Sorry-Here is an update

Sorry for the long time lapse since last posting. It's been a little busy around here. I'll give more details and catch you up on what's going on throughout the week.

But just briefly: I finished IV abx April 15. Luckily, i have not had to go back on IVs since then. I am though currently taking oral Cipro antibiotic.

I finished up the spring semester with B's. I actually start summer semester classes today-Monday the 23rd. I had a two week break.

Last Wed i went to the beach with some family. I got back yesterday (Sunday). The weather was beautiful, but very hot Saturday; no rain (which was nice), so i was able to enjoy being outside for 5 days. Definitely a relaxing trip. And i think the beach air really perked me up and i felt so much better. I'm still on Cipro for another week, and still using oxygen, Xopenex nebulizer and oxygen at night. However, my oxygen saturations have been a good bit better and I've been able to decrease the amount of oxygen i wear at night. So praying that i feel great this summer, since i have an extremely heavy load of classes.

Our local CF Great Strides Walk went extremely well! I will post about that later.

Hopefully you haven't given up on me blogging :) I still read your blogs, but hopefully I'll be more consistent with updating and posting interesting, fun things that are going on with me :)

More updates to come!

MIA/Update

I promise I'm still here and plan on blogging. My schedule has just been way to crazy. So I apologize. I hate not having the time to blog :( I'm up late studying, and couldn't stand the thought of me not having posted anything since the 1st week of July.

We had our Nursing School Info Session on Friday. We ordered our uniforms and registered for classes, amongst other things. We have a more detailed orientation session the week before classes start. I have a CPR class on July 16th;

My Blood Pressure Saga continues with a new medicine as of Friday. So far, it is magical and doing the trick. Last week we had increased the dose of HCTZ (the diuretic), but for some reason, my BP decided to get worse, instead of better, or even just stay the same; overall, the HCTZ was good for removing the fluid I had gained, and really keeping off any excess fluid I may be retaining, but not much in the Blood Pressure situation; I am now on Lisinopril, and my BP has dropped dramatically within just 2 doses of it; But it may be just a tad too much; not sure yet. Will re-address with transplant coordinator on Monday.

My back pain seemed to stabilize and actually get better, until I decided to go tubing on Memorial day weekend. However, finally, it has calmed down somewhat. I had taken a break from my physical therapy appointments, because I didn't want to use up all my visits too soon; I decided to go in for an appt week before last, and I will go again this week; so hopefully that will help.

Two exams next week (Micro Lecture Exam) and midterm for Microbiology Lab Class. And other assignments, etc. for my online Developmental Psychology course.

Babysitting tonight for several families combined

Our local CF Chapter has a Young Professionals Board, in which I am a part of. We have a get-together/meeting Tuesday night. Oh, and our CF chapter finally got its results in for our local (Birmingham) Great Strides Walk. As most chapters are required to send all the money/collections from each Great Strides Walk to a third party now, it takes awhile before everything gets credited to the Great Strides teams, walkers, etc. So far, our Miracles Team has raised a little over $8,730. We may have a few more donations coming in; I'm very proud of my team and all their hard work; and I personally met my goal of $4,000.....raised about $4,375.

I have transplant clinic on Wednesday. I'm on week 3 of my TOBI; i think a Sinus infection has creeped in my body (hoping that's all it is); I have to get all my medical forms signed and vaccinations required for Nursing School Medical Clearance.

Babysitting this upcoming Friday, then headed to the lake for the weekend. Unfortunately, we don't get a day off from classes, like most companies/work offers for the July 4th Holiday.

I really want a beach vacation. Trying to decide about oil spill situation....and if I can go due to my crazy schedule, that works with the other parties involved???

Ok, going to try and get some sleep :)

Cruise Pictures: Part II

These pictures are from day 3 of my cruise, which was spent in Cozumel, Mexico! One word to describe the beaches, water, scenery, etc.: PARADISE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The shore excursion we took part in was an adventure, and as you will read below, we were not able to take pictures because our cameras would have gotten soaking wet (literally fully immersed in water)! So all my pictures are from the port/pier area!

Our shore excursion was called "Isla Passion By Twister." It included a thrill ride on a speed boat; We experienced incredible acceleration and high speed maneuvers, including 360° turns at high speed (up to 70mph), as Twister (name of boat) skimmed along the Caribbean waters! Following the boat ride, Twister took us to a private island where we enjoyed about 3.5 hours of relaxation at Isla Pasion’s white sand beach. We also had an open bar and lunch buffet. And the island had an open-air mini mall with lots of clothing, pottery, jewelry, etc., to shop for. I bought my Mom some beautiful and extremely good quality pottery--salt and pepper shakers!! She loved them! Then afterwards, Twister took us back to the pier/port area! The ride to and from the island was about 30 minutes. And then we spent a few extra minutes playing around doing 360's! Oh...and once again, our two tour guides for this shore excursion were pretty cute/hot =) At the end of the excursion, one of our tour guides was giving us instructions and said, "We may me Mexican, but we are all brother's in Christ." I thought that was awesome...so I gave him an extra tip!!!!

I don't have captions on the pictures...because I'm not paying for premium features! But you can probably figure it out! Enjoy...i hope you check the pictures out....really do!!!!

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Most Outstanding Student Award

Within my program major at school, my professors selected me for their most outstanding student award. The AHIMA (American Health Information Management Association) allows each state association (AAHIM: Alabama Association of Health Information Management) to select 1 or 2 students from their program. There are only 4 programs in the state of Alabama. Two are associate-type degrees, and two are Bachelor degrees (like mine). I was so thrilled and honored to be selected! The AAHIM had their yearly state meeting in Orange Beach this past Wed-Saturday. I, along with my parents, was invited to attend an awards luncheon on Thursday. So my parents and I drove down Wednesday night, then drove to the condo where the meetings were being held. It was a very nice luncheon. The awards were presented...and I got a very nice plaque...and the best part...$500 scholarship! I was so excited. I would not have made it through this program without the help and understanding of my professors. They were awesome and worked with me whenever I needed it.

On a side note...as my program director and parents were talking..they realized that they new each other. My program director lived next door to my Mom's sister. (My Mom's sister is no longer living there..but my professor does). Her and my aunt were really good friends, and my program director remembers me as a little kid..playing around my Aunt's house. And my parents remembered her very very well. So they had a nice chat...and we were all laughing. Small world. I had never used my program director's first name around my parents, so that's why it never clicked!

Anyway..here are some pictures from the day. Also, the one of my parents and me is a restaurant that we went to Wednesday night after arriving in Gulf Shores. The picture of me is a little blurry..sorry. Oh well...bummer. My mom was taking it! I'm going to see if I can get a copy of the picture that someone else was taking.

Me and my HIM program director!

Me and my parents at Sea-N-Suds Seafood Restaurant!

We stayed at the Best Western hotel Wednesday night (we were trying to go cheap...since it was just 1 night). Anyway...I thought their sign was cute. I think they are owned by Christian people because of this sign and there were multiple indications inside the hotel. But I thought this was funny...because it sounds like that serving dippin dots was the prayer...and it really worked :)

CFF Events

Right now, as well as most everyone else in the country, it is CF Great Strides "season" per se. Our Alabama-Birmingham Chapter is responsible for 7 walks. We also have a satellite chapter in Mobile, AL that is responsible for 7 walks around Mobile and the panhandle of Florida (Destin, Panama City, Pensacola). We are a busy chapter for a small state. As you know, I've worked on staff with the CFF and absolutely LOVE LOVE participating and helping out whenever and wherever I can. This includes working and attending all of our Great Strides Walks from the Birmingham Chapter. I have so much fun!

This past Saturday, we had our 2nd annual Tuscaloosa walk. We had perfect weather and an AWESOME AWESOME turnout. Our goal was $42,000 and we walked away that day with $63,000. And we have more money coming in. All I can say is WOW!!!!! Here a few pics from the day! (I'm usually the picture taker).

Me caught up in balloons.

We gave all the CF Families/kids a white balloon. Right before everyone started walking, they let the balloons go. It was pretty neat!

Christie and Me (remember me giving updates on Christie back when she got her new lungs last fall)

Home Depot with the "kids corner"

Airgas Chopper

Today, Tuesday, I am working at an Airgas-Chopper tour. Airgas, a nation-wide company has partnered with the CFF for about 3-4 years now. Airgas is the United States' largest distributor of industrial, medical, and specialty gases and related equipment, safety supplies and MRO products and services to industrial and commercial markets. My dad uses the company for supplying his oxygen tanks at his practice. They always do Chopper tours (motorcycles). They pick certain locations to have them at, and raise money for CF. A person can pay $5 to have their picture made with the chopper. This year they have also decided that they will match whatever donations are raised that day. They are a fun group to work with. And tomorrow I'll be working all day at a local Airgas a few minutes from my house. They are also having an auction as well. Visit their website to find a chopper tour near you!

The Airgas Chopper tour will do more than just excite Airgas employees and customers – it also will benefit a great cause,” said McCausland. At many of the Chopper appearances, tour attendees will be invited to make a $5 donation and have their picture taken with the Chopper as part of Airgas Puritan Medical's national partnership with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's GREAT STRIDES campaign.

This Saturday, we have our Huntsville Great Strides Walk. I will also be attending that one...and I can't wait. I try to help out with all the other walks, but Birmingham is my walk, and I am very involved just like I would be if on staff. Last year, I actually coordinated our entire walk, which was a great experience. This year I'm glad that someone else is doing that!

So...a busy week for CFF events!

On another note...my parents and I are traveling to Orange Beach tomorrow night through Thursday afternoon. I am going to an awards luncheon at the AAHIM annual meeting to except an award I was nominated for. I'm really excited about that!

If I don't blog until this weekend...you can guess that I'm probably pretty busy!

Update on Health: Fever-free since last Friday. Still wheezing, but not too bad. I guess the abx are working!!

Beach Pictures

Here are pictures from my beach trip!
We stayed in Orange Beach, Alabama!
Our condo is right next to the Flora Bama restaurant. On Saturday, the Flora Bama hosted the annual Mullet Triathlon. LOTS and LOTS of people were there! I missed the swimming part, but we saw the runners and bike riders!

Our group (My cousin, aunt, me and Mom) at Live Bait Restaurant.

Very rough waters...red flag all week!

Laying out!


Mom and me at Live Bait Restaurant!

Me and My cousin at Flippers Restaurant!
Beautiful sunset Wednesday night!

All in all it was a good trip. I hated the weather...and I am a big laying out person when it comes to the beach, but it was nice to get away and spend time with the girls. My aunt and cousin went back Saturday morning, because my aunt got sick. So the majority of the day on Saturday and through Sunday, it was just me and my Mom, which was nice. We did do a little bit of shopping, and hit the outlet mall on the way back home. My mom and I decided we would go back to the beach in September, hoping for better weather (as a family trip with my brother and Dad).

Still here/update

I apologize for not posting until now. It's been crazy!!! I am back from the beach and will post pictures later this week. It was nice to get away, but the weather was definitely sucky...20-30 mph winds each day, and very overcast..not much sunshine at all. Nevertheless, it was still a good trip (and I managed to get a small tan). I'll post more beach details later! Monday was back to reality...internship all day, as well as today and this Thursday. After that...I'm DONE!!! YAY!! I have MULTIPLE assignments and tests this week in addition to my final program comprehensive exam this weekend (which is a mock-examination of my RHIA licensing exam)....and I'm not yet prepared. So I have a LOT of studying to do between now and then!

I have a follow up transplant clinic appointment tomorrow (Wed). I'm pretty sure all will go well. My vertigo is completely gone (and was as of last Tuesday). My foot is better, but is still in pain. I'm planning on re-xraying it this week (since I've been walking on it a lot). I've got a little bit of sinus and wheezing stuff going on, but don't think it's anything to worry about!

We've got our Tuscaloosa Great Strides Walk this Saturday, which I'll be attending and working at. I'm really excited, and it's supposed to be HOT and beautiful this weekend!!!

So...a busy, busy week. My sole goal is to complete everything for school and ACE that exam this weekend!! Graduation is just a short 2.5 weeks away...YAY!!! (Still a lot to do before that though).

I'll do my best to post more this week...i have more things to share....promise!! I have been reading and keeping up with everyone else :)

Beach

Not sure if I've mentioned or not...but I'm off to the beach (Orange Beach/Gulf Shores) today for our annual girl's trip!! YAY!! I'm so excited...and nothing is going to stop me from having fun!! We will return Sunday afternoon. I will post when I return, although I'm sure it won't be Sunday. I have to go to my internship Monday and Tuesday when I return, and then transplant clinic on Wednesday next week!

Just to give you an idea of what the place looks like where we stay, I've included a link. (This is just a rental property's pictures, but is the same layout and basic style of where we stay). My aunt rents our condo from a friend of hers, so where we stay is designed differently, but has the same floor plan! I LOVE IT!!!

http://www.meyerre.com/property/Phoenix_X_506

I am asking for your prayers for a safe and smooth trip! I would really love to enjoy this trip WITHOUT any extra struggles/surprises along the way :)

Final answers to Q&A Post!

Here's the final installment of my answers to the wonderful Q&A Post questions!! Thanks again girls for asking!!!

Kateyln asks:
Do you go to school full time or part time? Full-time. With the exception of 1 semester, I've always gone full time, or what's considered a full-time schedule. Right now I'm only taking 10 credit hours, but consider it a lot more due to the 240 hour internship! But only 1 more week of that...and graduation is right around the corner...YAY!!

Aspiemom asks:
How do you change font color within the post? After typing my response, I click on the tab "Compose." (It's right next to the "Edit Html" tab when composing a post). Then I choose the button that has a "T" and a color block. This allows you to change the color within your post! Hope this helps! (I love changing fonts too, if you haven't noticed)!

Cara asks:
What did you want to be when you grew up? What is your dream job now? A Neonatal Intensive Care Unit nurse. I've always wanted to be a nurse, and that's still my dream job. My plans changed slightly for a few years, but then I realized that nursing is truly what i want to do, and I'm going to do my best to accomplish that (on my way). Although, I do have a love and passion for CF. And having worked on staff at the CF Foundation, I would love some day to be Executive Director ( i think) of our local CFF. I've been told I possess all the needed skills and qualities (just not sure if it's something i want to pursue). I can tell you though if a permanent job opportunity opened at our local CFF, I would probably take it. My past positions have been temporary (even thought they lasted more than a year).

If you could travel anywhere in the world, were would it be? WOW!! That's a hard question! I would probably choose Hawaii! I love going to tropical places, and prefer warm vs. cold places. I've always wanted to go there!! Of course, I would love to go any place over seas as well, for the vast amount of experience with different types of culture, people, food, beaches, etc. But I'm a beach person all the way :)

What do you look for in a guy? I don't usually answer these types of questions, but will for you guys!! First and foremost, I would like my future hubby to have a relationship with the Lord! I would like for him to be open and honest. I believe that to have a true relationship, you have to be honest with each other. I want a guy that's funny, or at least has a little bit of humor (to balance out with me, because I'm not very humorous, and when I am, it's by accident most of the time). I'd like a guy that's pretty sociable, that gets along with his family and friends, that wants children, and is just a fun-loving guy!! I'm sure when I meet Mr. Right, I will know, regardless if he possess all the above qualities.

Thanks again for the great questions!!!

Weekend Wrap-Up

I thought I would do a short post on my weekend and wrap-up of this past week. WOW...this week has flown by! But it didn't fly by without it's struggles and difficult times. As you know, I lost a very close friend on Wednesday! I've had a very difficult time dealing with this, but just keep trusting God and reminding myself that God called him home for a reason. On Wednesday, after I visited with Shaun and his family, I visited with another CF/transplant patient who was in the hospital. I also had lunch with one of our CF/transplant doctors who has become increasingly involved with the CFF. We had a nice lunch! Afterwards, I went home for a much needed nap, and babysat that night!

I did not make it to my internship on Thursday. My body was so exhausted, I could not get myself out of bed that morning. That was not my plan, but really couldn't get up and going. I think the events of the day before, coupled with no sleep at night, contributed to that feeling. I got some much needed down time on Thursday. Thursday night, Shaun's mom called me to give me funeral arrangement info. I think talking to her stirred up my emotions again, and it took awhile to regain my composure. I also had to call several people to pass along the info, which was hard to do.

Friday I got up and went to my internship til about 12:00. Then headed to get my hair cut @ 1:00. I'm so glad to have my hair shorter, re-highlighted, and a little thinner. It feels SO much better and I don't like having really long and thick hair when I go to the beach. After a 2+ hour hair appt, I came home and took a make-up school exam. It was a busy day, but I felt pretty good overall. But the thought and memories of Shaun and his family were with me throughout the entire day. Thank goodness for supportive friends and family.

Yesterday (Sat), I had a CF speaking engagement. The event was a Church Women's luncheon and fashion show. And they chose to have me speak about CF and my testimony briefly. It was a lot of fun, and I was glad to get the opportunity to do this. My Mom tagged along with me! The speaking went pretty well, although I think I spoke a little too fast (one of my flaws). I think they got a good bit of donations though, and the ladies who asked me to come were very appreciative of me being there. This was a difficult decision for me to attend this event. Shaun's funeral was being held at the same time, down in Louisiana. I wanted to be there...my heart really wanted to go. But I knew that Shaun wanted me to be speaking about CF instead of driving down there. And multiple people reassured me of that too. His Mom initially told me not to come anyway(it's about a 6 hour drive), because I had been really sick this month. And she wanted me to take care of myself. But it was still so hard to not be there! But as someone reminded me, Shaun is now in Heaven, and that although is spirit would be at the funeral, He wouldn't. So I decided (after much emotional havoc) to speak on his behalf.

After the event yesterday (it was about 1 hour away), my Mom and I spent the remainder of the day together. We had some good mother-daughter time. We decided to go shopping when we got back in town, and ended up staying out til about 7:30 pm. We haven't done that in awhile, and it really was not in the plans for the day. But as we were driving home from the CF event, we looked at each other and said, hey...let's go shopping! I had had an extremely stressful week, and what better way to help that other than shopping??

We ended up at Wal-mart last night as our last stop. As I was walking in, my right foot buckled out from under me, and now it is severely sprained, if not broken. I am in so much pain from it, and can't walk on it at all....seriously. I can't put any pressure on it, and it hurts to even use my leg muscles to life my foot up. As soon as my Mom gets home from church, I'm going to get my dad to xray it. (He's a vet and has his own practice). I'm really frustrated and mad, because I HAVE to be at my internship tomorrow. But as of now, I can't even touch it! So now, more stress has been added to my week! I'm not very good at hopping around either, because of my decreased leg strength.

Well...that's my week in a nutshell(ok...a little longer post than planned). I'm glad it's a new week. I have plans on attending my internship 4 days this week. I have 1 CF event Thursday night. I am babysitting Tuesday night. I have several school exams/quizzes. And Wednesday I am supposed to return to transplant clinic to see if my pneumonia has resolved. However, I may be skipping that appointment if I have to miss a day of internship due to my foot. I'm feeling like the pneumonia has cleared, as my only remaining symptoms are ones that are going to take awhile to recover (such as energy, and breathing). But I'm not sure if my coordinator will let me skip it. So please pray that my foot will heal quickly and enough where I can stand to walk on it. Please pray for me as I'm still having a hard time dealing with the loss of Shaun, and please keep his family in your prayers!

Next weekend is Easter, and then I'm supposed to go to the beach that following Wed! (and at that time, my internship will be over with...if everything goes as planned).

I hope everyone had a great week, and has an awesome week to come!! Thank you all again for your love, support, and prayers for my friend Shaun! It means a lot!

Oh...and the layout of my blog will be chaning, as soon as I have time to install the changes!! But be on the lookout!

Pictures from Ocean Beach

These are pictures from Ocean Beach, San Diego. I am amazed at how many people were on this beach at the time. NOTHING like our Gulf Coast or Florida Beaches. There were also some VERY interesting people on this beach. But nevertheless, it was absolutely BEAUTIFUL! We ate dinner at a restaurant on the strip called "Hodads." VERY interesting, but evidently is known as one of the best burger places in the U.S.

What Next?

"What Next?" was the theme for our singles beach retreat last weekend. It was a study of what the Bible teaches us about Heaven and Hell. The majority of this study was a new concept...not about Heaven and Hell, but how there is (depending on your personal beliefs and background) 2 Heavens: an Intermediate Heaven and an Eternal Heaven (also known as the New Earth).

"And now, oh Lord for what do I wait? My hope is in you". Psalms 39:7

We grow up, graduate college, get married, have kids, and so on. But after all that, "What Next?"

Heaven is a physical place where God lives with his people. Heaven is not our default destination. No one goes there automatically. Unless our sin problem is resolved, the only place we will go is our default destination....HELL! The reality of Hell should break our hearts and bring us to our knees. If we don't focus on Heaven in our life here on Earth, then we will place too much focus on the "material" and unimportant things here on Earth.

Once we die, we will immediately go to the Intermediate (or present) Heaven. At this time, the Judgement of Faith (or salvation) occurs. This determines whether or not we will go to Heaven or Hell. This judgement strictly depends on our faith and NOT on what we have done during our lives. Salvation is a free gift to which we contribute nothing.

The Judgement of Works is where all believers stand before the judgement seat of God to give an account of our lives. 2 Corinthians says, "For we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. This is a judgement of works and NOT of faith. Our works here on Earth affect our reward in Heaven. Rewards are about our work for God. And our rewards are based on faithfulness.

Man's chief end is to glorify God, and enjoy him forever. Our longing for Heaven is our longing for God. We will be able to see glimpses of God all around us in Heaven.
2 Corinthians 6:16: "I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall by my people..."

It's SO EXCITING to think about Heaven and imagine what it will be like. The Bible does give us specific scriptures that describe certain things that will be in Heaven, in addition to what living in Heaven will be like. We know for sure, that Heaven will NOT BE BORING! Heaven will be like this Earth, only better. Jesus will be our King and rule over us. Jobs and services will be our reward. Our jobs or services will relate to our gifts God has given us here on Earth in addition to our passions in life (as long as they serve and glorify God).

Take pleasure in the thought/imagination of Heaven. If you shut your mind out, then that gives Satan the opportunity to set our imaginations on other things. Think about reuniting with our loved ones. The Bible tells us that we will maintain our own identities and will be able to recognize each other.

Heaven should affect our daily activities and ambitions, our recreation and friendships, and the way we spend our money. Thinking of Heaven will motivate us to live each day in profound faithfulness for God.

"Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe" Hebrews 12:28

If you are not 100% sure that you are going to Heaven, then I strongly encourage you to talk to someone and learn more about God and the freedom he can give you. Hell is a HORRIBLE place. The Bible tells us so and gives us a gruesome and unappealing description. Make a decision to spend life in eternity with God and your loved ones, with no pain or suffering, with a lavish lifestyle glorifying God each and every day.

Beach Retreat Pictures

These pictures are from my Beach retreat with our singles group at my church. We were located in Ft. Walton Beach/Destin. I'll post more about my trip later.