Dec 10, 2008

A Couple of Updates

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Some of you are probably wondering how Corey’s doing so I thought I’d post an update.  He’s still in a lot of pain.  He’s a little more mobile, but not by much.

He went to the doctor today to have his staples removed, but the doctor decided not to remove them quite yet.  Instead, he just took the bandages off.

As you can see (sort of), the scar basically runs the entire length of his thigh.  The scar will be pretty interesting once it heals all the way.

We’re still waiting to hear the results of the biopsy.  Again, the doctor told us the tumor looks non-aggressive.  However, because it was in his cartilage, the tissue’s being sent to the Mayo Clinic to confirm diagnosis.  As soon as I know something, I’ll let you know.

Anyway, thanks for all the well wishes and meals.  Corey and I really appreciate your thoughtfulness and prayers.

*****

As far as a moving update, we’re still moving this weekend.  And, we’re moving to our townhome! However, we may not close until Monday.  If that happens, we won’t be able to take possession of the property until then, unless the sellers allows us to.  We may end up staying in a hotel this weekend.  We’ll know more tomorrow.

I’m really glad our moving ordeal is coming to a close.  I just wish it wasn’t such bad timing.  We had 80% of our stuff packed before Corey had surgery last week.  We would’ve had everything packed, but our moving date kept changing and we didn’t want to go without something necessary if at all possible.  I get to finish packing now.  Needless to say, I’ve been kind of tired and stressed this week with having to go to work, pack, and take care of Corey.  I don’t mind the taking care of Corey part; it’s just a little exhausting when it’s coupled with everything else.

I know everything will be okay, even though life’s a little hectic and stressful right now.  I’m just counting my blessings and trying to stay positive.

Filed Under: Corey, Life · 8 Comments
Dec 5, 2008

5 Metal Screws

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As I stated in an earlier post, Tuesday and Wednesday were kind of hectic.  Yet, I still had time to finish reading a book.  Hectic and time to read a book don’t seem to go together, do they?  If you take into consideration that I was sitting in a hospital waiting room for three hours on Tuesday, then it starts to make more sense.

I haven’t posted anything about this in the past because Corey hasn’t wanted me to say anything.  However, now that the “procedure” has been done, he’s okay with me sharing a little bit of what’s going on.

A few months ago, Corey’s left leg started hurting a lot.  After a series of MRIs, CT scans, and other tests, his doctor found a tumor in his femur.  One of his orthopedic surgeons decided it would be a good idea to remove the tumor, sooner rather than later, and find out how aggressive it is.  Because the strength of the femur would be compromised, the surgeon had to adhere a metal plate to the bone to help strengthen it.

We’re still waiting for the results of his tumor.  The doctor told us that it looked non-aggressive when he took it out so we should expect good news.  However, there’s a fine line between non-aggressive and mildly aggressive so we should be prepared too.  We should know the results no later than Monday.

Corey’s recovering, but he’s in a lot of pain and is laid up in bed.  The cats are keeping him company and I’ve stayed home from work since Tuesday to take care of him.

PS–We’re glad we don’t have to move this weekend. But, we’ll be moving next weekend no matter what because our grace period with our landlord has ended.  I’ll post more updates early next week.

Filed Under: Corey · 7 Comments
Dec 5, 2008

Festival of Trees

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As most of you know, I’ve had some fun times with my friends over that last year.  However, I think out of everything we’ve done together, this takes the cake.  I wish I could say I helped, but the other ladies deserve all the credit!  Way to go, ladies!

A few months ago, my friend Danylle had the idea to donate a Twilight-themed tree to the Festival of Trees.  For those of you unfamiliar with the Festival of Trees, it’s a charity event held each year around Christmas to help raise money for the Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City.  Groups, such as local businesses, girls scout troops, local families, etc. donate a tree, complete with decorations and presents.  The trees are auctioned to the highest bidder, who gets to keep the tree and all its trimmings.  All the money earned from the auction goes to the hospital.

The tree and its trimmings cost $1300 to put together and was slated to sell for $1600.  To our surprise, it sold for $4000! We couldn’t be happier!  We never dreamed we’d be able to raise that much money for the hospital!

Each of the four books in the Twilight Saga is represented on the tree and “A Cullen Christmas” banner, at the top, brings all the decorations together.  Twilight is represented by apple ornaments.  New Moon is represented by tulip ornaments.  Eclipse is represented by the red ribbon adorning the tree.  And, Breaking Dawn is represented by the white queen chess pieces.  There are also glass balls with the Cullens’ and Bella’s names.

We decided to get gifts for each of the main characters in the books. For those of you who’ve read the books, the gift list will make more sense.

  • Bella: a scrapbook and camera
  • Edward: an electronic keyboard
  • Charlie: a fishing pole
  • Renee: an autographed copy of The Host donated by The King’s English bookshop and a $10.00 gift certificate
  • Carlisle: the “Operation” board game
  • Esme: a pink tool set
  • Emmett: a black bear rug and a toy jeep
  • Rosalie: a silver-plated vanity set
  • Alice: a Magic Eight Ball
  • Jasper: some American Civil War books
  • Renesmee: the complete works of Shakespeare and Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice
  • Jacob: a new toolbox, work light, and work gloves
  • The Volturi: the “Risk” board game

In addition to the themed gifts:

  • Sue made a vinyl lettering sign and a cookie plate that says, “Dear Santa, Vampires Believe.”
  • Shauna made a tree skirt, which is actually a twin-size quilt with the four book cover designs.
  • Infinite Jewelry, the official jewelry maker for the Twilight Saga, donated the Bella Bracelet and Engagement Ring.
  • Twilight Teez, the official T-shirt vendor for the Twilight Saga, donated the Edward “Bite Me” baseball cap and the Jacob “Hot Dog” beanie hat.
  • The Forks Chamber of Commerce donated a Forks Washington baseball cap.
  • Forks Outfitters sent a Forks Spartan sweatshirt.
  • Brent Neilson hand-carved the beautiful queen and pawn chess piece bookends for the Twilight Saga.
  • The complete Twilight Saga, a La Push hoodie, a Forks T-shirt, a “Team Edward” purse, a plush penguin doll, a Twilight 2009 calendar, and a Twilight movie poster were also under the tree.

The tree exceeded all my expectations and turned out beautifully!  I’m glad I can be a part of such a wonderful group of ladies!

I’m sure the ladies who spent their time, energy, and money would love to know what you think.  You can go to our blog to leave a comment, if you’d like.

Filed Under: Charities, Friends, SLTA, Twilight · 2 Comments
Dec 4, 2008

Review: Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier

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Title: Rebecca
Author: Daphne du Maurier
Series: Stand-alone
Genre: Mystery
Buy on Amazon · Add to Shelfari · Add to Goodreads

Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again…. With these words the reader is ushered into an isolated gray stone manse on the windswept Cornish coast, as the second Mrs. Maxim de Winter recalls the chilling events that transpired as she began her new life as the young bride of a husband she barely knew. For in every corner of every room in the immense, foreboding estate were phantoms of a time dead but not forgotten–a past devotedly preserved by the sinister housekeeper, Mrs. Danvers: a suite immaculate and untouched, clothing laid out and ready to be worn, but not by any of the great house’s current occupants. And with an eerie presentiment of evil tightening her heart, the second Mrs. de Winter walked in the shadow of her mysterious predecessor, determined to uncover the darkest secrets and shattering truths about Maxim’s first wife–the late and hauntingly beautiful Rebecca.

I decided to read Rebecca because of a recommendation from one of my online book clubs.  I also talked my co-worker Erin into reading it for our monthly book club book, but she hasn’t read it yet.

I really enjoyed Rebecca.  The story was very suspenseful and intriguing.  The unnamed heroine reminded me of how I’d act or feel if I were in her situation.  I felt like I could relate to her a lot, which helped me like the story even more.  There were also a few twists that added to the depth of the story and caught me off guard.

The edition of the book I read actually had the original epilogue with it.  Because the name of the heroine’s husband was changed, it was not included as part of the story.  In fact, in this edition (cover not pictured), Du Maurier explains she rewrote the epilogue into the first couple of chapters of the book.  I enjoyed reading the epilogue because it included details the published version doesn’t have.

In the 1940s, the book was made into a movie directed by Alfred Hitchcock.  Having read the story now, I think Hitchcock would’ve done a superb job at capturing the suspense of the novel.  I actually can’t wait until I see the movie.  I also found out there’s a remake currently in production.  Ralph Fiennes is slated to perform the role of the heroine’s husband.

Filed Under: Book Reviews ·  Tagged: , · 4 Comments
Dec 4, 2008

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin

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Tuesday and Wednesday were just a tad bit hectic for Corey and me so I didn’t get a chance to post about Elder Wirthlin until now.  In fact, I didn’t even know about Elder Wirthlin’s passing until around 8:00 pm on Tuesday.

Over the last few General Conferences, I’ve enjoyed listening to his talks.  I also wondered if it was coming time for him to depart this world since he has given his talks while sitting down for the last few Conferences.

I remember that during the last time he gave a talk at the pulpit his left leg started to shake badly and Elder Nelson came up behind Elder Wirthlin to help steady him.  I remember thinking, “What an example of Christ-like love and how one should buoy others up in their time of need.”  This incident touched me greatly.

A few years ago, Corey and I had the chance to attend a Regional Conference at the Marriott Center.  President Monson and Elder Wirthlin were the two speakers.  I remember enjoying Elder Wirthlin’s talk a lot and feeling the Spirit while I was there.

I’ll miss Elder Wirthlin, but I’m happy that he’s with his wife again.

Filed Under: LDS · 1 Comment
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