7NYNMd8JQiPizWbHZhph6EF6uM6NaR3jJVIbo97TQ5M_0/s1600-h/2710+024.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifrqTjcqgoEW-b5Vw6Ev5yrhX1GaN0KMNX7SgT89MDHy4S5NZL1Rbx_cHFeyqWX1JJ6XgvzXRImNvg6YgAlw5EDr12Pq0xM_7NYNMd8JQiPizWbHZhph6EF6uM6NaR3jJVIbo97TQ5M_0/s320/2710+024.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435717476342777362" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBdnuVLdqGCy_ix_MVq2J7D7dY86mPsjatNyvI4uJoMvsIfrbh39_PFwQte8Eqg2k6Rcf0jMosSOQqekXwbvmizZhskzQNglyRvFcUIy3qFVR1iKGB0Zo7iBUwzKGIcsJBHrImWtMBzS0/s1600-h/2710+009.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBdnuVLdqGCy_ix_MVq2J7D7dY86mPsjatNyvI4uJoMvsIfrbh39_PFwQte8Eqg2k6Rcf0jMosSOQqekXwbvmizZhskzQNglyRvFcUIy3qFVR1iKGB0Zo7iBUwzKGIcsJBHrImWtMBzS0/s320/2710+009.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435718263728121058" /></a><br /><br />Well, I will probably wear it a lot more often like a jumper as in the pictures, but it's technically a dress. This is <a href="http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/m5388-products-8756.php?page_id=483">McCall's pattern 5388</a>. I lengthened it for a dress, as it is originally a top pattern. I read reviews of the pattern online, and a lot of people recommend making the yoke less wide, but as this is the first time sewing this pattern, I didn't. Much to my disappointment, the reviewers were correct, and I should have made the yoke narrower, but it is still quite cute. I plan to make the dress again. I cut it out on Friday, and whipped it up today while my parents were watching the super-bowl. In total, it took about 4 hours to do including cutting. I'm not a fast sewer by any means, so this is a very quick dress. I bought the fabric nearly a year ago. It's a denim-look linen/cotton blend that was on sale for $6 a yard. It took about two yards to do, so I'm quite satisfied with my $12 dress. It's lightweight and will be a good spring piece. If I do it again (as I plan to) I will make the yoke narrower, and add pockets to the side seams. I made the bottom hem really wide, which I like and would definitely repeat. I hope to whip up a few more spring dresses to add to my wardrobe. <br />P.S. I'm still really excited for the new <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307461335/ref=s9_simi_gw_p14_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=0VSJZFS57NPNXE8ZH2NQ&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846">Sew U: Dresses</a> book to come out! Tuesday baby!Ken and Tyan's Adventureshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06051498286681062773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1885079889262390608.post-39316979652420456502010-01-31T20:38:00.000-08:002010-01-31T20:54:04.374-08:00Feeling inspiredI enjoy sewing, and have been feeling inspired the last week or so (I think it's the hair-cut, it's making me feel worthy of cute clothes) so I'm totally excited for <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307461335/ref=s9_simi_gw_p14_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=0C1ME3XP9S2N4KB2GM8F&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846">this new book</a> to come out. I love the Built By Wendy line, and her patterns are great. Unfortunately my new living conditions permit me <span style="font-style:italic;">very</span> little sewing space, but my house-mates may just have to work it out.Ken and Tyan's Adventureshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06051498286681062773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1885079889262390608.post-89689360830000683232010-01-17T19:45:00.000-08:002010-01-17T20:31:47.369-08:00The end of Peace Corps, and what's on my needlesSo, at this point, Ken and I are not going to Africa. Neither of us has wanted to go for a several months, and have been just waiting to see if the hesitation would pass. It hasn't, and we have decided that particular adventure is not for us. I know this is probably a big shock for everyone, but we've been weighing doubt and concern in our minds during the entire process. After months of going, "I don't think this is right", we are finally acknowledging that it's not. <br />On that note, I don't plan to end the blog. We have enough "adventures" and excitement to continue. So this will be about our everyday lives: my crafting, Ken's school, our plans for the future, and hopefully some big adventures along the way. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIuLfxgrd1_pZE2Q39pzBT2BHRxtZpLtNO7ulDQk4X_j_8GDNpm_z6Tl3DeRgiROOVMgy49du1AZ9718uueqK3gaiayMOSGXPA_kPjXm8jZ2YX1sDXTC0yisN0bYHSQDs3Ihvu9LVGVvs/s1600-h/1-17-10+136.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIuLfxgrd1_pZE2Q39pzBT2BHRxtZpLtNO7ulDQk4X_j_8GDNpm_z6Tl3DeRgiROOVMgy49du1AZ9718uueqK3gaiayMOSGXPA_kPjXm8jZ2YX1sDXTC0yisN0bYHSQDs3Ihvu9LVGVvs/s320/1-17-10+136.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427926479499484722" /></a><br />To the crafting. <br />Some of you know, some of you don't, but I'm a big crafty person. I like to knit, I attempt to crochet (but I'm horrible at it), cross-stitch, sewing, etc. <a href="http://www.jimmybeanswool.com/freeKnittingPatternPrestoChango.asp">This</a> is currently on my needles for a certain friend who recently had a certain baby. I'm really liking the knit so far. It's been really easy, and it has seed-stitch trim which I <span style="font-style:italic;">love</span>. I'm knitting it up in a cotton blend, so it will be multiple-season appropriate. The sweet baby lives in Oregon, so no Arctic chill to plan for. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYTCZARRckahdZpoRuIKsBBXeXsx0B2AXCeeTJPABhBvkoCy_jNHiAYXVT5zd9dvdJW9XspoGLtVMvSvIRk3oky5flz64byKM79BROcUZsrLE3d1Iaj34ErxbCiwnm3tB7jURJe1f5h7c/s1600-h/1-17-10+158.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 244px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYTCZARRckahdZpoRuIKsBBXeXsx0B2AXCeeTJPABhBvkoCy_jNHiAYXVT5zd9dvdJW9XspoGLtVMvSvIRk3oky5flz64byKM79BROcUZsrLE3d1Iaj34ErxbCiwnm3tB7jURJe1f5h7c/s320/1-17-10+158.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427927220370040114" /></a><br /><br />In addition to the sweater, I also have this great dolly to send to her. I got it at Bambini, which is the best little crunchy baby store in Eugene. I'm excited. I love the dolly, loving the the sweater, and I hope they love them too. <3Ken and Tyan's Adventureshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06051498286681062773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1885079889262390608.post-50817754486095488612009-12-29T18:59:00.001-08:002009-12-29T19:38:05.678-08:00Questions and doubts<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbeiE7TDJkE1XuTosxhAr4HARdDA5GNMt02Jb-uknLZDzRBooFTZYP5-fW2eBgJrrDr-jryUuce3wpqRu7G4f4XTaMXQTsCEtMe-GJZ705kBJ1agG2KEbvKSG5-pQkcST4vXOB5n-dboA/s1600-h/woods.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 199px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbeiE7TDJkE1XuTosxhAr4HARdDA5GNMt02Jb-uknLZDzRBooFTZYP5-fW2eBgJrrDr-jryUuce3wpqRu7G4f4XTaMXQTsCEtMe-GJZ705kBJ1agG2KEbvKSG5-pQkcST4vXOB5n-dboA/s320/woods.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420866717311658882" /></a><br />Ken and I have been dealing with a lot of doubt about the entire process lately. Sometimes I have moments where I'm so excited and can't wait to go, but a lot of the time I just want to say Screw it! and ditch the entire thing. We have such mixed feelings, but I really don't think we should fly half-way around the Earth not sure. I would feel awful to have the tax payer's hard earned money fly us all the way over there, and have us go "Oh, sorry! Tee hee! I kind of want to go home now". Sadly, there is a huge portion of PC volunteers that don't make it all the way through the service. Only about 2/3 of people last through the entire 27 months, and that portion is a lot higher in certain more "stressful" areas like Africa. If we are going to go all the way over there, I don't want to come home early, that would just be lame. I know that the Peace Corps would be great, but it is just such a <span style="font-style:italic;">long </span>period of time to be away from home. Ken and I are super close with our families, and being away for 27 months is going to be freakishly hard. In some ways I think that doing just regular traveling (spending a month here and there) would be much more up our alley. On the other hand, so much of what I liked about Peace Corps was that it was totally different from our regular routine, and would really test us as people. Ken and I are just such home-based people and are really excited for Ken to go to grad school, get his teaching license, buy a house and have babies. No matter what we do, the house and babies will be a few years off, so the yelps from my uterus wont be appeased either way for quite a while, but neither of us is sure we want to tack on three additional years to the figure. I don't know what we are going to do, and neither of us are wishy-washy people. I <span style="font-style:italic;">hate </span>being indecisive, and would really like to just make a decision already, but I guess we are going to have to think and pray on it a little more. <br />At this point, Ken and I are still moving forward with our applications. We've actually made distinct progress in the last two days. Ken was able to get ahold of his therapist who found his paperwork that we sent him months ago in a random box somewhere, and was going to fill it out right away. Once we get that done, it's just the statements, which wont be horribly difficult. <br />On other fronts, because we are unsure about Peace Corps as a whole right now, Ken is also planning to apply to the UofO teaching program that starts in June. The application is due in February, so he needs to move on it, but should be able to get it done. At this point we are moving ahead with both options, and hoping that it becomes crystal clear which way we are supposed to go. Obviously, if Ken doesn't get into the program Peace Corps it is, and vice versa. I royally doubt it will be that simple, and we will just have to decide at some point, but I would be nice if the decision was very cut and dry and basically made for us. Either way, it is a HUGE decision, and we're not taking it lightly. <br />Wish us luck.Ken and Tyan's Adventureshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06051498286681062773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1885079889262390608.post-78557863755704920342009-12-23T16:06:00.000-08:002009-12-23T16:09:33.068-08:00Liver Panel Update<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhczrcCrfiLHBDF3yYMGptbQTUbGBoVffjP26hdQ1t35uhU9BapAbf2B1nvDSSKP0iWua98B1kLm02znrF3d8107wMHPm5bgHymMxMkC36MPl1RtAUo87Woa_FNnU8fGjAJKcda258dvKU/s1600-h/liver_cartoon_Liver01X013.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 149px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhczrcCrfiLHBDF3yYMGptbQTUbGBoVffjP26hdQ1t35uhU9BapAbf2B1nvDSSKP0iWua98B1kLm02znrF3d8107wMHPm5bgHymMxMkC36MPl1RtAUo87Woa_FNnU8fGjAJKcda258dvKU/s320/liver_cartoon_Liver01X013.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418588102780929170" /></a><br />The liver panel came back normal. I know you guys were all chomping at the bit, so you can relax and breathe. My liver isn't dying yet from my TB meds. ;)Ken and Tyan's Adventureshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06051498286681062773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1885079889262390608.post-53791928163376194192009-12-23T14:07:00.000-08:002009-12-23T14:26:17.042-08:00Progress after the break.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiey3h0XFHYwwt3CSbzdLwhL40Mq_MOSr3nyTJm68TCcI6ebXM5ZaseSmbPhBMFrjGzfPvgkeFL_ULDa1d7r6uNdGXckcAp6JbCibenclJzPYxC9myLjaVFixgjGBYs041S0EM7BnV6CTw/s1600-h/african-sunset.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 234px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiey3h0XFHYwwt3CSbzdLwhL40Mq_MOSr3nyTJm68TCcI6ebXM5ZaseSmbPhBMFrjGzfPvgkeFL_ULDa1d7r6uNdGXckcAp6JbCibenclJzPYxC9myLjaVFixgjGBYs041S0EM7BnV6CTw/s320/african-sunset.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418561532565502642" /></a><br />Call us slackers, call us lame, or whatever you want, but we needed a break. So we took one. Between moving, and all the crazy medical stuff going on, our Peace Corps application was put on the back burner. However, this last week we've been feeling more jazzed about the entire process and had some energy to get the ball rolling again. <br />Ken called his therapist to find out where that part of the application was, (as we hadn't gotten it back after two months) and come to find out, Ken had sent it to the wrong place. So his therapist never received it, and we have no idea where the paperwork went. So he had to call the DC office and request a replacement set be sent to us. So between getting it, getting it to the therapist, and getting it back, it will be a bit longer before we can send in anything. <br />TB update: I started the medication on December 1st (which means I can have my first drink post-INH on my birthday!) and things are going fine. I'm not having any weird side effects (beige colored stool anyone?). The biggest hurdle is remembering to take it, which really isn't that big of a deal. I saw the Infectious Disease specialist today to check up after starting the meds. He's very nice and excited for our travels in Africa. He filled out my special "I have TB paperwork" in the office which was really great, so I don't have to go back to pick it up. After my appointment with him, I had another liver panel drawn, which is never fun, but apparently necessary. I'd rather not have my liver tank out on me without my knowledge. I'll find out if things are still looking rosy tomorrow, in case any of you are panicked about it. I for one am not. <br />Dr Ruscheinsky finished all of the basic medical paperwork yesterday, so that is ready to go. The dental and eye exams are ready to go too. So our current to do list is we need to write our "how we deal with stress and not go crazy" statements, and get Ken's paperwork back from his therapist. Five thousand down, three to go. <br />Wish us luck.Ken and Tyan's Adventureshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06051498286681062773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1885079889262390608.post-4108010985421113072009-12-06T09:29:00.000-08:002009-12-06T10:09:39.086-08:00Life crazines<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBy3pJ5RSmnZh8SfY2i3DPpXikA9nGuTNpDiXKTaIlHMwLtay-pcrn9thwc1AhIQhtf9AKv1s_qSDOANwDViiOurkFZCx_DQUE0cnJZA-aGC30ewuHk3sOMqnuMDPplajFOoiWiRntuUQ/s1600-h/overwhelmed-lady-desk.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 319px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBy3pJ5RSmnZh8SfY2i3DPpXikA9nGuTNpDiXKTaIlHMwLtay-pcrn9thwc1AhIQhtf9AKv1s_qSDOANwDViiOurkFZCx_DQUE0cnJZA-aGC30ewuHk3sOMqnuMDPplajFOoiWiRntuUQ/s320/overwhelmed-lady-desk.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412186181755585570" /></a><br />Sorry for the post hiatus, it's been nuts around here. First it was our anniversary (Yay!) and the PC physicals (Yay!) but then everything turned to shit. TB came back positive, the doctor thought I had an enlarged thyroid, our car got smashed (it was parked, we weren't in it, and the other guy's insurance is paying for everything, so no need to worry, but it was more crap to deal with), we moved out of our apartment and had to figure out how to pack a two bedroom apartment worth of stuff into a single room, and get used to having house-mates again (GIANT HEADACHE), I had ultrasound that showed a normal sized thyroid but one with oodles of nodules (further stress ensues, doctor eventually thinks they're fine and just part of my unique Tyan-ness, but takes a couple of days to decide), my sinus infection got so horrible I thought my face was going to explode so I went to the doctor for that, had to see the disease control specialist who made me have a chest x-ray and liver panel (both were normal), started on TB antibiotics that I have to take for 9 (NINE, grrrr) months, that come to find out react poorly not only to alcohol (pout) but also to certain staple-foods like aged cheeses, sausage, soy sauce, avocados, tuna, sour cream, and lots of other delicious things (double pout) all of which I now have to avoid, then my beloved childhood kitty Jasper died unexpectedly, work has been completely insane and I've been working overtime, and then to top it off Ken's Grandma who lives in a nursing home went into a coma, and is not expected to recover. <br /><br />To say the least, I've wanted to either scream, lash out at innocent bystanders, or curl up in a ball and cry for the greater part of the last two weeks. <br /><br />As far as Peace Corps news, things are moving, but not horribly exciting. All of our medical stuff is nearly done, all we have left to do is for me to take my positive-TB paperwork to my disease-control-specialist doctor, and for us to write our "how we handle stress and not go off the deep-end" statements (the past few weeks have certainly been a testament to that!). Luckily, in the end, everything was normal except the TB (which is being taken care of). So I don't think the Peace Corps has anything to reject us about. I'm assuming that they will make us jump through a few more hoops regarding the medical stuff, but at least its moving and looking fine thus far.<br />Wish us luckKen and Tyan's Adventureshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06051498286681062773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1885079889262390608.post-38189881253694033942009-11-24T18:18:00.000-08:002009-11-24T18:31:05.153-08:00Second Dental Exam<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAQpBtXv_GCEjEtnlQjNS_t1wFU57y9si6hIGTb-I62YJ8f6Tp6uAcA_qOYBevqTYrdtWfBrU6wVXb9BOAGHoKW0iOWqOeqC9yShst0UnnildQOrYWB5E4JSuYeSUXxN_CLI6q2Ij4wT0/s1600/squid.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAQpBtXv_GCEjEtnlQjNS_t1wFU57y9si6hIGTb-I62YJ8f6Tp6uAcA_qOYBevqTYrdtWfBrU6wVXb9BOAGHoKW0iOWqOeqC9yShst0UnnildQOrYWB5E4JSuYeSUXxN_CLI6q2Ij4wT0/s320/squid.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407863054869931554" /></a><br />I had my dental exam this morning, and praise Jesus, everything is fine. No cavities, no gingivitis, no nothing. I'm so glad that I don't have to deal with any sort of dental stuff on top of the TB stuff. Tomorrow the appointment line-up is a 7:30 ultrasound to check out my thyroid, an 8:45 lab appointment to do all my blood and urine tests, and I managed to squeeze in at the Infectious Disease office at 10:45, so hopefully I'll have more answers tomorrow. For my sanity, I would really just like a gameplan of what I'm going to have to do for the TB. I know I'm going to have to take a pill twice a day for months on end, but I don't know how often he's going to require me to come in to be checked out, and how often I have to do the liver panels, and if there's something else I don't know about. Knowing my luck, there will be more stuff, but I guess I'll find out tomorrow. After this last round of appointments, we should hopefully be done with everything, and be able to send off our paperwork to the Peace Corps DC office shortly. I contacted the PC office yesterday to ask about the TB stuff, and she said that as my test was positive she was going to send me paperwork to have the doctor complete regarding if it's dormant/active and what steps I'm doing to get rid of it. So I need to wait for that, and complete it before we send in everything else. My goal to have it done by the end of the month probably wont come to pass, but maybe in the first weeks of December.Ken and Tyan's Adventureshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06051498286681062773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1885079889262390608.post-53009022966398605322009-11-23T19:30:00.000-08:002009-11-23T19:53:56.989-08:00TB updates<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis8mj8iN883H38GsKFeRDY8hlT_pQ9adGExap8x13U7kadtjUD25r4VilTRKUSpZa7p_6UiuADIJpiu2N_1YYEvhsRaoeaoEhTCNRy_FUPEVsWmfK-K87k_iTvJrhNst7YotxAxwShThA/s1600/PILL-BOTTLES.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 309px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis8mj8iN883H38GsKFeRDY8hlT_pQ9adGExap8x13U7kadtjUD25r4VilTRKUSpZa7p_6UiuADIJpiu2N_1YYEvhsRaoeaoEhTCNRy_FUPEVsWmfK-K87k_iTvJrhNst7YotxAxwShThA/s320/PILL-BOTTLES.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407513175214477090" /></a><br />So I talked to my doctor today, and my assumption that I would just have a chest x-ray and be done with the whole "tuberculosis" thing was completely and utterly false. Apparently I'm going to have to have a 6-9 month antibiotic therapy treatment paired with routine liver panels. Party. And to top it off, during the 6+ months of therapy, I can't drink alcohol. I'm not a lush by any stretch of the imagination, but I do enjoy a glass of wine every so often. It just seems like a low blow. Maybe it's just me. Honestly, I really just don't need one more thing to deal with right now, but it is what it is. The doctor thinks I either got it from working at the After Hours Clinic or riding the city bus, I'll never know either way. Basically I have the bacteria in my lungs, but since I'm a healthy person without a suppressed immune system, my body is not letting it develop. However, if I don't have the antibiotic therapy it will live in my lungs forever and could develop if my immune system <span style="font-style:italic;">was</span> ever suppressed. So Peace Corps or not, I really have to do the stupid therapy. The doctor sent a referral to a specialist today, so I will hopefully be able to start therapy soon. <br />I spoke to a person in the medical department at the Washington DC office. I was concerned that our applications would be held until I'm done with therapy, in which case we wouldn't leave for at least six months later than scheduled currently. The woman in the office said our applications should still be able to move forward as planned, and as long as I didn't have active TB, could demonstrate that I was seeking treatment, and that my therapy didn't last longer than normal, it should be fine. <br />Wish us luck. <br /><br />Here's a little question and answer thing I found online, so hopefully it will answer any lingering questions. <br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />If I have a positive PPD test, do I have tuberculosis?</span><br />Usually not. A person can be infected with the bacteria that causes tuberculosis but not actually have active tuberculosis. Many people are infected with the bacteria that causes tuberculosis, but only a few of these people (about 10%) go on to develop active TB.<br /><br />Healthy people who get infected with the tuberculosis bacteria are often able to fight off the infection and do not develop active TB. The bacteria is dormant (inactive) in their lungs. If the body is not able to contain the infection and the bacteria continues to grow, active tuberculosis develops.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">If I do not have active TB, how will my doctor treat my tuberculosis infection?</span><br />To be sure that you remain healthy, your doctor may recommend that you take an antibiotic for 6 to 9 months to kill the tuberculosis infection. If you don't take the medicine, the bacteria will remain in your lungs, and you will always be in danger of developing active tuberculosis. The medicine used to treat tuberculosis infection is isoniazid (say: eye-so-nye-ah-zid), which is also called INH. You need to take 1 pill every day for at least 6 months. If you don’t take all your medicine, the tuberculosis may come back.<br /><br />It is very important that you take the medicine every day. Keep your medicine in a place where you will always see it. Take it at the same time every day. It may help to write yourself a note or set a daily alarm to remind you to take it. Ask your doctor what to do if you forget to take a pill.<br /><br />People who take INH may have side effects, but these usually do not happen very often. Side effects include a skin rash, an upset stomach or liver disease. Ask your doctor about other possible side effects.<br /><br />Don't drink alcohol or take acetaminophen (one brand name: Tylenol) while taking INH because this can damage your liver. Always check with your doctor before you take any other medicine because some drugs interact with INH and can cause side effects.<br /><br />Your doctor may want to monitor you every month. For example you may need to visit your doctor to get another prescription of the medicine you are taking and to monitor any side effects or problems you are experiencing from the medicine. If you are feeling well, your doctor will give you a prescription for the next month.Ken and Tyan's Adventureshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06051498286681062773noreply@blogger.com0