So last week was focus on the Carews and Mitchells, this weekend has been focus on the McCarthy's, Emmanuelson's, Magnuson's, etc. I have learned so much this weekend with Gramma. Ben and I have been talking (more like joking about) naming our future son "Magnus," but now it's really growing on me. It's a family name (on my Swedish side), and it's unusual enough that our son wouldn't be one of a million Magnus' at his school.
Kevin and his girlfriend, Robin, as well as her son, Paul, have been here also. I've had fun talking with Robin, playing with Paul and movie watching with all of them. Last night's feature film was "Wyatt Earp." Tonight will probably be "Tombstone." Apparently, "Tombstone" is a favorite of Kevin and Robin's. Ben likes that one a lot too.
Tomorrow, I'm off to Wallingford, CT, to visit Grampa Carew. I'll have to make sure to take pictures for Mom. She'll want to see everyone. :)
I can't wait to be home. I miss Ben. I miss my bed. I miss being regular (don't ask if you really don't want to know).
P.S. I got a second interview, scheduled next week (Thursday)!! YAY!!!! This could mean a new house.... then travel..... then baby.... Yah!
Saturday, February 25, 2006
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Life in Southboro, Mass
There are trains every 20 to 30 minutes behind my aunt's house. It's actually not bad, it reminds me of being at Mom and Dad's house (they're a little farther from the tracks though). I'm making meals or helping Sher make meals on most days. For example, I'm eating my homemade chicken salad on a pita, and I'm LOVING it!
Tests have gone well for thekindey testing. All my appointments are complete except for my surgeon appt. on Tuesday. That should go well. I hear he looks like Ah-nold. Thank God I'm doing this surgery laparoscopically!!
I met Grace Corrigan yesterday. She is Christa McAuliffe's mom. I was in the house that Crhista grew up in. I was in awe. Grace was SO nice. I had tea with Grace Corrigan. She's a superhero in my book. She has not only learned to live with her daughter's tragic death, but she is out in schools ACROSS THE NATION promoting space science. What a gal. I'll post a pic when I have the film processed.
This weekend, I'll rent a car and drive down to see my Grandpa again, and then stay with my Gramma. My Grandpa is my mom's dad, and my Gramma is my dad's mom. I love them both dearly. Grandpa is getting a little codgety in his old age, but he's a good guy, he's just trying to make sure I'm a good little lady before he's gone. Gramma, she's awesome. She just needs to quit cooking everything under the sun for me. Aunt Sher and I went there last Saturday for lunch. Gramma made a whole thanksgiving like dinner!!! For lunch!!! She loves you with food, that one.
Also, I had a phone interview today for the education coordinator position at the St. Louis Challenger Learning Center. I feel really good about it. I hope I make it to the next round of interviews. I'll find out later today.
I'm trying to check my e-mail as often as possible, but I don't want to tie up my aunt's phone line. Yup, I'm using dial-up. (dun-dun-DUN!) I'll survive. :)
Tests have gone well for thekindey testing. All my appointments are complete except for my surgeon appt. on Tuesday. That should go well. I hear he looks like Ah-nold. Thank God I'm doing this surgery laparoscopically!!
I met Grace Corrigan yesterday. She is Christa McAuliffe's mom. I was in the house that Crhista grew up in. I was in awe. Grace was SO nice. I had tea with Grace Corrigan. She's a superhero in my book. She has not only learned to live with her daughter's tragic death, but she is out in schools ACROSS THE NATION promoting space science. What a gal. I'll post a pic when I have the film processed.
This weekend, I'll rent a car and drive down to see my Grandpa again, and then stay with my Gramma. My Grandpa is my mom's dad, and my Gramma is my dad's mom. I love them both dearly. Grandpa is getting a little codgety in his old age, but he's a good guy, he's just trying to make sure I'm a good little lady before he's gone. Gramma, she's awesome. She just needs to quit cooking everything under the sun for me. Aunt Sher and I went there last Saturday for lunch. Gramma made a whole thanksgiving like dinner!!! For lunch!!! She loves you with food, that one.
Also, I had a phone interview today for the education coordinator position at the St. Louis Challenger Learning Center. I feel really good about it. I hope I make it to the next round of interviews. I'll find out later today.
I'm trying to check my e-mail as often as possible, but I don't want to tie up my aunt's phone line. Yup, I'm using dial-up. (dun-dun-DUN!) I'll survive. :)
Monday, February 20, 2006
Boston Trip
I've been in Boston for a few days now. Everything is going well. Aunt Sher looks good, she just gets tired very easily. It's been fun hanging out with her. She's been giving me family history lessons and knitting tips.
My CT scan was on Friday. Boy, that was an experience that I don't want to do ever again. The scan itself wasn't bad, it was the contrast that they inject into your arm during the scan. It burned going in, and then gave me hot flashes, and it felt like I went to the bathroom on the table. Your whole torso gets warm, but it's mostly on the back half of your body. Then, the pain and warmth is suddenly gone. It's weird.
Today I met with the social worker. That went well. She was just making sure that I knew what I was getting into, as well as address any non-medical concerns that I had. She realized quickly that I'm normal and know what I am doing.
Then I met with my anesthesiologist this afternoon. She's British. She was really nice, and I feel really good about her or anyone else she might hand pick for me.
Unfortunately, I found out today that I still have to stay until the 28th/1st. The transplant coordinator made a typo, and she cleared that up for me this morning. Oh well, it's just more time to spend with my family here in town.
Well, e-mail me if you want. I'd love to hear from any and.or all of you!! :)
My CT scan was on Friday. Boy, that was an experience that I don't want to do ever again. The scan itself wasn't bad, it was the contrast that they inject into your arm during the scan. It burned going in, and then gave me hot flashes, and it felt like I went to the bathroom on the table. Your whole torso gets warm, but it's mostly on the back half of your body. Then, the pain and warmth is suddenly gone. It's weird.
Today I met with the social worker. That went well. She was just making sure that I knew what I was getting into, as well as address any non-medical concerns that I had. She realized quickly that I'm normal and know what I am doing.
Then I met with my anesthesiologist this afternoon. She's British. She was really nice, and I feel really good about her or anyone else she might hand pick for me.
Unfortunately, I found out today that I still have to stay until the 28th/1st. The transplant coordinator made a typo, and she cleared that up for me this morning. Oh well, it's just more time to spend with my family here in town.
Well, e-mail me if you want. I'd love to hear from any and.or all of you!! :)
P.S. I got Dunkin' Donuts yesterday!!! And tomorrow, I get LOBSTER!!!!!!! Yeah, baby!
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Valentine's Day
I have the best husband ever. Just so you know. I got roses and chocolate at work today!!! It was awesome.
For him, I bought the Wallace and Gromit DVD. I also made us dinner (Chicken Parmesan, garlic herb biscuits and Caeser salad). We had wine and chocolate, too. Candles, roses. We also had good conversation.
What a great day!!!
Now we're watching the Olympics. We're so dorky.
For him, I bought the Wallace and Gromit DVD. I also made us dinner (Chicken Parmesan, garlic herb biscuits and Caeser salad). We had wine and chocolate, too. Candles, roses. We also had good conversation.
What a great day!!!
Now we're watching the Olympics. We're so dorky.
Monday, February 13, 2006
More plans
Man, it seems like every time I turn around, I think of (or am politely reminded of) another thing I want to do while recuperating.
*clean my room (yup, just like an 8 year-old would)
*clear off my dresser
*help Bob with his house
*practice my sign language
So much to do, and I'm not sure how much of it will really get done.... Oh well, as long as I really try to do most of it. I'm sure that Ben would appreciate me at least clearing out my side of the room so it looks decent.
I could probably also donate some clothing. I'm sure there are clothes in my closet (and/or dresser) now that have not been worn in a year. That's pretty much my rule these days. If I can't remember wearing it in the last year, it's gone, baby.
*clean my room (yup, just like an 8 year-old would)
*clear off my dresser
*help Bob with his house
*practice my sign language
So much to do, and I'm not sure how much of it will really get done.... Oh well, as long as I really try to do most of it. I'm sure that Ben would appreciate me at least clearing out my side of the room so it looks decent.
I could probably also donate some clothing. I'm sure there are clothes in my closet (and/or dresser) now that have not been worn in a year. That's pretty much my rule these days. If I can't remember wearing it in the last year, it's gone, baby.
Saturday, February 11, 2006
Plans
While I'm home recovering from the surgery, I hope to get a lot of things done. Some of these are jobs around the house, and others are related to finding a full time job WITH BENEFITS for next year.
-get desk organized
-go through old bills and mail
-put together resume packets for sending out
-knit scarves
-learn to knit simple hats
Getting my desk organized will hopefully not take long. Going through old bills and mail could take years.
The resume packets are a lot of work. I swear, schools now want to know SO much about the people who are applying. First off, they ask for a cover letter, resume, letters of recommendation, transcripts, your shoe size, etc. It's such a pain. And not every district wants all the same stuff. Some districts ask for a copy of your teaching certifcation, some ask for your scores on the certification test. some require original transcripts, most are OK with a copy during the application process.
I have gotten a lot of compliments on the scarf that I most recently completed, so I've started new ones using the same yarn (Chenille). I'm hoping to maybe sell them to friends and family who might like the colors, designs, and/or feel. I love mine, it's SUPER warm.
Finally, I want to learn to knit a hat (to go with the scarf from above). I have some left over yarn and I don't want to waste it. There's not enough for another scarf, but there might be enough for a hat. I bought some double pointed needles, cuz I know you need those to make a hat. I've had one offer from a friendon how to knit a hat... I just hope it's simple knitting, I have no interest in purling or sewing it together or anything like that.
-get desk organized
-go through old bills and mail
-put together resume packets for sending out
-knit scarves
-learn to knit simple hats
Getting my desk organized will hopefully not take long. Going through old bills and mail could take years.
The resume packets are a lot of work. I swear, schools now want to know SO much about the people who are applying. First off, they ask for a cover letter, resume, letters of recommendation, transcripts, your shoe size, etc. It's such a pain. And not every district wants all the same stuff. Some districts ask for a copy of your teaching certifcation, some ask for your scores on the certification test. some require original transcripts, most are OK with a copy during the application process.
I have gotten a lot of compliments on the scarf that I most recently completed, so I've started new ones using the same yarn (Chenille). I'm hoping to maybe sell them to friends and family who might like the colors, designs, and/or feel. I love mine, it's SUPER warm.
Finally, I want to learn to knit a hat (to go with the scarf from above). I have some left over yarn and I don't want to waste it. There's not enough for another scarf, but there might be enough for a hat. I bought some double pointed needles, cuz I know you need those to make a hat. I've had one offer from a friendon how to knit a hat... I just hope it's simple knitting, I have no interest in purling or sewing it together or anything like that.
So much going on.....
On Thursday, I'll be flying to Boston for a CT. This is one of the final tests before the surgery (which won't be happening until mid to late March). The CT scan will help the surgeon decide which kidney to remove for donation. While in New England, I'm going to visit my grandparents and other relatives. I'm also planning on having some lobster; fresh, cheaper lobster. Darnit, if I'm going to be traveling and donating, I'd much rather have something to look forward to, like my visit with my family, my grandmother's cooking and lobster. I'll probably gain weight while back east, but that's to be expected. At least it will be less weight gain than if I were staying with Gramma Mc.
I'll fly back on March 1 or 2. The transplant coordinator is shooting for the surgery to be Mar 20. I'll have one last blood draw to insure that my aunt and I are still a match. Apparently, from time to time (only 3 times in Marti's 20 years), the recipient's antigens change based on their exposure to certain illnesses. This change causes the recipient to no longer match with the donor. So prayers that sher and I are still a match would be appreciated.
Also, I'm starting to worry about the job front for next year. I have two job prospects on the table now, and I'm hoping that they don't diminish during my recovery time from surgery. It will probably be pretty hard for me to get around and interview during my recovery time. But I have to believe that God will put me where I'm meant to be. Hopefully, that will mean teaching at the school I'm currently employed with or with the Challenger Learning Center. I like the idea of getting to teach gifted students in science and communication arts (LMS). I also like the idea of not having to lesson plan on a daily basis and no grading (CLC). I'll get to do some traveling with the CLC job. But at LMS I would get the benefit of working with the same kids on a day to day basis. That allows for relationships to be built, allowing me to make more of a difference in a student's life.
I'll fly back on March 1 or 2. The transplant coordinator is shooting for the surgery to be Mar 20. I'll have one last blood draw to insure that my aunt and I are still a match. Apparently, from time to time (only 3 times in Marti's 20 years), the recipient's antigens change based on their exposure to certain illnesses. This change causes the recipient to no longer match with the donor. So prayers that sher and I are still a match would be appreciated.
Also, I'm starting to worry about the job front for next year. I have two job prospects on the table now, and I'm hoping that they don't diminish during my recovery time from surgery. It will probably be pretty hard for me to get around and interview during my recovery time. But I have to believe that God will put me where I'm meant to be. Hopefully, that will mean teaching at the school I'm currently employed with or with the Challenger Learning Center. I like the idea of getting to teach gifted students in science and communication arts (LMS). I also like the idea of not having to lesson plan on a daily basis and no grading (CLC). I'll get to do some traveling with the CLC job. But at LMS I would get the benefit of working with the same kids on a day to day basis. That allows for relationships to be built, allowing me to make more of a difference in a student's life.
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