Jason was out of town the last week of April. He got home around 3pm on that Friday and waited for me to get home from work. When I did, he asked me if I had closed the door to the basement. Naturally, I said no because we keep Caicos' litterbox in the basement. Strange, because I check the basement door every morning before I leave the house. Jason started walking around the house and when he walked into the sunroom (a room off of the kitchen) he noticed something lying in the middle of the floor. He asked me what it was and I immediately said, "we've been broken into". The lock to the patio door was lying in the middle of the floor. When we pulled the blinds back on the patio door we saw the damage. There were apparent crowbar marks on the outside and casing/frame of the door. The glass didn't break, but both locks on the door were pried off of the screws. GREAT. what a way to start a weekend.
After looking around we realized that our iPod and video camera were stolen. Jason initiated the call to the sheriff's dept and we waited for a person to show up.
In the meantime, I went across the street to ask if my neighbor saw anything. She works from home and her office window faces the front of our house. She said that she saw a guy about our age walk out from our backyard with what looked like a toolbox at around 2:30pm. She said she didn't think anything of it because she figured one of our friends was doing some work on the house. She gave me a description of the a-hole and I thanked her and left.
I went next door (to the right) because she's a stay-at-home mom but she didn't see anything. I went to my other next door neighbor but they weren't home from work yet. The neighbors two houses down were outside so I dropped by to ask if they noticed a strange vehicle parked in front of their house. I proceeded to tell them what had happened and asked if they had seen anything. Kathy said that it was strange I asked because when she got home from work, the handle to their garage door was messed up. I suggested that they take a look at their patio door because it sounded like they got broken into as well.
In the end, our next door neighbors (who weren't home when I went over), two houses down from us (Larry and Kathy) and our house were broken into on Friday afternoon. We were lucky. A lot more stuff was stolen out of the other two houses than ours. We must've been the last house that was hit. Bastard.
Now we get the joy of dealing with our insurance company. Is hasn't been too bad yet, but then again, the new door hasn't been installed. More to come.
Monday, May 07, 2007
Prenatal Appointment #2
It's been a while and I apologize....
On April 16th, Jason and I had our second prenatal appointment. It started off extremely uneventful - weigh in, pee in a cup and wait for the doctor. Once he and his assistant walked in, small talk ensued - 'how are you feeling?', 'any new cravings?', etc. I told him that I feel extremely blessed because I feel really good. I've never been sick and the worst I've felt is slightly tired at night. Other than that, I seriously have no reason to complain. *Please God don't change anything*
I had about 2 pints of blood taken (ok, only 4 vials) to check for Rh compatibility, STD's, etc. He asked if we wanted to be tested for the risk of Down's Syndrome. If the test results came back as an elevated risk, then why worry about it for the next 6 months; especially if it was a false positive. So, we declined the test. The most exciting part was hearing the baby's heartbeat. That was cool. Since I'm new at this, I kind of expected the baby's heartbeat to be a lot faster than what it sounded like. It wasn't quite double mine, but it was a little bit faster. Of course the superstitious family members were predicting the gender based on the heartbeat. Prediction: Boy.
So far, I've gained about 4 pounds. It doesn't sound too bad, but those 4 pounds sure do make my clothes fit a lot differently! I've gone to wearing my clothes with a rubber band to fasten my pant buttons to not wearing the rubber band because it feels so good to just let my belly hang out. I've come to the realization that I must start shopping for maternity clothes. Which I plan on doing today on my way home from work.
Jason and I have talked about names. We agree on the boy's name but not the girl's. I told him we're sticking with my selection unless he thinks of another acceptable name. Guaranteed I'm going to win this one!! Cross your fingers for a girl :)
We decided to wait until around August to start with the baby's room. I have a ton of ideas but haven't decided which one to go with. Jason's input is "You tell me what you want and I'll do it." Sounds good to me!!
I've started buying diapers everytime I go grocery shopping. Holy crap are they expensive! The baby's room smells like diapers - it's so cute!
Our next appointment is on the 15th. I promise I'll update you sooner than 3 weeks later!!
On April 16th, Jason and I had our second prenatal appointment. It started off extremely uneventful - weigh in, pee in a cup and wait for the doctor. Once he and his assistant walked in, small talk ensued - 'how are you feeling?', 'any new cravings?', etc. I told him that I feel extremely blessed because I feel really good. I've never been sick and the worst I've felt is slightly tired at night. Other than that, I seriously have no reason to complain. *Please God don't change anything*
I had about 2 pints of blood taken (ok, only 4 vials) to check for Rh compatibility, STD's, etc. He asked if we wanted to be tested for the risk of Down's Syndrome. If the test results came back as an elevated risk, then why worry about it for the next 6 months; especially if it was a false positive. So, we declined the test. The most exciting part was hearing the baby's heartbeat. That was cool. Since I'm new at this, I kind of expected the baby's heartbeat to be a lot faster than what it sounded like. It wasn't quite double mine, but it was a little bit faster. Of course the superstitious family members were predicting the gender based on the heartbeat. Prediction: Boy.
So far, I've gained about 4 pounds. It doesn't sound too bad, but those 4 pounds sure do make my clothes fit a lot differently! I've gone to wearing my clothes with a rubber band to fasten my pant buttons to not wearing the rubber band because it feels so good to just let my belly hang out. I've come to the realization that I must start shopping for maternity clothes. Which I plan on doing today on my way home from work.
Jason and I have talked about names. We agree on the boy's name but not the girl's. I told him we're sticking with my selection unless he thinks of another acceptable name. Guaranteed I'm going to win this one!! Cross your fingers for a girl :)
We decided to wait until around August to start with the baby's room. I have a ton of ideas but haven't decided which one to go with. Jason's input is "You tell me what you want and I'll do it." Sounds good to me!!
I've started buying diapers everytime I go grocery shopping. Holy crap are they expensive! The baby's room smells like diapers - it's so cute!
Our next appointment is on the 15th. I promise I'll update you sooner than 3 weeks later!!
Monday, March 19, 2007
Prenatal Appointment #1
Jason and I had our first prenatal appointment today. I didn't know what to expect, so I was kind of nervous. We were called into an exam room with ultrasound equipment and the nurse explained to us what was going to happen. A camera captured the baby's location. The image on the screen was so weird. We saw a little sac that was black and in the center of it was a white blob. The nurse explained to us that the black sac-like area is the placenta and the white blob is the baby. The cool thing was when we saw the heart beating!!! It looked like a flickering light. Way cool. The heart beat was 129 which we were told is very good at this stage of the pregnancy. The baby's heart beat is expected to be above 100. The baby is 6.7 mm long and is 6 weeks and 4 days old.
Our due date is November 8th. I'm hoping for a Halloween baby! Just think - costume parties for a birthday every year!!! We are so excited and feel very blessed. My next visit is in four weeks so I'll have another update!
Oh, one more thing.....I've been CRAVING chocolate milk like a mad woman. I never believed women who told me about their cravings. I thought, "yeah right". It's so true and it's terrible. I rarely drank chocolate milk. I can probably count the number of times in one year on one hand. The doctor yelled at me. He said to "limit the chocolate milk consumption". He said that drinking too much of it will cause me to gain unneccesary weight. Fiiiiiinnnnneeee.
Much more to come. Hooray for baby Stark :)
Our due date is November 8th. I'm hoping for a Halloween baby! Just think - costume parties for a birthday every year!!! We are so excited and feel very blessed. My next visit is in four weeks so I'll have another update!
Oh, one more thing.....I've been CRAVING chocolate milk like a mad woman. I never believed women who told me about their cravings. I thought, "yeah right". It's so true and it's terrible. I rarely drank chocolate milk. I can probably count the number of times in one year on one hand. The doctor yelled at me. He said to "limit the chocolate milk consumption". He said that drinking too much of it will cause me to gain unneccesary weight. Fiiiiiinnnnneeee.
Much more to come. Hooray for baby Stark :)
Monday, March 12, 2007
SHHHH! Don't Tell Anyone....
Well, it's been about 6 weeks since I've blogged and I figured tonight is a good night to start again.
Jason and I are happy to announce that we're expecting our first child this fall. We don't know the due date yet since our first prenatal appointment isn't until Monday so....DON'T SAY ANYTHING TO OUR FAMILIES!!! LAURA THAT MEANS YOU!! LOL
I knew something was up because I've fallen asleep before 9pm every night for the past 2 weeks. Plus I've had this gag reflex for about a week. Let's not forget the sore nips whenever the stream of water in the shower hits. That friggin' hurts.
Sorry we can't give more information but we're still in shock ourselves. I promise, promise, promise that I'll blog more often now and fill you in on what's going on.
Erika and Heather - start sending the books whenever you're ready :) Not to mention book a damn trip out here. Geez, what's it gonna take......a pregnancy?! He, he, he.
Hugs and kisses to everyone.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
The Long Awaited Update
Yes, it has been a while and a lot has happened since my last post. I'm warning you now - this is going to be long.
November: Ever since I got back from Tech I was really 'down in the dumps'. I don't know what it was, but nothing excited me nor interested me. I was just blah. Then I began to notice that my work clothes were getting tight. That seemed really strange to me since I've been the same size for about 7 years. So what would be my natural response??? GO TO THE GYM. And that's what I did. Spent Thanksgiving with my family this year (Jason and I alternate families to be fair). All was alright...or so I thought.
December: All the working out I was doing - about 5 weeks worth at this point and no change. Not even ONE POUND. Plus I started skipping periods *again* and I started to worry. I called my gynnie and scheduled an appointment for an exam and to voice my concerns about the irregular cycles, weight gain and the blah-ness I've been feeling. When I told my gynnie everything he sent me to have my blood drawn for a 'hormone check'. Then he prescribed Provera and Clomid (50mg) and told me to see him in 5 weeks. I was kind of in shock and didn't even think about what the meds were for or what they treated, etc. Christmas was really nice although I did want some snow. It was brown and gross and, well, blah.
January:At the beginning of the year I checked in with my gynnie and the first thing I noticed was his attitude. When he walked into the exam room, I tried to be jovial by asking, "What's up doc?" and his response was, "Well, not your hormone level" and he hands me a piece of paper (my blood work results). Doesn't explain the numbers to me at all. That pissed me off so I said to him, "I'm an engineer not a doctor so please explain these numbers to me". He proceeds to tell me that I have hypothyroidism and my hormone levels are at a premenopausal woman - i.e. zero ovulation. GREAT. He started his shpeel about how the thyroid controls hormone levels which control metabolism, mood, energy, etc. My underactive thyroid is to blame (for the most part) for my bitchiness, weight gain and wacked out periods. Prescribes more Provera and Clomid (150mg) then adds Synthroid 100mcg and Glucophage. By this time he makes some really rude and unnecessary comments to me, which I don't feel like repeating. The Glucophage freaked me out because my diabetic grandmother took that for insulin control. I asked him if I was diabetic and he said no, but he wanted to make sure I didn't become it. Through all of this, I had a really nice birthday.
January 30, 2007:I've educated myself on Provera, Clomid, Synthroid and Glucophage. Because of my condition, I've accepted the fact that I'll take Synthroid until the day I die. Glucophage was a 90-day script and done. I will not be taking Provera again. Now for the Clomid. Depending upon the source, I get similar and differing information. The risks are mild but, if the pill is taken for a prolonged period of time, it can lead to an increased risk of ovarian cancer. The more I read, then more things become clear. I just get this awful feeling that my gynnie is taking the wrong treatment path. He sees money in pregnacies, deliveries and babies. He is prescribing Clomid so that I will become pregnant. Don't get me wrong, I want to have babies. However, I want to take things one at a time. I feel strongly about properly treating the hypothyroidism and once that is in check, ovulation and pregnancy will soon follow. I don't want to put the buggy before the horse. In a lot of the literature I've read about hypothyroidism, if left untreated or not treated properly, it can lead to miscarriages, very difficult pregnacies and mental retardation in babies. That's scary. Because of how serious hypothyroidism affects babies, every newborn is tested. What's even scarier is that hypothyroidism is genetic and favors women. I found out that my grandma (not the diabetic one because she's passed away) has hypothyroidism. I would put money on it that if my mom had lived long enough, she would have started seeing symptoms of the disease, too. Now that I'm informed, and if I ever have a daughter, I will be able to pass that information on.
So, that is my last 90 days in a nutshell. I have to be honest, since I've been taking Synthroid I've lost weight, felt a million times happier and more energetic. I feel like being social again. It has been a God-send. I'm just really thankful that I now know why I was in a funk and how to treat it. HOORAY
November: Ever since I got back from Tech I was really 'down in the dumps'. I don't know what it was, but nothing excited me nor interested me. I was just blah. Then I began to notice that my work clothes were getting tight. That seemed really strange to me since I've been the same size for about 7 years. So what would be my natural response??? GO TO THE GYM. And that's what I did. Spent Thanksgiving with my family this year (Jason and I alternate families to be fair). All was alright...or so I thought.
December: All the working out I was doing - about 5 weeks worth at this point and no change. Not even ONE POUND. Plus I started skipping periods *again* and I started to worry. I called my gynnie and scheduled an appointment for an exam and to voice my concerns about the irregular cycles, weight gain and the blah-ness I've been feeling. When I told my gynnie everything he sent me to have my blood drawn for a 'hormone check'. Then he prescribed Provera and Clomid (50mg) and told me to see him in 5 weeks. I was kind of in shock and didn't even think about what the meds were for or what they treated, etc. Christmas was really nice although I did want some snow. It was brown and gross and, well, blah.
January:At the beginning of the year I checked in with my gynnie and the first thing I noticed was his attitude. When he walked into the exam room, I tried to be jovial by asking, "What's up doc?" and his response was, "Well, not your hormone level" and he hands me a piece of paper (my blood work results). Doesn't explain the numbers to me at all. That pissed me off so I said to him, "I'm an engineer not a doctor so please explain these numbers to me". He proceeds to tell me that I have hypothyroidism and my hormone levels are at a premenopausal woman - i.e. zero ovulation. GREAT. He started his shpeel about how the thyroid controls hormone levels which control metabolism, mood, energy, etc. My underactive thyroid is to blame (for the most part) for my bitchiness, weight gain and wacked out periods. Prescribes more Provera and Clomid (150mg) then adds Synthroid 100mcg and Glucophage. By this time he makes some really rude and unnecessary comments to me, which I don't feel like repeating. The Glucophage freaked me out because my diabetic grandmother took that for insulin control. I asked him if I was diabetic and he said no, but he wanted to make sure I didn't become it. Through all of this, I had a really nice birthday.
January 30, 2007:I've educated myself on Provera, Clomid, Synthroid and Glucophage. Because of my condition, I've accepted the fact that I'll take Synthroid until the day I die. Glucophage was a 90-day script and done. I will not be taking Provera again. Now for the Clomid. Depending upon the source, I get similar and differing information. The risks are mild but, if the pill is taken for a prolonged period of time, it can lead to an increased risk of ovarian cancer. The more I read, then more things become clear. I just get this awful feeling that my gynnie is taking the wrong treatment path. He sees money in pregnacies, deliveries and babies. He is prescribing Clomid so that I will become pregnant. Don't get me wrong, I want to have babies. However, I want to take things one at a time. I feel strongly about properly treating the hypothyroidism and once that is in check, ovulation and pregnancy will soon follow. I don't want to put the buggy before the horse. In a lot of the literature I've read about hypothyroidism, if left untreated or not treated properly, it can lead to miscarriages, very difficult pregnacies and mental retardation in babies. That's scary. Because of how serious hypothyroidism affects babies, every newborn is tested. What's even scarier is that hypothyroidism is genetic and favors women. I found out that my grandma (not the diabetic one because she's passed away) has hypothyroidism. I would put money on it that if my mom had lived long enough, she would have started seeing symptoms of the disease, too. Now that I'm informed, and if I ever have a daughter, I will be able to pass that information on.
So, that is my last 90 days in a nutshell. I have to be honest, since I've been taking Synthroid I've lost weight, felt a million times happier and more energetic. I feel like being social again. It has been a God-send. I'm just really thankful that I now know why I was in a funk and how to treat it. HOORAY
Saturday, October 07, 2006
Recruiting the Youth of America, Part Deux
New front elevation of the library:
Bridge that connects library and Fisher (note: I was told that the bridge is closed during the winter because the engineering firm didn't take the load from the snow into account. I *really* hope that's not true):
I had a great time and I wish I was able to stay longer. Can't wait 'til next year!!
Bridge that connects library and Fisher (note: I was told that the bridge is closed during the winter because the engineering firm didn't take the load from the snow into account. I *really* hope that's not true):
I had a great time and I wish I was able to stay longer. Can't wait 'til next year!!
Recruiting the Youth of America
Last week, I (and 12 others)represented Ford at Career Day on campus. Words can not describe how much I wish I could stay at Tech forever. The people, the surroundings and slow-paced, simple lifstyle are what make it so wonderful. I interviewed 8 candidates for summer intern & co-op positions; 4 made it to the next round of interviews. If things go as planned, a summer intern and a co-op will be hired by the spring.
I made a very important observation last week. Either the fishbowls got a hell of a lot smaller or the amount of alcohol has decreased. Point being - I drank 3 fishbowls and 5 Captain & Cokes. I'M STILL LIVING TO TELL ABOUT IT!!!! If I drank 2 while I was in school, I was piss ass drunk and guaranteed booting all over the place. Nope. Not this time. Yes, I was tipsy but I felt good the next morning. A little dusty but not even a headache. That's scary......Below are some pics:
Ripley - Still beautiful as ever
Homecoming was last weekend. How did I know??? Well, it was easy to tell when I saw this:
Our letters look funky:
If anyone can guess what this is a picture of, then you're good:
I made a very important observation last week. Either the fishbowls got a hell of a lot smaller or the amount of alcohol has decreased. Point being - I drank 3 fishbowls and 5 Captain & Cokes. I'M STILL LIVING TO TELL ABOUT IT!!!! If I drank 2 while I was in school, I was piss ass drunk and guaranteed booting all over the place. Nope. Not this time. Yes, I was tipsy but I felt good the next morning. A little dusty but not even a headache. That's scary......Below are some pics:
Ripley - Still beautiful as ever
Homecoming was last weekend. How did I know??? Well, it was easy to tell when I saw this:
Our letters look funky:
If anyone can guess what this is a picture of, then you're good:
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