Just a quick update...

Went in to see my primary physician this morning. Hep A, B, and C tests came back negative. (No surprise there, hello!, I'm not a prostitute, drug user, nor an alcoholic.) She said it could be shingles but since I don't have a rash it probably isn't. She said it might be mono (which I highly doubt). Anyway, guess who got to have her blood taken again? Yup, that would be me. That's now four times in the last four days. She said if worse come to worse I will have to have a liver biopsy (EW!) but hopefully we can find out what is causing the infection in my liver before then.

In the meantime I am being referred to a surgical doctor for a second opinion about my gall bladder. The ER doctor told me that a polyp can act like a stone and be what is giving me the attacks but my primary physician disagreed. Regardless, I know I cannot stand any more "attacks" so someone better figure someway to fix it ASAP!! I have been doing some research online and it looks like some stones can be smaller then sand or some can be in the ducts...so maybe that is what is going on? I don't know, I'm not to expert.

I am waiting for the blood test results from this morning and I am hoping to get in and get that second opinion ASAP. For now I am back to work and praying that I can make it through the day w/o getting sick. I am keeping my meds near me and I am taking it easy.

I'll (again) keep you posted. Thanks for thinking of and praying for me! I appreciate all you friends who have contacted me and care!! It means a LOT!

I have had a crazy past couple of days. On Monday night I had one of my "attacks" come on. (This was my fourth attack. They come on unexpectedly and can last anywhere from 15 mins to 2 hours or so. My attack usually consists of intense pain and cramping on my right side and upper back, nausea and vomiting, shortness of breath, faintness, etc.) This attack was so much more worse then normal and I ended up going into the ER where they gave me a Morphine IV and took some blood. They said I probably had gall bladder stones, which after having done some research from my previous "attacks," I knew was probably right.

Yesterday I was sent in for more blood work and an ultrasound. I was then sent to the ER to have a doctor there read them as the tests were sent as "STAT." Anyway, after a 7 hour wait (RIDICULOUS) the doctor told me that I have a polyp in my gall bladder and an infection in my liver. He then took more blood!! (I have become a pin cushion.) What infection exactly I have we don't know - he says possibly hepatitis but that is impossible - I go back into the doctor tomorrow morning. The polyp, on the other hand, is probably acting like a stone (it is actually in my gall bladder) which is maybe why I get so violently sick so quickly).

So, needless to say, this is not how I thought this week would go! I have been off from work but plan on going in tomorrow. Right now I should be at Young Life, but obviously if I don't go to work I shouldn't go to Club. I will miss seeing the kids and leaders. Being home today has been boring!

I will keep you updated on what my doctor says tomorrow. I am so thankful for modern medicine!!

I am sitting here in my parents' office on a Monday morning (FYI I will be here at my folks until the 30th). It feels weird to be here when I should be at work. I am home sick, but will be going into work this afternoon so that I don't have to take any sick hours. (I will make up the three I lost this morning some other way.) I actually am feeling better. I started feeling sick on Saturday morning. I woke up with a sore throat. That soon doubled with a stuffy/runny nose, fever, and a sinus headache and I was fairly certain I was getting a sinus infection. Yesterday I forced myself to go to church (because I had missed the week before) and then rested for the remainder of the day. Today I woke up w/o a sore throat. I have a small fever and sinus headache (which Advil should fix) and a stuffy nose. So, I feel like I am turning the corner and things are going to be OK much sooner then expected. And, w/o a costly trip to the doctor (I have crappy Kaiser insurance and a health savings account). PTL I am feeling better and expect to be near 100% tomorrow.:-)

Despite being sick I did have a good weekend! Amy and I went to San Francisco and had a fun time. She took me for my birthday. We stayed in Union Square (which is a great place to stay) and did all the usual SF things: shop, eat at Cheesecake Factory, ride the Cable Car, walk around Pier 39, see the CA sea lions, eat at Ghiradelli's, walk around and look at all the crazy people, take pictures, etc. The weather was beautiful and it was a fun girls' day out. Can't wait to go back! If Amy sends me her pics I will post them here!

I am super excited that Fall is here. My calendar is beginning to get very busy and I am looking forward to the fun things I have planned. I also can't wait to start decorating my house. These next few months are my most favorite time of the year!

Bye for now!

Yesterday, in one sitting at work, I read A Child Called It by David Peltzer. That book tore me up. I couldn't sleep last night because I was thinking about it so much. Today I am hoping to read a good part of The Lost Boy which is the sequel. These books are a must read for everyone. You will find that you just want to reach into those pages and pull that little boy out of his world and keep him safe in your arms. I don't know what happened to his mom (yet) but I hope she is suffering a cruel punishment. For real.

Need to go back and re-read this. Some good points, some points I don't agree with... Still processing...

http://edge.org/3rd_culture/haidt08/haidt08_index.html

And a WONDERFUL read from Relevant magazine. It's like my own thoughts!!





Some good quotes:

*"I've realized I cannot fully embrace either political party. Both sides of the aisle have some great ideas and goals. But both have areas where they simply get it wrong."

*"Many Christians traditionally have voted Republican because of their justifiable conviction to protect the lives of the unborn. Now, many younger Christians are voting Democrat because of their justifiable desire to see our nation, the most prosperous in the world, address issues of poverty, global aid and the environment. The problem is, many Christians vote these convictions, but that's largely where their personal involvement in the issues stops."

*Many Christians want to overturn Roe v. Wade, but I don't hear nearly as many leading the charge on a national adoption movement. If Roe v. Wade is overturned, where are all of those babies going to end up? Christians should be focused on personal action regardless of legislation, not just waiting for the right number of Supreme Court justices to come along."

AMEN!

I have been 30 for a week! While this has been a rough week (feeling sad about some friends who flaked on my party, email locking me out, getting trojan on work computer, swamped at work), my party did start the week off well and the week will definitely end on a good note as I am back in my email and have a fun game to look forward to tonight!

Thanks to all who came to my special celebration. It was a lovely day!! The lunch was better then expected and the weather was great. The company was even greater!! I also had some friends spend the night the evening before and it was so much fun to welcome in my 30's with them at midnight. I am blessed!

Pictures say a thousand words so above are some snapshots of some folks on the big day.:-)

HELP!!!

I have been locked out of my Yahoo! account for almost a week now. It must have been a glitch as I was in my email when it kicked me out. I have never had this problem before and it could not have come at a worse time. I have complied fully with requests Yahoo! has sent me, i.e. answering secret questions and sending them a fax with a copy of my license, and yet I am still getting the run around. I use this email so much and it is stressing me out that I can't get into it. It's like they don't believe me or something... I think if I were lying I would have given up by now. I have called four times, one of which I was on hold for TWO HOURS (I am so not joking), sent them two faxes, and emailed about 8 or so times. Any suggestions or connections on how to fix this problem? I am SO up a creek if I can't get in ASAP. I have even thought about legal help but I don't want to come across as threatening. I wish Yahoo! cared more....!!!

I love four day work weeks! I think we should have them every week.:-) But, when I mentioned this to my SIL, she said that when we did we would soon want three day work weeks. She is probably right. The grass is always greener on the other side. But - still - thank goodness it is Friday...and so soon! And, not only is is Friday, but it is the last day of my twenties.

My Labor day weekend was terrific. I spent it with three other YL leaders from Kingsburg: Johnie, Jane, and Denver. The Folwer leaders were also there. We were up at Camp Nelson - in the mountains East of Porterville. I must admit I was kinda dreading the weekend - but ended up going home from our time together feeling rested, encouraged, and excited for the upcoming year of ministry. I also made some new friends and bettered other friendships and that was time definitely well spent.

And then how 'bout them Dogs on Monday??:-) Ooooooh yeah!! So fun it was in NJ - but I was still loyal to my alma mater.

Work was really busy this week. I am still not caught up. I had to work until 8:30 last night to help with training of the foster parents, but as a result I get off work at 12:30 today. If I were really good I would still work a full day to get caught up - but I am not that good.:-))

I got two compliments this week. One set of foster parents told me that in all the years they have been with our agency that no one has ever left them feeling encouraged like I do when I meet with them. That totally made my day because I am still learning my job in some ways. The other compliment was from my boss when she told me I was "losing my butt." Hey, I don't care if it was my boss, at least someone is noticing that I am working my butt off - literally!

As I'm sure most of you have gathered, I am beyond thrilled with the choice of Sarah Palin for VP. There are many reasons for this, but particularly because she shares many of the values and beliefs that I do. I do not feel that she, nor her family, are being treated fairly by the majority of the media - and this really fires me up. However, I must say that I was more then encouraged when I read the following article. I hope you are too...

Dr. James Dobson: The Palins Are in My Prayers
http://www.citizenlink.org/focusaction/pressreleases/A000008081.cfm
The governor and her family 'should be commended once again for not just talking about their pro-life and pro-family values, but living them out.'

Colorado Springs, Colo. – James C. Dobson, Ph.D., issued the following statement today in the wake of media reports that Bristol Palin, 17-year-old daughter of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, is pregnant.

In the 32-year history of Focus on the Family, we have offered prayer, counseling and resource assistance to tens of thousands of parents and children in the same situation the Palins are now facing. We have always encouraged the parents to love and support their children and always advised the girls to see their pregnancies through, even though there will of course be challenges along the way. That is what the Palins are doing, and they should be commended once again for not just talking about their pro-life and pro-family values, but living them out even in the midst of trying circumstances.

Being a Christian does not mean you're perfect. Nor does it mean your children are perfect. But it does mean there is forgiveness and restoration when we confess our imperfections to the Lord. I've been the beneficiary of that forgiveness and restoration in my own life countless times, as I'm sure the Palins have.

The media are already trying to spin this as evidence Gov. Palin is a 'hypocrite,' but all it really means is that she and her family are human. They are in my prayers and those of millions of Americans.

Tomorrow is my 30th birthday and party. I have some friends in town and expect to see lots more tomorrow, along with family. It should be a great time and I must admit that while they may be coming to celebrate my 30 years of life with cake and stories, to me I am celebrating them because they have made those years worth living. So to all my loved ones I say thanks for a terrific last 30 years, from the bottom of my heart, and here is to 30 more. Thanks for loving me and for all you have done for me. It is my hope I can be there for you too.


While a bit sad and nervous to leave my youthful twenties, this decade is going to be awesome. In my next 30 years I will marry my husband (pretty bold statement, but I am trusting God for this) and have babies of my very own. AMAZING! I will be older, wiser, and know myself better then I ever have. I will start new relationships with friends and grow even more in the bonds I have with wonderful family and friends who are like family. I will grow and continue to learn about the wonders God has placed around me. I will also continue to have the opportunity to love and serve others and God with all that I am, as simple and as complicated as that is.

Thirty, here I come. I am scared. I am excited. I am ready.

Yes, I admit it, I have a crush!

100 Things I have discovered or experienced over the last 30 years...


1. I want to stay in my twenties.
2. If I could, I would see my niece every day.
3. I have a terrible habit of speeding.
4. I think that people's teeth say a lot about them, and it usually is the first thing I notice.
5. I think that my parents are generous.
6. I am a chronic channel changer.
7. I think that sleeping in and naps are luxurious.
8. My nickname is "pumpkin noodle."
9. "You've Got Mail" makes me want to move to NY. One of my fave movies.
10. I love mushrooms.
11. I cheated on something my freshman year and still don't regret it. It wasn't academic.
12. I can't wear a necklace if I wear big dangly earrings...usually.
13. I am then halfway done with Christmas shopping.
14. If I could I wouldn't work and volunteer my time for different things instead.
15. I feel guilty if I don't recycle.
16. A guilty pleasure - Adam Corolla and Kathy Griffin's comedy.
17. One of my fave past times as a kid was dancing for whoever would watch, in tap shoes.
18. People who are flakes ---> my biggest pet peeve.
19. I hope to visit every US state before I die.
20. I love fried okra.
21. I hate washing my face before going to bed.
22. I think one of my ears is higher then the other.
23. I am NOT a gold kind of girl. Silver, please!
24. At 30 I still don't have any cavities!
25. I treat people that way I wish to be treated.
26. I have to check all the rooms in my house if my alarm wasn't on before I go to bed.
27. Gerber daisies are my fave flower.
28. I attach sentimental value to way too many things.
29. I condition my hair (almost) every Saturday.
30. Brownie Sundaes are my favorite dessert.
31. Scales on fish gross me out.
32. I wish I would have got my nose pierced sooner.
33. I like our president.
34. I tweeze my eyebrows on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
35. If I could I would live in Amish Country (but remain "English.")
36. I usually fall asleep with the TV on.
37. I wish for hardwood floors in my house.
38. I couldn't marry a democrat.
39. I use a safety pin to separate my eyelashes every morning.
40. Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are my favorite candy.
41. When I go to the eye doctor, I refuse to let them give me eye drops.
42. I would like a small tattoo eventually.
43. I love (most) animals.
44. I consider loyal friends one of the greatest blessings in life.
45. In undergrad I kissed up to teacher for good grades. It worked occasionally.
46. I am really scared of mice and snakes.
47. My favorite author (lately) is Beverly Lewis.
48. I think my eyes are too close together.
49. I want to see a moose in the wild before I die.
50. I don't eat pink meat. (Ham specifically)
51. I love being on boats, but won't get in the water if I can't see what's swimming around me.
52. I would like to write a book.
53. My favorite color is red.
54. My favorite saying is, "Nothing changes if nothing changes."
55. I am not a big fan of hot drinks (especially coffee and tea).
56. My favorite past time is traveling with loved ones.
57. I bought my car off of eBay.
58. I enjoy my church and learn a lot.
59. I wish I were a runner.
60. I don't like beans, or green beans.
61. Target it one of my favorite stores.
62. I still think it would be great to be a news anchor.
63. I don't own an iPod. I am so behind the times!
64. When I was little I would fake nightmares so I could sleep in my parents' room.
65. I was a HUGE nerd in the 5th grade.
66. The Fall is my favorite time of year.
67. I wish I was more brave and more of a rule breaker.
68. I have been dragging my feet about a hands-free device, but need to get one already.
69. I think that everyone should see a counselor regularly.
70. I am the only one under 50 who admits she likes Cracker Barrel.
71. My favorite state is PA.
72. I love, love, love to fly.
73. When I was in the 4th/5th grade I sang in a talent show. What was I thinking???
74. My favorite smell is orange blossoms.
75. I sometimes worry that I am too "vanilla."
76. I worry that cell phone radiation is taking away my memory.
77. I like my hair color.
78. I like facebook better then myspace.
79. If I could, I would totally get a housekeeper.
80. It is really, really, hard for me to drink after people.
81. I don't like the sound of knuckles popping and therefore won't pop my own.
82. My favorite place on the coast is Cambria.
83. My pledge name is huey.
84. I am a TERRIBLE skier.
85. My spiritual gifts are mercy, discernment, and giving.
86. I used to write notes to God and hide them in my room, then be sad when I discovered they were still there.
87. One time when I wore my hair in a bun in the second grade, a little boy asked me if i was a boy or a girl. I hardly wore buns ever again.
88. I love to laugh until I cry.
89. I think that my gall bladder is causing me trouble and needs to come out.
90. I like Long John Silvers, but refuse to eat the fish.
91. I am beginning to get gray hair.
92. I love a tidy house.
93. I hate cleaning my house more then anything.
94. I have a kitten named Jersey. He is crazy.
95. I wish I didn't have so many freckles.
96. I have become an avid reader in the last year or so.
97. Wicked is my favorite Broadway show.
98. I think that retail therapy does work, sometimes.
99. I am a sucker for cheesy (not skanky) reality TV.
100. My dad's tri tip is my favorite meal.