Tucson Obituary

Joe Titone died suddenly in his home in Pueblo, Colorado. He was 34 years old. He is survived by his wife Melanie, daughter Savanna and son Cade; mother, Pam of Tucson, AZ; father, Pete and step-mother, Robbin of Eugene, OR; sisters, Tracey of Tucson, AZ, and Bre of Eugene, OR and brother, Chris of Albuquerque, NM; Aunt Cathy and her husband Steve, Uncle Phil and his wife Palma of Tucson, AZ; grandparents, Betty and Frank Fleming of Colorado Springs, CO; and numerous nieces and nephews. Joe was born on April 22, 1974 and raised in Tucson, AZ. He enjoyed playing all sports but fell in love with baseball a sport he played until he graduated from Churchill High School in Eugene, OR. Joe became a successful businessman by swiftly moving up the ranks of State Farm Insurance Company. This success took him to Las Vegas, NV and Pueblo, Colorado. He touched the lives of all the people he met in AZ, OR, NV and CO. He will be greatly missed. There will be a viewing at EAST LAWN PALMS MORTUARY, 5801 E. Grant Rd., on January 1, 2009, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. with a Rosary following at 5:30 p.m. Mass to be held at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 1800 Camino Pio Decimo, at 10:00 a.m. on January 2, 2009 with burial following at East Lawn Palms Cemetery.

Additional Funeral Information

Here is the information regarding the Tucson services:

The local obituary will be posted in the Tuesday edition of the Tucson Citizen.

1/1/09 -- Visitation from 8am - 5pm at East Lawn Palms Mortuary

1/2/09 -- Funeral at 10:00 am at Saint Pius Catholic Church

1/2/09 -- Graveside Burial at 11:30 am at East Lawn Palms

1/2/09 -- Reception at 12:30 pm at Saint Pius Catholic Church

The Worst Kind of News

Many of you throughout the years have had the pleasure in meeting my good friend, Melanie. For those of you who know her I wanted to pass this information on. I received a phone call yesterday from a friend that Melanie's husband passed away. He suffered a sudden and unexpected heart attack in the arms of his wife. When I know more about the Tucson services I will pass that information on.

Below is the obituary posted in the Pueblo, Colorado newspaper:

Joe F. Titone, 34, passed away suddenly on Dec. 26, 2008. He had a wonderful Christmas with his family, mother, sister and nieces. Survived by wife, Melanie, 31; daughter, Savanna, 5; son, Cade, 3; mother, Pam; and sister, Tracey of Arizona; father, Pete; stepmother, Robbin; and sister, Bre of Oregon; and brother, Chris of New Mexico. He leaves behind many friends and family members throughout Arizona, Oregon, Nevada and Colorado. His seven-year career with State Farm brought him to Pueblo for one day short of a year. He loved Pueblo and the people who came into his life in that short time. He touched so many lives so deeply in his short time on earth. He was loved always and will be loved forever. Memorial service, 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 29, 2008, St. Therese Catholic Church, 300 Goodnight, reception to follow. Funeral service will be held in his hometown, Tucson, Ariz., over the new year. We will celebrate his life. Arrangements pending. Arrangements through Imperial Funeral Home.

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Wishing all of you out there a very special, safe, and enjoyable Christmas.

AMEC Christmas Party 2008

Here are pictures from Matthew's company Christmas party. Not enough people within his office RSVP'ed to this shindig and the food was already paid for, so they let us bring my sister and her boyfriend, Tim. The party was at the Terra Cotta Restaurant and all of us (I hope) had a good time. At least I know Teresa and I did since we had a few too many drinks and were giggling and laughing in the backseat the whole way home as our designated drivers gave us funny looks.

Doesn't she look lovely?

We are adorable!

The awesome foursome!

Trudy has "Fat-Girl" problems...

Last Friday I had to take Trudy to the vet because she has some rotten teeth that need to be pulled. The doctor and I decided that since she is 8 years old now to do some routine bloodwork, check her Valley Fever, and Heartworm.

Here are her results:

All of her bloodwork is great except for her urine pH levels and her triglyceride levels. Apparently the triglyceride levels should be around 150 but hers are at 260. We now have to put her on a "fat-girl" diet of special food that is mostly protein and exercise her more regularly.

Her Valley Fever is fine...no need to medicate her or be concerned.

Her Heartworm came back negative so we can start giving her preventative medication.

She has surgery scheduled for the first week of January where anywhere from 1 to 3 teeth will be pulled. Her remaining teeth will be cleaned and polished. I asked for a discount, you know, since she doesn't have many teeth left and they said they "would take it under advisement". Whatever that means.

So needless to say we are broke as a joke right before the holidays but at least our baby got the medical attention she needed!

Funny Picture of the Day

Professor Trudy says "stop playing around and do your homework!"

So Close...Yet So Far Away

Hello Everyone! Just a little post to let you know that we are home safe and sound from our short trip to Kingman for the Thankgiving holiday. The pups faired well, Piper did reasonably well on her own (there wasn't nearly as much pee to clean up as I expected) and the trip was rather uneventful. Can't ask for much more than that.

Now crunch time begins. Finals began for me today. I finished my first one this morning for OCHM lab. It was a tough, 2 part final, but I think I pulled off a good enough grade to get an A. We'll see...

My next final is this Friday which coinsides with a test in OCHM lecture. Lets just say I am feeling a little pressed for time. Both require a great deal of attention and studying, but there is only so much time left.

My last two finals aren't until the week of the 15th, so there will be a short break in-between exams. That short break should give me time to study and get Trudy to the vet since she has a tooth that needs to be pulled. I know, poor little girl doesn't have many teeth left, but the ones she does have seem to be rotting right out of her head. Poor baby!

Anyway, you might not see much of me for the next couple weeks, but I will definately be back after December 19th...the day of my last final.

Take Care!

P.S. We're moving again...I don't know when or where, but the decision has been made.

Happy Thanksgiving!

To All My Family and Friends,

Wishing each and every one of you a very safe and relaxing Thanksgiving!

The Cutest Infestation

Matthew sent me this website about a week ago and I have gotten such laughs out of it, I thought I would share it with the rest of you.

http://cdn1.ustream.tv/swf/4/viewer.45.swf?cid=317016

And here is an article:

It takes a village of some 4 million to raise six cuddly pups, or at least to ogle them for hours on end.

What began as a way for a San Francisco couple to keep tabs on their pet Shiba Inu dog Kika’s litter while they were at work has become an unlikely Web sensation. Viewers flock to the Internet site Ustream.com to monitor the 5-week-old brood’s growth, watching the energetic pups paw and play with one another and have at it with their chew toys.

It's like having puppies in your own house without having to clean up the poop!

Enjoy!

Diverticulitis: Update

I had my last appointment, as least for the foreseeable future, with my gastroenterologist yesterday. Overall she says I am making good progress, the intense pressure in my abdomen has lessened and my bouts of pain are only about a couple times a week. For me, this is progress.

I have been on antibiotics for at least the last 12 weeks, trying to clear up the infection in my lower GI tract. That regimen will be done in about 2 more weeks. Her advice from now on is: eat better, get plenty of sleep, exercise, and drink lots of water. I can accomplish all of these on my own except for the eating better part. Where does one begin? So, now I am seeking a nutritionist, hopefully free through the university but if not, through my health insurance company...who can put me on the right track in terms of what I should be eating. Those with diverticulitis are not supposed to eat popcorn, nuts, or seeds of any kind. Other than that, that's all I know. Hopefully a nutritionist or dietitian can tell me how many veggies, fruits, dairy, and meats I should be eating eat day/week with the condition that I have.

The only other problem I foresee is the "plenty of sleep". I am going into finals in about a week or so and I doubt much sleeping will be going on...but I will try.

High School Moment #1

Yesterday I was walking to my bike, had my helmet on and was getting my iPod out for the ride home. From a short distance away I heard someone call my name and I looked. It was two of the girls from my Organic Chemistry lab. They smiled and waved, I smiled and waved in response. I suddenly realized that the "cool" kids just waved to me and I was wearing my grubby clothes, my hair was a mess, and had my pink bike helmet on...how stupid did I look? I felt a rush of embarrassment and awkwardness and couldn't wait to get out of there, afraid of what they might think or say.

Than, two seconds later I realized, I'm not 18 anymore -- I am almost thirty and no longer do I give a darn what the 18 year old "cool" kids think or say about me.

On the ride home, I laughed out-loud and thought -- Isn't it sad that even when we are older and more mature some of those old high school moments sneak up on us out of nowhere?

Post Election Day Response

I am only going to briefly comment on the Presidental race. My candidate didn't win and I am disappointed. I thought he brought a lot to the table and would have been a great and honorable president. I am getting used to the idea of having Obama as my President and truly hope he brings the change he promises to America.

Now onto the Arizona elections!

Let's be honest Arizonans, we aren't very happy with the government we have in place or many of the policies they support. Which is why the election results are so stiking. I did a completely non-mathmatical tabulation this morning of who won and who didn't. Would you be surprised to hear that out of the approximately 64 races that took place in Pima County alone, apporximately 49 of those resulted in the imcumbant(s) staying in office? Would you also be surprised to hear that a vast majority of those 15 races which resulted in a new candidate taking office, the incumbant wasn't running against them? Don't you also find it interesting that not a single judge was unseated?

This state needs help and it needs it desperately! Our school districts have no money, our prisons are overcrowded, illegal aliens are crossing the border into our state EVERYDAY, our streets and highways need improvement, crime is on the rise, the list goes on and on!

SO WHY DO WE INSIST ON KEEPING THE SAME MORONS IN OFFICE?

I urge all Arizonans, shoot I urge people from every state, at the next election take a good long look at our (your) city/state/country and if you don't like what you see, for heaven's sake get rid of the people running it.

The Circle of Life Displayed Right in Front of my House

A couple of days ago Matthew was playing video games and I was doing homework, when all of sudden we heard an odd sound outside. Upon our investigation (ie: opening the front door) we discovered a dead pigeon lying in our flower bed. Two or three feral kitties were anxiously licking their lips and cowering in the bushes at the side of the house. We thought, "well that's strange, if they killed that bird, why are they hiding?" We walked around to the front window which gives us a different vantage point of the front yard and lo and behold, sitting on the roof of our living room was the biggest hawk I have ever seen! It was red and white and so very magestic. A stare-off between the feral kitties and hawk followed for what seemed like an hour....and than the hawk flew away. Amazing! I am just glad that the feral kitties didn't get taken away by that ginormous bird!

This is reason number 227 why NOT having a digital camera sucks!

P.S. Keep an eye out in the next few days for my post-election day response.

You take the Polish out of the name, but you can't take the Polish out of the girl!

So, I was riding my bike home yesterday like I do everyday, minding my own business. I picked up the mail from our mailbox and started to ride my bike into my front yard. Somewhere along the way the back tire slipped out from under me and me, my iPod and 20+ pounds of chemistry books took a dive right into the dirt. I was able to brace myself with my hand, so my head was safe (I was also wearing my helmet, I know...geeky), however my leg suffered some major damage. Luckily, books, bike and iPod made it through unscathed.

I now have an ever increasing bruise about 6 inches long and about 3 inches wide on my left lower leg. At first I was a total girl about it, but now I am being a total guy, hoping that it turns a dark purple-blue-black color. Cause really, if you are going to have a bruise, let it be a gnarly one that people can admire and stare at with amazement.

P.S. I would post pictures but our digital camera took a dump. When my Palm Pilot recharges I will try using that to snap some photos.

Peta: Genius or Unhinged?

Matthew sent this to be today (http://www.peta.org/sea_kittens/about.asp) and I thought it was adorable, he thought they were crazy. You can decide for yourself. The nutshell of it is is that Peta is trying to save fish, so instead of calling them fish, they recommend calling them sea kittens. Who would want to hurt a sea kitten? Not me!
Here is one that I created...so don't eat sea kittens!

Most Retarded Phone Call of the Day

I got the stupidest, honestly probably the most retarded phone call today and I just had to share it.

Me: "Hello?"
Girl: "Hello. Can I please speak to Mrs. Skibinski"
Me: "That is me."
Girl: "Hi, my name is ____ and I am a freshman at the U of A. I am calling today because we want to update our information so that you can still receive the parent's newsletter called The Pawprint. I see here that you live at ________. Is that correct?"
Me: "Yes."
Girl: "I also see that you have a student who attends the U of A. What grade is he/she in?"
Me: "I am the student."
Girl: "Oh I see, can I speak to your Mom? Is she home?"
Me: "No, I am thirty years old."
Girl: "Oh, (long pause) well than you obviously already know about our organization."
Me: "Yes."
Girl: "Would you be interested in donating money to our organization, it is 100% tax deductible?"
Me: "Umm, no thank you."
Girl: (sounding slightly rejected and upset) "Okay, thank you, bye"
Me: "Bye"

I just want to take this opportunity to thank the University of Arizona who makes their appreciation of me so obvious! Wow! I don't know what makes me more amazed, the fact that they don't even know that I attend their school or the fact that I enrolled in their school under my married name but they still are using my maiden name. Words cannot express how much this makes me feel all warm and fuzzy on the inside. It really reinforces that all the hard work I am putting in is worth it.

P.S. Oh by the way, U of A, I am sure that I can speak for every student (and parent) out there when I say that we don't want to give you one more cent than we have to. You already raised tuition by over $700 next semester, raised parking permits by an additional $250, and are charging a mandatory $50+ "security" fee that is supposed to go to policing and security but I haven't yet seen ONE SINGLE University police officer on campus. No one is interested in giving you any more money!

Murphy's Law is so Accurate it Hurts

I left home at 7:30 am to attend my 8:00 class.  It was a lab so we are required to wear closed toe shoes and long pants to protect our legs and feet from glass, chemicals, etc.  Class went fine, even got some homework out of the way.

Right after class I studied for two more hours for my OCHM test, grabbed an expensive and thoroughly disgusting bite to eat at the Student Union and proceeded to OCHM.  I took the test which was massively difficult and stressful, but I don't think I failed.

Immediately following I went to Calculus II to get my test and attend lecture.  This is where things took a nose dive.  My teacher made us aware that anyone getting a D or lower on the test should drop the class immediately since there would be zero chance of getting a passing grade by the end of the semester.  I, sadly, was in the bracket.  

BUT...there was still hope.  If enough people in the class did badly than maybe he would curve the grades. HE DOESN'T CURVE...EVER!  

I felt like someone punched me in the gut.  I had just gotten past the point of suicide and convinced myself that things were going to be okay.  I guess they aren't.  Regardless of the fact that I know the material and would probably be fine to continue the class, the grade was so bad that there was no chance of recovery.  I was forced to drop the class since today is the drop deadline and I will have to retake the class next semester.  What a hit to my self esteem and my long term goals!  This sets me back considerably.

So I proceeded, defeated and stunned, to my bicycle to ride home and drown my sorrows in "no-bake" cookies when I noticed that I had a flat tire. So...I proceeded yet again, defeated, stunned, and a tad bit ticked, to walk my bicycle home in the heat, wearing jeans and boots, with 25 pounds (no joke) of chemistry books on my back.  Luckily Matthew was able to pick me and Allura up about half way home.

Now I sit here, stinky and exhausted, hoping that some of this will appear funny to me tomorrow.  Here's to hoping!

My First Test at the U of A....

....and I failed.  I can't tell you how upset I am.  Of course, this was Calculus II, the class I knew that I would have to study the hardest for and get the most help.  So, I studied, I did the homework, and I studied some more, Matt and I worked on these problems almost every night.  

I walked into the test yesterday, took one look at the test and said "YES!".  I have seen every single one of these problems before and I know how to solve them.  

And than....my mind went blank.  I couldn't think, I couldn't breath, I couldn't do anything but almost cry.  I knew how to solve them but I can't get my brain to communicate with my hand. So in 50 minutes I ended up turning in the test with exactly one problem (out 4) completed.

Now, I somehow have to pick myself up and try to study and pass two more tests in the next 24 hours but I can't do it.  I am so bummed...I worked so hard and it didn't matter.  I invested so much time and it didn't matter.  To use one of my Dad's colorful euphemisms, I choked.  And I am so devastated about it.

The University of Arizona

I know a few of you have been waiting for an update about school.  Of course that is an interesting conundrum since 99% of my time is now spent doing homework or studying for a test and I have 1% of my remaining time to eat, sleep, blog, and be with my hubby.

What is bad about the U of A?  

1. Well, it isn't much different than Pima except that it is MUCH bigger.  There are people, literally, everywhere.  

2. When riding your bike, pedestrians insist on standing, sitting, lollygagging or simply blocking the bike lanes.

3. When you are a pedestrian, the bicyclists will literally run you down and kill you.

4. Monsoon season is awesome until you have to ride home in it, or better yet ride to school in it.  There is nothing worse than sitting through 3 air conditioned lectures when you are soaked to the bone.

5. Grabbing a bite to eat takes an hour, 55 minutes waiting in line and 5 minutes to swallow it on the way to your next class.

6. The professors simply don't give a damn.  Come, don't come, do the work, or don't.  It is all the same to them.  At least at Pima they pretended to care.

7. Sorority girls and Fraternity boys annoy me to such an extreme I may have to start taking hostages.

What is good about the U of A?

1. I have been accepted to the Honors college and they are accepting me as a Junior which will make graduating with honors an attainable goal.

2. I will most certainly lose weight since I bike an average of 15 miles per week and Matt and I are swimming at the UA Rec center 3 times a week.

3. There is more anonymity and people (generally) don't recognize or know me.

4. We are saving a ton of dough now that Matt is taking the Hyundai to work and I bike everywhere I need to go.

5. My CatCard gets me discounts almost everywhere...again saving money.  Nothing I like better!

6. I get to listen to my iPod everyday.  It is no longer a really expensive solitaire machine but an actual product I use everyday.

7. If nothing else, at the end of the day I can say I am a WILDCAT!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My Classes:

Monday:  

Chemistry Discussion Hour

Organic Chemistry Lecture

Calculus II

Tuesday:  

Organic Chemistry Lab

Molecular and Cellular Biology Lecture

Wednesday: 

Organic Chemistry Lecture

Calculus II

Thursday:  

Molecular and Cellular Biology Lecture

Molecular and Cellular Biology Lecture (HONORS)

Friday:  

Molecular and Cellular Biology Lab

Organic Chemistry Lecture

Calculus II

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Alright everyone, that is all the typing I can tolerate for one day.  I have spent more hours at this computer today than I care to think about.  Will write again soon when something interesting or amazing happens!

Meet Princess Allura...

Please meet Princess Allura, my new bicycle, purchased the day before school started at K-Mart. She is beautiful and fun, but most of all she is pink! Her name is Princess Allura because I am watching Voltron right now and the pilot of the blue lion wears pink. I have already gotten several compliments at school about her and she is much easier to maneuver with 25 pounds of books on my back than Matthew's 10-speed. My only complaint so far is that I have been soaking wet for the first two days of school. If I am not sweating my butt off than I am drenched with rain. I don't do well when wet! YUCK!

I am hoping to add some upgrades to Princess Allura in the near future.  Most of all I would like a basket on either the front or back that will accommodate my backpack.

The New Princess Allura

The Original Princess Allura

More details will follow regarding my first week at the U of A after my first week has concluded.  Keep an eye out this weekend.

Esophagogasroduodenoscopy Update

I heard from the doctor's office today regarding my test results.  The good news is that all my biopsies came back normal and healthy.  The bad news is that we still don't know what is wrong with me.  I have a follow-up appointment with my doctor in September.  In the meantime I am still taking the pro-biotics and GERD medication.  Hopefully these will help and my doctor will have further advice when I see her.

Surgery, Work, Dogs, Sister & School

As most of you know by now, I am home safe and sound from my out-patient surgery and am doing well. Other than having the feeling for a couple days that I swallowed a golf ball, I haven't had any other side effects. My test results should be back on Tuesday and hopefully they have given the doc some iota as to what is wrong with me. In the meantime, she has prescribed me Prilosec to maintain a condition called GERD which i didn't know that I had. It is my belief that the GERD and whatever else is wrong with me are not related but if it helps than I will take it.

Next is that I have officially submitted my two week notice to my job. It is something that I desperately worried over and stressed about, wanting to make the right decision. In the end I knew what I had to do...I had to give up the job in light of school, scholarship, health, and family. My boss was absolutely amazing about it and there are already plans to try to get me back in over the summer next year. I have to admit that I feel like a bit of a loser right now since college students all over America maintain a job and school simultaneously. I really believed I could do it all but fear overtook me and I just can't lose that scholarship. Here's to hoping that it was the right decision.

Thirdly, Matthew and I found a dog at the Humane Society which we are interested in. It is a boy schnauzer mix about 1-2 years old who is a stray. They don't know much about him but we are hoping to meet him today or tomorrow. I am staying cautiously optimistic.

Fourthly, my sister is awesome and bought me (with her trade) the first season of Voltron on DVD. I watched the first disc this morning and I am so happy!!




Lastly, school starts on Monday and I am a nervous wreck. I have waiting so long for this moment. I realistically know that it won't be the way I envision it to be but hope that I am not disappointed by the bureaucracy of it all. OH MY GOD, I'M OFFICIALLY A WILDCAT!!!

Esophagogasroduodenoscopy

I dare you to say that three times fast. Actually I dare you to pronounce it once correctly.

My outpatient surgery is going to take place tomorrow at 1:00 in the afternoon. I can easily say that I am apprehensive and nervous and will just be happy to have this over with. I will call and/or write on my blog as soon as I am feeling up to it. If all goes well I should be back to normal within 2-4 hours of the procedure. Lets hope that happens! Until next time....

Our Trip to Vegas 2008

Matthew, I, and all the pets are safely home from our vacation. I am still a little tired from the events of the week, so I will simply give a brief overview of what we did and later in the week will regale you all with stories from our trip!

Monday:
Star Trek: The Experience
Lunch @ Quark's
Checked into the Monte Carlo
Dinner @ the New York, New York
Watched Olympics

Tuesday:
Lunch @ the Silverton Buffet (delicious!)
Bally's for "The Price is Right"
The Palms for the Playboy store and club
Dinner @ In & Out Burger
Watched Olympics

Wednesday:
Relaxing morning by the pool at the Monte Carlo
Lunch @ Big Dogs
Dessert @ the Star Trek: The Experience
Rides/Museum @ Star Trek: The Experience
No Dinner....too full!
Watched Olympics

Thursday:
Breakfast @ Starbucks
Tix 4 Tonite (to get show tickets)
Mirage for Seigfried and Roy's baby tiger exhibit
Lunch @ La Salsa
Planet Hollywood for Popovich's Comedy Pet Theatre
Dinner @ the New York, New York
Watched Olympics

Friday:
Breakfast @ Panera's in Henderson
Back to Kingman to pick up the puppies!!
Dinner with Family
Drive back to Tucson

Saturday:
Arrived in Tucson @ 1:00 am

Summer School is Finally Over

Sign Language 101 and 102 are officially over. I took my last final this morning and just have a meeting with my teacher tomorrow to find out my final grade. Overall, my experience with sign language was a good one. I learned ALOT and enjoyed it for the most part. The language itself is very interesting and my teachers were nice.
The only thing I wasn't enjoying was that towards the end I found it difficult to juggle work and school. Work has been calling me in to pickup additional shifts and school was getting more stressful all at the same time. I guess this is good practice for when U of A starts in two weeks, but it has given me a good opportunity to really examine if I am going to be able to handle both. U of A is far more difficult than Pima and I will have more classes. I have a lot of thinking to do in the next couple weeks but ultimately my scholarship is what is most important.

Tucson Heat is Destructive

Due to some technical difficulties which have been resolved, the blog I tried to post a few days ago is now back up (albeit rewritten).

Matthew and I recently decided to move our master bedroom from its location to another room of the house. This came about for two reasons. First, the boys next door like to party. They like to party so much that they do it all the time. I wasn't getting any sleep and they weren't working with us. Second, the master bedroom is extremely hot. It is on the West side of the house and gets a great deal of sun exposure. We successfully moved the rooms...the master bedroom is now the computer room and the old computer room is now our master bedroom. It is working out marvelously thus far and we are glad we made the change.

The one surprising element we found in the old master bedroom was the ruined blinds. We had window covering overtop of the blinds to block the light. Little did we know that the Tucson sun could make the blinds look like we took a blow torch to them.

Anniversary

Today is Matthew and I's 3rd wedding anniversary. I cannot believe how time has flown. I have taken the opportunity today to think a lot about what has happened in my life during those past 3 years. Some things I wish I would have done differently, some I wish I hadn't done at all, but some things I don't regret in the least (I am hoping that is the way it is supposed to be). Marrying my amazing husband is certainly the best choice I have ever made. Here is to 75 more entertaining years of marriage!

Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis is the Diagnosis

I had my appointment with my GI doctor today and have been tentatively diagnosed with Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis. You can read more on the internet if you are so inclined (http://www.gicare.com/pated/ecdgs02.htm). I am on antibiotics for the next 10 days which will follow with about a months worth of probiotics. After we get back from Las Vegas in August I have scheduled an outpatient surgery where the doctors will confirm if I am allergic to Gluten. According to my GI doc my symptoms are not synonymous with a wheat allergy (plus my blood results were inconclusive) so she doesn't believe that is the problem. We are checking Gluten just to be certain. In September I have a followup appointment with my doctor to discuss what is next for me. Just as I suspected, my Doc believes that this has been a problem reaching back to my late teens/early 20s and was directly responsible for the sensitive surgery I had 3 years ago. It is unfortunate that doctors these days treat the ailment but never delve into why the ailment began in the first place. It is great that my previous problem has been fixed and life is much better because of the surgery....but the problem started somewhere and no one bothered to find out where.

Second Day on the Job!

Yesterday I worked from 4-8:30 pm and this time it was simply a visitation (also known as a wake). Myself and my co-worker assisted the family as much as possible and tried our best to stay out of their way in order to allow them time to grieve. In general the evening was quiet and uneventful however I must admit that being in the mortuary, at night, in the dark, by ourselves, was very unsettling. I am hoping that with time and experience I will overcome my imagination and become more comfortable. In addition, before locking the gates at night, we have to drive around the cemetery and confirm their aren't any guests visiting the grounds. The second creepiest thing in the world...driving around the cemetery at night!

First Day at the New Job!

I started my new job today (much earlier than expected)! Overall I had a good time and enjoyed the work. I was involved with two different services starting at about 10 o'clock this morning. Each service took about 2 hours and they were back-to-back. The training was definatetly hands-on as I jumped right into my work immediately and just followed the lead of my boss or was told what to do in advance and when. I was able to handle the job much better than I initially suspected and after the initial uneasiness of seeing a deceased person I was fine for the remainder of the day. One thing I do know, I need to wear better shoes. Heels (1 inch) killed my feet today after having been on them for so long. I work again tomorrow, so hopefully I can find a new pair of flats tonight.

Greer, AZ doesn't suck...

Matthew and I were invited to a cabin getaway with Bruce, Christine, and their family for the July 4th weekend. We went and took the dogs with us and had an absolutely wonderful time. The temperature never rose above 80 degrees, we roasted marshmellows at night, read books (there was no TV, cell, or computers service), played cards, ate delicious food, and went canoing. What a relaxing trip! I can't wait to go back!

Got the Job!

Nathan, the funeral director, called on Wednesday afternoon (6/25/08) and had me come in the following day for a second interview. I was offered the attendant position, part-time, on-call around my schedule, and a paid position...I accepted. I won't start until August before school starts since my drug test needs to be examined as does my background check. Nathan also confirmed that the "preparation" portion of the mortuary will be officially be moved in August. Hopefully that means I will be moved to that area much more quickly. Overall I am pretty excited but I would be lying if I said I wasn't worried about juggling work, school, and a husband and puppies. Wish me good luck, I am going to need it.

Eye Appointment

Matthew has been suffering from a terrible, constant headache for about a week now. He has gone to the doctor and the doc prescribed some pills which of course didn't work. So, I suggested we go get our eyes checked. It was about time for me and I thought maybe the reason the medication wasn't working was something more physical.
So we had our appointments and my eyes are just lovely, despite the need for glasses. My prescription has hardly changed at all and the other tests were fine. Matthew on the other hand is going to need glasses. BUT that isn't the most interesting part of the story. Apparently when he had his eyes checked at this same establishment 2 years ago, he needed glasses than. It seems that they "prescribed" him glasses but NEVER told him about it. According to his medical file he is supposed to and has been wearing glasses for the past two years. Needless to say that Matthew and the doctor were very surprised. I am no expert, but that seems like a malpractice suit or at the very least they owe him a huge apology.

Isabel Maria Cuadrado

I am happy to announce my friends Melissa and Agustin welcomed into the world their baby daughter. She was born yesterday (6/17/08) at 3:04 pm. She is 7 lbs 2 ounces and 21 inches long. I visited her in the hospital and aside from the cone head she is the most beautiful baby I have ever seen. Her eyes are not blue but very light colored and she has blond hair. She is simply gorgeous. Mommy Melissa is doing fine, just extraordinarily tired! Daddy cannot leave Isabel's side for a second and is grinning from ear to ear. I am so happy for them!

Job Interview

I just got home about an hour ago from a job interview at a mortuary. I put in an application about a week ago after having met with the funeral director about a month before that.

It has been said by many in the law enforcement and crime scene profession that before I continue my education too far that I should have some hands on experience with the deceased. Many say that they have seen people who have become educated forensic experts who than passed out or vomited at the sight of a real dead person. All those years of school would be worthless if you find out you can't handle it. So, that is why I met with Nathan, the funeral director.

Originally he had me scoped out to become a part-time receptionist, but after we talked for a little while he realized that that wasn't exactly what I was interested in. So, he is now looking for an attendant position for me. The hours would be more flexible around school, and that is essential to my accepting any position. An attendant works with the family, prepares for the services and has some minimal interaction with the deceased. It is his goal that come August-October, when the preparation portion of the mortuary will be transferred from a more distant location to our location, that he can put me in a position much more suited to my interests.

I am so pumped. The interview went great and Nathan was easy to get along with and talk to. It sounds like he is going to do all he can to accommodate my schedule and rearrange some staff to get me a position. I should hear back from him after Thursday of next week. There of course is a chance I won't accept or he won't be able to find anything, but overall the interview went swimmingly.

More Memorial Videos

I was surfing the net this morning and found more videos made by people just like me. They didn't know Officer Hite but were touched by his sacrifice. These videos are posted mostly for me so that I can find them again in the future.

http://www.azfamily.com/video/allnewsheadlines-index.html?nvid=253399&shu=1

Good News/Bad News

Matthew had a doctor's appointment scheduled for today but his work called him out to Marana, so he asked me to go in his place. I have a mole on my upper back that seems to have gotten larger since I came home from California a couple months ago with a sunburn. So, the doctor's office let me go in his place and we weren't penalized.

The good news is that my mole is completely normal and I can electively decide to remove it if I wish.

The bad news is that my blood results came back and I am "slightly" allergic to wheat. It is kind of weird...if the number was 11 or below, than you are not allergic. If the number was 17 or above than you are allergic. My number was 13, which puts me somewhere in the middle. I have to go to a GI doctor now for further testing. Oh well, at least I am finally getting to the bottom of all my intestinal problems.

Memorial T-Shirt

Billboard and Additional Thoughts

This billboard was placed today at the corner of Golf Links and Kolb. I was in the neighborhood so I dropped by and snapped a quick photo.

It has been very interesting to hear other people's opinions about the death of Officer Hite. Many are as touched as I am and are deeply saddened, others seem to give it very little thought or found it an inconvenience. I journeyed to a dentist appointment the day of Officer Hite's funeral and my dental hygienist commented that "the traffic was horrible, I almost didn't make it back from lunch on time, and hey, people get killed everyday...what's the big deal?" Wow! Luckily she had numerous tubes and equipment in my mouth so that I couldn't rebut.

I have thought a lot about the hygienist's statement over the past couple of days. It is unimaginable to me that people could think that someone's death could be an inconvenience. It is so very important for us as a community to honor this man first and foremost because he was a servant to our community but also because he was a human being. He was a husband, a father, and a friend to people who loved him deeply. It sickens me to think that there are people in Tucson who cheapen his sacrifice because it cramped their style. Yes, people do get killed everyday but how many of them get killed saving other people? How many took an oath to serve and protect and died doing exactly that?

I found a website today called "The Officer Down Memorial Page" (http://www.odmp.org/) and their mission statement says:

The Officer Down Memorial Page, Inc., (ODMP) is a non-profit organization dedicated to honoring America's fallen law enforcement heroes. More than 18,000 officers have made the ultimate sacrifice in the United States and it is with great honor that the ODMP pays a lasting tribute to each of these officers by preserving their memories within its pages. All who visit the ODMP will be deeply moved by the countless stories of selfless courage and heroism exhibited by officers who lost their lives while serving and protecting the citizens of this great nation."

They died protecting us and THAT is why it is a big deal!

Last Call for Officer Erik Hite

What an Amazing Sight!

Here are the photos taken by me during the precession for Officer Erik Hite. The precession went north on Houghton, west on Speedway, north on Kolb which eventually turned into Grant Road. The funeral was held at East Lawn Palms (where my Grandma and Grandpa Skibinski are buried). I was situated right at the entrance to the cemetery. I plan to have more follow-up within the next couple of days but for today I am all cried/tired out.