Done with papers!

Very tired, but done!

Stacy: Finishing up FINAL papers. Trying to go into hermit mode so I can finish. Not doing so great at that so far. Also has been sicky: Yellow Fever Vaccine Side Effects + Bad Salad+ Stess+ Allergies+ Sensitive Body= Feelin kinda cruddy these days!

Jon: Working hard for Habitat and also busy with real estate. Being a supportive husband to a wife who has been kinda distant and crazy lately. Happy to have a wife who will hopefully be employed in the next month or so!

my name is lisa

This is a short film made by some of our best buds. I know I am biased, but I love it and would encourage you to watch. Especially if you are interested in aging, mental heath, or family systems. Congrats guys on your awards/accomplishments thus far! My professional background, social work and psychology, allows me to especially appreciate your focus on a personal story- while tying in the impact on both the family and individual living with mental illness- In this case, Alzheimer's.

AND-Now that I have figured out this you tube connection to my blog, I may be hooked!

i still don't like needles

For all you who know me even remotely well, you know needles are not my strength. Well, I thought I was "growing up" a little bit, but I guess not. I still can't handle it. This morning Jon and I went in for round one of our vaccines for Ethiopia. On the way there Jon asked if I was doing OK. I said, "Yes, this isn't like getting blood taken. It is just shots, I won't pass out or go into hysterics. It doesn't mean I like it, and yes my stomach hurts a little, but I will be OK." 

Ha ha. 

And the condensed version goes-

*After 2 shots*

Nurse: "Are you OK?"

Me: "Yeah.. I think so, I am fine.." 

Minutes later my husband tries to get moving: "See no big deal.Good job. Can you stand up?"

 I walk into the lobby- 

Me: "Did this shot go into my muscle? It really hurts.. I can feel it now...."

Nurse looks up: "Oh umm go sick back down.....Oh...OK you're OK. Here you go, just put your head between your legs."

In sum: Jon was late for work because "My wife doesn't respond well to needles and I need to make sure she has recovered from her shots." God bless him. 

Anyway. I was actually more frustrated today than anything. Why am I such a weirdo?? This past year several people in my life have gone through major surgeries, cancer, intense and scary childbirth situations, and other overwhelming medical situations. It makes me feel so ridiculous when I can't even handle a few shots! I feel so blessed to be healthy and can't imagine going through what others have endured. I have so much respect for these folks and admire their strength. I am confident God gives people the strength they need to get through situations whether it be physical, emotional, or spiritual. I trust that it would be the same for me, somehow I would get through- even if I can't handle a few measly shots!

 Oh well, in the meantime I guess it was wishful thinking that I would get over this. It is just one (among many) of my body's funny little quirks. I used to think it was a phobia but don't know anymore, because I was actually much calmer today. But like I said- it was "just a shot". 

We'll see what happens when I get get to go back for more in a couple weeks....

Well I know we have a long way to go (and have complete faith we will!), but wow... we have been together 7 years! Crazy! To think it all started with a set up. Who knows what would've happened without the help of good friends. I was far too stubborn at the time and not willing to get into anything too serious. HA! I now must say I am a big fan of the NPU tradition, Roommate's Revenge. It wasn't such a revenge this time...we ended up married :)

My favorite part is that on our first date we came up with a practical joke to play on friends (it was APRIL FOOLS day) and there was no hesitation on either part to do such an awful (but harmless) thing.

All in all, it is a blessing and a mystery to look back and see how God places people together at the perfect time.
(Undergraduate Art Final Project)

P.S. The white dots on the photos are reminders of the good old days when I actually developed these myself. Shows what tiny dust molecules can do without technology stepping in :) Perfection in photography was VERY hard back then...a mere five years ago