Celiac Disease

Every year the Gluten Intolerance Group has a convention and this year it is in Orlando. I looked into it and thought about making a trip back home and going to the conference. I looked into the conference price, and while it isn't a ridiculous amount of money I still would rather spend that much money elsewhere. They have a scholarship fund that 'first timers' can apply for and the registration fee will be covered. I got the call today that I won a full scholarship and upon telling my family we decided it was for one of the following reasons, either I am a great writer or have a talent for making people feel sorry for me. I'd like to think its first one, though the latter could be useful! Needless to say, I will be in Orlando in July to hopefully learn the latest and live a lifestyle my poor body can handle.



Here is the winning essay:



Celiac Disease? What? My first doctor thought it was lactose intolerance. My second doctor tested me multiple times for anemia, all negative. I had been sick since my senior year in high school; unexplained fatigue, indigestion, and acid erosion led to my final diagnosis. I was a junior in college, studying to become an elementary school teacher when my symptoms became unbearable. I had spent years in constant discomfort and was ready for an answer. I was diagnosed with acid reflux when I was 16, but my current doctor was surprised I had never had an EGD. The specialist was able to determine, from intestinal biopsy, that I have Celiac Disease.

After my diagnosis I thought everything would be alright, I finally knew what was wrong. But I had no idea the battle I would be facing every day, eating out, parties, and even grocery shopping. I went to the store a few days after I found out, and after I had done some research and cried as I paced the aisles looking at everything I can’t have. It has not been an easy road, I have spent the last 2 years going through the 5 stages of grieving. I was in denial; I was the only one in my family diagnosed with something that had a genetic connection. Next was anger, I was so mad I, of all people had to deal with it. Then came bargaining; I didn’t quite understand the disease, and thought if I cut back on gluten I could feel better while continuing to enjoy some of my favorite foods. Depression hit with a strong force and nearly debilitated me. I was in my first year of teaching second grade and the stress of teaching coupled with a complete lifestyle change left me feeling frustrated, hopeless, and at the mercy of my body. I am making my way into the last and final stage, acceptance. I know there is something I can do and that is eat the way my body needs me to eat.

I have done my research online, met others in my area suffering from the same disease, and attended local health food store demonstrations. While these have all been beneficial to me, I know I will learn so much from attending the 2011 GIG Conference. I need to find the ‘Treasures in a Gluten Free World’ to keep myself healthy and happy. I am a recent college graduate, living across the country from my family and support system, learning the ways of adulthood and trying to make it on my own. When I learned about the Conference I knew immediately I wanted to attend, but the cost was my only drawback. Monetary assistance applied to the registration fee would make it possible for me to attend the conference in July. I have never attended a GIG event and know the education I receive from it will be priceless.

My Grandmotherly Ways

I am just going to throw it out there. I am a grandmother living in an almost 24 year old body. I have noticed since the school year started that I need more sleep. But now its just ridiculous. I get home after a full day of go go go and am ready for bed. 9:00 comes around and as soon as my head hits the pillow I'm out! I have achy joints, really now, I played sports but never had such an issue. The cold weather in Utah has done its work and I walk outside and my joints immediately tighten. I may die soon! While those have put a damper on my activity level nothing tops my memory loss. I really have lost my mind. Is early onset Alzheimer known to affect 24 yr olds? If not at least I can find solace in the fact I am the first, and will make medical history! Wonderful! I can't remember what I taught yesterday, I can't remember if I took my medicine...I plan my day in the morning and by the afternoon have completely forgotten what I was going to do. I am such a teacher, with post it notes all over my computer, my room, in books etc. to remind me of all that I have to do. I thought I had lost my SSN card, and funny that it took my mom who is 2000 miles away to help me find it. Ill cross my fingers my memory comes back soon and that summer comes fast. Spring break and warm weather will be good for more than one reason!

Return from my Hiatus

So I haven't posted since August...horrible at this. School has been going well, well until this week that is. Every single day was a battle to get my kids to follow even the simplest of instructions. I feel like a broken record, repeating the same 5 words on a cycle, over and over. I reached the end of my rope today, we had a discussion and I may or may not have raised my voice. Ok, I did, I yelled, which is not me at all. I waited 5 minutes, calmed down and apologized to the class. I got through my whole talk, told them how I felt, we talked about what we could do to rectify the situation and all was good...until the lip quiver. (I have been cursed with my mothers emotional triggers and I cry during commercials.) Thanks to that curse I cried in front of my kids today. Its been quite the year for me. October 1st I threw up in front of my kids, later that month I fell off a desk, and then February 10th I cried. I am a stellar teacher.

On to other things, I hate being a grown up! Why I didn't listen when adults told me adulthood was not easy I'll never know. As a teen my parents made all my appointments, eye doctor, dentist, and so on. My dad took care of all the insurance claims, the filing and reimbursements, taxes, state and federal. Now I'm on my own, making my own appointments, dealing with prescriptions, insurance claims, and all on my own. $200 at the pharmacy(I am a walking pharmacy!), $100 at the dentist, $200+ for new frames and lenses, life is expensive. So much responsibility, not worth it! One thing I am grateful for, my dad still helps with the taxes! I am glad to be in a new phase of life, its fun, and things are interesting but there are days I'd love to go back. Wouldn't that just be so much easier!

But then again, going back is not an option. So follow up question, then, what's next? Who knows, but I sure hope its good!

Feeling Old!

So I hate adulthood...I got my first paycheck on a full salary, which I thought would be wonderful. Then I realized that with a doubled salary comes doubled taxes. Curse you Feds! But I have a job and I love what I do, so I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Next, today as I was walking into the building I heard some new girls in my ward talking about how they feel abandoned by their friends, their missionaries have all gotten their calls or entered the MTC. I then realized that it has been, depending on the friends 2-3 years sinc my missionary friends left me. Wow.

Third, my youngest sister is a senior in college. When did that happen? Next thing I know I'll be a grandma telling 'back in my day' stories.

For my Dad...

So with my dad going on business trips to DC often he has lots of time alone, which means more phone calls to me at odd hours of the day. Lucky for me (and for him) we get to talk about lots of things and have set a record high for the duration of a phone call...we aren't big phone talkers. In most of the conversations he tells me about this song he hears that reminds him of me, and I thought it was my time to tell him a song that reminds me of him. The past week has not been incredibly hard, I am living the greatest summer of my life (see previous blog post). But I have just had a lot on my mind and haven't been able to sleep well. Usually when I can't sleep I put on some music and I'm out like a light. This week the artist of chioce to lull me to sleep has been Josh Groban. Its not strictly classical music, but soft enough to help me sleep. I was thinking about family things, my parents, my job, etc. I was just about to fall asleep when this song came on, and I wasn't feeling particularly emotional but I started to tear up. I started thinking about all the things my dad has done for me, his love and sacrifice for me and my siblings. My dad is an incredible person, intelligent, honest,and such a great example to me. He has been the perfect example of faith and trust, I have been able to look to him countless times for advice during troubled times. I am so grateful he has taught me correct principles, but allowed me to make my own decisions. He is sure to express that he may have been disappointed in decisions I made, but never disappointed in me. He loves me and is proud of me and I hope he knows the accomplishments I have made would not have been made without him. He has helped me to improve, to become the person I am meant to be and not to settle for less than I desvere. I know that when I need him he will be there to help me through. He is my support, my strength, my father, and my friend. He tells me all the time the guy who gets me will have quite the interview to survive, and will be incredibly lucky. I am sure I haven't told him this, but just as adiment as he makes that remark I emphatic reply is 'If I find a man half as amazing as him I will consider myself a lucky girl.'


I love you Dad, and I hope you know how much I truly appreciate you for all you do for us.

Happy Father's Day!

PS. Here is the song...not the greatest quality but one of my favorite live versions.

Spiritus Weekend

So I am going to try to be better about posting this summer, and with all the time I have on my hands there really shouldn’t be a reason why I don't update it regularly. My week has been blissful. I wake up every day around 9, maybe pushing 10, leisurely eat breakfast, catch a little EPSN, and recaps of the previous nights' Padres game(even if I watched the whole game, is that bad), then its off to the pool. We go to one of the apartment complexes in the area with a pool, the same one I broke my finger at last year. Then the roomies and I catch a movie and dinner. Until Thursday this plan had been working out perfectly. Then the blasted weather decided to throw a wrench in it. It has been raining for the past 3 days. Friday wasn’t as bad, I had the World Cup to fill my time. I wish the games on Friday had been a little more exciting, at least one that didn’t end in a draw, but apparently that was too much to ask. Monday Brooke had a tonsillectomy and her aunt came to take her down to Cedar for a few days. Becca and I drove down yesterday to bring her back to Provo. As we drove down we passed the sign at the edge of Cedar that welcomes you to Festival City USA. Becca and I had some great commentary on how lively the city looked, all lit up and 'spiritus'. I realize that is not a word, but only makes the sarcasm of our conversation that much better. We stayed in Cedar overnight and watched the England vs. USA soccer match with her cousins. It was yet another draw, but I am happy we didn't start the group round down 3 points. I came home to a Back to the Future marathon and a Padres game that ended with a 3 run homer in the 8th to make the score 7-1. Even a boring Sunday can't ruin this weekend.

Finally...

Finally #1: I have things worth writing about!

Finally #2: I finally switched my background back to the beach theme. Good news considering it had been a St. Patty's Day theme since March. Yes, it is May 25th, get over it!

Finally #3: I graduated! April 22nd was Commencement and the 23rd was our College Convocation. It was 5 years of hard work, stress, blood, sweat and tears. I spent a few semesters making up for the blunders of a freshman and sophmore slump, but finishing it off with a 4.0 in my final semesters made it all too nice. Who'd thunk it, but I am a college grad and made it 2 weeks ahead of Paul! AWESOME!!

Finally #4: I made it through the first year of teaching. What a roller coaster. I am so glad that I have made it thorough the year, it was questionable at some moments whether or not I would make it or not. I had so much support from my team, my facilitator and other faculty. I will miss the people of Larsen Elementary more than words can describe. My students have taught me more about myself than what I taught them. We have had our fair share or problems, stealing from my desk, lies, tattling and bullyinhg; but we have had some great successes too! I will never forget my first year; the kids, life lessons, and professional development will benefit the kids I teach until my job is done. I love what I do and I love working with kids.

Finally #5: For those of you who don't know I have a job next year. I was hired to teach 2nd grade at Mapleton Elementary and I consider myself lucky. I applied for one job in Nebo that had 94 applicants, and at that point I should have decided to take my resume back! I know that with the economy and the need for jobs so high I am incredibly lucky to be employed. I am so excited to get to know a new school, new students, and new faculty. And great news I get to stay in the same grade, I can use what I have done this past year and the fear of oh, sixth grade won't add to the nerves!


And as a side note to Shaunna and others who read my blog to keep themselves updated on my life. I will be better I promise, especially now that I wont see you everyday to fill you in on the happenings!