Category Archives: Health

7 Quick Takes — Season Finales, It’s Too Darn Hot, and Promise Walk Highlights

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7 Quick Takes

— 1 —

Oh. Em. Gee. CSI season finale!!! I so do NOT approve of it being a cliffhanger! I will be grumping about this until September. What oh what will I do on Wednesday nights?!?!?!?!?!? (Answer: He-Man reruns and Netflix probably.) It was good to find out what had happened between Finn and Russell and to find out that it was something innocuous and not that they had been involved romantically in an adulterous fashion.

— 2 —

Hart of Dixie was good this week. This show is my guilty pleasure. (I usually watch forensic shows or stuff like The Big Bang Theory.) I loved the scene where Lemon gets her head stuck in the bed frame. It was an interesting message this week in that we see that Zoe’s presence in Bluebell does make a difference. I think it’s applicable to us in that what we do has repercussions and we have the blessing/curse of impacting other peoples’ lives.

— 3 —

I totally loved Abby’s outfit on NCIS this week. I really wish I’d known what had been planned for the bachelor party by Abby because that so did NOT end up happening! I also wonder if there’s anyone else who finds Dr. Samantha Ryan (Jamie Lee Curtis) to have undertones of naughtiness. She evokes a feeling kind of like a few of the characters in an Austin Powers movie.

— 4 —

The wedding on The Big Bang Theory was awesome. I love that all the members of the group of friends were ordained so they all performed the marriage ceremony. I wonder if anything will happen with Penny and Leonard next season…

— 5 —

It has been in the 90’s for the past few days here in Gold Country. Have I mentioned that I hate heat? It’s awful regardless of whether or not it’s a dry heat. Additionally, it’s allergy season so all of us in the house are miserable and I’ve had to find something to work for Daniel. The only good thing is that the heat has tired him out and he’s usually gone down for a decent nap. He only got a 20 minute nap today because he fell asleep while we were running errands and I couldn’t get him back down. Enter in wailing and gnashing teeth on Daniel’s part. We just got him back down. I’m hoping that he was just overtired and that he doesn’t have an ear infection — it would be really hard to diagnose and I’m not sure when I could get him into the doctor tomorrow as we have his IEP in the afternoon.

— 6 —

I’d still love to hear from any parents of special needs kids on their experiences getting services for their kids as well as adventures in raising them. I’m the Guardian Angel for an adorable little boy through Reece’s Rainbow and I’m doing a series on this on my blog dedicated to getting Brett adopted. Please let me know if you’re interested.

— 7 —

The Promise Walk was awesome. I erroneously thought it was Saturday and showed up at Lake Vasona to find nobody there. Go me. I went back on Sunday (without Jon who had to head back up to Gold Country to lead worship) and had a great time. My parents participated too and Mom and I did the three mile walk with Daniel. (My dad bailed out at some unknown distance so we don’t know how far he walked — only that he cheated. :p) It wasn’t as many people as last year but it was still fun. Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital was one of the sponsors and when I told them that I had been in their NICU about 32 years ago (when it was just Stanford Children’s Hospital), they took pictures. I’m guessing they don’t see many of their alumni that often? 🙂 I personally raised about $600 (will have the exact number this weekend) so I’m pretty jazzed.

For more Quick Takes, visit Hallie at BettyBeguiles.Com who is hosting this week while Jen takes some time off. Please keep Jen in your prayers — she witnessed a horrific motorcycle accident and is trying to process all the emotions and images in her brain.

The Simple Woman: May 9, 2012

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Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY May 9, 2012

Outside my window… it’s in the 90’s… which is, like, 10-15 degrees hotter than it should be. I hate heat. *grumps*

I am thinking… that people who don’t vote have no business complaining about the way things are.

I am thankful… that Daniel gets tired enough at school to nap.

In the kitchen… looking through the cupboard for my dinner. If I can’t find anything, I’ll do quesadillas.

I am wearing… blue maternity shirt and plaid boxer shorts.

I am creating… this entry among other things.

I am going… to mail in my absentee ballot tomorrow. (We got them today.)

I am wondering… how some of the people on the ballot think they’re going to win.

I am reading… still Style, Sex, and Substance ed. by Hallie Lord. I did read two murder mysteries over the weekend — The Gingerbread Bump-Off by Livia J. Washburn and Marriage is Murder by Nancy Pickard.

I am hoping… my neck stops spasming and the pain goes away. (My neck is the main reason why this entry is two days late.)

Around the house… still relatively clean but there are serious dishes needing to be done.

One of my favorite things… air conditioning. Enough said.

A few plans for the rest of the week: possibly Bible study tomorrow morning and possibly a vet appointment or two for my cats.

A peek into my day… Daniel helping with laundry two weeks ago. He’s so helpful.

Daniel helping with laundry

Hosted by The Simple Woman’s Daybook

7 Quick Takes — TV and Other Things

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7 Quick Takes

More than a few takes on TV this week because we’re headed into Sweeps Week and season finales.

— 1 —

The previews of next week’s “Hart of Dixie” have me pretty nervous. Does Rose live? Do things get repaired between her and Zoe? Does Zoe go back to New York permanently? I have a feeling that she doesn’t but it was still a cliffhanger on Monday night! I’m also totally irritated that Lemon and George got back together — I was hoping that they were over but I think the wedding is necessary for the show’s plot.

— 2 —

The “Hawaii 5-0″/”NCIS: Los Angeles” crossover was awesome. I don’t know that it will make me watch “Hawaii 5-0” on Monday nights (it conflicts with “Hart of Dixie” where I am) but it gives me another option if there are crappy re-runs on Monday nights for “Hart of Dixie”. (I watched Monday’s episode online.) Anyway, it was excellent as a series of episodes and there were some interesting spiritual takeaways that I may have to expound on at a later time.

— 3 —

Speaking of cliffhangers, the regular NCIS is headed into at least two more related episodes. It was an intense episode on Tuesday night and there promises to be two more like it. I’d love to know why Harper Dearing has become a terrorist though I’m sure we’ll find out next week. It’s also weird seeing Abby outside the lab and next to Ducky in the final scene — I think it was seeing those two together that made me realize how strange and out of place she looks in her black clothes and chains.

— 4 —

I’m starting to love “The Mentalist”. I didn’t think I’d ever get into the show but I’m loving the episodes I’ve seen. I don’t really need another show to follow but this one is fun to watch. It’s kind of interesting to watch because it takes place in northern California and references Sacramento.

— 5 —

“The Big Bang Theory” was pretty forgettable this week. Last week was fun with Howard’s bachelor party and this one had potential with Amy and Sheldon but it kind of fizzled. Having said all that, the next week or two should be interesting. All the sites who care about these things have talked about how the gang is going to be trying to get Howard married off despite the launch.

— 6 —

I need a favor from any parents with special needs kids. I’m doing a series over at Blogging for Brett called “Raising Special Needs Kids” with the purpose of maybe convincing people that raising a special needs kid like Brett is totally possible. If you’re interested, email me. I’m jen at grace-filled dot net.

— 7 —

The Promise Walk for Preeclampsia is on Saturday. Please sponsor me and help make a difference in the lives of pregnant mommies everywhere.

For more Quick Takes, visit Jen at ConversionDiary.Com.

The Simple Woman’s Daybook: April 30, 2012

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Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY April 30, 2012

Outside my window… sunny and warm — probably in the 80’s. I hate heat so I’m inside.

I am thinking… that I’d really do better in the Pacific Northwest climate-wise.

I am thankful… that Daniel is taking a nap right now and that he has adjusted to school.

In the kitchen… ummm… it’s clean?

I am wearing… grey maternity shirt and navy blue running shorts.

I am creating… this entry and plans for a personal blogathon to raise money for my Reece’s Rainbow kid.

I am going… to have to shave my legs before too long — it’s shorts weather.

I am wondering… why I have a headache other than the fact that I was up waaaaaay past my bedtime last night.

I am reading… Style, Sex, and Substance ed. by Hallie Lord.

I am hoping… things cool down around here. It seems wrong that it’s in the 80’s at the end of April in Sacramento.

I am looking forward to… Ladies’ Night Out on Wednesday.

Around the house… it’s clean thanks to my parents coming up and the need to clean for them.

One of my favorite things… quiet.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Ladies’ Night Out, heading to San Jose on Friday, and the Promise Walk for Preeclampsia on Saturday.

Hosted by The Simple Woman’s Daybook

7 Quick Takes: Grumping Drivers, Silly Boys, and Cute Preemies

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7 Quick Takes

— 1 —

Daniel had his 3 year old Well Child appointment on Wednesday. He’s looking good, has a healthy BMI, has a healthy curve on his growth chart, and was his normally chill self which was a rare sight for his doctor, especially during naptime. I’m bummed because she’s done with her residency in June. I’m happy for her to move on to bigger and better things (including her wedding in November — she had a lovely engagement ring that looked like it was a sapphire ringed with diamonds) but I’m sad to lose her. I first met her during our epic hospital stay last March when she was doing her PICU rotation and we ended up getting her as our pediatric resident. She’ll kick butt on her boards in October and I know she’ll be an awesome pediatrician when she goes into practice. Meanwhile… hey Katie, could you please come do a peds residency at UCD Medical Center?

— 2 —

To the white Ford F150:
It might be slightly safer if you waited until I was OUT of the lane before you try passing me IN it. You almost sideswiped my rear driver’s side and I would have taken the law into my own hands if you had hit me and something had happened to the cute three year old riding with me. You really don’t want to get between me and my cub.
Snuggles,
The white car with the Promise Walk ribbon

— 3 —

The lesson: never mess with University of Virginia grads. Apparently, public education actually works in states other than California. 🙂 And before I get a huge number of flaming comments, I’m the product of California public schools and Daniel is in an ABA class at a California state preschool.

And no, this video is not intended to be a political statement — I just enjoy her retort to the Speaker’s comment about “not speaking in little enough words for [her] to understand.” I admit to feeling like I need to use that phrase frequently (that is, speaking in small enough words) in comboxes and it’s awesome to see a rational and well-reasoned retort.

— 4 —

My parents are headed up on Saturday to deliver a frame for a raised bed for our garden. I know my mom is bringing up some tomatoes and I’ll pick up some basil plants from Trader Joe’s. I also need to start some pumpkins and perhaps a few other things. Our treasurer came over and rototilled it on Tuesday. We’ve had some rain so I’m kind of also hoping for no weeds.

— 5 —

I continue to be blown away by the awesomeness of Daniel’s preschool class. Not only does he have a teacher who LOVES her job (and it totally shows) as well as aides who love Daniel, I also have fellow parents in the class who are cool. One of the little girls in Daniel’s class came up and hugged him when he came to class on Monday and I met her mom on Wednesday. I was walking him to class when she walked by and greeted Daniel warmly. She then looked up and explained that she was this little girl’s mom. It was great to meet her and I’ve also talked with a few other parents while trying to teach our kids some basic social skills like waving good-bye and acknowledging someone talking to them. I didn’t realize how cool it was until today that I’ve got 10 other sets of parents who are dealing with the same stuff I am.

— 6 —

Brett’s adoption fund has moved up two orders of magnitude. We went from 1/25000 to 1/250 this week. Amazing what $100 will do, huh? Now for that other $24900… I’ve got some fundraising ideas but I also need to find him a mommy and a daddy. You can read about all of this at his adoption blog. I’ve also got a blogathon tentatively scheduled for July 27th and I’m trying to come up with ways to publicize it.

— 7 —

Need a reason to sponsor me in the Promise Walk? Is this one good enough?

Baptizing Daniel at 4 days old.

This would be Daniel at his baptism in the NICU at 4 days old. From left to right: my nasty-looking hand (dry skin cracking), Daniel, Jon’s hand.

For more Quick Takes, visit Jen at ConversionDiary.Com.

7 Quick Takes — Starting Preschool, Rescue Panthers, and Preeclampsia Studies

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7 Quick Takes

I missed having Quick Takes last week. I didn’t necessarily need more writing to do (still continued my Lenten discipline) but I missed the community and being able to empty my brain this way.

— 1 —

Daniel started preschool on Wednesday. The preschools in our elementary school district are housed at the school a block away from the parsonage and they have an ABA class which is where Daniel was put. (The IEP was 2 1/2 weeks ago.) Putting it mildly, Daniel did not approve and spent most of the day crying. It wasn’t a crying jag about being separated from Jon and I — it was all about people not letting him do what he wanted to do. My words to his teacher: he can like it or lump it. She laughed and her aides laughed when she told them my response. Here’s hoping that next week goes better.

— 2 —

Things not to say to me: “What are you going to do with yourself now that Daniel is in preschool? Seriously, I now have 4 1/2 hours free in my day. I have decluttering projects up the freaking wazoo on my plate as well as some posts I promised for people. Yeah… I think I have things to do. I will admit that Wednesday morning, I just sat in my recliner with my laptop and enjoyed the quiet. Today, I collapsed in the recliner and took a nap until UPS and the home health care people pounded on the door to wake me up.

— 3 —

Daniel seems to have no ill effects from his seizure on Friday. This confirms the ER doctors and residents’ suspicions that it was a simple febrile seizure. I also learned that he flips out less on the gurney in the ER bay if I lie down with him and hold him. He slept in my lap there for most of Friday evening after we got to the ER and I got some reading done during that time. Thank God (and the family friend who bought it for me) for Popadija (my NOOK)!

— 4 —

Yes, I do name my electronic items. My current laptop is “Presbytera”, my former laptops were “Khouria” and “Pristina” (a spelling error for “Prifteresha” so I might use that name again), my NOOK is “Popadija”, and my iPod is “Panimatushka”. What are these names, you ask? They are Orthodox Christian titles for the priest’s wife. While I’m not Orthodox, I am a pastor’s wife and I decided that I needed a title which is why “khouria” figures into my Twitter ID because people usually have no idea how to refer to me. (My pat answer: “I go by Jen.”)

— 5 —

I finished my latest murder mystery (Burried in Buttercream by G.A. McKevett — go read it) and am now reading Sex, Style, and Substance. I got through the introduction and am about to read Jennifer Fulwiler’s chapter. Even having read as little of the book as I have, I can honestly say that it is seriously made of win. I might be reading it on Friday morning while Daniel is in preschool. (I’d read it sooner but I have some writing projects to plan out if not finish.)

— 6 —

My “rescue panther” would like me to post this video. She has vowed to sit on my lap and block my access to the keyboard of my laptop unless I post the Geico video involving the couple who adopted a “rescue panther” to take care of their home security needs.

— 7 —

There is a study out on the effects of preeclampsia on the brain. Wow… so I’m not just at a loss for words because I’m so sleep-deprived? Huh. In all seriousness, it’s something that frustrates me because I write so much and it’s maddening to have a word or idea in my brain but not to be able to express it. Let’s fund some more studies on preeclampsia and its long term effects. Sponsor me in the Promise Walk to help fund studies like this.

For more Quick Takes, visit Jen at ConversionDiary.Com.

7 Quick Takes — IEP’s, School Lunch Quandries, and Rain

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7 Quick Takes

— 1 —

Daniel’s IEP went well on Monday. I’m incredibly thankful that we’ve got a great staff at the local school (where they have all the preschool classes) and that they have an ABA preschool class where Daniel will go. I’ve heard horror stories about the school district in the town to the north and how hard it is to get services for your kids there. Daniel will start preschool on April 11th (his 3rd birthday is on Holy Saturday) and he’ll be in school Monday to Friday for 5 hours every day. The IEP team will meet again on May 11th and firm up goals and plans for things like physical and occupational therapy.

— 2 —

With Daniel starting preschool, I now have a new quandry: school lunches. I need to provide enough food for two snacks and Daniel isn’t feeding himself with a spoon yet. The complicating factor in this is that he also doesn’t know how to take bites out of something so it would need to be finger food. Got any suggestions? I’d welcome any and all input including how to teach him to take bites out of his food.

— 3 —

March seems to be going out like a lion here. After a wet week two weeks ago, we’ve had nice weather, rain on the weekend, and then rain the last couple days. It was pleasant enough to walk to my WIC appointment with Daniel this morning but it’s cloudy again and I think we’ll be getting more rain tonight. We do need the moisture but I sort of wish I could pick the days it would come.

— 4 —

Daniel has been using his “more” sign more and more. Considering that it took almost two years to get him to do it on his own, I’m pretty happy. He signed it to my mom last weekend when she was giving him lunch and he has done it at all his therapy sessions that happened this week. (Physical therapy got rescheduled to next week because it was a park date but was pouring by the time we got to Elk Grove.) I’m hoping to be able to teach him some more signs and have that be a help with communication. He already makes his needs known in non-verbal ways but he has to learn to communicate verbally somehow and signing can do that.

— 5 —

Daniel turns 3 in a little over a week. His birthday falls on Holy Saturday this year and it’s also the day of our church’s Easter Egg Hunt. I can’t believe that it’s been almost three years now since he was born. I don’t know if we have any Easter plans as of yet so I’m not sure how we’ll celebrate. All I do know is that next week’s Quick Takes will probably be solely Daniel-focused. We’ve already gotten some books for his birthday from my in-laws and my mom has done some clothes shopping for him.

— 6 —

“The Big Bang Theory” returns tonight. I’ve definitely missed it the past two weeks. Granted, we have Netflix and I can watch “He-Man and the Masters of the Universe” or actually find out what all the “Downton Abbey” hype is all about, but my life is just not complete without seeing Sheldon being his asocial self.

— 7 —

Ahem… sponsor me.

I'm a survivor!
Symptoms of preeclampsia

For more Quick Takes, visit Jen at ConversionDiary.Com.