tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-195581262024-03-12T18:12:37.745-07:00Southern Oregon PostingsWelcome to my blog! I hope you will come back from time to time to see what I'm up to these days. Please leave a comment and let me know what you think about what I have to say.Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02301219387023496893noreply@blogger.comBlogger282125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19558126.post-14156001212158326312016-04-18T08:11:00.001-07:002016-04-18T17:51:20.341-07:00Unofficial THM Guide to MacronutrientsI started following the <a href="http://www.trimhealthymama.com/" target="_blank">Trim Healthy Mama</a> way of eating two weeks ago and I'm still learning about it. I've been reading and responding to some questions on the THM Beginners Facebook group and I see a trend in some of the confusion. While the THM book provides all the information that you need to get started in the first section, people have a hard time putting it all together. They struggle specifically with understanding which foods are proteins, carbs and fats. So I'm going to see if I can help at all.<br />
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<b>Protein foods</b>- the anchor for all meals and snacks.<br />
Protein is made up of amino acids and is used in our bodies as building blocks for repair and growth. Some amount of protein is found in most foods, but for the purposes of THM eating, we need to know what foods are major protein sources that can anchor our meals. We also need to be able to distinguish between lean proteins and fatty proteins. <br />
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<u>Lean protein sources</u> - these are FP foods and can be used in any meal or snack.<br />
<ul>
<li>lean meats like chicken breast, ground turkey breast, tuna (in water), salmon (in water), fish, lean game meats and lean deli meats.</li>
<li>egg whites</li>
<li>dairy* protein sources - 0% greek yogurt, 1% cottage cheese, low fat ricotta</li>
<li>specialty items - whey protein, collagen, just gelatin</li>
</ul>
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<u>Fatty protein sources</u> - these proteins should only be used in S meals</div>
<ul>
<li>fattier cuts of meat - beef, pork, processed meats (salami, etc)</li>
<li>whole eggs (the yolk is the fatty part of the egg)</li>
<li>full fat greek yogurt, full fat cottage cheese, full fat ricotta</li>
<li>hard cheeses - cheese is a mixed food with both protein and fat. As such, small amounts may not provide enough protein to anchor a meal. </li>
</ul>
<div>
<i>*dairy foods can be confusing because whole milk in itself is a total combination food. it has lactose which is sugar, protein, and then fat in the cream. Whole milk is not on plan, but dairy sources of fat/protein are on plan. It's helpful to think of which part of the milk is in your dairy product.</i></div>
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<b>Healthy Carbohydrates</b>- the fuel source in E meals. It's not an E meal if it doesn't have carbs!</div>
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Carbohydrates are chains of glucose molecules. Our bodies break up those chains and then use the glucose to make or store energy. On plan carbohydrates are more complex, higher fiber, lower glycemic index carbohydrates. They take longer to break down into glucose in the blood. </div>
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Limit carbohydrates in a meal to 45 grams. You don't need to know how to count carbs to do this, the lists in the book indicate appropriate portions. Limit fats used to cook the meal to 5 grams or 1 tsp. </div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>whole grains - brown rice, farro, quinoa, barley, old fashioned rolled oats</li>
<li>sprouted grain products - breads, tortillas</li>
<li>soured whole grain bread</li>
<li>dark rye bread</li>
<li>on plan Wasa crackers - eat 3 or 4 to be a significant carb source.</li>
<li>popcorn</li>
<li>beans - kidney, pinto, black, etc</li>
<li>fruit</li>
<li>starchy vegetables - sweet potatoes, corn, peas, winter squash</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<b>Healthy Fats</b> - the fuel source in S meals. It's not an S meal if it doesn't have fats!</div>
<div>
Fats are used to perform certain special roles in our body.<br />
<ul>
<li>the fat in fatty meats</li>
<li>the yolks of whole eggs</li>
<li>cream, 1/2 and 1/2, butter, sour cream</li>
<li>cheese - a combo food with some protein and some fat</li>
<li>oils - coconut, MCT, olive, etc</li>
<li>full fat mayo and dressings</li>
<li>nuts and nut butters</li>
<li>avocado</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<b>Low Carb, Low Fat add-ons</b> - These are considered FP foods and can go with any meal</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>non-starchy vegetables</li>
<li>berries in limited quantities</li>
<li>lemons and limes</li>
<li>low calorie, no-sugar condiments</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
A blogger named Gwen has made a <a href="http://gwens-nest.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/THM-Quick-Start-Guide-11-15.pdf" target="_blank">THM Quick Start Guide</a> that I recommend. She has an exercise in the guide that helps you with the above separation of food types.</div>
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I see a lot of people confused by the "numbers game" - how many carbs can I have in this meal or that meal, how much fat, etc. The numbers are very confusing to beginners and often get us side tracked from the basic method for planning the meals. The book stresses that food type trumps the numbers every time. </div>
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You don't need to know a lot of numbers to get started. Just keep it basic; choose your protein, then add your fuel and round out your plate with FP items. The only numbers you need to know to get started are the ones I listed above in the Healthy Carbs section. </div>
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<br />Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02301219387023496893noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19558126.post-953627927408003232013-10-04T09:17:00.004-07:002013-10-04T09:17:59.029-07:00Eye-drop Alley<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy-ubweY8oulSQYG6bE4JW3FsuEIaQ9Khj6g2TqbXEl-_VqsVHdW0kCFZxa8TwxYbMNELjfrZYIiT9ihL9cm8k6HlFV5VyivA9fkXN327elpuZcjH9zhX9ci0d9ALs7A4m1rVt/s1600/IMG_0576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy-ubweY8oulSQYG6bE4JW3FsuEIaQ9Khj6g2TqbXEl-_VqsVHdW0kCFZxa8TwxYbMNELjfrZYIiT9ihL9cm8k6HlFV5VyivA9fkXN327elpuZcjH9zhX9ci0d9ALs7A4m1rVt/s320/IMG_0576.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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In the last week or so, I have become quite the expert eye-drop installer. Let me 'splain.<br />
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First, Mom returned home from a week-long visit up to Yakima, Washington. When she came over to collect her mail, I noticed that her eye was very reddened. She is already scheduled to see her eye doctor in Portland soon, but that date was 2 weeks away. So Denis prescribed her some basic antibiotic drops to see if it would improve. So twice a day, Mom comes over and gets her drops for a week. It seemed to be getting better initially, but after about 5 days, it became more reddened again. So we bit the bullet and got her in to see a local ophthalmologist. Fortunately, it doesn't seem to be anything serious. Now we have antibiotic drops that also have a steroid in and a more aggressive schedule to follow. So, four times a day, Mom comes over for her drop.<br />
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Meanwhile, Denis had cataract surgery on Thursday this week. Starting Wednesday night, he had three different eye drops that need to be instilled on different schedules. Denis' eye drop schedule continues for three weeks, so I will be doing this for a while.... :)<br />
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I'm excited about Denis' surgery. He's had a pretty bad cataract in his left eye for several years. In the last three months, it's gotten so bad that he gets a headache from lights and the stress of working hard to see. So far, he still can't see too great, but it's only been 18 hours since the surgery. His eye stings a bit and it's watering. We got for a follow up appointment today.Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02301219387023496893noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19558126.post-77587380215308222862013-09-28T23:16:00.003-07:002013-09-28T23:16:59.806-07:00Lazy Saturday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK0PkAqq-tqgqro_OZf9-rb7bZafvEEPtyFOqrqhzd_WuSoCi54Hy4404tn8Bvv1UPs1G32aIzOf4VEY1mhbbt2nuox7jwaTBSrvzgdBfByhewtEBMVOrLsYUM8Jum6DlRUGgb/s1600/IMG_0569.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK0PkAqq-tqgqro_OZf9-rb7bZafvEEPtyFOqrqhzd_WuSoCi54Hy4404tn8Bvv1UPs1G32aIzOf4VEY1mhbbt2nuox7jwaTBSrvzgdBfByhewtEBMVOrLsYUM8Jum6DlRUGgb/s640/IMG_0569.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I am always wanting to get out and do something. I am a restless wanderer, always seeking the fun thing to do and not wanting to miss out. I'm married to a man who is a bit more content to lay low. He often mentions an event that is coming up, but he doesn't necessarily mean that he wants to go to that event. *sigh*<br />
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Today, we struck a pretty happy medium. There were two music oriented events that we knew about and I would have loved to go to. But instead, I went to the Grange Co-op with D to buy lawn fertilizer and then we drove out to the nearby historic town of <a href="http://jacksonvilleoregon.com/" target="_blank">Jacksonville</a>. We went to the kitchen store that he had given me a gift certificate to for Christmas. (It only took 9 months for me to get around to spending it)<br />
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I got a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potato_ricer" target="_blank">potato ricer</a> - a press that makes extra smooth mashed potatoes. I think there are other uses for it as well, so I'm looking forward to experimenting with it.<br />
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This picture is of the nice view on our drive. We do live in a beautiful part of the country. this picture doesn't really do it justice cause it was taken out of the window.Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02301219387023496893noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19558126.post-88831716982863254262013-09-27T11:28:00.000-07:002013-09-29T15:53:16.994-07:00Musicality<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr8OjFmIc-z1bp_x3l7MXAmoN12uxUn5wX-zOOWpwq3SB9-J1xyZWGEULzSrw8gWp68WjOURk2ItWY-Au69H3j_IQbRNwCkoWlU3KzaQjYz3X-WhMp-tdqVTnna6XKmRz8AjSt/s1600/music.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr8OjFmIc-z1bp_x3l7MXAmoN12uxUn5wX-zOOWpwq3SB9-J1xyZWGEULzSrw8gWp68WjOURk2ItWY-Au69H3j_IQbRNwCkoWlU3KzaQjYz3X-WhMp-tdqVTnna6XKmRz8AjSt/s320/music.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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My poor old piano is getting tuned today. The tuner lady said that it has gone rather flat during the past 7 years or so of neglect. She is going to bring it up to pitch today, but it will probably need to be retuned in about 6 months, then a year. <br />
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The inspiration for getting the piano tuned is the fact that I have started taking violin lessons! I started about three months ago with a violin that was borrowed from a family in my church. Their daughter had played in high school, but gave it up when she went on to college and so it was just sitting unused under a bed in their house.<br />
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I ended up having difficulty playing the full size violin, so I recently bought a 3/4 size from a local string store with a really good reputation. My teacher as well as a friend of mine are both well-known to this shop, and so I think I was treated rather exceptionally well. :) They let me borrow the two instruments I was most interested in for up to two weeks while I made a decision. It was a hard one, but I finally chose the more expensive one. It has a bit more shrill tone, but the notes sound a bit truer and I am able to hear myself playing better.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitP_HoLOU3DVrIE8wQLUZ7jqZvjnMil9O4OO9mxA9DFssSLoMdP3pokHHdvMMfs9zdPgyMA917cBIL5q8eKD7nHzm2LD6tq2Hdog65IGOkP8NmsJBqkHS0VvCHX63m4XVw7XBC/s1600/IMG_0572.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitP_HoLOU3DVrIE8wQLUZ7jqZvjnMil9O4OO9mxA9DFssSLoMdP3pokHHdvMMfs9zdPgyMA917cBIL5q8eKD7nHzm2LD6tq2Hdog65IGOkP8NmsJBqkHS0VvCHX63m4XVw7XBC/s320/IMG_0572.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My new violin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Learning the violin is on the hard side as far as instruments go. What looks easy - moving the bow across the strings to make a nice sound - is actually hard to learn. I can tell the difference in sound when I am properly using the weight of my arm on the bow, but it's so hard to do that consistently. <br />
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Anyway, that is what is new right now in my neck of the woods.Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02301219387023496893noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19558126.post-58703632146462731532011-08-21T15:52:00.001-07:002011-08-21T16:16:07.255-07:00Joni and Friends Camp ReportWe are back! A little tired - in denial that we have to go back to work tomorrow. Loading pictures onto Facebook and looking at other's pics to relive the moments and wishing that they were not in the past already.<div>
<br /></div><div>I have had about 48 hours to reflect on what I want to communicate about camp this year. I'll start back a few weeks. I wrote my last post (below) a few weeks before camp, knowing that we were short on STMs. I wrote about being nervous but trusting God that He's in control and why that is the best situation that we can be in - out of control. I wrote that primarily thinking of what fears that people have about being an STM and hoping to inspire confidence. Apparently I gave you all the impression that I was more nervous about being an STM than I really was, because I lot of friends commented about it. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>The truth is that I was definitely a bit nervous, but my excitement about being an STM this year far outweighed my nervousness. So, on the night before camp, I decided that my new statement would be "I'm one part nervous, three parts excited."</div><div>
<br /></div><div>As I thought about who I might be paired with for the week, I figured that I would get either a very small typical sibling, a child who uses a wheelchair, or possibly an adult with a disability who is more reserved. Since I already know many of the campers, I pondered the different folks I might get paired with. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>One camper came to mind who made me more nervous. At some point, I definitely thought "I hope I don't get paired with Michelle". Michelle is an adult camper with spina bifida. During some illness, she had a trach and was left with separated vocal chords and she can only speak in a whisper. I had heard that Michelle was a very sweet gal, but I was worried that I wouldn't be able to hear her and we would both end up frustrated if we were paired. You see, since I'm deaf in one ear, I have a hard enough time hearing a regular conversation in a crowded room, let alone a whisper.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>So, fast forward. It's Monday morning, day two of training, when we get our camper assignments. Who did I get? You guessed it - Michelle! I read her paper carefully, knowing that God had made this match and figuring He must know what He's doing. I was really happy that I got one of the adults, because that meant that I would get to attend the "Friendship Group" program and get to know all those beloved campers better.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>It turns out that I was probably rather uniquely suited to be Michelle's STM. I was able to point my one good ear directly at her. Since I often miss some words in conversation, my mind is pretty skilled at searching the context for the right word to fill in the blank. As time went on, I also discovered that she sometimes will use sign language for a short message - and all her signs were ones that I knew. By Wednesday, I was getting really good at hearing and understanding her - she even said to me "you are so good at listening to me!" which was really reassuring. I became Michelle's voice when we were in group and she was talked over, when we visited with other people. I would wait to see if they understood, but if they didn't I would "interpret".</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Besides the language issues, being an STM was ALL that I expected and hoped for it to be. It was so fabulous to be a participant in the programs and activities. To be involved in a family through the whole week. To get to know a particular camper's likes, dislikes, fears, interests and help her have the BEST experience.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Michelle's birthday was Wednesday during camp and she had an epic day! The whole camp sang Happy Birthday to her off key (camp tradition) at breakfast, went on a horse ride in the afternoon and was the closing act in the talent show that night. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>Meanwhile, Denis and Cynthia (the nurse that we recruited) were kept quite busy this year. There were more medical issues this year than last year - but thankfully, none too serious. Cynthia had a ball and is hoping to return next year. I made a deal with her - as long as she wants to be the nurse, I will be an STM!</div>Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02301219387023496893noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19558126.post-77086438321583840312011-07-24T08:03:00.000-07:002011-07-26T16:42:55.599-07:00Getting readyWe are only three weeks away from the Oregon Joni and Friends family retreat, and it's kind of push time to get ourselves squared away and ready for camp. Denis and I have dragged the medical supply box into the living room, but have not inventoried it yet. Our friend who has agreed to work with Denis as the nurse this year is coming over today to look at the stuff with us. I've started reviewing the medical information from families and organized it into an easy to carry chart that we'll print out when it's complete.<div><br /></div><div>One of the most exciting things for me is that I get to be a typical STM this year. For those of you new to Joni and Friends lingo, STM means Short Term Missionary, and that is what volunteers are called. Most STM's who go to a family retreat are paired up as a "buddy" for the week to a family member who has registered. That person might be a child with a disability, a typical child who has a parent or sibling with a disability or an adult with a disability. The week is spent hanging out with your "buddy", building a relationship, serving the family, attending activities through each day. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have never gone to Joni and Friends Family Retreat as an STM, I've only been the nurse. As the nurse, I enjoyed having the freedom to rove and get to know everyone a little bit. But I know from observation that the STM experience is very different. STMs who are paired as a buddy get to know their one family very well and bond closely with them. It can be difficult, trying, challenging, but on the flipside so rewarding. STMs tend to leave camp exhausted, but overwhelmed by the blessing of being so intimately involved in an amazing family and having been a selfless servant for the week.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have no idea who I will be paired with, hopefully someone slow - as I'm not fast myself. Not knowing is part of the situation that makes it stressful or scary to go as an STM. But, the pairing of STM to family is a total God-thing. Being out of control of that is precisely what makes it so wonderful. God pairs buddies very well. And if the pairing is hard or challenging, it's because God has a growing to do in me. Stepping out beyond my control is something that I am excited about, because that is precisely when I get to see God work.</div><div><br /></div><div>We are still very short of STMs for our Oregon camp that is Aug. 14-19 at Rockaway Beach on the Northern Coast. We really would like 30-40 more STMs so that all of the families can be served. Aug. 14th is a training day, then families arrive for camp from the 15th to the 19th. If you know anyone who might be interested, please pass on the info.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.joniandfriends.org/family-retreats/twin-rocks-2011/">Here is the website to find contact numbers and applications.</a></div><div><a href="http://www.joniandfriends.org/family-retreats/">General information about family retreats</a></div><div><a href="http://tracynate.blogspot.com/2010/08/joni-and-friends-2010.html">My report from last year</a></div><div><a href="http://tracynate.blogspot.com/2009/07/joni-and-friends-camp-report.html">My report from 2009 at Mission Springs in CA</a></div>Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02301219387023496893noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19558126.post-58437484940836749592011-07-21T23:23:00.000-07:002011-07-21T23:26:15.780-07:00Amos Lee<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px; "><b>"Cup Of Sorrow"</b><br /><br />I want to drink from your cup of sorrow,<br />I want to bathe in your holy blood.<br />I want to sleep with the promise of tomorrow,<br />I know tomorrow may never come.<br /><br />I send a prayer out across the ocean,<br />To a man that?s forced out of his home.<br />I send a prayer out across the ocean,<br />So that he may not suffer there alone.<br /><br />I want to drink from your cup of sorrow,<br />I want to bathe in your holy blood.<br />I want to sleep with the promise of tomorrow,<br />I know tomorrow may never come.<br /><br />I want to sit at your table of wisdom,<br />So that not one crumb shall go to waste,<br />For if we keep down this pathway to destruction,<br />Oh will our children will suffer for our haste.<br /><br />I want to drink from your cup of sorrow,<br />I want to bathe in your holy blood.<br />I want to sleep with the promise of tomorrow,<br />I know tomorrow may never come<br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px; "><i>Amos Lee's newest album, called El Camino, has several tracks with Gospel lyrics and rythm. This one is my favorite. You can listen to the whole thing for free on his Facebook page.</i></span></div>Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02301219387023496893noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19558126.post-54746679863515692802011-07-20T08:31:00.000-07:002011-07-20T08:40:53.496-07:00Is it July already?!What has happened in the last three months? Hmmm... let's see. Two main things stand out:<div><br /><div>1. I started a new role at work - I am no longer doing the clinic-based diabetes classes and individual education. My new role is focused entirely on the hospital care. Up until this point, all of our diabetes dept. RN's have shared the job of rounding through the hospital, answering questions, reviewing charts of patients with high or low glucose as well as doing in-services for hospital staff, etc. Now, I am the one doing all of these things at the hospital here in Medford. I do rounds in the hospital 3 hours a day, Mon-Thurs. The rest of the time I spend planning, going to various meetings, and working on PI projects. This is a big change. I've been doing it for about two months now and so far, I don't miss the clinic stuff. I am quite passionate about us giving good care in the hospital, so I think this role is a good fit for me.</div><div><br /></div></div><div>2. We went on a week-long vacation in Sonoma County, CA in June. Had a really nice time. We stayed in a cozy little cottage in a small town outside of Santa Rosa called Sebastopol. A former pharmacy student that did a rotation with our department and now lives in the East Bay area drove out of her way to meet up with us two days. IT was so fun to see her and to meet her fiancee. We sampled a bit of wine, ate at some slightly upscale restaurants, listened to some good music, had great coffee, saw the coast at Bodega Bay and drove home through the redwood forest. All in all, a relaxing time.</div>Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02301219387023496893noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19558126.post-30643146122723217822011-04-18T11:56:00.000-07:002011-04-18T12:05:00.037-07:00Mid-month reportOK, I've made it through the busy part of April and survived. It should be a downhill slide from here, but there are more events just around the corner, so I shouldn't get too cozy about relaxing. <div><br /></div><div>The weekend in Portland with my coworkers was very enjoyable. The conference was interesting - great speakers and we came home with some good, useful ideas.</div><div><br /></div><div>Yesterday was our Southern Oregon Sometimes Miracles Hide luncheon for moms of kids with disabilities. 64 people from my church volunteered to help, either cooking, serving the lunch, or helping in the carnival section. I had agreed to be the "Carnival Coordinator" which sounds more impressive than it was. I didn't actually plan anything - but I was the "check in" person who directed carnival helpers to the right spot and assigned duties. I was kind of nervous about assigning duties since I really didn't know the people I was assigning. I didn't know their personalities - so didn't know who would do well where. But it turned out well. (I actually had TONS of help from another couple in my church who were "leading games" but ended up roving with me for problem solving) I had put some kids working together who didn't know each other at the beginning of the day. As the carnival went on, I saw them working together really well, coordinating breaks for each other and having fun. Denis got to be a buddy for the first time and enjoyed having more to do. </div><div><br /></div><div>So, next up is Easter, then our church's next respite day in early May. </div>Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02301219387023496893noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19558126.post-1728546795843453142011-04-03T13:26:00.000-07:002011-04-03T13:37:16.204-07:00It's SpringIt's April and as usual, it seems, life is very busy this month. I seem to recall writing very similar posts in years past... what is it about April? So far:<div><ul><li>I finally recorded a presentation that I've been planning for about two months to be viewed by physicians, pharmacists and nurses in my hospital. This is a REALLY big deal, because in it, I am presenting a "how to" type of instruction on Diabetes care in the hospital setting. (I actually recorded that in March, but it was this past week...)</li><li>had our annual Diabetes healthfair yesterday - it was a new format this year, so we were all an extra bit on our toes. I messed up part of our facilities order, so there were a stressful 15 minutes, but it turned out well.</li><li>I helped coordinate our church disability ministry getting T-shirts - ordering the right sizes and then handing them out today.</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div>Still to come:</div><div><ul><li>church disability ministry planning meeting tomorrow</li><li>meeting with a physician group Tuesday to explain and promote my Diabetes presentation - hoping they will want to view it for CME credits</li><li>planning meeting at work Wednesday - have to make a pasta salad for the potluck lunch</li><li>our group travels to Portland Thursday for a conference - FUN!</li><li>the following week is the Southern Oregon Joni and Friends luncheon called Sometimes Miracles Hide - Denis and I are volunteering</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div>Busy April, fun April. And it really is spring here now - we have daffodils up, the sun is shining. I even took Phoebe out for a little walk - she she is one happy kitty right now.</div>Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02301219387023496893noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19558126.post-13659955739086297872011-03-29T12:56:00.000-07:002011-03-29T13:07:30.711-07:00Reading<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>I've been very out of the habit of reading in the last few years. I decided to pick up some of the books I've been meaning to get to for a while. So, I'm currently trying to be more purposeful in reading:<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Believing-God-Biblical-Promises-Christians/dp/1567691129">Believing God</a> by R. C. Sproul, Jr. - contemplating the promises of God and letting them sink into my soul.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/When-Helping-Hurts-Alleviate-Yourself/dp/1596448741/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1301428903&sr=1-1">When Helping Hurts</a> by Brian Fiklert and Steve Corbett - an in-depth look at poverty and how to effectively help, avoiding the pitfalls of creating dependence or exacerbating a problem with superficial fixes.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Valley-Vision-collection-Puritan-Devotions/dp/0851512283/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1301429031&sr=1-1">The Valley of Vision</a>, a collection of puritan prayers.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And finally, I'm going to be joining a group from my church to read and discuss the 25th edition of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Desiring-God-Revised-Meditations-Christian/dp/1601423101/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1301429166&sr=1-1">Desiring God</a> by John Piper. I've actually never read it, but have heard many good things about it over the years.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm writing these plans here in hopes that will help hold me accountable to the task... :)</div>Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02301219387023496893noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19558126.post-82137771594813310652011-03-29T12:54:00.000-07:002011-03-29T12:55:49.827-07:00New MusicI've found some cool new musicians lately that I've heard on the radio. Just added some new stuff and deleted some oldies from my playlist. I hope you enjoy it. :o) Kim said recently "your blog is my favorite radio station". I'm totally flattered. I hope the new stuff lives up to the expectations.Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02301219387023496893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19558126.post-52435688804700583592011-03-21T16:02:00.000-07:002011-03-21T16:03:48.063-07:00A song that praysYou know the number of my days<br />So come paint Your pictures on the canvas in my head<br />And come write Your wisdom on my heart<br />And teach me the power of a moment<br />The power of a moment, the power of a moment<br /><br />I get so distracted by my bigger schemes<br />Show me the importance of the simple things<br />Like a word, a seed, a thorn, a nail<br />And a cup of cold water<br /><br />Chris RiceTracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02301219387023496893noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19558126.post-38015039668577421862010-12-12T13:49:00.001-08:002010-12-12T13:49:13.515-08:00Christmas Cards ordered<div class="sflyProductPreviewWidget" style="width:425px; height:494px;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetTop" style="height:6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/top.gif);"></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetCenter" style="height:482px; padding: 0 6px 0 6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/bg.gif); background-repeat:repeat-y;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewLogo" style="width: 105px; height: 34px; padding: 14px 0 0 14px;"><img src="http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/logo.gif"></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewContainer" style="height:350px; text-align:center; padding: 0;"><a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery"><img src="http://images-community.shutterfly.com/prs/v1/0QaM27lu4bs7/0QaM27lu4bs7cW/p/67b0de21b3127d902548/JPEG/1292190472000/0/"></a></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewMessageContainer" style="height:55px; background-color:#f4f4e9; text-align:center; padding: 15px 0 15px 0; line-height: 19px;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewTitle" style="font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 15px; color: #333333; font-weight: bold;"><span>Mod Merry Ornaments Christmas</span></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewSEOText" style="font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 13px; color: #333333;"><span>Shop Shutterfly for unique, personalized <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-photo-cards" style="color: #6666cc;">Christmas photo cards</a>.</span></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewViewCollection" style="font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 13px; color: #333333;"><span>View the entire <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery" style="color: #6666cc;">collection</a> of cards.</span></div><img width="1" height="1" border="0" src="https://os.shutterfly.com/b/ss/sflyshareprod/1/H.15/111?pageName=sharekey&c1=msc&c2=blogger" /></div></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetBottom" style="height:6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/bottom.gif);"></div></div>Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02301219387023496893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19558126.post-69384658803219534332010-08-28T15:05:00.000-07:002010-08-28T15:35:39.840-07:00Joni and Friends 2010Well, Denis and I have been back from Joni and Friends Family Retreat for a little more than a week now. I've had some time to adjust back to "regular life", quite a let down after such a joyful and impactful experience. So here's a bit of a report from our fabulous week at camp:<div><br /></div><div>There are many ways that this year's experience at Joni and Friends was very different from last year for me. I'm very thankful that I was able to share the "duties" with Denis. It was such a relief for me to have him there, since he has a different set of skills than I do. His skill set is better suited to the sorts of issues that come up at camp, so I really liked being able to have him to defer to. That's a pretty selfish reason to be glad to have him there... It was also wonderful to get to share the experience with him, because the Joni and Friends family retreat experience is so impressive and Denis didn't get to go last year. </div><div><br /></div><div>Another thing that was different this year was that we were involved in the planning. We had access to the campers' health information, so we had a much better idea of what kind of situations we needed to be prepared for. We planned the first aid kit from the ground up, so we knew what was there. I also had a much better idea what sort of supplies we should carry with us. Now being more prepared was a very good thing, but it wasn't exactly reassuring. We had some campers with some significant health issues, and it was a bit scary being aware of them... But actually not any more scary than NOT knowing, which is how I felt last year. :o)</div><div><br /></div><div>Praise goes to God, of course, that we did not actually have any significant health issues arise. The worst injury of the whole week was just a minor thing that only require arrangements made for a tetanus shot. We were kept busy though, with little things. Cuts, sprains, bandaids, little things. Those little problems gave us the opportunities to interact with people, which is really one of the greatest blessings of being at Joni and Friends. When we get to soothe a boo-boo for someone, we get to be a small blessing to them. I'm grateful that so many little things came up, because that meant getting to be involved with the campers.</div><div><br /></div><div>This year, I felt more a part of the action - less on the fringes. Some of the highlights of my week:</div><div>1. interacting with some of the adult campers with disabilities</div><div>2. getting thumbs ups, smiles and waves from some campers affected by autism spectrum issues</div><div>3. helping a visually impaired camper figure out a better way to use her blood sugar meter</div><div>4. being invited by some teens to do the macarena dance with them at the talent show</div><div>5. seeing my friend who has Down syndrome blossom with all the attention and encouragement</div><div><br /></div><div>This family retreat was the first one to take place in Oregon, or anywhere in the Pacific Northwest in about 20 years. The majority of the campers and STMs (volunteers) were new to Joni and Friends family retreats and did not know what to expect. One family feared on the first day that they would get kicked out because their son was pouring water out on the stage during the first worship session. What they didn't know is that at Joni and Friends family retreat, that's OK - it's normal even. God moved in powerful ways this week as families were blessed by the acceptance, rest, love and celebration of their kids offered by everyone at retreat. I also heard reports of how God worked in wonderful ways in the young adults with disabilities group.</div><div><br /></div><div>My overall statement about Joni and Friends retreat this year is - what an honor! What a privilege to be just a small piece of what God did there. what we did was very little - but what a joy to be a part!</div>Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02301219387023496893noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19558126.post-57088554378717589072010-07-28T00:00:00.000-07:002010-07-28T00:09:54.342-07:00Getting ready!August is going to be a busy month around here - or maybe not around here. That's why it's going to be busy...<div><br /></div><div>The first week of the month, I'm flying to San Antonio for not quite a week to attend the annual conference for the American Association of Diabetes Educators. I'm going with one of my coworkers. She and I work opposite days of the week, so we rarely actually get to see each other. Our lives are intertwined, though, as my mom provides day care for her adult daughter who has Down Syndrome. Our two families spent Thanksgiving together last year. Joy just got married and we attended her wedding on the beach. Lots of new stuff in her life and I'm really looking forward to spending the time with her.</div><div><br /></div><div>The third week of the month, Denis and I both have the privilege of serving as the medical team for the all new Oregon Joni and Friends Family Retreat! As you know, I was able to go to the California camp last year, which turned out to be a fly by the seat of my pants sort of experience. This year, Denis and I are getting to organize the entire medical plan for the Oregon camp, determine what supplies we want to have, etc. I'm so excited to get to share the experience with Denis, not only because his skill set is so much better suited for the job, but also for him to see first hand what a blessing this ministry is to the families that attend. It's hard to believe that it's just three weeks away! Things are falling into place, but there's still some planning left to do.</div>Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02301219387023496893noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19558126.post-45602843634150935612010-07-25T13:04:00.000-07:002010-07-25T13:12:43.260-07:00Hard timesI'm listening to a song by Jill Paquette that contains comforting words.<div><br /></div><div><b>One of These Days</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>it's been so long, said it's been too long</div><div>can't remember when i've felt so known</div><div>You're so warm shelter me from the storm and the fears that are just so cold</div><div>they're telling me things get messy when you care</div><div>things are messy everywhere and don't i know it, don't i show it</div><div>every time i look away 'cause what can i do? what can i say? to help myself</div><div>or to help anybody else</div><div><br /></div><div>You meet me in my need</div><div>You bring new life to me, and You go beyond what i feel</div><div>Your life brought more than freedom</div><div>Your love brought time just what i needed, to see i needed You</div><div><br /></div><div>One of these days it will be easier to mean what i say</div><div>if i remember each and every day</div><div>that this world is not my home and i never walk alone</div><div>and before time began my days were known by You</div><div><br /></div><div>You meet me in my need</div><div>You bring new life to me and You go beyond what i feel</div><div>Your life brought more than freedom</div><div>Your love brought time just what i needed, to see i needed You</div>Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02301219387023496893noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19558126.post-10758549498225617052010-06-19T14:07:00.000-07:002010-06-21T16:42:42.843-07:00Movie reviewsAt a friend's request, I'm doing some more movie reviews. As always, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 16px; ">* ratings are out of a possible ***** (five stars)</span><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 16px; "></span><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0058578/">"7 Up" Series</a> ***** - a series of documentaries that followed a set of children in different parts of England every 7 years into their adulthood. The premise was that the kids with different social advantages would turn out differently as adults, a bias that became increasingly annoying to some of the subjects. The last one was "49 Up" and I suppose there will eventually be a "56 Up".</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0461770/">Enchanted</a> *** - a cutesy fanciful movie about Disney-esque characters accidentally wandering into the real world. Enjoyable fluff.</div><div><br /><div><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0447016/">Emmanuel's Gift</a> **** - documentary about a young man with a disabled leg who embarks on a campaign to inspire better lives for his compatriots in Ghana. His story was very impressive and the influence he has made in his home town was very hopeful.</div><div><br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0790706/">Crazy Love</a> **** - Wow! This one was weird and fascinating. About a very strange relationship featuring overbearing possessiveness descending into abuse. The thing that was fascinating was to hear both parties justifying their actions and choices. This kind of film reminds me how capable the human mind is of committing heinous sin and denying it.</div><div><br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0145046/">Little Dieter Needs to Fly</a> **** - another documentary. Are we seeing a pattern here? This one is an amazing story of survival.</div><div><br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0030341/">The Lady Vanishes</a> **** - Black and white Hitchcock. Nice!</div><div><br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1135503/">Julie and Julia</a> **** - I really enjoyed this movie. How could you go wrong? Meryl Streep does a very endeering portrayal of Julia Child. We learn about how she built her remarkable career. Amy Adams is always nice to watch, though her character was rather self-absorbed. And lots of cooking. Made me want to go out and buy Julia's original cookbook. (but I didn't)</div><div><br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0918927/">Doubt</a> **** - Meryl again, this time with Philip Seymour Hoffman, who is one of our favorites. Did he or didn't he? (the priest abuse the boys in the school) Surprisingly, Denis and I came to different conclusions!</div><div><br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0773257/">African American Lives</a> **** - This was a television series special. A handful of stars trace their roots back in time through the slave era in the US, and for some back to a specific region of Africa. This was quite interesting.</div><div><br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1164983/">Pixar Short Films</a> *** - some of these were really cute and funny! Some were less so. But it was also an interesting look at the evolution of computer animation through the years.</div><div><br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0878804/">The Blind Side</a> **** - This one is rather main stream for our tastes, but it was a good film with a positive plot. Nice.</div><div><br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0809407/">12:08 East of Bucharest</a> ** - Gosh the critics loved this film, but what a dud. So slow, Denis fell asleep pretty quick. I stuck with it to the end, but there was no payoff.</div><div><br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1078588/">My Sister's Keeper</a> *** - Ok, we actually quite liked this movie. But a disclaimer - we found the medical situation quite unrealistic. With suspended disbelief, what we enjoyed was the character portrayals and acting. It was an interesting dilemma for the characters to be in and we went along for the ride.</div></div>Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02301219387023496893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19558126.post-75255201211730144012010-03-09T10:57:00.000-08:002010-03-09T11:01:37.105-08:00new stuffI was getting bored with my playlist, so I changed out a bunch of the songs. I hope you like the new mix. Remember, you can always skip a song you don't like.<div><br /></div><div>I recently downloaded Google's web browser called Chrome, which is supposed to load pages faster. One of the main things that I like is how it magically syncs all the sorts of stuff that use your google ID to sign in. The browser has an extension called "blog this" that lets you go immediately to creating a new blog post from any webpage that you find interesting. I creates a link to that page and it will also bring over any text that you highlight before hitting the button. I used it to create that last post about the disability friendly family fun center.</div><div><br /></div><div>Overall I'm liking it. it organizes the bookmarks a bit differently too, which I couldn't figure out for quite a while, but now I get it and it's easy.</div>Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02301219387023496893noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19558126.post-15303346424212915922010-03-06T13:54:00.000-08:002010-03-06T13:55:30.357-08:00Morgan's Wonderland - The World's First Ultra Accessible Family Fun Park<div>A friend of mine from the local Joni and Friends chapter showed me this exciting new fun center. Unfortunately, it's in San Antonio, TX! What a fantastic idea and blessing for families with a member who has a disability.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm actually going to be in San Antonio in early August for the National Diabetes Educator's conference, so I think I will look into whether I might be able to volunteer for a day. It would be a neat experience. A bit of a long shot that it would work out, though...</div><div><br /></div><a href="http://www.morganswonderland.com/index.html">Morgan's Wonderland - The World's First Ultra Accessible Family Fun Park</a>Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02301219387023496893noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19558126.post-73205071714312276452010-02-28T16:42:00.000-08:002010-02-28T16:56:26.739-08:00PrayersThis year, I've joined a group of folks in my church who is reading through the Bible in a year. So far, so good, I'm still on track with that. Last week, I started reading prayers from <i>The Valley of Vision, A collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions </i>as part of my morning routine and I'm really convicted by these prayers. They are so full of meaning and are a great start to my day. Here is the one that I read this morning.<div><br /></div><div>My Father,</div><div>Enlarge my heart, warm my affections, open my lips, supply words that proclaim 'Love lustres at Calvary.'</div><div>There grace removes my burdens and heaps them on thy Son, made a transgressor, a curse, and sin for me;</div><div>There the sword of thy justice smote the man, thy fellow;</div><div>There thy infinite attributes were magnified, and infinite atonement was made;</div><div>There infinite punishment was due, and infinite punishment was endured.</div><div>Christ was all anguish that I might be all joy,</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>cast off that I might be brought in,</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>trodden down as an enemy that I might be welcomed as a friend,</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>surrendered to hell's worst that I might attain heaven's best,</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>stripped that I might be clothed,</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>wounded that I might be healed,</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>athirst that I might drink,</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>tormented that I might be comforted,</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>made a shame that I might inherit glory,</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>entered darkness that I might have eternal light,</div><div>My Saviour wept that all tears might be wiped from my eyes,</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>groaned that I might have endless song,</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>endured all pain that I might have unfading health,</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>bore a thorned crown that I might have a glory-diadem,</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>bowed his head that I might uplift mine,</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>experienced reproach that I might receive welcome,</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>closed his eyes in death that I might gaze on unclouded brightness,</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>expired that I might forever live.</div><div>O Father, who spared not thine only Son that thou mightest spare me,</div><div>All this transfer thy love designed and accomplished;</div><div>Help me to adore thee by lips and life.</div><div>O that my every breath might be ecstatic praise,</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>my every step buoyant with delight, as I see</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>my enemies crushed,</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Satan baffled, defeated, destroyed,</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>sin buried in the ocean of reconciling blood,</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>hell's gates closed, heaven's portal open.</div><div>Go forth, O conquering God, and show me the cross, mighty to subdue, comfort and save.</div>Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02301219387023496893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19558126.post-1880778713304768792010-01-25T15:32:00.000-08:002010-01-25T15:33:32.786-08:00Surrounded by smiles<br /><br /><center><a href='http://picasaweb.google.com/tracynate/SouthernOregonPostings?authkey=Gv1sRgCMfauZvFr_z1lAE#5430824679575740754'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFwND-Zya83RNKPwjH2auFvgmEjPAoIxvt619D3h2rETGCP0DQDJL5YvSSI43LAkhu6QMBOs-4Fw_sRq8LrBOld8gfW3PgqvBAc1xwrIdezIHKdAfA0r2MX-lmH-wtPVFnofuG/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Mom was released from the hospital one week ago today. I've been staying at her house pretty much day and night to help her. Her restrictions include no driving, no lifting more than ten pounds and no pushing or pulling with her arms. That means that she is not allowed to use her arms to stand up out of a chair and proves to be the greatest limitation. Only one of her chairs is tall enough that she can get up without assistance. Fortunately, though, she has a tall toilet, so she can get up from there very easily as well. <br /><br />Most of you, my readers, do not know my mom personally. So you do not know about her afinity for smiley faces. Mom has always drawn smiley faces with her name as long as I can remember. She got the habit from her mother. So, for years and years, mom has gotten gifts of all sorts of smiley face paraphernalia for any special occassions and they fill her little house. I usedy iPhone camera to take this grid photo sampler of just a FEW of them... <br /><br /><center><a href='http://picasaweb.google.com/tracynate/SouthernOregonPostings?authkey=Gv1sRgCMfauZvFr_z1lAE#5430824695413028066'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIy7-ulpPeN3T8j6IJox1326TFy6RHbc-J1Wjq-mAEKeD3WCmUNIooXqL6epanaHcDGp1IlJYBVWLx8l2qdXSliURlgOUGTCCwqezUz9p-DM7NAE8bpUPk_UffhXpeZHdECvOK/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02301219387023496893noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19558126.post-7083516424372338402010-01-09T08:40:00.001-08:002010-01-09T08:49:40.061-08:00Mom UpdatesIf you're not family and/or don't live here locally, you probably don't know what's been going on with my mom's health. To get you up to speed, here's the short story: Mom had a pacemaker placed in late November due to a slow heartbeat. In the process of working it up, we learned that she has severe atrial valve stenosis. This means that the valve in her heart that controls the exit of blood from the heart to the rest of the body is scarred and quite narrowed. Her heart has to pump harder to get her blood through that barrier and it's severe enough that it warrants surgery.<br /><br />So we've spent the last month finding out about the options and getting more checks and such. Valve replacement surgery is full on open heart surgery, so this is a big deal. She's had an angiogram as well that showed she has two areas that they will do bypass on while she's in there. So, to cut to the chase, Mom is scheduled for her open heart surgery on Monday - this Monday! It's been a busy week.<br /><br />good things - she's pretty healthy and strong, our hospital is nationally recognized for cardiac surgery, we requested and got a great surgeon (even our cardiologist said he would pick this surgeon)<br />risks - she's got diabetes and she's 80. This is not going to be easy to recover from, but my mom is not one to take things lying down. She is very independent and has good drive to stay that way.<br /><br />I'll be working most of my usual schedule this coming week while she's in the hospital, then I'll be taking 2-3 weeks of family leave to help her at home. Her best friends from Yakima have already arrived and plan to stay until she's home and settled in. We'd appreciate your prayers in the next several days.Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02301219387023496893noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19558126.post-6541256152722789762010-01-03T22:19:00.001-08:002010-01-03T22:19:55.672-08:00Mobile bloggingI just got a new app on my iPhone that let's me blog from my phone. Just thought I'd give it a trial run here. <br /><br />Denis and I just had our first anniversary that we didn't go out of town. This year we decided to save some $$ by staying home and just did some special things locally. On Dec. 31, our actual anniversary, we had dinner at a very nice place in a neughboring town Jacksonville. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://picasaweb.google.com/tracynate/SouthernOregonPostings?authkey=Gv1sRgCMfauZvFr_z1lAE#5422765543105552018'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM3YaE_aYsx4TW5wyU5zjNHJILTIRHIZ84jXACMB4WsZKx6Vq54Vl3LFmDgFJcn0CtXcJTlRWU9Xj1uvEdCktLikg0hrvPP6Gc9SiWkvJsYJdATODSTQAUv5HPUhsOnFqCy7BO/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />It was a very nice night. Here's what I ordered.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://picasaweb.google.com/tracynate/SouthernOregonPostings?authkey=Gv1sRgCMfauZvFr_z1lAE#5422765553363800738'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_puAFkCVlTjXWvIoCK6NlPgG857LtAil3Si7iHhfKDB7GD-o95N4oJgPo86O3vMDqdJ7nzUSyN74xtMztySgJnSh1jkukcoe9xBWqtPoFBHlc-U29c3c24VKqVtvJAQmAvvNK/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />All very yummy. Last night we spent one night in a historic hotel in Ashland. Overall, a very nice anniversary and a happy new year to boot!<br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02301219387023496893noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19558126.post-33794034829185343672010-01-02T13:27:00.000-08:002010-01-02T13:35:32.898-08:00Happy New Year!It's 2010! We're careering towards a new decade. (BTW, after discussion with a friend yesterday, I've learned that the new decade doesn't start till 2011, so now you know!)<br /><br />Are you making any resolutions this year? I'm not - I try to avoid making resolutions because I know that I'll never achieve them. However, I did join a group in my church that plans to read through the Bible in a year. I've read through the Bible a couple of times, but the only time I managed to do it within a year was the year that I spent at Multnomah Seminary. Through the course of the school year, we did study all the books and reading them was homework.<br /><br />This year, I've chosen to use the Chronological arrangement and read it in the Amplified Version. Both of these choices are geared towards making it fresh and hopefully keeping my attention. The thing that often happens when I endeavor for getting through a designated section is that it gets really rote. So, I've never read one of those Chronological Bibles before, so that will be new. And using the Amplified Version means that the wording will not be as familiar to me. I'm looking forward to it. Today was day 2, so far so good, but that's not saying much yet... :o)<br /><br />I've thought about blogging quite a number of times in the last two weeks, but my computer is being a dweeb and it's too difficult to sort my photos and do stuff with them. I'm typing this on Denis' computer. I'll be taking mine into a repair place on Monday to see if they can find what's making it sooooooo slow.Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02301219387023496893noreply@blogger.com3