This post was an error and has been removed. ~laura

I have a new car. My first ever brand new new car. She is a 2010 Mazda 3 i touring 4 door sedan.  Her name is Akane (AH-kah-NAY), which is a female Japanese name that means 'brilliant red.'

Here's her pic:

Isn't she purty?  I haven't driven her much of yet, as I just picked up the proof of insurance this morning. But ZOOM ZOOM indeed!

-glee-

1. No new car yet, though we are planning to look around this weekend.
2. GP of Singapore is Sunday!
3. School starts (again!) on Monday. I will be taking Physiology of Exercise for the THIRD time.  Geez.
4. Joy is doing very poorly. Please send any positive energy you can spare her way. She's been unable to stand for several days now, and her arms are now losing strength as well. She is considering going to inpatient rehab at the hospital, a thought which terrifies her for many reasons.
5. I am on a diet - again.  South Beach diet. Woohoo!  Yup, I am committing to packing up food, etc. even when school starts.
6. I am also publicly committing to working out regularly.
7. I am a sleepy sleepy girl who must go to bed RIGHT NOW.

8 - I LOVE YOU ALL - my family, my friends (chosen family)

~laura

My beloved car, Yuji, is dead.  He was a 2001 Mazda Millenia, and I loved him. Loved to drive him.

On Monday, I was T-boned in an accident.  I was hit on the driver's side - the door and side of the car are completely destroyed. The side air bag deployed, destroying much of my seat, bruising me and likely saving my life.  Yuji, however, is totaled.

At this very moment, Lee is furiously researching possible replacement cars.... we have about $5000 to play with.

To reiterate, I AM OK.  Some bruising, and a lingering headache.  I was checked out and given the all clear by the doctors. Just no more Yuji..... yes, I am in mourning for my car. Call me crazy - you won't be the first...!

Yes, that's right. I am updating - unprompted and everything.

First - update on school: I am on an official leave of absence, and I am planning to return in the fall. In the meantime, I am still working with Joy (my multiple sclerosis lady) to keep 'my hand in.'

I am using this time to try to get my act together. Yes, I am seeing a counselor. Yes, I am working out, making an effort to eat better, and even trying to sleep now and then. I am TRYING to be better about cleaning around the house and being a better pet mommy.

So far, so good. No miracles to report, but progress is being made. My big goal right now is to get my weight down far enough that stupid Wii Fit stops chirping "That's overweight!" at me everyday.

I have some support in place - friends who are being tough with me when I need tough and helping me stay on track.

Winter here is unusually ugly, as it is elsewhere. I'm ready for spring!

OK - I'm off to make homemade falafel

Be well!

~laura

OK - bad news first. It looks like I will be taking a Leave of Absence from Bastyr University. I did flunk Physiology - again - and am thus on the edge of being dismissed from the program. After much discussion with my advisor(s) at school, it was decided a Leave to get my head together and my 'issues resolved' would be my best option. I am planning to go back and finish next fall.

In the meantime, I am indeed trying to pull things together and get my life back on track. Working out, eating right, trying to be more productive around the house.

Reading, too! At the moment - The Dark Jewels Trilogy by Anne Bishop. Thanks, Michelle!

Lee had most of December off. We went to SF, and then when we came back, we ripped apart my bathroom and the master closet to redo the floor. Lee did the lion's share of it, of course, but I helped! No more ugly carpeting or butt ugly vinyl. Nice, new vinyl - looks like slate tiles. We are gonna paint, too.

Had car drama this week - flat tire for Lee and dead battery for me. I am happy to report Yuji is up and humming with a brand new battery.

I am still working with Joy, my MS client, so I am not moving away entirely from what I was learning in school.

Crazy weather here. We missed the worst of the snow - thanks, Koo and Roya! - and now the flooding begins. There's the WA winter we know and love. Thank goodness I live on the side of a very steep hill - no flooding in my neighborhood.

Not much else to say - I will try to update more regularly. Part of the new Laura - Mach 5777 or so.

Love to you all!

As most of you know, our dear friend and former neighbor Koo moved to San Francisco a few years ago. We've exchanged visits back and forth, and this December it was our turn to head south. Lee found a cheap flight on Virgin America, and we snuck out of Seattle between snow storms.

Koo and Roya met us at the airport with the very exciting news that they had gotten married on October 28!!!!!!! We are so thrilled for them - they seem so happy. Now we just need to make Prop 8 go away. Here's a picture of the happy couple:



We spent a few days walking around, window shopping and seemingly eating everything in sight. I think I gained about 15 pounds in 4 days!

Some highlights: on Monday, we hit the Ferrari store and had a blast! Lee refused to shell out $3400 for M Schumacher's crank shaft, but I did come away with a gorgeous Scuderia Ferrari shirt and some lovely stickers. Thank you, Mark, for your patience and help! We'll be back!

Koo and Roya are the proud parents of 2 little chihuahuas - Romeo and Lady Cashmere. Romeo is my new love. Here they are:



Spent a lovely day with the incomparably lovely Miss Roya following a breakfast discussion on bioethics. We bought sexy clothes and ate yummy food at Haight-Ashbury.

The two evil lovelies managed to get me and Lee hooked on "Six Feet Under." Thanks guys!

We watched some movies. 'D.E.B.S' made us laugh a lot.

Did I mention the foooood? Oi, my stomach still hurts. But I read 'Skinny Bitch' on the way home, and I will be better soon.

The week was filled with laughter, hugs, catching up and hanging out.

Some more random pics:















THANK YOU KOO AND ROYA! WE LOVE YOU IMMENSELY!

Three years ago, I was handed an amazing opportunity - the chance to go to school full time, to learn a new career in a field I love. To be supported and provided for while I did this.

And now? Now I am on the verge of being thrown out of my program. Why?
I don't know. I'm told I did not make school a priority, that I just didn't care. Certainly, my choices suggest that. And yet, that's not true.

I don't know. I think I set myself up to fail because I believe I am incapable and deserve to fail. They say we create our own reality via our beliefs. I fucked myself up.

There is a tiny, barely there chance that I can pull my ass out of the fire. I will be working hard for the next day or so to try to pull that off. If I do, great! I will finish the year out, focused and working hard. If I don't, then I guess I will dust off the resume, find a job and start paying back those loans.

My life is shit, and I have no one to blame but myself.

*blink*

Hello out there! Yes, I am still alive, doing ok. I've been in hiding.


Happy September! Happy fall! How did that happen?

Summmer? Um..... spring?

I did some internships this past spring/summer. One was working at a gym for people with spinal cord injuries - absolutely fascinating. Check out http://www.nextstepsnw.org/ for more information. They focus on rebuilding neural pathways, returning movement and improving quality of life. I also worked with Joy. Joy is a 43 year old woman with multiple sclerosis. I go to her home twice a week and work her through passive range of motion stretches, trying to help her combat spasticity and help her retain the little bit of functional movement she retains.

Last weekend, Lee and I headed over the mountains to attend the wedding of his nephew, Adam. It was a lovely ceremony. I'll put up some pics soon.

Lee's dad, Hal, gave us a bit of a scare. He fell and had some internal bleeding. He is on the mend, much to our relief. Mary Alyce is doing well, too.

I've been doing a bunch of political stuff. I was a WA state delegate for Obama up to the legislative district caucus level. I've been doing voter registration at the mall on weekends, and phone banking for the Democratic candidate for State Rep ( www. friendsofcarolgregory.com ) in my district.

School starts on Monday. I am basically redoing all of last year, since I flunked pretty much everything. Go me!

I seem to have lost my best friend somewhere along the way. If you are reading this, I am sorry for whatever I've done. I'm sorry for being a shitty friend. But I do love you very much, and I miss you.

There's probably more to tell, but I'm blogged out.

I love you all!

Y'all know I hate having my picture taken, but here you go.

Ok. News on the carotid artery front.

Since I have nothing better to do on break, I decided to spend it with doctors.

On Tuesday, I had a CT scan. The scan looked good, so I was scheduled for a cerebral angiogram for Friday (today). NOTE: this is *not* a fun thing to do. I could eat and drink nothing after midnight on Thursday night, which meant I showed up at the hospital at 8 this morning cranky, hungry and suffering from caffeine withdrawal. After the usual preliminaries, I was taken down to the radiation room. My pubic hair was shaved, and a hole cut into my leg to allow access to my femoral artery. They stuck a small plastic sheath in there, then through there they put in wires and such all the way up the artery to my neck. Can't tell you much about the mechanics of the procedure, but it involved me holding my breath and not moving for periods of time. I'm told I did very well. Then came the six hours of total bed rest. Do NOT raise my head, do NOT move my leg. The goal was to avoid bleeding at the incision site. Because I am on blood thinners, any bleeding would be very bad news. Finally, around 2, they allowed me to eat and drink a little. At five, I was allowed to stand up and use the bathroom -yay! - and finally got to leave around 6. Every time I stand up or sit down, I need to apply pressure to the incision - still not allowed to bleed. Can't lift anything over 10 pounds for about 3-4 days.

The good news - THE CAROTID IS HEALED. I can go off the Plavix in a month, and off the aspirin in six months. I can exercise, as long as I take it slowly. I be mostly normal like!

too much work
too little time
brain broke

Yes, it's hit that point of the quarter when I decide I am INSANE for going back to school. The next two weeks will be hell. And I am paying (via loan) for the privilege of being tortured.

Got one presentation done yesterday. Not as good as it could have been, but not bad either. Another presentation on Wednesday (on Strokes, no less!) and another the following week. Not to mention two papers, a practical lab final, a take home final and some more traditional finals.

Good news - I have an interview for an internship on Friday morning - wish me luck!!!! Place is www.nextstepsnw.com - go take a look.

Ok. Just checked out a pile o' books from the library - headed home now.

Love you all

Hi everyone.

I made a major decision. My bad quarter last quarter included two failures and two incompletes. For the incompletes, I was told to make up the missing work by the end of this quarter. I have an insane amount to do this quarter, and I am not going to get those assignments finished. I decided to fail those classes and retake them next fall, which means I will NOT be graduating this spring after all.

I am still going to try to do the internship this spring. I have a lead on a woman with MS who is looking for someone to train her in her house, and also a company that works with wheelchair bound patients. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

Otherwise, I've still been battling the depression. One surprise side effect of that is I've lost over 30 pounds since last fall. Funny what no appetite will do for you. I can actually fit into my clothes! Still can't work out, though, so not in very good shape.

I was supposed to have a CAT scan in January, but running into a major scheduling conflict with my classes. I will at this point try to set up an appointment for after finals. I also need some follow up with my OB/GYN. No CAT scan means no VO2 max test for me. Can't say I'm too disappointed about that.

Lee is doing well - still working at Classmates, still likes it.

Kitties and birdies are all well.

Love you all! Sorry I've been in the cave.

Ah a new year. I suppose I should be all profound and thoughtful, but I'm just not that way.

So not prepared for another year. But I figure, 2008 has to be better than 2007!

School slogs on. I continue to struggle, though I am trying harder. It's a lot to keep up with.

For the curious - grades last quarter were shamefully bad - and exactly what I earned.

I've lost about 30 pounds since last quarter - not eating will do that to you. On the bright side, I can fit into my jeans!

I hope you are all well. I will post a 'real' entry when time permits

Many apologies for the long delay in posting. I have heard your complaints! So here you go.

Overall, my health is ok. I had a CT scan in August, and the doctor said my artery was healing, though not completely healed - as he expected. I will have another CT scan in January. If all looks well, the doctor is planning to do an angiogram (sp?) to check the blood vessels throughout my body. Hopefully I will get a clean bill of health at that time.

More good news - I have been driving without problems.

Emotionally, I have been kind of depressed. I am frustrated with school right now, in part because I cannot participate fully. I am not allowed to lift weights until my artery is healed. I am allowed to run, so I am taking Jogging and Conditioning this quarter. Unfortunately, I am so out of shape at this point, that is difficult for me, too. I am having real problems concentrating on my school work.

But - I am a senior! Woo hoo. Trying to line up an internship for spring quarter. Ideally, I would like to land a clinical position, working with cardiac/pulmonary rehab or perhaps some sort of occupational therapy.

The kitties and birdies and LEE are all doing well. Upcoming fun stuff: Evanescence concert, Hawaiian cruise, Thanksgiving in Yakima.

Lee is still enjoying his job.

I will try to do a better job of returning emails (sorry Mom, Amanda, Michelle, Dan and everyone else) and updating here, as well.

Love you all!

The following is a copy of the first chapter of the online story Tales of MU, posted here by invitation of the author. Please note that while this teaser is safe for all ages, the rest of the story is intended for adults. If you enjoy this chapter, the address to read more is http://www.talesofmu.com ... and please spread the word by sharing the link or copying this entire message to your own journal, blog, forum, or personal webpage! Permission is given to post the first chapter only, without any cuts or edits, and with this entire message attached.

TALES OF MU 1: Welcome to MU
"In Which We Meet Mackenzie"
by Alexandra Erin

Despite the presence of cardboard signs trimmed with crepe paper and balloons, I completely missed the front door of Harlowe Hall and instead ended up in a big spartan lobby/hallway that linked three different residential buildings. I thought that’s where the sign had been pointing... later, I’d find out that Harlowe’s entrance was actually below the ground level, off a sort of sunken patio that was screened from view by the shrubbery I’d walked past. Nobody ever wandered into it by accident. The lobby was full of people, bustling among the front and rear entrances and the three large hallways branching off from it in every combination of to-and-from. Most of them were carrying at least a suitcase. Some of them were trundling luggage trolleys, often with a mini fridge and/or TV.

I stared around blankly, hoping for a sign of where I was supposed to be. Luckily, somebody spotted me and took pity on me.

"Hey, frosh!" a sharp, but not hostile, voice said. I spun around and saw a preppy-looking guy without any baggage. "What you looking for?"

"Harlowe," I said.

I caught a look that was a mixture of surprise, disgust, and fear, but he hid it pretty fast. He pointed to a set of double-doors leading to one of the hallways.

"Thanks," I said, keeping my voice as neutral as I could. He had helped me, after all.

I lugged my suitcase, backpack, and duffel bag down the hall. The staircase was easy to find, and it took me down to a big glass-fronted common room that was positively packed with people. Surprisingly little sunlight reached in through the windows. Most of the people there were sitting around in the second-hand sofas and chairs, or just milling around. It looked like most of them had already checked in. There were three lines of people leading up to the long reception desk, but the longest one only had four students in it and they were all moving quickly.

Fragments of conversation reached me over the general murmur and buzz as I got in line.

"I’m actually taking nineteen hours of classes this semester. That seems like a lot. Does that seem like a lot to you?"

"You know, this was my safety school."

"Can you believe they don’t even let us have candles in our dorm? How are we supposed to..."

"Did you see the weapon policy? They’re pretty strict."

"Name?" the woman asked me when I got up to the counter. She had a nametag which read "Gwendolyn Rodrigues - Resident Advisor."

"Mackenzie Blaise," I said.

"Is Mackenzie your first name or your last?" she asked me, turning away from me to a table against the back wall, covered with large envelopes.

"First," I said, adding unnecessarily, "Blaise is my last name." What can I say? It was my first day at college, and I’d already made what felt like one giant blunder, even if nobody knew about it. I was the tiniest bit nervous.

She found the packet labeled "Blaise, Mackenzie" and handed it to me.

"This is a copy of your class schedule, a calendar of events, coupons for the student union, and emergency phone numbers," she said. "Now, you’ll need to read and sign this statement about compliance with the university’s weapons policy." Even though she was obviously a student and only a few years older than me, she already had the voice and facial expression of an officious bureaucrat. I could tell that being an R.A. was only one step in what would doubtless be a very fulfilling career for her in the field of interfering with others’ lives.

"Of course," I said, barely glancing at the slip of paper before signing it.

"And, of course, I have to see the weapon you’ll be using."

I reached into my coat and pulled out the knife, the twisted bronze hilt protruding from a lambskin sheath, and laid it down on the counter.

"That’s your main weapon?" she asked me, eyebrows raised.

"It’s the only one I’ve got," I said, with a silly grin.

"Only it’s not very big, is it?"

"I’ve never been much impressed with size," I told her.

"It’s barely enchanted," she observed. I wondered if she could tell that at a glance, or if there was something under the counter telling her that.

"The policy I read just said a magical weapon, it didn’t specify how magical it had to be," I pointed out. I’d been expecting this reaction, but it didn’t make it any less irksome.

"It’s just... life on campus can get dangerous..."

"I’ve never needed anything bigger," I said testily.

For a few moments, she looked at me like she wanted to say something... like she was going to invoke some little-known rule to throw me out until I came back with one of those absurdly huge broadswords or big spiky maces, but finally she just said, "All right. But there’s a nice little weapon store in town, if you change your mind."

"I’ll remember that," I said.

She held out a small manila envelope slightly larger than a business card.

"Here’s your room key and a pass card to get in and out of the building after dark," she said. "Though it’s best not to wander around campus too much at night. Stick to the lighted paths, and travel with a friend as much as possible. It’s all in your campus security pamphlet."

"Yes, thank you, I’ve read it," I said, reaching for the packet. She still looked doubtful, but she finally handed it to me.

"You’ll be needing this back, too," she said, handing me my knife, hilt-first.

"I’m actually hoping I won’t."

"Oh, yes, of course," she said. "Welcome to Magisterius University, Ms. Blaise."

READ THE REST OF THE STORY AT http://www.talesofmu.com !

Tomorrow brings my favorite race on the Formula 1 calendar - the Grand Prix of Belgium. And in a happy change of fortune, Kimi Raikkonen has pole. Hooray!! An all-Ferrari front row! I believe Kimi has a good shot at winning - he's always done well at Spa - but those McLarens are awfully fast. I will be happy if the car does not let him down.

Enjoy the race! And don't forget to send a speedy thought Kimi's way.

There was some excitement at Chez Davis on Sunday night. While cooking dinner, Lee had an encounter with a very sharp knife and sliced into his index finger. I helped him get a gauze bandage on it, but it continued to bleed. We realized it was going to need a few stitches.

I DROVE LEE TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM! In the dark! The first time I've driven since the stroke. I was terrified.

I am happy to report that Lee's finger is healing well. The ER doc did a great job stitching him up - and let me watch! The cut is nice and clean, and fortunately no nerves or arteries were damaged.

And so life continues.