A few happenings

A few recent updates:

First of all, I came down with a week long flu. It started out with me eating so much, which I have discovered is often one of the first signs of me getting sick because my body seems to want to pack in as many nutrients and calories as possible. Before I knew it, it took a lot of energy to do everything--whether it was walking to another class or even sitting at my desk at work. It was very hard for me to breathe and gunk joined up in my lungs, which made me even wonder if a hospital tune-up was coming soon, so I called my doc. Surprisingly, with everything I had been eating, I lost weight, and my PFTs had gone up. I sure must had been fighting for a few days to be burning calories and have my lungs working hard just from breathing. My nurse suggested they do a flu test, which came out positive. All in all, my flu could have been worst since I had a flu shot a few months ago, so lesson to you all, get your flu shot even if you don't think you will need it!!


(And thank goodness the flu only lasted a week because I got to see my lovely friend Kate before she heads off to Hong Kong.)

When I was sick I was placed on an antibiotic called Minocycline to protect my lungs. Let me tell you though, (here is another lesson learned) it's important to listen to your body in every way. The day after I started it, I felt very dizzy and couldn't walk straight. It always kicked in a couple of hours after I took the tiny pill and I would joke about how I felt like a drunk woman. I even had the Jack Sparrow swagger wherever I went. A couple of days later, the side effects worsened a little, but I put them aside, ignoring them. I couldn't concentrate on my school work. I found myself confused at whatever people would say as I couldn't comprehend things easily. In sewing one day, all the symptoms reached their peak. I couldn't sew a straight line, threading the machine made me nauseous, and I couldn't understand the simplest instructions. My eyes would burn as they looked blood shot. Before I knew it, (and I can't exactly remember everything or why things were happening), I started crying and ended up in the sewing closet, hardly able to breathe or talk as there was sensation of a hand was clasped around my throat. I remember wanting to call my doctor, but there was no service and I was about to fall over while in an emotional wreck. I don't remember all the details, especially since having an emotional meltdown in a sewing closet was very unlike me!! But luckily I was able to leave the room, feeling the strong presence of angels and having very specific promptings telling me step by step what to do (i.e. You need to drink water, you need to walk up these stairs and get to the cafeteria to get some food, you need to call your nurse Jenn and tell her such and such, etc--later that day, I also realized it was my best friend who passed away a while ago-Shanna's-21st birthday, and knew she was there helping out, on her very own birthday). So there I was, feeling so weak, lost and confused, with mascara running down my cheeks, walking late to work where I could sit down and make the phone call (in slurred, confused speech) to say I was quitting that antibiotic.

So long story short, if you have side effects from any med that are not usual or if you body is ever giving negative signals, listen before it's too late!

The day after I quit it, I felt so good and was grateful to be able to understand people around me, to learn and comprehend, to breathe, and to be in tune with the world. It felt incredible. I was able to enjoy some good times with those around me now that I was officially no longer sick or drugged out.

First of all, I was glad to feel well again at work. Here are some pictures of my super tall new co-worker and I. I believe this is why he plays football for BYU.

That night my roommies and I went out to eat for M-Dawg's birthday. She chose a place we had never been to called Studio 22 to try out. After waiting for our food for a while while we were starving, we got our food--burgers on homemade buns, fries, and chicken and waffles!! I was afraid to try them, because who in their right mind would ever put fried chicken on waffles topped with bacon, sage, and brown sugar syrup? But let me tell you, they were divine. They were indescribable. They were incredible.

The week ended with having fun with my roommates, bowling (which I desperately need to practice), and double decker Blue Bell ice cream.

Whattuh week!!! Well, I now hear people in my living room having a jam sesh with guitars and ukeleles, so I better go join. More will come later.

Cooking Blog Back into Gear

Hellooo. Just in case you didn't know, I have a cooking blog named "a College Kitchen"for healthy, yummy, nutritious, overall budget-friendly recipes. There is a good variety, including main courses, side dishes, Mexican, Italian, soups, salads, desserts, breads, and much more. I lost my camera a while back and could never find it, and ended up getting a new one over Christmas break, so now the blog is back into gear. You can check it out if you would like. I just posted one of my favorite new recipes: stuffed avacados. Enjoy :)

http://a-college-kitchen.blogspot.com/

Now that Shows True Character

A miracle happened tonight, and I cannot stop smiling.

Miss Millie had her dream come true.

A few women got together, believing that they could pull a miracle together.
Miss Millie, the young girl in my home ward who fights Leukemia for the 3rd time, was going to attend Justin Bieber's concert after she was cured for the 2nd time, but her Leukemia came back and her family had to sell the tickets. I can't even imagine how much this young girl has been fighting, with new changes always coming while still holding through as best as she can.

So a few women, at the very last minute (a day or two before the concert) started a campaign to have Justin come to Miss Millie, since she is one of the biggest JB fans. She continues to fight and she not only deserved, but needed this opportunity and miracle if it could happen. Last night the campaign went flying around Facebook, on JB's Twitter and Facebook pages. We all pleaded for him to come see her. I even looked on his Facebook page, and at least 20 people posted the campaign within a half hour. People immediately started finding ways to contact him and sharing the campaign all over social media so Millie would have a surprise visit by her favorite artist.

Here is an article explaining more. http://www.ksl.com/?sid=23635873&nid=1164 This miracle actually happened after many prayers from all over, as we all believed this could happen. He delayed his concert to come visit her at the hospital, came in and surprised her, and sang Baby to her while holding her hand, and then gave her a kiss on the cheek.

That, my friends, shows true character for Justin to do this. I am amazed at how a few people started a domino effect through this campaign, helping Millie's dream come true. I love you Millie and I'm so happy for you!!

Hello 2013--Bring in the New Year :)

Guys, 2013 is going to rock. Here are a few resolutions:

Strive to get above a C in my upcoming classes, especially Stats
Become more tolerant of Provo while I'm there for this semester

Meet more people wherever I am

Watch more carefully what I eat so I don't get such bad stomach aches.

Be a better friend

I'm still thinking about a half marathon. Debating...

Sew a mustard yellow skirt or a cute striped skirt in my upcoming sewing class

Study Preach my Gospel a little hardcore for the first half of the year

Now, from a few hints from this post and the last, you probably guessed what the main thing is that I'll be doing this year. It took a while to decide on, and I wasn't one of the girls who jumped right into it (which isn't bad, it just took me longer to decide.) Let me tell you, so many worries flooded my mind regarding possibly being called "Cyster" Roy. For a basic idea: 

my vest/neb treatments in the mornings and at night

 cardio exercise-which might possibly scare the living daylights out of my companion in the mornings with how determined I am to keep my lungs clear

not being able to eat everything, because fatty or processed foods typically make me very sick

carrying "Max" in a handbag for when I don't do so well with that rule

difficult companions who may have a hard time with CF

 possible hospital tune-ups if my body takes on too much

being close to a CF clinic

etc etc etc etc etc

But guess what? Since I like to make plans A,B,C,D,E,F,G, none of my plans for next year were working out, and I have felt for some time it's supposed to be a big, good year. I never felt right about being in my hometown or Provo for this summer, too. I talked with my roommates and about it. My roommate, D$ (ok, Dana), said something along the lines of "Although you are afraid of how short life is, even if it wouldn't be as long, wouldn't it be so much better if you could just live it to its fullest and take risks?" Those words hit home, and I prayed even more about the mission, this time letting go of my fears about CF's responsibilities, and I knew that night after our conversation that it was right. If worse comes to worse, I could come home for some time or be given some accommodations from my Mission President. Even if it's a struggle and fight the whole time, it will be for the better, and hopefully I can make a difference in some peoples' lives and bring them closer to Christ. I am taking a big step, and ever since I decided to do so, so many setbacks and hard hard hard decisions have been thrown at me, to the point of having to possibly meet with lawyers and attorneys about health insurance. I won't go into details, but it's interesting how you can know something is good when the adversary tries to stop you in ways you never thought would be possible.

Although I have CF, I hope to use these experiences to help others and help them recognize that especially since this is a big sacrifice, I wouldn't be out in the mission field for no reason, and that each person is loved by our Heavenly Father, even when they go through their challenges. This gospel means so much. I can't wait to teach what has helped me in my life and bring families closer together through what they may never have known existed. I have my physical tomorrow and then (except for insurance issues), I will be done with my papers. We will see what happens, but 2013 is going to be a fantastic year. :)

I hope you all have the best year ever, no matter what comes your way.

So, any guesses of where I'll be going (stateside)?

Goodbye 2012

I know, yesterday's post was a little ridiculous but I found those pictures of the cat that looked like Marty and I thought they were pretty funny :) Anywho, here are a few re-caps from 2012. I will be honest, it wasn't my favorite year as it was difficult in a few ways with losing my dog, grandma, and grandpa, but there were still some good things along the way :)

First of all, I had the chance to become friends with these girls after moving into my new apartment during Freshman year. They were so much fun to be around!

(But I do not miss how cold the apartment would get)

I was also able to make friends with these two and Jess. I'll admit, during Chelsea and Todd's first date (that night when I kept falling at Classic Skating and they were helping me learn how to skate), I could see some chemistry between the two of them. I am so happy to see them get married this May!!

Alicia got married

Went on a few runs with the fam

spent some time with the cousins

Went wake boarding for the first time

I was able to be a Fol peer mentor with this group, Gryffindor Basketball Awesome

And have spent many laughs, stories, and good times with these girls whom I will miss so much!!

 And random occurences over the Christmas break, like...

finally buying a purse with my name on it :)

making a gigungus bowl of muddy buddies with Ellen

 and starting to attend even more farewells


So now, after completing a year and a half of college, I have had many good times. I've loved having friends come home from missions and sad but excited to see people leave as missionary work is picking up. I've also become more involved through social media with the CF community, which has become such a blessing itself. There are so many people with CF out there who are fighting each day, and it's inspiring to hear from them and give each other encouragement. My heart goes out to those who passed on, not only through CF, but from the tragedy in Connecticut. I'm grateful for good health, and now that I've been out of the hospital for 2 week tune-ups for about 5 years (I just knocked on wood), many great things are to come! There have been many good things that have happened this year, and let me tell you, I cannot wait for this next year. Wanna hint? I've been anxious. I've never been happier to be poked 5 times at one Dr's visit (it wasn't fun, but it's for the better). I paid $40 for a Groupon I found for a dentist, took the bus and hiked in the rain up a steep hill past traffic to get to the dentist (and no cavities!). I have already bought some cute new outfits, and have a physical this week. That's all I'll say for now, stay tuned for more tomorrow, 2013. :)

My Lost Cat

So when I lived in Texas a while ago, we had a few cats over the years. One in particular was named Marty. I believe we chose him because he was part Chocolate Siamese, with the rest of his fur including paws and mouth being white. Our other cat we had before him was a cute Chocolate Siamese (you know, Siamese with short hair and the really dark brown fur covering about half of him), so I believe we thought Marty would be like Abby. Anyways, we found Marty at Petsmart and adopted him, and he was named Marty because he was found underneath a Walmart truck with his pal cat Wally.

We raised him over a few years, and he was nice at first, but then he didn't like us. He thought he was a dog, and he was grumpy. That about sums it up. He always tried to escape the Roy Realm and became a little more annoyed and mean over the years. One time, he disappeared. We saw him in the neighborhood hanging out with other cats 6 months later and he ran from us, not wanting anything to do with us.

Anyways, I saw these pics online, and I think I found him.

Before: Marty when he was sweeter before he became grumpier (Alicia took this picture when he fell asleep on her bed):

 After (pictures of Marty? found online):

So, whoever found "Marty", I applaud you for taking care of him because it must be a challenge.

*Of course, it may not Marty, especially since he looks younger, but go along with me here. He looks a lot like him. Also, I haven't blogged for a while and don't have anything too exciting to blog about so this is what I've got. I promise I'll post something a little better next time.*

Cheers

One final last week

Two this week

Four Next Week

(And finals aren't even technically supposed to start until next week.)

For one test I will I wake up at 5 or 5:30 am for the 7am test, 

with fingers crossed that I will be done with Tobi by then to wake up at 5:30 instead of 5

 And, cheers to that being THE VERY LAST TIME FOR THE 30-MINUTES OF INHALING TOBI

Because after then, I'm starting Cayston again

Yep, I'll probably be the first person ever to "smoke a pipe" at work on Byu campus for the 2nd dose, (it would be easier to keep the med in the fridge at work)

And after that month of Cayston, the puffer version of Tobi will be out.

So I'll be like "bam! That took literally 1 minute!"

But other than that tangent,

I'm going to ace these finals
Or at least pass, which would be a miracle for some of them

I made a pizza to last through this week so I won't have to worry about dinner once I get home.

But guess what?

Yesterday was fast Sunday, so I ended up eating half of it in one sitting after breaking the fast.

 Whoops.

So here's to almost being done with Tobi for.eh.ver.

And more studying

Because fall semester is almost complete. 

Cheers :)