So, to update, I finally got to talk to my doctor about my surgery. He came and spoke to me while I was still waking up, and had no idea what he said. What he'd said was this: there were NO signs of endometriosis, my tubes are clear, and all is well. There were a few cysts on my ovaries, which like he said, can be normal. He lanced them anyway, though. He did find scar tissue near my appendix and small intestine, which he took care of. Now, just to finish recovering from the surgery itself, and when we are ready to have more children, there will be no problems!
On to other things. On a discussion board for pets out here, a lady was complaining because another lady with an aggressive dog was monopolizing the dog park. That's a no no anyway. However, something got brought up on the subject of if x dog bites enough times, most counties will put that animal down. Now, here's where I have an issue with that. Even if your dog isn't in the wrong (say, kids come into your back yard - that's his territory, and he has every right to defend it), it is still a mark against him. If a kid runs up to a dog to pet it, and he bites, still your dog's fault. If the kids come rushing into the dog park, and get bitten, still the dog's fault.
Here's my issue with that. I was taught my whole life how to greet dogs I don't know. I was taught you ask to pet the dog, while standing a respectful distance from said dog. You let the dog smell you first, then you move slowly, and can pet the dog. You don't go into other people's yards without permission period. You don't go in the dog park, because dogs aren't allowed on your playground. That's their playground, not yours. WTF? When did this lack of respect start happening?? Or am I just Southern and old fashioned?
I will not hesitate to go off on a kid for doing wrong. I don't care if they are my child or not. Open my back gate to get your ball instead of knocking on my front door and asking to get it? I will yell at you! Then I'll tell you why I yelled. Come up to my dog and try to pet him without asking? I will reprimand you. Then I'll make you greet him properly. Come running into the dog park? I will stop you, explain why you can't, and tell you if your parent comes and tells me it's okay, you can come play with the doggies. I will not have my beloved family pet put down because your parents are too dumb or socially impaired to teach you basic manners and respect.
Now, since I know most of my audience isn't the age group in the wrong, it's the parents that don't teach the correct behavior to begin with, nor do they correct it when they see it happen, I have some words for you. Your kid gets bit by my dog, I dare you to 'sue' me or press charges. Because then, we'll have real issues, friend. You want to get mad at me for 'parenting' your child? Do it yourself! I shouldn't have to! You as their parent should care enough about their safety to teach them the proper way to greet and interact with strange animals. If they get hurt because you didn't teach them that, that is not my fault, not my dog's fault, but yours!! Do not try and punish me and mine for your mistakes!!
Now, I know there are cases where dogs attack without any reason. I've been in that situation myself. A dog that lived down the street, always barked at us when we were on our bikes. He never left 'his' area though. Til the day he bit me. He left his yard, chased me, and got my leg. We also had neighbors with aggressive rotts that weren't kept on leashes. One of them attacked my dog who was on a lead outside, in the middle of the night. Came down the street to attack my dog... Of course, there are instances like those, where the dog should be punished. Don't confuse my words. But if the dog is not at fault, it's wrong to put 'marks' on his record that can cause him to be put down...
Bottom line? Teach your kids (and yourself) how to act around dogs you don't know. Be aware and be safe.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Friday, March 30, 2012
Recovery
So, to update, the surgery went well. I'm recovering quite well. I'm still not sure of what the results were, as my doctor came and spoke to me while I was still very very loopy. Two really small incisions are the only evidence of the surgery. I'm feeling much better.
Upon arriving they had me strip down to my gown, and began trying to run my IV. For whatever reason, normally, I don't have an issue with people finding my veins. Apparently, my nerves were so worked up that every time they touched my arm, my veins disappeared. So, they gave me a valium to relax me. After 5 attempts, my IV was in. Then they put the cute little hair net thing on me and wheeled me into the OR. I don't remember much, because they have me my sedative via IV almost immediately, and I was out. Upon waking, I only remember INTENSE pain and beginning to cry. They gave me some meds in my IV and I was out again for a bit. Then the doctor came in and spoke to me, thought I don't recall what he had to say, and I was free to go.
I had 24 hours of bed rest (of course, I was allowed up for food and bathroom breaks), which was really good. Today, I've been up a good bit. Got up and took the puppy to be neutered. By the time I got back however, I was miserable. Even though I'd taken my meds, I was very very tired and sickly feeling. I slept for a few hours, and got back up. Now I've played with my daughter, and eaten. We'll be going to pick up the puppy in a little while.
I've called the doctor's office twice to find out what he said. He was suppose to call me back yesterday, but didn't. I tried to call again today, but they'd already left for the day. I'll try again on Monday.
I feel much better knowing the surgery is over, and now we can move on a little. Of course, until we know exactly what he said, then we don't know exactly how successful the surgery was. I'm still suppose to take it easy for the next few days, of course. And if you know me, you know I'll milk this for all it's worth. I'll sleep as much as I can, and let hubby and his brother take care of me! LOL!
Thank you all for your prayers, thoughts, and well wishes. It means the world to me, and I'll never be able to express that enough.
Bless you all.
Upon arriving they had me strip down to my gown, and began trying to run my IV. For whatever reason, normally, I don't have an issue with people finding my veins. Apparently, my nerves were so worked up that every time they touched my arm, my veins disappeared. So, they gave me a valium to relax me. After 5 attempts, my IV was in. Then they put the cute little hair net thing on me and wheeled me into the OR. I don't remember much, because they have me my sedative via IV almost immediately, and I was out. Upon waking, I only remember INTENSE pain and beginning to cry. They gave me some meds in my IV and I was out again for a bit. Then the doctor came in and spoke to me, thought I don't recall what he had to say, and I was free to go.
I had 24 hours of bed rest (of course, I was allowed up for food and bathroom breaks), which was really good. Today, I've been up a good bit. Got up and took the puppy to be neutered. By the time I got back however, I was miserable. Even though I'd taken my meds, I was very very tired and sickly feeling. I slept for a few hours, and got back up. Now I've played with my daughter, and eaten. We'll be going to pick up the puppy in a little while.
I've called the doctor's office twice to find out what he said. He was suppose to call me back yesterday, but didn't. I tried to call again today, but they'd already left for the day. I'll try again on Monday.
I feel much better knowing the surgery is over, and now we can move on a little. Of course, until we know exactly what he said, then we don't know exactly how successful the surgery was. I'm still suppose to take it easy for the next few days, of course. And if you know me, you know I'll milk this for all it's worth. I'll sleep as much as I can, and let hubby and his brother take care of me! LOL!
Thank you all for your prayers, thoughts, and well wishes. It means the world to me, and I'll never be able to express that enough.
Bless you all.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
New Additions
Now, I know it's been a while since I updated on our family. Let me start with the Man of the House:
Hubs got rolled in his class, which is a good thing, it means more time with the language. He's doing better, and no longer has to go to study hall. He still does, of course. He's had some health issues that apparently resulted from anxiety and we're getting that under control as well. He's feeling more confident about the language and is more relaxed. He's continuing to be an amazing father and it makes me love them both even more to watch them play. She LOVES her Daddy, and he loves her.
She's getting so big. Just over two years old now, and the attitude of a preteen. She's a little diva. She loves her cartoons, and loves to dress up. Her words are getting clearer, and she's learning so many new ones. Potty training is going very slowly, but I'm not worried about it. She'll get there when she gets there. That's not to say I don't lose patience from time to time. She's getting more and more independent and has even started telling Mama to 'go away'. It breaks my heart, but I also know it's good. It's good for her to learn that, and to know how to let me know she wants her space.
We've added a fourth member to our family as well. We added a beautiful little boy in February. His name is Lupin, and he's a Husky - German Shepherd mix. He's probably one of the most beautiful, and most well behaved dogs I've ever met in my entire life. I have the privilege of having him in my home. Of course, the cat hates it, and has stayed upstairs since we brought his brother home. Eventually, they'll get over it. He adores the dog park and his lover, Micky (a friend's male boxer).
I'm getting better at this 'away from home' thing. I did get to visit home in December with little girl. I've got my routine here, and I like it. Of course, in a few months, it's all going to get disrupted again, but I think I like that. I am having fun with my Pure Romance, even if I don't make tons of money. It gets me out of the house, and lets me have a girl's night here and there. I'm finding more here in California than I thought I would.
At this point, we've got about a year left here, then it's on to TX for hubby (possibly us as well, just depends on the amount of time), then off to North Carolina, SoCal, or back to Hawaii. We'd prefer not to have the last one, but we'll be happy with anything we get. One is close to family, one has friends, and one will remain gorgeous even if I hate it. As long as we are all together and healthy, I don't care.
That's the update. Nothing big has happened (other than my upcoming surgery and his roll back), and everyone is healthy.
As always, God Bless.
Hubs got rolled in his class, which is a good thing, it means more time with the language. He's doing better, and no longer has to go to study hall. He still does, of course. He's had some health issues that apparently resulted from anxiety and we're getting that under control as well. He's feeling more confident about the language and is more relaxed. He's continuing to be an amazing father and it makes me love them both even more to watch them play. She LOVES her Daddy, and he loves her.
She's getting so big. Just over two years old now, and the attitude of a preteen. She's a little diva. She loves her cartoons, and loves to dress up. Her words are getting clearer, and she's learning so many new ones. Potty training is going very slowly, but I'm not worried about it. She'll get there when she gets there. That's not to say I don't lose patience from time to time. She's getting more and more independent and has even started telling Mama to 'go away'. It breaks my heart, but I also know it's good. It's good for her to learn that, and to know how to let me know she wants her space.
We've added a fourth member to our family as well. We added a beautiful little boy in February. His name is Lupin, and he's a Husky - German Shepherd mix. He's probably one of the most beautiful, and most well behaved dogs I've ever met in my entire life. I have the privilege of having him in my home. Of course, the cat hates it, and has stayed upstairs since we brought his brother home. Eventually, they'll get over it. He adores the dog park and his lover, Micky (a friend's male boxer).
I'm getting better at this 'away from home' thing. I did get to visit home in December with little girl. I've got my routine here, and I like it. Of course, in a few months, it's all going to get disrupted again, but I think I like that. I am having fun with my Pure Romance, even if I don't make tons of money. It gets me out of the house, and lets me have a girl's night here and there. I'm finding more here in California than I thought I would.
At this point, we've got about a year left here, then it's on to TX for hubby (possibly us as well, just depends on the amount of time), then off to North Carolina, SoCal, or back to Hawaii. We'd prefer not to have the last one, but we'll be happy with anything we get. One is close to family, one has friends, and one will remain gorgeous even if I hate it. As long as we are all together and healthy, I don't care.
That's the update. Nothing big has happened (other than my upcoming surgery and his roll back), and everyone is healthy.
As always, God Bless.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Fair Winds and Following Seas
So, I'm a military wife. Part of that, is picking up and following my husband wherever the military chooses to send him. That means leaving friends, favorite places, and sometimes jobs with sometimes a moment's notice. Well, I've only been the one leaving everyone else so far. Until now, that is. Last month, I got to experience the 'left behind' part for the first time.
After moving to California, it took a few misses before I found a best friend here. This girl - from Kentucky, so Southern and just like me in basically every way - butted right into my life and carved a spot in my heart for herself. My daughter fell madly in love with her. For the first time, my husband REALLY REALLY liked one of my friends to the point he claims her as HIS friend as well.
I never thought it could be harder than leaving my circle of friends. Well, I found out it can. It's worse to be stuck in a place you've come to love as much as you hate, without that one person that made it bearable. (Yes, I have a love/hate relationship with this place, we'll see which side of the coin it is when it's my time to leave.) This girl, she got me. And I mean, REALLY got me. She loved my kid almost as much as I do. She was there for me at a moment's notice (last minute ER trip with a puking 2 year old anyone?) and helped me in ways no one else could have. When she started talking about leaving, I didn't think I was going to be okay. I've never been the one left behind, after all.
I can't put into words what this girl means to me. How she's impacted my life. I'll never be able to put that into words, but she knows how much I love her. Driving away from her house after saying good bye to her was probably one of the hardest things I've ever done. I almost just parked in her driveway and refused to let her leave. But that's childish, and her husband had orders. I couldn't keep them here if I wanted to.
Luckily, life goes on, and we have incredible technology. I can talk to her via facebook and Skype (if she'll ever find her stinking camera!) and it's almost like she never left. One day, we might end up at a base together. After all, the Marine Corps IS a dept of the Navy, right? ;)
So, (and I'm being cliche just to make her cringe), Fair Winds and Following Seas, my dear. I'll see you on the flip side.
After moving to California, it took a few misses before I found a best friend here. This girl - from Kentucky, so Southern and just like me in basically every way - butted right into my life and carved a spot in my heart for herself. My daughter fell madly in love with her. For the first time, my husband REALLY REALLY liked one of my friends to the point he claims her as HIS friend as well.
I never thought it could be harder than leaving my circle of friends. Well, I found out it can. It's worse to be stuck in a place you've come to love as much as you hate, without that one person that made it bearable. (Yes, I have a love/hate relationship with this place, we'll see which side of the coin it is when it's my time to leave.) This girl, she got me. And I mean, REALLY got me. She loved my kid almost as much as I do. She was there for me at a moment's notice (last minute ER trip with a puking 2 year old anyone?) and helped me in ways no one else could have. When she started talking about leaving, I didn't think I was going to be okay. I've never been the one left behind, after all.
I can't put into words what this girl means to me. How she's impacted my life. I'll never be able to put that into words, but she knows how much I love her. Driving away from her house after saying good bye to her was probably one of the hardest things I've ever done. I almost just parked in her driveway and refused to let her leave. But that's childish, and her husband had orders. I couldn't keep them here if I wanted to.
Luckily, life goes on, and we have incredible technology. I can talk to her via facebook and Skype (if she'll ever find her stinking camera!) and it's almost like she never left. One day, we might end up at a base together. After all, the Marine Corps IS a dept of the Navy, right? ;)
So, (and I'm being cliche just to make her cringe), Fair Winds and Following Seas, my dear. I'll see you on the flip side.
Under The Knife
For the first time in my life, I'm having surgery. I'm 25, I've only ever had stitches once, when my daughter was born. I've also never broken a bone, had a concussion, anything. Now, I'm having surgery. It's minor. Three little cuts on my belly, but they're putting me completely under for it. I'm terrified. I can't get past that. I should be more worried about the results of the surgery.
Why am I having surgery you ask? It all started back in October when I had my IUD removed due to pain. The ER and my doctor said my cervix was inflamed and treated me with antibiotics. Nearly 6 months later, my cervix was still inflamed, so my doctor sent me for cryosurgery (where they freeze your cervix). This doctor looked around, felt around, and came back with a scarier diagnosis. Endometriosis. That's a scary word. No matter how you slice it, there's 'scar tissue' on/in/around my uterus and ovaries (possibly). Depending on the severity of it, I may need to get pregnant ASAP, rather than waiting the year and a half we'd planned on. Depending on the severity of it, I may not have that option.
Of course, my doctor could be able to treat this while he's in on Wednesday.
I'm terrified. Not just of the surgery, but of the diagnosis. I have faith in God and have been praying. I don't think it will be that bad. I'm just the type of person that has to think on the worst of it, prepare for that, so that I can cope if it IS that bad.
This post - is for me. For me to get the words out into text in a way that helps calm me a little. It's also for those concerned. I'll try to follow up after the surgery. I have to spend 24 hours flat in bed, on my back. Thanks to family, I have my brother in law out here to help me with little A. I should be fine a few days after the surgery, though.
Why am I having surgery you ask? It all started back in October when I had my IUD removed due to pain. The ER and my doctor said my cervix was inflamed and treated me with antibiotics. Nearly 6 months later, my cervix was still inflamed, so my doctor sent me for cryosurgery (where they freeze your cervix). This doctor looked around, felt around, and came back with a scarier diagnosis. Endometriosis. That's a scary word. No matter how you slice it, there's 'scar tissue' on/in/around my uterus and ovaries (possibly). Depending on the severity of it, I may need to get pregnant ASAP, rather than waiting the year and a half we'd planned on. Depending on the severity of it, I may not have that option.
Of course, my doctor could be able to treat this while he's in on Wednesday.
I'm terrified. Not just of the surgery, but of the diagnosis. I have faith in God and have been praying. I don't think it will be that bad. I'm just the type of person that has to think on the worst of it, prepare for that, so that I can cope if it IS that bad.
This post - is for me. For me to get the words out into text in a way that helps calm me a little. It's also for those concerned. I'll try to follow up after the surgery. I have to spend 24 hours flat in bed, on my back. Thanks to family, I have my brother in law out here to help me with little A. I should be fine a few days after the surgery, though.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Californication
Whew. It's been a while. I've been so busy trying to make a niche here in California for myself, that I've forgotten to write.
Little girl continues to grow and learn every day. She is getting so brave at the park and climbing things that make me hold my breath. She does, in fact, have ezcema, and it is getting better. It's been a long process, but it's looking better everyday. She has a kitten and loves him dearly, though she's quite rough with him.
The hubby is working his tush off to learn this language and pass school. I heard many people refer to this part of the schooling as 'deployment light' for a long time. I understand why. He's gone before I wake up, he gets home late most days. Some days he comes in for an hour or so before heading back to school for study hall, and is gone for another two hours or more. Plus two hours on Saturdays. It's difficult, and I know it doensn't truly compare to a deployment, but it is certainly a lot of alone time.
On a personal note, I'm now selling Pure Romance and it is SO much fun. It's stressful as well, but very fun. I'm making a few friends out here and there are two ladies in particular whom I am growing to love as sisters. I've put on a little 'happy weight' since being here and while it's not very much, on my short frame, it doesn't look good. So, Hubby and I are going to do P90X. I'll certainly let you know how that goes.
I've realized that my homesickness is no longer restricted to 'home' but also to Hawaii and the friends we left there. At least one of them will be moving close to us in August and I'm planning to go down and visit them. I have a trip planned to go and see my Aunt get married in September. My sister is going to come and visit and go to the wedding with me.
I have a lot of thoughts tumbling about, but it's time to get dinner to my wonderful husband who has duty today. :)
Good Evening and God Bless.
Little girl continues to grow and learn every day. She is getting so brave at the park and climbing things that make me hold my breath. She does, in fact, have ezcema, and it is getting better. It's been a long process, but it's looking better everyday. She has a kitten and loves him dearly, though she's quite rough with him.
The hubby is working his tush off to learn this language and pass school. I heard many people refer to this part of the schooling as 'deployment light' for a long time. I understand why. He's gone before I wake up, he gets home late most days. Some days he comes in for an hour or so before heading back to school for study hall, and is gone for another two hours or more. Plus two hours on Saturdays. It's difficult, and I know it doensn't truly compare to a deployment, but it is certainly a lot of alone time.
On a personal note, I'm now selling Pure Romance and it is SO much fun. It's stressful as well, but very fun. I'm making a few friends out here and there are two ladies in particular whom I am growing to love as sisters. I've put on a little 'happy weight' since being here and while it's not very much, on my short frame, it doesn't look good. So, Hubby and I are going to do P90X. I'll certainly let you know how that goes.
I've realized that my homesickness is no longer restricted to 'home' but also to Hawaii and the friends we left there. At least one of them will be moving close to us in August and I'm planning to go down and visit them. I have a trip planned to go and see my Aunt get married in September. My sister is going to come and visit and go to the wedding with me.
I have a lot of thoughts tumbling about, but it's time to get dinner to my wonderful husband who has duty today. :)
Good Evening and God Bless.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Hotel California
Well, as you may or may not be aware, the Reed family has moved. We relocated from Hawaii to California as part of being a military family. We are now in our new home with all of our belongings around us. It was a fun and eventful trip, as we took some time to visit our family.
One thing I learned on our visit home, is that no matter what anyone says, you can never truly go home again. I love my family and my friends more than anything. But 'home' is relative now. It isn't a place so much as who I'm with. The place I grew up, doesn't feel like home anymore. I love to go and visit and see everyone. It's just...I know that there is a 90% chance, I won't ever live there again. That seems insane to me while at the same time making perfect sense. It seems strange that I will never again live in the place I spent 22 years of my life. That I won't live in the place where my family is, where I grew up is an alien thought. But on the flip side of that is the knowledge that it would never be the same. I've been too far away for too long to ever settle for such a small place. I know where we are talking of possibly settling down. I also know that in the next 15 years, that could change as well. All of this is very emotional for me. I have VERY strong family ties. But knowing that every 2-3 years for the next 15 means moving, and that in the end we will be far from 'home', is exciting to me.
I feel as if I am rambling, because there are so many different and even conflicting thoughts on this subject just rolling through my head. It's a case of not being able to explain it to myself much less anyone else. I'm sure other military wives will know what I mean, even if they don't understand it.
As far as California, it is beautiful here. Again, we are near a beach. I feel as if that is God telling me daily that I am on the right path. I feel a call in the ocean that is also inexplicable. But I do know that I love being near it, and will miss it dearly the day we aren't close by a beach. There's something pure and free about the ocean and I feel that is why I feel such a strong pull to always be near it. I fell in love, and deeply, at the age of 13 and have never lost that love of the ocean.
Our daughter is now just over a year old. She's walking and talking. She loves to 'talk' on the cell phone, and often steals mine to do so. I think she has exema, which we will find out at her appointment at the end of the month. She is extremely smart and always surprising me with what she picks up. She is such a blessing every single day and I wouldn't trade her for anything.
For those of you reading this all the way through, thank you for listening to my rambling yet again.
Good Afternoon and God Bless
One thing I learned on our visit home, is that no matter what anyone says, you can never truly go home again. I love my family and my friends more than anything. But 'home' is relative now. It isn't a place so much as who I'm with. The place I grew up, doesn't feel like home anymore. I love to go and visit and see everyone. It's just...I know that there is a 90% chance, I won't ever live there again. That seems insane to me while at the same time making perfect sense. It seems strange that I will never again live in the place I spent 22 years of my life. That I won't live in the place where my family is, where I grew up is an alien thought. But on the flip side of that is the knowledge that it would never be the same. I've been too far away for too long to ever settle for such a small place. I know where we are talking of possibly settling down. I also know that in the next 15 years, that could change as well. All of this is very emotional for me. I have VERY strong family ties. But knowing that every 2-3 years for the next 15 means moving, and that in the end we will be far from 'home', is exciting to me.
I feel as if I am rambling, because there are so many different and even conflicting thoughts on this subject just rolling through my head. It's a case of not being able to explain it to myself much less anyone else. I'm sure other military wives will know what I mean, even if they don't understand it.
As far as California, it is beautiful here. Again, we are near a beach. I feel as if that is God telling me daily that I am on the right path. I feel a call in the ocean that is also inexplicable. But I do know that I love being near it, and will miss it dearly the day we aren't close by a beach. There's something pure and free about the ocean and I feel that is why I feel such a strong pull to always be near it. I fell in love, and deeply, at the age of 13 and have never lost that love of the ocean.
Our daughter is now just over a year old. She's walking and talking. She loves to 'talk' on the cell phone, and often steals mine to do so. I think she has exema, which we will find out at her appointment at the end of the month. She is extremely smart and always surprising me with what she picks up. She is such a blessing every single day and I wouldn't trade her for anything.
For those of you reading this all the way through, thank you for listening to my rambling yet again.
Good Afternoon and God Bless
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