The End of 2010

So I haven't blogged in a while because the 'insert image' STILL doesn't work.  I'd been thinking and hoping that the feature would work so I could post this last 2010 entry with pics.  Oh well. 
It's 5:49pm right now on Dec 31.  I'm sitting in the front room with the laptop on my lap while my niece and nephew are playing and watching Barney.  My parents are watching Barney as well.  Caitlin & Brad went out for New Years' Eve dinner so we have the kids.  Mom made homemade pizza with breadmaker crust and it turned out really good....but ohhhh soooo full right now.
So what has happened in the last 12 days since my last post?  On Dec 17th, at work, we had a Secret Santa gift exchange and potluck.  There was way too much food and I had just gotten over the "24 hr flu" the day before so didn't eat much.  I received a scrapbook album and I gave a homemade recipe box and recipe book to my person.  I still don't know who gave me the book....I've been asking around.  The GE went well even though not everyone took part.
On Dec 22nd, I went to Vanderhoof after work for a small get together at the Reid with my Vanderhoof pharmacy co-workers. I had a fun dish of natchos and caesar salad.  We did a mexican gift exchange and I got a 'costco' style pack of 3 big Starbucks mugs with coffee and biscotti.  I gave the extra bold one to Brad.  I had 2 absolut vanilla cokes and they were yummy.  We visited for about 3.5 hrs and left at 8:30pm.   I spent the night at Jean's so I didn't have to drive 1 hr in the dark back home.  Jean and I chatted for about an hour or so, drank some tea and hoped our dinner would digest before trying to sleep.  I left the next morning around 8am.  I didn't have to work on the 23rd & 24th.
On Dec 24th, a large production at church called "Imagine Christmas" was performed at 4:30 and 6:30pm.  Rebecca K and I sat upstairs while mom, dad and Saibry and Corbin sat downstairs.  Brad and Caitlin were both performing in it.  Brad was an angel but not with white wings....just a fleece jacket, jeans and huge snow boots.  Caitlin was a dancer.  It was well done...a couple technical blips at the beginning but all good otherwise.  I even got good pics taken with NO flash...maybe I actually mastered the dark room pics.
After the play, we all went to Caitlin & Brad's place to open stockings, eat some goodies and hang out for a few hours.  We had a good time opening gifts and got some good pics too.  Silly me thought I had recharged my camera but didn't so used Caitlin's camera the most.  Over 100 pics were probably taken of the kidlets opening stuff.
On Dec 25th I had to work from 8-4pm.  Such an odd feeling to work on this particular day. Before going to work I opened one gift of 4 bottles of nail polish and mom and dad each opened a gift from me.  I gave dad a DVD of converted 8mm film from approx 1977-1984.  there's no sound and it looks just like you're watching it via a projector onto a wall.  I know he really liked it.  I gave mom 1 of 2 knife blocks.  One of them ended up being short one knife and a few days later I returned both blocks and bought a nice set from Costco instead.  I then went to work from 8-4pm.  The shift went alright, non-eventful and in pharmacyland that's a good thing.  The first part of the shift went slowly but the last 2 hours sped by, so happy about that!  Afterwork I headed back home to clean up and headed to Tenille & Dave's place for a gift opening and roast beef dinner.  T & D gave me the Xyron sticker maker, super cool.....that was one item on my list too.  Alicia and Cassidy were there too but Cassidy felt ill so she hung out in her room for the first part of the evening.  After dinner she came out and opened her gifts and was able to eat a bit of dinner.  Afterwards, we just chatted until about 9pm-ish.  Good nite.On Dec 26th, which I was supposed to work but gladly gave away, another gift opening was happening here.  Around 8:30am, Caitlin, Brad and kids came over and we opened the gifts we exchanged.  Saibry and Corbin behaved rather well and Saibry liked to help open the presents too.  Corbin wasn't having the best day, was cranky and cried but he did enjoy opening his gifts.  Brad and I were taking the most pictures of all of us opening gifts.  (I wonder if I was any of them.) This year we all down-sized the spending, unfortunately.  It was hard to not spend too much on others.  Maybe next year we'll all be able to spend more, who knows.  I was happy with all the gifts I received and only exchanged one.  In the afternoon, Tenille, Dave and girls arrived and they opened some gifts that were given by Caitlin & Brad.  Dad received the new Wii Golden Eye game and started to play that downstairs with the girls and Dave watching then he let the girls play the old Super Mario 2 game that he downloaded.  They had a riot playing.   Then Tenille & Caitlin played, probably for a couple hrs too.  One of Tenille's gifts to Dave was the downloaded 3 seasons of "Big Bang Theory", that I downloaded.  I had to finish d/l the 3rd season and then transferred all shows to his new 2TB external harddrive that he just purchased at Staples for $100...good deal.  So I guess the effort was from me and the idea from Tenille.We had a turkey dinner with brussel sprouts, corn, peas, buns, mashed potatoes, gravy, and stuffing.  Unfortunatley Saibry wasn't eating or wanting to eat any of her dinner so time outs were had by her.  Not sure why she didn't want to eat.  Could tell it was frustrating Caitlin & Brad.  Corbin has no problems with eating.  We had some cookies etc for dessert.  I had given Caitlin Balderdash as a gift so dad, Brad, Caitlin, Alicia and I played.  What a riot that game is!!  I think Caitlin won but man, did we laugh.....especially dad.  Here's an example of a 'weird word' that needed to be defined: drumlin.  Dad's definition was "the uncertain distance between the distance of raindrops".  Dad was laughing as he was writing it....man was he laughing.  He laughs occassionally but during this game he was letting loose!  Was fun to see.  The evening lasted till about 8ish (I think) as the little kids had to get to bed.  Having Christmas over 3 days was fun and less stressful.  It was unfortunate I had to work on the 25th but earning 2.5 x my hourly rate isn't too shabby either.  It also didn't see as overwhelming for the little kids too, compared to last year.On Dec 27th, dad took Caitlin, Tenille and I out for our annual 'boxing' day breakfast.  We went to White Spot this time. I had the waffle with strawberries and whipped cream...mmmmmm.  Tenille had to work so she didn't come with Caitlin, dad and I to Rogers Video to check out if there were any deals.  No deals were to be had.  We went to Blockbuster and I bought 3 dvds.  I'll watch them oneday....not much of a TV/movie watcher.It sucks I can't post any pics but I'd be here all nite loading them up anyways and I need to get this blog post done before 10:30pm, preferably.  I work tomorrow (Jan 1st) at 8am so no watching fireworks tonight.  When was the last time I stayed up till midnight on New Years' eve anyways? Well Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and let's behave in the 2011.....well legally behave.  Bring on the adventures!!  What will mine be in 2011?  Still thinking about it.p.s. This is the last post of 2010 and in the new year I will be making another blog book.  It will have 2009 & 2010 in the next one....main reason why I had to get this last blog in before midnight.

I know, it's been a while

For some reason, I'm not able to post any pics to my blog.  The 'insert image' button is still not working.  I've googled and checked out forums for similar problems but nothing has been posted. 
I even posted to a forum but no replies either.Unfortunately copy and paste doesn't work either.  Since it hasn't been working I haven't felt the need to post anything worthwhile. 
I don't know how many fans I have out there....maybe 1 or 2 and I do feel bad for not keeping up with the postings but unless you can help me, it may still be a while before the next post.
Merry Christmas!
p.s. I can't change the color of the font either on this post.....what is blogger.com coming to??!!

What Does "DIET" Mean?

D.I.E.T.

Disallowing Imperfections Equals Trouble
Dangerously Inadvisable Eating Tactics
Damned Idiots Endorsing Thinness
Deprivation Inevitable Everything Taboo
Don't Imagine Eating Treats
Deceptive Industry Eating Trap
Desperately Impossible Eating Targets
Doomed Investment Every Time
Determined Initially Enthusiasm Temporary
Done In Every Time
Did I Eat Today?
Deny Ingesting Everything Tasty 

My Work will be Published

Via the website Picaboo and my online download, I am putting my blog to paper.  I have a credit to Picaboo so thought I'd do something really different.  So far I have put all of 2005, 2006 and part of 2007 in the book.  It's over 25 pages right now.  In 2007 I posted quite a few blogs....58 I think, so that will take quite a few pages of the book.  Then later on I'm gonna start another book (part 2) with 2008, 2009 and 2010 in it.  I'm quite excited to see the final product.  Picaboo publishes very nice work.  So far I have made 1 book via the site and it turned out almost as good as a professional book.  The colours stand out, the lines are crisp and the design is original.

My blog book has a simple layout of a black cover with a title "The Journey of a Realist" in bright green and possibly I'll use the same flower picture on the cover as I have on my blog.  I love the green, white, and black combo.  Part 2 book will look the same as well....maybe I should put the range of years on the front or back to distinguish which is the first and second book.  We'll see. 

I'm glad I have a 1 year expiry on the credit otherwise I'd feel pressured to get it done.  I can't wait to see the final product.

It's Been So Long....

Since it's been a while since I last blogged, I really need to be ambitious at attempting to write an update of some sort.

Around Sept 21, my cousin Hunter (age 17) went to Surrey Memorial hospital as he was sick and ended up in ICU with kidney and liver failure.   He was on full dialysis as well.   He was transferred a few days later to the Children's Hospital in Vancouver, had open heart surgery to remove a 9" chain of bacteria that was growing out of the hole in his heart (which he was born with).   There was a high risk of the bacteria breaking off and moving to his lungs and possibly causing an embolism. 

Below are actual updates via facebook from the family that was in Vancouver: 

(Sept 23) Hunter is off bipass and his blood pressure is better.  Heart is beating on his own but is irregular.  Still
a long way from being out of the woods.  He will always have a leaking tricuspid valve (spelling?).  They were able to patch the VSD.  Expecting 6-8 weeks on antibiotics and on a respirator.  They need to make sure there is no residual infection in the lungs.  Hunter is in recovery.  Cut out 99.9% of electrical system - Doctor shocked heart is beating on it's own - no pace maker. PTL!  Kidneys need to work, months of antibiotics, needs dialisis, fight infection.  Had to stitch back into infected tissue.  Bacteria had eaten through tricuspid valve in between 2 chambers, enormous ...hole, destroyed 1 leaflet.  Have to keep an eye on clotting.  Doctor is pleased

(Sept 24) Hunter had a good night.  Eyes are open, responding.  May remove ventilator today. PTL! Pray antibiotics can reach and destroy bacteria, for kidneys to function, for tissue to heal over patch.  Pray for the supernatural.

(Sept 25) My nephew: Hunter update - taking main lines out of neck and groin.  May get out of bed and sit up today.  He is self-motivated to move limbs for circulation.  Needs to clear lungs. Kidney output still low.  Doing
echocardiogram on heart today.  Our God is so good.
My nephew Hunter update - sat up in bed, is coughing to release "crud".  Blood pressure is good, fever very slight, blood cultures negative.  He's outputting more than he's inputting and asking for food.  They are going to start him on clear liquids.  God is at work.  That is what I was waiting for: where's the food!!!

(Sept 26)  My Nephew Hunter is doing amazing things.  Kidneys are doing remarkably well, since dialysis removed.  Fluid was drained from Hunters lungs which was a painful procedure. Had his first meal last night, a bowl of soup.  Trying to talk is still a task.   When they told him he had open heart surgery, his eyes just about popped.... He thought he was in the hospital because of severe flu and fever.  He is a miracle :0)

Hunter has had a tough day.  Tachycardia during night, episodes today.  Got heart back regular. Knicked liver when draining lung fluid - has internal bleeding.  Resulting pain in shoulder and abdomen.  Tricuspid valve giving problems.  Pray on!

(Sept 27)  My nephew Hunter update - blood clotting seems to be getting better.  Hemoglobin better.  Still problems with fluid collecting from leaking valve.  Will try to have him sit and stand today. 
Hunter my nephew had a better day.  Sat up, had his hair washed, brushed his teeth.  Ate some chicken noodle soup for lunch and was going to try some more at supper.  All the machines are gone, this is great news!!!

(Sept 28)  My nephew Hunter's update:  The doctors don't feel Hunter will be in the hospital for 6 weeks. Taking most of his meds by pill now.  Monday he did well so had his hair washed and able to brush teeth.  All machines have been removed.  Having the fluid removed from lungs was more painful than operation.  Pray that all the bacteria will be killed with the antibiotics that he will need to take for months.  God is Good.

Just a short update on Hunter.  He didn't sleep well and his heart kept racing today.  He is now on assisted oxygen.  He felt too sick and worn out to even eat or drink water.  Not a good day.  Still needs prayer.

(Sept 29)  Hunter is being rushed back into surgery right now.  Please pray for him to have strength to endure another surgery.  Also pray for Eliz and Doug.  Thank you.  Hunter, my nephew has just gone into surgery. Replacing tricuspid valve, removing fluid from lungs and belly.  He also has a fungus now.  Pray for success and a miraculous recovery.  We need a miracle. -Elizabeth & Doug, Hunter's parents.

Update re: my nephew Hunter.  It's 9:15pm - at least another 2 hours.  They have a lot to do.  They have put in a mechanical valve and are installing a pace maker.  Hunter update - had to replace patch, found a new hole and closed it, installed pacemaker and mechanical tricuspid valve.  Heart is beating normal without meds. Been off bipass for half hour - another hour to go.

(Sept 30)  My nephew, Hunter is out of surgery-more extensive than they thought.  Doctors worried that they had to sew into infected tissue.  Can't guarantee it won't happen again.  Bacteria is still present - new hole in aortic valve.  Please prayThey put in new tricuspid valve and that is working well.  They drained lots of fluid from lungs and body cavity.  With the heart beating well there shouldn't be anymore accumulation  Pray the bacteria will die and not cause anymore damage so he doesn't have anymore surgeries.

Thank you to all those who are praying.  My nephew is breathing unassisted.  First time since going into hospital.  They are going to move him away from nursing station, so hoping he can get some sleep so his body can mend.  He is very weak.  The bacteria had destroyed part of aortic valve but patched part valve from last week still intact.

(Oct 1)  Hunter appears to be doing so much better.  He is off ventilator and monitors look very good.  Heart rate appears fairly normal.   Fluids are draining and hemoglobn getting better.  PTL! This update was from last night.

(Oct 2)  Hunter update:  Has been sitting up for a couple hours at a time, and he has to drink lots of Ensure. Needs to regain his strength back.  Pacemaker working well.  No need for any breathing assistance.

(Oct 3)  My nephew Hunter update:  Had a good day on Saturday.  Did not want visitors to leave, and he has a
smile on his face J
Hunter update:  Thank you to all who have prayed-from Doug and Eliz.  Hunter is progressing.  All 3 tubes that were draining fluids from body cavity have been removed.  Still a little feverish.  Please pray fungus and bacteria will all die.  Things are looking positive.

My husband, Hunter's Uncle Ben, was able to visit with Hunter and his dad for 1/2 hour this early afternoon. Hunter is sitting in his chair and had a craving for french fries.  He was only able to eat 6 and felt full.  They all
agreed he is a miracle.  A TV was to be brought into his room this afternoon also. 

So that's a major thing my extended and immediate family went through.  Hunter is at home now and connected to an antibiotic pump directly hooked up to his heart.  I think he'll be wearing that for about 6 months.  This is his last year of high school and since this whole thing started he hasn't been at school.  Hopefully he'll be able to catch up what he's missed, take advantage of a tutor and graduate on time.

My First Photoshoot

I've started seeing a counsellor (3 x now) and my main focus for seeing one is to help rebuild or just build self esteem.  I know this will be a great process....great as in big, not "yay".  Less than a week ago I thought about getting my picture taken by an actual photographer so I can make a Christmas card to send out.  I chose Jen Poulin Photography.  We went out yesterday (Sat) at 10am for 1/2 hour (really, that's all I could afford).  We went to a train bridge (private property) and Cottonwood Park where the fall colours are really in bloom.  Below is what came out of this outting: